Iceland LoopTrip0

    Find Your Icelandic Basecamp

    Outside Reykjavík, beds are fewer and popular stops fill up early in summer. 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 minimise backtracking and maximise 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.

    Vík / South Coast

    A common overnight stop for Ring Road travellers heading east, within reach of Reynisfjara, Skógafoss and the Sólheimasandur plane wreck. It is a small village, so book early.

    Akureyri

    North Iceland's main town and your gateway to Mývatn, Húsavík whale watching, Goðafoss, and Dettifoss. A lively town with a good choice of restaurants and places to stay all year, and a geothermal swimming pool that is open all 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 (June to August)

    There are now two Edda hotels, in Akureyri and Egilsstaðir: school buildings that open as budget summer hotels, with en-suite rooms and simpler rooms with a washbasin. Good for travellers who just need a bed and a hot shower after a long drive.

    Guesthouses & Farmstays

    The Authentic Icelandic Experience

    Family-run guesthouses are the backbone of rural Iceland accommodation. Many have shared bathrooms, cosy common areas and homemade breakfasts, often with local skyr and fresh bread. Many are working farms where you can meet Icelandic horses.

    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 in remote spots far from any town — bring groceries.

    Frequently asked questions

    Yes — especially between June and August. Outside Reykjavík there are fewer places to stay, and popular stops like Vík, Höfn and Mývatn fill up early. Even in shoulder season (May and September), booking ahead is a good idea.

    Campervans are an excellent option for budget travellers and those who want maximum flexibility. However, it is illegal to spend the night in a campervan outside organised campsites or urban areas unless the landowner has given permission — so plan every night at a campsite. Many campsites close in winter and facilities vary widely, so check each one.

    Crime is rarely a concern, even in remote areas — the weather is. Check road conditions and weather warnings before driving to a remote stay, 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 minimises 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