Iceland in a Campervan
When we first planned our trip to Iceland, we pictured dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and maybe a few cozy Airbnb stays along the way. What we did not expect was something far more memorable. Nine days living out of a campervan, just the three of us, slowly making our way around the island often called the Land of Fire and Ice.
The Start of Something New
We landed in Reykjavík at dawn, sleepy but excited, and picked up our campervan. It would be our home for the next nine days. This was our first time camping with a toddler, and we had our share of quiet worries. Would we sleep well while driving long distances each day. Could we manage proper meals on the road.
As the days unfolded, those concerns faded. What replaced them was laughter, teamwork, and a surprising sense of freedom.
Anya loved it more than we ever expected. The campervan became her little nest. A place to nap between hikes and peek out the window while we cooked simple dinners surrounded by wide open views.
Nature That Humbles and Inspires
Iceland feels like stepping into another world. One moment we were standing beside the bright turquoise water of Brúarfoss, and the next we were in the highlands looking down into a canyon where countless waterfalls spilled into a glowing blue river below.
We walked past green volcanic craters and drove across vast stretches of land that felt almost lunar, where our campervan was often the only sign of movement. Everywhere we went, nature asked us to slow down and take it in. Sheep grazed quietly beneath towering cliffs. The mist from Skógafoss soaked our jackets. The sharp sea stacks of Reynisdrangar rose from the ocean beside the small red roofed church in Vík.
Glaciers stretched across the horizon. Basalt columns and black sand beaches revealed the quiet artistry of the land. Some places felt almost unreal, like the hexagonal rock walls at Svartifoss or the pseudocraters near Lake Mývatn that looked as though they belonged to another planet.
For Anya, the magic showed up differently. She spent hours at Diamond Beach climbing on small icebergs, collecting pebbles among the glacier ice, and running freely across open landscapes with no fences in sight.
From soft golden sunsets at Kirkjufell to the windswept cliffs of Arnarstapi, Iceland reminded us again and again how small we are, and how breathtaking the world can be.
Living Small, Living Close
Life in a campervan meant sharing everything. Space, routines, even the view from the window. Every campsite became a playground.
In Iceland, many public playgrounds offer more than swings and seesaws. You often find large in ground trampolines or gentle ziplines built right into the landscape. Anya would bounce, slide, and laugh until she was ready to move on. It was a reminder that joy does not need much. Sometimes the simplest things are enough.
Snacks, Joys, and Surprises
Traveling with a child is as much about food as it is about scenery. Our first stop after landing was Costco, where we stocked up on basics like bread, fruit, vegetables, granola bars, and Icelandic lamb. It kept things easy and budget friendly.
For Anya, though, two local favorites stood out.
Skyr yogurt quickly became a daily staple. Creamy, filling, and easy to enjoy on the road, especially the toddler friendly pouches she could sip during long drives.
Kokomjólk chocolate milk was the other clear winner. The sugar reduced version in the blue package felt like the perfect balance between comfort and nourishment. Every grocery stop came with hopeful eyes searching for it.
Small comforts like these made a big difference and kept her happy and energized day after day.
When Plans Change and Magic Happens
On the second to last day of our trip, something unexpected happened. After revising our itinerary countless times, we somehow missed planning an entire day.
Instead of feeling stressed, we let it go. That unplanned day gave us space to enjoy Reykjavík at a slower pace. We shared a good meal, wandered without a checklist, and ended the day at Perlan.
Inside, Anya was completely absorbed by the ice cave exhibit. When it came time for the volcano simulator, she was curious and excited but clearly nervous. She watched most of it with her tiny hands held up in front of her eyes, peeking through her fingers and laughing softly at the same time. It was never part of our original plan, yet it became one of the moments we remember most clearly.
Sometimes the moments you do not plan for stay with you the longest.
Innovative Sustainability Comes With Care
One thing that stayed with us throughout the trip was how naturally sustainability fits into everyday life in Iceland. Renewable energy powers nearly everything. Recycling is easy to find even in small campgrounds. Fresh drinking water flows straight from the tap. In many remote places, digital payments and tickets quietly reduce paper waste.
It reminded us that innovation and sustainability work best when paired with care. Care for the land, for communities, and for what is passed on to the next generation. These choices are not loud, but together they shape a culture of respect.
What We Took Home
We returned home with far more than photos, thanks to the eye behind the camera, @anthonymiao. We carried back lessons that will stay with us long after the trip ended.
Being flexible opens the door to better moments.
Working together matters when space is limited.
The journey itself deserves just as much attention as the destination.
Sustainable travel begins with personal choices.
And perhaps most importantly, we learned that a three year old can thrive on a long campervan adventure when nature, play, and plenty of Skyr are part of the plan.
