If you’re wondering where to stay in Iceland, we’ve got you covered. Due to the increase in tourism here, you should be aware of the most popular destinations that visitors typically choose. For example, large crowds tend to travel to famous spots, such as the Blue Lagoon, Geysir, and Gullfoss in tour buses.
You should take advantage of the luxury of traveling in your own camper rental and visit these places outside of peak tourist times for a more peaceful experience. Additionally, if you visit early or late in the day, you have a higher chance of avoiding the larger crowds.
When staying in Iceland, there are, of course, places where you can’t avoid the crowds, such as Jökulsárlón, Vatnajökull, and the big tourist destinations up north, such as Mývatn, Dettifoss, and Ásbyrgi. If you’re looking for quiet places to visit in Iceland and where to stay to avoid larger crowds, just remember th at the further away you get from Reykjavik, the fewer people you will encounter. Areas like South Iceland and North Iceland both offer incredible natural beauty, free from the hustle of the main tourist trail. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or hiking remote trails, you’ll find that each region provides a unique Icelandic adventure.
There are hidden gems along Iceland’s south coast that offer a quieter and more immersive experience, such as Skútafoss, a waterfall with a cave, and Gljúfrabúi, another less crowded waterfall. The Westfjords in North Iceland, although stunning and magnificent, also remain a place of wonderful solitude. There are tourists up there too, but most of them are the outdoor type and won’t come in big buses.
Read more: 10 “not to do” in Iceland
For those traveling alone, embarking on a self-driving tour, you will still experience empty roads and vast landscapes with nobody in sight. You will be in places where you just stare in awe and you might even wonder what everybody is talking about when they discuss the huge increase in tourism for Iceland, will remain a big island with room for so many more.
Driving around Iceland in a camper is growing increasingly popular, and unfortunately, complaints about camper van visitors are also on the rise. To be honest, it seems like our customers are behaving well, as we haven’t seen any pictures in the media here of people camping in parking lots, trespassing on private properties, going behind bushes to relieve themselves and so on.It’s simple: treat Iceland with the same respect you would your own home—or better yet, as a guest in someone else’s. Do not camp wherever. Ensure you are aware of the activities you are permitted or prohibited from doing while camping.
Read more: Where you may camp your camper van
There are enough campsites all over Iceland to choose from, and why go where everybody else is going? You have the freedom to go anywhere you want. Use that possibility! Whether you’re spending the night at a cozy campground or checking into one of the many Iceland hotels, you’ll find comfort wherever you choose to stay.
Need more ideas for where to stay in Iceland and other breathtaking locations to visit? Don’t miss the Golden Circle, especially early in the morning or late in the evening, to avoid the crowds. The geothermal areas are absolutely magical, especially when paired with an evening dip in one of the many natural hot tubs found around the countryside.
If you’re lucky, you might even witness the Northern Lights, especially during the fall and winter months in more remote areas. Combine that with a visit to black sand beaches, cliffs, glaciers, and fjords, and you’ve crafted the ultimate Iceland itinerary.
Now go chase the adventure you’ve been dreaming of. Happy camping! #WohoCamper
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