{"id":6716,"date":"2018-03-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-03-21T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/camperstories\/winter-road-tripping-in-iceland\/"},"modified":"2026-05-19T11:59:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T11:59:57","slug":"winter-road-tripping-in-iceland","status":"publish","type":"camperstories","link":"https:\/\/www.rent.is\/de\/camperstories\/winter-road-tripping-in-iceland\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Road Tripping in Iceland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sand, Snow, Steam, and a Little Bit of Sun<\/span><\/h2>\n

By Dayna Isley & Greg Smith<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

An American couple bundles up and sets out on a 5-day adventure around wintery Iceland.<\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

Setting out on our first winter camping trip<\/a>, we had big hopes. Would we see the Northern Lights? Would winter campgrounds be open and available? Could we make it around the entire island in five days, as planned?<\/p>\n

We\u2019d camped in Iceland before. In July 2015, we rented a camper van<\/a> and drove around the Westfjords. It was an amazing trip–incredible scenery, roadside hot pots, well-equipped campgrounds, and puffins! The abundant summer daylight meant we could drive and sight-see at odd hours, away from the crowds.<\/p>\n

What would a winter road trip be like?<\/p>\n

We did a little reading up before we left, but most guidebooks and blogs cover summer camping, not winter. We read enough to know we needed to go out prepared and that campgrounds might be spotty the farther east and north we traveled.<\/p>\n

Day 1: January 30, 2018<\/span><\/h3>\n

Once we picked up the van, we made a few stops before heading out of Reykjavik.
\nFirst stop: Food! We\u2019d picked up a loaf of bread and pastries from Brau\u00f0<\/a>\u00a0and coffee beans from Reykjavik Roasters<\/a>. Then we headed over to Fr\u00fa Lauga<\/a>\u00a0for groceries. This posh little grocery store on the east side of the city has a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious cheese, and snacks.<\/p>\n

Next stop:<\/strong> Swimsuit. Even in winter (especially in winter!), you need a swimsuit to enjoy the geothermal pools all over the island. I\u2019d forgotten to pack one, so we stopped at Laugardalslaug<\/a>\u00a0where they offer a small selection of swimsuits for purchase.<\/p>\n

With supplies procured, we headed out of town. We decided to tour the island counterclockwise, heading south and east first.<\/p>\n

In Selfoss, we realized that we neglected one important component of our supplies-gathering: beer. One more stop at Vinb\u00fa\u00f0in<\/a>, Iceland\u2019s government-owned liquor store, and we were set to go.<\/p>\n

Pro tip<\/strong>: Vinb\u00fa\u00f0in stores close early in the evening and are not open on Sundays and holidays. Plan accordingly.<\/p>\n

With the camper van cooler now fully stocked, we continued on toward Vik.<\/p>\n

The sun peeked out briefly as we arrived at Seljalandsfoss. We stopped to see the waterfall. (Parking requires a small fee. The facilities include a toilet.) We were surprised at the number of winter tourists. Very busy! Walkways near the falls were slick and some were closed entirely. After taking a few snaps, we ventured on.<\/p>\n

\"Winter<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Seljalandsfoss<\/a>\u00a0\"Seljalandsfoss\u00a0<\/a>\"Dayna<\/a><\/p>\n

Next up:<\/strong><\/span> Sk\u00f3gafoss. More buses. More people. More slick rocks! Some brave souls hiked up to the top of the falls. We did not. We did opt in for the fish and chips stand before getting back on Ring Road. Delicious food made by friendly locals.<\/p>\n

\"Sk\u00f3gafoss<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Icelandic<\/a>\u00a0\"Fish<\/a><\/p>\n

A couple more quick stops, but the sunlight was long gone. Winds were ripping across the mountain pass, blowing snow and making the roads a little slick.<\/p>\n

We finally made it to Vik and stopped for the night. Vik has a campground open for winter camping. A large, new market\/restaurant\/clothing store across the street caters to travelers and tourists.<\/p>\n

Day 2: January 31, 2018<\/span><\/h3>\n

The next morning, we slept late and then backtracked to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach<\/a>. Parking lot was already full with cars and buses, but the beach is large enough to accommodate everyone.<\/p>\n

\"Reynisfjara<\/a>\u00a0\"Cooking<\/a><\/p>\n

The basalt cliffs, rock formations, and black sand are beautiful. The farm nearby has been in operation since around 800!<\/p>\n