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Anything related to living in a camper

A few things work differently when your home moves.

Life on wheels sounds romantic, and it is, but it also needs practicality. Let’s walk through the essentials together so you’re never left figuring things out in the dark.

Hlýtt og notalegt – warm and cozy

It's possible, very possible, that this might have crossed your mind before, but just in case, you should know that the “ice” in Iceland means it's cold...yes, even in summer. And okay, maybe it's not as cold as many people think; we're not Siberia either, but it does mean you need to choose the right vehicle with the right heating system if you want your trip not to turn into an antifreeze mission.

Most campers and RVs rentals come with a Webasto heater. It runs on the same fuel as your engine plus an extra battery. You turn it on, and warm air comes out. It's simple and effective.

Some campers use electrical hookup heating. That means you need to be plugged into a campsite's power supply for the heat to work. Fine if you're staying at a campsite every night, but less fine if you're not. A few smaller campers have no built-in heater at all. We flag those clearly during the booking process and in the vehicle features. We don’t recommend booking these for winter.

As you already know by now, your camper has a battery. It powers the lights, the water pump, and maybe a small fridge. It does not power a hair dryer, a space heater, or a coffee maker. If you want to bring your laptop, phones, and that portable espresso maker, then you also need a 12V inverter so the outlets work while you’re driving.

And condensation? It happens. It is not that the campervan is faulty; it is also science. In such an enclosed space, moisture has nowhere to go, so it ends up hitting the cold glass of your windows and turning into water. Crack two windows on opposite sides every night; this will pull fresh air through and vent that moisture away. It makes a real difference.

The art of emptying tanks

Now that you’re an expert on ventilation and condensation, let’s move on to water, toilets, and tanks.

Your motorhome has two water systems. One with clean water for drinking, washing, and cooking. And then, wastewater from the sink and shower. The toilet is separate and usually uses chemicals to break things down.

You fill the clean water tank at campsites or service stations around Iceland. You empty the wastewater tank and the toilet cassette at designated dump stations. Most campsites around the country have them, and major fuel stations like Olís and N1 often do too, so you have plenty of choices.

Please, never empty anywhere else. Not on the ground. Not into a regular toilet. And absolutely not into nature. Það er bannað! It's forbidden, and for good reason.

Dumping is nothing complicated, and after a couple of attempts, you’ll be able to do so in the blink of an eye. That said, we do recommend planning your route around dump stations rather than leaving it to chance. Don't wait until you're running on empty (literally). By then, your options get limited fast.

Sometimes size matters

Campervans are compact and cozy, but motorhomes and RVs are spacious and definitely feel a lot bigger, especially if it's your first time driving one. Good news for you, though: most people get the hang of it within an hour. That said, it's important to know it does feel bigger when you're on a narrow road with oncoming traffic.

If you're worried about parking, don't be. Parking lots here are generally fine, and you'll be able to fit both your camper or motorhome. They might not be as huge as those American Walmart parking lots, but they're also not as tiny as a kei car lot in Japan. You'll fit just fine.

Bridges are a whole different story. In Iceland, some are one lane, so you do need to wait your turn to cross. Here, size doesn't matter, but patience does. The same applies to wind… Iceland has a lot of wind, and we don’t mean a light breeze sporadically; we mean vindur that can knock off vehicles.

So, here's what you do. If outside, grab your doors tightly; wind can rip them off the hinges. If you're driving, slow down. Way down. Both hands on the wheel. Give everyone extra space. And if the wind is stronger than 15 m/s, simply pull off. No one is impressed by someone driving fast in a camper during a storm. If you keep your common sense, you’ll be fine.

Take me home, gravel roads

The Ring Road may be Iceland’s most important road, but it doesn't mean it’s the only one you’ll drive on. Some of Iceland’s best places are down a gravel road, a bumpy, dusty, but absolutely worth it road.

You won’t need a 4x4 camper to drive on these roads; that’s only a must when you’re driving on F-roads, mountain roads in Iceland. A 2WD camper can take gravel roads, but to do so carefully, you need to slow down. 50 to 60 km per hour is fine (30 to 37 mph).

When driving too fast on these roads, you might lose control, or your own wheels can kick up rocks into your windshield. If you hear a rock hit the glass, don't panic. Take a breath. That's why you added Gravel Protection. Right? Please say yes… That's life on wheels. Simple. Slow. Sometimes a little messy but wonderful.

How the road tax affects rentals

We’ve stripped away the jargon to keep it simple

Veggjald or road tax, has now become a part of renting a car in Iceland since January 1, 2026. Let’s walk through it together.

So, what is different now?

The Icelandic government introduced a per-kilometer road tax. It applies to all vehicles. Every company. Every office. Every car.

Here's why this happened: For years, road maintenance was paid for through taxes on diesel and gas. Simple enough. But then more people started driving electric vehicles. Fewer people buying fuel meant less money for the roads. So the government introduced this tax to keep the roads in good shape for everyone. Including you.

And how does it apply to my rental?

The tax is calculated per kilometer. The exact payment method depends on the vehicle you choose. Some providers include it in the daily rate. Others charge it separately at the end of your rental. Either way, you'll see exactly how it works before you book. No surprises.

The silver lining

While the road tax is new, fuel prices have gone down. Gas and diesel are cheaper now than they've been in a while. That means your overall driving costs may not change much.

What travelers actually worry about

Við höfum heyrt þetta allt áður: we've heard it all before.

Is there a daily mileage limit?

Nei, unlimited mileage is included with every rental through our platform. You’re free to chase the Northern Lights or visit that hidden waterfall somewhere in the Westfjords.

What’s the fuel policy, and do I need to worry about AdBlue?

Most providers apply a “same to same” policy. If you pick it up half, return it half. As simple as that. AdBlue is an additive that some diesel vehicles use. It is a type of fluid that reduces emissions. If you need to refill it during your trip, the provider will tell you.

Is the vehicle in the photos exactly what I’ll get?

Unfortunately, not always. In the camper rental industry, the common thing to guarantee is the vehicle category rather than a specific make or model. The fleet rotates, vehicles need a deeper clean, clients extend their reservations, etc. This can make the specific unit you saw unavailable on your dates. Now, the essential features (passenger count, transmission, etc.) will match what you booked. If a specific feature matters to you, please contact us before booking, and we’ll check with the provider.

What’s included: bedding, towels, and kitchen essentials?

This varies greatly depending on the vehicle and provider you choose. Some providers include everything. Bedding, towels, pots, pans, plates, cups, even chairs and a table. Others may include nothing. You’ll find everything you need on the vehicle page and throughout the booking process. Just make sure to read it carefully before you reserve.

I'm traveling with a lot of luggage. Will it fit?

In this case, it's worth taking a moment to think about what you'll actually need on the road. For travelers bringing a lot of luggage, motorhomes are usually the way to go. These vehicles have a larger trunk and plenty of storage areas throughout the living area. That said, a motorhome is not a moving truck; a good rule of thumb is to plan for about one large suitcase and a carry-on per passenger maximum.

Are child seats available, and do your vehicles support ISOFIX?

Já, yes! You can rent them during the booking process. Just keep in mind that some campers have ISOFIX anchors, and some don't, so be sure to check the vehicle details before you book. Something worth knowing is that the number of child seats that fit is not always the same as the number of seatbelts. Three seatbelts in the back does not mean three child seats will fit side by side. Car seats are wider than people. But hey, you moms and dads out there probably know that already!

How do pickups, lines, and inspections work?

You'll usually come into the office to check in for your reservation, hand over your documents, and complete the paperwork. Once that's done, a member of our team will walk you to your vehicle, show you the basics, and go through the main features with you. You're welcome to inspect the vehicle together with our representative (well, you absolutely should).

Please make sure any existing marks or details you'd like noted are clearly written down: we want to make sure everything is accurate from the start. We also recommend doing the same upon return. During the summer season, Iceland welcomes a high number of visitors. This means our office can get quite busy, and wait times may be a bit longer than usual.

We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we and our providers are doing our best to get everyone on the road as smoothly and safely as possible.

Can I return my vehicle outside of business hours?

This is definitely possible with some of our trusted providers. Certain ones offer a lockbox service where you can simply drop off the keys and go. However, this option needs to be confirmed in advance, and some providers may apply an additional fee.

Please contact us at info@traveltoiceland.is and we’ll check if this service is available for your chosen vehicle.

Can I take a ferry with my motorhome?

Yes, most providers allow it. Taking your húsbíll (motorhome) on a ferry can be a wonderful way to explore more remote areas of Iceland.

That said, while your rental provider may give the green light, the ferry company has its own set of rules. So before you plan your trip, please be sure to check directly with the ferry line to confirm whether your specific vehicle is allowed on board.

What happens if a road closes due to weather?

If a road closes, you cannot drive on it. Not because the provider says so. Because it's dangerous. Or impossible. Or both.

Please find a safe place to wait for the weather to calm down before continuing your trip. You can always check umferdin.is for the latest road conditions. And please, don't rush. A closed road is a sign for a reason; listen to it. Your safety is what matters most.

Winter tires, are they included?

Já, yes! In Iceland, winter tires are mandatory from November 1st to April 14th. During that period, all of our trusted providers automatically install them once the authorities give the green light…and you don't pay a cent extra!

Can I cross rivers with my 4x4 or camper?

Not with a standard campervan. To cross rivers, you'll need to be on designated F-roads (mountain roads) in Iceland. By law, these roads must be driven in a 4x4. Now, even if you rented a 4x4, we strongly advise against crossing rivers. Why? Two main reasons:

1. Your safety. Iceland's river conditions are unique and can be unpredictable. Without proper experience, a river crossing can quickly turn your dream trip into a nightmare.
2. No insurance coverage. No rental insurance covers damage caused by water entering the vehicle. That means you could be left with a very expensive bill.

So please, take routes that don't include river crossings. Your safety and your wallet will thank you.

Will I have phone signal and internet connectivity?

Iceland generally has good and reliable mobile coverage. Of course, just like anywhere else, the signal can get spotty in mountain areas and remote regions, so keep that in mind when traveling to places like Landmannalaugar or the Westfjords.

What does roadside assistance actually cover?

Every rental comes with access to a roadside assistance line so you can always call someone for help. That said, services such as towing, battery jumps, or replacing a key do come with an extra cost. Please read your policy. Or ask us before you book. We'll tell you what's included and what's not.

Fines and Fees: What about speeding tickets and parking?

You are fully responsible. The provider will charge the fine to your credit card. Sometimes with an admin fee, so drive carefully and comply with the law, takk fyrir.

What other costs should I watch out for?

We show you everything during booking. The base price. The insurance options. The extras. And yes, the terms and conditions. Please read them carefully. Because that’s where we tell you about the fees that only appear if something goes wrong. Cleaning fees if the camper comes back very dirty. After-hours fees if you drop off outside business hours, basically things like that.