Iceland LoopTrip0

    Find Your Icelandic Basecamp

    Outside Reykjavík, accommodation is sparse and sells out months in advance. Here is where to base yourself, what each kind of stay is actually like, and how far ahead the beds go.

    Best Basecamps for Your Ring Road Trip

    Strategic overnight stops that minimize backtracking and maximize your time exploring.

    Reykjavík

    Best for your first and last nights. Use it as a base for Golden Circle day trips and the Blue Lagoon. The widest selection of hotels, hostels, and apartments in Iceland.

    Vík / South Coast

    The essential overnight stop for Ring Road travelers heading east. Book months in advance — this tiny village has very limited beds and sells out every summer. Closest base to Reynisfjara, Skógafoss, and the Sólheimasandur plane wreck.

    Akureyri

    The capital of the North and your gateway to Mývatn, Húsavík whale watching, Goðafoss, and Dettifoss. A surprisingly vibrant town with great restaurants, a geothermal pool, and reliable accommodation year-round.

    Types of Accommodation in Iceland

    From converted schools to private hot-tub cabins — each type offers a unique experience.

    Edda Hotels

    Summer Only (mid-June to mid-August)

    These are converted boarding schools that open as budget-friendly hotels during summer. Clean, simple rooms with shared facilities. Perfect for travelers who just need a bed and a hot shower after a long drive. Book early — they fill up fast because of their unbeatable prices.

    Guesthouses & Farmstays

    The Authentic Icelandic Experience

    Family-run guesthouses are the backbone of rural Iceland accommodation. Expect shared bathrooms, cozy common areas, and incredible homemade breakfasts featuring local skyr and fresh bread. Many are working farms where you can meet Icelandic horses. The personal touch makes them unforgettable.

    Cabins & Cottages

    The Summerhouse Experience

    Renting a traditional Icelandic summerhouse (sumarhús) gives you privacy, a kitchen for self-catering, and often a private hot tub with a view. Ideal for families and groups. Many are located in stunning remote locations far from any town — bring groceries.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Yes, absolutely — especially between June and August. Outside of Reykjavík, accommodation options are extremely limited. Popular stops like Vík, Höfn, and Mývatn can sell out 3-6 months in advance. Even in shoulder season (May and September), booking at least 4-6 weeks ahead is strongly recommended.

    Campervans are an excellent option for budget travelers and those who want maximum flexibility. Iceland has over 170 registered campsites. However, wild camping is illegal in Iceland, and you must use designated campsites. Keep in mind that most campsites are only open from June to early September, and facilities vary widely.

    Budget guesthouses start around 15,000-20,000 ISK (€100-130) per night for a double room with shared bathroom. Mid-range hotels cost 25,000-40,000 ISK (€170-270). Premium hotels in Reykjavík or destination lodges can run 50,000-100,000+ ISK (€340-680+). Prices spike significantly in July and August.

    Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. Remote guesthouses and cabins are perfectly safe. The main concern is weather — always check road conditions on road.is before driving to remote accommodation, especially in winter. Make sure your accommodation has mobile signal or WiFi for emergency communication.

    For a Ring Road trip, you will need to move every 1-2 nights. We recommend using 3-4 strategic basecamps (Reykjavík, Vík, Höfn/East, Akureyri) and doing day trips from each. This minimizes packing/unpacking and lets you explore more deeply.

    Know Your Stops Before You Book

    The earlier you book, the better your options — but you cannot book a night in Vík until you know you are ending a day there. The overnight stops come out of the route, not the other way round.

    See how the ready-made routes split the days