5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up – Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break

Reviewed · NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS

5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up – Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break

4.5 · 9 reviews 5 days (approx.) From $1,125 Operated by CampEasy ehf. · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Five days, one van, and serious geology. This self-drive setup gives you the freedom of the open road with the big convenience of hotel or airport pickup plus a preplanned route, and you still get complimentary Wi‑Fi and a guide tablet to keep things easy. It’s built for people who want control over stops, but don’t want to wrestle with every detail on their own.

I especially like the combination of a well-equipped camper and the way activities are already lined up. The included pieces also help you keep the schedule moving without feeling like you’re paying for every little thing yourself. One drawback to plan around: several famous stops have parking fees (not included), and the driver needs a valid international license (20+ age minimum for the driver participant).

Key things that make this camper break work well

5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break - Key things that make this camper break work well

  • Pickup included in Keflavík (airport or selected hotels): reduces hassle the first and last day.
  • Private group only: it’s just your group, not a mixed bus crowd.
  • Wi‑Fi and an easy guide tablet: navigation and planning feel less stressful.
  • Major sights are already scheduled: Golden Circle day plus a packed south-coast day.
  • Two paid highlights are built in: Rye bread geothermal cooking and an ice-cave visit in a super jeep.
  • Camper comforts get praised: heating and battery performance come up in multiple experiences.

Keflavík pickup and drop-off: turning day one into driving time

This tour starts in the Keflavík area, with a meeting point at Selvík 5. What makes the beginning feel painless is the shuttle option: you can be picked up from Keflavík International Airport or from a preselected hotel in Keflavík, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. The CampEasy office is close to the airport too, so even last-minute logistics have less drama.

At pickup, the driver participant has to show a valid international driving license that works for the vehicle, and it needs to be valid for at least 12 months at the time of pick-up. There’s also a minimum driver age of 20. That matters because if you’re traveling as a group and one person has the license but isn’t 20 yet, you’ll need to rethink who drives.

On the last day, you drop off the camper at CampEasy Iceland, then use a free shuttle back to the international airport or to your selected Keflavík hotel. For a trip like this—where you’ll be tired from long scenic drives—that final handoff being simple is a real value.

Reykjanes Peninsula day: the bridge, the steam, and the moss-laced calm

5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break - Reykjanes Peninsula day: the bridge, the steam, and the moss-laced calm
Your first full day focuses on the Reykjanes peninsula, and it’s the kind of start that makes Iceland feel real fast. You begin with the Leif the Lucky Bridge (also known as Miðlína), where you can stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It’s a quick stop, but it gives you that great early “oh wow” moment: Iceland isn’t just scenic, it’s active.

Next comes Gunnuhver Hot Springs, with steam vents and hot mud pools. Bring patience for photo stops here. The steam, the mineral colors, and the stark geothermal shapes don’t translate the same way through a lens—you’ll want a few minutes to just look around.

Then you head to Kleifarvatn Lake, a quieter pause. It’s the peninsula’s largest lake and one of the deepest in Iceland, fed by porous lava ground. Even if you’re not fishing, the point is the setting: moss spreading over old lava fields, and a lake that reflects Iceland’s minimal, dramatic look without needing crowds.

Practical tip: this is “boots and layers” territory. Even in decent weather, geothermal areas can be windy and damp. A quick dry layer and a warm one you can pull on fast will save you later.

Golden Circle without the rush: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, plus two classic waterfalls

5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break - Golden Circle without the rush: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, plus two classic waterfalls
One of the smartest parts of this trip is that the Golden Circle day is built as a block of big-name stops, but with time to actually see them. You get Þingvellir National Park, a geological and historical must. The big draw is the continental drift: the Earth’s crust gets split, and you’ll notice features tied to that process, like Öxará waterfall and the Silfra fissure area. The visit itself is free, but parking fees apply and aren’t included.

After that comes Geysir, where Strokkur shoots water up (often up to about 15 meters). It’s one of those places where timing and stillness help. If you step back and watch for the repeat cycle, you’ll catch better moments than trying to run ahead for every eruption.

Then you complete the Golden Circle with Gullfoss Falls, a powerful drop through a narrow gorge. If you like waterfalls for their scale, this is the anchor stop of the day.

But what I like is that the route doesn’t stop at the main trio. It also includes Seljalandsfoss, famous for walking behind the waterfall area. Just note: parking is extra here. Then you get Skógafoss, where the spray and rainbows are a real part of the experience. The water comes from glacier melt, so expect it to feel loud and cool even when the day is sunny.

Watch your footing around waterfalls. Wet rock gets slick fast in Iceland, and you’re usually walking in a spray zone where attention slips.

South Coast packed day: Vík, Katla ice cave, black sand, and bird cliffs

5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break - South Coast packed day: Vík, Katla ice cave, black sand, and bird cliffs
Day three swings hard into the south coast. You start with Vík in Mýrdal, a small village setting your mood for the rest of the coast: black beach nearby, ocean views, and glacier country just inland.

Next is a highlight that’s actually a structured activity: Katla Ice Cave, reached on a super jeep. The listed tour is about 4 hours, and it’s included. This is a big reason the trip feels more “managed” than random self-drive: you get an expert-guided ice experience without having to coordinate the whole thing yourself. The key constraint is that you need to show up with time to spare—paid activities are recommended to meet about 20 minutes before they start.

After the ice cave, you visit Reynisfjara Beach, the famous black-sand area. You’ll also see Reynisfjall cliffs and basalt columns, plus the “troll” story vibe that people love here. You don’t need the legend to appreciate it; the basalt shapes and the Atlantic pushing in are enough.

Then it’s Dyrhólaey, with the rock formation and a large hole people associate with old navigation routes. The promenade and bird nesting areas make this a different kind of stop—less “walk forever,” more “stand, look, and take in the view.”

You finish with Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a dramatic bend shaped by water. There’s also Systrafoss, with a shorter hike option and views over the wider area. You may even have time to spot Stjórnarfoss if you’re moving efficiently.

Finally, you reach Skaftafell National Park for walking paths, including routes to Svartifoss, the black-waterfall tied to dark basalt columns. The park is free, but again, parking fees apply.

Practical reality: this is a long day of stops. The roads are scenic but not fast. If you get motion-sick easily, it’s a good day to prepare with water, layers, and breaks that are planned—not improvised.

Glacier-coast wow: Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón’s floating ice

5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break - Glacier-coast wow: Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón’s floating ice
Day four is the “outer-world” glacier coast. You visit Diamond Beach, a black-sand beach where ice blocks washed from glaciers appear like scattered diamonds in sun (when the light hits just right). Plan on walking slowly. The best views are often from slightly different angles, not just one wide shot.

Then you go to Jokulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift before reaching the sea. The lagoon is formed by melt from the Vatnajökull glacier area, and you’ll be able to see the icebergs float in a way that feels calmer than the sound and motion of ocean beaches.

After that, you head to Selfoss, about 50 km from Reykjavík, for the night. That’s a smart design choice. You need a buffer after ice and wind, and a proper break in a town setting means you can eat a real meal and reset.

Tip for this region: dress for wind and wet air. Even on clear days, the coast can feel cold once you’re out of the car.

Reykjavík wrap-up: Sun Voyager, Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja

5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break - Reykjavík wrap-up: Sun Voyager, Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja
Your last day brings you back toward Reykjavík highlights without trying to cram everything into one huge city marathon.

First stop: Sun Voyager by the sea. It’s a sculptural piece by Jón Gunnar Árnason, created as a message of hope and freedom. If you care about design, it’s worth a slow stroll along the waterfront.

Next is Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. The architecture is inspired by Icelandic nature, and the good news is that entry for just visiting the building is free. Parking is not included if you drive and park.

Then you head to Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s iconic church with a spot near downtown and Rainbow Street. Entrance to the church area is free. If you want the top view, you’ll pay an admission fee (not included).

There’s also a very popular add-on if you have time before departure: the Blue Lagoon. It’s described as a relaxation stop and one of the 25 wonders of the world, but it’s not included here—booking is on your own at the Blue Lagoon website. It can be a great way to get warm and calm after days of wind and long drives.

What you truly get for the price (and what you still pay)

5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break - What you truly get for the price (and what you still pay)
The listed price is $1,125.85 per person for roughly 5 days. For that money, you’re mostly buying three things: a camper that can handle Iceland weather, an arranged route with key activities handled, and reduced stress through pickup/drop-off and included camper basics.

Included items cover:

  • Quality camper van
  • Zero-risk coverage
  • Gas and Wi‑Fi (plus other camper extras)
  • Easy guide tablet
  • Expert made itinerary
  • Booked activities
  • Airport transfer
  • Campsites fees

Included activities you should clock clearly:

  • A Rye bread tour at 11:45 AM at Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, plus time soaking in the warm waters.
  • Katla Ice Cave on a super jeep from Vík in Mýrdal.

Not included items that can affect your budget:

  • Fuel (driving fuel)
  • Parking fees (several stops note parking charges)
  • Electricity and other campsite services
  • Flights
  • Food and beverages, except where the route includes a restaurant recommendation (with fees handled by you)
  • Personal accident insurance unless driving/passenger coverage applies
  • Any extra activities beyond what’s planned

Now, here’s the value-angle that matters: you’re not just renting a vehicle. You’re getting the route design and at least a couple of “hard-to-do-alone” experiences included, like the ice cave visit. That’s often where DIY plans cost more than people expect because you end up booking transport and guides anyway.

From the positive experiences shared, the camper itself is a big part of the satisfaction. A few comments highlight how well the heating worked and how long the batteries lasted even with extended heating use. That matters because cold weather is the real stress test for a camper. People also noted smooth check-in and check-out, and that support staff communicated useful info ahead of time—one example mentioned emails about closures around Easter and practical guidance for remote places.

Who this camper break suits best (and who should think twice)

5 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Northern Lights Adventure Camper´ Break - Who this camper break suits best (and who should think twice)
This tour fits best if you:

  • Want privacy and hate the feeling of being herded.
  • Like planning, but also like keeping options flexible with a vehicle.
  • Are comfortable driving in Iceland and can meet the license requirements.
  • Want a big hit of geology: tectonic plates, geothermal springs, waterfalls, black-sand coast, and glacier ice.

You might think twice if you:

  • Don’t want a long driving day after a long flight. You’ll be on the road quickly once you pick up.
  • Have a tight budget for parking and meals, since multiple stops flag parking fees and food isn’t included.
  • Need a driver under 20 or don’t have the correct international license documentation.

Should you book this 5-day self-drive?

If you want Iceland’s signature scenery without committing to a full bus tour, this setup makes a lot of sense. The included pickup/drop-off from Keflavík, the camper basics (including Wi‑Fi), and the built-in experiences like Fontana’s rye bread and geothermal soak plus Katla Ice Cave give you structure where it counts.

I’d book it if you’re the type who enjoys stopping when you feel like it, not when a schedule forces you. Just go in knowing the route is active, parking and food add up, and the driver paperwork is non-negotiable.

FAQ

How does pickup work, and where is the meeting point?

The tour meets at Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík, Iceland. You can get a free pickup shuttle from Keflavík International Airport or from a selectable hotel in the Keflavík area between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Do I need an international driving license?

Yes. The driver participant must show a valid international driving license that is valid for the vehicle and valid for at least 12 months at the time of pick-up.

What is the minimum age to drive?

The minimum age requirement for the driver participant(s) is 20 years old.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is listed as private, and only your group will participate.

Are Wi‑Fi and a guide tablet included?

Yes. Complimentary Wi‑Fi and an easy guide tablet are included.

What activities are included vs. not included?

The itinerary includes booked activities such as the rye bread tour at Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths and the Katla Ice Cave super jeep experience. Parking fees and any other extra activities you choose are not included.

Do I need to pay parking fees at the stops?

Some stops note that parking fees are required but not included in the tour price (for example Þingvellir National Park, Seljalandsfoss, and Skaftafell National Park).

Is fuel included?

Fuel for driving is listed as not included, though gas for the camper setup is listed under included extras.

What happens when the tour ends?

You return to the meeting point area for camper drop-off, then you’ll use a free shuttle to Keflavík International Airport or your chosen Keflavík hotel.