A campervan is one of the easiest ways to travel Iceland with children. No packing and unpacking at a new hotel every night, snacks and naps whenever you need them, and the next waterfall is never far away. This is the 5-day route we suggest to families at our desk in Keflavík, with stops that work for small legs and short attention spans.
Which camper for a family?
- Family of 3: the Renault Trafic 3 Persons. It has heating for cold nights and off-grid power, so you are comfortable at any campsite.
- Family of 4: our 4-person campers, the Fiat Ducato and the VW California, are coming to online booking soon. Until then, contact the desk with your dates and we will check what is free.
Every camper comes with bedding, kitchenware, a table and chairs, so you only pack clothes and the children's favourite things.
Day 1: Keflavík to the Golden Circle
Pick up your camper at our desk, 7 minutes from the airport, and drive about 1 hour 15 minutes to Þingvellir National Park. Children love that they can stand in the gap between two continents. Walk to Öxarárfoss, a short and easy path.
Sleep near Laugarvatn or Flúðir, where there are good campsites and warm swimming pools.
Day 2: Geysir, Gullfoss and a warm swim
- Geysir: Strokkur erupts every few minutes, so even the youngest only have to wait a moment. Stay behind the ropes; the water is boiling.
- Gullfoss: hold small hands on the paths, they can be wet and slippery.
- A swimming pool: every town has one, they are cheap, and Icelandic children spend their evenings there. It is the best way to end a cold day.
Day 3: Waterfalls on the South Coast
Drive about 1 hour 45 minutes to Seljalandsfoss. The path behind the waterfall is a highlight for children, but bring rain jackets. Then 30 minutes on to Skógafoss, where older children can race up the staircase to the top.
Finish the day at Reynisfjara black sand beach near Vík, a must-see with its sea stacks and basalt cave. Hold on to the children here: the waves are dangerous and come much further up the beach than you expect. Keep well back from the water and never turn your back to the sea.
Sleep near Vík.
Day 4: Skaftafell
About 2 hours east of Vík is Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park. The walk to Svartifoss takes about 1.5 hours return and is fine for children who like walking; for little ones, the short paths near the visitor centre already have glacier views. If you have energy left, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is 50 minutes further, with icebergs floating past.
Day 5: Back to Keflavík
It is a long drive back, about 4.5 to 5 hours from Skaftafell, so start early and break it up: lunch in Vík, a stop at Skógafoss if you missed the stairs, and a last swim before you return the camper.
Tips for a campervan trip with children
- Plan short driving days. Two to three hours with stops every hour works far better than one long push.
- Sleep at campsites. They have toilets, showers and often playgrounds. Use our campsite map to find them.
- Dress in layers. Even in summer the wind at waterfalls is cold, and children get wet first.
- Shop at Bónus or Krónan for cheaper food; see our supermarket map.
- Check the weather every morning on vedur.is, and read our driving in Iceland guide before you go.