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Iceland Adventure on a Shoestring Budget

Viewed by 93 travelers

Day 1: Explore Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Start your Icelandic adventure with fresh pastries and strong coffee at this beloved local bakery.
Walk or drive to the bakery from your accommodation in central Reykjavik.
ISK 1,200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hallgrimskirkja

Elevate your city view by visiting this iconic church and marveling at its architecture.
A short 15-minute walk from the bakery.
ISK 1,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Harpa Concert Hall

Discover this architectural gem located by the harbor.
Walk 10 minutes to the waterfront.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Reykjavik Street Food

Taste delicious Icelandic fish stew or local meat soup at this casual eatery.
10-minute walk from Harpa.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the National Museum of Iceland

Learn about Iceland’s fascinating history and culture through its exhibits.
Drive 5 minutes to the museum.
ISK 2,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kjöttorg

Enjoy local lamb or seafood at this bustling food market with various stalls.
5-minute drive from the museum.
ISK 3,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening at Perlan

Relax while enjoying a 360-degree view of Reykjavik from this observation deck.
10-minute drive from Kjöttorg.
ISK 1,500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Reykjavik

Day 2: Golden Circle Tour

Golden Circle, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Babalu

Grab a filling breakfast in this quirky cafe before hitting the road.
Drive 10 minutes from your accommodation.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Thingvellir National Park

Walk between the tectonic plates in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Drive 45 minutes from the cafe.
ISK 1,500 for parking, 2 hours

12:00PM

Geysir Geothermal Area

Witness the Strokkur geyser explode high into the air.
Drive 50 minutes to Geysir.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Geysir Center

Refuel with a hearty meal at this nearby eatery with local ingredients.
On-site at Geysir.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Gullfoss Waterfall

Marvel at the stunning beauty of one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls.
A quick 10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Reykjavik

Head back to the city for the evening.
Drive back for 1.5 hours.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Potturinn og Pannan

Savor delicious and affordable Icelandic stews at this cozy spot.
Located in Reykjavik.
ISK 2,500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Golden Circle

Day 3: South Coast Exploration

Vik, Iceland

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Sea Baron

Enjoy fresh seafood caught locally with a view of the harbor.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Go behind this stunning waterfall for an unforgettable unique experience.
Drive 1 hour from Vik.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Skogafoss Waterfall

Climb the stairs to get a breathtaking view from the top of the waterfall.
A 30-minute drive to Skogafoss.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Skogar Museum Cafe

Stop for a traditional Icelandic lunch with a cultural twist.
On-site at the museum.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Explore this otherworldly black sand beach and its basalt columns.
A short 30-minute drive from Skogar.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Vik

It’s time to return to Vik town to check into your accommodation.
Drive 15 minutes back to Vik.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Sudur Vik

Finish your day with a delicious meal focused on fresh fish and local ingredients.
Located in Vik.
ISK 3,500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Vik

Day 4: Scenic Hofn

Hofn, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vikurskali

Fuel your day with a hearty efficient breakfast in this local eatery.
Walk from your accommodation in Vik.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Hofn

Enjoy breathtaking views on a stunning 2-hour road trip along the coast.
Drive 2 hours through scenic landscapes.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Vatnajokull National Park

Explore the diverse landscapes and perhaps take a guided glacier hike.
20 minutes from Hofn.
ISK 5,000 for guided tour, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Pakkhús Restaurant

Savor local seafood with a stunning harbor view for lunch.
On-site in Hofn.
ISK 3,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Hofn Town

Take a leisurely stroll through this charming town along the coastline.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Höfnin Seafood Restaurant

Feast on delicious langoustine; a local specialty at this renowned restaurant.
A quick 5-minute walk from town.
ISK 4,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hofn

Day 5: Discover East Fjords

East Fjords, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Höfn

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast to prepare for a day of exploration.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Seydisfjordur

Travel through scenic mountain passes to reach this picturesque town.
Drive for about 1.5 hours.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Seydisfjordur

Stroll through the charming streets and admire the colorful houses.
Walking distance from the parking area.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Lola

In this cozy cafe, try some local pastries and artisanal coffee.
On-site in Seydisfjordur.
ISK 1,800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Bjork Sculpture at the Pool

Admire this unique art installation related to the famous Icelandic artist Bjork.
Near the cafe.
Free, 30 minutes

2:30PM

Drive to Egilsstadir

Travel back towards Egilsstadir for the afternoon.
A 30-minute drive.
Free, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Explore East Fjords Region

Discover the scenic views and wildlife of the East Fjords region.
Driving around the fjords.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gistihús Rósa

Dine at this charming guesthouse serving local dishes inspired by Iceland's rich heritage.
Located in Egilsstadir.
ISK 3,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in East Fjords

Day 6: Lake Myvatn Area

Myvatn, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel in Egilsstadir

Enjoy a simple but hearty breakfast before heading to Lake Myvatn.
In-house at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Myvatn

Set off for a 1.5-hour scenic drive to Lake Myvatn.
Drive 1.5 hours west.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hverir Hot Springs

Explore the bubbling geothermal features and fumaroles at this hot spring area.
5-minute drive from Lake Myvatn.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gamli Bær

Enjoy traditional Icelandic meals at this rustic restaurant with stunning views.
Drive 15 minutes from Hverir.
ISK 2,800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Myvatn Nature Baths (optional)

Take a dip in the natural hot springs if you desire.
Available nearby.
ISK 4,300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Dimmuborgir Lava Fields

Wander through the fascinating rock formations unique to this area.
10-minute drive from Myvatn.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Vogafjós Farm Resort

Taste fresh local dishes with homemade ingredients while overlooking Lake Myvatn.
On-site in Myvatn.
ISK 3,500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Myvatn

Day 7: Final Day in Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vogafjós Farm Resort

Enjoy a delightful breakfast featuring local produce.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Akureyri

Travel for about 1 hour to reach Iceland's second-largest city.
Drive 1 hour west.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Akureyri Botanical Garden

Stroll through this charming garden showcasing native and exotic plants.
A 15-minute drive from the city center.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Lára

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with a variety of sandwiches and coffee.
Back in the city center.
ISK 2,200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Akureyri Church

Admire the beautiful architecture of this iconic church.
Walking distance from the café.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Free time at Akureyri

Explore the local shops or relax before heading back to Reykjavik.
Walking distance around the center.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Drive back to Reykjavik

Begin your journey back to the capital for your departure.
Plan for a 4.5-hour drive to Reykjavik.
Free, 4.5 hours
Find Hotels in Akureyri
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