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

Imagine cruising in a comfortable campervan, your own pace, through Iceland’s breathtaking scenery—from volcanic craters and waterfalls to glaciers and black sand beaches—over seven days. Starting from Reykjavík, this tour takes you along the famous Golden Circle, into the rugged south coast, across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and finally around the Reykjanes Peninsula, all while chasing the elusive Northern Lights. At a price of around $1,512 per person, it offers a flexible alternative to group tours, giving you the freedom to explore Iceland on your own schedule.

Two things we love about this experience are its well-planned itinerary that covers iconic sights with minimal hassle and the inclusion of campsite fees—meaning no surprise costs at night. The Easy Guide tablet is another highlight, replacing bulky paper maps with an intuitive digital guide, making navigation smoother, especially for those unfamiliar with Icelandic roads.

A possible consideration is that this tour requires a moderate level of physical activity and driving comfort, given the variety of terrains and sites with optional hikes or steps. Plus, as it’s a self-drive, your experience depends partly on your confidence behind the wheel and ability to follow the detailed itinerary.

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager for flexibility, those who enjoy scenic drives and authentic Icelandic stops, and anyone wanting to avoid the crowds of large bus groups. If you’re comfortable navigating on your own and want the freedom to linger at favorite spots, this might be your perfect Icelandic adventure.

Key Points

• Flexible Self-Drive Format: Enjoy Iceland at your own pace with a campervan and detailed itinerary.
• Includes Campsite Fees: All overnight camping costs are covered, simplifying your planning.
• Rich in Iconic Sights: From waterfalls and glaciers to geothermal pools and volcanic craters.
• Expertly Designed Itinerary: Takes the stress out of planning so you spend more time exploring.
• Authentic Experiences: Dips in geothermal baths, visits to black beaches, lava caves, and more.
• Highly Praised Guides and Service: Many reviews highlight friendly, knowledgeable support.

The Beginning: Reykjavik and Its Highlights

Your adventure kicks off at the Keflavík International Airport with a complimentary shuttle to the starting point. From there, you’ll visit well-loved Reykjavik landmarks like the Sun Voyager sculpture, a symbol of hope and freedom, and the Harpa Concert Hall, inspired by Icelandic nature. Climbing the Hallgrimskirkja offers panoramic city views—an excellent way to get your bearings before heading out into the wilderness. If time permits, many travelers recommend a quick visit to FlyOver Iceland for a bird’s-eye view of the country’s landscapes, though this is at your own expense.

What stands out here is how easy it is to transition from airport to exploration mode, especially with the self-guided tablet that provides detailed directions and local insights—something praised in several reviews for making the process seamless.

Day 2: From Basalt Columns to Lava Caves

The second day takes you along the northwest Snæfellsnes Peninsula—often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its diverse landscapes. The Gerduberg basalt columns are a photographer’s dream, with perfectly symmetrical formations rising 14 meters. Next, you visit the striking Búðakirkja, a black church that wildly contrasts with Iceland’s white snow or green moss, and the quaint fishing village of Arnarstapi with its dramatic cliffs and the natural gatklettur arch.

The highlight is exploring the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, an 8,000-year-old tunnel accessible via spiral stairs. Descending into this subterranean world is a memorable experience, with the guide providing helmets and headlamps. One reviewer called it “a fantastic lava formation,” emphasizing how these underground landscapes bring Iceland’s volcanic nature to life. The day concludes at Djúpalónssandur beach, a black pebble shore where sailors’ strength was once tested by lifting heavy stones, and the Saxhóll Crater, a 100-meter-deep volcanic hole offering stunning views.

We loved the way the itinerary balances geological marvels with accessible walks, making it suitable for most physical fitness levels, while still providing plenty of photo opportunities and stories. The inclusion of free stops like the basalt columns and beaches makes this day a showcase of Iceland’s volcanic diversity.

Day 3: Fjords, Waterfalls, and Glacier Blue

Traveling to the Stykkishólmur fishing village, you’ll explore Súgandisey Island, complete with a lighthouse and panoramic views. This small detour is well worth the photo ops and a chance to experience Iceland’s cozy coastal charm.

The day continues with visits to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss—two waterfalls close together, each with its own character. Hraunfossar’s trickling rivulets create a peaceful scene, while Barnafoss’s roaring waters show Iceland’s raw power. Near these waterfalls, the Deildartunguhver hot spring bubbles at a blazing 97°C, exemplifying Iceland’s geothermal bounty.

To unwind, you’ll soak in the Krauma Spa, fed by the very hot spring you just visited. Many reviewers praised this spa for its authentic geothermal waters and relaxing atmosphere—ideal after a day of exploring rugged landscapes.

Day 4: The Golden Circle and Historical Wonders

Starting at Þingvellir National Park, you’ll walk through a UNESCO World Heritage site where tectonic plates are pulling apart. The Silfra Fissure and Oxara Waterfall are geological highlights, and the park’s significance in Icelandic history makes it more meaningful than just its natural beauty.

Next, you’ll relax at Laugarvatn Fontana, soaking in geothermal waters while enjoying views of the lake. The geothermal area at Geysir is next—here Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting water up to 15 meters, much to the delight of visitors. The Gullfoss waterfall, with its double cascade, often produces rainbows in the spray, which adds to its visual appeal.

Optional visits include the Fridheimar tomato farm, a fascinating stop where plants thrive purely on geothermal energy—delicious tomatoes and friendly guides make it a memorable detour. The Kerid Crater, a 3,000-year-old volcanic hole, offers vivid summer colors and frosty winter scenes, perfect for photography.

Day 5: South Coast’s Natural Wonders and Glacial Ice

The south coast is a showcase of waterfalls and dramatic landscapes. The Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a winding gorge with lush mossy banks, is a favorite for its surreal shapes and film history—Justin Bieber’s music video was shot here. Continuing east, Diamond Beach dazzles with floating ice blocks glittering on black sand, creating a landscape straight out of a fantasy.

The highlight of the day is an Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajökull Glacier, organized by Local Guide. You’ll drive a super jeep into the glacier’s icy labyrinth, then hike to a blue ice cave—an experience many reviewers called “stunning” and “absolutely unforgettable.” The tour includes helmets and headlamps, emphasizing safety and comfort.

Day 6: South Coast Continued and Volcanoes

The day begins at Dyrhólaey, a towering promontory with a hole in the middle—once an island, now a legendary bird habitat. Following that, Reynisfjara Beach offers striking basalt columns and the legendary trolls turned stone in legend—great stories for your Iceland trip.

At the Lava Show in Vik, you witness a simulated volcanic eruption, where real hot lava flows in a safe, controlled environment. This demonstration enriches your understanding of Iceland’s volcanic activity and adds some fiery excitement to your day.

Optional visits include the Skógar Museum, rich in Icelandic artifacts and history, a fascinating stop for those interested in local heritage.

Day 7: Final Day with Lake and Geothermal Sights

Your last day begins with a peaceful visit to Kleifarvatn Lake, a deep, serene body of water reflecting Iceland’s volcanic landscape. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet moment before heading toward the airport.

If time allows, many travelers choose to relax at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most famous attractions, with its milky blue waters and silica mud—although this isn’t included, it’s worth considering for ultimate relaxation after your adventure.

The tour concludes with visits to Gunnuhver Hot Springs, with vibrant steam vents and mineral-rich mud pools, and the Bridge Between Continents, where you stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Afterward, the shuttle takes you back to the CampEasy office, where you can share your stories and receive a warm farewell.

This 7-day self-drive adventure offers a rare combination of flexibility, authentic sights, and well-organized logistics. You’ll get to visit many of Iceland’s natural wonders—waterfalls, volcanic caves, glaciers, geothermal baths, and more—without the crowds often found on larger tours. The inclusion of campsite fees makes budgeting easier, and the Easy Guide tablet ensures you’ll never feel lost.

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly support and well-maintained campervans, describing their experience as “incredible,” “easy,” and “well organized.” Many highlight how the knowledgeable staff, like Natalia and Íris, helped them make the most of their trip, adding a personal touch that group tours often lack.

While driving in unfamiliar terrain can be daunting for some, the detailed itinerary and reliable campervan make it manageable. Keep in mind that some sites, like the Hallgrimskirkja tower or Kerid Crater, have optional entrance fees, so budgeting for extras is wise. Also, the flexibility means you can extend your stay at favorite spots or skip less appealing ones.

Ultimately, this tour is ideal for independent travelers who want to see Iceland on their own terms, enjoy scenic drives, and prioritize authentic experiences over scripted bus routes. If you cherish the feeling of spontaneity and value the ability to customize your day, this self-drive adventure will suit you perfectly.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children over 8 years old, and some activities have a minimum height requirement of 102 cm. The self-guided nature allows you to tailor the pace.

What are the main costs not included in the tour price?
You’ll need to budget separately for activities such as entrance fees to Hallgrimskirkja or Kerid Crater, meals, fuel, and optional extras like the Blue Lagoon.

How comfortable are the campervans?
Reviewers describe the campervans as new, clean, and well-equipped, with features like beds, pots, pans, a fridge, and a sink. Many mention how easy they are to drive and operate.

Can I extend my stay at certain sites?
Absolutely. Since you’re driving and camping at your own pace, you can linger longer at places you enjoy or skip stops if you’re pressed for time.

What is the support like if I encounter issues?
Support appears to be very responsive, with reviews mentioning friendly help before and during the trip—making the self-drive experience less stressful.

Is the route customizable?
While the itinerary is detailed, it’s flexible enough to allow you to explore additional sites or modify the schedule based on your interests and weather conditions.

This 7-day self-drive Iceland tour offers a remarkable blend of adventure, comfort, and independence. You’ll see iconic sights and hidden gems, all while enjoying the freedom to go at your own pace. The inclusion of campsites and a detailed digital guide simplifies logistics, allowing you to focus on the beauty around you.

Perfect for adventurous souls, independent travelers, or families who want a flexible way to discover Iceland’s diverse landscapes, this tour earns high praise for its value, authentic experiences, and excellent support system. The opportunity to see the northern lights, explore glaciers, relax in geothermal baths, and stand between tectonic plates makes it a trip to remember.

If you’re ready for a road trip that combines nature’s grandeur with personal discovery, this Iceland self-drive adventure will deliver exactly that—plus a few unforgettable moments you’ll cherish forever.