Iceland in Camping-Car: advice, areas, routes

Do you dream of visiting Iceland on a motorhome? We give you some tips and ideas for itineraries

Iceland and its unusual landscapes attract more and more travellers. This northern island of more than 100,000 Km2 was born from the encounter between volcano fire and a tectonic flaw. The magma came out of this cracked crust and projected tons of lava and rocks. This phenomenon, repeatedly repeated, has carved the country as we know it today. And it’s not over, as the volcanic activity is still very present!

Visiting Iceland on a motorhome is a great idea. Its oval shape and coastal road #1, which makes the tour of the island, lend themselves particularly well to the road trip. Because of the isolation of the island and the almost impossible to practice crops, it is a costly food destination. The cost of accommodation is also high and the choice of camper allows to reduce its visiting budget in Iceland. You can sleep and also cook, to avoid taking all your meals at the restaurant or on the thumb.

Ideas of itineraries in Iceland by motorhome

The preparation of your route depends largely on the time you have on site. The vast majority of travellers spend two weeks visiting Iceland. The less fortunate only have one week and the lucky ones manage to reach the three weeks necessary to make a great tour of the island.

Itinerary discovery of Iceland by motorhome for a week

Rest assured, we can already have a good view of Iceland in just 7 days. From Keflavik you can visit the Reykjanes Peninsula, then the Snaefellsness Peninsula, the West Fjords and the Cercle d’Or .

Visit Iceland on motorhome for two weeks

In two weeks, it is possible to make the tour of the island, taking mainly the circular road N1. Start with the Golden Circle, then go south, and explore Vik y Myrdal, Vatnajökull National Park and Skaftafell, Eastern Fjords, Husavik and Myvatn Lake, Akureyji, West Fjords, and Reyknanes Peninsula.

Visit Iceland on motorhome for three weeks

Same circuit as above, including the Askja volcano, the Thrihnukagigur volcano and the Vestman Islands.

How and where to rent a motorhome in France?

If you want to leave directly from home, know that it is possible to rent a camping-car in France . For more ease, you can go through the Yescapa application.

However, if you made this choice, you should go to Denmark to take a ferry. The last Iceland/continental Europe line connects the ports of Hirtshals to Denmark and Seyðisfjörður. A stopover for the Faroe Islands is offered to you. However, the cost is not negligible for the 2 day crossing.

How does it work?

• At first, you have to choose the motorhome in your city (For example Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, Paris, Montpellier or Marseille).
• Choose the vehicle according to the type, the number of beds, but also the mileage formula. In addition, check that the owner authorizes the country to leave.
• Send an online rental request to the owner. In this, specify all the information about your trip.
• In case of acceptance, you will first meet the owner and visit the camper.
• On the day you leave, you will pay the deposit to the owner after the contract is signed. A state of the premises will be made to carry out the contract.
• There you go! You can go to Iceland by camping-car and enjoy your stay! When you return, you will simply make a state of the place.

How and where to rent a motorhome in Iceland?

If you go to Iceland by plane, know that it is possible to rent your camper on site. However, it is advisable to go through online platforms and book your camper before even leaving. This will allow you to have the vehicle you want to visit Iceland in fitted van or van.

On this type of site, the rental is very simple. Enter your travel dates as well as the city where you want to rent your camper. Search among those offered by number of seats, price and vehicle type. Then make a request and pay online if accepted. You'll receive a confirmation email, and that's it! All you have to do is go get it and visit Iceland in a fitted van or camper!

Driving in Iceland by camping-car : the rules to know

Overall, the rules of conduct in Iceland do not differ from those of the Western countries to which we are accustomed. However, there are differences that it is important to know. The main one relates to roundabouts. Vehicles coming out of a roundabout have priority, even if they are in the inner circle, it is therefore necessary to be very careful. Other innovations, for a non-Iceland driver, concern signs specific to the country. They contain indications in the language of the country, but are fortunately quite explicit. Find the signs that indicate the roads reserved for 4 x 4. You will not be able to borrow them if your vehicle does not include them. On the other hand, you can roll on the road portions that are not asphalted, useless to turn around if you see the sign "Malbik Endar"!

Some recommendations:

• the passing beam headlamps must be lit, even on the day;
• speed is limited to 90 km/h on asphalt road, 80 km/h on gravel road and 50 or 30 km/h in agglomeration;
• Even if there is little traffic, resist the temptation to make a minute stop on the edge of the road, to take a photo. The roads are generally narrow, as well as the low-côtes;
• Attention to sheep, who can decide to cross abruptly in front of your vehicle. Slow down when you see it on the roadside;
• If you drive in winter, learn about the weather and the state of the roads before leaving;
• service stations are not numerous and are often self-service. You will need to indicate the amount you want to pay. If you plan more than necessary, the distribution will stop, but your card will nevertheless be debited from the amount indicated. The surplus will be refunded quickly, but this may impact your commission fees. For example, you will need 7,000 crowns to get 30 litres and 9,000 for 40 litres.

The tolls

All roads are free of charge, including circular road N1. Near Akujeri, the Vaðlaheiði tunnel will cost you 1,500 crowns for less than 3.5 t, and 2,500 above. Attention, this toll must be paid on the site tunnel.is either before crossing the tunnel or within 3 hours. In case of non-payment within this period, the amount is increased by 1 000 kroner and the invoice sent to the claimant, which could add a commission...

Camping-car areas

The country is well equipped in camping pitches, you will not have difficulty finding one. Facilities and services vary depending on the location, some are very basic, some are luxurious. During the high season, it may be necessary to book in advance or at least check availability.

You will find a list and a map of the campercontact.com campsites. Buying a Camping Card can be a good deal if you use mainly the areas that are affiliated to it.

To search for unappointed free pitches, consider downloading the Park4night app. It should be noted, however, that since 2015, the wild camping site has been banned and is subject to heavy fines. You can only spend the night in a private property, if the owner authorizes you. This recent legislation is intended to protect vegetation, which grows only very slowly and regenerates for a long time.

How to get to Iceland on a motorhome?

If you want a total change, Iceland is undoubtedly the best choice. Only the journey is very special.

First of all, a classic road passage, by the same highways as to get by Norway or Sweden . We're going through Belgium or Switzerland according to the city of departure, then a departure from Germany and Denmark to the city of Hirtshals. The cost is estimated at about 160€ from Paris.

Then the ferry! Indeed, this small Danish port is the only one that, once a week, connects Iceland to the continent thanks to the Smyriline company. The journey takes nearly 3 days, for a high cost, about 750€ single go for two adults and the vehicle. The boat is quite comfortable and offers various bars and restaurants. The arrival is in Seydisfjordur, east of Iceland.

Once on site, enjoy this wonderful country with your camper!

What is the best season to visit Iceland on a motorhome?

The extreme weather conditions of the winter cause many road closures. In addition to this disadvantage, it is difficult to get a correct temperature in the camper. It is therefore preferable to focus on the summer period between June and September. You will enjoy long days of sunshine, which will facilitate your trips and facilities. In September, you may have the chance to observe Northern Lights.

Do not fear mosquitoes, they are very rare in Iceland, not to say absent. Small flyers can be present, however. They have the angry mania to want to penetrate all the holes in the face! You'll be less disturbed at the end of the season. To protect yourself, simply buy an anti-moustic net, to be placed on its cap or sun hat. These are available at a modest price in the service stations and supermarkets.