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

Iceland feels less like a checklist when you drive your own pace. This 5-day campervan self-drive pairs a planned route with real freedom, plus pickup from Keflavík so your first hours are not chaos.

I especially like that the schedule mixes big-name stops with practical geothermal breaks, and the package leans into comfort with a quality campervan, Wi-Fi, and campsite fees handled.

One consideration: you still pay extra parking fees at several major viewpoints, so budget for those add-ons and plan when you stop.

If you like road time, this is a strong way to do it. It is also a private setup, so your group drives together instead of sharing vans with strangers.

Key points before you go

• Airport and hotel pickup from Keflavík area between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, plus a free drop-off shuttle at the end
• Booked highlights like the Katla Ice Cave super jeep and the Rye Bread geothermal experience
• Wi-Fi and an Easy Guide tablet, helpful for route decisions and on-the-fly adjustments
• Campsite fees included, but electricity use at campsites is excluded
• Self-drive means you handle timing and driving, while the itinerary keeps the day structured

The smart mix here, plan plus real self-drive freedom

This tour works because it does two things at once. You get a pre-made itinerary with the right stops and booked activities, but you still drive yourself from place to place. That matters in Iceland, where weather and road conditions can change your best arrival time.

I like that it feels private. Your group handles the driving and meals on your schedule, but you are not stuck guessing which detours are worth the time. The result is less stress and more time for standing still and looking.

The name Northern Lights Adventure Camper Break is a hint, not a guarantee. Your days are structured around daytime sights, so you will want to keep your evenings flexible at campsites for aurora chances if conditions are right.

Price and logistics that actually affect your day

At $1,125.85 per person for about 5 days, the value is in the “logistics bundle,” not just the scenery. You are paying for the campervan, the included basics around it, and the itinerary that locks in key paid experiences.

Here is the practical breakdown:

• You get a quality campervan and a “zero-risk coverage” item (details are not included here, so confirm what it covers).
• Airport transfer is included, and campsite fees are included, which cuts down on the small-but-annoying costs.
• Gas, Wi-Fi, and an Easy Guide tablet are listed as included extras, which helps you travel without constant stops for essentials.

Watch-outs that matter:

• Fuel is listed under Not Included, even though Gas is listed under Included. That can be confusing. Before you pay, ask CampEasy what is covered (and how it is measured) so you are not surprised at return time.
• Parking fees are not included at multiple stops, even when the actual attraction is free to enter.

Getting picked up at Keflavík, then collecting your camper at Selvík

Most road trips start with a messy airport transfer. Here, you get a free shuttle from Keflavík International Airport or from your chosen hotel in the Keflavík area.

The pickup runs between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, and you are picked up for the meeting point at Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík. The CampEasy office is described as just 5 minutes from the airport, which helps your start feel quick.

For driving, the tour requires:

• Driver age minimum is 20
• You need a valid international driving license for the vehicle type, valid for at least 12 months at pickup

Practical tip: during pickup, take notes and double-check how the heating, water, and power work. The most frequent campervan frustration is never the scenery, it is basic setup.

Campervan comfort and power at night, based on real-world feedback

You are not just renting a box on wheels. The comfort level can make or break an Iceland trip, especially when nights are cold.

Based on feedback from the people who used these campers, the strongest praise points are:

• Heating that performs even with heavy use
• Batteries that last longer than people expect, even when running heat for long stretches
• Clean, comfy interiors, plus campers described as carefully maintained

One review specifically highlighted comfort during snow and ice driving, and another focused on long battery life after many hours of nonstop heating. That is exactly what you want to hear for Iceland winters.

Also, you get an Easy Guide tablet. That is helpful because you still steer the trip, but you have a built-in way to sanity-check timing, directions, and stop order.

Day 1: Reykjanes Peninsula, geothermal vents, and that continental-plate moment

Day 1 is a smart opener because it starts you with scenery that is dramatic and close to Keflavík. You begin with a shuttle to the CampEasy office area and then hit four Reykjanes highlights.

Leif the Lucky, the Bridge Between Continents

You stop at the famous Leif the Lucky (Miðlína) Bridge, where you can literally position yourself between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It is short and iconic, and it sets the theme for the rest of the peninsula.

Gunnuhver Hot Springs

Gunnuhver gives you steam vents, hot mud pools, and mineral-shaped terrain. It is the kind of place where you feel Iceland working under your feet. Plan for wind and cold, because steam areas can be chilly even when the ground is active.

Kleifarvatn Lake

Kleifarvatn is a simple, quiet break. It is the largest lake in the Reykjanesbær peninsula area and described as one of Iceland’s deepest, with near 100 meters depth. The point here is contrast: lava ground, moss, and reflections instead of constant walking.

What to watch on Day 1: the tour lists short-to-medium stop times and says admissions are free for these stops. Parking fees are not flagged for these specific Day 1 items, but always check on arrival, since parking policies can vary.

Day 2: Golden Circle plus the Skógafoss punch, with Rye Bread included

Day 2 is the big route day, packed with Golden Circle sites plus extra southward stops. This is the day to make sure you start early and keep your layers ready.

Þingvellir National Park (Golden Circle start)

Þingvellir is both geological and historical, tied to continental drift and the splitting of the crust. The visit itself is free, but you pay a parking fee not included in the tour.

Bring shoes you can trust on uneven ground. This is not just a photo stop if you want to actually look around.

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths and the Rye Bread tour

This is a great “slow down” stop. You get a Rye Bread tour at 11:45 AM, where the dough is cooked using geothermal heat. Then you soak in warm Fontana Bath waters with a lake view.

If you want a bonus cultural break, there is a Fridheimar Restaurant and Farm recommendation nearby. It is only a recommendation, and any admission or booking is your responsibility.

Geysir and Strokkur

At Geysir, you are there for Strokkur, described as shooting warm water columns up to 15 meters. It is short and satisfying, and the best part is timing it with repeat eruptions.

Gullfoss Falls

Gullfoss is the kind of waterfall you remember. It drops down from about 32 meters into a narrow gorge. The viewing area can be busy, so build in patience.

Seljalandsfoss and walking behind the waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is 60 meters high and notable because you can walk behind it. The entrance to the waterfall area is free, but parking fees are not included.

Bring a waterproof layer if you plan to go behind it. You will get sprayed.

Skógafoss

Skógafoss is fed by glacial meltwater and is powerful enough to bring rainbows and a constant mist effect. The tour lists this as free entry, with about an hour set aside.

Day 2 drawback to plan for: it is a long day of driving and multiple stops. Even though many entrances are free, you will still spend energy on parking, walking, and changing weather.

Day 3: South Coast classics, black sand, and Katla Ice Cave by super jeep

Day 3 is the “wow” day for most people. You go from Vík to glacier-cave adventure, then to dramatic coasts and canyons.

Vík in Mýrdal

Vík is your base moment on the south coast, with a black beach and nearby glaciers/rivers shaping the area. The stop is about 45 minutes, so treat it as a reset: quick look, snack, photos, then back on the road.

Katla Ice Cave by super jeep (4 hours, included)

This is the major booked activity on Day 3. You head out from Vík at 9:30 AM for a super jeep journey to the Katla Volcano area and explore the ice cave formed by lava and ice meeting.

This is not a quick roadside stop. It is a full 4-hour activity, and that is a big chunk of the day. It is included, which is nice because it is expensive and logistically annoying when you try to arrange it yourself.

Reynisfjara Beach and Reynisfjall cliffs

Reynisfjara is famous for basalt formations and the cliff wall at Reynisfjall. The stop includes time near the basalt columns and viewpoints over the Atlantic.

Short stop, but it is visually intense.

Dyrhólaey and its sea arch

Dyrhólaey is described as the remains of a former island, with a 120 meter rock formation and a big hole. It is also home to many bird species, and there is a promenade for easy walking.

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur is sinuous, dramatic, and ringed by cold river scenes and grazing sheep. It is also noted for being used in a Justin Bieber music video, which is a fun trivia fact, but the real reason to go is the canyon shape and calmness.

Systrafoss, plus a quick extra option for Stjórnarfoss

You can stop at Systrafoss for views from a short hike. There is also an optional note to drive 5 minutes further to see Stjórnarfoss.

Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell gives you walking paths, including one leading to Svartifoss, the black waterfall surrounded by dark basalt columns. Park entry is free, but parking fees are not included.

Day 3 planning tip: this is the day where you should pick one or two “walks” seriously. If you try to do every short walk, you might feel rushed and tired by the time you get back to the camper.

Day 4: Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, then overnight near Selfoss

Day 4 brings you right into glacier country. You get two headline ice scenes and then a drive to Selfoss for the night.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is a black sand shoreline with blocks of glacier ice scattered around. In sunlight, it can literally look like diamonds, because of the way the ice catches light.

Staying warm matters here. Wind + wet ground is the usual combo.

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

Next you visit Jokulsárlón, where icebergs float after breaking free from Vatnajökull glacier. The lagoon is described as about 90 years old when the bottom tongue started melting.

This stop is short, but it is worth it. Ice moves slowly, and you can keep photographing as the light changes.

Selfoss for the night

Then you drive to Selfoss, described as about 50 km from Reykjavík, and spend tonight there. You get time to rest, eat, and prepare for the final day.

Day 4 drawback: it is a lot of driving. Even if the stops are short, the scenery day is physically tiring because you are always looking around and adjusting to weather.

Day 5: Reykjavik sea sculpture, Harpa, and Hallgrímskirkja tower views

Day 5 finishes strong with Reykjavik highlights near the city center and a clean end to your campervan.

Sun Voyager

You start at the Sun Voyager sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason. It is placed by the sea with mountains in the background, and it is meant to convey hope and freedom.

This is a perfect first stop because it is quick and the setting helps you re-orient after days of road travel.

Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa’s architecture is described as inspired by Icelandic nature. The building visit is free, with a small parking fee not included.

If you like design and glass facades, you can spend a little time just watching the way light hits the interior spaces.

Hallgrimskirkja

Hallgrimskirkja church is near downtown and Rainbow Street. Entry to the church is free, but going up the tower requires a separate admission fee not included.

If you want a city overview, tower time is the best choice. It can turn a flat day of driving into a memorable final viewpoint.

Optional add-on: Blue Lagoon

There’s an optional suggestion to relax at the Blue Lagoon before departure. It is not included, and you need to book entry yourself on the Blue Lagoon website.

Drop-off back to Keflavík

After Reykjavik, you return the campervan and take a free shuttle to Keflavík International Airport or your chosen Keflavík hotel.

This final part is important. You do not want a stressful last hour if your flight time is early.

What is actually included, and where extra costs can sneak in

Here is what you should treat as real value in the package:

• Campervan plus key trip essentials like gas and Wi-Fi (again, confirm the fuel vs gas wording)
• Easy Guide tablet and an expert-made itinerary
• Booked activities, including Katla Ice Cave and the geothermal Rye Bread tour
• Airport transfer and campsite fees
• Zero-risk coverage (verify what it includes)

The items you should plan for separately:

• Parking fees at multiple sites (Þingvellir, Seljalandsfoss, and more)
• Fuel, and any electricity use at campsites
• Flights
• Food and beverages, except where a restaurant or tasting is included in the tour day format
• Personal accident insurance is not included unless you are driving or passenger (check wording in your booking)

My practical advice: build a small buffer budget just for parking and convenience stops. Iceland is famous for big-ticket tours, but it is usually the little charges that make the trip feel more expensive than expected.

Who this tour fits best, and who might want a different style

This works best for you if you:

• Want privacy and control of your driving schedule
• Like road trips and can handle weather changes
• Want major icons without spending days organizing transportation and paid activities
• Prefer a mix of guided-style structure and self-drive freedom

You might want a different setup if:

• You do not want to pay for parking add-ons at big sights
• You prefer a fully guided, turn-by-turn experience for every stop
• You want a longer stay in fewer places instead of a route-heavy 5 days

Should you book this 5-day self-drive camper break?

I’d book it if your goal is to see Iceland’s geothermal and south-coast highlights with less stress than planning from scratch. The combo of pickup, booked activities, campsite fees, and a campervan makes this feel like a “ready to roll” package.

I would not book it blindly if you hate extra small costs, or if you are not comfortable driving in winter conditions. This route also stacks a lot of stops into each day, so you should be the type who is happy to keep moving.

If you get your driving license sorted, plan for parking fees, and keep evenings open for possible aurora time, this trip style can be a very satisfying way to do Iceland.

FAQ

Do I need an international driving license?

Yes. The driver participant(s) 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.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available from Keflavík International Airport or from a previously selected hotel in the Keflavík area (12 hotels are selectable). The meeting point for the tour is Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík.

What activities are included versus optional add-ons?

Booked activities include the Katla Ice Cave experience and the Rye Bread geothermal tour at Laugarvatn Fontana. Fridheimar is a recommendation and not included, and Blue Lagoon is also an optional recommendation that you must book yourself.

Are parking fees included?

No. Parking fees are mentioned as not included for several stops, even when the attraction admission itself is free.

Is Wi-Fi included?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is listed as included.

Is fuel included?

Fuel is listed as not included. Gas is listed under included extras, so you should confirm what is covered in your specific booking.

What is the minimum age to drive?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and cut-off times are based on local time.