6 Days Self -Drive Tour with Pick Up – Golden Circle & Waterfalls -4×4 Campervan

Iceland packs an astonishing amount into six days here: lava waterfalls, black beaches, steaming ground, glacier views, and the Golden Circle, all from your own 4×4 campervan. The clever touch is the Easy Guide tablet, which puts the route, activity times, camper information, and local tips in one place.

I like the mix of famous sights and quieter corners, especially seal-watching at Ytri Tunga and the old rye-bread tradition at Laugarvatn Fontana. I also like that campsite fees, airport transfers, Wi-Fi, gas, and zero-risk coverage are included. The tradeoff is a full schedule, with some long driving days and several extra charges for parking, fuel, and optional sights.

Key points to know before you book

• A real self-drive route: You control the pace, but the six-day plan has fixed activity times and many scheduled stops.
• Western Iceland comes first: Hraunfossar, Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, Snæfellsnes, and Vatnshellir fill the first three days.
• Geothermal bathing is built in: Krauma, Laugarvatn Fontana, and Sky Lagoon are included, each offering a different setting.
• The 4×4 camper earns its keep: The van gives you flexibility in changeable conditions and lets you cook and sleep near the route.
• Several costs remain: Fuel, parking, food, electricity, and optional attractions are not included.
• Staff support is part of the package: CampEasy staff members including Iris, Alicia, Alisja, Dominik, Natalia, Edoardo, Joachim, and Maxime are named in customer feedback for helpful pickup and trip support.

Why this campervan route works so well

This is not a simple van rental. You receive a prepared six-day route with paid campsite nights and reserved activities, while still keeping control of your daily driving. That middle ground suits you if you want independence but do not want to spend evenings working out where to go next.

The route also has a good geographic shape. You begin near Keflavík, head through western Iceland and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, continue to Þingvellir and the Golden Circle, then follow the south coast before returning to Reykjavík and the Reykjanes Peninsula.

At $1,331.02 per person, the price needs context. It includes the camper, zero-risk coverage, campsite fees, airport shuttle, Wi-Fi, gas and other extras, the Easy Guide tablet, and several major activities. You still pay for fuel, food, parking, campsite electricity, and optional stops, so your final cost will be higher.

For two people sharing the vehicle, the package can offer fair value compared with arranging a camper, campsites, spa visits, the Lava Show, and transport separately. It is less attractive if you already have a vehicle or prefer inexpensive guesthouses.

Day 1: Reykholt, lava waterfalls, and Krauma

Your first practical step is easy. A complimentary shuttle takes you from Keflavík International Airport, or from a hotel in Keflavík town, to the CampEasy office at Selvík 5. The drive takes about five minutes, and the airport transfer itself is listed at roughly 30 minutes.

Once you have the camper, the route heads toward Reykholt, a medieval site connected with Icelandic sagas. You have about 50 minutes here, enough for a first taste of Icelandic culture before the natural sights take over.

Next come Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Hraunfossar is unusual because water slips through the lava and appears as a long series of small streams among the plants. A short walk away, Barnafoss sends a much stronger rush through a narrow lava opening. Allow about 30 minutes for Hraunfossar and another 20 minutes for Barnafoss.

Deildartunguhver is a different sort of spectacle. At about 97 degrees Celsius, it is one of Europe’s most powerful hot springs. You watch the bubbling water from a safe distance and feel the heat on your face. Do not treat this as a bathing stop. It is a place for caution and a quick look.

The day ends at Krauma, next to the hot spring. Its four pools use a constant flow of natural geothermal water, without added chemicals for water maintenance. Two hours here gives you a useful pause after driving and sightseeing. Krauma is included, and its setting beside the steaming source makes it feel tied to the place rather than added as a generic spa stop.

Day 2: Seals, black churches, and Snæfellsnes lava

Day two is packed, so start with a clear sense of your priorities. Glanni Waterfall is a small detour and takes about 35 minutes. It is pleasant, but you may prefer to save time for Snæfellsnes.

Ytri Tunga is one of the best stops for a slower look at the coast. The beach is known as a place where seals sometimes rest, and the suggested visit lasts one hour and 45 minutes. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so enjoy the shore itself rather than treating seals as a promise.

Búðakirkja, the small black church, takes only about 30 minutes. It is a simple, highly photographed building with a striking setting. Nearby Búðir hotel is also mentioned as a possible place to spot seals from the sea.

At Gatklettur, erosion has cut a hole through the cliff. The listed time is two hours and 20 minutes, including the walk, so this is more than a quick photo stop. Wear shoes suited to uneven ground and keep an eye on the clock because Vatnshellir has a scheduled visit at 2 PM.

Vatnshellir is an 8,000-year-old lava tube, reached by spiral stairs and extending 32 meters below ground. Helmets and headlamps are provided. The cave visit lasts about an hour and is included, but the minimum age for some activities is five, so check your group’s ages before booking.

Djúpalónssandur is a black-pebble beach with a stark connection to Iceland’s fishing past. Large lifting stones, weighing between 23 and 155 kilograms, were once used to test sailors’ strength. Rusted shipwreck remains and driftwood add to the sense of a place left largely untouched. Spend about 30 minutes here and stay alert around the Atlantic.

Saxhóll Crater makes a good final stop. Wooden steps lead up to the rim of the roughly 100-meter-deep crater, with views over lava fields and the sea. The walk takes about 45 minutes and is much easier than the longer hike planned for the next day.

Day 3: Kirkjufell and the road to Þingvellir

Svodufoss starts the morning with a quick waterfall stop. The parking area is close, and the walk takes only about 15 minutes. On a clear day, Snæfellsnes glacier may appear behind the falls.

Kirkjufell is the peninsula’s famous mountain, paired with Kirkjufellsfoss. You have about 30 minutes, which works for the classic view but leaves little room for a long walk. The mountain’s unusual layered shape was formed millions of years ago and is one of Iceland’s most recognizable sights.

Stykkishólmur gives you a welcome change from waterfalls and volcanic rock. This fishing village is known for seafood, and you should make time for Súgandisey Island and its lighthouse. The harbor connects to the island by road, and the walk up brings wide views. Plan on about an hour and 15 minutes.

Gerðuberg Cliffs display tall, geometric basalt columns, some about 14 meters high. The stop takes around an hour and rewards a close look at the regular shapes formed by cooling lava.

Eldborg Crater is optional, but it is not a minor add-on. The hike takes about 45 to 50 minutes each way, with a total suggested time of two hours and 45 minutes. From the top, you can see nearby craters. If you take this walk, you will need to keep the rest of the day moving.

Þingvellir National Park is the first Golden Circle stop and one of the route’s most important places. It combines geological drama, the Öxará waterfall, Silfra Fissure, and Icelandic political history. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The visit is listed at two and a half hours, but parking is charged separately.

Day 4: Rye bread, geysers, and south-coast waterfalls

Kerið Crater is a colorful volcanic bowl about 40 minutes from Þingvellir. Its red and vivid ground surrounds a lake, with a different mood in winter when frost catches the light. There is a small entrance fee, not included in the package.

At 11:45 AM, Laugarvatn Fontana combines a food tradition with a spa visit. You see rye-bread dough cooked in the ground by geothermal heat, then taste the bread before soaking in warm baths overlooking the lake. The two-and-a-half-hour stop is one of the most distinctive parts of the trip because it connects local food with Iceland’s volcanic energy.

Geysir follows. The original Geysir may be quiet, but Strokkur regularly shoots water up to about 15 meters. Allow 45 minutes. Then comes Gullfoss, where water drops into a narrow gorge from about 32 meters. Give yourself time for spray, wind, and changing views.

Friðheimar farm is an optional recommendation, not an included activity. It is known for geothermal tomato growing, horse breeding, and tomato-based food. Booking is required by email or phone, and the suggested addition takes about 50 minutes including driving from Gullfoss. With an already full day, you should choose it only if the farm interests you more than extra time at the waterfalls.

The south-coast finish is strong. Seljalandsfoss is about 60 meters high, and you can walk behind it when conditions allow. The waterfall area is free, but parking costs extra. Skógafoss is broader and louder, fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Its spray and rainbows make it one of the route’s big visual rewards.

Day 5: Sea cliffs, hot lava, ice, and Sky Lagoon

Dyrhólaey begins the day with a dramatic coastal view. The former island is now a 120-meter rock formation with a large opening through it, and the area is home to many bird species. The stop takes about 45 minutes.

Reynisfjara is famous for its basalt columns, dark shore, and three sea stacks linked to a local troll story. The visit lasts about 50 minutes. Keep well back from the water and respect warnings, since the open Atlantic is the serious part of this beautiful beach.

At 1:30 PM, the Icelandic Lava Show in Vík provides a controlled look at real hot lava flowing through a recreated volcanic eruption. The hour-long activity is included and gives you something different from viewing old lava fields.

The schedule then asks you to drive back toward Reykjavík for Magic Ice at 6 PM. The ice museum and ice bar are included and take about two hours and 45 minutes. This is the day I would watch most closely. The south coast drive, fixed Lava Show time, Reykjavík traffic, and evening spa booking leave little slack, so do not linger too long at earlier stops.

Hallgrímskirkja is close to downtown and Rainbow Street. The church is free to enter, but the tower viewpoint costs extra. You have only about 20 minutes listed, so the tower may not fit unless you move quickly.

Sky Lagoon follows at 7 PM, with two hours in the geothermal water and the seven-step ritual included through the Sky Pass. The hot and cold contrast after Magic Ice makes a memorable final evening, though the timing is tight enough that punctuality matters.

Day 6: Reykjanes before your flight

Your final morning depends on your departure time. If you have room, Krýsuvík offers steaming ground and vivid yellow, white, red, and green mineral colors. The visit takes about an hour.

The Bridge Between Continents lets you stand on a physical bridge between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Allow about 45 minutes. Viking World Museum is an optional stop nearby, with a life-size Viking boat and a visit time of about one hour and 20 minutes including driving.

You return the camper at CampEasy and take the free shuttle to Keflavík International Airport or a Keflavík hotel. Build in enough time for the vehicle return and airport transfer rather than trying to squeeze in every optional stop.

What the camper and support add

The included 4×4 camper is central to the experience. The package includes bedding and cooking equipment, and customer feedback specifically praises warm, dry interiors, comfortable bedding, useful onboard gear, and the ability to cook in bad weather. That matters in Iceland, where a camper gives you shelter when the day turns wet and windy.

The Easy Guide tablet is also more than a map. It contains the daily route, activity information, camper details, navigation, and other trip tools. For a first Iceland road trip, having those details together can reduce the work of managing a complicated schedule.

CampEasy’s airport shuttle is convenient, and staff support is an important part of the setup. Iris and Alicia are associated with smooth pickup and check-in help, while Alisja is noted for making the vehicle handover quick. Dominik is praised for a friendly welcome, and Natalia for practical local advice. Edoardo, Joachim, and Maxime are also named for helping with trip questions. Staff assignments can change, but the service model is clear: you are not left entirely alone with the van.

Remember the gaps in the price. Fuel, meals, parking, campsite electricity, personal accident insurance, traffic fines, flights, and optional activities are extra. Parking is specifically charged at Þingvellir, Kerið, Seljalandsfoss, and the Hallgrímskirkja tower if you choose it.

The activity is private, meaning only your group participates. Group discounts are available, and confirmation is provided at booking. Drivers must be at least 20 years old, while some activities require participants to be at least five.

Who should book this six-day Iceland trip

I would choose this for couples, families, or small groups who want control of their days without planning every campsite and paid attraction themselves. It is especially useful for a first visit, since the route covers major highlights while adding smaller stops such as Glanni, Ytri Tunga, Saxhóll, and Krýsuvík.

You should be comfortable driving, cooking, living in a compact vehicle, and adjusting your pace to weather and fixed bookings. This is not a lazy holiday. Several days have many stops, and Eldborg, the Vatnshellir stairs, and coastal walks require reasonable mobility.

I would think twice if you want slow mornings, long meals, or a single base. The route is ambitious, and the Day 5 return to Reykjavík is particularly demanding. You also need to budget beyond the advertised price for fuel, food, parking, and any extras you select.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a ready-made road adventure with a capable camper, included campsites, useful digital guidance, and several memorable activities already arranged. The best moments are not limited to the headline stops: baking rye bread in geothermal soil, watching lava flow indoors, and soaking beside hot springs give the trip local character.

Skip it if you dislike tight schedules or do not want to manage fuel, meals, parking, and campsite routines. For the right driver, though, this is a strong six-day introduction to Iceland, with enough structure to keep you on course and enough freedom to make the road feel like your own.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at CampEasy Iceland, Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík. A complimentary shuttle is available from Keflavík International Airport or a hotel in Keflavík town.

Where does the tour end?

You return the campervan to CampEasy Iceland. A free shuttle then takes you to Keflavík International Airport or a hotel in Keflavík.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately six days and includes five nights of campervan travel and camping.

What type of vehicle is included?

A quality 4×4 campervan is included. Specific vehicle models can vary, with Easy Monster, Easy Ranger, and Easy Viking mentioned in customer feedback about CampEasy rentals.

Is the activity private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private tour or activity.

What activities are included?

Included activities are Krauma, the Laugarvatn Fontana rye-bread tour and bath, the Icelandic Lava Show in Vík, Magic Ice, and Sky Lagoon with the seven-step ritual.

Are campsite fees included?

Yes, campsite fees are included. Electricity and other campsite services are not included.

Are parking fees included?

No. Parking fees are extra at places such as Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, Kerið, and other paid parking areas.

What is not included in the price?

Flights, fuel, food and beverages, personal accident insurance, parking, traffic fines, campsite electricity, and optional activities are not included.

How old must the driver be?

The driver must be at least 20 years old. Some activities have a minimum participant age of five years.