No other country stirs the imagination like Iceland. Home to vast volcanoes, glistening glaciers, gushing geysers, wintry waterfalls and blacksand beaches – nature lovers are in heaven when they visit the Land of Fire and Ice. With so much to see and a surprisingly large amount of ground to cover, easily the best way to experience this Nordic nation is to find the best campervan rental company in Iceland and head off on a great drive.
Cozy Campers are the only name you need to remember for unforgettable Icelandic road trips. Their budget campers start from just €99 per day, the perfect option for a couple of backpackers looking to save money on their accommodation while also having the opportunity to take in breathtaking views out the window. Traveling in a campervan gives you an unparalleled sense of freedom and flexibility, so you can explore the island as you please.
When venturing to this remote part of the planet, you want to have as much time as possible to soak in the elements and immerse yourself in the quirky culture that Iceland is famous for. It’s achievable to complete the Ring Road in a week but a better itinerary would be four weeks to go from east to west and top to bottom to discover the endless hidden secrets of Iceland. Slow travel will allow you to connect with nature on a deeper level.
With this in mind, we go into detail below about why Cozy Campers is the best campervan rental company in Iceland and provide an overview of their popular rentals. We will also equip you with a few interesting road trip ideas that you can use as inspiration for your journey. From the touristic Golden Circle to the secluded Westfjords peninsula to the stunning South Coast – road trippers are spoilt for choice when choosing which route to take.
Why Cozy Campers is the Best Campervan Rental Company in Iceland
Cozy Campers is a family-run business that prides itself on personalized service, customer care and modern vehicles. Their 5-star reviews pay testament to this. Attention to detail is the biggest differentiating factor when you compare them to the competition. There are many campervan companies but not many have 24/7 emergency calls, a tablet computer with free Wi-Fi, discounted rates for more days and no hidden fees.
The founder of Cozy Campers, Birkir Mar Benediktsson (AKA Mr. B) started this venture in 2014 when he noticed just how many of the camper rentals in the country lacked character. Since Mr. B is a carpenter and automotive mechanic, he began buying a fleet and modifying them to create arguably “the most comfortable and modern campervans Iceland has ever seen”. Today, they don’t have the biggest fleet but they do have the best.
Due to the unpredictable weather, it’s not uncommon for campers to spend hours locked inside their vehicles waiting for the next opportune moment to get back outside. For this reason, it’s important to feel comfortable and at home inside your camper. Cozy Campers have fantastic cooking facilities for you to whip up a hot meal while it’s raining and their free 4G hotspot means you can “Netflix & Chill” until your heart’s content.
Another crucial component to a successful road trip is staying warm. Depending on the time of year you go, it can be below zero even during the “hottest” part of the day. While jackets, thermals, beanies and the notorious Icelandic woolen sweater will go a long way to keeping you snug – it’s also good to know that when you book with Cozy Campers you can enjoy their state-of-the-art heat system and heated beds that last the night.
Difference Between the Premium, Standard & Budget Campers
Cozy Campers offers three types of rentals: premium, standard and budget. Most of them can sleep two, while a couple can sleep three and four. Three premium vehicles are available to book: The Highlander I, II and III. The Highlander I and II can accommodate up to two while the Highlander III can host up to three. The premium campervans are new vehicles, have four-wheel drive capabilities, a panoramic sky roof and modern interiors.
A key feature of the premiums is the ability to use F-roads. These are gravel roads that should only be accessed by a 4×4. If you want to get off-the-beaten-track in Iceland, in the most comfortable way, then the premium option is best. The standard vehicles are two-wheel drive and aren’t permitted on any F-roads. Nevertheless, they still make for a great alternative if you plan on sticking to the main highways and routes of the country.
Standard campers are still new vehicles (up to three years) and have all the latest interior updates. Groups of two, three and four can be catered for and the price per day is significantly lower than the premiums. This might be the preferred choice for families who are conscious of not racking up a big bill by the end of the trip. The budget campers, on the other hand, are the ultimate choice for backpackers who need to skimp and save.
There are budget options for two, three or four travelers – so the bigger the group the better in terms of splitting the cost. It could be two couples looking to set off on the road trip of a lifetime. The budget campers are up to six years old and as expected come with more mileage. They are well maintained but don’t get the regular updates that the standards and premiums receive. Bedding and kitchenware is included, but it’s older.
Possible Routes to Take for your Next Icelandic Road Trip
Planning and spontaneity are the two ingredients needed for an incredible road trip. The options here are truly endless which is why we suggest putting aside as much time as you can. The more days you have, the more you will be able to travel in an impromptu manner and make plans as you go. Iceland is a sparsely populated country, especially once you leave Reykjavik, which leads to empty roads and untouched lands to discover.
With all of your accommodation and transport sorted with Cozy Campers, not only will you save money by not having to pay for hotels and tours, but you will also waste less time organizing a place to stay. When you think about it, a campervan is a no-brainer. The routes you choose will inevitably come down to your timeframe and what type of landscapes interest you. Do you want to take it easy and do the Golden Circle in two days?
That is certainly an option. The Golden Circle starts in the capital and runs for 300 kilometers. Highlights include Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. The second most frequented trip is along the southern coast, and again you could do it in two days from Reykjavik or stretch it out to three. Skogafoss, Reynisdrangar blacksand beach, Jokulsarlon glacial lake and Diamond Beach are some of the must-see spots in the south.
The south coast links up with the Ring Road – circumnavigating the entire country. Most can do this in 10 days but some push it out to two weeks. It’s a spectacular journey filled with Iceland’s greatest hits plus many hidden gems. One unique journey that you could do is the Westfjords. The newly built Dyrafjardargong Tunnel allows you to make a loop. Jaw-dropping views, hot springs and turf houses await on this peninsula.
Tips for Booking with the Best Campervan Rental Company in Iceland
Driving in Iceland can have its challenges but as long as you stick to the right roads you should be able to enjoy a stress-free trip. As mentioned, two-wheel drive vehicles are prohibited from entering F-roads (also called highland roads). You should note that the Kjolur and Kaldidalur roads are limited to 4×4’s. There are more roads which deny access to 2×4’s and a few to 4×4 campers – so read through the routes on road.is for more info.
Insurance is vital when traveling. If you plan on renting a campervan and exploring the Icelandic road network, other insurance products might be of interest. You can browse the extras offered by Cozy Campers if you need some more assurances such as tire, gravel or scratch and dent protection. These insurance products don’t add a lot to your daily expenses and they can help to ease your mind, so you can travel in a worry-free way.
In general, Iceland is expensive but there are a variety of ways to keep your costs down. Combining your transport and accommodation into one with Cozy Campers is the best start. Then you can find cheap food at grocery stores to cook back in your campervan. The great thing about Iceland is the main attractions don’t cost you a penny, apart from say parking and toilet fees. Iceland’s natural spectacles are free for everyone to enjoy.
Deciding when to visit is an important decision as Iceland is different in each season. Do you want to see the Northern Lights? September to March is your best bet. What about the Midnight Sun? May to August would be ideal. Winter brings snow and a magical white blankets the towns, mountains and waterfalls – so it can be a wonderful time if you don’t mind wrestling with the cold. Summer is easier but where is the fun in that?!
