The small town of Keflavik on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula is the main air gateway to this mountainous island nation filled with stunning landscapes. Keflavik, not much of a tourist haven, is within easy reach of many of the country’s most famous natural sights and is a great place to use as a base for touring the Southern Peninsula.
Driving is the most flexible way to explore this stunning country, with a rental motorhome giving excellent access to southern Iceland’s many campingvan camp grounds and popular tourist hot spots.
Recommended campervan drives in Keflavik
Blue Lagoon:
this famous geothermal spa has hot water year round and its surrounding lava fields date back to 1226. Its sulphur water is a great place to relax and swim, while the silica mud is refreshing for the skin. Enjoy the lagoon by hire campervan from Grindavík Campground or Austurvegur Motorhome Ground.
Thingvellir National Park:
Iceland’s most visited national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site as a result of its longest-running parliament and dramatic landscapes. It is home to Iceland’s largest lake, dramatic cliffs and valleys, and a plethora of wildlife. Explore the park from Vatnskot or Leirar caravan grounds.
Gullfoss:
this stunning 30-plus metre high waterfall, just an hour’s drive from the coast, was created by the plunging River Hvítá. While visiting this place of spectacular beauty, it is worth making the short trip to the nearby Geysir hot spring. The falls and hot springs can both be enjoyed from Camping Geysir or Borg Cam campervanning ground.
Local attractions
Keflavik is not one of Iceland’s major tourist centres, but it has a lot to offer holiday-makers for a town of its size. The harbour is a great place to start your explorations, and on a clear day it offers spectacular views of Snæfellsjökull across the bay. On other days, whales, dolphins and orca can be seen offshore though the best sightings are possible by boat.
The town has a rich culture, with the best place to experience it Viking World, a historical museum about the Vikings. Tourists visiting in June should not miss the annual Keflavik Music Festival, which is a great opportunity to listen to local musicians showing off their talents.