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Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 Days

A week in a camper on Snæfellsnes, the Golden Circle and the South Coast to Jökulsárlón, with campsites chosen for every night.

5.0(1,117 guest reviews across our tours)
7 days · 6 nightsCamper + Platinum insurance15 May to 30 SeptemberStarts and ends at Keflavík Airport
Prefer hotels to campsites? See the hotel version: Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes in 7 DaysWith a rental car and hotels with breakfast · From 161,500 ISK per person →

Trip at a glance

Best forFirst-time visitors with a week who want the highlights of the west and south in a camper
HighlightsKirkjufell, Djúpalónssandur, Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach
Total drivingAbout 1,500 km in 7 days
Longest dayDay 3: about 280 km, 3.5–4 hours of driving
Start and endKeflavík Airport, any day of the week

What's included with us

Your own trip map, on web and phoneAfter booking you get a private map of your trip on icelandmap.is: each day's route, your campsites, fuel stations, toilets, places to eat and the extra stops below, ready on your phone before you land.
Lesser-known stops picked by localsEach day includes quieter places that most visitors drive past, chosen by our team and marked on your map.
A local team in IcelandWe are a local travel agency in Iceland. Message or call us before and during your trip; we answer in English and help if plans change on the road.
Day-by-day guideDriving times, road and weather notes, and where to stop for fuel and food each day.
One free date changeChange your travel dates once for free up to 30 days before arrival (subject to availability).
No booking feesThe price you see includes the camper, Platinum insurance, road tax and card fees.

Day by day

Open a day for stops and tips. Add tours to any day; the price updates in the booking box.
DAY1Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysArrival and the road to SnæfellsnesAbout 220 km, 3 hours of drivingOvernightSnæfellsnesDetails ▾Close ▴
Keflavík Airport – Borgarnes – Gerðuberg – Ytri Tunga – Búðir – Snæfellsnes

Meet the rental team at Keflavík Airport; they take you to their nearby office, where you pick up your camper. Then drive north through the Hvalfjörður tunnel to Borgarnes, where the Settlement Centre tells the story of the first Icelanders. Continue onto the Snæfellsnes peninsula, past the basalt wall of Gerðuberg, to the beach at Ytri Tunga, where seals often lie on the rocks. End the day at Búðir and its black church below the lava field. You sleep on the peninsula for two nights.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysBorgarnesFuel, supermarket and the Settlement Centre. The last large town before Snæfellsnes.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysGerðuberg cliffsA row of basalt columns a short walk from the parking area.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysEldborg crater (optional)About 2.5 hours return on foot from the farm Snorrastaðir.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysYtri TungaSeals are most often seen from June to August, at low tide.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysBúðirThe black church and a walk through the Búðahraun lava field.Guide →
Campsites for tonight: Arnarstapi campsite, Ólafsvík campsite, Grundarfjörður campsite, Stykkishólmur campsite. You choose and pay at the campsite.
Local tip: If you land early, have breakfast in Borgarnes; it is the best place to stock up on food before the peninsula.
Local tip: lesser-known stopBjarnarfoss · A tall waterfall a few minutes from Búðir, seen from the road. A short walk takes you closer.
DAY2Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysAround SnæfellsjökullAbout 200 km, 3 hours of drivingOvernightSnæfellsnesDetails ▾Close ▴
Arnarstapi – Hellnar – Lóndrangar – Djúpalónssandur – Snæfellsjökull National Park – Kirkjufell – Stykkishólmur

A full loop of the peninsula below the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Walk the cliff path from Arnarstapi to Hellnar, look up at the basalt towers of Lóndrangar, and walk down to Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach with the remains of an old shipwreck. On the north coast, stop at Kirkjufell and its waterfall, then spend the evening in the harbour town of Stykkishólmur.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysArnarstapiA 2.5 km coastal path to Hellnar, past sea arches and bird cliffs.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysHellnarA small fishing village with a café by the sea cave Baðstofa.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysRauðfeldsgjá gorgeA narrow gorge you can walk a short way into. Slippery in winter.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysLóndrangarTwo volcanic plugs by the sea, 10 minutes' walk from the parking area.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysVatnshellir lava caveGuided visits only; see the add-ons.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysDjúpalónssandurDo not walk close to the water: the waves are strong.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysSnæfellsjökull National ParkVisitor centre at Malarrif with toilets.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysKirkjufellThe view with Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is a short walk from the parking area. Parking fee.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysStykkishólmurClimb Súgandisey for the view over the harbour and Breiðafjörður.Guide →
Campsites for tonight: Arnarstapi campsite, Ólafsvík campsite, Grundarfjörður campsite, Stykkishólmur campsite. You choose and pay at the campsite.
Local tip: Fill up with fuel in Ólafsvík, Grundarfjörður or Stykkishólmur; there is no station on the south side of the glacier.
Local tip: lesser-known stopsSvöðufoss · A waterfall over basalt columns near Rif, with Snæfellsjökull behind it. A short, easy walk from the parking area.Súgandisey lighthouse · A short climb from Stykkishólmur harbour to the lighthouse on the islet, with a view over the islands of Breiðafjörður.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysÓlafsvík Whale WatchingFebruary–September+14,000 ISK pp
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysKirkjufell Kayaking TourSummer+14,900 ISK pp
DAY3Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysBack south to the Golden CircleAbout 280 km, 3.5–4 hours of drivingOvernightGolden Circle areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Snæfellsnes – Borgarnes – Þingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Golden Circle area

Drive south through Borgarnes and around Hvalfjörður to Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian plates. Continue to the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, where the Hvítá river drops into a deep canyon. You sleep near Gullfoss and Geysir, in the countryside.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysBorgarnesFuel and a supermarket.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysÞingvellir National ParkWalk through Almannagjá. Parking fee.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysGeysir geothermal areaStrokkur erupts every 5–10 minutes.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysGullfoss waterfallWalk down to the lower path for the spray.Guide →
Campsites for tonight: Skjól campsite (near Geysir), Laugarvatn campsite, Úthlíð campsite. You choose and pay at the campsite.
Local tip: The Secret Lagoon in Flúðir is a natural hot pool with long evening opening hours in summer.
Local tip: lesser-known stopBrúarhlöð · A narrow canyon where the Hvítá river runs between rock pillars, right beside road 30 between Flúðir and Gullfoss.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysSilfra Snorkeling TourAbout 3 hours · age 12+ · drysuit and GoPro photos included+17,990 ISK pp
DAY4Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysSouth Coast waterfalls and black sandAbout 230 km, 3 hours of drivingOvernightVík areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Golden Circle – Kerið – Seljalandsfoss – Skógafoss – Sólheimajökull – Dyrhólaey – Reynisfjara – Vík

See the red crater of Kerið on your way to the South Coast. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss if the path is open, look into the gorge of Gljúfrabúi and climb the steps beside Skógafoss. Walk to the edge of the Sólheimajökull glacier, see the sea arch at Dyrhólaey and the basalt columns at Reynisfjara before you reach Vík.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysKerið craterEntry fee. A short walk around the rim.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysSeljalandsfossYou can walk behind the waterfall in summer: bring a rain jacket. Parking fee.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysGljúfrabúi10 minutes' walk from Seljalandsfoss.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysSkógafossAbout 500 steps to the top.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysSólheimajökull glacierDo not go onto the ice without a guide.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysDyrhólaeyThe upper road can be closed in bad weather.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysReynisfjara black sand beachSneaker waves are dangerous: stay well back from the water.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysVík í MýrdalSupermarket, restaurants and fuel.Guide →
Campsites for tonight: Vík campsite. You choose and pay at the campsite.
Local tip: Puffins nest on Dyrhólaey from May to August; the best time is the evening. Part of the headland is closed in May and June for nesting.
Local tip: lesser-known stopsKvernufoss · A waterfall in a small gorge about 15 minutes on foot from the Skógar museum. You can walk behind it. The path is icy in winter.Loftsalahellir · A cave in the cliffs between Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara, once used for local meetings, with a view along the coast.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
DAY5Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysJökulsárlón, Diamond Beach and SkaftafellAbout 260 km, 3.5 hours of drivingOvernightSkaftafell areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Vík – Fjaðrárgljúfur – Skaftafell – Jökulsárlón – Diamond Beach – Skaftafell area

Drive east across the lava fields of Eldhraun and stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon. Continue past Skaftafell to Jökulsárlón, where icebergs float out to sea, and walk on Diamond Beach, where the ice lies on black sand. In summer you can paddle among the icebergs on a kayak tour or walk on a glacier at Skaftafell. You sleep near Skaftafell.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysFjaðrárgljúfur canyonOpen in summer, except when closed to protect the moss. Parking fee.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysSkaftafell Nature ReserveVisitor centre with toilets and café. Svartifoss is 1.5 hours return.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysFjallsárlónA quieter lagoon 10 minutes before Jökulsárlón.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysJökulsárlón glacier lagoonKayak and boat tours start here in summer. Parking fee.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysDiamond BeachKeep away from the waves.Guide →
Campsites for tonight: Skaftafell campsite (Vatnajökull National Park). You choose and pay at the campsite.
Local tip: Svartifoss, the waterfall framed by black basalt columns, is a 1.5-hour return walk from the Skaftafell visitor centre: do it in the long evening light.
Local tip: lesser-known stopsMúlagljúfur · A green canyon with waterfalls near Hof in Öræfi. Allow 2–3 hours for the walk; best from June to September. (Summer only (about June–September))Breiðárlón · A quieter glacier lagoon west of Jökulsárlón, reached by a gravel track. Check the track before driving it. (Summer only (about June–September))Hofskirkja · The last turf church built in the old style (1884), at the farm Hof in Öræfi, a minute from the Ring Road.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysJökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon KayakingMay–September · Best add-on for this trip.+18,500 ISK pp
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysGlacier Lagoon Kayaking PremiumMay–October+20,900 ISK pp
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysSkaftafell Glacier Hike+13,763 ISK pp
DAY6Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysWest along the coastAbout 260 km, 3.5 hours of drivingOvernightHella areaDetails ▾Close ▴
Skaftafell – Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Vík – Hella area

Drive back west. Stop in Kirkjubæjarklaustur and, in Vík, see the Lava Show, where real molten lava is poured in front of you. In the afternoon, catch anything you missed on day 4 before you reach your campsite in the Hella area.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysVík í MýrdalLunch stop and the Lava Show.Guide →
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysSkógafossA second chance for photos if the weather was poor on day 4.Guide →
Campsites for tonight: Hella campsite, Hvolsvöllur campsite, Skógar campsite. You choose and pay at the campsite.
Local tip: The Lava Show in Vík pours real molten lava in front of you; book a time on the morning of the day.
Local tip: lesser-known stopsFoss á Síðu · A waterfall dropping from the cliff right beside the Ring Road east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.Kirkjugólf · Flat-topped basalt columns that look like a church floor, a few minutes' walk from the road in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.Systrafoss · A waterfall right above Kirkjubæjarklaustur. In summer you can walk up beside it to the lake Systravatn.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
DAY7Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysA lava tunnel or lagoon, then the airportAbout 120 km, 1.5–2 hours of drivingOvernightEnd of tripDetails ▾Close ▴
Hella – (Raufarhólshellir) – (Blue Lagoon) – Keflavík Airport

With time before your flight, walk into Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel near Hveragerði or relax in the Blue Lagoon, 20 minutes from the airport. Return the camper at Keflavík Airport.

STOPS ON THE WAY
Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel (optional)Guided visits only; see the add-ons.
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysThe Blue Lagoon (optional)Book a time slot in advance.Guide →
Local tip: Allow at least 2.5 hours at the airport before your flight, plus time to refuel and return the camper.
Local tip: lesser-known stopBridge between continents · A footbridge over a fissure between the North American and Eurasian plates, a short detour on the way to the airport.
ADD A TOUR THIS DAY (OPTIONAL)
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysBlue Lagoon Premium admissionComfort plus bathrobe, slippers and a second mask · choose Comfort or Premium+21,990 ISK pp
Golden Circle, South Coast & Snæfellsnes by Camper in 7 DaysBlue Lagoon Comfort admissionEntry, towel, silica mask and a drink · choose Comfort or Premium+18,990 ISK pp
Driving distances and times are rounded estimates from main-road distances, without stops. Tour prices are per person.

Campsites

Guests choose and pay for their campsite each night. Campsite fees are not included in the price. The campsites below are in the right area for each night, and all are on the trip map.

  • Night 1: Snæfellsnes: Arnarstapi campsite, Ólafsvík campsite, Grundarfjörður campsite, Stykkishólmur campsite
  • Night 2: Snæfellsnes: Arnarstapi campsite, Ólafsvík campsite, Grundarfjörður campsite, Stykkishólmur campsite
  • Night 3: Golden Circle area: Skjól campsite (near Geysir), Laugarvatn campsite, Úthlíð campsite
  • Night 4: Vík area: Vík campsite
  • Night 5: Skaftafell area: Skaftafell campsite (Vatnajökull National Park)
  • Night 6: Hella area: Hella campsite, Hvolsvöllur campsite, Skógar campsite
Most have toilets, showers (sometimes for a small fee), cooking areas and electricity for campers. Most campsites do not take bookings: arrive, find a spot and pay at reception or in an app. In July and August, arrive by early evening. Campsite fees are not included in the price.

Your camper

  • Fiat Doblo Maxi Camper, automatic (2 travellers). Our standard choice: small, easy to drive and cheap on fuel, with a bed in the back and cooking gear.
  • Fiat Scudo Camper van, automatic (2 travellers who want more room). A larger van with more space inside and for luggage.
  • Dacia Duster 4x4 with pop-up rooftop tent, automatic (2 travellers). A 4x4 with a tent on the roof that opens in minutes. From 21 May only.
  • Platinum insurance with zero self-risk (includes gravel, sand and ash protection)
  • Unlimited kilometres
  • Bedding for 2 (sleeping bags and pillows), cooking set, camping chairs and table
  • Meet at Keflavík Airport; the camper office is nearby
  • 24% VAT and the daily road tax
  • 1–2 travellers per camper. Three or more: ask us and we book two campers.

Included

  • Camper for 7 days with Platinum insurance (zero self-risk)
  • Bedding, cooking set, camping chairs and table
  • Day-by-day route with stops, driving times and local tips
  • Campsite suggestions for every night, marked on your trip map
  • Trip map on icelandmap.is with fuel stations, toilets, supermarkets, campsites and stops along the way
  • Lesser-known stops chosen by our local team, marked on your trip map
  • Help from our local team before and during your trip

Not included

  • Flights
  • Campsite fees (paid at each campsite)
  • Fuel
  • Food
  • Parking fees at sights
  • Entry fees
  • Optional tours and lagoon entry, unless you add them
  • Extra driver
  • Travel insurance

How it works

1Choose and bookPick your date, travellers, camper and tours. You see the full price before you book, and pay a 20% deposit by card.
2We confirmWe book your camper and your tours, and confirm by email within 24 hours.
3Get your travel packCamper voucher, your route map with campsites and the day-by-day guide, by email and on your phone.
4Drive, with us on callA local is a message away if the weather or your plans change.

Seasons and driving

June to August; May and September are quieter and cheaper, with cooler nights. Most campsites in Iceland open from mid-May or June to mid-September. Nights are cool even in summer.

Payment and cancellation

  • Book at least 14 days before arrival
  • 20% deposit when you book
  • Balance due 45 days before arrival. Bookings made less than 45 days before arrival are paid in full.
If you cancelCancellation fee
More than 30 days before arrival10% of the total price (you get half of your deposit back)
30 to 15 days before arrival50% of the total price
14 to 8 days before arrival75% of the total price
7 days or less before arrival, or no-show100% of the total price
  • One free date change up to 30 days before arrival, subject to availability.
  • We recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation (illness, flight changes).

Good to know

Can we park the camper anywhere for the night?

No. In Iceland it is not allowed to sleep in a camper, van or rooftop tent outside campsites, except on private land with the owner's permission. Each night of this trip has campsites in the right area, and they are all on your trip map.

Do we need to book campsites?

Most campsites in Iceland do not take bookings: you arrive, find a spot and pay at reception or in an app. In July and August, arrive by early evening. We tell you which campsites on your route can be booked ahead.

How much do campsites cost?

Campsite fees are not included. Most charge per person per night, plus a small fee for electricity and the national accommodation tax, and you pay at each campsite. We give you the current prices for the campsites on your route when you book.

What is in the camper?

The Fiat Doblo and the Fiat Scudo come with a bed, a cooking set, 2 sleeping bags, 2 pillows, camping chairs, a table, a light and a cooling box. With the rooftop tent 4x4 you get the tent, sleeping bags and pillows, and we add a cooking set and 2 chairs. Showers and toilets are at the campsites.

What happens if we damage the camper?

Platinum insurance is included, with zero self-risk. That means you do not pay anything for damage covered by the insurance, including gravel, sand and ash damage. Damage from driving on closed or F-roads, or through rivers, is never covered.

Can we drive on highland F-roads?

Not on this trip. The route uses main roads and a few gravel roads, and the campers are not allowed on F-roads. Ask us if you want a highland trip.

Is it cold at night?

Even in July, nights are often 5–10 °C, and colder in May and September. Bring warm layers and a hat to sleep in. Many campsites have electricity, so you can charge your phone and use a small heater if the camper has one.

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See also

Want to change something?

Add a night, change a campsite or fit the trip around your flights. We are a local travel agency in Iceland and plan every trip by hand.

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Price per personFrom 88,800 ISK per person