Iceland - North west South west

Route Snapshot

Why This Route Works for RV Travel

Iceland is a destination best experienced on your own schedule, and a motorhome provides the ultimate freedom to embrace the country's striking landscapes. This 1,570 km journey through the North West and South West regions is not just another point-A-to-point-B drive; it is an immersive, multi-activity vacation designed to reveal a colorful new world. Traveling by RV allows you to wake up near breathtaking natural features, prepare family meals with a view, and take your time exploring geothermal wonders without the strict timetable of a guided bus tour. From the dramatic depths of the Kerid Crater to the soothing thermal waters of the Secret Lagoon Iceland, having your accommodation on wheels means you can prioritize slow travel and truly connect with the environment.

Route Rhythm: A 12-Day Journey

This itinerary is carefully structured to balance high-energy outdoor activities with vital relaxation time. Rather than rushing from one photo opportunity to the next, this route encourages you to settle into the rhythm of the Icelandic landscape.

Stage 1: Capital Culture and Geothermal Beginnings

Your journey begins in Reykjavik, where you will pick up your RV and ease into the Icelandic way of life. This initial stage focuses on urban heritage and family-friendly introductions to the country's geography. It is the perfect time to stock up your motorhome pantry and enjoy spectacular virtual flights before heading out into the wilderness to witness your first major geological wonders.

Stage 2: Highlands, Glaciers, and Adventure

As you venture deeper into the South West, the landscape transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. This leg of the trip is defined by active exploration. You will navigate toward renowned adventure hubs where the elevation rises, offering opportunities to walk on ancient glaciers and explore rugged highland terrain. The driving pace here should be slow and deliberate, allowing you to appreciate the vast, untouched expanses.

Stage 3: Wildlife Watching and Coastal Exploration

Transitioning toward the coastal and North West regions, the focus shifts to Iceland's vibrant marine and animal life. This stage involves scenic coastal driving, punctuated by stops dedicated to wildlife observation. Expect to spend time scanning the horizon from cruise terminals and visiting dedicated animal show points, making it a highly engaging segment for families.

Stage 4: Deep Relaxation and Maritime Heritage

The final days of your 1,570 km loop guide you back toward Reykjavik with an emphasis on relaxation and cultural reflection. After days of hiking and wildlife spotting, this stage allows you to unwind in natural thermal spas and explore maritime history. It is a gentle, rewarding conclusion to a comprehensive Icelandic adventure.

Key Locations and Themes

This route is packed with diverse experiences that cater to a wide range of interests. Here is a breakdown of the primary themes you will encounter:

• Natural Wonders & Geology: Prepare to be stunned by the spectacular Kerid Crater and enjoy extensive cave exploring. The route is heavily focused on natural features and dedicated hiking areas that showcase Iceland's raw beauty.
• Active Family Adventure: The Laugarvatn Adventure offers experiences beyond expectations, including skiing in the highlands and walking on glaciers. Back in the capital, FlyOver Iceland provides a superlative virtual experience for the whole family, while horseback riding opportunities dot the countryside.
• Wildlife Encounters: Nature lovers will thrill at the water adventures and sailing opportunities from local cruise terminals, alongside four specific animal show points dedicated to wildlife watching.
• Heritage & Relaxation: Balance your adventures with meditation time and stress reduction at the Secret Lagoon Iceland. Culturally, you will enjoy traditional visits and heritage sites, highlighted by the majestic Maritime Museum in the Fisherman's Garden. You will also find opportunities for traditional fine dining along the way.

Planning Your Iceland RV Trip: Q&A

How many days do you need for this route?

To comfortably complete the 1,570 km loop through the North West and South West, 12 days is the optimal duration. This timeline allows you to maintain a relaxed pace, ensuring you have ample time for glacier walks, museum visits, and soaking in thermal pools without feeling rushed.

Is this RV route worth it?

Absolutely. This specific route avoids the crowded, single-direction tourist traps in favor of a multi-activity, well-rounded experience. The combination of highland adventures, coastal wildlife watching, and geothermal relaxation makes it a highly rewarding investment of your vacation time.

Who is this trip for?

This itinerary is tailor-made for families, active travelers, and nature enthusiasts. Because it blends high-adrenaline activities like glacier walking with accessible experiences like the Maritime Museum and thermal spas, it appeals to a multi-generational travel group looking for shared adventures.

What is the best season for this drive?

Summer (June through August) is generally the most popular time for RV travel in Iceland, offering the most daylight for wildlife watching and the safest driving conditions for a 1,570 km journey. Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer beautiful colors and fewer crowds, though weather can be more unpredictable. Always check RV PLANET for specific seasonal recommendations and vehicle suitability for Icelandic roads.

Booking Your Motorhome and Managing Expenses

When planning your Icelandic RV adventure, it is important to understand how to structure your expenses. Because this route starts and ends in Reykjavik, you will not need to worry about one-way drop-off fees, which helps keep costs manageable. Your primary expenses will be the daily motorhome rental rate, campground fees, and fuel for the 1,570 km journey.

Additionally, factor in the cost of attraction tickets—such as entrance to the Secret Lagoon, FlyOver Iceland, and guided glacier walks—as well as groceries. Dining out in Iceland is a premium experience, so utilizing your RV's kitchen for family meals is a smart way to balance your funds. When booking your vehicle, ensure you select an RV size that comfortably fits your family while remaining agile enough to navigate Iceland's rural roads. For exact live pricing, vehicle availability, and specific campground details, utilize the tools provided below.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

The breathtaking landscapes of Iceland's North West and South West are waiting to be explored. From the depths of the Kerid Crater to the warmth of the Secret Lagoon, this 12-day journey promises an unforgettable family vacation. Head over to the full itinerary on RV PLANET to secure your motorhome, finalize your daily pacing, and start planning the trip of a lifetime.

Interactive route map

Official RV PLAN route map

Route rhythm at a glance

A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.

Days 1-3 — Capital Culture and Geothermal Beginnings

~150–250 km across this leg

Settle into the rhythm of the trip with initial explorations of Reykjavik's heritage and the surrounding geothermal wonders before heading further out.

Days 4-6 — Highlands, Glaciers, and Adventure

~300–400 km across this leg

Immerse your family in outdoor adventures, from highland landscapes to glacier walks, embracing the slow travel mindset in the South West.

Days 7-9 — Wildlife Watching and Coastal Exploration

~400–550 km across this leg

Follow the rugged coastline to discover marine life and unique natural features, taking time to pause at scenic overlooks and animal show points.

Days 10-12 — Deep Relaxation and Maritime Heritage

~300–450 km across this leg

Wind through coastal roads back toward the capital, capping off the journey with thermal spa relaxation and maritime history.

Verified RV logistics for this route

• Average daily drive: roughly 131 km/day. Build in shorter days near national parks and scenic stops.
• Fuel stops: expect at least 3 fill-ups along the route (typical Class C tank range ~600 km / 370 mi).
• Dump stations: plan 4 dump stops, roughly every 3 days.
• Campground booking lead time: 3–6 months ahead for state/national park sites; 2–4 weeks is usually fine for private RV resorts.
• Season check: confirm on RV PLAN that every overnight stop is open for your dates — several close out of season.

Live availability and pricing

Total cost for this 12-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,570 km route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Reykjavik → Reykjavik pickup window on Rent Motorhome.

Motorhomes available in Reykjavik for this route

These are real vehicles in our Reykjavik pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.

Check availability and book this route

Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Reykjavik → Reykjavik route.

More RV routes from Reykjavik

Picking up in Reykjavik but want a shorter loop or a different destination? Compare these RV PLANET itineraries that depart from the same depot:

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  Iceland - Full ring road
  
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  Iceland Golden Circle - South West
  
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  Iceland - North West
  
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• 

  Iceland - North east
  
  11 days • 1,682 km • to Reykjavik