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Iceland
Maja Jarecka
February 16, 2025
Jiri sedlacek
February 16, 2025
Picture this: You’re waking up to the sound of crashing waves on a black sand beach, brewing coffee as steam rises against a backdrop of towering glaciers, and chasing the Northern Lights from the comfort of your campervan. This is van life in Iceland—raw, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.
Whether you're embarking on a week-long road trip or living the nomadic dream for months, here’s the ultimate bucket list to make the most of your van life adventure in Iceland.
During summer, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight—perfect for setting up camp in remote locations and watching the golden hues stretch across the sky all night long.
Park near Vatnajökull National Park and sip your morning coffee while admiring the largest glacier in Europe. It’s an unbeatable way to start your day.
Skip the crowded spas and find secret geothermal pools like Landbrotalaug—natural, wild, and perfectly warm.
From the thunderous Skógafoss to the mystical Seljalandsfoss, no Icelandic road trip is complete without standing in awe of these cascading giants.
Iceland’s highland F-roads lead to some of the most breathtaking, untouched landscapes. If you’ve rented a 4x4 camper, venture into Kerlingarfjöll.
Park your campervan at Vestrahorn, fire up your portable stove, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with one of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes as your dining backdrop.
Find a secluded spot on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, open your van doors, and let the rhythm of the waves lull you to sleep.
Iceland’s weather is unpredictable, and sometimes, experiencing a fierce windstorm from the safety of your cozy camper is an adventure in itself.
Drive to Eldhraun, one of the world’s largest lava fields, and wander through the otherworldly moss-covered terrain.
Take a scenic drive through the Eastfjords or head southeast. The chances of encountering these majestic creatures are highest during the spring and winter months.
Nothing beats curling up in your sleeping bag while the Aurora Borealis dances across the Icelandic sky. Stay overnight at Þingvellir or Kirkjufell for the best chance to witness the magic.
Or Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet—it’s the only place in the world where you can snorkel between continents!
Hike up to Kerið Crater and gaze into its deep blue waters, a surreal reminder of Iceland’s fiery past.
Watch as Strokkur Geyser erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the sky—nature’s very own fireworks show.
Stroll along Reynisfjara Beach, where towering basalt columns, crashing waves, and golden-hour light create the perfect dramatic scene.
Drive to Látrabjarg Cliffs where thousands of puffins nest on the rugged cliffs. Get your camera ready for these adorable, colorful-beaked birds!
Skip the tour boats and watch for humpback whales right from your campervan near Húsavík or Ólafsvík.
If your van life adventure takes place in winter, experience Reykjavik’s legendary New Year's Eve fireworks show—it’s unlike anything.
During peak summer witness the sun dipping close to the horizon, only to rise again moments later.
The ultimate van life achievement—circumnavigating Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1), discovering hidden gems along the way, and fully immersing yourself in the magic of the Land of Fire and Ice.
For the ultimate off-road experience, take your 4x4 camper through an Icelandic highland river crossing—just make sure to check conditions and drive safely!
Embrace Icelandic tradition by plunging into an ice-cold river, a glacial lake, or even the frigid North Atlantic—bonus points if you warm up in a hot spring afterward!
It’s not for the faint of heart, but tasting this traditional (and incredibly pungent) delicacy is a true Icelandic rite of passage.
Chase your bite of hákarl with a shot of Brennivín, Iceland’s signature anise-flavored schnapps—strong, warming, and essential for a true Viking experience.
Step into a mesmerizing ice cave beneath one of Iceland’s mighty glaciers, like Vatnajökull or Langjökull. The shimmering blue walls, frozen tunnels, and ever-changing formations make it feel like another world. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can only do in winter!
Relax in Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon or the lesser-known but equally magical Mývatn Nature Baths. These natural hot springs, rich in minerals, offer the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring. Soak in the steamy, milky blue waters while surrounded by lava fields or Iceland’s dramatic northern landscapes—pure bliss!
Strap on some crampons and trek across Vatnajökull or Sólheimajökull, two of Iceland’s most breathtaking glaciers. Walking on ancient ice is both humbling and exhilarating!
Skip the campsite showers and rinse off in nature! Find a secluded waterfall (hot or not) and enjoy the most scenic bath of your life.
Icelanders love their ice cream, no matter the weather! Visit a local dairy farm like Erpsstaðir, grab a cone, and embrace the contrast of freezing temperatures and delicious creamy goodness.
Find a unique lava rock to keep as a memory of your adventure. They make for an awesome natural souvenir!
Embrace the elements and let loose in the refreshing Icelandic rain. Whether it's a drizzle or a downpour, dancing in the middle of nature—surrounded by waterfalls, black sand beaches, or mossy lava fields—feels absolutely magical!
Drive deep into the remote Icelandic Highlands, turn off your engine, and just sit in complete silence. No cars, no city noise—just the sound of the wind, distant waterfalls, or maybe even nothing at all. It’s pure, untouched nature.
Impress the locals by learning some basic Icelandic words and phrases. Start with:
Taste Iceland’s beloved high-protein yogurt, Skyr. For the real Icelandic experience, eat it with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey!
If you're in Iceland for New Year’s Eve, don’t miss the traditional bonfires (Áramótabrennur). Locals gather around massive fires, singing, celebrating, and preparing for the legendary fireworks display at midnight!
Navigate the winding, dramatic roads of the Westfjords, where every turn reveals rugged cliffs, deep fjords, and untouched wilderness. It’s a true off-the-beaten-path adventure, perfect for those seeking solitude and breathtaking landscapes.
Conquer Iceland’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur, and take in the panoramic views of glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and endless horizons. The climb is challenging, but standing atop the country’s highest point is a moment you’ll never forget.
Wander through the otherworldly landscapes of Landmannalaugar, where the mountains are painted in surreal shades of red, orange, yellow, and green. The geothermal valleys and steaming hot springs make this colorful trek an absolute dream.
Immerse yourself in a sea of purple as you dash through Iceland’s iconic lupine fields. These vibrant blooms take over the countryside in summer, creating a magical contrast against the black sand beaches and rugged lava fields.
If you're in the right place at the right time, you might just see lava flowing in real time! With Iceland’s ever-changing landscape and frequent eruptions, nature puts on a fiery show like nowhere else.
Van life in Iceland is more than just a road trip—it’s an adventure filled with surreal landscapes, spontaneous detours, and moments that will stay with you forever. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, soaking in wild hot springs, or camping under the stars, every turn of the road holds a new experience waiting to be checked off your bucket list.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, rent your campervan, and start your Icelandic adventure today!
Here’s your Van life Bucketlist- download it and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
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