Road trip across the land of fire and ice Road trip across the land of fire and ice

Endless lava landscapes, steaming geysers, majestic waterfalls: When you think of Iceland, images immediately spring to mind. It's high time to explore the island of fire and ice for yourself. Far away from standardised trips, we set off on an unforgettable road trip through the south of Iceland. Far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, off the beaten tourist track. We are hoping for a real time-out, unforgettable landscapes, unique encounters and above all: breathtaking photos.

We set off on the morning of 23rd April. We spent the day before in Reykjavik. From trendy record shops to culinary delights - if you have a heart for culture, this is the place for you. And above all, the Icelanders were quick to let us know that we had come at exactly the right time. After all, the weather has never been better. Mind you, it's just under 12 degrees. Or in other words: summer at last! Because in Iceland, ‘Sumardagurinn fyrsti’ is celebrated every year on the first Thursday after 18th April. In other words: the first day of summer after winter. The colder it is, the better the rest of the summer is supposed to be. We briefly consider whether we need to apologise for being happy. 

We decide in favour of the Carado CV590 4X4 EDITION24. With sleeping space for up to three people and a compact vehicle length of 5.98 metres, this model provides us with the ideal mix of comfort and flexibility. The centrepiece is the all-wheel drive. It analyses the traction and distributes the torque to the individual wheels. So we are more than safe on the road - even in adverse road conditions such as wet or snowy conditions. Because despite the sunshine, you never know what to expect in Iceland.

And off we go towards the south coast. A good two-hour drive takes us through vast greenery. The island's main vegetation consists of moss and beneath it old lava fields and rocks from mountains and cliffs. Icelanders tell us on our trip that they take special care of it because it is very fragile. In fact, it takes several hundred years for moss to recover from damage. We find: It gives the roads a special aura. Pure deceleration!

157 kilometres later, we arrive at our first photo highlight: the Skógafoss waterfall. With a width of 25 metres and a drop of 60 metres, the waterfall is one of the largest in the country. The spray it produces creates at least one rainbow as soon as the sun comes out. And lo and behold: on this day too! Incidentally, legend has it that the settler Þrasi is said to have sunk his gold treasure behind the falls. We'll have a look next time. Today we are especially glad to be able to drive so close to the force of nature in our campervan. The ideal spot for a short break and enjoyment!

Our next destination is a good 60 minutes away: the 115 metre high Dyrhólaey peninsula. It rises proudly from the sea and at first glance seems challenging for drivers due to the steep, winding roads on the ascent. With the CV590 4x4, however, it's no problem at all - and once at the top, the view is particularly rewarding for our photos. One of the highlights is a natural rock arch that stretches majestically into the sea. Black sandy beaches run along the coast to the right and left. We want to take a closer look tomorrow!

But for now, we are drawn to our campsite. That means another hour's drive. Because if you come in April, you have a big advantage: it's not yet high season, which makes our photo destinations less crowded. An absolute plus point. However, most campsites don't open until May, so the choice is limited. However, we have found a particularly idyllic spot, which brings us all the closer to tomorrow's destination. We find ourselves at Tjaldstæðið Kirkjubær II, a perfect end to the day in the Carado, surrounded by small huts and majestic mountains.

The next day, we head further west. From vast lava fields to mighty glaciers - the views are breathtaking. We stop at the Breidamerkursandur car park, also known as Diamond Beach. The beach is located right next to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where blue, black and white icebergs create a unique picture. They break off from the glacier and drift majestically into the lagoon before making their way to the Atlantic Ocean. The Jökulsárlón lagoon has already been used as a backdrop in films such as ‘James Bond - Die Another Day’. No wonder: the view is dramatic and surreal. We are very happy to have taken the ‘diversions’.

From here, we head back east again. Two hours away is one of the black beaches of the previous day in the historic area of Hjörleifshöfði, which is now part of Iceland's Viking Park. One of the sights here is the Yoda Cave. The name is derived from the striking shape of the cave, which is reminiscent of the head of the famous character of the same name from ‘Star Wars’. The cave itself is an impressive natural formation that has been shaped by erosion and volcanic activity. A mystical sight!

We had previously clarified that we were allowed to drive the Carado not only as far as the cave, but also further along the black beach - a private part of the Viking Park. This is not possible without permission.  We definitely won't forget the driving experience in a hurry. This environment places high demands on the vehicles. As we had hoped, however, the Carado's four-wheel drive was particularly useful. The vehicle was easy to drive over the different sand densities without losing speed or stability. This is what independence feels like!

15 minutes further on, we make a stopover in the coastal town of Vík - famous for its lighthouse and the striking Reynisdrangar rock formations. Here we take the opportunity for a coffee break. Icelanders tell us that Vik is developing into a cultural paradise. The village is attracting more and more young creatives who are opening studios and galleries. However, we are drawn 1 ½ hours further on to Selfoss with its dynamic market hall. A place where you can experience Icelandic culture and international cuisine. Then it's off to the campsite in Selfoss. It is a popular destination for travellers for good reason: The site offers comfort and natural beauty. But nostalgia also sets in as we begin to realise: Tomorrow we're already heading back to Reykjavik.

At this point, we realise the beauty that we were able to experience and capture in photographs for eternity. This would not have been possible without a motorhome. Because it was our CV590 4x4 that turned every journey into an experience. And without any speed pressure. The Carado gave us the decisive independence. After all, many of the most beautiful places in Iceland are completely remote and difficult or impossible to reach. For us, it was the perfect way to really get to know Iceland and its people without relying on tourist bus tours. Back in the capital, with almost 800 kilometres on the clock, one thing is certain for us: we would do it again over and over again.