9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up – Ring Road Tour – 4×4 Campervan

REVIEW · REYKJAVIK

9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up – Ring Road Tour – 4×4 Campervan

  • 5.050 reviews
  • 9 days (approx.)
  • From $2,613.18
Book on Viator →

Operated by CampEasy ehf. · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (50)Duration9 days (approx.)Price from$2,613.18Operated byCampEasy ehf.Book viaViator

This van turns Iceland into your timetable. You’re getting a 4×4 campervan for the Ring Road with pickup from Keflavík, plus an itinerary that handles the big moving parts so you can focus on the road and the views.

I love the Easy Guide tablet support for driving and planning, and I love that the most time-sensitive experiences are pre-booked. The trip feels like independence with guardrails.

One thing to plan for: parking fees and some optional admissions are not included, so you’ll want a small cash or card buffer for those add-ons.

Key things that make this Ring Road trip click

9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Ring Road Tour - 4x4 Campervan - Key things that make this Ring Road trip click

  • Keflavík airport pickup in the morning or late afternoon so you’re not scrambling on arrival day
  • An Easy Guide tablet to reduce navigation stress and help with practical reminders
  • Booked experiences at the right times (glaciers, boat tours, whale watching, Silfra snorkeling)
  • Campsites fees included, which is a big part of keeping a campervan trip smooth
  • 4×4 campervan comfort for real driving days, including a layout meant for being on the move
  • Only your group participates, which keeps the vibe flexible

Why this 9-day Ring Road works (especially if you like independence)

9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Ring Road Tour - 4x4 Campervan - Why this 9-day Ring Road works (especially if you like independence)
A Ring Road tour can either feel like a checklist… or like your own pace. This style of trip pushes you toward the second option by giving you a self-drive campervan plus a plan that already connects the dots between major sights.

You’ll still make choices—when to stop, how long to linger, and how to pace long drives—but you’re not stuck figuring out everything from scratch. That’s a big deal in Iceland, where weather and road timing can turn “easy plans” into stress.

If you’re solo and want to avoid tour-group timing, a private setup like this is a sweet spot. You get the convenience of a prepared route with the freedom to pull over for a photo, stretch break, or a second look at a waterfall.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $2,613.18 per person for about 9 days, this works out to roughly $290/day. The real question is where that money goes, and here it’s aimed at reducing the expensive hassles: transport, lodging, and the biggest-ticket activities.

You’re not only renting a van. You’re also getting the van basics and trip infrastructure bundled in, including airport transfer, campsites fees, and booked activities. That’s often where DIY plans get expensive fast—especially once you add entry fees, tour bookings, and multiple nights in place you didn’t expect to spend.

Do note one budgeting wrinkle. The included details mention things like gas, but the exclusions list also says fuel isn’t included. I’d treat fuel as something you’ll likely pay for and confirm the details before you drive.

Keflavík pickup, driver rules, and getting on the road fast

9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Ring Road Tour - 4x4 Campervan - Keflavík pickup, driver rules, and getting on the road fast
This starts around Keflavík International Airport. You get a free shuttle to the CampEasy office (about a 5-minute drive) from either the airport or selected Keflavík-area hotels, with pickups at 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

You’ll pick up the camper at the office in the Keflavík area (Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík). When you arrive back at the end, you can get a free drop-off shuttle to the airport or your Keflavík hotel.

Driver rules matter here:

  • Minimum driver age is 20.
  • You’ll need an international driving license valid for at least 12 months at pickup.
  • Some activities have a minimum age of 14 (snorkeling is one of them).

Also, the trip asks for a strong physical fitness level. That’s not just marketing language—there are hikes and water activities built into the route.

Campervan setup: comfort, Wi‑Fi, and the tablet you’ll actually use

9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Ring Road Tour - 4x4 Campervan - Campervan setup: comfort, Wi‑Fi, and the tablet you’ll actually use
The best part of a Ring Road campervan isn’t the bed. It’s the ability to make quick decisions and keep moving without losing your mind to logistics.

This van is designed for long days. Reviews highlight practical comforts like the ability to stand and move around (not all campervans feel human inside), plus storage and a layout that works for meals and daily gear.

Support tech is also a major theme. The Easy Guide tablet isn’t just a map. It helps with reminders like where to park and practical timing cues so you don’t miss payments or instructions. Several people also mention that the Wi‑Fi connection was good enough to stay connected during the trip.

If you’re thinking about winter driving: this company equips vehicles with all-season all-terrain tyres during winter months, not studded tyres. That approach can be fine in many conditions, but one review noted that without studded tyres, fully frozen roads got tricky and they had to skip some roads. If you’re traveling in the coldest months and want maximum grip confidence, it’s smart to ask what tyre setup you’ll have for your dates.

Days 1–2: Reykjanes peninsula and the South Coast highlights

9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Ring Road Tour - 4x4 Campervan - Days 1–2: Reykjanes peninsula and the South Coast highlights
Your first full day starts close to Keflavík, which is a gift. After pickup, you’ll head into the Reykjanes peninsula for geothermal and tectonic drama.

Expect a quick burst of Iceland character:

  • Bridge Between Continents: stand between the Eurasian and North American plates. It’s short, but it’s a strong “I’m really here” moment.
  • Gunnuhver Hot Springs: steam vents, hot mud pools, and mineral-colored surfaces. Bring layers—this area can feel intense.
  • Kleifarvatn Lake: a mossy, lava-ground lake that’s simple in a good way. It’s the kind of stop where you can quietly reset before the next waterfall push.

Day 2 is the classic South Coast run, built around waterfalls and coastal geology:

  • Seljalandsfoss: the payoff is walking behind the falls. The waterfall area entrance is free, but you’ll need to budget for parking fees.
  • Skógafoss (plus Kvernufoss): Skógafoss hits hard with spray, rainbows, and noise. Kvernufoss is a nice add-on when you’re already in the neighborhood.
  • Dyrhólaey: a rock formation with a hole and birdlife. It’s also a viewpoint play—timing matters if wind is strong.
  • Reynisfjall / Reynisfjara: basalt columns, sea stacks, and the famous basalt-column look. The site is famous for a reason. Also, watch your step near the waterline.
  • Vík Horse Adventure: an included horseback ride in the Vík area. It’s a change of pace from waterfalls, and it gives you a different kind of Iceland connection.
  • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: dramatic canyon lines and the odd presence of sheep grazing nearby. It’s long enough for a real wander.

By the time you reach Kirkjubaejarklaustur, you’re not just moving. You’re transitioning from South Coast iconic stops to the next phase of the route.

Day 3: Skaftafell glacier hike and Jökulsárlón icebergs without guesswork

9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Ring Road Tour - 4x4 Campervan - Day 3: Skaftafell glacier hike and Jökulsárlón icebergs without guesswork
Day 3 turns up the “wow” volume. You start near Skaftafell and head toward Vatnajökull, one of the biggest glacier systems in Europe.

The centerpiece is a Skaftafell glacier hike on the Falljökull outlet. This is the kind of guided time you don’t want to improvise, because glacier conditions can be unpredictable. The hike is included, and it’s paced for visitors who want the experience without needing to be expedition-ready.

Then you move through Skaftafell National Park, with a chance to walk among paths and toward Svartifoss, the black waterfall tied to dark basalt columns. Park access is free, but again, parking can be extra.

Your day becomes ice-and-water dramatic:

  • Diamond Beach: icebergs in front of black sand. It’s one of those places where you’ll understand why people photograph obsessively.
  • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon boat tour: an amphibian-style boat trip for about 35 minutes among huge icebergs. There’s also an English-speaking guide and a fascinating geology talk. One memorable detail is that you’ll taste ice described as 1000-year-old.

After that, the goal is simple: refuel, rest, and prepare for driving into the Eastfjords region next.

Day 4: Eastfjords—colorful towns and slower time

9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Ring Road Tour - 4x4 Campervan - Day 4: Eastfjords—colorful towns and slower time
The Eastfjords day isn’t about trying to win a speedrun. It’s about giving your brain a break after the glacier intensity.

You’ll start in Djúpivogur with the harbor Eggs sculpture—a quick stop that feels fun and local. Then you head further east.

A stop at Hallormsstaður Forest gives you a different Iceland vibe. It’s described as the country’s most significant forest, with walking paths and even the chance to spot reindeer.

Next comes Seyðisfjörður, often called one of the most beautiful Eastfjords stops. You’ll pass between steep mountain scenery and colorful houses in a town of about 700 inhabitants. It’s also linked with festivals in mid-July, so if your dates line up, you might get an extra layer of atmosphere.

Then it’s back to the campsite—this section works best when you let the pace slow down.

Days 5–6: Mývatn geothermal power, Dettifoss thunder, and whale country

9 Days Self-Drive Tour with Pick Up - Ring Road Tour - 4x4 Campervan - Days 5–6: Mývatn geothermal power, Dettifoss thunder, and whale country
Mývatn day begins with a drive through terrain that feels otherworldly in a quiet, almost moon-like way. You’ll start near Egilsstaðir with Rjúkandi waterfall, then head to the craters.

At Viti and Krafla, you’re surrounded by geothermal features with emerald-colored water and clear photo angles. You also have the option (not always time-friendly, so plan carefully) to visit Námaskarð, where mineral colors can make the ground look like a paint test.

Grjótagjá cave is a calm stop. The hot spring inside isn’t usable due to very high temperatures, but the cave visit still gives you that time-capsule feeling.

Then comes Dimmuborgir, a lava field shaped into caves and arches about 2300 years ago. This is a great day to wear sturdy shoes, because you’ll want to wander.

The evening highlight is Myvatn Nature Baths with the included soak. You get sauna and steam room time plus open-air views from the baths over the lake. It’s a powerful reset after a lot of walking and driving.

Day 6 is northern Iceland’s “big energy” day:

  • Dettifoss: wide, loud, and forceful. The ground can feel like it’s moving.
  • Ásbyrgi: a shoe-shaped canyon with paths and a lake in the middle. It’s woodland time after the thunder.
  • Húsavík: whale watching is included, running about 3 hours with the tour starting around 1:15 pm. Even when whales don’t show, the water cruise atmosphere is part of the fun.
  • Godafoss: the “waterfall of the gods” with a legend tied to the year 1000.
  • Akureyri: the north’s “capital” vibe. You’ll also get time for a stroll through the town core, with options like a botanical garden or a local pool if you want extra downtime.

Day 7: Turf churches, a VR history stop, and Þingvellir’s continental break

Day 7 mixes spirituality, Icelandic history, and geology in a way that keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

You’ll visit Grafarkirkja, the oldest turf church in Iceland. It’s small and very photogenic, and the setting gives it a calm mood.

Then comes 1238 The Battle of Iceland, a museum experience with virtual reality for the battle of Örlygsstaðir. It’s a good choice if you want history without the “walk quietly and read plaques” feeling.

Next is Grábrók, where you can climb right up to the crater rim, followed by a quick stop potential at Glanni waterfall if time allows.

Finally, you reach Þingvellir National Park. This stop matters because you see a key geological split where the Earth’s crust pulls apart. The park itself is free to enter, but parking fees aren’t included, so you’ll want that extra budget line again.

By the end of the day, you’re heading to the campsite with a full mind and a tired body—the kind of day that makes dinner taste better.

Day 8: Silfra snorkeling and the Golden Circle, with one very practical warning

Day 8 is the schedule-heavy day, because it includes snorkeling and the Golden Circle’s major names.

First up is Silfra snorkeling. This is one of Iceland’s most requested freshwater snorkeling experiences. It starts around 9:00 am, runs about 3 hours 15 minutes, and the minimum age is 14. There are also weight and height requirements listed, so check those before you plan your gear and family logistics.

Here’s the practical warning: plan to be on time at the meeting point. The trip notes that meeting points should be reached around 20 minutes early for paid activities.

After snorkeling, you shift gears to:

  • Geysir: watch Strokkur fire up, shooting warm water columns up to around 15 meters.
  • Gullfoss: the big waterfall finish for many Ring Road plans. Expect strong spray and a serious viewpoint.
  • Reykjadalur Hot Springs: a thermal river walk in the Hveragerði area. You hike about 45 minutes one way, then soak in warm water/steam valley. Bring swimwear; this is one you can’t do halfway.

This day is where the trip proves it’s more than car rental. It’s designed around high-impact experiences you can’t easily schedule by yourself.

Day 9: Reykjavík icons, Perlan views, and the return to Keflavík

Your last day is a Reykjavík run, but it’s not just a single photo stop.

You start at Sun Voyager—a sculpture by the sea with mountains behind it. It’s short, but the sea-and-sky mood gives you a clean ending to a long drive.

Then you’ll pass Harpa in the city. Even without paying for entry, the architecture is worth seeing. If you want to go inside, you’ll need to pay separately.

Next is Hallgrimskirkja. Entry to the church itself is free, but access to the tower has an extra cost.

Then you can spend time at Perlan, a museum on top of water reservoir tanks. If your timing works, the Aurora Show is one of the add-on options there.

When you’re done, you head back to the CampEasy office area for warm drinks and to wrap up. If you requested it, you can get shuttled back to Keflavík airport or your hotel.

Campervan support in real life: how the team shows up

I like support that’s practical, not just friendly. This company’s model includes the Easy Guide tablet for day-to-day navigation and reminders, and you also have staff contact through their chat system.

Several people highlight fast responses from staff like Natalia, Dawid Milan, Flore, Florentina, and Lidia. I’m mentioning names because it helps you understand the human side. When something went wrong—like a timing belt issue—they handled it by replacing the vehicle after a short wait and upgrading the van. That’s the kind of real-world problem handling you want to know about before you commit.

So yes, this is a “do-it-yourself” trip. But it’s not abandoned DIY. The support shows up when it counts.

What to watch out for before you book

This is a packed route with real driving time. Some days are long, and your focus has to stay on weather, road conditions, and timing for scheduled activities.

Your other main watch-outs are money leaks:

  • Parking fees at major stops and national parks are often not included.
  • A few admissions and paid activities outside the core plan are not included.
  • Energy at campsites is excluded, including electricity use.

Finally, tyre setup is a seasonal variable. The “all-season all-terrain” approach can be totally fine, but winter conditions vary. If you’re traveling when roads are fully frozen, ask how your exact vehicle is set up for traction confidence.

Should you book this self-drive Ring Road with a 4×4 campervan?

Book it if you want:

  • A Ring Road that’s planned enough to reduce stress, but flexible enough to feel personal
  • A campervan with Wi‑Fi and an Easy Guide tablet that makes driving easier
  • Big attractions already booked, so you’re not chasing reservations after landing

Skip it or ask more questions if:

  • You hate extra “small fees” like parking and prefer one flat price with almost everything included
  • You’re very sensitive to driving workload and you want an easier pace
  • You’re traveling in deep winter and want maximum traction certainty, so you’ll need to verify tyre setup for your dates

If you like road trips with built-in momentum, this one fits. It’s a solid way to see Iceland without turning every day into a logistics puzzle.

FAQ

How does the pickup from Keflavík work?

They offer a free shuttle from Keflavík International Airport or selected hotels in the Keflavík area to the CampEasy office. Pickup times are listed as 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Do I need an international driving license?

Yes. The driver must show a valid international driving license that is valid for the vehicle and valid for at least 12 months at the time of pick-up.

What age do I need to be to drive?

The minimum driver age is 20 years old.

Are campsites and Wi‑Fi included?

Campsites fees are included. Wi‑Fi is listed as part of the campervan extras included.

Are parking fees included in the price?

No. Parking fees are not included, and the tour notes that parking fees apply at several stops.

What major activities are included?

Included activities listed include a glacier hike near Skaftafell, a Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon boat tour, a whale watching tour from Húsavík, Myvatn Nature Baths, a horseback riding adventure near Vík, Silfra snorkeling, and the Battle of Iceland VR museum experience.

Is electricity at campsites included?

No. Electricity and the use of other campsite services are excluded.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Reykjavik we have reviewed

Scroll to Top

Explore Iceland

Every road out of Reykjavik, and every way to take it.