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Three Days by Camper Van Through Iceland's Volcanic Southwest

A packed summer camper loop: lava tube, Golden Circle, a hike to a warm river and the South Coast waterfalls.

Editor's pick 3 days · July Couples & solo High pace Self-drive

Three days is short, and this plan treats it that way. The first day stays close to the airport, working through the Reykjanes Peninsula's Bridge Between Continents, Gunnuhver and the colored hills of Krýsuvík before a guided walk inside the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel and a campsite night in Selfoss.

Day two runs the Golden Circle in an efficient loop, Kerið to Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir, then trades the car for boots on the Reykjadalur trail to a naturally warm river you can bathe in. The night is spent near Hella, which puts the South Coast within easy reach.

The final morning covers Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara before the drive back to Keflavik. It is a high-energy pace, but drives stay at roughly four hours or less a day, and every overnight is a proper campsite.

Why we picked it: It squeezes Reykjanes, the Golden Circle and the South Coast into three days without silly driving, and the Reykjadalur soak gives the middle day a real payoff.

Trip highlights

  • Reykjadalur Hot Spring River
  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
  • Gullfoss
  • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
  • Krýsuvík Geothermal Area

Tips before you go

  • Raufarhólshellir is visited on guided tours only. Book a slot ahead in July so it fits between the Reykjanes stops and the drive to Selfoss.
  • Overnight camping in a camper van is only allowed at official campsites in Iceland, so stick to the sites in the plan rather than roadside pullouts.
  • Bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel for Reykjadalur. The trail starts near Hveragerði and climbs steadily; the bathing area has boardwalks and simple wind screens, not changing rooms.
  • At Reynisfjara, stay well back from the waterline. Sneaker waves are a real and recurring danger there, even on calm summer days.

Your route across Iceland

The journey, day by day

Open any day for the full plan — stops, drives, and where to stay.

  1. Volcanic Peninsula Arrival & Lava Tunnel ExplorationDAY 1

    Volcanic Peninsula Arrival & Lava Tunnel Exploration

    5 stops2 hours 20 minsSelfoss
  2. Golden Circle & Geothermal HikeDAY 2

    Golden Circle & Geothermal Hike

    5 stops3 hours 20 minsHella
  3. Waterfalls, Black Sand & DepartureDAY 3

    Waterfalls, Black Sand & Departure

    7 stops4 hours 20 minsKeflavik

Questions about this itinerary

Is 3 days enough to see the Golden Circle and the South Coast?

It is enough to see the headline stops if you keep moving, which is exactly what this plan does. Day two covers Kerið, Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir, and day three covers Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara before the flight. You will not reach Jökulsárlón or the far east, which need at least two more days.

Can you swim in Reykjadalur Hot Spring River?

Yes. Reykjadalur, which means Steam Valley, has a stretch of naturally warm river where bathing is allowed, with boardwalks along the bank. The hike in this plan is listed at about 3.7 miles round trip and takes three to four hours with time to soak. It is free, but the trail is uphill and can be muddy, so wear real hiking shoes.

Do I need a 4x4 camper for this route?

No. Every stop is on paved main roads such as Route 1, Route 35 for the Golden Circle and the Reykjanes coastal roads. A standard two-wheel-drive camper van handles it easily in July. Rental terms on most campers forbid F-roads anyway, and none are needed here.

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