RV route planner for a motorhome trip in north west Iceland

This trip passes in the following countries: Iceland
RV route planner for a motorhome trip in north west Iceland
  • Animals Show / Wildlife watch 4
  • cave 1
  • Cruise Terminal / Sailing 1
  • Extreme Activity 1
  • Family Activity 1
  • Heritage 1
  • hiking area 2
  • Local Industry 2
  • Natural Feature 6
  • Point Of Interest 1
  • Spa / Terme 1
  • Traditional Restaurant / Fine Dining 1
  • Traditional Visit 2

Route Snapshot: North West Iceland Explorer

Embark on a captivating journey through the rugged and ethereal landscapes of Iceland. This route perfectly balances adrenaline-pumping excursions with serene natural wonders, all experienced from the comfort of your motorhome.

Start / End Reykjavik to Reykjavik (Round Trip)
Total Distance 1,245 km
Duration 11 Days
Region Iceland
Ideal For Nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and families
Best Season Late Spring to Early Autumn

Why This Route Works for RV Travel

Iceland was practically made for RV exploration. Traveling by motorhome allows you to embrace the philosophy of slow travel, giving you the freedom to linger at a majestic waterfall or stay an extra hour soaking in a geothermal pool without worrying about making it to a distant hotel. With a total driving distance of 1,245 km spread over 11 days, the pacing is comfortable, leaving ample time each day for hiking, cultural tours, and enjoying traditional Icelandic cuisine. Plus, operating out of a central hub like Reykjavik makes picking up and dropping off your vehicle incredibly convenient.

Route Rhythm: Pacing Your 11-Day Journey

This itinerary is designed to flow naturally through the diverse regions of the North West. Rather than rushing from stop to stop, the journey is broken down into thematic stages. For a comprehensive, day-by-day breakdown with specific campground recommendations, unlock the full itinerary inside the RV PLAN app.

  • Stage 1: Geothermal Wonders & Coastal Heritage. Begin your adventure south of the capital, settling into your RV while exploring volcanic terrain, maritime museums, and world-renowned thermal baths.
  • Stage 2: Adrenaline & Ocean Breezes. Transition toward the western coastline. This leg mixes high-octane off-road adventures with relaxing sailing excursions and wildlife spotting.
  • Stage 3: Iconic Peaks & Waterfalls. Dedicate a few days to the dramatic peninsulas of the west, taking your time to hike around famous cascading falls and coastal cliffs.
  • Stage 4: Culture, History & Return. Wind your way back toward Reykjavik, diving deep into local heritage sites, museums, and fine dining before completing your loop.

Key Locations and Themes: What to Discover

This 1,245 km route is packed with diverse experiences. Here is what you can expect to encounter along the way:

Extreme Activities & Wildlife

If you are looking to elevate your heart rate, this route delivers. You can get your adrenaline level up with amazing ATV, Quad, Buggy, and Mountain Biking experiences at 4x4 Adventures Iceland. For a change of pace, swap the rugged trails for the open water by taking a memorable sailing trip with Seatours, where wildlife watching and striking coastal views will flourish your spirit.

Natural Features & Relaxation

Iceland's natural beauty is the star of the show. Park your motorhome and hike through the area surrounding Kirkjufellsfoss to take in some of the most stunning views in the country. The route also offers opportunities to explore fascinating caves and unique geological formations. After days of hiking and driving, you can relax and relieve your stress by soaking in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon Iceland.

Heritage & Traditional Culture

Immerse yourself in the local industry and history of the island. Explore everything about the fishing town of Grindavík at Kvikan (the Saltfish Museum) and its Tourist Information Center. Later in the journey, cultural enthusiasts will find that a visit to Safnahús Borgarfjarðar will truly raise your spirit. Finally, no Icelandic road trip is complete without tasting the local fare—end a day of exploration by enjoying a fantastic meal at Old Iceland, a staple for traditional fine dining.

Trip-Prep Q&A: Making the Most of Your Iceland RV Adventure

How many days do I need for this trip?

We recommend a full 11 days to comfortably cover the 1,245 km route. This allows you to drive at a relaxed pace, accommodating Iceland's variable weather and giving you plenty of time for lengthy hikes and guided tours.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. Good times, good friends, and good places to visit—what could be better? This route acts as a gateway to a colorful world, blending extreme sports, deep relaxation, and rich cultural heritage into one seamless road trip.

Who is this itinerary best suited for?

This route is incredibly versatile. It features family-friendly activities, extreme sports for thrill-seekers, and accessible natural wonders for those who simply want to park their RV and admire the view.

When is the best season to travel?

Summer (June through August) is the optimal time for an Iceland RV trip. The weather is milder, the days are long, and all regional campsites and mountain roads are generally open. If you travel in the shoulder seasons, be prepared for unpredictable weather and check rvplan.net for seasonal campground availability.

Booking & Budget Framing

When planning your budget for this 11-day adventure, consider three main categories: your RV rental and fuel, campground fees, and attraction tickets. Because this route starts and ends in Reykjavik, you avoid costly one-way drop fees, which keeps more money in your pocket for experiences like the Blue Lagoon or ATV tours. Fuel costs will depend on your vehicle's size, but the 1,245 km distance is highly manageable. For specific rental rates, seasonal availability, and exact motorhome specifications, refer to the live pricing tools available on our platform.

Ready to Secure Your Iceland Motorhome?

Start the journey now so you can start living your most wonderful life on the open road. To view vehicle options, check live availability, and lock in your reservation for this incredible 11-day North West Iceland adventure, head over to the official route page on RV PLANET.

Interactive route map

See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.

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Official RV PLAN route map

Budget & planning snapshot for this route (11-day trip)

Nearby RV rental stationsMcRent 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)$600–$750
Estimated campground cost (total)$400–$800
Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4$500–$900
Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4$600–$800
Live availability & pricingCheck live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome →

Estimate assumptions: Estimates based on 10 mpg fuel efficiency, average Icelandic campsite fees for 4 people, and peak summer travel rates. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.

Route rhythm at a glance

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.

Iceland - North West — Reykjavik RV road trip landscape

Days 1-3 — Geothermal Wonders & Coastal Heritage

~150–200 km across this leg

Settle into your motorhome and explore the volcanic landscapes, saltfish heritage, and relaxing geothermal waters south of the capital.

Iceland - North West — Reykjavik scenic landscape

Days 4-6 — Adrenaline & Ocean Breezes

~300–400 km across this leg

Transition toward the western coastline, mixing high-octane off-road adventures with relaxing sailing excursions and wildlife spotting.

Iceland - North West — national park landscape

Days 7-9 — Iconic Peaks & Waterfalls

~400–500 km across this leg

Take your time hiking around dramatic peaks and cascading falls in a region celebrated for its stunning natural features.

Iceland - North West — campground with a motorhome

Days 10-11 — Culture, History & Return to Reykjavik

~150–200 km across this leg

Delve into local sagas, cultural museums, and traditional Icelandic cuisine as you gently loop back toward the capital.

Verified RV logistics for this route

  • Average daily drive: roughly 113 km/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
  • Fuel stops: expect at least 3 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
  • Dump stations: plan 3 dump stops, roughly every 3 days.
  • Campground booking lead time: 3–6 months ahead for state/national park sites; 2–4 weeks is usually fine for private RV resorts.
  • Season check: confirm on RV PLAN that every overnight stop is open for your dates — several close out of season.

Live availability and pricing

Total cost for this 11-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,245 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.

Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome →

Motorhomes available in Reykjavik for this route

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.

MotorhomeClassSleepsLengthTransmission
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

Check availability and book this route

Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Reykjavik → Reykjavik route.

More RV routes from Reykjavik

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