10-Day Iceland Van Trip Itinerary for June

Destination: Iceland (Complete Ring Road)
Travel Theme: Road trip / van life / hiking / glacier exploration
Recommended Duration: 10 days
Budget Per Person: $1,200-$2,500 USD (including van rental, gas, camping, food)

Overview

June is one of the best months to visit Iceland - you get almost 24 hours of midnight sun, the roads are mostly clear of snow, and the weather is starting to warm up. A van trip is the most popular and affordable way to see the entire Ring Road (Route 1), which circles the entire island and hits all the iconic spots. This 10-day itinerary is based on a successful recent trip with amazing weather (only 1 rainy day in 10!).

Getting There & Around

• Flights: Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), rent your van from there
• Van Rental: Most companies pick you up directly at the airport. Book 2-6 months in advance, especially for June-August high season. Expect to pay $80-150 USD/day depending on van size and amenities.
• Camping: Most of Iceland is open to free camping (thanks to the almannaréttur right of public access), but there are also many paid campgrounds ($10-20 USD per person per night) with facilities.
• Road Conditions: The main Ring Road is paved and in excellent condition. F roads (gravel mountain roads) require a 4WD vehicle - don't attempt them in a regular 2WD van.
  

10-Day Itinerary Suggestion

Day 1: Arrive KEF → Pick up van → Blue Lagoon (optional) → Spend night near Selfoss
Day 2: Golden Circle (Thingvellir → Geysir → Gullfoss) → Continue to south coast
Day 3-4: South Coast (Skógafoss → Seljalandsfoss → Reynisfjara black beach → Vík)
Day 5: Glacier hike on Vatnajökull → Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
Day 6: East Fjords (scenic drive, hiking, quiet fjord views)
Day 7: Lake Myvatn area (geothermal areas, Dettifoss waterfall) → Akureyri
Day 8: North Coast → Siglufjörður fishing village
Day 9: Westfjords (optional detour for more adventure) → Borgarnes
Day 10: Reykjavík → Return van → Depart

Must-Play Highlights

1. Thakgil (South Iceland)

This hidden gem 1-day hike is now the author's favorite spot in all of Iceland. Less crowded than other popular hikes, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and glacier. Definitely worth the detour if you're in the south.

2. Vatnajökull Glacier

Breathtaking views of the glacier outlet. Book a guided glacier hike - this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience walking on an ice cap. The blue ice is absolutely stunning.

3. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The floating icebergs are incredibly photogenic, especially at midnight when the sun is low. Don't miss the nearby diamond beach where ice washes up on the black sand.

4. Golden Circle Classics

• Thingvellir: Walk between two tectonic plates
• Geysir: Watch Strokkur erupt every 10 minutes
• Gullfoss: One of Iceland's most powerful and beautiful waterfalls

5. South Coast Waterfalls

Seljalandsfoss (you can walk behind the waterfall) and Skógafoss (huge powerful cascade with rainbow views) are both must-sees.

June-Specific Tips

• Midnight sun: The sun barely sets - bring an eye mask for sleeping in the van. It's amazing for photography at 2 AM though!
• Weather: June has the best weather odds of the summer season, but still pack for everything. You can experience sun, wind, rain, and snow all in one day. The author got incredibly lucky with only 1 rainy day in 10 days.
• Roads: All main roads are usually clear of snow by late May, but higher elevations might still have some patches.
• Campgrounds: Open for the season by early June - book ahead for popular spots.

Budget Breakdown

• Van Rental: $800-1,200 for 10 days (split between 4-5 people, this is $160-300 per person)
• Gas: $300 total for full ring road ($60-75 per person)
• Camping: $10-20/night per person → $100-200 for 10 nights
• Food: Cook your own meals in the van → $25-40/day per person → $250-400
• Activities & Entry Fees: Glacier hike + other attractions → $150-300
• Total: ~$1,200 minimum (budget) → $2,500 (more comfortable)

What to Pack

• Layers, layers, layers: Even June can be cold (10-15°C / 50-59°F typical with wind)
• Waterproof jacket and pants: Non-negotiable - you will get rained on at some point
• Good hiking boots: For glacier hikes and mountain trails
• Swimsuit: For hot pots and natural hot springs
• Eye mask: For sleeping with the midnight sun
• Reusable water bottle: Tap water is safe and delicious everywhere in Iceland

Things to Avoid & Local Tips

• Don't speed: Speed cameras are everywhere on the Ring Road, and fines are expensive.
• Don't trespass on private land for camping: Stick to designated campgrounds or know the rules of public access.
• Don't skip travel insurance: Iceland is remote - you need good coverage for medical emergencies.
• Cook your own food: Eating out in Iceland is very expensive ($20-30 USD per person per meal). Cooking in your van saves a fortune.
• Get off the beaten path: The East Fjords and Westfjords are far less crowded than the south and Golden Circle.

Visa & Entry

• Schengen Area: Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. Check if you need a visa before travel.
• No COVID test requirements currently for most visitors.

Best Time to Go

• June: Best for longer days, fewer crowds than July-August
• July-August: Warmest weather, but busiest and more expensive
• September: Northern lights start again, fewer crowds, but shorter days

Final Thoughts

A 10-day van trip around Iceland's Ring Road in June is hard to beat. You get midnight sun for maximum sightseeing time, better weather odds, and you can experience everything from glaciers to waterfalls to black sand beaches. Just be prepared for unpredictable weather, cook your own meals to save money, and don't rush - leave some flexibility for spontaneous stops.

Original source: Reddit trip report by u/irikay
Featured image: https://source.unsplash.com/featured/?iceland,glacier