Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a paradise for nature lovers as it offers endless possibilities for thrilling adventures around every corner of this beautiful island.
From snorkeling, rafting, glacier hiking to even whale watching, there is an adventure tour to suit every outdoor enthusiast in this small island nation in the north.
If you want see as many attractions as possible, there is no better or affordable way to explore Iceland than by renting a campervan. No everyday check-in and check-out, just start the day exploring. Using a trusted provider like Cozy Campers is a good call.
This will allow to access remote corners of the country easily, set up camp and wake up near a cascading waterfall or a rushing river will connect you with nature in a way only Iceland can. Here are some must-do activities for your next Iceland camping vacation.
Explore the Waterfalls
With so many rainy days and glaciers, it is no wonder that Iceland has a lot of waterfalls. A very popular stop on the Ring Road is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall in South Iceland.
Another one and half an hour down the road is Skogafoss waterfall, where there is a steep staircase to look over the falls from the top.
Hike the Reykajdalur Valley
The 3.5 km hike up the Reykajdalur “Steam” Valley is one of the most awesome experiences that cab be enjoyed in Hveragerdi, Iceland.
The starting point of the hike as from the end of the road restaurant in the Geothermal Park and winds its way past bubbling mud pots and steam rising from the ground vents along the way.
At the end of the trail is a hot river spring where one can warm their tired feet. In fact, it is possible to soak in a new hot spring everyday in Iceland, so make sure to carry your own super-absorbent towel to these public baths.
See glaciers from up close
If there is one outdoor sight you should not miss in Iceland, it is to witness house-sized icebergs calving from a glacier. A day trip from Reykjavik will take you to the impossibly blue Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
As the towering ice blocks shift when the ice melts, they are eventually swept down the sea, while the colors of the volcanic ash which are folded in the ice makes each calving look so unique.
Boat trips are the best way to see this amazing spectacle as well as the seals frolicking in the blue waters of the lagoon.
Don’t miss the Eldraun Lava Field
The landscape of Iceland has been shaped by wind, rains and glaciers and the best way to understand some of the incredible geological sights is by visiting the green moss covered Eldraun Lava Field.
The network of the fragile Wooly Fringe Moss and lava tubes and mounds are the result of a two-year volcanic eruption in the late 1700s which formed a 535 sq km lava field. A stop on the Ring Road near the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur is the entry point to the field.
Go birdwatching at Dyrholaey Arch
If you drive on Route 218, you will find a steep winding road leading to an upper-viewing area, which happens to be an excellent place to spot puffins and other astounding bits of Iceland.
This place is known as Dyrholaey Arch, which looks like a pair of shorts are drying in the ocean breeze. Besides the birds and the arch, you can marvel at the beautiful lighthouse on top of the cliff.
Spend time admiring historic structures
Iceland is full of charming villages and some of the remote ones can be found just a few hundred yards off the Ring Road. Nestled against fjords in East Iceland, some of the most picturesque villages are located here.
The country is also home to many colorful churches that lend cheer to the austere landscape. These iconic ride and white structures can be seen across the length and breadth of Iceland, the most famous one being the one overlooking the village of Vik in south Iceland.
If you are traveling by campervan, you can camp at wonderful campgrounds and literally save thousands of dollars in accommodation cost at these lovely parking sites that will make your Iceland trip out of the world.
