21 September 2019
10 Tips to Survive a Campervan Trip in Iceland 2020
Your first time going camping in Iceland? - This is how you survive!
Iceland is a fantastic country with much to offer any traveller, be it you go for the incredible nature or the magnetic capital of Reykjavik. However, there is one way of making this the ultimate experience, camping. Camping in Iceland is one of the most incredible adventures you can ever embark on and it will be like nothing you have ever experienced before.
Camper rental Iceland is one of the most popular ways of making the island your own and rental companies such as Campervan Reykjavik have made it their business to make sure you are fully equipped before heading out on your journey. Before you go though it might be good to have some basic survival tips.
Camper rental Iceland is one of the most popular ways of making the island your own and rental companies such as Campervan Reykjavik have made it their business to make sure you are fully equipped before heading out on your journey. Before you go though it might be good to have some basic survival tips.
A few good survival tips for the Icelandic road
1. When should you go? - deciding when to travel to Iceland might be difficult because there is always something to see. However, if you have your heart set on seeing the Northern Lights or the experiencing the Midnight Sun then you will need to do some research. Winter in Iceland means you will get to see the former and Summer in Iceland is the equivalence of the later.
2. The right campervan will make all the difference - finding the right vehicle for your camping trip is essential. By consulting rental companies such as Campervan Reykjavik you will be provided with an ample selection of different types of campervans. All of the options are fully equipped to handle the sometime unpredictable Icelandic weather as well as the roads on the island. It's up to you to choose the one you find most suitable and then add whichever comforts you like. Many opt for Wi-Fi rather than GPS but some go for both.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that car insurance is mandatory on Iceland and this is something you definitely should consult your caper rental company about. Campervan Reykjavik for instance offer free scdw insurance.
3. Be mindful of where you stop - due to the delicate natural ecosystem in Iceland as well as the influx of tourist that visit the island, you have to be mindful of where you park your vehicle when for instance stopping for the night. You will need to find one of the designated campsites, where it is mandatory to obtain a permission before being able to park your campervan alongside having to pay a fee. Each campsite usually provides facilities such as showers, toilets and sometimes even Wi-Fi though.
4. Fuelling up - in Iceland gas is expensive and as such it is best to opt for a fuel efficient vehicle. Ask the camper rental to give you some information on gas prices in Iceland as well as the many DIY gas stations around the island.
5. Decide on your destinations - Iceland is full of experiences and no matter which road you choose to take you won't regret it. If this is the first time you are visiting the island as well as the first time you have rented a campervan, then perhaps it's best to stick to the Ring Road. It's easy to manoeuvre and filled to the brim with incredible sights such as the famous Blue Lagoon, Geysir and Skógafoss waterfall.
6. Have a sip of water - when you travel one of the most common questions you always have is, is it safe to drink the water? Well in Iceland it is not only safe, it is encouraged and not only for environmental reasons. Iceland has some of the best drinking water in the world and it is famous for its health aspects.
7. Pack smart and remember your credit card - when preparing for you camping trip in Iceland it's best to pack as smart as possible, i.e. only pack what is necessary and don't forget your credit card as it is the preferred currency across the island. Even if you are renting a campervan it's best to only bring what you will need.
8. It might get crowded - since Iceland have become a popular tourist destination there is a good chance some of the campsites might be a bit crowded, don't let this discourage you though, simply try and find a spot among the masses.
9. Learn to cook out in the open - in similarity with the gas tip, one way to perhaps save some money when travelling around Iceland is to learn how to cook on the road. A few simple meals will go a long way.
10. Snap a shot - the final tip is to remember to bring your camera as you will encounter some of the most magnificent sites in the world.
2. The right campervan will make all the difference - finding the right vehicle for your camping trip is essential. By consulting rental companies such as Campervan Reykjavik you will be provided with an ample selection of different types of campervans. All of the options are fully equipped to handle the sometime unpredictable Icelandic weather as well as the roads on the island. It's up to you to choose the one you find most suitable and then add whichever comforts you like. Many opt for Wi-Fi rather than GPS but some go for both.
It is also important to be aware of the fact that car insurance is mandatory on Iceland and this is something you definitely should consult your caper rental company about. Campervan Reykjavik for instance offer free scdw insurance.
3. Be mindful of where you stop - due to the delicate natural ecosystem in Iceland as well as the influx of tourist that visit the island, you have to be mindful of where you park your vehicle when for instance stopping for the night. You will need to find one of the designated campsites, where it is mandatory to obtain a permission before being able to park your campervan alongside having to pay a fee. Each campsite usually provides facilities such as showers, toilets and sometimes even Wi-Fi though.
4. Fuelling up - in Iceland gas is expensive and as such it is best to opt for a fuel efficient vehicle. Ask the camper rental to give you some information on gas prices in Iceland as well as the many DIY gas stations around the island.
5. Decide on your destinations - Iceland is full of experiences and no matter which road you choose to take you won't regret it. If this is the first time you are visiting the island as well as the first time you have rented a campervan, then perhaps it's best to stick to the Ring Road. It's easy to manoeuvre and filled to the brim with incredible sights such as the famous Blue Lagoon, Geysir and Skógafoss waterfall.
6. Have a sip of water - when you travel one of the most common questions you always have is, is it safe to drink the water? Well in Iceland it is not only safe, it is encouraged and not only for environmental reasons. Iceland has some of the best drinking water in the world and it is famous for its health aspects.
7. Pack smart and remember your credit card - when preparing for you camping trip in Iceland it's best to pack as smart as possible, i.e. only pack what is necessary and don't forget your credit card as it is the preferred currency across the island. Even if you are renting a campervan it's best to only bring what you will need.
8. It might get crowded - since Iceland have become a popular tourist destination there is a good chance some of the campsites might be a bit crowded, don't let this discourage you though, simply try and find a spot among the masses.
9. Learn to cook out in the open - in similarity with the gas tip, one way to perhaps save some money when travelling around Iceland is to learn how to cook on the road. A few simple meals will go a long way.
10. Snap a shot - the final tip is to remember to bring your camera as you will encounter some of the most magnificent sites in the world.
A few good tips along the way
This list of helpful tips before going camping in Iceland is by no means an exhaustive list, it's a good start though and it covers some of the absolute basics. Once you have been camping yourself, you will most likely be able to add even more ones.
