Iceland in a Campervan: A Family Story of Adventure, Flexibility, and Connection
When we first planned our trip to Iceland, we imagined stunning waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and perhaps a few cozy Airbnb stays. Instead, we ended up with something far more memorable: nine days in a campervan, just the three of us circling the island nation known as the “Land of Fire and Ice.”
The Start of Something New
Landing in Reykjavík at dawn, sleepy but excited, we picked up our campervan — our rolling home for the next 9 days. For us, it was a first: camping with a toddler. There were doubts, of course. Would we sleep well while we had to drive for extended periods daily? Could we manage to have nutritious meals on the road? But as the days unfolded, those worries gave way to laughter, teamwork, and an unexpected sense of freedom.
To our delight, Anya loved it so much. The campervan became her cozy little den — a place to nap between hikes and giggle as we cooked simple dinners next to stunning views.
Nature That Humbles and Inspires
Iceland’s landscapes are like stepping into another world — raw, dramatic, and unforgettable. One moment we were gazing at the bright turquoise cascades of Brúarfoss, and the next, standing in the highland before a canyon lined with dozens of waterfalls tumbling into a glowing blue river.
We hiked past emerald green volcanic craters and drove across vast, moonlike highland deserts where our camper was the only sign of life. Everywhere we turned, nature demanded awe: sheep grazing peacefully below towering cliffs, the mist of Skógafoss soaking our jackets, and the sharp sea stacks of Reynisdrangar rising out of the Atlantic beside Vík’s red-roofed church.
Glaciers crept across the horizon, while basalt columns and black sand beaches revealed Iceland’s geological artistry. Some places felt almost otherworldly — like the hexagonal rock walls at Svartifoss, or the surreal pseudocraters at Lake Mývatn that looked as if they belonged on another planet.
For Anya, the highlights were different but just as magical: climbing on mini icebergs at Diamond Beach, scavenging for pebbles among chunks of glacier ice, and simply running free in wide-open landscapes with no fences in sight.
From golden sunsets at Kirkjufell to the quiet, windswept beauty of Arnarstapi’s coastal cliffs, Iceland reminded us at every stop: we are small, but the world is vast, resilient, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Living Small, Living Close
Life in a campervan meant everything was shared: space, shower, and even the view from the tiny window. Every campsite became her playground. And in Iceland, besides seesaws and swings, many public playgrounds come with something magical: iconic in-ground trampolines or toddler-friendly ziplines. Anya would slide, bounce, and laugh until she was ready to move on, proof that even the simplest features can bring immense joy.
Snacks, Joys, and Surprises
Traveling with kids is as much about the food as it is about the sights. Our very first stop after landing in Iceland was a grocery run at Costco, where we stocked up on essentials: granola bars, bread, fresh veggies, fruit, and of course, the famous Icelandic lamb. It was a budget-friendly way to keep everyone fueled, but for Anya, the trip’s culinary highlights were found in two special local treats.
Skyr yogurt — creamy, protein-packed, and endlessly versatile. It quickly became a staple in our fridge. The toddler-friendly pouches were especially perfect for life on the road, making it easy for Anya to sip while we drove between stops.
Kokomjólk chocolate milk — especially the sugar-reduced version in the blue package — was another hit. Nutritious enough for parents to approve, tasty enough for kids to beg for, it became her must-have every time we entered a store.
Little comforts like these helped keep her happy and energized for the adventures ahead.
When Plans Change… and Magic Happens
On the second-to-last day of our trip, our carefully mapped-out Wanderlog itinerary slipped through the cracks. After revising it a thousand times, we somehow missed an entire day of planning. In the past, that might have felt like a disaster. This time, though, we embraced it.
That unexpected free day gave us the chance to explore Reykjavík at a slower, more relaxed pace. We treated ourselves to a fine meal, wandered the streets without a checklist, and ended the day at Perlan. Inside, Anya was fascinated by the interactive ice cave — her curiosity shining through — and then a mix of excitement and nerves as she “dove” into the bottom of a volcano through the simulator. It wasn’t part of the plan — but it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Sometimes, the best memories are the ones you never planned for.
Innovative Sustainability Comes With Care
One thing that stood out to us during our trip was how seamlessly sustainability is part of everyday life in Iceland. Almost all electricity and heating comes from renewable sources like geothermal and hydro, recycling bins are everywhere (even in tiny campgrounds), and clean, fresh drinking water flows straight from the tap. Even in remote areas, cashless payments and digital tickets help reduce paper waste.
It reminded us that innovative sustainability comes with care — care for nature, for community, and for future generations. Iceland shows that protecting the environment isn’t just about big policies; it’s about countless small, thoughtful choices that together shape a culture of respect.
What We Took Home
We left Iceland with more than photos (credit to the talented @anthonymiao). We carried home memories and lessons that apply to life anywhere:
Be flexible when plans change.
Work together when resources are limited.
Appreciate the journey, not just the destination.
Sustainable travel isn’t just a national policy, but a personal practice.
And most importantly: we now know that even a 3-year-old can thrive on a 9-day campervan adventure — if you mix nature, play, and Skyr.
