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Before diving into the breathtaking landscapes of fire and ice, here is a quick overview of what to expect on this unforgettable motorhome journey.
| Start & End Point | Reykjavik, Iceland (Round Trip) |
| Duration | 9 Days |
| Total Distance | 1,439 km |
| Best For | Nature lovers, families, and outdoor adventurers |
| Ideal Season | Late Spring to Early Autumn |
Iceland was practically made for motorhome and campervan travel. Exploring the Golden Circle and the South West in an RV gives you the ultimate freedom to immerse yourself in the country’s dramatic natural beauty. Instead of rushing back to a distant hotel room, you can park at designated campsites nestled right at the base of towering waterfalls or overlooking sweeping glacial valleys. Traveling by RV allows you to embrace the philosophy of slow travel—taking your time to hike, explore, and simply sit with the landscape.
With a total distance of 1,439 km spread comfortably over 9 days, the daily driving demands are incredibly manageable. This pacing allows you to cook traditional meals in your own rolling kitchen, maximizing your travel funds while enjoying spectacular dining views. Furthermore, navigating Iceland's well-maintained primary routes in a modern motorhome is straightforward, making it an accessible adventure even if it is your first time driving an RV internationally.
To truly appreciate the majesty of Iceland, it is essential to break your 1,439 km journey into manageable stages. Rather than a rigid daily schedule, we recommend thinking of your trip in regional flows. For the highly detailed, day-by-day itinerary complete with specific campsite recommendations, be sure to access your complete plan inside RV PLANET after booking.
Departing from Reykjavik, your journey begins with the iconic Golden Circle. This initial stage introduces you to the wonders of Icelandic geology without requiring long hours behind the wheel. The focus here is on marveling at erupting geysers, historic rift valleys, and powerful waterfalls. It is a fantastic, relaxed introduction to driving your motorhome in Iceland.
As you transition away from the Golden Circle, the route guides you along the dramatic southern coastline. This stage is defined by its sheer cliffs, black sand beaches, and cascading waterfalls that seem to appear around every bend. The driving rhythm remains relaxed, encouraging frequent stops to hike, photograph, and breathe in the crisp North Atlantic air.
Pushing further east along the southern edge of the island, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and awe-inspiring. This stage represents the furthest outward bound leg of your journey. The focus shifts to deep, winding canyons, vast lava fields, and the raw, untamed edges of the Icelandic wilderness. You will spend ample time out of the vehicle, engaging in both family-friendly and extreme outdoor activities.
The final stage of your journey loops you back toward the capital. After days of active exploration, this leg is designed for relaxation and cultural immersion. You will wind down with visits to world-renowned geothermal spas, interactive family attractions, and traditional heritage sites before returning your RV in Reykjavik.
This 9-day itinerary is packed with a diverse array of experiences. Here is a look at the key themes and specific highlights you will encounter along the way.
Iceland’s raw nature is the star of the show. You will have the opportunity to stand in awe at the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most powerful and picturesque falls in the country. Further along the route, you can embark on an unforgettable hiking experience through the towering, moss-covered walls of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the region offers numerous extreme activities, from glacier hiking to exploring ancient lava caves.
No motorhome trip to Iceland is complete without soaking in its mineral-rich thermal waters. You can relax and rejuvenate at the world-famous Blue Lagoon Iceland, an otherworldly oasis of milky-blue water surrounded by black lava fields. For a slightly different geothermal experience, you can explore the unique offerings at Laugarvatn Adventure, where thermal heat is woven into the local way of life.
Beyond the landscapes, this route offers deep dives into Icelandic culture and history. You can learn about the volatile forces that shaped the island by exploring everything about the Hekla Center. For a thrilling, family-friendly experience, you can end your journey by drawing a smile on your family's faces with a visit to FlyOver Iceland in Reykjavik. The route also offers opportunities for wildlife watching, traditional visits, and sailing excursions from local cruise terminals.
How many days do I need for this route?
This specific itinerary is perfectly calibrated for 9 days. Covering 1,439 km in this timeframe allows you to travel at a relaxed pace, averaging a couple of hours of driving per day, leaving the majority of your daylight hours for exploration.
Is this RV route worth it?
Absolutely. The Golden Circle and South West route is arguably the most efficient way to experience the greatest hits of Iceland's natural wonders. Doing it in a motorhome elevates the experience, giving you unparalleled access and flexibility.
Who is this trip for?
This route is incredibly versatile. It is packed with family activities, making it ideal for those traveling with children. It also caters heavily to nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those looking to mix extreme activities with high-end spa relaxation.
What is the best season to travel?
The summer months (June through August) offer the easiest driving conditions and the magic of the midnight sun. The shoulder seasons (May and September) are fantastic for avoiding peak crowds while still enjoying accessible campsites. If you are considering a winter adventure to chase the Northern Lights, please check rvplan.net for specific winterized RV availability and seasonal driving guidance.
Securing the right motorhome is the most critical step in planning your Icelandic adventure. Due to the country's immense popularity and a limited seasonal window, campervans and RVs sell out months in advance. We highly recommend booking your vehicle as early as possible on RV PLANET.
Because this route is a round trip starting and ending in Reykjavik, you will not have to worry about one-way drop fees, which is a fantastic way to optimize your travel funds. When selecting your RV, consider the size of your group and your comfort preferences. A compact campervan offers great agility, while a larger Class C motorhome provides the comfort of a full internal bathroom and more spacious living quarters. Be sure to check the specific mileage policies on your rental agreement, though the 1,439 km distance is generally well within standard allowances.
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing on motorhome rentals, insurance packages, and optional extras (like camping chairs or BBQ grills), refer to the live booking tools available on our platform.
The land of fire and ice is waiting to be explored. Make your upcoming 9-day motorhome trip in Iceland a reality by securing your vehicle today. Head over to RV PLANET to check live availability, compare fleet options, and book the perfect RV for your Golden Circle and South West adventure.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | McRent ICE-26 E (Reykjavik), Camper Iceland-26-E (Reykjavik), Touring Cars ICE - 26-E (Reykjavik), Rent Easy ICE-26 E (Reykjavik) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | Check live prices for your dates |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $500–$700 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $250–$400 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$500 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $400–$600 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a family of 4 traveling in a standard motorhome averaging 15 mpg, utilizing standard Icelandic campsites, and traveling during the summer season. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Ease into Icelandic driving while exploring the famous geothermal and waterfall loop near the capital at a relaxed pace.
Cruise along the southern shoreline, taking time to enjoy dramatic coastal features, black sand beaches, and towering waterfalls.
Venture further into the dramatic landscapes and deep canyons of the southeast before beginning the gradual return journey.
Unwind in world-renowned thermal waters and enjoy interactive cultural attractions as you circle back to your starting point.
Total cost for this 9-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,439 km route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Reykjavik → Reykjavik pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Reykjavik pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH6 - FRIGG Camper Iceland-26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 7.0 m | Manual Transmission |
| EcoLine 6 McRent ICE-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.3 m | Manual Transmission |
| Category Family 5 Touring Cars ICE - 26-E |
Class SI - Semi-integrated | 6 | 7.0 m | Manual Transmission |
| Family Plus McRent ICE-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.2 m | Manual Transmission |
| Family Luxury McRent ICE-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 6 | 7.3 m | Manual Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Reykjavik → Reykjavik route.
Picking up in Reykjavik but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot: