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| Start City | Reykjavik |
|---|---|
| End City | Reykjavik |
| Total Distance | 1,570 km |
| Recommended Duration | 12 Days |
| Region | Iceland (North West & South West) |
| Ideal For | Families, nature lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts |
Iceland is a destination best experienced on your own schedule, and a motorhome provides the ultimate freedom to embrace the country's striking landscapes. This 1,570 km journey through the North West and South West regions is not just another point-A-to-point-B drive; it is an immersive, multi-activity vacation designed to reveal a colorful new world. Traveling by RV allows you to wake up near breathtaking natural features, prepare family meals with a view, and take your time exploring geothermal wonders without the strict timetable of a guided bus tour. From the dramatic depths of the Kerid Crater to the soothing thermal waters of the Secret Lagoon Iceland, having your accommodation on wheels means you can prioritize slow travel and truly connect with the environment.
This itinerary is carefully structured to balance high-energy outdoor activities with vital relaxation time. Rather than rushing from one photo opportunity to the next, this route encourages you to settle into the rhythm of the Icelandic landscape.
Your journey begins in Reykjavik, where you will pick up your RV and ease into the Icelandic way of life. This initial stage focuses on urban heritage and family-friendly introductions to the country's geography. It is the perfect time to stock up your motorhome pantry and enjoy spectacular virtual flights before heading out into the wilderness to witness your first major geological wonders.
As you venture deeper into the South West, the landscape transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. This leg of the trip is defined by active exploration. You will navigate toward renowned adventure hubs where the elevation rises, offering opportunities to walk on ancient glaciers and explore rugged highland terrain. The driving pace here should be slow and deliberate, allowing you to appreciate the vast, untouched expanses.
Transitioning toward the coastal and North West regions, the focus shifts to Iceland's vibrant marine and animal life. This stage involves scenic coastal driving, punctuated by stops dedicated to wildlife observation. Expect to spend time scanning the horizon from cruise terminals and visiting dedicated animal show points, making it a highly engaging segment for families.
The final days of your 1,570 km loop guide you back toward Reykjavik with an emphasis on relaxation and cultural reflection. After days of hiking and wildlife spotting, this stage allows you to unwind in natural thermal spas and explore maritime history. It is a gentle, rewarding conclusion to a comprehensive Icelandic adventure.
This route is packed with diverse experiences that cater to a wide range of interests. Here is a breakdown of the primary themes you will encounter:
To comfortably complete the 1,570 km loop through the North West and South West, 12 days is the optimal duration. This timeline allows you to maintain a relaxed pace, ensuring you have ample time for glacier walks, museum visits, and soaking in thermal pools without feeling rushed.
Absolutely. This specific route avoids the crowded, single-direction tourist traps in favor of a multi-activity, well-rounded experience. The combination of highland adventures, coastal wildlife watching, and geothermal relaxation makes it a highly rewarding investment of your vacation time.
This itinerary is tailor-made for families, active travelers, and nature enthusiasts. Because it blends high-adrenaline activities like glacier walking with accessible experiences like the Maritime Museum and thermal spas, it appeals to a multi-generational travel group looking for shared adventures.
Summer (June through August) is generally the most popular time for RV travel in Iceland, offering the most daylight for wildlife watching and the safest driving conditions for a 1,570 km journey. Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer beautiful colors and fewer crowds, though weather can be more unpredictable. Always check RV PLANET for specific seasonal recommendations and vehicle suitability for Icelandic roads.
When planning your Icelandic RV adventure, it is important to understand how to structure your expenses. Because this route starts and ends in Reykjavik, you will not need to worry about one-way drop-off fees, which helps keep costs manageable. Your primary expenses will be the daily motorhome rental rate, campground fees, and fuel for the 1,570 km journey.
Additionally, factor in the cost of attraction tickets—such as entrance to the Secret Lagoon, FlyOver Iceland, and guided glacier walks—as well as groceries. Dining out in Iceland is a premium experience, so utilizing your RV's kitchen for family meals is a smart way to balance your funds. When booking your vehicle, ensure you select an RV size that comfortably fits your family while remaining agile enough to navigate Iceland's rural roads. For exact live pricing, vehicle availability, and specific campground details, utilize the tools provided below.
The breathtaking landscapes of Iceland's North West and South West are waiting to be explored. From the depths of the Kerid Crater to the warmth of the Secret Lagoon, this 12-day journey promises an unforgettable family vacation. Head over to the full itinerary on RV PLANET to secure your motorhome, finalize your daily pacing, and start planning the trip of a lifetime.
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) | $750–$950 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $350–$550 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $600–$900 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $800–$1,200 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates based on a 12-day summer trip for a family of four, assuming 10 mpg (US) in a Class C motorhome and average Icelandic campsite and fuel rates. 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.
Settle into the rhythm of the trip with initial explorations of Reykjavik's heritage and the surrounding geothermal wonders before heading further out.
Immerse your family in outdoor adventures, from highland landscapes to glacier walks, embracing the slow travel mindset in the South West.
Follow the rugged coastline to discover marine life and unique natural features, taking time to pause at scenic overlooks and animal show points.
Wind through coastal roads back toward the capital, capping off the journey with thermal spa relaxation and maritime history.
Total cost for this 12-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,570 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: