Best Reykjavik RV Itinerary for family rv rental - Overview
A family RV rental in Reykjavik offers unparalleled flexibility for exploring Iceland's stunning landscapes, transforming your vacation into a comfortable, mobile adventure. Imagine waking up to a new, breathtaking view each morning, with your breakfast just steps away in your rented motorhome. For live availability and current prices, start with our RV Rental Reykjavik - Complete Guide 2026 guide. A recommended itinerary for families focuses on Reykjavik, the iconic Golden Circle, and the dramatic South Coast, totaling approximately 700-800 km (430-500 miles) of driving. The ideal duration for a foundational family trip to Iceland is a minimum of 7 days, allowing for a comfortable pace that doesn't rush the experience. The best season for an RV adventure in Iceland is generally summer, from June to August, due to longer daylight hours stretching nearly 24/7, milder weather, and full accessibility of most roads. However, shoulder seasons like May and September can also offer fantastic experiences with fewer crowds and potentially better deals on your family RV rental in Reykjavik. With a rental motorhome, you're free to chase waterfalls, discover black sand beaches, and immerse yourselves in geothermal wonders at your family's own rhythm.
7-Day Classic Route in Reykjavik
A 7-day classic RV route from Reykjavik offers a concentrated exploration of Iceland's most famous natural attractions, perfect for families seeking both adventure and comfort. This itinerary balances driving with ample time for exploration. * **Day 1: Arrival & Reykjavik Campsite (approx. 50 km).** Upon arrival at Keflavik (KEF) Airport, pick up your family RV rental and drive approximately 50 km to Reykjavík Campsite. This well-equipped site provides essential facilities like electricity, fresh water, and waste disposal, establishing a convenient base for your capital city explorations. * **Day 2: Explore Reykjavik City (0 km RV driving).** Dedicate this day to exploring Reykjavik city center on foot or via public transport from the campsite. Visit iconic landmarks such as Hallgrímskirkja church, the Harpa Concert Hall, and the vibrant Laugavegur shopping street. Children will enjoy the many parks and playgrounds. * **Day 3: Golden Circle Part 1 (approx. 120 km).** Drive your rented motorhome from Reykjavik to Þingvellir National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site), approximately 50 km. Explore the historic rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Continue to the Selfoss/Hella area for an overnight stay at a local campground (additional 60-70 km). * **Day 4: Golden Circle Part 2 & South Coast Start (approx. 100-120 km).** From Selfoss/Hella, visit the explosive Geysir Hot Spring Area and the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall. Consider a relaxing dip at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. Continue your journey towards the South Coast to witness the enchanting Seljalandsfoss (where you can walk behind the waterfall) and Skógafoss waterfalls. Overnight near Skógafoss Campsite. * **Day 5: South Coast Exploration (approx. 30 km).** Explore the dramatic South Coast further, driving a short 30 km from Skógafoss to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach with its striking basalt columns and then to the charming coastal village of Vík í Mýrdal. Enjoy the raw beauty of the coastline. Overnight at Vík Campsite. * **Day 6: Return towards Reykjavik & Reykjanes Peninsula (approx. 150 km).** Begin your return journey towards Reykjavik, stopping at charming hot spring villages like Hveragerði en route. If time allows, explore parts of the Reykjanes Peninsula, including the Bridge Between Continents. Aim for an overnight stay at Grindavik Campsite or return to Reykjavík Campsite (approx. 150 km). * **Day 7: Departure (approx. 50 km).** Enjoy a final Icelandic breakfast from your motorhome kitchen, then drive approximately 50 km to return your RV to KEF Airport for your departure. To make your RV cooking experience even more enjoyable, check out our RV-friendly recipes playlist.14-Day Extended Journey in Reykjavik
An extended 14-day RV journey from Reykjavik provides ample time to explore not only the capital region but also significant portions of Iceland's Ring Road at a leisurely pace. Avi Bandana, our founder, always recommends slower travel, averaging no more than 100-150 km per day, to truly connect with the culture, food, and scenery. This approach is perfect for families enjoying a multi-week adventure. This longer route allows for deeper immersion in Iceland's diverse landscapes, ensuring you discover hidden gems beyond the main tourist hubs. * **Days 1-2: Reykjavik & Golden Circle.** Start with city exploration and a deep dive into Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, staying at campsites near Reykjavik or the Golden Circle. * **Days 3-5: South Coast & Glaciers.** Travel along the stunning South Coast, visiting waterfalls, black sand beaches, and experiencing glacier lagoons like Jökulsárlón, with comfortable overnight stops in Vík and Hofn. * **Days 6-8: East Fjords.** Navigate the dramatic, winding roads of the East Fjords, discovering charming fishing villages and remote landscapes, camping in towns like Egilsstaðir or Fáskrúðsfjörður. This is where you truly feel the isolation and beauty of Iceland. * **Days 9-11: North Iceland.** Journey through the highlands to destinations like Lake Mývatn (a vibrant geothermal area), Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), and the bustling city of Akureyri, often called the "Capital of North Iceland." For more planning assistance, explore "RV Rental Iceland - Complete Guide 2026". * **Days 12-13: West & Snæfellsnes Peninsula.** Explore the diverse Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature,' featuring black beaches, lava fields, and picturesque fishing villages like Arnarstapi. * **Day 14: Return to Reykjavik.** Drive back to the capital region, allowing time for final souvenir shopping or a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula before returning your rented mobile home near KEF Airport.Recommended RVPlan Trip for Reykjavik
For an immersive and comprehensive family RV adventure in Iceland, the "
Iceland - Full ring road
Iceland Golden Circle - South West
Iceland - North West
Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
Looking for expert insights from Avi Bandana? Top 5 Adventures - recommendations from Avi Bandana prioritize unique cultural engagements and local insights that truly capture the spirit of Reykjavik and its surroundings. These are places that offer a genuine connection to Iceland's natural beauty and rich history. * **Traditional Visit: Þingvellir National Park**. This UNESCO World Heritage site is essential for its geological wonders, where you can see the rift valley created by the diverging tectonic plates, and its historical significance as the site of Iceland's ancient parliament, the Alþingi. It is only about 45 km from Reykjavik. * **Local Industry: Friðheimar Tomato Farm**. A visit to Friðheimar Tomato Farm offers a fascinating look into Iceland's geothermal-powered agriculture, and a chance to enjoy their renowned tomato soup and bread, a unique culinary experience for families, roughly 100 km from Reykjavik. * **Traditional Restaurant / Fine Dining: Fiskmarkaðurinn (The Fish Market)**. For an authentic Icelandic culinary experience, seek out a traditional restaurant in Reykjavik, such as Fiskmarkaðurinn, known for its exquisite seafood and local ingredients. Many RV campsites like Reykjavík Campsite offer convenient public transport links to the city center for such outings. * **Traditional Visit: The Settlement Exhibition**. Located in central Reykjavik, this exhibition provides an engaging, interactive journey into Iceland's Viking past, perfect for all ages, offering a deep dive into the city's origins. Consider checking "RV Travel Guide to Reykjavik - Tips and Top Spots 2026" for more local secrets. * **Natural Feature: Blue Lagoon (Reykjanes Peninsula)**. While often busy, the Blue Lagoon remains an iconic geothermal spa experience on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Booking in advance is highly recommended, and it's a perfect relaxing stop either at the start or end of your RV adventure, about 20 km from KEF Airport.Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Reykjavik
Avi Bandana recommends a maximum of 100-150 km per day on average to truly savor the Icelandic landscape and avoid travel fatigue. Embracing slower travel allows families to stop frequently for photos, short hikes, and spontaneous discoveries, enhancing the RV experience, especially with children. This pace ensures you don't just see the sights, but genuinely feel the place. Typical drive time estimates for popular routes around Reykjavik include: * **Reykjavik to Selfoss:** This approximately 50 km drive takes about 45-60 minutes without stops. * **Selfoss to Vík í Mýrdal:** Covering roughly 100 km, this segment usually takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours of direct driving. * **Vík to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon:** A longer segment of about 200 km, this can take 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours of direct driving. This journey is best enjoyed by splitting it into a day with multiple scenic stops to align with the slow travel philosophy. * **Driving an RV in Reykjavik city:** Drive slowly and carefully, and you can drive almost anywhere without issues. No need to stress - just use common sense and pay attention to road signs, especially near popular tourist areas and the Old Harbour.Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
Choosing the right RV class significantly enhances your family's experience in Reykjavik and across Iceland, providing comfort and maneuverability suited to your group size and travel style. Bandana RV offers a wide range of motorhomes and campervans to compare. * **For Couples:** The Class B - Camper Van is an excellent choice for 2-3 adults, offering an average length of 5.4 meters. Models like the "V2L" (5.99m length, 100L fresh water tank) or "EcoLine 2" (7.4m length, 122L fresh water tank, 78L refrigerator) are highly maneuverable for city driving and parking, yet comfortable for living. Their fuel efficiency, typically consuming 8-11 liters per 100 km, is a significant advantage for exploring Iceland's extensive routes. * **For Families:** The Class C - Alcove motorhome is ideal for families, providing ample space and comfort with an average length of 7.3 meters. For example, a "Category Family 5" (7m length, 100L fresh water tank, 103L refrigerator) or an "MHC28" (7.3m length, 160L fresh water tank, 210L waste water tank) can accommodate an average of 4-6 adults, with up to 6 sleeping places, making them perfect for families with children who appreciate dedicated sleeping areas and more living space. These larger campervans offer amenities like showers, toilets, and fully equipped kitchens, as seen in the "cruise america rv rental example Explorer" model (7.1m length, 82L fresh/waste water tanks, 90L refrigerator). To remove the headache of planning, consider Bandana's 'Rent&Plan' service, which bundles your RV rental with a ready-made itinerary crafted by travel professionals, offering full access to powerful trip-planning software at rvplan.net. You can often find great "RV Rental Deals in Reykjavik - Latest Offers 2026" by exploring different vehicle classes and booking options.Where to park an RV in Reykjavík?
Reykjavík offers designated campsites just outside the city center, which are the primary and recommended parking locations for RVs overnight and for extended city visits. The most convenient and best-equipped option is Reykjavík Campsite (Laugardalur), located within a 10-minute bus ride from the city center. This popular site provides essential facilities, including electricity hookups, fresh water, and waste disposal points, making it an ideal base. Overnight parking for RVs within Reykjavík's city streets or non-designated public parking lots is generally restricted and can result in fines. Therefore, always prioritize established campsites for overnight stays. For day visits into the city center, consider parking your RV at Reykjavík Campsite and utilizing the efficient bus system or taxis to navigate the urban core, as even medium-sized vehicles can be challenging to park on narrow streets and in busy downtown areas. For information on local dump stations, the Reykjavík Campsite has a dedicated facility for black and grey water disposal, and other smaller dump stations can be found at some gas stations on the outskirts, like those along Route 1.Is Reykjavik worth visiting with kids?
Yes, Reykjavík is exceptionally family-friendly, offering numerous attractions and activities that cater to children of all ages, making it a worthwhile destination for families traveling by RV. Perlan, with its interactive ice cave, fascinating planetarium, and 360-degree observation deck, provides an engaging educational experience about Iceland's natural wonders. Families can also enjoy swimming at Laugardalslaug, one of the city's largest geothermal swimming pools, featuring thrilling waterslides, hot tubs, and a dedicated children's area. The Whales of Iceland museum offers an immersive experience with life-sized whale models, perfect for inspiring young marine biologists. Additionally, exploring city parks like Hljómskálagarður provides ample space for children to play freely, and for family bike rides. With a rented campervan, you have the flexibility to visit these attractions at your own pace, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable family vacation. Check out our "RV Rental in Reykjavik - Prices and Best Deals 2026" for budgeting.Can you park an RV anywhere in Iceland?
No, wild camping or parking an RV overnight anywhere you wish is generally not permitted in Iceland; strict regulations require RVs to park overnight only in designated campsites or on private land with explicit permission. Iceland's laws against wild camping, particularly since new regulations were enforced in 2026, are designed to protect the fragile environment and prevent damage, with fines issued for non-compliance. Designated campsites, widely available across the country and easily found on RV PLANET (rvplan.net), provide essential services like waste disposal, fresh water, and electricity, making them the only legal and responsible option for overnight RV parking. Parking at rest stops or non-campsite public parking areas is typically only allowed for short daytime stops, not for overnight stays, reinforcing the importance of planning your overnight accommodations in advance. We encourage travelers to use RV PLANET routes to find campgrounds and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and responsible trip.What is the most scenic drive in Iceland?
While the entire Ring Road (Route 1) offers breathtaking vistas across its 1,322 km length, the South Coast and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula are frequently cited as the most scenic drives in Iceland, especially for RV travelers seeking diverse landscapes. The South Coast drive, easily accessible from Reykjavik, features iconic waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the dramatic black sand beaches at Reynisfjara near Vík, and the ethereal glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón, offering a visual feast. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature,' showcases a remarkable variety of landscapes within a compact area, including lava fields, golden beaches, and the majestic Kirkjufell mountain. For a shorter, yet immensely popular experience, the Golden Circle from Reykjavik concentrates geothermal activity at Geysir, the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, and the historical Þingvellir National Park, providing a concentrated burst of Iceland's natural beauty. Many choose "One-Way RV Rental in Reykjavik - Price Guide 2026" to maximize their scenic journey.🎬 Video coming soon
What You Shouldn't Miss
- **Bathe in a Natural Hot Spring:** Beyond the Blue Lagoon, seek out lesser-known geothermal pools like Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, where you can hike to a naturally warm river and soak amidst stunning scenery.
- **Explore the Lava Caves of Reykjanes:** Venture into the unique lava tubes of the Reykjanes Peninsula, such as Leidarendi Cave, for an adventurous underground experience that showcases Iceland's volcanic origins.
- **Taste Local Delicacies:** In Reykjavik, don't miss trying local seafood at the Old Harbour or sampling traditional Icelandic pastries and bread at a local bakery.
- **Chase the Northern Lights (seasonal):** If traveling between September and April, drive your rented RV away from city lights, perhaps towards Þingvellir, for a chance to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky.
- **Visit a Local Farm for an Animal Encounter:** Many farms along the Ring Road offer Tours where kids can interact with Icelandic horses, sheep, or even puffins (seasonal), providing a memorable cultural and natural experience.
- **Hike to a Hidden Waterfall:** While Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are famous, many smaller, equally beautiful waterfalls are tucked away off the main roads, offering peaceful stops and short hikes.
