Explore Stunning Iceland by Campervan
The mountainous island nation of Iceland has some phenomenal scenery, with everything from glaciers to lava fields waiting to be explored. It is a great place for hiking, whale watching, white water rafting and ice climbing as well as being a great place to tour on one’s own. Many visitors opt to explore stunning Iceland by campervan as the main Route 1 Ring Road is in tip top shape and allows access to nearly every part of the country. Here are a few must sees for any visitor touring around Iceland by campervan.
Blue Lagoon – This Geothermal Spa is not only one of the most popular sites in Iceland but it is also the easiest to access, as it is midway between between Keflavik Airport and the capital city of Reykjavik. The Blue Lagoon’s water is rich in sulphur and silica and has an average year round temperature of 40°C. It is a great place to relax after the flight over and a fantastic place to start a campervan tour of Iceland.
The Golden Circle – One of the most popular drives or day trips from the city, the Golden Circle includes Geysir, Gullfoss and the Thingveller National Park. It is a 186-mile loop with plenty to see along the way. Geysir is a magnificent hot spring that erupts boiling water 70 metres into the air, while Gullfoss is a beautiful double 32-metre high waterfall on the White River. The Thingveller National Park is a cultural, historical and geological park that was established in 930. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most visited national park in Iceland.
Vatnajökull – The largest glacier in the country, Vatnajökull covers nearly eight per cent of Iceland. At over 5,000 square miles it is the largest ice cap in Europe and underneath it sits several volcanoes. It is part of Vatnajökull National Park, which is also home to Hvannadalshnúkur – Iceland’s highest mountain – and Dettifoss – the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Landmannalaugar – This remote campsite area is popular among hikers, though it is only open from June to September. It is home to expansive lava fields and multicoloured rhyolite mountains, while it is surrounded by picturesque landscapes in a wide range of colours. The most popular hike lasts for two hours and goes from the Laugahraun lava field to Mount Brennisteinsalda, while those less fit can go on a one hour hike up Mount Bláhnjúkur. There is also a four hour hike that leads to Ljótipollur crater lake.
Snæfellsjökull – Snæfellsjökull is a 700,000-year-old stratovolcano whose summit is covered by a glacier and it is one of Iceland’s most famous sites. The volcano became known around the world due to it being the entry point in the novel ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’, though its beauty speaks for itself.