7-Day Self-Drive Private Tour Northern Lights Adventure – Iceland South & West

Iceland looks best when you’re free to choose your timing. This 7-day self-drive private campervan tour gives you that freedom, while still steering you toward the big natural hits. I especially like the Easy Guide tablet, which helps you move from stop to stop without living inside paper maps or guesswork.

Two more things I really like: the itinerary is packed with booked activities (so you’re not spending half your trip on planning), and the campsite overnight fees are included. One drawback to budget for: several common stop extras are not included, like parking fees and a couple of entrance tickets.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Easy Guide tablet navigation so you’re not constantly re-reading directions while driving
• Campsite fees included to keep your nightly routine simple
• Half-day ice cave experience reached by super jeep before the hike
• Two geothermal soaks included (Krauma Spa and Fontana Geothermal Baths)
• A mix of big-photo stops plus real-time activities, from lava caves to the Lava Show in Vík

A private campervan week with built-in rhythm

This is a self-drive format, but it’s not a leave-you-alone-and-good-luck setup. You get a quality campervan, a prebuilt route, and a tablet-based guide meant to reduce the daily stress of “what now?” That matters in Iceland, where weather changes fast and daylight can be short.

You also get the comfort of doing a lot of the hard parts for you: activities are booked, and campsite overnight fees are included. You still drive yourself, so you can linger at viewpoints or pull off for a quick walk when the sky clears. And because it’s a private tour, it’s just your group, which keeps schedules more realistic than the old-school bus herd.

One more practical note: you’ll handle real driving days, not gentle sightseeing days. You should be comfortable with a full week of wind, rain, and changing road surfaces.

Day 1: Keflavík to Reykjavík basics (Sun Voyager and Hallgrímskirkja)

After you land, you can use the complimentary shuttle from Keflavík International Airport or from a hotel in Keflavík town. It drops you at CampEasy’s office, just a short drive away, and then you’re ready to start exploring immediately.

In Reykjavík, you get a tight introduction that sets the tone for the whole week:

• Sun Voyager by the sea: a modern sculpture meant to symbolize hope and freedom, with mountains behind it.
• Harpa concert hall: the architecture is inspired by Icelandic nature, and entry to the building is free (you’ll still want to budget for parking if you drive there).
• Hallgrímskirkja: the church is free to enter, and if you want the city panorama you’ll pay a separate tower fee.

If you have time and want a fun “from above” overview, FlyOver Iceland is an optional add-on near Hallgrímskirkja. It’s not included, but it can help you understand where things are around the country before you drive.

Why this day works: you’re not thrown straight into long rural driving. You warm up with quick stops, get your bearings, then hit the road with fewer unknowns.

Day 2: Snæfellsnes peninsula via basalt columns, a lava cave, and Kirkjufell

Day 2 is where the trip starts feeling like Iceland: ocean cliffs, black sand, and volcanic geology you can actually see.

You begin at Gerðuberg, a cliff with geometrically symmetric basalt columns. It’s one of those stops where you’ll understand why Iceland is built from repeated volcanic patterns.

Then you head toward the Búðir area:

• Búðir church is one of Iceland’s black churches and a strong photography spot. Seals can sometimes appear offshore, which is the kind of bonus you only notice if you slow down at sea-view pullouts.
• Arnarstapi and the beach area around it, including Gatklettur (the sea arch). The scenery here is carved by erosion, not landscaping. That difference matters.

Next comes a genuine underworld moment:

• Vatnshellir Lava Cave (included). You go into an 8,000-year-old lava tube, about 32 meters underground. Helmets and headlamps are provided, and you descend via spiral stairs. This is the kind of activity that breaks up the driving-and-photo rhythm and turns the day into a real story.

After the cave, you shift back above ground:

• Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach, with history tied to old sailor selection and shipwreck remnants.
• Saxhóll crater: a walk down wooden steps to a 100-meter-deep crater with sea and lava field views.
• Kirkjufellsfoss: a famous waterfall and the iconic mountain Kirkjufell. If you want the classic photo, plan for crowds and wind.

Possible drawback for this day: it’s a packed route. You’ll get a lot, but you need to stay flexible if weather slows parking or walking.

Day 3: Stykkishólmur, waterfalls, Europe’s largest hot spring, and Krauma Spa

Day 3 blends charming coastal towns with geothermal power, and it’s a nice change of pace from Day 2’s cliff-heavy vibe.

You start near Stykkishólmur and head to Súgandisey Island for the lighthouse and viewpoints. The island connection is walkable and the view payoff is the point here.

Then come the waterfalls:

• Hraunfossar: trickling rivulets cutting through a broader riverbed.
• Barnafoss: water forcing out through a lava opening, powerful and surprising.

For heat lovers, you get a big one:

• Deildartunguhver geothermal spring (Europe’s largest hot spring). From a safe distance you’ll see bubbling in near-boiling water and feel the warmth from it. Even if you don’t go into a pool, it’s a strong sensory stop.

End the day with a true soak:

• Krauma Spa (included). There are four pools fed with constant geothermal water flow. The tour notes that the spa doesn’t rely on chemicals to maintain water quality.

This is also a day where the “northern lights week” makes sense. You’re moving through areas outside Reykjavík, and you’re doing it without a frantic pace. That gives you a better chance to catch clear night windows when they appear.

Day 4: Golden Circle from Þingvellir to Skógafoss (with Fontana and Geysir)

Day 4 is your classic Golden Circle day, but it’s run with the logic of a self-drive itinerary: you get major stops without feeling like you’re on rails.

You start at Þingvellir National Park (not included entry, but the note says entrance is free; parking has a fee). It’s both geological and historical, tied to continental drift and the splitting of Earth’s crust. You’ll also see familiar points like Oxarárfoss and Silfra fissure areas referenced in the route.

Then it’s straight into warm water:

• Fontana Geothermal Baths at Laugarvatn (included). The soak includes a panoramic view of the lake, which is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Iceland’s thermal vibe without rushing.

Next:

• Geysir area: you’re aiming at Strokkur, which shoots water up to about 15 meters. You’ll also notice fumaroles, mud pots, and steam vents while you wait for the next eruption cycle.

For the waterfall payoff:

• Gullfoss: a 32-meter chute dropping into a deep crevasse, with mist that can create rainbows.

There’s an optional food detour if you want something different:

• Fridheimar Restaurant and Farm is suggested, with geothermal-powered tomato farming and a tomato-focused menu. It’s not included, so you’d need to book in advance yourself.

Then:

• Kerið volcanic crater (small entry fee not included if you walk up to it).
• Seljalandsfoss: the waterfall behind which you can walk. Entry to the area is free, but parking isn’t included.
• Skógafoss: a big glacial-fed waterfall with spray and frequent rainbows.

One consideration: this is a day with multiple short walks. If you’re sensitive to cold or wind, plan warm layers and traction-friendly footwear.

Day 5: South Coast hits, Diamond Beach, then an ice cave tour by super jeep

This is the day where Iceland goes from “wow” to “how is this even real.”

You start at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, known for its curved dramatic shape. It’s also a known film location, which you might already recognize if you’ve seen the Bieber music video mention online. Either way, the geometry is what you’ll remember after you park and look.

Then:

• Diamond Beach: black sand covered with ice blocks from the glacier. They sparkle in sunlight in a way that feels almost unreal, especially when wind shifts and the ice rearranges.

After that, you go into the ice, and the schedule is the point:

• Glacier Hike / Ice Cave Tour on Vatnajökull (included). You drive in a super jeep into the glacial valley, then hike to a naturally forming blue ice cave. The cave reforms by melting each summer, so the exact shapes you see aren’t repeatable. That’s why booking ahead matters, even on a self-drive itinerary.

This day can feel long, but it’s also a strong reason to pick this tour format instead of a generic “drive and stop” plan. You’re getting an activity that isn’t just watching a view.

Day 6: Reynisfjara and Vík (with the Lava Show and an optional museum)

Day 6 is coastal drama plus a safer, indoor-style volcanic experience.

You begin at Dyrhólaey, once an island and now a rock formation with a promenade and a big sea hole in the rock. It’s also a bird area, so keep your eyes up and be ready for winds.

Then comes Reynisfjara Beach (the well-known black sand area under Reynisfjall cliffs). You’ll see basalt columns and rock formations rising from the Atlantic. The guide route includes the classic troll-story lore, but what you’ll really take away is the geology: stacked basalt and hard waves meeting hard rock.

Mid-afternoon you get a more contained experience:

• Icelandic Lava Show in Vík (included). You watch a safe, realistic running hot lava effect tied to a mimic volcanic eruption.

There’s also an optional cultural stop:

• Skógar Museum is suggested if you want more about Icelandic life. It’s not included, so plan time if you want it.

Practical note: this is also a good day to be strict about pacing. Coastal wind can make photography slower than you expect.

Day 7: Reykjanes Peninsula steam, tectonic plates, and ending back at CampEasy

Day 7 is your final “Iceland hits” day before you return to the office.

You start at Kleifarvatn Lake, a large lake on the Reykjanes peninsula. It’s noted as being close to 100 meters deep, with porous lava around it and fish (particularly anglers). The views are simple: moss, lava ground, and a calm water surface that reflects the harsh Iceland sky.

If you have time before departure, Blue Lagoon is recommended but not included. You’d book it yourself online. It can be a comfortable capstone after a week of geothermal wonders.

Next:

• Gunnuhver Hot Springs: steam vents, hot mud pools, and mineral colors shaped by geothermal activity. You also get the Reykjanes lighthouse in the background.

Then your last signature photo stop:

• Bridge Between Continents: stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It’s brief, but it’s one of the easiest “I was really here” moments on the whole trip.

Finally, you end at CampEasy Iceland, where you can stop in for warm drinks, souvenirs, and to share trip memories. If requested, shuttle service brings you back to the airport or hotel in Keflavík.

What’s included (and what can add up fast)

This tour is priced at about $1,511.93 per person for the 7 days, and it’s worth judging it as a bundle, not as a “cheap van rental.”

Included elements that add real value:

• Quality camper van
• Easy Guide tablet
• Booked activities (so you’re not hunting availability)
• Airport transfer/shuttle
• Campsites fees
• Zero-risk coverage
• Cave and spa activities that are hard to DIY, including:
• Vatnshellir Lava Cave (included)
• Krauma Spa (included)
• Fontana Geothermal Baths at Laugarvatn (included)
• Vatnajökull ice cave tour by super jeep (included)
• Icelandic Lava Show in Vík (included)

Not-included items you should budget for:

• Parking fees (and several stops explicitly note parking fees not included)
• A few attraction entry fees like Hallgrímskirkja tower and Kerið crater
• Electricity and other campsite services
• Food and beverages
• Flights
• Fuel is listed as not included

One confusing-but-important detail: the “included” list mentions extras like gas, while the “not included” list also mentions fuel. Since this can affect your total cost, I’d verify what exactly is covered for your specific camper and season before you roll out.

Comfort, driving, and the physical side of Iceland

You should have moderate physical fitness for the walking and stair steps. Some activities have a minimum age limit of 8 years, and a minimum height requirement of 102 cm (40″) for certain activities.

The driving rules are also clear:

• This is self-drive, so you need to be prepared for long road days and weather changes.
• The driver must be at least 20 years old.

Also, for paid activities, you’re advised to arrive about 20 minutes before the start time. That’s a small thing, but it protects you from delays caused by parking and cold-weather transitions.

From a comfort standpoint, the best advantage of a camper format is that you don’t have to hunt lodging every night. Campsite fees are included, and the van setup is built for sleeping through Iceland nights, including cold ones. In customer feedback, people specifically praise things like cleanliness, safety, heating that lasts, and how easy the van is to drive.

Who this Northern Lights-style self-drive trip is best for

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want freedom but still want an itinerary that handles the big logistics
• Prefer self-drive over group bus pacing
• Like mixing “see it” stops with hands-on experiences like lava caves and ice caves
• Want a plan that reduces decision fatigue when Iceland weather changes your timeline

It’s less ideal if you:

• Want a very relaxed pace with lots of pure rest days
• Don’t want to pay extra for parking and a couple of entry tickets
• Are nervous about driving in wind and rain for several days in a row

Should you book this 7-day CampEasy Northern Lights self-drive tour?

If you’re booking Iceland for the first time, or you want to maximize variety without turning your vacation into a spreadsheet project, I think this is a smart choice. The strongest reasons are practical: the tablet navigation, booked activities, and campsite fees included. Those three things cut down the friction that kills a road trip.

The decision hinge is money and expectations. The price isn’t budget-cheap once you include everything not listed, and you should plan for parking and some entry fees. If you can handle that, you’ll likely love the mix of geothermal soaks, black-sand coasts, and a serious ice cave experience.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Selvík 5, 230 Keflavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is an airport shuttle included?

Yes. There’s a complimentary shuttle service from Keflavík International Airport (or from hotel accommodation in Keflavík town) to the office near the airport, and airport transfer is also listed as included.

Are campsite overnight fees included?

Yes. Campsites fees are included for peace of mind.

What activities are included in the price?

Included activities listed are Vatnshellir Lava Cave, Krauma Spa, Fontana Geothermal Baths, the Vatnajökull ice cave tour (via super jeep), and the Icelandic Lava Show in Vík. Some other stops are free, and a few paid entrances are not included.

Do I have to pay for parking or tower/crater entry?

Parking fees are not included, and some specific entrances are not included too, such as Hallgrímskirkja Church tower entry and Kerið crater entry (fees are approximate).

What are the minimum age and height requirements?

The minimum age for driver participants is 20. Some activities have a minimum age limit of 8 years, and some activities have a minimum height requirement of 102 cm (40″).

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.