Just completed the most epic road trip of my life. Iceland in a camper van = pure magic.
Day 1: Reykjavik to Vík
Picked up our tiny camper van and immediately felt like explorers. First stop: Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You can actually walk behind it! Got completely soaked but totally worth it for the photos.
Skógafoss was next – this 200-foot monster creates rainbows in the mist. Climbed the 527 steps to the top and nearly got blown off by the wind. Iceland doesn’t mess around.
Ended the day at Reynisfjara black sand beach. Those basalt columns look like something from another planet. The waves are violent and beautiful, and the whole place feels mystical.
Van life tip: Icelandic gas stations have amazing hot dogs. Seriously.
Day 2: Vík to Höfn
Woke up to sheep literally surrounding our van. Classic Iceland morning!
Drove through endless lupine fields – purple flowers as far as the eye can see. Stopped at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and my jaw hit the floor. Massive blue icebergs floating in a pristine lake, seals lounging on the ice like they own the place.
The nearby Diamond Beach was surreal – chunks of glacial ice scattered across black sand like nature’s jewelry. Spent hours photographing the ice formations as they caught the light.
Midnight sun bonus: It never really gets dark in summer. Drove until 2 AM with perfect visibility.
Day 3: Höfn to Akureyri
Long driving day but incredible scenery. The eastern fjords are dramatic and empty – felt like we had the whole country to ourselves.
Stopped at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The sound is deafening, the spray is intense, and the raw power is humbling. This is what waterfalls looked like when the world was young.
Camped near Lake Mývatn, surrounded by bizarre volcanic formations. The pseudo-craters look like mini volcanoes, and the whole area feels like Mars.
Wildlife spotting: Saw Arctic terns dive-bombing anyone who got too close to their nests. Fearless little birds!
Day 4: Akureyri to Reykjavik
Hit the western highlights today. Goðafoss waterfall was stunning – the “waterfall of the gods” definitely lives up to its name.
But the real star was Geysir. Watching Strokkur erupt every 5-10 minutes never got old. The anticipation, the sudden explosive blast of boiling water shooting 100 feet into the air – nature’s own fountain show.
Gullfoss was the grand finale. This two-tiered waterfall disappears into a canyon, creating the most incredible mist clouds. Got completely drenched again but couldn’t stop taking photos.
Geothermal surprise: Found a random hot spring in the middle of nowhere. Nothing beats a natural hot tub after a long day of driving.
Day 5: Blue Lagoon Bliss
Saved the famous Blue Lagoon for last. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s expensive. But floating in milky blue geothermal water surrounded by black lava rocks while snow falls around you? Pure magic.
The silica face masks are included, so everyone looks like ghosts wandering through paradise. The water temperature is perfect, and you can swim up to the bar for a drink without leaving the lagoon.
Final verdict: Iceland is expensive but worth every krona. The landscapes are so otherworldly that you constantly feel like you’re in a fantasy movie.
Quick Stats
- Distance: 1,332 kilometers around the Ring Road
- Cost: €800 for van rental, gas, and food for two people
- Best meal: Fresh langoustine at a tiny harbor restaurant
- Weirdest moment: Getting lost in fog so thick we couldn’t see 10 feet ahead
- Must-pack: Waterproof everything!
Iceland proved that sometimes the best adventures happen when you just pick a direction and drive. Already planning a winter trip to chase the Northern Lights.
Bless, Iceland! See you under the aurora.
