Introduction
Let me guess. You typed “fun things to do in Iceland” into Google and ended up here. Well, that means two things, you’re in the right place, and I’ve done my job correctly. Because not only am I about to serve you up a buffet of bucket list brilliance (yes, I somewhat confidently typed this), but we’re doing it campervan style. The freedom, the views, the midnight snack stops with a glacier as your backdrop, which makes one of the world’s most incredible road trips.
At Happy Campers, we believe Iceland was literally made to be driven. Not in a boring rental car where your knees are crushed and the heater is always on the wrong setting. No, no. We’re talking about your bed, kitchen, and adventure mobile all in one, with just the right balance of freedom and comfort.
Strap in. It’s going to be a wild (and wonderfully unique) ride.
Why Iceland is Perfect for a Road Trip
Are you looking for something incredibly scenic? Iceland’s got it. Volcanic eruptions, the geyser Strokkur going off as regularly as my fellow countrymen when they hear ‘Free from desire’ after a football match, and waterfalls around every bend. It’s as if nature cranked up the chaos dial and forgot to turn it back down.
But here’s the thing. Iceland isn’t made for staying still. The best parts such as the steamy rivers, volcanic craters, and lava fields, are not parked conveniently next to a hotel lobby. You need wheels. And preferably ones you can sleep in.
A campervan lets you chase the good weather, the late-night sunsets, and that suspiciously troll-shaped rock you swore just moved (I’m looking at you Reynisdrangar). You can wake up under the Northern Lights, cook breakfast beside a glacier, and still be in your pyjamas. That’s the magic.
What Makes Iceland Fun: Fire, Ice & Adventure
In short, if you’re after waterparks and rollercoasters, you’ve taken a very wrong turn (probably at Greenland).
In Iceland, fun means plunging into hot springs with snow around you, glacier hikes where you feel like you’re on the set of Interstellar (spoiler: you might be), as well as puffins, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and sheep with excellent side-eyes.
It’s not just about sightseeing. It’s about feeling tiny next to a volcano, or shaking holding your phone for a selfie Strokkur explodes, about that quiet moment when a whale surfaces beside your boat, or even just the sound of the crack of glacier while you’re out watching the Northern Lights for the first time (I swear I’m not bursting into song writing this).
Fun in Iceland is immersive, exhilarating, and yes, occasionally it smells like sulphur (rotten egg shower smells…but you get used to it).
How to Use This Guide (Route ideas + regional highlights)
You can, of course, consider winging your approach to travelling around Iceland, but on experience I highly recommend you at least set some initial structure. So, if you want to build a loose route around the best bits, this guide should be your roadmap.
We’re diving into 19 of the most fun, must-do activities across the country. Whether you’re doing the whole Ring Road, sticking to the South Coast, or dabbling in the Golden Circle, we’ve got you.
Need help choosing your route? We’ve got specific road trip itineraries for every kind of adventure, from the full Ring Road ride to quickfire 3-day South Coast sprints. And if you still can’t decide, maybe it’s time to embrace the Happy Chaos method: drive until something cool appears, then pull over and enjoy the magic.
Ok, that’s enough with the shameless self-promotion, let’s get into it.
Our 19 Recommended Top Fun Things to do in Iceland
19. Soak in the Blue Lagoon’s Geothermal Waters
Yes, it’s very well-known, and yes it’s very touristy. But honestly? Still worth it. That milky blue water and steamy atmosphere make it feel like the most surreal spa day you can imagine. Located near the airport, it’s the perfect first or last stop on your trip.
Pro tip: book well in advance to ensure you can get a date and time that works for you.
Full disclosure, yes, the Blue Lagoon does currently sit within an active volcanic zone with regular fissure eruptions often a little too close for comfort (at the time of writing). But, rest assured no-one has ended up fried, over-easy, or sunny-side up yet. In fact, there are rigorous evacuation procedures which you’ll be made fully aware of on entry.
18. Walk Behind the Iconic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is the only waterfall in Iceland you can actually walk behind, and yes, you will get at least a little wet. But that view from inside the cascade is worth every soggy sock.
Bonus: check out the nearby Gljúfrabúi, the hidden waterfall next door that’s just as cool and way less crowded…but, yes you’ll get even more drenched at the base of this cavern.
17. Glacier Hike on Sólheimajökull or Vatnajökull
Imagine crunching across blue ice with crampons and an axe, pretending you’re on a climate-focused version of Mission: Impossible. These glaciers are massive, ancient, and very photogenic. Local guides will make sure you don’t fall into a crevasse or accidentally become a Viking ice lolly.
The main difference between Sólheimajökull and the various Vatnajökull glacier tongues (other than the fact they are totally different glaciers), is the dark-tinge you’ll see climbing, or even just looking at, Sólheimajökull, which is ash remnant from the 2010 eruption of eyjafjallajökull (go on, try and pronounce it!)
16. Explore an Ice Cave Beneath a Glacier
These caves are carved by meltwater and look like crystal-blue cathedrals. Only accessible with a certified guide in winter, and each year’s formations are different. That’s right, Iceland’s ice caves have more personality than most reality TV contestants (especially Love Island).
The reason for the difference every year is due to the fact that glaciers….move. The ice is continuously moving glacially, if you will. This then reshapes each pocket of space we find each year which creates the spectacularly unique ice caves.
15. Marvel at the Northern Lights Dancing Overhead
There are few things in life that silence a group of humans like the first time they stand beneath the Aurora Borealis. Find a dark spot, turn off the camper lights, grab a hot drink, and stare upwards. If they don’t show up, blame the clouds, not us.
To maximise your chances to seeing the lights, you’ll need to come in winter, clear skies, solar activity, and most importantly a lot of patience. The lights come in waves of recovery and expansion (the latter are known as sub-storms) which usually means you have intense periods of bright lights, followed by lulls whilst the solar activity builds up again for an encore.
14. Chase the Midnight Sun on a Summer Road Trip
Quiet roads in midnight sun
From May to August, Iceland says “what is sleep?” Instead of fighting it, lean in. Visit waterfalls at 1am, hike volcanoes in the middle of the night, and get that golden-hour glow for six hours straight. This is why eye masks were invented.
The Midnight Sun does provides a lot more adventure to the country, but for me at least, it tends to make insomnia and irregular sleeping patterns a sport.
13. Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Its Basalt Columns
Dramatic doesn’t begin to cover it. Here you’ll find towering basalt sea stacks (known as Reynisdrangar), crashing Atlantic waves, and sand so black it could’ve been baked by a dragon (sadly, it’s just volcanic). Don’t get too close to the water, though, as sneaker waves are no joke.
When you visit, make sure you heed the warnings and don’t stray to close to the water which sadly has led to too many fatalities.
12. Snorkel Between Continents in the Silfra Fissure
Yes, it’s cold. But, no, you won’t regret it. Silfra is a rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates filled with glacier-clear water. Visibility is over 100 metres, and it’s like floating in liquid glass. Possibly the only time you’ll say “I froze my face off…and loved it.”
This surreal diving opportunity should be on every able-bodied travellers bucket list of Iceland.
11. See Puffins Nesting on Cliffs in Summer
Puffins. The clowns of the bird world. They arrive in spring and stick around until early August, usually nesting on cliff edges like Látrabjarg or Dyrhólaey. Bring a zoom lens and prepare for cuteness overload.
These charismatic birds provide extra life to our summer months with the added benefit of luring travellers to some truly awesome and lesser-known parts of Iceland.
10. Take a Zodiac Boat Ride on Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Glide between floating icebergs with seals posing like they’re mid-shoot for Playboy. This surreal lagoon is one of the few places in the world you’re able to cruise up to the edge of a glacier and navigate through the giant icebergs that make their way out to sea.
If you pair it with a stop at Diamond Beach right across the road, where ice chunks wash up on black sand like nature’s art project, you have hours of picture opportunities amongst a very surreal environment.
9. Drive the Golden Circle and See Strokkur Geyser Erupt
The Golden Circle is the most popular tourists trail in Iceland for a reason. Geysir (the original geyser), Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park are all part of this scenic route. Perfect for campervan newbies or those short on time. Importantly, it’s explorable year-round.
There are also a great deal of extra activities you can enjoy in this region, from snowmobiling on a glacier from Gullfoss, to exploring an ice cave, Icelandic horse riding, and more.
Also, unless things change dramatically in the time you’re reading this, the erupting geyser you’ll see is actually that of Strokkur, as Geysir itself, has been somewhat dormant for a little while now.
8. Snowmobile Across Langjökull Glacier
I alluded to this above, but it’s an experience that will is a bit like James Bond meets Arctic explorer. Zoom across the second-largest glacier in Iceland while feeling the kind of thrill you only get when combining speed with ancient ice. Tours often leave from Gullfoss, making this the ultimate day-trip add-on.
It’s a great way to add a bit of exhilaration to your Golden Circle travels. But, if you’re feeling extra daring, you can also try this along the south coast at Myrdalsjökull where you’ll snowmobile over Europe’s largest active volcano, Katla. Now, that’s some extra spice.
7. Relax in a Natural Hot Spring in the Highlands
Landmannalaugar is the big one, it’s a geothermal wonderland with a warm river perfect for soaking after a hike through colourful rhyolite mountains. Only accessible in summer with a 4×4, but oh boy, it’s worth every bump in the road. Along with Þórsmörk it’s one of the most visited Highland regions, but everyone from the terrain, to the colour, and surrounding hot springs makes it one not to miss if you’re heading over in summer.
6. Photograph Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufell translates to ‘church mountain’, and trust me, you’ve seen this mountain before. It’s the pointy one that looks like it was designed by an overachieving geometry student, formally known as the mountain shaped like an arrowhead from Game of Thrones (congrats you’ve made it over the wall).
Frame your shot with Kirkjufellfoss waterfall in front and you’ve got one of Iceland’s most iconic photos waiting to happen. If you’re coming in winter, this is one of the best locations for photography nerds like me to get that classic picture or timelapse of the Northern Lights.
5. Go Whale Watching in Húsavík, the Whale Capital
The OG (original gangsta for Gen X and older) of Icelandic whale watching lies in Húsavík. Spot humpbacks, minkes, and maybe even a blue whale if the sea gods are feeling particularly generous. Boats here are eco-friendly and often guided by marine biologists.
It’s great if you’re able to bring some binoculars to enhance the experience, but my main tip is to check the weather forecast first. Anything that might be a little rocky will need some stern sea legs up in this freezing waters.
4. Visit the Westfjords and Spot Arctic Foxes
white arctic fox in snow
Remote, rugged, and absolutely gorgeous. The Westfjords are where you go when you want fewer people and more puffins, cliffs, and dramatic roads along some of the most incredible fjords, and past even more towering waterfalls like Dynjandi (folklore time: this was meant to be the bridal veil of a jilted giantess).
This is also one of the few places to spot the elusive Arctic fox. The best region to find them is in Hornstrandir where they nest far away from people. I personally take this as a pretty clear hint, and I’ve out-stayed my welcome many many times!
3. Hike to Svartifoss, the Basalt Column Waterfall
Located in Skaftafell National Park, this beauty is surrounded by jet-black basalt columns that look like organ pipes forged in Mordor. The hike, however, is a bit more Hobbiton. It’s short and sweet with glacier views on the way up as well as a couple ofextra waterfalls you’ll pass through whose exact names I don’t quite recall. This is often a good base camp to stay a night at, with Skaftafell campsite right there.
2. Explore the Lava Fields and Volcanic Craters of Lake Mývatn
Bubbling mud pots, pseudo craters, lava pillars, and steam vents. It’s Iceland’s extreme answer to another planet, and with at least one claimed entry to hell (clearly the old Icelanders had never visited my home town in the UK) at Dimmuborgir. Visit in summer for birds, in winter for snow-draped weirdness.
1. Take the Ferry to the Westman Islands and Visit Puffin Paradise
Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar
Heimaey is puffin central during summer, and the island also has a gripping volcanic story thanks to a 1973 eruption that half-buried the town.
Hike Eldfell volcano, visit the Eldheimar Museum, and soak in the views. A short ferry ride takes you from the mainland to one of Iceland’s most unique detours. Or if you’re feeling daring why not try the short flightover from Reykjavík where the plane relies on the geothermal heat to push the plan just the right distance above the cliff to land at the airport perfectly. If you didn’t studdy convection currents in school, then you’ll learn pretty quickly how this works!
Seasonal Experiences Not to Miss
Iceland Summer Road Trip Fun
Summer in Iceland is like a cheat code for road trips (even better than getting a tank in GTA 3). Long days. Barely any night. Waterfalls glowing in the midnight sun. You’ll find campsites in full swing, Highland roads open for business, and every puffin in the country ready for their moment (mainly just to stumble as you’re finally pressing the shutter).
It’s the best season for hot spring soaks in Landmannalaugar at 1am, or even a glacier picnic by your campervan before bed. This is peak vanlife season, where spontaneity wins and your only problem is remembering to sleep, because the daylight hours peak to a crazy 21 hours in June around the solstice.
Iceland Winter Road Trip Magic
Sure, it’s colder. And yes, the days are shorter. But Iceland in winter brings a kind of magic the summer can’t touch. Frozen waterfalls, empty roads, and steamy geothermal pools under the stars. And of course, the Northern Lights dancing above your camper is something everyone needs to see at least once in their lifetime (for me even thousands of times is not enough – for me or my camera memory card!)
Winter’s the time for cosy evenings in your heated van, snow-covered landscapes, and a slower pace that makes every hot drink feel earned. Just be smart about road conditions and use our winter travel tips to plan safely. It’s the season for earning memories, not merely making them.
Top Road Trip Routes in Iceland
When it comes to campervan adventures in Iceland, I’m not going to say something cringe like the journey is the destination, I’m not Katy Perry…the adventure is the destination. See way different!
These iconic road trip routes aren’t just about getting from A to B, they’re about chasing waterfalls, pulling over for wild hot springs, and turning every scenic stretch into a photo op. Whether you’ve got a day, a weekend, or two weeks to play with, here are the best road trip routes to match your vibe and timeline.
The Golden Circle (Day Trip from Reykjavík)
Short on time? This 300km loop is the perfect focus for a full day out. You get a concentrated dose of geothermal magic, dramatic history, and roaring waterfalls, all within easy reach of Reykjavík.
First up is Þingvellir National Park, where you can literally walk between tectonic plates and soak up the spot where Iceland’s first parliament met (in 930 AD, no big deal). Then there’s Geysir with the spouting Strokkur, which erupts like clockwork every few minutes (or a Scottish train – always at unpredictable times and sometimes all at once). Finish off at the powerful Gullfoss, a double-tiered waterfall so dramatic it nearly became a hydroelectric dam (thankfully, it didn’t).
Make it a full day or even an overnight adventure. Stay in Laugarvatn campsite, home to the steamy Fontana Baths, or Hveragerði, where you can hike to Reykjadalur hot spring and eat bread baked in geothermal steam. It’s a loop you’ll remember, and one that’s perfect for easing into Iceland’s natural madness before hitting the longer routes.
The South Coast (2–4 Days)
Waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, volcanic plains, and some of Iceland’s most iconic stops. The south coast has it all, and then some. It’s the most dramatic and action-packed stretch of Route 1 and an ideal playground for first-time campervanners looking for jaw-dropping views without veering too far off course.
You’ll start strong with Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind, followed closely by Skógafoss (head to Kvernufoss for some extra privacy), which is basically what happens when a thunderstorm meets a rainbow. Continue to the glacier tongue Sólheimajökull, where you can hike with crampons or just marvel at the ancient ice from the base. In Vík, you’ll find the world-famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Reynisdrangar sea stacks, where basalt columns line the cliffs and sneaker waves remind you who’s boss.
Further along is Fjaðrárgljúfur, a winding mossy canyon straight out of Game of Thrones (and yes, it was in the show but with a couple of extra dragons you are unlikely to see), and then there’s Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where blue icebergs float and seals casually chill. Across the road, the Diamond Beach sparkles with chunks of ice scattered across black sand daring you to waste your entire memory card.
Want to stretch it out? Spend a night or two in Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, where you can hike to Svartifoss, the basalt-column waterfall, or head up to a glacier lookout for epic views.
Whether you’re sticking to 2–3 days or spending a full week lingering at every pull-off and hot pot, the South Coast delivers non-stop scenery, easy-to-access campsites, and no shortage of unforgettable moments.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula (1–2 Days)
They call it “Iceland in Miniature” for good reason, and they’re not kidding. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula crams in a ridiculous amount of natural beauty and geological diversity into a stretch that’s manageable in just a couple of days. You’ll find lava fields that look like dragon hide, windswept beaches, towering sea cliffs, glacier-capped volcanoes, mossy craters, coastal hikes, and fishing villages where time seems to slow down. And, yep, this can all be done in a day!
You’ll drive past the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, soak in views of Snæfellsjökull Glacier (whichis also the setting for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth), and explore caves, bird cliffs, and beaches like Djúpalónssandur that tell stories with their shipwreck remnants.
Stop at Arnarstapi for dramatic coastal views and basalt rock arches, or stretch your legs in Búðir, where a tiny black church sits surrounded by ancient lava, which against the backdrop of the mountain range is a great stop off for photographers (be prepared for others who are doing the exact same). The drive itself loops beautifully from Borgarnes to Stykkishólmur, offering some of the best detours off Route 1.
The Ring Road (7–10+ Days)
Now for the big one (no, this is not a Michael Scott reference). Iceland’s full circuit of Route 1, otherwise known as the ring road, is your all-access pass to waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches, sprawling fjords, charming fishing villages, and landscapes that look like they belong in a space documentary. It’s around 1,332 kilometres of wild beauty, and if you’ve got a week or more to explore, this is the ultimate road trip. This is the trip Jeremy Clarkson and the other two would do for sure.
We recommend 10 days minimum if you want to take it all in without rushing. Along the way, you’ll see the major sights like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón, Mývatn, and Goðafoss, with chances to go off-script into the Westfjords for total isolation or up to Húsavík and the rest of the famous Diamond Circle for whale watching. East Iceland, often overlooked, offers some of the most peaceful camping and stunning fjord-side roads in the country, as well as some fascinating stories such as the French history and signs still in the town of Fáskrúðsfjörður.
Want to see puffins? Plan a detour to Borgarfjörður Eystri. After geothermal spas? Slot in Mývatn Nature Baths. Craving wild, remote roads? Tackle the Westfjords. And don’t forget the North’s underrated gems of Akureyri, Hvítserkur, and the volcanic madness near Lake Mývatn.
Whether you stick to the main ring or layer in some detours, the Ring Road gives you a bit of everything Iceland has to offer, all from the comfort of your home-on-wheels.
As you can see there is so much more to visit than we can squeeze into an article to do it justice. In short, if you like nature and you have the time to spend, then this is trip for you.
Bonus: Hidden Gems Worth the Detour
Borgarfjörður Eystri (Puffins + Hiking)
Tucked away in East Iceland, this colourful village is puffin paradise come summer. But it’s also home to some of the best hikes in the country, with elf-touched trails, dramatic peaks, and hardly any tourists. The drive in is a bit wild, but the payoff? Massive.
Húsafell & Hraunfossar
West Iceland’s best-kept secret. A tiny forested hamlet with hot springs, waterfalls, and access to Langjökull’s glacier caves. Hraunfossar is a waterfall that looks like it’s just leaking out of lava, because well, it is. And around the corner you’ll find Barnafoss, a much more powerful plunder, but ensuring you still get two waterfalls for the effort of one.
Seyðisfjörður (East Iceland’s Art Capital)
Quirky, colourful, and impossibly picturesque. This fjord town in the east looks like it was cut out of a future Disney movie, complete with a rainbow road. Amazing for photography, peaceful nights, and browsing local art galleries with a waffle in hand. As you travel over the mountain to reach the town, you may also notice that this road featured in the skateboard scene of the Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Secret Hot Springs & Local Pools
We’re not naming them all as that would ruin the fun. But trust us, there are geothermal gems hidden in just about every corner of Iceland given the volcanic bedrock we churn (I mean live) on. Some are wild and remote, others are tucked into friendly local villages, and a few require a cheeky hike past a waterfall or two. From roadside tubs with glacier views to secret river soaks in the Highlands, your best hot spring experience might just be the one you stumble upon.
A few not-so-secret favourites to get you started: Hellulaug in the Westfjords offers coastal soaking perfection right by the road. Seljavallalaug, Iceland’s oldest pool, hides in a valley near Eyjafjallajökull and is worth the short hike in despite the dark and damp ‘changing rooms’. In the East, Hoffell offers beautiful stone tubs with mountain views, perfect after a day exploring Vatnajökull.
Then there’s Reykjadalur hot springs, where you hike into the hills above Hveragerði to soak in a naturally warm river, and Krossneslaug, where the pool meets the open ocean at the literal edge of the map. And yes, there’s even a tub called the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, which isn’t exactly a secret anymore but still a lovely stop if you’re in the region.
To get your soak on without the stress of guesswork, check out our full map of Iceland’s hot springs.
Conclusion
We told you it was going to be fun. And weird. And a little wet. But most of all, unforgettable. Whether you ticked off every single thing or made your own path through mossy lava fields, a campervan road trip in Iceland is one of the best ways to connect with nature, your travel mates, and frankly, yourself (still, not Katy Perry).
From puffins to geysers, Northern Lights to midnight dips, you’ve now got the ultimate list of fun Icelandic experiences. So the only question left is: where are you parking up first?
If you need help planning your route, booking your van, or figuring out which side of the road we drive on (hint: it’s the right), we’ve got you covered, so book your campervan today and get planning.
Your adventure starts now. Let’s hit the road.
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