Camping 4x4 off-road trip through Iceland and Denmark

On the first day, your 4x4 adventure begins at the northern Danish ferry port of Hirtshals (Denmark) - the gateway to the wild expanses of the North Atlantic and the first step of your off-road journey through Iceland. Here we meet in the morning for boarding the legendary MS Norröna, which will take us on one of the most exciting 4x4 off-road trips in Europe towards Iceland. As the ship departs around noon, we slowly leave the European mainland behind - past the wind-swept coast of Jutland and into the vastness of the ocean. On deck, you can feel the salty spray on your skin as seagulls circle and the horizon opens up - the perfect start to your very own adventure. The first day offers time to arrive, get to know each other, and gather anticipation. Exchange ideas with other off-road enthusiasts, explore the ship, or enjoy the view of the open sea over your first coffee with a view.

We will spend this day on board the ferry - right in the North Atlantic, between sky and water. The route takes us across the open sea, accompanied by wind, waves, and the unique feeling of limitless freedom. A special highlight is the short stopover in the Faroe Islands - a remote archipelago of rugged cliffs and green slopes. Even though we will not leave the ship, an impressive view of the coastal landscape of this group of islands in northern Europe is offered from the deck. On board, there is time to relax, exchange ideas, take photos, or simply pause. Those who wish can use the day to prepare for the upcoming camping adventure - with a look at the maps, a conversation with the guides, or while enjoying a communal meal with a view of the endless sea. With each nautical milestone, the excitement grows: Iceland is getting closer - the land of fire and ice, ready for your premium off-road journey.

In the morning we reach the northeast coast of Iceland - the ferry arrives in Seyðisfjörður, a convenient place nestled between steep mountain slopes and deep fjords. Here we meet our local guides, who will accompany us on our off-road journey - professionals for Iceland's highland routes and true connoisseurs of the natural forces of the North. After an extensive briefing on the 4x4 off-road trip, route planning, vehicle technology, and safety aspects, our journey into adventure begins. The first driving stage takes us over the high plateau of Fjarðarheiði, past waterfalls, moss landscapes, and gravel fields. In Egilsstaðir, the most important town in eastern Iceland, we replenish our supplies and prepare for the solitude of the upcoming camping days in the highlands. Then we head directly to the first real off-road tracks: coarse gravel, wide plains, and the feeling of being in the middle of another world. Our day ends at a remote, beautifully located campsite on the edge of the highlands, where we enjoy a welcome dinner together - the perfect start to our adventure under the open sky. We pitch our tents under a wide sky that may already display the first northern lights tonight.

Today we are really getting started: Our adventure route takes us deep into the Icelandic highlands, into the mysterious Askja area - a remote volcanic landscape, like from another planet. The tracks are getting rougher, the surroundings barer, now the real off-road adventure begins! Along the way, we master the first real challenges of the tour: deep fords, rough lava tracks, and technical terrain that requires driving skill and endurance. A true test of strength for man and machine - and a highlight of every 4x4 off-road journey through Europe. In the late afternoon, we reach the Dragon Canyon (Drekagil) - a narrow canyon shaped by bizarre lava formations at the foot of the mighty Askja volcano. Here we set up our camp amidst this unique lava landscape. Those who wish can stretch their legs on a short hike, explore bizarre rock formations, or simply enjoy the absolute silence of this remote region. Camping by the campfire, surrounded by dark volcanic ash and perhaps the first northern lights.

Today we can expect one of the longest and most impressive stages of our 4x4 off-road journey. We leave the Askja area and head along the northern edge of Vatnajökull - the largest glacier in Europe outside the polar region. The route is remote, challenging, and full of contrasts: dusty lava fields, sandy plains, gravel tracks, and again and again the view of the shimmering ice cap of the gigantic glacier. This route demands concentration and perseverance - but it also gifts us one of the most intense experiences of the Highlands: endless expanses, absolute silence, and the raw, untamed power of nature in Iceland. Here there are no roads, no villages, no civilization - an off-road journey like no other. In the evening, we reach a remote mountain hut, deep in the heart of the Highlands. Here we set up our camp, cook together, and enjoy the magic of a place where one feels small. If the sky is clear, we may be lucky enough to see the first Northern Lights dance over the glacier's edge while we camp :)

Today we continue on one of the most legendary adventure routes in Iceland: The Sprengisandur track, which stretches through the interior of Iceland with its beauty. This old, legendary trade route leads us along landscapes where fire and ice are in harmonious contrast to each other - a traditional route that is considered one of the most challenging and beautiful off-road routes in Europe. Our first stop is the impressive Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods" - a crescent-shaped waterfall that offers a magical experience for every visitor with its immense power and unique view. After that, we head west, where we take a detour to Lake Mývatn - a region full of geothermal activity, bubbling springs, and steaming lava fields. The surroundings around Mývatn, with its partly surreal lava formations and untouched nature, invite a short hike. Those interested can bathe in the hot springs and let themselves be enchanted by the healing warmth of the water. For the particularly adventurous, there is also the opportunity to observe whales - in Húsavík, one of the best places in the world to experience these sea giants in their natural environment. The day ends in Akureyri, the "Capital of the North," where we restock supplies and prepare for the last stages of our 4x4 off-road journey. We set up our camp in a quiet, secluded spot, surrounded by a magnificent mountain backdrop and the peaceful atmosphere of this region.

From Akureyri, we’re back onto the Sprengisandur trail today, which takes us deep into the northern highlands. This legendary route is not just an adventure for off-road fans, but a real experience for anyone who wants to experience Iceland as part of a grand camping adventure across Europe. First, we travel over narrow trails that wind like snake-like ribbons through a narrow valley, surrounded by steep mountain slopes and almost uninhabited wilderness. The roads are challenging and demanding - perfect for real adventurers! Our route takes us further along the mighty Hofsjökull, one of Iceland's largest glaciers, whose ice surfaces spread like a sea across the highlands. The sight of this massive natural monument causes us to stop in awe time and again. Finally, we reach our destination for today: a remote camp by a cozy mountain hut, located near a hot spring. Here, we enjoy the unmistakable feeling of being in the middle of the Nordic highlands - far away from civilization. Anyone who likes can relax in the natural hot springs and enjoy the healing warmth of the water while the rest of the group prepares a delicious dinner at the camp. The day ends under the vast Icelandic sky, surrounded by silence and the majestic foothills of the glacier - the perfect conclusion to a day full of experiences on your off-road journey.

Our off-road tour begins today with a drive along the legendary Kjölur route - a highland path that initially leads us south, right through Iceland's wilderness. After leaving the main road behind, we dive into the Kerlingarfjöll mountains, a geothermal wonderland characterized by volcanic activity, steaming springs, and colorful rhyolite mountains. The landscape feels like it's from another planet. Amidst this colorful backdrop, we leave everyday life behind and experience true adventure vibes. In the evening, we reach our highland campsite, located near the natural icons Gullfoss (the golden waterfall) and the famous geyser (the namesake of all hot springs in the world). A day full of adrenaline, natural forces, and off-road magic comes to an end - with a campfire view of the steaming earth.

In the morning we leave the Highland camping site and follow the trail with a view of the mighty Langjökull glacier, which looms like an ice-blue bastion above the horizon. Our route takes us further west - past rugged lava fields and steaming plains - until we reach another highlight: a lava tunnel system, formed from millennia-old eruptions and shaped by the pulsating heart of Iceland. In this underground labyrinth of cooled magma, we experience the raw energy of Iceland up close. Back on the surface, we wind our way along the picturesque Hvalfjörður, one of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland. Finally, we reach the rugged coast and roll into the capital Reykjavik, where urban lifestyle meets Nordic serenity. Our camping site is in the midst of greenery - with views of the city lights and the vast sea.

After a night near the capital, we set off towards Þingvellir National Park, a place of immense historical and geological significance. Here, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates visibly drift apart, the oldest parliament in the world once convened: the Alþingi of the Vikings. The powerful fissure Almannagjá impressively reminds us of the tectonic force that shaped - and continues to shape - Iceland. In the afternoon, things get wild and challenging again: our 4x4 adventure takes us over rough, partly challenging off-road tracks into the Hekla area, named after one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland - long feared as the "Gate to Hell." The surroundings are characterized by endless lava fields, ash plains, and eerily beautiful desolation. To end the day, we reach Landmannalaugar. The region welcomes us with a surreal backdrop of colorful rhyolite mountains, bubbling solfataras, and steaming hot springs inviting us to bathe. Here, we set up our camping among colors and steam.

Today, a true off-road highlight is on the program: the crossing of the Fjallabak area, one of the wildest, greenest, and most pristine regions of Iceland. This remote highland route delights with extremely varied landscapes - from moss-covered lava fields to pitch-black sand deserts to emerald green mountains and vast plains, where the elements unfold freely. Our adventurous route requires full concentration and driving skill: numerous river crossings challenge us and our off-road vehicles - spray splashes, and the adrenaline rises. But it is this untamed nature that gives this stage its charm. A special highlight is the drive over barely traveled, lonely highland pistes through original volcanic terrain, where the earth reveals itself in layers of obsidian, ash, and rock. In the evening, we reach our day's destination: a remote campsite at the foot of the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier, just a few kilometers from the coastal town of Vík. As the sun slowly sinks behind the glacier tongues, we feel how much this journey demands from our bodies, minds, and senses - and at the same time enriches :-)

Today our off-road route takes us deep into the fascinating world south of the Mýrdalsjökull, where Iceland's raw primal force manifests in a unique landscape. We traverse endless black lava sand plains, shaped by past eruptions and erosion. Our destination is the Mælifell, an almost surreal-looking mountain that rises as a green-covered cone from the black nothingness. The way there leads us over lonely highland tracks, through shallow fords, and past brightly green moss carpets that lay like a veil over Iceland's volcanic rock. In the evening, we camp in this remote mountain landscape - surrounded by silence, openness, and the majestic backdrop of the glacier. No electricity, no reception - just pure nature and a sunset that bathes the mountains in gold.

Today we expect some of the technically most demanding off-road passages of the entire trip to Iceland. Early in the morning, we set off to the region around the Markarfljót River, where rutted tracks, deeply cut valleys, and unpredictable fords await us. With every kilometer, the challenges increase: steep climbs, loose surfaces, and water-rich river crossings demand the utmost concentration and precise driving. But the reward is immense - along the way, spectacular views of the coastal glaciers, rolling like white waves across the land, constantly unfold. The landscape appears dramatic - as if it had just been shaped yesterday by fire and ice. In the late afternoon, we finally reach the Þórsmörk Valley, a secluded natural paradise framed by glaciers, mountains, and green gorges. Here, in the midst of this scenery, is our campsite - accompanied by the sound of the wind and the feeling of having mastered a real off-road adventure.

Our 4x4 off-road tour today heads toward the wild and diverse south coast of Iceland - a region where water, ice, and fire meet to create an impressive natural theater. The first stop is the glacier tongue of Eyjafjallajökull, that legendary volcano whose eruption made headlines worldwide in 2010. Here we encounter ancient ice masses that push mightily into the valley. Next, we head to two of the country's most famous natural wonders: the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, behind which we can walk through a 60m high curtain of water, and the Skógafoss waterfall, whose torrent plunges thunderously into the depths. But in the afternoon, the highlands call again - along with it the vast lava field of the Laki fissure, one of the most powerful volcanic systems on earth. The adventurous drive through this black lunar landscape with its deep craters, frozen lava lakes, and steaming earth fissures feels like a trip through the history of the earth. The ground tells tales of fire, destruction - and the unstoppable force of nature. The Laki area is our camping site this evening - under the vast sky, between rugged lava formations and silence. A place that inspires awe - and forms the perfect conclusion to a day full of natural wonders, volcanic power, and iconic coastal landscapes.

Today our off-road journey takes us along the Ring Road through expansive black sand plains to the mighty Vatnajökull - Europe's largest glacier. This 4x4 off-road trip is a real adventure for anyone who loves the unknown. We pass endless lava fields and rugged coastal landscapes before we stop at the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón. There, brightly colored blue icebergs drift silently through the water, while just a few steps away the black Diamond Beach with its sparkling ice sculptures fascinates. With our robust 4x4 vehicles, we climb to a remote viewpoint that gives us a glimpse of the glacier. In the evening, we set up our camp near Höfn, right in the wild nature of Iceland, where we end the day by the campfire and let our gaze wander over the vast land. This camping trip through the highlands of Europe combines pure freedom with unforgettable adventure experiences.

Our 4x4 off-road trip takes us today along the spectacular East Fjords - a region where rugged coasts, deeply carved fjords, and lonely roads weave through the wild nature. This stage of our off-road journey through the highlands of Europe is full of unforgettable impressions: time and again, beautiful viewpoints invite us to linger, overlooking steep cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and the vast sea. Over the Öxi Pass, a highland route away from the tourist trails, we return inland. The mountain landscape through which our off-road path winds makes this section a real adventure. At the end of the day, a cozy mountain hut awaits us, where we can reflect on the experiences of the past days during a joint farewell dinner. Surrounded by the silence of nature, far from civilization, we conclude our camping and 4x4 off-road journey in Iceland in a worthy manner - a perfect conclusion for a driving journey full of freedom, discovery, and pure nature.

After driving through the rough, fascinating landscape of Iceland's highlands, we reach the small town of Egilsstaðir, the gateway to the East Fjords. Here we have the opportunity to make last-minute purchases and prepare our equipment for the return journey. The roads then take us over a mountain pass that offers spectacular views of the surrounding fjell - the last stretch of our 4x4 journey through Iceland before we reach the coast. In the fjord town of Seyðisfjörður, nestled between steep mountain slopes and colorful wooden houses, our off-road journey through Europe's highlands comes to an end. The ferry that will take us back to Denmark is already waiting here. As we look back at the mountains, we feel the bittersweetness of farewell - and the fulfillment of having experienced a true adventure. The combination of wild nature, freedom in the 4x4, and cozy campsites makes this 4x4 off-road journey unforgettable.

The ferry trip back to Denmark offers a welcome opportunity to relax after the intense days in Iceland. A short stop in the Faroe Islands invites you to experience one last piece of North Atlantic wilderness - rugged cliffs, grass-covered houses, and the special silence of the remote archipelago leave a lasting impression. On board, we reminisce about the past weeks: our 4x4 off-road journey through Iceland's untamed landscapes, the nights in a tent under the endless sky, the drives over gravel roads, through rivers, and over snowy mountain passes. This intense camping and off-road vehicle trip through Europe's highlands has not only satisfied our thirst for adventure but also conveyed a feeling of true freedom. Looking out at the sea, we close this chapter full of impressions, forces of nature, and unforgettable encounters - an adventure that resonates.

In the morning we reach Denmark - back on the mainland of Europe. After the intense experiences of the past few weeks, the return feels almost surreal. The roads are suddenly familiar again, the rhythm calmer, yet the adventure continues to resonate within us. From here we begin our journey home - with countless memories of spectacular landscapes, difficult routes, quiet nights in tents, and the unique feeling of truly experiencing nature with the 4x4 vehicle. This 4x4 off-road trip was much more than just a tour through Iceland - it was a journey to ourselves, through some of the most pristine regions of Europe, characterized by freedom, deceleration, and true wilderness. One chapter ends - but the wanderlust remains.