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Your Complete Guide to Camping in Iceland
Camping in Iceland is a fantastic way to get close to the country’s unspoiled nature without breaking the bank. And believe it or not, it’s possible to stay in a tent comfortably even this far north!
There are campsites spread all over the Icelandic countryside and most are open from April to September. These warmer summer months are popular with Icelanders too. You’ll see plenty of locals on holiday with their families at this time of year.
- Explore these Iceland camping trip itineraries.
So if you’re thinking of visiting Iceland in the summertime, why not go for something completely different and camp under the midnight sun? Read on to find out where to pitch your tent and to get useful camping tips for Iceland.
How to camp in Iceland
Your best bet is to stay at a designated campsite. Using the Ferðalag.is or Tjalda.is directories, you can easily locate one wherever you are in the country.
Most campsites have shared bathroom and cooking facilities, and some even have laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. This means you can stay clean, comfortable, and connected throughout your trip.
Of course, one of Iceland’s greatest appeals is its wilderness. If you choose to camp, you’ll enjoy endless unspoiled views and crisp, clean air. You might well be wondering if you can get this experience by staying on a campsite, and be thinking about wild camping instead.
What about wild camping in Iceland?
In 2015, rules in Iceland were changed on wild camping to help protect the country’s fragile ecosystem. Whilst not illegal on a national level, you’re required to get the landowner’s permission before pitching your tent.
- Find out more about Iceland’s precious nature and landscapes.
Wild camping is banned in national parks, like Þingvellir National Park and Vatnajökull National Park, and at many tourist sites. For a worry-free trip, we definitely recommend sticking to designated campsites.
The thing is, in Iceland, nature is never that far away. There are many remote campgrounds that let you get up close and personal with the local scenery. So compared to many other countries, campsites in Iceland can feel pretty wild!
10 of the best campsites in Iceland
It’s time for the lowdown on where to go camping in Iceland. We’ve narrowed down the dozens of campsites around the country to 10 of our favorites.
Pre-booking is generally not required. But bear in mind that in the summer, the more popular campsites can fill up quickly as Icelanders go on weekend breaks from the city.
Knowing that, it’s a good idea to try and make sure you get a pitch by the afternoon or early evening. It’s also worth having one or two backup options just in case your preferred campground is full.
1. Svínafell
Website: Svínafell Tourist Service
Location: Vatnajökull National Park, Southeast Iceland, off Route 1
Facilities: Tent pitches, toilets, showers, cooking facilities, laundry facilities
Open: Start of May to end of September
2. Hallormsstaðaskógur
Website: Hallormsstaðaskógur Camping Ground
Location: Atlavík and Höfðavík in Hallormsstaðaskógur forest, East Iceland
Facilities: Tent pitches, toilets, showers, washing-up facilities, outdoor barbecues
Open: End of May to start of September
3. Þingeyraroddi
Website: Þingeyraroddi Camping Ground
Location: Þingeyri, Westfjords
Facilities: Tent pitches, toilets, showers, cooking facilities, laundry facilities, swimming pool, café/restaurant
Open: All year
4. Reyðarfjörður
Location: Near town of Reyðarfjörður, East Iceland
Facilities: Tent pitches, toilets, showers, laundry facilities
Open: Start of June to end of August
5. Borgarfjörður eystri
Location: Northeast Iceland
Facilities: Tent pitches, toilets, showers, cooking facilities, playground
Open: All year
6. Þórisstaðir
Website: Camping Þórisstaðir
Location: West Iceland
Facilities: Tent pitches, toilets, cooking facilities
Open: All year
7. Varmahlíð
Website: Varmahlíð Camping Ground
Location: North Iceland, off Route 1
Facilities: Tent pitches, toilets, showers, hot tub, playground
Open: Mid-May to end of October
8. Vesturdalur
Website: Vesturdalur Camping Ground
Location: Vatnajökull National Park, Southeast Iceland
Facilities: Tent pitches, toilets, showers, laundry facilities
Open: Mid-June to mid-September
9. Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Website: Vestmannaeyjar Camping Ground
Location: Westman Islands, South Iceland (ferry trip required)
Facilities: Tent pitches, toilets, showers, cooking facilities, laundry facilities, playground
Open: Start of May to end of September
10. Djúpivogur
Location: Southeast Iceland
Facilities: Tent pitches, toilets, showers, cooking facilities, Wi-Fi, playing field, laundry facilities
Open: All year round
Is the weather in Iceland suitable for camping?
Yes! The summer weather is normally warm and dry enough for camping. That said, Iceland is still pretty far north and in the middle of the North Atlantic. That means you should be prepared for different conditions, including wind and rain.
Even though summer days can be pretty warm, the heat quickly drops off in the evening. In August, one of the most popular months for camping, the average temperature is 11°C (52°F). This can drop to around 7–9°C (45–48°F) at nighttime.
- In our Travel Guide, you can learn more about Iceland’s weather and climate.
The amount of shelter you have will make a big difference to how cold you feel. If you’re near the coast, try and avoid pitching directly in the path of a sea breeze. You might want to go for a more sheltered campsite in this case.
What to pack for your Iceland camping trip
Sleeping in a tent in Iceland under the midnight sun can be a magical experience! But as with any camping trip, it pays to be prepared.
Of course, it doesn’t make sense to lug your own camping equipment with you from home. If you book a package from Iceland Tours, you’ll get the following gear included:
- Tent
- Sleeping bags
- Air mattress
- Cooking equipment and cutlery
- Camping stove
- Coolbox
There are lots of packing lists out there for camping in a tent, but we recommend bringing the following when staying on campsites in Iceland:
- Warm layers
- Thermal socks
- Flip-flops (for walking around the campsite)
- Swimming gear
- Mini flashlight
- Power pack for charging your devices
- Refillable water bottle
Where to get supplies for your camping trip
You can stock up on food, toiletries, and other essentials at supermarkets around the country. The cheapest is generally Bónus, found in most larger towns.
Other Icelandic supermarkets include Krónan and Nettó, which generally have longer opening hours than Bónus.
In smaller towns and villages, you might find Krambúð or Samkaup Strax. These tend to be more expensive. And here, service stations are often the only place to get a hot meal (but they’re normally good value).
On the other hand, larger towns such as Borgarnes and Selfoss normally have a couple of restaurants.
In the countryside, vegan and vegetarian options can be limited, so it pays to bring your own food supplies just in case.
How to plan your camping trip in Iceland
There are hundreds of possible routes you could take on a camping trip around Iceland. But how do you choose the right one for you? And how will you get around?
Rental car or camper van?
Let’s talk transport. Renting a car makes the most sense if you plan on staying in a tent. Many campgrounds in Iceland are remote, and most of them aren’t near public transport links.
By car, you’ll also have ultimate freedom to explore Iceland’s fantastic nature and exciting attractions. You could tour the famous Ring Road, which takes you all the way around the country. Stop and start whenever you like, and take detours when you spot something cool.
Camper vans are also an option. They can be tricky to drive if you’re not used to Icelandic roads though. And they can sometimes get stranded in high winds, which are possible at any time of year. If you do decide to rent a campervan, we’d recommend a smaller vehicle.
If you’re not confident about driving a campervan, stick to a rental car and a tent.
Organizing your Iceland camping itinerary
Start by deciding what your must-sees and must-dos are for your Iceland trip. If the Northern Lights are on your list, then a summer trip is off the cards. The Aurora Borealis are only visible in dark winter skies.
- Northern Lights not negotiable? Explore these winter self-drive trips instead.
If you want to see hot springs and waterfalls, it makes sense to pick a route that includes the Golden Circle and south coast. With an itinerary that includes these areas, you’ll also get to see black sand beaches and Þingvellir (Thingvellir), the site of Iceland’s Viking-age parliament. You could pitch your tent at the campsite in the village of Vík.
Glaciers and icebergs more your thing? You’ll want to pick a route that goes to Iceland’s southeast. There you can stop at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which is full of icebergs even in summer. And you can check out Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Iceland. Here it makes sense to camp at Svínafell.
At Iceland Tours, we offer a range of camping itineraries, so you’re bound to find one that suits you. You’ll get a rental car and camping gear included. And with our Book with Confidence promise, you can change your dates or get a refund should your plans change.Take a look at our Iceland camping tours today and start planning your ultimate outdoor adventure in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Ultimate Guide to the Westfjords in Iceland
The Westfjords in Iceland are one of the country’s lesser-visited regions. Due to their remoteness, they’re easy to pass by if you stick to Iceland’s famous Ring Road. But with their incredible waterfalls, quaint villages, and unspoiled wilderness, the Westfjords are definitely worth the detour.
As the name suggests, the region is located in the northwest of Iceland and studded with incredible deep fjords. The Westfjords are one of the oldest parts of the country geologically, so the landscape there is quite different to what you’ll find in the rest of Iceland.
The best way to experience the Westfjords is by car. As you cruise down the region’s winding, coast-hugging roads, you’ll feel deeply connected to both land and sea.
- See the Westfjords on an Iceland summer vacation.
Just imagine rolling down the window and breathing in the fresh ocean breeze as the sun sets over the North Atlantic. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a distant whale popping its head up, or puffins nesting in giant sea cliffs.
So on your road trip to Iceland, why not take a turn-off to explore the Westfjords?
What to see and do in the Westfjords
With Lonely Planet featuring the Westfjords as one of its top destinations for 2022, you might well be wondering what the deal is with this remote corner of the world. On a tour of Iceland’s Westfjords you can:
- Marvel at the awesome Dynjandi waterfall, the tallest in the region, and its neighbors
- Visit the deserted Hornstrandir region and explore the wilderness
- See puffins at the Látrabjarg sea cliffs
- Dip into the hot tubs and swimming pools at Drangsnes, Laugarnes, and Hellulaug
- Wander the quaint streets of Ísafjörður
- Learn about Iceland’s seafaring history at the Ósvör museum in Bolungarvík
- Hike the Sandafell mountain
- Explore the abandoned village of Djúpavík
- Find out all about Arctic foxes at the Arctic Fox Center in Súðavík
One of the best things about visiting the Westfjords is the fact that it’s off the beaten track. Many people skip past it, so it’s a great place to escape the crowds and experience true wilderness.
Best places to visit in the Westfjords
If you’re still wondering whether you should explore the Westfjords, check out our picks of the 5 best places to hit in the region.
1. Hornstrandir
This remote area of the Westfjords is home to a wild nature reserve where Arctic foxes roam free! This peninsula at the very north of the region is one of Iceland’s most isolated areas.
Uninhabited since the 1950s, Hornstrandir was once home to small fishing villages and farmsteads. The most famous of these is Hesteyri. Accessible by boat from Ísafjörður, the capital of the Westfjords, Hesteyri is a great starting point for exploring Hornstrandir.
It also features in the Icelandic film Ég man þig (I Remember You), adapted from the crime thriller of the same name by author Yrsa Sigurðardóttir. In this story, ghostly residents of Hesteyri haunt a group of travelers renovating a summer house!
- Get more off-the-beaten-track ideas for Iceland in summer.
The real star of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve though is the wildlife. Arctic foxes have claimed the territory as their own and can be seen all over. Then there are the breathtaking cliffs, home to thousands of seabirds including puffins, fulmars, and kittiwakes.
- Learn more about Icelandic wildlife with our nature & landscape guide.
It’s important to bear in mind that Hornstrandir is a tricky-to-reach destination. There are no roads to the area, so if you plan to visit this part of Iceland then you should be prepared to journey by boat.
2. Látrabjarg cliffs and Rauðisandur beach
Found at the western extreme of the Westfjords, the Látrabjarg sea cliffs are famous for pretty much one thing: puffins! You can see hundreds of these iconic red, orange, and black seabirds nesting in the cliffs’ rocky outcrops.
Of course, you won’t just see puffins, but dozens of other seabird species too. It’s quite incredible watching them thrive in what seems like such a harsh and unforgiving environment.
And you’ll get plenty of chances to spot them too. Látrabjarg is Iceland’s longest seabird cliff, in fact it’s over 14 km long.
- Explore the Látrabjarg cliffs on an Iceland self-drive tour.
There’s an ancient Icelandic tradition, called eggjatínsla, of abseiling over the cliff edge to collect bird eggs. These would have been an important food source back in the day.
About 1 hour’s drive back from Látrabjarg is the Rauðisandur (or Rauðasandur) beach. Although Iceland is known for its black sand beaches, this one is actually red (its Icelandic name means “Red Sand”).
Along with the nearby Örlygshöfn beach, you’ll definitely want to stop off here for some awesome snaps!
3. Dynjandi waterfall
At 100 meters high, Dynjandi is the tallest waterfall in the Westfjords. Dynjandi is instantly recognizable thanks to its resemblance to a thin bridal veil draped over the side of the Arnarfjörður fjord.
Dynjandi flows into the Dynjandisá river, which breaks into six more waterfalls as it rolls down the mountainside towards the sea. You can spot these as you make your way up the gravel path.
The hike up to Dynjandi only takes around 15–20 minutes, and is well worth it for the sight of one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland.
You can get to Dynjandi via road 60, which runs from Ísafjörður to Route 1 (the Ring Road).
4. Ísafjörður
The small town of Ísafjörður is in fact the largest in the Westfjords, making it the unofficial capital of the region. After driving through the vast spotless landscape for hours, getting to Ísafjörður feels like arriving in a huge metropolis.
It’s definitely worth spending an afternoon or whole day exploring the quaint streets of the town. You’ll find a handful of cozy restaurants and cafés in traditional 18th-century timber houses, along with cute bookshops.
Then there are the museums, including the Ísafjörður Culture House and the Hversdagssafn (Museum of Daily Life). Ísafjörður is also known for its musical connections, with its music school, and status as the host of the Aldrei fór ég suður (“I Never Went South”) rock festival.
The layout of Ísafjörður is quite unusual compared to other Icelandic towns. It sits almost entirely on a spit of sand that juts out into the middle of the fjord, as the surrounding mountainside is too steep to build on.
You can’t help but feel the looming presence of the mountains as you wander around. In fact, they’re so tall that they block out the sun in the depths of winter. When the sun finally reaches back over the mountaintops on 23 January each year, the locals celebrate with coffee and cake!
5. Flatey
Flatey (meaning “Flat Island”) is one of thousands of small islands in the Breiðafjörður bay. And whilst not technically part of the Westfjords, the island is easily accessible by the Baldur ferry from Brjánslækur in the south of the region.
But what makes it worth visiting? Although Flatey is no longer inhabited all year round, it was once an important cultural center thanks to its monastery founded in the 12th century.
Even though the monastery is long gone, you can still see its legacy in the island’s church. Its ornate ceiling fresco was painted by artists in the 1960s and tells the history of the island.
As you wander between the well-kept wooden buildings – including the library (the oldest in Iceland) and local bar – you’ll easily start to fall in love with the island’s charm.
But more than that, Flatey just has a particular vibe about it. Perhaps it’s the island’s relative isolation, or the dozens of species of birds that nest on the thousands of skerries in Breiðafjörður. In the summertime, locals gently collect fallen feathers from the local eider ducks.
The island is edged by beautiful beaches, some dotted with abandoned fishing boats that show you what life on Flatey was like in times past. You’ll also notice that there aren’t any vehicles, apart from a tractor or two used to move supplies about.
And like the Icelanders that come back summer after summer, you’ll leave Flatey with a warm fuzzy feeling you can’t quite put your finger on.
When to visit the Westfjords
The Westfjords are a mountainous region that experiences heavy snowfall in the wintertime, so early to late summer (May–September) is definitely the best time to go. That way you can be sure that roads will be clear and accessible, and that attractions will be open.
- Discover what else there is to do in summer in Iceland.
You can also visit in the early and late autumn, before the first heavy snowfall. We wouldn’t recommend a trip to the Westfjords in the winter or early spring though, as certain roads will close and driving can get quite tricky.
How to get to the Westfjords
To get around the Westfjords, you’ll need a set of wheels. Knowing this, it makes sense to drive to the Westfjords too. The journey takes about 2–3 hours by car from the capital Reykjavík, and about 3–4 hours from Akureyri in North Iceland.
The Westfjords Way is a new touring route that opened in 2020. Centered on the 60 and 61 roads, the majority of this route follows the coast. You’ll also pass through some of the region’s famous tunnels, including its newest, Dýrafjarðargöng.
When heading north on the Ring Road, turn off onto route 60 if you want to drive the south coast way first. The other option is to continue further up the Ring Road to route 68, which takes you along the winding northern coastline.
- Feel like seeing more of Iceland? Check out these Iceland Ring Road packages.
One good thing to know is that some attractions in the Westfjords are only accessible via gravel roads. These are generally not a problem, but you should drive more slowly and look out for potholes.
You might find it easier to navigate the gravel roads in a larger car such as a jeep. That way you’ll be higher up off the road for a better view, and will have better suspension for a more comfortable ride.
- See what kind of rental cars are available in Iceland.
- Get the lowdown on driving with our ultimate guide to renting a car in Iceland.
You could also fly to the Westfjords. There are daily flights to the region’s largest town, Ísafjörður, from Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Whilst this is a fast way to reach the Westfjords, you’ll be limited to exploring Ísafjörður unless you rent a car once you land.
With this in mind, we recommend driving to the Westfjords from Reykjavík. That way you’ll have a greater choice of cars and itineraries. You’ll get to see some epic scenery on the journey up, including the famous Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Planning your Westfjords adventure
When planning your Westfjords itinerary, it’s good to have an idea of how long you’ll need to truly enjoy the region. You should also think about whether you want to focus just on the Westfjords or explore the rest of Iceland too.
As the roads are winding (but incredibly scenic), it can take longer than you might think to get from one place to the next in the Westfjords. We recommend spending at least 3–4 days here so you can enjoy it without feeling rushed.
If you want to see the rest of the country too, a trip of 7 days to 11 days in total allows you to pack in a lot at a reasonable pace.
In the south of Iceland for example, you can dip in the Blue Lagoon, explore the lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula, and marvel at bubbling hot springs and geysers. If these are must-sees for you, then a longer trip is definitely the way to go!
- Learn more about the Blue Lagoon and other pools in our hot spring guide.
At Iceland Tours, we offer a range of self-drive packages that cover the Westfjords. These packages include a rental car, accommodation, and a detailed itinerary. So you don’t need to worry about organizing everything yourself, simply book online and we take care of the rest.
Why not browse all of our vacation packages and start getting inspired for your Westfjords Iceland adventure?
