Exploring Iceland by caravan or campervan is one of the best ways to experience the country’s wild landscapes, hot springs and small fishing villages at your own pace. The West of Iceland is especially well suited for road trips, with short driving distances, dramatic fjords and plenty of services along the way. With a bit of planning and a few local tips, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road while still having comfortable places to rest, recharge and warm up when you need it.
One of the most important campervan tips in Iceland is to plan your route around realistic driving times and weather conditions. Distances may look short on the map, but narrow roads, gravel sections and frequent photo stops can slow you down. In West Iceland, a popular route is to drive from Reykjavík towards Borgarfjörður, continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and then head further north and west towards the Westfjords. Along this route, Ourhotels.is offers convenient and affordable accommodation options that work perfectly as “basecamps” or backup plans for caravan and campervan travelers.
If you’re starting your journey from Reykjavík and heading north, Borgarfjörður is often your first real taste of rural Iceland. The Hvítá Inn, just outside Borgarnes, is an excellent stopover for campervan travelers. Even if you’re sleeping in your vehicle most nights, it can be a relief to have one or two nights in a proper bed, with hot showers, Wi-Fi and a hearty breakfast before you continue your road trip. The Hvítá Inn is also a great place to leave your campervan parked safely while you explore nearby attractions like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, Deildartunguhver hot spring or the historic Reykholt area.
From Borgarfjörður, many travelers continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: black sand beaches, lava fields, fishing villages and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano. For those traveling by caravan or campervan, Stykkishólmur is a natural hub. The Stykkishólmur Inn, part of Ourhotels.is, is located in this charming harbor town and offers a comfortable alternative to sleeping in your vehicle, especially on nights when the weather turns windy or wet. Staying at the Stykkishólmur Inn gives you easy access to services, restaurants and the ferry to the Westfjords, while still keeping your campervan close by for the next leg of your journey.
Weather is one of the biggest factors to consider when traveling Iceland by campervan. Conditions can change quickly, even in summer, and strong winds can make it uncomfortable or unsafe to sleep in a vehicle. This is where having flexible accommodation options becomes a real advantage. As you move further northwest into the Westfjords, Ísafjörður is the main town and a key stop for supplies, fuel and repairs. The Ísafjörður Inn, another Ourhotels.is property, is ideal for caravan and campervan travelers who want a warm, cozy room after long days of driving mountain passes and exploring remote fjords. You can park your campervan, enjoy a hot shower, stretch out in a real bed and then continue your adventure rested and ready.
Another important tip for campervan travel in Iceland is to respect local regulations and nature. Wild camping is heavily restricted, and in many areas it is not allowed to park overnight outside of designated campsites or private land with permission. Plan ahead by checking where campsites are located along your route, and use inns and guesthouses like the Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn and Ísafjörður Inn as part of your overnight strategy. This not only keeps you within the law, it also reduces your impact on fragile landscapes and supports local communities.
Packing smartly will make your caravan or campervan trip in Iceland much more comfortable. Even in summer, nights can be cold, so bring warm sleeping bags, extra blankets and layers of clothing. A small gas stove, thermos and simple cooking gear are essential if you want to enjoy hot drinks and meals on the road. However, it’s also nice to break up the routine by staying at places like Ourhotels.is properties, where you can enjoy a proper breakfast, local food options nearby and the chance to dry out wet gear. Many travelers alternate between nights in the campervan and nights in inns, which keeps costs reasonable while adding comfort and flexibility.
Driving safely is crucial. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you set off each day, especially if you’re heading into the Westfjords where roads can be steep, narrow and sometimes unpaved. Take your time, keep your fuel tank topped up and don’t rely solely on GPS—have a paper map or offline map as backup. Using towns like Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur and Ísafjörður as key waypoints, with Ourhotels.is locations as your “safe havens,” helps you structure your trip around reliable stops where you know you can rest if conditions worsen.
Finally, remember that one of the greatest joys of caravan and campervan travel in Iceland is the freedom to be spontaneous. You can linger longer at a waterfall, follow a side road to a hidden hot spring or wait out a storm in a cozy inn. By combining the flexibility of your campervan with the comfort and security of places like the Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, the Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, you get the best of both worlds. Ourhotels.is is there along your route, giving you reliable, budget-friendly options whenever you want a break from the road—so you can focus on what you came for: unforgettable views, quiet fjords, and the unique experience of exploring Iceland at your own pace.
