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

Iceland’s best moments often come between the famous stops: a black beach scattered with ice, steam rising from a hot spring, or a quiet road beside moss-covered lava. This seven-day private campervan tour gives you that freedom while taking care of the route, campsites, and major bookings. I especially like the included glacier ice cave outing and the Easy Guide tablet, which keeps directions and daily plans in one place. The main drawback is the pace. You cover a lot of ground, and fuel, food, parking, and several optional admissions are extra.

I also like the practical support from CampEasy. Airport pickup is included, late arrivals can use self-service arrangements, and staff members such as Natalia, Iris, Nicole, and Kamila are named in the company’s customer support responses. You should still be ready for Icelandic weather, changing road conditions, and long days behind the wheel. This is independent travel with a safety net, not a chauffeur-driven holiday.

What makes this Iceland campervan trip different

• A full South and West Iceland route: See Snæfellsnes, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, Vatnajökull, and Reykjanes in one week.
• An actual blue ice cave visit: A super jeep carries you toward a naturally formed cave before a guided walk on foot.
• Campsite fees are included: That removes one common daily expense from a campervan holiday.
• Your route is preplanned: The tablet guide provides directions and a day-by-day plan without paper maps.
• Geothermal bathing is built in: Krauma and Laugarvatn Fontana are included, with the Blue Lagoon offered as an optional extra.
• A good mix of famous and quieter stops: You get Gullfoss and Reynisfjara, but also Gerðuberg, Saxhóll, and Kleifarvatn.

A seven-day route that packs in Iceland’s greatest hits

At about $1,511.93 per person, this experience is not simply a van rental. The price includes the campervan, zero-risk coverage, campsite fees, the Easy Guide tablet, airport transfer, and selected activities. It also includes the booked Vatnajökull ice cave trip, Krauma, Fontana, and the Icelandic Lava Show.

That package can be good value if you plan to use the included activities. You would otherwise need to arrange transport, campsites, spa reservations, and a glacier excursion yourself. The trade-off is that you pay for a fixed seven-day plan, even if weather or fatigue makes you want to cut a stop.

Fuel is not included, and neither are meals, parking fees, electricity at campsites, personal accident insurance, traffic fines, or optional visits such as the Blue Lagoon, Hallgrímskirkja tower, Kerið crater, and Fridheimar. Budget for those costs before booking. The campervan’s kitchen equipment, cookware, bedding, fridge, gas stove, and sink are useful ways to keep food costs under control.

Day one: Keflavík to Reykjavík’s waterfront

Your first transfer is easy. A complimentary shuttle takes you from Keflavík International Airport or accommodation in Keflavík town to the CampEasy office, about five minutes away. At the end of the trip, the company can shuttle you back to the airport or your Keflavík accommodation if requested.

Reykjavík’s first stops are simple but worthwhile. The Sun Voyager sculpture sits beside the water with mountains behind it, while Harpa Concert Hall gives you a look at Icelandic architecture inspired by natural forms. Harpa itself is free to enter, but parking costs extra.

At Hallgrímskirkja, entry to the church is free. The tower costs about $9.20 for an adult and about $2 for children ages 7 to 16. I would consider the tower if the weather is clear, since the city view helps you get your bearings. You can also add FlyOver Iceland, but it is not included and must be booked separately.

This first day is fairly gentle, which helps after a flight. Still, the actual schedule depends on your arrival time. Do not count on fitting every Reykjavík option if your flight lands late.

Day two: Snæfellsnes brings cliffs, lava, and Kirkjufell

The Snæfellsnes day is one of the most varied parts of the route. At Gerðuberg, tall basalt columns form a remarkably regular cliff wall. The geometric shapes make this a good early stop, especially for photography, but the walk and viewing time can feel longer if weather is poor.

Búðakirkja is one of Iceland’s small black churches. It is a short, atmospheric stop near Búðir, where seals are sometimes seen offshore. At Arnarstapi, erosion has cut the Gatklettur arch into the rock. The coastline is dramatic, though you should stay alert near the edges.

The booked Vatnshellir visit takes you into an 8,000-year-old lava tube about 32 meters underground. You descend by spiral stairs with a helmet and headlamp. This is a more active stop than a viewpoint, and the minimum age for some activities on the trip is eight.

Djúpalónssandur adds a strong historical detail. The black pebble beach still has the lifting stones once used to test sailors’ strength, ranging from about 23 to 155 kilograms. Rusted remains from a shipwreck lie on the shore. Treat the beach with care, since the Atlantic here is powerful.

At Saxhóll, wooden steps lead to a volcanic crater about 100 meters deep. The walk is manageable, and the view reaches across lava fields toward the sea. You finish at Kirkjufellsfoss, paired with the distinctive Kirkjufell mountain. This is one of Iceland’s most photographed scenes, so expect the final stop to feel busier than the earlier ones.

Day three: waterfalls and a long soak at Krauma

Stykkishólmur gives you a quieter start. Walk up Súgandisey Island to its light beacon for a view over the harbor. The village is known for fish dishes, but meals are your own responsibility.

Hraunfossar is unlike a single-drop waterfall. Small streams emerge through lava rock and run across a broad riverbank. Nearby Barnafoss is more forceful, with water rushing through a narrow lava opening. Allowing two and a half hours at Hraunfossar gives you time to walk and look from several points.

Deildartunguhver is Europe’s largest hot spring. Water reaches about 97 degrees Celsius, so keep to the viewing areas. You can feel the heat without getting close to the dangerous water.

The reward is Krauma, a geothermal spa beside the spring. Its four pools use a steady natural flow and do not rely on chemicals to maintain water quality. Two hours here breaks up the driving and gives the day a pleasant finish. The spa entry is included, but bring your own food budget and check the timing carefully so you do not arrive late.

Day four: the Golden Circle with two geothermal baths

Þingvellir combines geology and national history. The park sits where tectonic plates are pulling apart, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Parking is not included, so expect a small extra charge. The planned 50-minute stop gives you a taste of the park, not a long walk through every area.

At Laugarvatn Fontana, you get two and a half hours in warm geothermal baths overlooking the lake. This is another included activity, and it makes the Golden Circle day less of a rush from viewpoint to viewpoint.

Geysir’s active star is Strokkur, which can send hot water up to 15 meters. The area also has fumaroles and mud pots. At Gullfoss, water drops 32 meters into a narrow gorge, often filling the air with spray and rainbows. Wear a waterproof layer if the wind pushes the mist toward the paths.

Fridheimar is an optional stop, not part of the included price. The farm uses geothermal energy to grow tomatoes and offers tomato-based dishes, horse breeding, and horse shows. Reservations are required by email or phone.

Kerið crater is about 3,000 years old and has a small entry fee of roughly $3. The red-toned rock and lake are attractive, but this is a brief stop compared with the larger waterfalls. You then head south to Seljalandsfoss, where a path goes behind the 60-meter waterfall. Waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear matter here.

Skógafoss closes the day with a broad, powerful curtain of water fed by glacier melt. It is a classic Iceland stop, but the spray can soak you quickly.

Day five: the glacier ice cave is the centerpiece

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon has steep curved walls, a cold river, and grassy slopes. Two hours gives you time to walk the marked viewing paths. The canyon is well known from a Justin Bieber video, but the natural form is the real reason to stop.

Diamond Beach is one of the trip’s most memorable locations. Ice blocks from the glacier wash onto black sand, where they can look like scattered glass or polished stones. The amount of ice changes, as does its size and shape, so do not expect one fixed view.

The main event is the half-day Vatnajökull ice cave trip. A local guide takes you by super jeep into the glacial valley, then leads a hike to a naturally formed blue ice cave. Because the cave reforms as summer melting changes the glacier, the shape and condition are different over time.

This is the least independent part of the tour, and that is a benefit. Glacier terrain calls for specialist equipment and judgment. The activity has a minimum height requirement of 102 centimeters for some participants, and you should arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes early. The tour lasts about three hours and 40 minutes, so keep the rest of the day flexible.

Day six: sea cliffs, black sand, and real lava

Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter rock formation with a large opening through it. The site is also home to many bird species. From the promontory, you get a broad view of the coast, but wind can be fierce.

Reynisfjara is famous for its black sand, basalt columns, and three rock formations offshore. The troll story adds local character, but the sea deserves your full attention. Stay well back from the water and follow posted warnings. The beach is beautiful and not a place for careless photos.

The Icelandic Lava Show in Vík is included. You watch real hot lava flow safely in a controlled reproduction of a volcanic eruption. It gives you a close look at volcanic heat without requiring a hike or special fitness.

The Skógar Museum is offered as an optional alternative. Its collection includes about 15,000 objects across three museums and six buildings. It is a useful choice if you want more cultural context, though the extra visit takes about an hour and a half including driving.

Day seven: Reykjanes and an easy airport finish

Kleifarvatn is one of the deepest lakes in Iceland, reaching nearly 100 meters. Lava and moss surround the water, and the scene is spare and quiet. You can add the Blue Lagoon from here, but admission is not included and must be booked separately. The suggested visit takes about two and a half hours including driving.

Gunnuhver brings you back to Iceland’s geothermal force, with steam vents, hot mud pools, mineral colors, and the Reykjanes lighthouse in the distance. At the Bridge Between Continents, you can stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.

The last stop is the CampEasy office, where you return the vehicle and can arrange the shuttle to the airport or Keflavík accommodation. The final day is practical, but allow enough time for vehicle return and your flight. Iceland’s weather can affect driving times.

What the campervan setup means for you

The van gives you control over meal times, photo stops, and rest breaks. You do not have to wait for a large coach, and only your group participates. The trade-off is responsibility. You must drive, watch the weather, pay attention to road conditions, and respect campsite rules.

The included campsite fees are a major convenience. Electricity and other campsite services are not included, so do not assume every facility comes with the basic overnight charge. Fuel is also separate.

The Easy Guide tablet is a smart feature. It replaces paper maps with a central source for directions and the planned route. CampEasy also offers self-service pickup, which is helpful for a late arrival. One customer report described a 2 a.m. arrival handled through self-service arrangements, though check-in times can vary.

The strongest pattern in the service feedback is practical support. CampEasy staff members, including Natalia, Iris, Nicole, and Kamila, are repeatedly associated with quick answers and help before and during the rental. That matters in Iceland, where a small question about the van or route can save time.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this for a couple, family, or small group that wants independence without spending weeks building a route. It suits people who enjoy driving, short walks, geothermal bathing, waterfalls, and outdoor scenery.

It is less suitable if you want a slow holiday with two or three nights in each place. The plan moves steadily, especially on the Snæfellsnes, Golden Circle, and South Coast days. It also requires a driver who is at least 20 years old, and some activities require a minimum age of eight or height of 102 centimeters.

Northern Lights viewing is possible during suitable dark hours and conditions, but no schedule can guarantee it. Your best approach is to treat the lights as a bonus rather than the sole reason to book.

Should you book the Northern Lights Adventure?

Book it if you want Iceland’s major sights, a real ice cave, geothermal baths, and the freedom of a private vehicle in one organized package. The included campsites, tablet guide, airport shuttle, and booked activities remove much of the planning work.

Skip it if you dislike driving, want a very relaxed pace, or need a strict all-inclusive budget. Add fuel, food, parking, optional admissions, and personal accident insurance to the advertised price. For active people who want structure without a group coach, this is a strong seven-day introduction to Iceland’s South and West.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at the CampEasy office at Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, with shuttle service available to the airport or Keflavík accommodation if requested.

Is airport pickup included?

Yes. A complimentary shuttle is offered from Keflavík International Airport or hotel accommodation in Keflavík town to the CampEasy office. Return airport or hotel transfer can also be requested at the end.

What is included in the price?

The package includes a quality campervan, zero-risk coverage, campsite fees, the Easy Guide tablet, a prepared route, selected booked activities, extras such as Wi-Fi and gas, and airport transfer.

Are fuel and food included?

No. Fuel, food, and beverages are not included. Parking fees, campsite electricity, personal accident insurance, traffic fines, and extra activities are also separate costs.

Which activities are included?

The included activities are the Vatnshellir lava cave, Krauma geothermal spa, Laugarvatn Fontana baths, the Vatnajökull ice cave tour, and the Icelandic Lava Show in Vík.

Are the Blue Lagoon and Hallgrímskirkja tower included?

No. The Blue Lagoon is an optional recommendation and must be booked separately. Hallgrímskirkja church entry is free, but the tower requires a separate admission fee.

What are the driver and fitness requirements?

The driver must be at least 20 years old, and participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness. Some activities have a minimum age of eight, while some also require a minimum height of 102 centimeters.