In This Guide
- Best Reykjavik RV Itinerary for weekend rv rental - Overview
- 7-Day Classic Route in Reykjavik
- 14-Day Extended Journey in Reykjavik
- Recommended RVPlan Trip for Reykjavik
- Must-See Stops Along the Way (Avi Bandana Picks)
- Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Reykjavik
- Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
- Can you park an RV anywhere in Iceland?
- Can you drive a motorhome to Iceland?
- Where to park an RV in Reykjavík?
- Where to park an RV in Reykjavik?
- What is the most scenic drive in Iceland?
Best Reykjavik RV Itinerary for weekend rv rental - Overview
For travelers considering a weekend RV itinerary from Reykjavik, focusing on short, impactful trips is key to maximizing a brief visit. While the title refers to a shorter 2-3 day plan, Bandana RV specializes in helping travelers discover the deeper joys of RV travel with journeys typically lasting a week or more, which allows for a truly immersive experience in Iceland. To get started with live availability and current prices, begin with our RV Rental Reykjavik - Complete Guide 2026. The summer months, specifically June to August, offer the best conditions for a motorhome rental in Reykjavik due to mild weather and almost 24 hours of daylight, known as the midnight sun. A typical week-long adventure from Reykjavik could explore iconic regions like the Golden Circle, the dramatic South Coast highlights, or the captivating Snaefellsnes Peninsula, each offering a distinct taste of Iceland's natural beauty.
7-Day Classic Route in Reykjavik
A classic 7-day RV itinerary from Reykjavik provides a comprehensive exploration of Iceland's most famous natural wonders without rushing the experience. On Day 1, you'll travel approximately 50 km from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for exploring historical sites and the unique geological rift valley, with an overnight stay recommended at Thingvellir Campsite. Day 2 involves a 60 km drive from Thingvellir to the Geysir geothermal area and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, where you can witness powerful geysers and stunning cascades before overnighting at Geysir Campsite. Day 3 continues the journey with a 100 km drive from Geysir/Gullfoss to Hella, marking the start of your South Coast adventure, including a relaxing visit to the Secret Lagoon, followed by an overnight at Hella Campsite. Day 4 covers another 100 km from Hella to Vik, allowing ample time to explore the breathtaking waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, and the dramatic Reynisfjara black sand beach, with an overnight planned at Vik Campsite. On Day 5, embark on a longer 250 km driving day from Vik to Stykkishólmur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning your exploration of this diverse region and staying overnight at Stykkishólmur Campsite. Day 6 includes a roughly 100 km drive around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, featuring the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and scenic coastal walks around Arnarstapi, with an overnight at Hellnar Campsite. Finally, on Day 7, you'll complete a 180 km drive from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula back to Reykjavik, where you can enjoy city attractions before returning your RV or staying overnight at Reykjavik Campsite. This itinerary, like many featured on RV PLANET routes, ensures you have time to connect with the culture, food, and scenery, adhering to our recommendation to travel slowly, averaging a maximum of 100-150 km per day.14-Day Extended Journey in Reykjavik
An extended 14-day RV journey from Reykjavik allows for a more in-depth exploration of Iceland's diverse landscapes, offering a truly unforgettable adventure. Days 1-4 are dedicated to the Golden Circle and South Coast, covering must-see locations like Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, Selfoss, Hella, and Vik, extending beyond the classic sites to soak in more of the southern beauty. The trip then moves into Days 5-7, focusing on Jökulsárlón and the Eastfjords, featuring the spectacular glacier lagoon, the town of Höfn, and the charming village of Djúpivogur, allowing for breathtaking views of glacial and coastal scenery. From Days 8-10, you'll venture into North Iceland, discovering volcanic landscapes around Egilsstaðir, the "Capital of the North" Akureyri, and the unique Mývatn region with its impressive Dettifoss waterfall. Days 11-12 take you through Northwest Iceland, offering scenic coastal drives and opportunities to explore picturesque towns like Sauðárkrókur and Stykkishólmur. The adventure concludes on Days 13-14 with a return to Reykjavik, after spending more time on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to fully appreciate its 'Iceland in Miniature' moniker, taking in sites like Kirkjufell and Arnarstapi before heading back to the capital. This extended route plan is perfect for those who want to truly immerse themselves in all that Iceland offers, moving at a relaxed pace.Recommended RVPlan Trip for Reykjavik
For travelers seeking a meticulously crafted itinerary around Reykjavik and beyond, RV PLANET (rvplan.net) offers several professional pre-planned routes. The "
Iceland - Full ring road
Iceland Golden Circle - South West
Iceland - North West
What You Shouldn't Miss
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- **Thingvellir National Park:** A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing historical significance and unique geology, including the Almannagjá gorge.
- **Skógafoss Waterfall:** One of Iceland's largest and most beautiful waterfalls, standing at 60 meters high, offering stunning photo opportunities and a chance to hike to the top.
- **Hallgrímskirkja Church:** Reykjavik's iconic landmark, its distinctive architecture and tower offer panoramic city views that are truly breathtaking.
- **Local Eateries in Reykjavik:** Don't miss exploring the vibrant culinary scene in Reykjavik for authentic Icelandic cuisine, from fresh seafood to traditional lamb dishes.
- **Local Artisan Workshops:** Discover unique Icelandic crafts and products by visiting local farms or artisan workshops found along the Ring Road, such as those producing wool or dairy products.
Daily Driving Distances & Drive Times in Reykjavik
Avi Bandana, our founder, highly recommends limiting daily driving to a maximum of 100 miles or 150 km on average to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking Icelandic landscape and avoid feeling rushed. This slow travel philosophy allows you to truly feel the place, connect to the culture, the food, and the scenery. For example, the drive from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park is approximately 50 km (30 miles), taking around 45-60 minutes, which is a perfect gentle start to your adventure. Traveling from Thingvellir National Park to Geysir/Gullfoss involves a drive of roughly 60 km (37 miles), taking about 1 hour, providing another manageable segment. A longer day might be the journey from Vik to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is approximately 190 km (118 miles) and typically takes around 2.5-3 hours, representing one of the more extensive drives you might undertake in a single day.Best RV Class for This Itinerary - Couple & Family Picks
Choosing the right RV class in Reykjavik depends on your travel companions and preferences for comfort and maneuverability. For couples, a Class B Camper Van is an excellent choice, averaging 5.4 meters in length and typically accommodating 2 adults. These campervans offer nimble navigation, making city exploration easier, and often achieve impressive fuel efficiency of 5-8 liters/100 km, ideal for a dynamic trip. Our "luxury rv rentals example Carthago Malibu 600" is a great example, featuring a rear double bed of 158/195cm and a refrigerator of 80 liters, perfect for a cozy getaway. For families or larger groups up to 6 people, Class C Alcove motorhomes are highly recommended. These provide an average length of 7.3 meters and comfortably sleep around 4-6 individuals, ensuring ample space and comfort for a family adventure. While their fuel consumption is higher, typically between 9-14 liters/100 km, the added living space, often including a shower and toilet, makes them a popular choice. An example is the "24' Class C Motorhome" which sleeps up to 5 with a fresh water tank of 166 liters and a 3-burner gas stove. Consider Bandana's Rent&Plan service, which combines your RV rental with an expert-designed itinerary, simplifying your entire trip planning process.Can you park an RV anywhere in Iceland?
No, wild camping or parking an RV anywhere in Iceland is generally prohibited to protect the fragile natural environment. RV parking is strictly restricted to designated campsites, official parking lots, or private land with explicit permission from the landowner. It is crucial to always respect 'No Camping' signs and adhere to local regulations, especially within Iceland's numerous national parks and protected areas, as fines can be substantial. Overnight stays are strictly forbidden outside of registered campsites, which are well-equipped to handle motorhome and campervan needs.Can you drive a motorhome to Iceland?
Yes, it is possible to drive a motorhome to Iceland, but it requires significant logistical planning and is not a typical option for a weekend RV rental in Reykjavik. The primary route is via the Smyril Line ferry, which departs from Hirtshals, Denmark, with a stop in the Faroe Islands before reaching Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland. Bringing your own RV entails booking ferry travel well in advance, navigating customs declarations, and incurring substantial ferry fares, which can make the overall cost higher than renting locally. The ferry journey itself typically takes 2-3 days each way, adding considerably to travel time and making it impractical for a short trip to Reykjavik. For most travelers, especially those planning to explore for a week or more, renting an RV locally in Reykjavik or through an "RV Rental Iceland - Complete Guide 2026" is a more convenient and cost-effective solution, eliminating shipping concerns and minimizing travel time to Iceland itself.Where to park an RV in Reykjavík?
In Reykjavík city center, RV parking is largely restricted due to vehicle size and efforts to manage traffic, making it challenging to find suitable spots. Designated parking garages are often too small for motorhomes and campervans, and street parking rules are strict and costly, operating under a color-coded 'P-zone' system where P1 (in the city core) is the most expensive. For short daytime visits to specific attractions, travelers should search for larger, paid parking lots located on the outskirts of the immediate city core, such as those near the Old Harbor or the Harpa Concert Hall, always carefully checking signage for any RV restrictions. A practical strategy for exploring downtown Reykjavik is to "park once and explore" by parking at a peripheral lot or your campsite and utilizing public transport (Strætó buses) or walking to reach city attractions, saving on both parking fees and hassle.Where to park an RV in Reykjavik?
For overnight stays and extended visits in Reykjavik, the primary and most convenient RV parking solution is the Reykjavik Campsite (Reykjavík Campsite), situated in Laugardalur, approximately 3.5 km from the bustling city center. This popular and well-equipped campsite provides essential amenities for motorhome travelers, including electricity hookups, dedicated dump stations for waste, freshwater refill points, showers, and laundry facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Booking in advance, especially during the peak summer season (June-August), is highly recommended due to significant demand. Convenient public transport access to the city center from Reykjavik Campsite is available via regular bus services (Strætó), allowing you to easily explore urban attractions like Hallgrímskirkja Church or the Sun Voyager sculpture without needing to move your rented RV.What is the most scenic drive in Iceland?
While Iceland's full Ring Road (Route 1) is widely celebrated as the ultimate scenic drive, offering a complete circumnavigation of the island, for a focused RV rental experience around Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula offer equally breathtaking and more accessible scenic journeys. The **Golden Circle** encompasses a compact loop of iconic sights such as Þingvellir National Park, the powerful Geysir geothermal area with its erupting hot spring, and the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, known for its diverse geological wonders and historical significance. The **South Coast** drive features dramatic coastal landscapes, including the picturesque waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the eerie black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and stunning views of distant glaciers. Finally, the **Snæfellsnes Peninsula** is often affectionately referred to as 'Iceland in Miniature' because it packs a remarkable variety of scenery into a smaller area, including vast lava fields, beautiful black and white sand beaches, dramatic bird cliffs, and the instantly recognizable Kirkjufell mountain.Final Thoughts
An RV rental from Reykjavik opens up an incredible world of natural wonders, from geysers and waterfalls to black sand beaches and dramatic peninsulas. While a short 2-3 day visit can offer a glimpse, we truly believe that embracing the slow travel philosophy – averaging 100-150 km per day – allows you to fully absorb the magic of Iceland over a week or more. Imagine waking up to a new, breathtaking view each morning, preparing a delicious breakfast in your mobile kitchen, and setting out for a day of exploration. For more cooking inspiration, check out our RV-friendly recipes playlist. At Bandana RV, we're here to support you every step of the way, from comparing the perfect motorhome for your family or couple's adventure to providing transparent pricing and expert route planning through RV PLANET. Our goal is to make your RV journey stress-free, so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories. Don't just visit Iceland; truly experience it with the freedom and flexibility only a rented motorhome can provide. God is in the small details, and we take care of them. That's what makes the big difference. Find Motorhome Rentals in ReykjavikOn the routes offered through RV PLANET routes, you can itemize and track every expense along the way for easy budgeting.
