Jess at Sea

If the idea of chasing waterfalls, soaking in geothermal hot springs, and road-tripping past volcanoes, glaciers, and puffin-covered cliffs sounds like your dream adventure—then Iceland in summer is calling your name. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, jaw-dropping scenery at every turn, and more sheep than people, Iceland is the ultimate road trip destination. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own epic Icelandic summer journey.

Why a Road Trip is the Best Way to Explore Iceland

Sure, you could join a tour, but nothing beats the freedom of your own set of wheels. Iceland is made for road trips. The famous Ring Road (Route 1) loops around the entire island, connecting major sights and secret gems. From black sand beaches to steaming lava fields, your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to pull over whenever you see something magical—spoiler: that’s every 10 minutes. Check out rental car options here!

When to Go: Summer in Iceland (June–August)

Summer is prime time. Here’s why:

• Midnight sun: With almost 24 hours of daylight, you can sightsee at 10pm with no crowds.
• Milder weather: Expect temps between 10–15°C (50–59°F), though it can feel warmer in the sun.
• Easier driving conditions: Most roads are snow-free, and the Highlands become accessible.
• Puffin season! And wildflowers, baby sheep, and lush green landscapes.

Choosing Your Vehicle: Car vs Campervan

Rental car: Ideal for those staying in hotels or guesthouses. Just make sure it’s comfortable and fuel-efficient.

Campervan: A popular option in summer! It combines transport + accommodation and gives you tons of flexibility (and epic sunrise views from your sleeping bag).

👉 Tip: If you’re heading into the Highlands or F-roads, you must rent a 4×4.

Ring Road vs Other Routes

• Ring Road (Route 1): The classic loop. About 1,332 km (828 miles) and best done in 7–14 days.
• Golden Circle: A popular mini-route with Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir—great if you’re short on time.
• Westfjords: Rugged and remote. Fewer tourists, more cliffs and puffins. (would recommend!!)
• The Highlands: Wild, off-the-beaten-path interior, only accessible in summer via 4×4.

Top Highlights Not to Miss

• Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls
• Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Diamond Beach
• Dettifoss (Europe’s most powerful waterfall)
• Myvatn geothermal area
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula – often called “Iceland in Miniature”
• Vatnajökull National Park – home to the largest glacier in Europe

Where to Stay: Camping vs Guesthouses

Camping: Affordable and scenic! You’ll find well-equipped campgrounds all over the country. Iceland has a Camping Card that can save you money if you’re planning to stay at multiple sites.

Hotels & guesthouses: Book early—especially in July and August. Many are cozy and locally run, and some even include geothermal hot tubs. Treat yourself to at least one stay in a countryside cabin.

Fuel, Food & Facilities

• Gas stations: Frequent on the Ring Road, but sparser in remote areas—fill up when you can.
• Food: Stock up at Bonus or Krónan supermarkets. Dining out is expensive, but worth it for a few special meals (try the lamb or the fish stew!).
• Restrooms (WC): Available at gas stations, attractions, and campsites. Be respectful—this country takes cleanliness seriously.

Connectivity & Safety

• Wi-Fi: Widely available in accommodations and cafes. Consider a SIM card or portable hotspot if you’re camping or remote-working. I would also recommend adding GPS to your rental car purchase so you have a map even when internet is patchy.
• Weather: It changes fast—like four-seasons-in-a-day fast. Be careful of strong winds when opening and closing your car door.
• Emergency number: 112. Download the 112 Iceland app just in case.

Staying Connected in Iceland

One of the best travel hacks for exploring Iceland stress-free is staying connected. From navigating those winding Ring Road drives to checking live updates on weather and road conditions (which change fast in Iceland!), having reliable data is a total lifesaver. Instead of scrambling for a local SIM or relying on spotty café Wi-Fi, I used an eSIM from Airalo and it worked perfectly! I was online the second I landed in Reykjavik, and topping up along the way was super easy through the app. If you want the same hassle-free experience, you can check out Airalo here.

What to Pack for a Summer Iceland Road Trip

• Waterproof jacket & pants
• Warm layers (fleece, merino, down jacket)
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Swimsuit & towel (for hot springs!)
• Sleep mask (for the midnight sun)
• Reusable water bottle (tap water = glacier fresh)
• Portable charger & offline maps

Check out my full packing guide here!

Budgeting Tips

• Groceries > restaurants if you’re on a budget.
• Attractions: Most natural sights don’t charge entry – however the more popular ones will have a small entrance fee.
• Fuel costs: Factor in the high price of gas—carpooling or diesel vehicles can help.
• Book in advance for peak summer months, especially for campervans and accommodations.

Bonus: Don’t Miss These Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots

• Stuðlagil Canyon – jaw-dropping basalt columns
• Westfjords – hidden gem and absolute must see if you have the time!!
• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon – made Insta-famous by Justin Bieber

Summer Road Trip of a Lifetime

A summer road trip around Iceland is unlike any other adventure. You’ll drive past fields of lupines, hike to secret hot springs, and feel like you’re on another planet half the time. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or pulling over to pet Icelandic horses, this land of fire and ice will absolutely steal your heart.

So buckle up, crank your road trip playlist, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

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