5 Best Places to Visit in Iceland with Go Campers: A 10-Day Campervan Itinerary

Go Campers makes an Iceland road trip easier for travelers who want to experience waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic landscapes, fjords, and black-sand beaches without following a rigid tour schedule. A campervan gives you the freedom to wake up closer to nature, change your route when the weather shifts, and spend more time at places that deserve it.

For first-time visitors, a 10-day Ring Road itinerary is one of the most practical ways to experience Iceland. The route can combine the Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón, Eastfjords, North Iceland, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula before returning to Reykjavík. Go Campers itself recommends 10 days as a strong timeframe for a campervan Ring Road journey because it provides enough time to explore without rushing through every stop.

This itinerary focuses on five major destinations rather than trying to list every waterfall and viewpoint in the country. The idea is simple: choose the highlights, leave enough time for driving and weather changes, and make the journey itself part of the experience.

Why Choose a Campervan for This Iceland Itinerary?

Iceland looks relatively compact on a map, but driving between attractions can take longer than expected. Photo stops, changing weather, road conditions, and unexpected wildlife can all extend your travel time.

A campervan solves one major problem: accommodation becomes part of the road trip. Instead of returning to Reykjavík or changing hotels every night, you can stay closer to your next destination.

Go Campers offers several vehicle categories, including compact campers for couples, larger campers for groups, and 4×4 models designed for more demanding routes. Current compact options include two-sleeper vehicles, while larger models can accommodate up to five sleeping spots.

The choice should depend on your itinerary rather than simply choosing the cheapest vehicle. For a standard Ring Road trip, a compact camper may be enough. If you plan to explore F-roads or the Highlands, a suitable 4×4 becomes much more important.

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Stop 1: Golden Circle – The Perfect Introduction to Iceland

The Golden Circle is the easiest place to begin an Iceland road trip after collecting your campervan. It is relatively close to Reykjavík and combines three of the country’s most recognizable attractions: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir is both a geological and historical highlight. The landscape reveals Iceland’s dramatic tectonic setting, while the area is also closely connected to the country’s parliamentary history.

Give yourself enough time to walk rather than simply stopping for a quick photograph. The scenery changes considerably as you move through the park.

Geysir Geothermal Area

The geothermal area provides an immediate introduction to Iceland’s volcanic character. The original Geysir gave its name to geysers around the world, while nearby Strokkur regularly erupts.

This is an easy stop to add to a campervan route because you can park, explore the geothermal area, and continue without needing a long hike.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss is arguably the dramatic finale of the Golden Circle. The powerful waterfall drops through a rugged canyon and can be viewed from several points.

A useful strategy is to start early. The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular sightseeing routes, so arriving earlier can give you a more comfortable experience.

The official 10-day Go Campers itinerary also places the Golden Circle at the beginning of the journey, combining Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and the Secret Lagoon before continuing toward the South Coast.

Stop 2: South Coast – Waterfalls, Cliffs and Black Sand

After the Golden Circle, continue east toward Iceland’s South Coast. This is one of the most rewarding sections of the Ring Road because major attractions appear relatively close together.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is instantly recognizable because visitors can sometimes walk behind the waterfall when conditions allow.

Expect to get wet. Waterproof clothing is more than a packing recommendation here; it can make the difference between enjoying the stop and rushing back to your campervan.

Skógafoss

Continue to Skógafoss, another iconic waterfall. The waterfall is particularly impressive from below, but there is also a staircase leading to a higher viewpoint.

If you have extra time, the nearby Skógar area is worth exploring rather than treating the waterfall as a five-minute photo stop.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Further east, Reynisfjara introduces a completely different landscape. Black volcanic sand, basalt formations, cliffs, and offshore sea stacks create one of the most recognizable coastal scenes in Iceland.

However, this is also a place where travelers need to respect safety warnings. Powerful waves can reach much farther up the beach than expected. Never turn your back on the ocean or approach the water simply for a photograph.

Vík

Vík is a useful overnight base. It gives you an opportunity to rest, refuel, purchase supplies, and prepare for the longer drive toward Southeast Iceland.

This is where the flexibility of Go Campers becomes especially useful. Instead of organizing your entire day around hotel check-in times, you can build your schedule around weather and sightseeing conditions.

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Stop 3: Jökulsárlón – Iceland’s Glacier Country

The next major destination is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This is one of the most spectacular stops on the entire Ring Road and deserves more than a quick roadside visit.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Large pieces of ice break away from the glacier and drift through the lagoon toward the ocean. Their shapes, colors, and sizes constantly change, so the landscape can look different even a few hours later.

If your schedule allows, spend enough time simply watching the lagoon. You can also investigate boat activities when available and appropriate for your travel dates.

Diamond Beach

Across the road, Diamond Beach provides a striking contrast. Ice fragments wash onto the black volcanic sand, creating the appearance of scattered diamonds.

The beach is worth visiting even if the weather is not perfect because the combination of black sand, blue-white ice, and ocean is distinctly Icelandic.

Vatnajökull National Park

The surrounding area also provides access to some of Iceland’s most impressive glacier landscapes. Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier by volume, and the national park covers a huge area.

Don’t attempt to squeeze every attraction into a single afternoon. Glacier country is one of the places where slower travel pays off.

The official Go Campers Ring Road itinerary includes Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach as a dedicated day, following the South Coast and Skaftafell.

Where to Stay

For a campervan itinerary, the key is to choose a campsite that keeps the next day’s driving manageable. Avoid driving several extra hours simply to reach a cheaper or more distant campsite.

The goal is not to maximize kilometers. It is to maximize the quality of the journey.

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Stop 4: Lake Mývatn and North Iceland

After the Eastfjords, continue toward North Iceland. This region feels dramatically different from the South Coast and deserves a place on a longer itinerary.

Lake Mývatn

Lake Mývatn is surrounded by volcanic formations, pseudocraters, lava fields, and geothermal landscapes.

The area is ideal for travelers who want something beyond waterfalls. Instead of seeing another single attraction, you experience an entire landscape shaped by volcanic activity.

Hverir Geothermal Area

Hverir is one of the most visually striking geothermal areas in North Iceland. Steam rises from fumaroles while bubbling mud pools and mineral-rich ground create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Stay on marked paths and respect barriers. Geothermal areas can be dangerous despite their beautiful appearance.

Dettifoss

Dettifoss is another powerful northern attraction. Its enormous volume of water creates a dramatic contrast with the surrounding barren landscape.

Road and access conditions can vary depending on the season, so check conditions before committing to the detour.

Mývatn Nature Baths

After a day of driving and hiking, a geothermal soak can be an excellent way to slow down. Mývatn Nature Baths provides that opportunity while keeping you close to the area’s volcanic landscapes.

The official Go Campers 10-day itinerary places Hengifoss, Dettifoss, Hverir, and the Mývatn area across the northern section of the journey.

Stop 5: Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Iceland in Miniature

The final major destination is Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It works particularly well near the end of a Ring Road journey because you can explore the peninsula before returning to Reykjavík.

Kirkjufell

Kirkjufell is one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains. Its distinctive shape makes it easy to recognize, especially when photographed with nearby waterfalls.

Try visiting outside the busiest hours if photography is a priority.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

The peninsula contains volcanic landscapes, lava fields, cliffs, beaches, and the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier-capped volcano.

The diversity of landscapes is what makes Snæfellsnes valuable. You don’t need to drive hundreds of kilometers between every attraction.

Coastal Villages

Allow time for smaller settlements and coastal viewpoints. One of the advantages of traveling by campervan is being able to stop when a landscape catches your attention rather than following a strict excursion timetable.

Go Campers includes Snæfellsnes as a major part of its 10-day Ring Road route before travelers return toward Reykjavík.

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How to Turn These Five Stops Into a 10-Day Route

A practical itinerary could look like this:

Day	Route	Main Highlights
1	Reykjavík → Golden Circle	Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss
2	Golden Circle → South Coast	Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss
3	South Coast → Southeast	Reynisfjara, Vík
4	Southeast Iceland	Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach
5	Southeast → Eastfjords	Fjords, coastal scenery
6	Eastfjords → Mývatn	Hengifoss, Dettifoss, Hverir
7	Mývatn → North Iceland	Mývatn, Húsavík
8	North → Northwest	Akureyri, Tröllaskagi
9	Northwest → Snæfellsnes	Kirkjufell, coastal villages
10	Snæfellsnes → Reykjavík	Peninsula, West Iceland

This is close to the structure used by Go Campers in its published 10-day Ring Road itinerary, although real travelers should adjust individual stops according to season, weather, road conditions, and personal interests.

Ten days is a good compromise, but it is not a slow vacation. The current Go Campers planning guide describes the 10-day Ring Road route as a medium-fast itinerary covering more than 1,300 kilometers.

If you only have seven days, don’t try to squeeze all five destinations into the same schedule. Focus on the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Southeast Iceland. You will see fewer regions but have more time to enjoy them.

Which Go Campers Vehicle Should You Choose?

Your vehicle can significantly influence the comfort and practicality of this itinerary.

For couples, compact models are the simplest option. Current compact campers include two-sleeper vehicles such as the Go SMART and Go Iceland Camper, while the Go LITE models offer three sleeping spots.

For families or larger groups, larger campers offer substantially more sleeping capacity. Current large options include five-sleeper models such as the Go BIG Budget, Go BIG, and Go BIG Automatic.

If your itinerary stays on standard paved routes, you may not need a 4×4. However, travelers planning to explore Iceland’s Highlands or permitted F-roads should investigate an appropriate 4×4 vehicle.

The current 4×4 fleet includes models such as the Wrangler, Cruiser, Xplorer, PRO, and LUX. Some offer automatic transmission, heating, and additional equipment for more demanding trips.

Don’t rent a 4×4 simply because it sounds more adventurous. Match the vehicle to your actual route.

Practical Tips for a Campervan Road Trip

The biggest mistake on an Iceland itinerary is treating driving time as fixed.

A route that looks short on a map can become much longer after photo stops, weather delays, road conditions, and spontaneous detours. Go Campers specifically warns that estimated drive times can increase substantially once real-world conditions are considered.

Check road and weather conditions every day. This is especially important outside summer.

Plan your campsite stops in advance, particularly during busy travel periods. You should also keep fuel levels comfortable rather than waiting until the tank is almost empty.

Pack waterproof layers, warm clothing, comfortable shoes, chargers, basic cooking supplies, and reusable water bottles.

Most importantly, don’t make every day a race to the next attraction. Iceland’s landscapes are part of the experience.

Go Campers Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Wide range of campervan sizes	Larger and 4×4 models cost more
Compact options for couples	Campervan living requires organization
Five-sleeper large campers available	Driving can be tiring on long days
4×4 options for suitable routes	Not every vehicle is suitable for F-roads
Road assistance included in listed rental benefits	Weather can force itinerary changes
Fuel discount listed among rental benefits	Availability varies by travel dates
Zero deposit and free cancellation listed	Rental conditions should be checked before booking

The company’s current fleet page lists extra insurance, fuel discount, road assistance, zero deposit, no hidden fees, and free cancellation among its rental-price inclusions. Travelers should still review the exact terms attached to their selected vehicle and booking dates.

FAQ About This Go Campers Itinerary

Is 10 days enough for Iceland?

Yes. Ten days is enough to complete a Ring Road trip for many first-time visitors, although the pace is medium-fast rather than relaxed. The current planning guide recommends 10 days as a practical timeframe for a first loop.

Do I need a 4×4 for this itinerary?

Not necessarily. If you are primarily following the Ring Road and other suitable paved roads, a standard camper can work. A 4×4 becomes more relevant if your plans include permitted F-roads or Highland routes.

Is a campervan good for couples?

Yes. Compact campers are specifically designed for solo travelers and couples, with several current models offering two sleeping spots.

What is the best season for this itinerary?

Late spring through summer and early autumn generally provide the easiest conditions for a classic Ring Road trip. Winter requires greater flexibility because weather and road conditions can change quickly.

Can I sleep anywhere in Iceland?

Do not assume that a campervan can be parked overnight wherever you want. Use designated campsites and follow Iceland’s local rules and restrictions.

Final Recommendation

This five-stop route gives you a strong introduction to Iceland without turning the trip into a checklist. Start with the Golden Circle, continue through the waterfalls and black-sand beaches of the South Coast, slow down around Jökulsárlón, experience the volcanic landscapes of North Iceland, and finish with Snæfellsnes.

For most first-time travelers, 10 days provides the right balance between coverage and flexibility. You will still drive significant distances, but you have enough time to stop when the landscape deserves it.

Go Campers is particularly appealing if you value independence. Its range covers everything from compact two-sleeper campers to larger five-sleeper vehicles and dedicated 4×4 options.

The most important choice, however, is not simply the rental company or vehicle. It is building an itinerary that leaves room for Iceland itself. Weather can change. Roads can slow you down. A waterfall may deserve an extra hour. A quiet viewpoint may become the highlight of your entire trip.

Choose your vehicle based on the route, keep your daily driving realistic, and leave enough space for unexpected discoveries.

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