5-Day Iceland Motorhome Road Trip: South Coast Itinerary from Reykjavík

Planning an Iceland motorhome road trip gives you the freedom to wake up near waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes all without packing and unpacking at a different hotel each night. This 5-day South Coast itinerary starts in Reykjavík, travels east toward Jökulsárlón, and returns through some of Iceland’s most memorable natural attractions.

Your 5-Day Iceland Motorhome Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on Iceland’s South Coast, following the Ring Road from Reykjavík toward the glacier region before looping back west.

Five days is enough to experience many of South Iceland’s highlights without spending every hour behind the wheel. You’ll still want some flexibility, however weather, road conditions, and how long you spend hiking can easily change the day’s schedule.

Why Explore Iceland by Motorhome?

A motorhome combines transportation and accommodation in one, which is especially useful on a route like the South Coast where attractions are spread over hundreds of kilometers.

Instead of returning to Reykjavík every evening, you can continue east, stay at campsites close to the next day’s attractions, and start exploring earlier in the morning. It also gives you more control over meal times and makes it easier to adjust plans when Iceland’s weather changes.

Platforms such as Northbound let travelers compare motorhomes from multiple Icelandic rental suppliers rather than searching each company separately, which can be useful when availability becomes limited during the summer season.

Day 1: Arrive in Iceland and Explore Reykjavík

Pick Up Your Motorhome

After landing at Keflavík International Airport, collect your motorhome or follow your rental company’s transfer instructions if pickup takes place closer to Reykjavík.

Before starting the trip, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the vehicle especially heating, water, electrical hookups, and any camping equipment included with the rental.

It is also worth stocking up on groceries near Reykjavík before heading farther along the South Coast, where supermarkets become less frequent.

Spend the Afternoon in Reykjavík

Instead of immediately driving east, use the first day to explore Iceland’s compact capital.

A few easy highlights include:

• Hallgrímskirkja
• Harpa Concert Hall
• Sun Voyager
• Reykjavík’s Old Harbour
• Perlan
• Downtown cafés and restaurants

Reykjavík is small enough that you can see several attractions without rushing, making it a gentle introduction before the longer drives begin.

Where to Camp

Reykjavík Campsite is a convenient first-night option close to the city center. It accommodates campers and motorhomes and gives you easy access to Reykjavík before starting the South Coast journey the following morning.

Day 2: Thermal Waters, Volcanic Landscapes and Vík

Day two is where the real road trip begins. You’ll leave Reykjavík behind and gradually transition from city streets to some of South Iceland’s most recognizable landscapes.

Start with Sky Lagoon

Begin the morning with a relaxing soak at Sky Lagoon before spending several hours on the road.

If you’ve already visited the Blue Lagoon after arriving in Iceland, you can skip this stop and give yourself more time farther east.

Booking a morning entry is usually preferable if you want a quieter experience and enough time for the rest of the day’s route.

Stop at Kerið Crater

From Reykjavík, head toward Kerið, a volcanic crater containing a striking lake surrounded by red and dark volcanic rock.

The crater is easy to include without turning the day into a long hike. A short walking route takes you around the rim, with another path leading closer to the water.

Plan roughly 30–60 minutes here before continuing toward the South Coast.

Skógafoss

As Route 1 approaches the coast, stop at Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls.

You can admire the falls from below or climb the staircase beside them for a higher viewpoint over the surrounding countryside. If the weather is clear, the contrast between the waterfall, green cliffs, and wide coastal plain makes this one of the most photogenic stops of the trip.

End the Day in Vík

Continue toward Vík, the small coastal town that makes a practical overnight base for exploring the surrounding black sand coastline.

If daylight and weather allow, spend the evening walking near the coast or simply use the time to rest, refill supplies, and prepare for the next day’s hikes.

Where to Camp

Vík Campsite is located close to the town’s shops and restaurants and provides facilities commonly needed by camper and motorhome travelers, including showers, toilets, water, and electrical connections.

Day 3: Reynisfjara, Skaftafell and Svartifoss

Visit Reynisfjara Early

Start early and drive to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach before the larger tour groups arrive.

Its black volcanic sand, basalt columns, sea stacks, and towering cliffs create one of the South Coast’s most dramatic landscapes.

Reynisfjara is beautiful, but the waves can be extremely dangerous. Stay well away from the water and always follow the warning system and posted safety information.

Continue East to Skaftafell

The drive from Vík toward Skaftafell becomes increasingly dramatic as black sand plains give way to glacier views and towering mountains.

This section is less about rushing between attractions and more about enjoying the changing landscape through the windshield.

Once you reach Skaftafell, park the motorhome and spend the afternoon exploring one of the area’s hiking routes.

Hike to Svartifoss

One of the most popular hikes leads to Svartifoss, a narrow waterfall framed by dark basalt columns.

The trail is manageable for most active travelers, although there are some uphill sections. If you have more time and good weather, Skaftafell also offers longer routes with glacier viewpoints and panoramic scenery.

Where to Camp

The Skaftafell campsite is conveniently located close to the visitor center and hiking trailheads, making it an ideal place to stop rather than continuing to drive after an active afternoon.

Stock up on food beforehand the area has fewer dining options than Reykjavík or Vík.

Day 4: Glaciers, Canyons and a Night Near Seljalandsfoss

Day four takes you farther east before beginning the journey back toward Reykjavík. Expect glacier lagoons, floating icebergs, dramatic canyon scenery, and another of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

Start the morning with the drive from Skaftafell toward Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Along the way, you’ll see Vatnajökull’s outlet glaciers stretching between the mountains, one of the most impressive sections of the entire South Coast drive.

At Jökulsárlón, enormous pieces of ice drift slowly across the lagoon before eventually reaching the ocean. Just across Route 1, many of them wash ashore at Diamond Beach, creating a striking contrast between clear blue ice and black volcanic sand.

Allow at least 1–2 hours to explore both locations, or longer if you’re planning a guided activity.

Consider a Glacier or Ice Cave Experience

If conditions are suitable, this is also an excellent area for a guided glacier experience. Ice cave availability is highly seasonal and depends on current glacier conditions, so don’t build your itinerary around one without checking what’s operating during your travel dates.

Never enter an ice cave or attempt glacier hiking independently. Glacier environments change constantly and should only be explored with qualified guides and appropriate equipment.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

After Jökulsárlón, turn west and begin retracing Route 1. Break up the return drive with a stop at Fjaðrárgljúfur, a winding canyon near Kirkjubæjarklaustur characterized by steep cliffs and moss-covered landscapes.

You don’t need a demanding hike to appreciate it. The designated walking route provides several viewpoints overlooking the canyon, making it an easy addition to a long driving day.

Stay on marked paths and respect any temporary closures designed to protect the area’s fragile vegetation.

Finish the Day Near Seljalandsfoss

Continue west toward Seljalandsfoss, where a waterfall drops approximately 60 meters from the former sea cliffs.

When conditions allow, the trail leads behind the waterfall for an entirely different perspective but expect to get wet. A waterproof outer layer and shoes with good grip are useful here.

If you still have daylight and energy, Gljúfrabúi is another waterfall hidden inside a narrow gorge only a short walk away.

Where to Camp

Look for an authorized campsite around the Seljalandsfoss/Hvolsvöllur area rather than planning to park overnight at an attraction. Iceland has specific rules governing camper and motorhome overnight stays, so use designated campsites and confirm current opening dates and facilities before traveling.

Day 5: Westman Islands and a Final Icelandic Hot Spring

Your final day offers two very different experiences: a volcanic island adventure and a geothermal valley. Trying to fully explore both can make the day rushed, so treat Reykjadalur as an optional final stop depending on your ferry schedule, weather, and departure time.

Take a Day Trip to the Westman Islands

From the South Coast, head toward Landeyjahöfn and take the ferry to Heimaey, the largest and only permanently inhabited island in the Westman Islands.

The archipelago is known for its dramatic sea cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and rich birdlife. Once on Heimaey, you can explore independently or join activities ranging from boat trips to guided island tours.

If time is limited, focus on a few highlights rather than trying to cover the whole island. The volcanic landscapes around Eldfell, views along the coast, and Heimaey’s compact town provide plenty for a short visit.

Remember to check ferry schedules in advance and leave enough time for the return journey, particularly if you’re traveling with your motorhome.

Optional Stop: Reykjadalur Hot Spring

Back on the mainland, travelers with enough time can finish the road trip with a detour to Reykjadalur, the geothermal valley near Hveragerði.

Unlike a commercial spa, Reykjadalur requires a hike through a landscape filled with steaming vents and geothermal activity before reaching the bathing river. It’s a fitting final experience after several days on the road.

Allow enough time for both the hike and the drive back to Reykjavík or Keflavík. If you’re flying home the same day, it’s safer to skip this stop rather than make the end of your trip unnecessarily stressful.

Practical Tips for Your 5-Day Motorhome Trip

Five days can work well for the South Coast, but the itinerary becomes much more enjoyable when you leave some flexibility in the schedule.

#1 Don’t overplan each day. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and you’ll almost certainly discover viewpoints and roadside stops you hadn’t planned for.

#2 Book campsites strategically. Staying near the next morning’s first attraction reduces backtracking and lets you reach popular places earlier.

#3 Stock up before remote sections. Reykjavík and Vík are convenient places for groceries and supplies. Options become more limited as you travel farther east.

#4 Check the weather and roads every morning. Wind is particularly important when driving a larger motorhome, so don’t judge conditions based only on rain or snow.

#5 Know your vehicle. Before leaving the rental location, make sure you understand the heating system, electricity, water supply, wastewater, fuel type, and any equipment included.

And most importantly, don’t treat this itinerary as a checklist. Skipping one attraction to spend an extra hour somewhere you love is part of the advantage of traveling by motorhome.

Explore more types of rental cars in Iceland: 5 Best Types of Rental Cars for Exploring Iceland – How to Choose the Right One

Is 5 Days Enough for an Iceland Motorhome Road Trip?

Yes, if you concentrate on one region.

Five days isn’t enough to comfortably drive the entire Ring Road while also having time to explore, but it’s a good amount of time for a focused South Coast motorhome itinerary.

This route gives you a mix of Reykjavík, geothermal experiences, waterfalls, black sand beaches, hiking, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes without requiring extremely long driving days.

If you have 7-10 days, however, you’ll have much more flexibility for weather changes, longer hikes, extra nights around the glacier region, or additional destinations.

Final Thoughts

A five-day motorhome trip won’t show you everything Iceland has to offer, and that’s exactly why focusing on the South Coast works so well. Rather than racing around the country, you can experience a smaller region properly, from Reykjavík and Vík to Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, and the Westman Islands.

Turn this 5-day itinerary into your own adventure. Use the form below to find a motorhome that fits your travel dates and plans.