Iceland Nomads | Rent a Rooftop Tent in Iceland – The Best Camper Van Alternative

Tips & Tricks
rooftop tent Iceland

Iceland Nomads | Rent a Rooftop Tent in Iceland – The Best Camper Van Alternative

Are you dreaming of an adventure-packed road trip in Iceland? Renting a rooftop tent is one of the best ways to explore this stunning island with maximum freedom. From breathtaking landscapes and scenic drives to unforgettable nights under the northern sky, a rooftop tent offers the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your rooftop camping experience unforgettable.

 Our best tips for your trip

  • Book your 4x4 and camping in advance: For a summer trip (June-August), book at least 3 months ahead to ensure the availability of the best vehicles and sites.
  • Plan for 7 to 10 days: This is the ideal duration to fully enjoy Route 1 and explore without rushing.
  • Download offline maps: Connectivity is limited in remote areas, so having an offline map will save you from unpleasant surprises.
  • Be prepared for weather changes: Opt for layered technical clothing and waterproof gear.

Why choose a rooftop tent?

Imagine waking up to a glacier or spending a magical night under a starry sky. Traveling in Iceland in a 4x4 with a rooftop tent offers a unique and immersive camping experience.

The Advantages of a Roof Tent

1. Total freedom

  • No more searching for unaffordable hotels: sleep wherever you want (in the allowed areas)!
  • In Iceland, wild camping is not allowed, but beautiful campsites in the heart of nature are waiting for you. You’ll enjoy stunning views in the early morning and have access to facilities and a heated common room to recover from the day's adventures and charge your devices.

2. An Economic Choice

  • Reduce your accommodation costs without sacrificing comfort. Renting a rooftop tent lets you save on hotel nights while enjoying a comfortable and secure sleeping arrangement. You get your own personal space to rest wherever you are, with a stunning view upon waking up.
  • Much lower fuel consumption than a camper van. A 4x4 equipped with a rooftop tent is much lighter and consumes less than a camper van, allowing for significant savings on fuel while providing greater maneuverability to explore the Icelandic roads.

3. Practical and comfortable

  • Quick and easy setup in just a few minutes. With an intuitive deployment system, a few simple gestures are all it takes to transform your rooftop tent into a true travel cocoon. Unlike traditional tents that require time and effort to set up, the rooftop tent unfolds automatically or semi-automatically, reducing stress and allowing you to fully enjoy your surroundings as soon as you arrive.
  • Integrated mattress for quality sleep. Say goodbye to uncomfortable nights on uneven ground! Rooftop tents come with an integrated mattress that provides excellent support and optimal comfort, comparable to a regular bed. This way, you have a cozy resting space after a day of intense exploration.
  • Protected from cold ground and moisture. Being elevated, the rooftop tent keeps you isolated from damp surfaces and the cold, offering better protection against the elements and temperature fluctuations. This height also provides improved safety from wild animals and enhances ventilation, ensuring a more pleasant and restorative sleep.

4. Access the Wildest Places

  • Your 4x4 takes you where campervans can't go.
  • Explore the Highlands and remote places with ease.
  • Get closer to Icelandic wildlife.
  • Sleep under the stars and listen to the soothing sounds of nature.

Tips for a Successful Camping Trip

Pack Your Bag Like a Pro

  • Layer up your clothing to adapt to the unpredictable weather.
  • A good warm sleeping bag is essential.
  • Consider a headlamp for getting into your tent in the dark.
  • Waterproof clothing: a must in Iceland!

Hit the road on the Icelandic Ring Road!

  • An ideal route for rooftop tent road trips. Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, is the main artery that circles Iceland. It allows you to discover the country's diverse landscapes while providing easy access to the best camping spots.
  • Many camping options are available. Along Route 1, there are numerous well-equipped campsites, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of a rooftop tent with minimal hassle.
  • Follow detour signs; you might discover a magical place. Many incredible sites are just a few kilometers off Route 1. Don't miss these opportunities for unexpected discoveries!
  • The best campsites fill up quickly in the summer: plan your reservations in advance. Even though the rooftop tent offers flexibility, it's always best to book the most popular campsites to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

A simplified journey with Iceland Nomads

Planning a roof tent road trip may seem complex at first glance. That's where Iceland Nomads comes in: our all-inclusive summer packages combine fully equipped 4x4s with carefully crafted itineraries along Route 1 , eliminating uncertainties while giving you complete freedom to explore. More info at www.icelandnomads.com.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to be an expert camper?

Not at all! If you know how to drive and can climb three steps, that's enough.

What does the rental of a rooftop tent include?

Generally, the 4x4, the rooftop tent, camping gear, bedding, and kitchen equipment. At Iceland Nomads, we also include a travel booklet with the best spots to see for an optimized itinerary, an English-speaking contact on-site to answer your questions, camping locations, as well as additional activities to choose from.

When to book your vehicle with a rooftop tent in Iceland?

For summer travel, book at least 3 months in advance. It's peak season, so it's best to plan ahead!

How much time should I plan for the tour?

7 to 10 days is ideal. Less than that, and you might miss out on the best experiences: an impromptu swim in a hot spring, a longer-than-expected hike to a secret waterfall...

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