You can camp in Iceland during the winter, although the weather is unpredictable
. There are plenty of designated campsites and you can camp in the wild, with a few restrictions and rules you should follow. Check out our guide to find the best camping spot for your trip.
Can you sleep in a tent in Iceland?
Wild camping in Iceland is more an exception than a rule. For example, it is now illegal to spend the night in tent trailers, tent campers, caravans, camper vans, and also cars and similar, outside organized campsites or urban areas without permission from the land owner.
Can you free camp in Iceland?
And in Iceland,
you can legally camp for free
. Sort of. As a general rule, you can set up a tent for one night on any uncultivated public land for free and start exploring Iceland's hidden gems.
Is camping in Iceland safe?
We've gathered information, so you'll see there's no need to fear camping in Iceland because
it's perfectly safe
. As per our Facts And Figures page, Iceland is officially the safest country globally!
Why is wild camping illegal in Iceland?
So many people choose to look for a cheaper option and value traveling by camper or sleeping in campsites. However, as much as Iceland is a Nordic country, wild camping is not allowed.
Icelandic nature preservation law dictates where the traveler is allowed to camp in Iceland if they are away from registered campsites
.
Can you tent camp anywhere in Iceland?
The short answer is,
no, you cannot set up camp anywhere you want
. With the growth of tourism, wild camping has become a problem on this small Arctic island. As most of the land in Iceland is privately owned, farmers have been bothered by people setting up camp on their land without permission.
Can you camp in the Highlands in Iceland?
Camping and hiking in Iceland are among the great options for people planning a vacation, a trip, a drive along the coastline or a road trip to Iceland
.
Can I sleep in my car in Iceland?
The Law of Survival states that you can stop on any man's land for a night and eat anything that grows on that land. That means that
it's completely acceptable – and legal – to sleep in your car
, whether you're on private property, in a national park, or at a designated rest stop.
Can you camp on the side of the road in Iceland?
Maybe if you're hiking with a backpack in the Central Highlands you can find a spot. But you can no longer camp anywhere in Iceland, and
you can't certainly camp on the side of the road
.
Can you have a fire in Iceland?
Building a campfire in Iceland is not allowed and should never ever be done
. Even if you wanted to build an [illegal] fire in Iceland you would have great difficulty as there are no trees or wood to be found! The ecosystem in Iceland is very fragile and fires have the potential to harm thousands of years of growth.
Do campsites in Iceland have WIFI?
No two campsites are the same. In general,
you can expect a wide range of facilities, including toilets, showers, laundry facilities, running water, wifi, charging stations
, I mean, it's not all guaranteed, but some of the best ones have all of that.
What kind of tent do I need for Iceland?
Weather-resistant tent
Our
Vango tents
, designed in Scotland, are the favorite among Icelanders, and the flysheet is really waterproof. This is the standard we recommend for camping trips in Iceland. If your tent also features a porch, or an extra room to leave your wet boots and clothes, that's a big plus !
How much does it cost to camp in Iceland?
Camping is by far the cheapest form of accommodation in Iceland. Campsite prices range anywhere from
1375 ISK to 2750 ISK
or about €10 to €20 per person.
Where can I shower in Iceland?
The Blue Lagoon
is the only swimming place in the whole of Iceland that has actually fitted showers with doors on them. This is a bizarre sight for Icelanders but may be a comfort to some. Everyone tells you to just put conditioner into your hair and you'll be fine.
Can I take a camper van to Iceland?
With so much more to do outside of the capital and the Golden Circle,
a camper van trip around Iceland is the perfect way to see the land of fire and ice
. It's true that Iceland can be an expensive country to visit, though many of Iceland's attractions are free.
Can you park your camper anywhere in Iceland?
Iceland made it illegal to park and camp outside of designated camping zones in recent years
. While it's tempting, this means that it's super risky to stop and sleep anywhere in your Iceland camper unless you have permission from the landowner.
Is there a ferry from Shetland to Iceland?
Lerwick-Iceland takes around 30 hours.
Aberdeen-Lerwick with Northlink Ferries (0845 600 0449, northlinkferries.co.uk) is an overnight trip, but the ferries on both routes have excellent facilities
. There are discounts for passengers under 26 (and partial discounts for senior citizens).
Do you need reservations to camp in Iceland?
RESERVATIONS. One of the perks of camping in Iceland is the fact that
you do not need to book anything in advance
; it is not even possible.
Is the Iceland camping card worth it?
To help you do the math, it costs around 1,000 – 2,000 ISK per person per night to stay at a campsite. So if there are at least two of you, the card pays for itself in a few days. Add kids into the mix and
the card is definitely worth it
.
How long does it take to drive around Iceland?
A: The Ring Road which encircles the island is approximately 1,333 kilometers. Assuming that it takes around one hour to complete 100 kilometers, you can drive around Iceland in
12-13 hours
.
Is driving around Iceland easy?
Driving in Iceland is quite easy
and rental cars aren't horribly expensive which is why we recommend it as a great way to explore the countryside!
Do you need 4wd in Iceland in summer?
During Summer – For most tourist attractions, a small economy car is suitable. However,
if you are planning on going to the Westfjords or the East/North-East then a 4×4 is definitely recommended due to hard road conditions
. F-roads – These roads are only accessible by a 4×4.
Are there rest stops in Iceland?
The country is practically designed for road trips: roads are well-paved, and
there are regular rest stops
and gas stations for refueling.
