Camper Van Journey Around Iceland

SHOW NOTES —

BASED ON 140 ISK PER US DOLLAR

On this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, we join experts in campervanning, who head to Iceland to find out why so many travelers swear by renting a campervan. After a week circling the Ring Road, they learned that the van is both the thing that makes the trip magical — and the thing that can derail it if you don’t know the rules.

We talk about the real‑world lessons from the road: insurance surprises, gravel hazards, wind‑blown doors, F‑roads, campsite rules, fueling challenges, and the new distance‑based road tax. If you’re thinking about doing Iceland by campervan, this episode will save you money, stress, and a few headaches.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE

• Insurance in Iceland is different. Most credit cards don’t cover gravel, sand, ash, tires, and wind damage. Some claims — like wind‑blown doors — can cost hundreds of dollars.
• F‑roads require a 4x4. Taking a 2WD campervan onto an F‑road is illegal and can lead to a recovery bill of $3,215.
• Wind is no joke. Park nose‑into the wind and hold onto the doors.
• New road tax: Campervans pay about $0.05 per kilometer, adding roughly $66 for a full Ring Road loop.
• Fueling issues: Many pumps require a PIN‑enabled chip card. A temporary hold can run $157.
• Campsites only: You can’t sleep in a van anywhere you want. Expect $11–$18 per adult at most sites.
• Gas prices: Around $1.50–$1.60 per liter.
• Book early: Summer campervan rentals sell out months ahead.

WHAT WE LOVED ABOUT THE TRIP

Waking up next to fjords instead of hotel corridors. Cooking dinner with steam rising off the hills at Mývatn. Changing plans on a whim because the weather shifted. The freedom to roam — as long as you know the rules.

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

• Campstar — Campervan rentals and trip planning
• Road Conditions (Iceland) — Daily updates
• Vedur Weather — Iceland’s official weather service
• SafeTravel Iceland — Alerts and safety info

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

This episode is part of our ongoing series exploring road trips around the world. Iceland’s campervan culture is one of the most unique — and one of the most misunderstood. We break down everything you need to know before you go.

Find out more about Iceland camper vans at Campstar.com

Subscribe to the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Check out the new Smart Travel Podcast

This episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts. Smart Travel Podcast

Check out all of our other travel podcasts from aroundthe world

This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape Podcast Network For advertising or sponsorship opportunities on this show and across the network, email advertising@voyascape.com or you can find more information at Voyascape Ads.