6 Days Self -Drive Tour with Pick Up – Hot Springs Iceland – 4×4 Campervan

Iceland’s best-known sights come with a welcome twist on this six-day self-drive: instead of returning to a hotel each night, you travel in a 4×4 campervan and sleep at campsites along the way. The route links geothermal pools, waterfalls, lava caves, a horse ride and Reykjavik, with an Easy Guide tablet to help you follow the plan.

I like two things in particular: the package includes several activities that can add up quickly when booked separately, and you get the freedom of your own vehicle without having to build the whole route from scratch. The campervan setup also gets strong marks for clear handovers and useful touches such as a good heater, though vehicle models can vary.

The main trade-off is pace. Six days hold a lot of stops, and you are still responsible for driving, fuel, parking fees and keeping to timed activity bookings. If you want long, unhurried visits or prefer not to drive, this is not the right fit.

• Two caves, one trip: Visit Vatnshellir, an 8,000-year-old lava tube, and Víðgelmir, Iceland’s largest lava cave.
• Hot-water breaks are built in: Included visits cover the Secret Lagoon, Krauma and Sky Lagoon.
• The route ranges widely: You go from Reykjanes and the Golden Circle to Borgarfjörður, Snæfellsnes and Reykjavik.
• A horse ride is included: The Heritage Tour at Eldhestar is scheduled for the morning of Day 2.
• Your bed travels with you: Campsite fees are included, but campsite electricity and other services cost extra.
• You stay in control: It is a private trip for your own group, but you do the driving and pay for fuel, parking and optional stops.

A campervan route with the big pieces planned

This is a private, self-drive package from CampEasy, starting and ending at its office near Keflavik Airport. It costs $1,451.81 per person and lasts about six days. The price includes a campervan, zero-risk coverage, an Easy Guide tablet, campsite fees, airport transfer and a number of booked activities.

The tablet is a useful part of the arrangement, not just a map. It holds the route, camper information, activity details and other travel tools. That can take some of the planning burden off your shoulders, although it does not replace good judgement about road conditions, weather or how much time you want to spend at each stop.

You get the independence of driving your own route, with the structure of pre-booked experiences. That balance is the package’s main appeal: you can make the stops at your own pace where the schedule allows, while knowing that key activities are already arranged.

Day 1: Reykjanes geology on the way from Keflavik

A complimentary shuttle takes you from Keflavik International Airport or a hotel in Keflavik town to the CampEasy office, about five minutes from the airport. After picking up the van, the suggested first stop is Viking World Museum, where a life-size Viking ship recalls Leifur Eiríksson’s voyage to North America. The museum is optional, and admission is not included.

The route then crosses the Bridge Between Continents, where you can stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is a short, accessible way to see the geology that shapes so much of Iceland, although the bridge itself is a modest stop rather than a full attraction.

At Gunnuhver, steam vents and bubbling mud pools bring the peninsula’s geothermal forces into view. The mineral-stained ground and Reykjanes lighthouse make for a striking setting, but stay on marked paths and keep a sensible distance from the hot ground.

Kleifarvatn provides a quieter finish to the day. This deep lake sits amid moss-covered lava, a contrast to the steaming ground at Gunnuhver. The first day gives you a taste of Iceland’s volcanic character without requiring a long list of paid attractions.

Day 2: Horses, a lagoon and the Golden Circle

The morning starts with the included Heritage Tour at Eldhestar, scheduled for 9 a.m. The ride lasts about two hours and 15 minutes and is presented as suitable for riders getting acquainted with Icelandic horses. It gives the day a more personal, rural note before the classic sights begin.

Next is Kerið, a roughly 3,000-year-old volcanic crater with a lake at its base. The walk is short, but there is a small admission fee that is not included. At Urriðafoss, you can watch the powerful Þjórsá, Iceland’s longest river, run over a low but broad waterfall.

Friðheimar farm is an optional stop nearby. It is known for horse breeding and a tomato farm heated with geothermal energy, with a restaurant serving tomato-based dishes. Plan for about an hour if you choose to visit, and remember that it is not part of the included activities.

The included visit to the Secret Lagoon is scheduled for 2 p.m. Built in 1891, the pool is supplied by hot water from the nearby Litli Geysir, which erupts every few minutes. A soak here is a welcome pause before the day’s final major sights, but the timing means you will need to keep an eye on the clock.

Gullfoss is an emphatic introduction to the Golden Circle. The waterfall drops 32 metres into a deep gorge, sending spray into the air on a windy day. At Geysir, Strokkur regularly sends hot water skyward, while steam vents and mud pots fill the surrounding geothermal area. The stops are rewarding, but popular, so expect to share the main viewing points.

Day 3: Þingvellir, Víðgelmir and two hot-water stops

The Golden Circle continues at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site valued for both geology and Icelandic history. You can see the effects of the plates pulling apart, visit Öxará waterfall and view Silfra Fissure. There is no park admission charge, but parking is paid separately.

The day’s major booking is Víðgelmir, an ancient lava cave in the Borgarfjörður area. Allow about three and a half hours for the visit. Inside, lava formations include stalactites and stalagmites, offering a different view of Iceland’s volcanic past from the open-air craters and waterfalls. This is one of the package’s most distinctive inclusions, but note that some activities have a minimum age of seven and a maximum weight of 120 kilograms.

After the cave, Hraunfossar sends many small streams through the lava and vegetation toward the river. Nearby Barnafoss is more forceful, with water rushing through a narrow lava channel. The two falls make an effective contrast, and the walk between them is short.

Reykholt adds a cultural pause at a historic site associated with Icelandic sagas. Then you stop at Deildartunguhver, where water at about 97°C bubbles up in huge quantities. View it from a safe distance; this is a geothermal spring to observe, not bathe in.

The day ends at Krauma, a spa beside the spring with four pools supplied by natural geothermal water. Its placement makes practical sense: you can see the source of the heat, then relax in the water it helps provide. With Víðgelmir, several falls and two geothermal sites, this is a full day.

Day 4: Snæfellsnes cliffs, black sand and lava tubes

Stykkishólmur’s Súgandisey Island Lighthouse is the first stop. A road links the harbour to the island, and a walk up the hill rewards you with views over the village and water. The suggested two-hour visit gives you time to explore, but you may want to adjust it if the day is running behind.

Grundarfoss is a less-visited waterfall, followed by the better-known Kirkjufellsfoss and the distinctive Kirkjufell mountain. The latter is famous for its layered shape and makes a memorable pairing with the falls. Allow time for photographs, but do not let the popular viewpoint consume the whole day.

At Svörtuloft, dark lava cliffs meet the Atlantic along a four-kilometre stretch. The bright orange lighthouse provides a sharp contrast against the black rock. Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach, adds a historical detail: stones once used to test sailors’ strength remain on the shore alongside remnants of a shipwreck.

At 2 p.m., you are scheduled to visit Vatnshellir, an 8,000-year-old lava tube about 32 metres underground. You descend a spiral staircase wearing a helmet and headlamp. The one-hour visit is a fine counterpoint to Víðgelmir, though anyone uneasy with stairs or enclosed spaces should consider that before booking.

The remaining stops are brief: Arnarstapi’s sea-carved Gatklettur arch, the black church at Búðir and the geometric basalt columns of Gerðuberg. Together they show how much of Snæfellsnes’ appeal lies in small roadside discoveries as well as headline sights.

Day 5: Reykjavik views, ice art and a seaside spa

Perlan, a museum built above four water tanks, opens the city day. The included Aurora Show is scheduled for 10 a.m. and explains the northern lights. It is a useful way to understand the phenomenon, especially if your trip does not coincide with clear skies or aurora activity.

Hallgrímskirkja is a short drive away. Its design echoes Iceland’s basalt forms, and the church is free to enter. A separate fee applies if you want to go up the tower for a panoramic view of Reykjavik.

Harpa Concert Hall is another worthwhile architectural stop, with a design inspired by Icelandic nature. The building is free to enter when no paid event is involved, but parking costs extra. The schedule then moves to Magic Ice Reykjavik at 4 p.m., where ice sculptures and a below-freezing bar make for a short, unusual visit.

Sky Lagoon is booked for 6 p.m. and includes a Sky pass package. Set beside the sea, it offers a warm-water finish to a day of city sightseeing. The tight sequence makes timing important, especially if you linger at the church or Harpa. Build in enough time to drive and park rather than assuming every transfer will be instant.

Day 6: A coastal goodbye and return to CampEasy

The Sun Voyager sculpture stands beside the sea, with mountains in the distance. It is a quick, reflective stop before departure, and the route also suggests FlyOver Iceland if you have extra time. That attraction is optional, must be booked separately and takes about an hour and a half including the drive.

Grótta Island Lighthouse offers one last coastal view. If your flight schedule leaves room, the Blue Lagoon is another optional addition, estimated at two and a half hours including driving time. Its admission is not included, and you need to book directly with the spa.

Finally, return the van to CampEasy. The office offers hot drinks and souvenirs, and its shuttle can take you to Keflavik Airport or a hotel in Keflavik town. The plan is convenient, but do not squeeze a paid spa visit in close to flight time without allowing a generous buffer.

What the price covers, and what it does not

At $1,451.81 per person, the package’s value depends on how many included activities you would otherwise book yourself. Horse riding, two lava cave visits, the Secret Lagoon, Krauma, the Aurora Show, Magic Ice and Sky Lagoon are all part of the plan. Campsite fees and airport transfer are included too, along with the campervan, zero-risk coverage and tablet.

The listed price is not an all-in holiday cost. Fuel, parking fees, food and drinks are excluded, as are campsite electricity and other campsite services. Optional stops such as Viking World, Friðheimar, the Kerið crater walk, FlyOver Iceland and the Blue Lagoon add to the bill if you choose them.

Personal accident insurance is also excluded unless it relates to a driver or passenger, according to the package details. Check the exact coverage terms before setting out, and budget separately for everyday costs. A useful wrinkle: the inclusions mention extras such as gas and Wi-Fi, while fuel for driving is explicitly excluded. Confirm what equipment or services are included with your particular van before departure.

Who will get the most from this trip?

This package suits a confident driver who wants to see a broad cross-section of Iceland without planning every booking from scratch. It is especially appealing if you value variety: you get outdoor stops, cultural sites, caves, horse riding and several chances to soak in geothermal water.

It can also work well for a couple, family or small private group who are comfortable spending much of the day on the move. The driver must be at least 20. Some activities have a minimum age of seven, and certain activities have a 120-kilogram maximum weight limit. Children aged eight or younger need inflatable swim armbands for some activities.

The campervan’s heater matters in Iceland, and the handover deserves attention. CampEasy’s staff explain the vehicle, and the company has been praised for warm welcomes and clear instructions. Some people have also found useful leftover supplies at the office and appreciated the chance to stay there the night before or after a rental, but do not assume those extras are guaranteed with this package.

If you want to linger at every waterfall, take slow mornings or avoid driving, the schedule will feel demanding. The package gives you independence, not a driver or a guide. Use the tablet as a planning aid, but leave room to adjust your day if weather, road conditions or your own energy call for it.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a well-supported self-drive with the big logistics and several major activities arranged in advance. The combination of two lava caves, horseback riding, three geothermal bathing stops and a campervan is unusual, and the airport transfer and campsite fees simplify the start and end of the trip.

Skip it if you want a slow holiday, dislike driving, or prefer to choose each day as you go. Before paying, confirm your van’s included equipment, check the timed activity schedule against your travel dates, and budget for fuel, parking, meals and optional admissions. Do that, and you will know whether the package’s convenience is worth the price for your kind of Iceland trip.

FAQ

Is this a guided tour?

No. It is a private self-drive package for your group. You drive the campervan and use the Easy Guide tablet for the route, activity details and camper information.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the CampEasy office at Selvík 5 in Keflavik. The trip ends back at the office, and a shuttle can take you to Keflavik International Airport or a hotel in Keflavik town.

Is fuel included in the price?

No. Fuel for driving is excluded. Parking fees, food and drinks, campsite electricity and other campsite services are also not included.

Which activities are included?

Included activities listed for the route include Icelandic horse riding, Víðgelmir cave, Vatnshellir cave, the Secret Lagoon, Krauma, Perlan’s Aurora Show, Magic Ice and Sky Lagoon.

Are the campsites included?

Campsite fees are included. Electricity and use of other campsite services are extra.

How old must the driver be?

The minimum age for a driver is 20. Some activities have a minimum age of seven, and children aged eight or younger need inflatable swim armbands for some activities.

Can I visit the Blue Lagoon or FlyOver Iceland?

Both are optional recommendations, not included activities. You need to book and pay for them separately. The suggested time is about two and a half hours for the Blue Lagoon, including driving, and about an hour and a half for FlyOver Iceland, including driving.