7-Day Self-Drive Private Tour Northern Lights Adventure – Iceland South & West

Iceland’s best sights come one after another on this seven-day campervan adventure, from a lava cave beneath Snæfellsnes to a naturally formed ice cave in Vatnajökull. You drive yourself, sleep at campsites, and use a provided tablet instead of wrestling with paper maps.

I like the freedom to stop for a black church, a windy viewpoint, or a waterfall whenever the road invites it. I also like the practical package: campsite fees, airport transfer, Wi-Fi, cooking gear, and booked activities are built into the price.

The main consideration is pace. This is a busy week with long driving days and several fixed appointment times. You will need to watch the clock, manage the campervan, and accept that Icelandic weather can force changes.

Key points to know before you book

• The route mixes famous sights with quieter stops: You see the Golden Circle and Diamond Beach, but also Gerðuberg, Saxhóll, Súgandisey Island, and Gunnuhver.
• A tablet replaces the usual paper itinerary: The Easy Guide tablet supplies directions and trip information, which is especially useful during a self-drive holiday.
• Three major bathing stops are included: Krauma and Laugarvatn Fontana are booked, while the Blue Lagoon is only an optional add-on.
• The ice cave trip uses a super jeep: You leave the campervan behind for a half-day excursion into Vatnajökull.
• The price covers more than a van: At $1,511.93 per person, the package includes campsite fees, zero-risk coverage, airport transfer, selected activities, and campervan extras.
• This suits independent drivers, not passive sightseers: You control the vehicle, but you also handle fuel, parking charges, meals, and the daily schedule.

Why this self-drive format works in Iceland

A private campervan trip gives you something a standard coach tour cannot: control over your day. You can spend extra time at Kirkjufell, pause at a roadside viewpoint, or leave a busy waterfall once you have seen enough.

The route also removes much of the planning burden. The itinerary tells you where to go and when to reach booked activities, while the tablet helps you get around. That is a useful middle ground. You are not tied to a group guide, but you are not building every hotel, campsite, and excursion from scratch either.

CampEasy’s setup is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The vans are described as clean, new, comfortable, and easy to drive, with bedding, cookware, a small gas stove, a fridge, and a sink available in the camper setup. Heating that can run through the night matters in Iceland, especially on a cold-season trip.

Late arrivals are also handled with a self-service process. If your flight reaches Keflavík after the office closes, the instructions are organized through the tablet and pickup system. A complimentary shuttle connects the airport or Keflavík accommodation with the CampEasy office, about five minutes from the airport. That saves you from an expensive taxi ride.

Day 1: Reykjavík icons after a Keflavík pickup

Your first day begins at Keflavík International Airport or at a hotel in Keflavík town. The shuttle takes you to the CampEasy office, where you collect the campervan and get ready for the road.

Reykjavík then offers an easy introduction to Iceland. The Sun Voyager sculpture sits beside the water, with mountains behind it. It is a quick, open-air stop that works well after a flight.

Harpa Concert Hall is close by. You can enter the building without an admission charge, though parking costs extra. The colorful glass exterior reflects Icelandic forms and light, making the building worth a look even if you are not attending a performance.

At Hallgrímskirkja, the church itself is free to enter. The tower costs about $9.20 for an adult and about $2 for children aged 7 to 16. I would pay the extra fee if the weather is clear, since the 360-degree city view gives you a useful sense of Reykjavík before heading into the countryside.

FlyOver Iceland is another optional suggestion for the arrival day. It takes about an hour and a half, including the drive from Hallgrímskirkja, and admission must be booked separately. Since your first day already includes vehicle pickup and city sightseeing, you may prefer to keep this evening simple.

Day 2: Snæfellsnes, black churches, and a lava tube

Day two is packed, but it is one of the most varied days of the trip. At Gerðuberg, tall basalt columns form a remarkably regular cliff face. Allow about 90 minutes to study the shapes and take photographs.

Búðakirkja, the small black church at Búðir, is one of Iceland’s most recognizable photo stops. The church is simple and stark against the open surroundings. Nearby Búðir has also been associated with occasional seal sightings along the shore, though wildlife is never guaranteed.

At Arnarstapi, the coast shows what waves can do to volcanic rock. The Gatklettur arch, often described as a hole in the cliff, is the main reason to stop. The visit is short, so use your time for the sea views and rock formations rather than expecting a long walk.

The day’s booked activity is at Vatnshellir Lava Cave, an 8,000-year-old lava tube located 32 meters underground. You descend spiral stairs with a helmet and headlamp. The one-hour visit is more physical than a normal viewpoint stop, so sturdy footwear and a moderate level of fitness are sensible.

Djúpalónssandur is a black-pebble beach with a strong connection to Iceland’s fishing past. The lifting stones once tested the strength of sailors, ranging from about 23 to 155 kilograms. The rusty remains of a shipwreck add a sobering note. Stay alert near the Atlantic and do not treat the beach as a casual swimming stop.

Saxhóll Crater provides a gentler finish. Wooden steps lead toward the 100-meter crater, with views across lava fields and toward the sea. Kirkjufellsfoss, paired with the distinctive Kirkjufell mountain, closes the day with one of Iceland’s classic photographs.

The drawback is the amount of ground covered. You will want to linger at several places, but the fixed 2 p.m. lava cave visit means you must keep moving.

Day 3: Fishing villages, waterfalls, and Krauma

Stykkishólmur begins the third day with a change of mood. This fishing village is a pleasant place to walk around, and Súgandisey Island is reached from the harbor by road and foot. Climb toward the lighthouse for broad views over the water.

The waterfall pair of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss shows two very different forms of moving water. Hraunfossar appears as many small streams emerging through vegetation along the riverbed. Nearby Barnafoss pushes forcefully through a lava opening. The itinerary allows two and a half hours at Hraunfossar, so you have time to enjoy the river rather than simply tick off a viewpoint.

Deildartunguhver is a geothermal stop with serious heat. The water reaches about 97 degrees Celsius, and you can feel it from a safe distance while watching bubbles rise. This is not a bathing site, so keep to the marked viewing areas.

Krauma, next to the hot spring, is one of the week’s most relaxing appointments. Its four pools use a constant flow of natural geothermal water and do not use chemicals to maintain water quality. Two hours here break up the driving and give you a chance to enjoy Iceland’s geothermal culture without the crowds and scale of the Blue Lagoon.

Day 4: The Golden Circle with two geothermal baths

Þingvellir National Park combines geology and history. The continental plates pull apart here, creating fissures such as Silfra, while the area also holds major importance in Iceland’s political past. Entrance is free, but parking costs extra.

At Laugarvatn Fontana, you soak in warm water overlooking the lake. The scheduled visit begins at 11:30 a.m. and lasts about two and a half hours. This is a substantial bath stop, not a quick dip, so plan your morning around it.

Geysir’s geothermal area is next. Strokkur can send a column of hot water up to 15 meters, and the surrounding fumaroles, mud pots, and steaming openings add variety. The display is active and easy to watch, but the ground is hot and unstable in places, so stay on the paths.

Gullfoss is the day’s major waterfall. Water drops about 32 meters into a broad, powerful gorge, and spray can create rainbows when sunlight appears. Expect wind and wet conditions near the viewing areas.

Fridheimar farm is an optional stop, not part of the included package. Its restaurant uses geothermal energy to grow tomatoes and offers tomato-based dishes. You need to reserve ahead by email or phone, and the detour takes about 90 minutes with driving time.

Kerið Crater has a small entry fee of about $3. Its red and yellow volcanic sides surround a lake that can look especially striking in winter light. Seljalandsfoss then lets you walk behind a 60-meter waterfall, though the path can be wet. Skógafoss finishes the day with heavy spray, loud water, and frequent rainbows.

This is another demanding day. The Golden Circle alone can fill a day, and adding the south coast waterfalls means you should resist spending too long at optional stops.

Day 5: The south coast reaches its icy climax

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is the first major stop. Its curving walls and river make it a worthwhile detour, and the setting has appeared in a Justin Bieber music video. Give yourself the full two hours if you want to walk and view the canyon from more than one angle.

Diamond Beach is one of the most memorable places on the route. Ice blocks wash onto black sand after leaving the nearby glacier lagoon, and their shapes and sizes change constantly. The contrast between dark sand, clear ice, and gray sea is the whole appeal.

The booked ice cave excursion is the trip’s biggest adventure. A local guide takes you by super jeep into the Vatnajökull glacial valley, then you walk to a naturally formed blue ice cave. The cave changes as summer melting reshapes it, so no two seasons offer exactly the same interior.

The activity lasts about three hours and 40 minutes. You need moderate fitness, and some activities on the overall trip require a minimum age of 8 or a minimum height of 102 centimeters. Arrive at paid activity meeting points 20 minutes early, since a self-drive schedule leaves little room for a late arrival.

Day 6: Sea cliffs, dangerous surf, and real lava

Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter rock formation with a large opening through which ships once passed. It is also home to many bird species. The views are broad and exposed, so weather can change the feel of the stop quickly.

Reynisfjara is famous for its basalt columns, sea stacks, and black sand. It is also a place to take the Atlantic seriously. The water is powerful, and the beach should be treated as a viewing area, not a place to stand close to the surf.

In Vík, the Icelandic Lava Show demonstrates hot, flowing lava in a controlled setting that recreates a volcanic eruption. This is included and lasts about an hour. It adds a useful scientific and sensory layer to the week, especially after you have spent several days seeing old lava fields and geothermal areas.

The Skógar Museum is an optional alternative for anyone interested in Icelandic daily life and cultural objects. It contains about 15,000 artifacts across three museums and six buildings, but the admission cost is extra and the visit adds about 90 minutes of driving time from the Lava Show.

Day 7: Reykjanes geothermal country and the airport

The final day explores the Reykjanes Peninsula before returning the campervan. Kleifarvatn is the peninsula’s largest lake and reaches almost 100 meters at its deepest point. Moss-covered lava and the quiet water make this a calmer opening than the busy south coast.

At Gunnuhver, steam vents and hot mud pools show the peninsula’s geothermal force. Mineral colors mark the ground, with the Reykjanes lighthouse in the distance. Keep to safe paths around the hot areas.

The Bridge Between Continents gives you a simple way to think about tectonic movement. You can stand between the North American and Eurasian plates, then continue to the CampEasy office for warm drinks, souvenirs, and vehicle return.

The Blue Lagoon is only a suggestion and is not included. It takes around two and a half hours with driving from Kleifarvatn, so it works only if your flight schedule leaves enough time. Book it yourself through the Blue Lagoon website rather than assuming there will be space.

What the $1,511.93 price really covers

The cost is not just a campervan rental. The package includes a quality van, zero-risk coverage, airport transfer, campsite fees, an Easy Guide tablet, Wi-Fi and other listed extras, a prepared route, and several paid activities.

Included highlights are Vatnshellir Lava Cave, Krauma, Laugarvatn Fontana, the Vatnajökull ice cave trip, and the Lava Show. That makes the price easier to justify than a basic van-only quote, especially when campsite nights and airport transport are added.

You still need to budget for fuel, food, drinks, parking, campsite electricity and other campsite services, personal accident insurance, and optional activities. Hallgrímskirkja Tower and Kerið have small extra charges, while the Blue Lagoon and Fridheimar require separate bookings.

The value is best for two or more people sharing the vehicle and cooking some meals. Solo drivers may find the per-person cost less attractive, while a group can spread the campervan and planning costs across several people. Group discounts are available, but the amount is not specified.

Who should choose this Iceland road trip?

I would choose this experience if you want independent driving with a safety net of planning. It suits people who enjoy scenic stops, can manage a busy schedule, and like the idea of sleeping at campsites rather than changing hotels every night.

It is also a good match for couples, families meeting the age and height rules, and friends who want a private trip. The private format means only your group participates, so you are not waiting for a bus full of strangers.

You should think twice if you dislike driving, want long unstructured afternoons, or need a soft hotel bed every night. The route asks you to cook, organize your belongings, pay attention to fuel, and reach activity meeting points on time.

The trip is promoted as a Northern Lights adventure, but the itinerary does not promise a sighting. The lights depend on conditions beyond the operator’s control, so treat them as a possible bonus rather than the main reason to book.

Practical details that affect the experience

The minimum driver age is 20. Travelers need moderate physical fitness, and some activities have an age minimum of 8 or a height minimum of 102 centimeters.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

The starting and ending point is CampEasy at Selvík 5 in Keflavík. Airport or Keflavík hotel pickup is offered, and the shuttle can take you back to the airport or hotel after you return the van.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want Iceland’s major sights, several memorable paid activities, and the freedom of a private campervan without spending weeks building the route yourself. The clean, well-equipped vans, tablet guide, responsive support, included campsite fees, and airport shuttle make the practical side unusually manageable.

Do not book it expecting a leisurely holiday. You will drive often, pay for fuel and parking, and follow a full timetable. For an active first visit that combines waterfalls, lava, geothermal baths, glaciers, and black beaches, this is a strong-value way to see a great deal of Iceland in one week.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at CampEasy, Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík, Iceland. A complimentary shuttle is offered from Keflavík International Airport or accommodation in Keflavík town.

Is the campervan included?

Yes. The package includes a quality campervan, zero-risk coverage, an Easy Guide tablet, listed extras such as Wi-Fi and gas-related supplies, and campsite fees.

Are fuel and parking included?

No. Fuel and parking fees are not included. You are also responsible for campsite electricity and other campsite services.

Which activities are included?

Included activities are the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, Krauma Spa, Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, the Vatnajökull ice cave tour, and the Icelandic Lava Show in Vík.

Is the Blue Lagoon included?

No. The Blue Lagoon is an optional recommendation, and admission must be booked separately through the Blue Lagoon website.

How old must the driver be?

The minimum age for driver participants is 20. Some activities also have a minimum age of 8 and a minimum height requirement of 102 centimeters.