From camper van adventures to luxurious hot springs

Iceland was one of the first international trips my husband, Zak, and I took together, and it was nothing short of unforgettable. We spent a week exploring the southern coast, splitting our time between incredible adventure and luxurious relaxation. The first five days were spent in a camper van, which was very much Zak’s vibe (think camping and nature), and the last three days were at the iconic Blue Lagoon - my idea of heaven. It was the perfect balance for both of us.

Jump to Tips

Braving the February Chill

We chose February for our trip - and wow, it was cold!!! But the freezing temperatures were worth it for the chance to see the northern lights, which were at the top of our bucket list. Along the way, we explored waterfalls, soaked in hot springs, wandered along black sand beaches, and took in some of the most stunning landscapes we’d ever seen.

The Camper Van Experience

Our camper van journey kicked off with a grocery run to stock up for the week before hitting the road. Our itinerary included stops at:

Reykjavik
Thingvellir National Park
Gullfoss
Seljalandsfoss
Skógafoss
Solheimasandur - the plane wreck site
Reynisfjara - the black sand beach
Vík
Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Svartifoss
Diamond Beach
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

A Snowy Setback

One day, we hit a bit of a snag - literally. Our camper van got stuck on the side of the road during a snowstorm. It was around 9am, and we were on our way to a guided ice cave tour. The wind was fierce, visibility was basically non-existent, and we ended up sliding into a ditch. Safe to say, we missed the tour.

Cars and trucks passed by, trying to help, but no one could pull us out. At one point, a friendly driver gave it a go and ended up just giving us a thumbs-up before speeding off. Eventually, we called the local police, who showed up with two trucks. Despite their efforts - and a lot of impressive Icelandic swearing - it was a no go. As the sun started to set, we realized we might have to call a tow truck, which would cost us a hefty $1,000 USD.

Just as we were about to make the call, a local Icelandic man appeared out of nowhere, like a Nordic guardian angel. He asked if we needed help (we obviously did), and before we could even process what was happening, he grabbed some gear from his truck and pulled us out of the ditch like it was no big deal. It was a miracle moment and I cried tears of joy when we were out. Icelandic people are truly some of the kindest (and strongest) in the world.

Relaxing at the Blue Lagoon

After our camper van adventures, we spent the last three days at the Blue Lagoon, staying at the Silica Hotel. This part of the trip felt like stepping into another universe - a warm, steamy universe where my camper van trauma could finally melt away. The rooms were spacious, the floors were heated (a necessity for my perpetually cold feet), and the breakfast was so good it made me question why I don’t eat waffles daily.

We spent our days floating around in the all access hot springs, slathering on face masks that promised eternal youth, and even tried an underwater massage. Yes, you read that right - they massage you while you’re floating in the hot springs. It was equal parts relaxing and "am I doing this right?" but I’ll take it any day. Zak, of course, fell asleep mid-massage and floated off like a human pool noodle.

A Dining Delight

One evening, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at the Lava Restaurant, and wow, did it deliver. The food was so good that I considered asking the chef to adopt me. The only downside was Zak trying to pronounce everything on the menu, which was a comedy act in itself.

We’ll Be Back… One Day

This trip was unforgettable for so many reasons - the breathtaking landscapes, the unexpected moments of kindness, and everything in between. From getting rescued by an Icelandic superhero to floating around like hot spring royalty, it was the adventure of a lifetime. We can’t wait to go back someday - hopefully in the spring when our camper van can behave and I can eat more waffles.

Now that you've heard my Iceland story, keep reading for my top tips and recommendations!

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June-August) for long daylight hours and accessible roads
- Winter (October-March) is great for Northern Lights and snowy landscapes
Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK), major credit cards widely accepted
Transportation: Iceland’s accommodations can be pricey. Renting a camper van is a cost-effective and flexible option for exploring
Packing Essentials: LAYERS! A waterproof jacket, thermal base layers, gloves, a hat, and sturdy hiking boots
Weather: It changes rapidly, so check forecasts often (use websites like Vedur.is)
Northern Lights: Use apps like Aurora Forecast and find a dark spot away from city lights for the best view!

Accommodations

Camper Van

Camp Easy Iceland - we used the Easy Viking 4x4 EXP. Includes a top bed, cooking and kitchenware, fridge and running water, foldable table and chairs, GPS and Wi-Fi, roof rack and ladder, and more. Check out their website for a full list!
We also looked at KuKu Campers and Campervan Iceland.

Hotel Accommodations

Blue Lagoon Iceland - Silica Hotel. Includes complimentary breakfast, a welcome drink, access to the Silica Lagoon (separate from the main Blue Lagoon, providing a tranquil and less crowded experience), admission to the Blue Lagoon, heated bathroom floors (my favorite!!), assistance for booking tours and activities. Check out their website for a full list!
We also looked at Northern Light Inn, which is also right by the Blue Lagoon

Here's the route we took along Iceland's southern coast, divided into zones. Each zone is approximately 2-3 hours apart by car.

Zone 1

Thingvellir National Park
Kerid Crater
Gullfoss Falls
Secret Lagoon
Urridafoss Waterfall

Zone 2 - Realistically you would only be able to go to a few of these in one day. Bolded are the ones I visited and would recommend.

Gljufrabui Waterfall
Thórsmörk Natural Reserve
Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
Kvernufoss Waterfall
Skógafoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Sólheimasandur (plane crash site)
Reynisfjara Beach (black sand beach)
Vik (seafront village)

Zone 3

Ice caves at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Diamond Beach

Zone 4

Svartifoss Waterfall at Skaftafell
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyons
Laufskálavarða (lava ridge)

Restaurants and Food Picks

Iceland is known for its fresh seafood, tender lamb, and unique staples like skyr (Icelandic yogurt), rye bread baked using geothermal heat, and hearty lamb soup. While we mostly cooked our own meals in the camper van to fully embrace the adventure, we did try a few local spots that we highly recommend. Here are our favorite restaurants and must-try dishes!

Íslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar
Strondin Pub Vik - located in Vic, near Reynisfjara Beach. Offers Icelandic comfort food like fresh seafood and hearty pub meals
The Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon - Known for its Nordic-inspired cuisine, the restaurant serves dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients, including seafood, lamb, and seasonal vegetables

Iceland