7-Day Self-Drive Northern Lights Campervan Tour — Iceland South & West
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—comfortable walking 2–4 hours on activity days and brief climbs; able to board a super‑jeep and manage uneven terrain.
Overview
Drive a campervan from Reykjavík through basalt cliffs, black sand beaches, geothermal baths, and a live glacier ice cave on this 7‑day self‑drive Northern Lights adventure. Expect long scenic drives, booked activities, and nightly campsites.
7-Day Self-Drive Northern Lights Campervan Tour — Iceland South & West
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The van door thuds shut against a spit of wind that tastes of sea salt and hot rock. Reykjavik’s harbor lights retreat in the rearview as the highway unspools west and south — flat lava fields give way to cathedral-like basalt, sharp mountain teeth, and black beaches that seem to drink the Atlantic. At night the sky is an active partner, barreling green and violet across a heavy Arctic dome; the aurora can arrive without ceremony, folding the landscape into motion.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Drive for the light
Start drives mid-morning to arrive at late-afternoon viewpoints — shorter daylight in winter means aurora hunting after dinner; keep fuel topped up.
Layer for everything
Temperatures can swing wildly between coast and glacier; bring waterproof outer layers and a warm mid-layer for standing at waterfalls or waiting for the northern lights.
Respect beach warnings
Reynisfjara’s sneaker waves are powerful and unpredictable—stay well back from the surf and heed local signs.
Book the ice cave early
Ice caves reform yearly and spots are limited; reserve guided glacier access in advance and arrive 20 minutes early to meeting points.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Arctic terns and puffins (seasonal on coasts)
- Seals resting near the Snæfellsnes coast
History
Þingvellir is where Iceland’s medieval Althing assembly met from 930 AD, marking the site as both a geological rift and political birthplace.
Conservation
Respect fragile moss and volcanic soil by staying on trails; use campsite facilities to minimize wild camping impact and pack out non-biodegradable waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavík
Recommended Gear
Waterproof, insulated jacket
Protects from wind, rain, and spray at waterfalls and coastal viewpoints.
winter specific
Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof)
Grip for gravel, basalt columns, and the approach to caves or craters.
all specific
Headlamp with spare batteries
Useful for early darkness, campsite tasks, and aurora photography prep.
winter specific
Thermal base layers and mid-layer
Layering keeps you flexible for glacier walks and geothermal dips.
winter specific