Planning to explore Iceland by campervan this year? 2025 has some awesome new stops you’ll want to add to your route! Whether you’re up for a relaxing soak, a whale-watching cruise, a Viking-style dinner in a cave, or checking out ancient manuscripts, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Here’s your guide to the best new places, experiences, and local finds for travelers who prefer their bed on wheels and their plans wide open.
New Places to Soak
Laugarás Lagoon is planned to open in summer 2025. Image courtesy: laugarasalagoon.is
Laugarás Lagoon (Golden Circle)
A new geothermal lagoon is set to open near Laugarás village in June 2025 (subject to change). Think fewer crowds, more relaxation—and it’s easy to swing by after a day exploring the Golden Circle.
Highland Baths (Kerlingarfjöll)
Entering its first full season after opening in 2024, the Highland Baths deliver a rare chance to soak deep in Iceland’s central highlands. Tucked near the Highland Base resort, this spot feels far from civilization, but without sacrificing comfort.
Looking for even more geothermal soaking spots? Check out our map of pools and hot springs for campervan travelers.
New Cultural and Outdoor Stops
Eyjafjörður: A Fresh Whale Watching Hub
Five harbors along Iceland’s longest fjord—Dalvík, Hauganes, Árskógssandur, Hjalteyri, and Akureyri—are launching daily whale-watching tours in 2025. Expect a smoother sail thanks to the fjord’s shelter and a better chance of spotting humpbacks and minkes without the crowds found elsewhere.
Grindavík Reopens: Cautiously, But Open
The fishing town of Grindavík, evacuated during the volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in late 2023, is gradually reopening to visitors. While the community remains much smaller, a few restaurants are back up and running.
Important: The town is under close monitoring, and civil defense sirens are in place. Always check SafeTravel for current advice before visiting the area.
If you’re venturing toward the Blue Lagoon or driving around Reykjanes, you’ll be confronted with a sobering but powerful reminder of Iceland’s ever-changing landscape.
New for History Buffs: World in Words Exhibition
Iceland’s literary history isn’t just about sagas you hear around campfires—it’s about real manuscripts, some of which are finally going on public display.
At the new World in Words exhibition, hosted by EDDA Research Center in Reykjavík, you can explore original medieval texts that tell the stories of Iceland’s earliest days, where honor, power, and everyday life come alive on ancient pages. Perfect for a day when you want to dive deep into the island’s cultural roots.
Cool New Places to Eat
Even if you have a campervan kitchen, sometimes you want something a little special, and Iceland’s new food stops deliver:
Viking Feast in the Caves of Hella
Hótel Rangá and the Hella Caves have teamed up to create a candlelit Viking feast experience. Picture gravlax, lamb shanks, live music, and thousand-year-old sandstone walls. It’s an atmospheric splurge that’s worth planning a night around.
Viking feast at Caves of Hella. Photo courtesy: cavesofhella.is
American School Bus Café (South Coast)
Right near the caves, this quirky coffee shop operates out of a bright yellow school bus. Perfect for a quick espresso stop before hitting the next stretch of Route 1.
Friðheimar Wine Bar (Golden Circle)
Already famous for its tomato-themed restaurant, Friðheimar has opened a brand-new wine bar on-site. Great for groups, casual hangouts, or the occasional concert, it’s a stylish twist on Iceland’s greenhouse food scene.
Quick Tips for 2025 Campervan Travel
- Swimsuit ready: Hot pools are blooming across Iceland. Keep it handy!
- Not sure how camping works in Iceland? Our complete guide will get you road-ready in no time.
- Stay weather-aware: Iceland’s mood can change fast—check www.vedur.is daily.
- Support small towns: Places like Grindavík could use your business now more than ever.
Your Adventure, Your Way
With so many new places to explore—whether it’s soaking in a hidden lagoon, spotting whales in a quiet fjord, wandering ancient caves, or stepping into the world of medieval manuscripts—there’s never been a better time to experience Iceland on your own terms.
Traveling by campervan means you don’t have to rush or stick to rigid schedules. You can linger longer at the River Baths, pull over for a spontaneous whale sighting in Eyjafjörður, or sip coffee inside a yellow school bus before deciding your next move. It’s about waking up to the sound of nearby hot springs, chasing the best weather, and letting the island unfold at your pace.
With your campervan as your basecamp, every trailhead, every fjord, every café and hot pool is just a short drive (or spontaneous detour) away.
This year, let your journey be as open as the Icelandic skies.
See you out there—and happy camping!
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