Iceland was on my bucket list and seeing all the people on social media going recently I knew I wanted to go sooner rather than later. They have over 1 million tourists visit a year which is triple of their population! I was tracking flights to Iceland for fun this year and found a great deal so I spontaneously booked it but I knew I didn’t want to break the bank. I did a lot of research and talked to a ton of friends who had visited Iceland and found the best ways to save money in Iceland but also enjoy the beauty of it. If you want to learn more check out my Iceland Tips and Tricks post as well.
Day #1: The Golden Circle- Selfoss
Beautiful waterfall to start off the Golden Circle at Logberg
Logberg:
A beautiful area right off 36 that allows you to stand between two tectonic plates. A nice little hike with a beautiful waterfall at the end as well. I parked at Öxarárfoss Parking Trailhead.
Thingvellir National Park:
Tons of beautiful trails around this awesome park. They aren’t super long but they are quite beautiful. Also there is a free bathroom stop here so make sure and take it!
Laugarvatn Fontana:
Wanting a more budget friendly version of the Blue Lagoon, this more affordable alternative is located right off the Golden Circle. They even has a sauna and different heated pools. Cost $36
The beautiful waters of the Bruarfoss!
Efstidalur:
This sweet little town on top of a hill has the most AMAZING ice cream and the sweetest people. A nice pit-stop during your day and you get to see some pretty cute animals as well. Free parking!
Bruarfoss Waterfall:
This waterfall is about a 30-45 minute hike {not too difficult} from the parking spot. There are 2 waterfalls and they are both so beautiful. You will never see water as blue as the one’s you see here. Free Parking!
Geysir:
If I’m being honest, this is the one stop I would take off the list if I went back. There were tons of tour buses and people surrounding the area. I thought the Geysir would be a little bit different than the one’s I have seen before, but it was very much the same. Still very cool scientifically but nothing special. Also there is a free bathroom stop here so make sure and take it! Free Parking!
Stunning Views at Gullfoss Falls!
Gullfoss Falls:
This waterfall creates the most beautiful rainbow you will ever see. There are quite a lot of stairs down to get to it but it is worth the view. You can also get really close to this waterfall, you might get a little wet, but worth it! Free parking!
Faxi Waterfall:
One of the smaller waterfalls of the trip but a nice little touristy break after the last few busier stops. It has a great spot for you to eat your lunch as well! Free Parking!
Stunning Kerid Crater to end my first day in Iceland
Secret Lagoon Hot Spring:
A little bit off the normal path, but another hot spring alternative. For only $25 this hot spring is more in-tune with nature than the other one’s in my opinion. I love the history this place has as well.
Kerid:
This was my last stop on Day 1 and honestly I was a little bit jet-lagged at this point and didn’t spend a ton of time here. It is a volcanic crater that is very immense and the history behind it is quite cool. Parking is free but it does cost 400 ISK or ~$4 to enter to see the crater.
Day #2: Selfoss-Glacier Lagoon-Vik
Breathtaking views at the bottom of Skogafoss
Urriðafoss:
A little bit right off the beaten path, but a wonderful waterfall to visit. Ironically this waterfall is the highest per volume in the entire country! It was a beautiful site and the perfect way to start a day! Free Parking!
Seljalandsfoss:
This was by far the most popular site I went to! It is a super cool waterfall that you can walk around and behind and it has a lot of history as well. This is the one waterfall that you do have to pay for, 700 ISK or ~$7 for parking.
Skógafoss:
This waterfall is just breath taking, and the hike (straight up hill, but not very long) is worth to see the beautiful river at the top. Free and easy parking, and there are restrooms there as well. They cost 200 ISK in cash, but I brought zero cash but I used them anyways cause I really had to go. They also have showers and a place to fill up your water bottle for free!
The famous beach has beautiful cliffs, beaches and caves to explore!
Reynisfjara Beach/Reynisdrangar Cliffs/ Hálsanefshellir Cave:
A beautiful stop on the southern coast of Iceland that is very game of Thrones esque. This is where the “famous” black beach is and beautiful cliffs and caves. A great spot to sit and enjoy the beauty of this country! Make sure you don’t wear sandals on the beach because there are some solid hard rocks that hurt to walk {as I learned the hard way}. But, take off your hiking shoes and feel how different the black sand is on your feet! Free Parking!
Glacier Lagoon:
Drive straight past Vik and the 2 1/2 hour drive to the beautiful Glacier Lagoon. It was unbelievably breathtaking and just an amazing geographical phenomena. This was a part of my trip I originally didn’t have planned but it was totally worth the drive, and I did lots of other things on the way back too to fill out my time! They have free bathrooms here, use them! Free Parking!
Fascinating views of the Glacier Lagoon
Glacier Ice Shelf:
A smaller version of the Glacier Lagoon, I believe the highway signs on 1 stated it was called the Ice Lagoon, but just as beautiful. There is a little bit of a trail to get there and you get closer to the glacier as well. Free Parking! They have bathrooms here but they cost 200 ISK (they take card or coins).
Kviarmyrarkambur:
A small waterfall stop on route one on the way back perfect for an afternoon snack and beautiful scenery. Not a must see, but a beautiful view to fill out your time. Free Parking!
The rare carving of this beautiful country due to water at Fjaðrárgljúfur!
Fjaðrárgljúfur:
This was one of my last stops on the way back home and it was super beautiful to see at the later part of the day. The road to it all dirt and very hilly so it is a little bit scary, but if me and my tiny car made it so can you! This beautiful landscape is formed by glaciers years ago and it is just so serene to stare at! Free Parking! They have bathrooms as well!
Schwarzer Strand, Vik:
A great view of the ocean for the “sunset” while I was Iceland. Another great place to put your toes in the black sand and maybe see some puffins late at night if your lucky! Free Parking!
Day #3: Vik-Reykavik
Exclusive views on the hike towards the Thermal River!
Dyrhólaey:
A beautiful spot just on the other side of the mountain overlooking Vik. Very picturesque and reminds me a lot of the Cliffs of Mohr in Ireland. Bring a jacket it does get a little bit windy.
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River:
About an hour drive from the spot before, but this was the highlight of my trip. I wasn’t willing to spend the money on the Blue Lagoon and this was my alternative. This spot is about an hour long HIKE to get to the river. It is tough! Pack some snacks, lots of water and your swim suit. But the hike gives you incredible views and you get to soak in a naturally hot river at the end. So beautiful and made it worth it in my opinion! Time commitment: 2-3 hours
Another hour long drive and you’ll get to the capital city of Reykavik!
Hallgrimskirkja:
The famous Game of Thrones looking church in the heart of the city. The church to visit itself is free but it costs just a little bit to go to the top of the tower! Worth it!
Sitting on a beanbag getting what seems like life like views of the Northern Lights!
Aurora Reykjavík:
Since I went to Iceland in the summer I didn’t get a chance to actually see the Northern lights, but I did get to go to a museum all about it and feel like I was watching it in real person. It doesn’t close until 9pm so go here last!
Tales of Iceland:
Because I didn’t do any “formal” tours of Iceland with a tour guide, and really relied on the information given to me at the sights I visited, I really wanted a museum that could give me all the background of everything I got to see while I was there. This museum has all videos that explain the history and the beauty of this stunning country in about an hour and a half. It does close at 5pm so make sure you visit this first!
Places to Eat/Groceries:
Food anywhere in Iceland can be expensive so that is how I saved a TON of my money was packing my own items. But when I did eat out I found places that were convenient and affordable for me as well!
Bonus/Costco:
If you don’t want to bring food with you, once you get off the plane swing by the local grocery store to grab food on a budget. Also, super random but there is a Costco in downtown Reykavik incase you want to stock up there as well!
Dominos Selfoss:
Yes an American chain in a foreign county, how dare I, but they had a special going on for a large pizza which lasted me for 2 dinners worth! I got my money’s worth in this situation without breaking the bank! If you can get wifi ahead of time, order early for when you arrive or run in and order before you head to your place of stay to eat when you get settled!
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur:
In Iceland hotdogs are one of their “specialties” so run by this place for a $5 hotdog and chow down!
BioBorgari:
A great burger place for a reasonable price! Right in the heart of downtown! Only costs about ~$15
Resto:
If you are wanting a “fancy” dinner in Iceland then look no further. A teacher at my school recommended this place to me. It is quite expensive but you do get some delicious seafood! If you email them with a date and time you want they respond very quickly for a reservation! They have free street parking near it too!
Budget Overview:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flight (Air Canada) | $480 |
| Selfoss AirBNB {Great host who was so welcoming and responsive even when I left something there by mistake!} | $74.35 |
| Vik Hostel {includes a small "membership" fee} | $69.69 |
| Reykjavik Hostel {great place to stay right outside the city, they even have free yoga!} | $42.79 |
| Pre-Bought Food | $20 (includes granola bars for breakfast/snacks and 4 days worth of PB&J sandwiches) |
| Food Bought in Iceland | Ice Cream: $7.57 Dominos Pizza (Lasted me 2 Dinners): $16.32 Dinner/Lunch in Reykjavik: $71.61 |
| Blue Car Rental {Great experience, make sure and get the GPS as well} | $260.23 |
| Gas {I only had to fill up twice!} | $108.25 |
| Paid Sights | Seljalandfoss Waterfall Parking: $6.66 Keriod Crater: $3.79 Museums: $34.82 |
| Trip Total | $1,196.11 |
I hope this inspires you to visit this amazing place! I only went for 3 days but it was a magical 72 hours and I would go back in a heart beat!
