4x4 Pick-Up Camper Island | Arktis Tours - Don´t travel. Explore. (2024)

FAQs

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan in Iceland? ›

Today in Iceland, it is illegal to overnight or camp in cars, trailers, motorhomes, campervans, or any type of motorized vehicle outside of a designated campsite unless you have written permission from the landowner – which is quite unlikely that you will get if you can even find the property owner.

The majority of Icelandic campsites are well equipped. Nearly every campsite on the Ring Road has showers and toilets while a few have laundry units too.

You will be heavily fined for spending a night at private parking lots or other areas outside of the campsites. All Iceland campgrounds will be open and operate during Summer all over the country, including the remote highland area. It is easy to find and stay at a campsite with your campervan.

It's also likely that you won't have access to a toilet onboard your Iceland camper either. While you'll have access to bathrooms with your Iceland campground reservation, you can also stop at public bathrooms while on the road.

How much does camping cost in Iceland? Campsites in Iceland typically cost around $10-30 USD per night, but if you'd like to have electricity at your site (for campervans and RVs), it's usually an additional $5-10 USD charge per night.

You will find public toilets near supermarkets, swimming pools, in towns and rest stops.

Small fees. Some of the main tourist attractions outside of the city now charge to use the toilets. Typically, the cost is about ISK 200, and you can pay with coins or with a card. The same is true of some frequently visited spots in Reykjavík as well.

Officially a 4x4 is not required. Although you may well have a more comfortable ride if you do go for a 4x4 car or camper hire. As you may have heard there are roads in Iceland that you can only drive in a 4x4 vehicle. However these are known as F-Roads and they are all closed during the winter months.

Parking Fines in Iceland

If the charge is not paid within 14 days after the citation date, the cost increases from 4,500 ISK. to 6,750 ISK. Charges that remain unpaid after 28 days following the date of citation increase to a further 9,000 ISK.

Do you tip in Iceland? ›

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Iceland, but it is always appreciated. The standard rate of tax on Icelandic products is 24%, with some products and services, including books, food and accommodation, taxed at a reduced rate of 11%.

Ladies can get away with jeans and a nice top, but if you want to impress, wear a dress or something trendy. Icelanders are stylish AF. Gentleman, dress smart casual - no hoodies, no sneakers, no t-shirts, no sweatpants. Like many cold places, it's ok to bring a big coat to stay warm as you make your way to the club.

→ Car Camping 🚘

You can rent and sleep in a car if you're searching for the absolute cheapest option to camp and drive in Iceland. But do note that Iceland's laws prohibits wild camping (you cannot stop on the side of the road and sleep), meaning you will have to park your rental car at a campsite to spend the night.

3 Steps To Successfully Camp In Iceland

Just follow the signs and park in that area! Next, you can just arrive at any time. There's no check-in or check-out time, and you don't need to prebook your reservation for the campsite, you just show up when you get there.

If you are parking on the street, In each zone you'll find a parking meter or a ticket machine where you can pay for your parking using cash or card. If you are paying for your parking in Reykjavik using a ticket machine you'll need to know the license plate of your vehicle.

We know, it is tempting to set up shop for the night next to the beautiful waterfall or in the midst of the breathtaking scenery that you are enjoying at this very moment. But wild camping is not permitted in Iceland.

But do note that Iceland's laws prohibits wild camping (you cannot stop on the side of the road and sleep), meaning you will have to park your rental car at a campsite to spend the night. Campsites charge a price for staying on their land for the night, so you must take that spending into consideration.

Pros of Renting a Camper Van in Iceland

Save Money: Renting a camper van can be more cost-effective than constantly checking into hotels or guesthouses every night. By having your accommodation on wheels, you can reduce the expenses of your trip significantly. 2.

For example, if a landowner has granted you the authority to park in their layby, then it is legal for you to sleep overnight in your campervan. It is when you haven't received permission from a landowner that the laws around sleeping in your campervan can get confusing.