| In short : Are you planning a mythical road-trip on the Icelandic circular route? Here is a condensed summary of our 14-day van guide: – DURATION: 14 days (ideal to do the full tour of the island via Route 1). – Mode of travel: Furnished van (2×4 for Route 1, 4×4 required if you are aiming for highland tracks). – Dodo regulations: Wild camping is strictly prohibited in a van. Compulsory passage through official campsites or dedicated areas. – Average budget: Between €2,200 and €3,500 per person all-inclusive (flight, rental, gasoline, food, activities). – Recommended period: From June to August for the weather and the opening of the slopes, or September/October to try to perceive the Northern Lights. |
lIceland is undoubtedly the promised land for lovers of wide open spaces and freedom. Between roaring waterfalls, black lava deserts, gigantic glaciers and natural hot springs, browsing this volcanic island in a landscaped van offers incomparable flexibility. No need to book hotels months in advance or respect a strict schedule: your house on wheels adapts to the changing pace of the Icelandic weather.
However, Iceland remains one of the most expensive countries in the world and regulations around the vanlife has hardened considerably in recent years. To help you prepare for this trip of a lifetime on aroundduglobe.fr, we decipher in detail the actual budget to be expected and select the most beautiful camping spots (spots dodo) throughout the famous Route 1.
What budget should you plan for 2 weeks in a van?
Traveling by van saves on the most expensive positions in Lisland: traditional accommodation and restaurants. Here is a realistic cost estimate for two weeks, based on two travelers sharing a vehicle in high season.
1. Van rental (the big chunk)
Count between 120€ and 250€ per day Depending on the model (2 standard VS 4×4-wheel drive fitted) and insurance included. To do the classic tour of the island by Route 1, a 2×4 van is more than enough in summer. gravel insurance (Gravel Protection) and sand/ashes (Sand and Ash Protection) are strongly recommended in Iceland.
2. Fuel and sleep
The price of fuel is high in Iceland. To do the Grand Tour (about 2,000 km with the detours), plan a gas budget of approximately 300€ to 400€. On the dodo side, access to campsites costs on average between 12€ and 20€ per night and per person. the purchase of the camper Icelandic can be profitable if you use it in partner structures.
3. Food and extras
The restaurants being prohibitive, lastuce consists of cooking yourself in the van. Stock up in local hard-discount supermarkets like Bonus or Kronan From your departure from Keflavík. Count around 250€ per person for 2 weeks of well-managed shopping.
Le Grand Tour de l’île: our dodo spots by region
In recent years, Icelandic law has prohibited formally from sleeping in a van outside designated campsites under penalty of salty fines. Fortunately, the island is full of municipal or private campsites ideally located in the middle of hallucinating natural settings.
The South: waterfalls and black sand beaches
This is the most touristic region. Don’t miss the mythical Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
- Our favorite dodo spot: the campsite of Vik I Myrdal. Perfectly equipped, it is a few minutes walk from the famous black sand beach of Reynisfjara and its basalt cliffs. Ideal for spending the first night after exploring the Golden Circle.
Least: deep fjords and fishing villages
The landscapes become wilder, the roads wind along the steep cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
- Our favorite dodo spot: the Seyðisfjörður campsite. Located at the bottom of a grandiose fjord, this colorful little village (known for its blue church and rainbow path) offers a peaceful campsite right in the center, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.
The North: Geothermal energy and whale watching
The Mývatn Lake region and the city of Húsavík are the dorgue points of northern Lisland, an area with intense volcanic activity.
- Our favorite dodo spot: the Ásbyrgi campsite (Jökulsárgljúfur National Park). A unique place, nestled in the hollow of a gigantic horseshoe-shaped canyon. It is a green, huge and very quiet spot, perfect for recharging your batteries before attacking the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Expert advice: Download the mobile app park4night or visit the official website tjalda.is before your departure. These essential tools list all the campsites open in Iceland, their prices as well as their opening dates (some close from mid-September).
Estimated budget summary table (for 2 people / 14 days)
| expense item | Average budget (eco) | Comfort budget (4×4 van) | Economy Tip |
| Van rental (14 days) | €1,800 | €3,200 | Book from winter for the following summer. |
| Petrol (Route 1 + detours) | 350 € | 450 € | Use the discount cards provided by the lessor (OLIS/N1). |
| Campsites (Spots Dodo) | 400 € | 500 € | Calculate the profitability of the CampingCard. |
| Food (supermarket) | 450 € | 600 € | Buy exclusively from Bónus or Kronan. |
| Activities & Recreation | 200 € | 600 € | Favor free natural hot springs (Reykjadalur). |
| estimated total | €3,200 (€1,600/pers) | €5,350 (€2,675/pers) | Excluding international airline tickets. |
FAQ: Succeeding your road-trip by van in Iceland
1. Is wild camping tolerated in Iceland if no trace is left?
No. Wild camping by motor vehicle (van, van, motorhome) is strictly prohibited throughout Iceland. You must spend the night in an official campsite.
2. Do you have to rent a 4×4 van?
If you plan to follow only Route 1 (the main circular route) and the Snæfellsnes peninsula, a standard 2-wheel drive (2×4) van is more than enough during the summer period. On the other hand, a 4×4 vehicle is legally mandatory to take the interior tracks (roads preceded by an “F”, like the F26 or F208).
3. How do you shower and recharge your batteries in a van?
All Icelandic campsites have complete toilets (showers sometimes paid via tokens, WC) and electric terminals. Another excellent option is to frequent the municipal thermal pools in almost every village: the entrance is inexpensive and gives access to hot showers and hot tubs.
4. Do you have to book camping pitches in advance?
No, this is one of the great advantages of Iceland. It is not possible (nor necessary) to reserve your place in advance in campsites. You arrive when you want, you settle down, and a guard spends in the evening or in the morning for payment.
