10-Day Budget Adventure Road Trip in Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 1: Exploring Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Island

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Babalú

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local flavors and cozy atmosphere at this quirky cafe.
Located near the city center, easily walkable.
ISK2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, offering panoramic views of the city from the top.
A short walk from the cafe.
ISK1000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Reykjavik Art Museum

Explore Icelandic contemporary art displayed in a modern setting.
5-minute drive or 15-minute walk.
ISK1500, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Nonnabiti

Savor traditional Icelandic dishes in this charming establishment.
Located in downtown Reykjavik.
ISK2500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Harpa Concert Hall

Admire the stunning architecture of this concert hall and perhaps catch a free concert.
Short walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Sun Voyager

Take a leisurely stroll to the picturesque Sun Voyager sculpture by the waterfront.
Walk along the coastline from Harpa.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Laundromat Café

Indulge in a comfortable meal with a selection of international dishes.
Easily accessible by foot.
ISK3000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Stroll around Reykjavik nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife, with many bars in a walking-friendly area.
Downtown Reykjavik is full of bars and clubs.
Free unless buying drinks, 2-3 hours
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Day 2: Golden Circle Tour

Golden Circle, Island

7:00AM

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Grab some freshly baked pastries and coffee to-go for the day ahead.
Located near your accommodation.
ISK2000, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Þingvellir National Park

Explore the historical and geological wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Drive 45 minutes from Reykjavik.
ISK2000 for parking, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Visitor Center

Eat packed sandwiches you prepared or buy simple meals at the park's café.
Onsite at Þingvellir.
ISK1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Geysir Geothermal Area

Witness the famous Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes.
A 50-minute drive from Þingvellir.
ISK1000 for parking, 1 hour

2:30PM

Gullfoss Waterfall

Marvel at the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most iconic sights.
10-minute drive from Geysir.
ISK500 for parking, 1 hour

4:00PM

Kerið Crater Lake

Visit this stunning volcanic crater lake with its distinct red walls.
30-minute drive from Gullfoss.
ISK400 for parking, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Friðheimar Greenhouse

Enjoy a unique dining experience amid growing tomatoes in this greenhouse.
10-minute drive from Kerið.
ISK3500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Reykjavik

Drive back to Reykjavik and prepare for an early departure tomorrow.
50-minute drive back.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Charming Vik

Vik, Island

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel or bakery

Fuel up for the long drive ahead. Opt for simple local fare.
In-house or nearby.
ISK2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Vik

Start your scenic drive towards Vik, enjoying the stunning landscapes along the way.
2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik.
Free, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Visit this iconic black sand beach and watch the impressive basalt columns.
5-minute drive from Vik.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Soup Company

Enjoy a warm bowl of traditional Icelandic soup, perfect for energizing you.
Located in Vik.
ISK2500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Dyrhólaey Arch

Hike up to Dyrhólaey promontory for panoramic views and puffin sightings during summer.
10-minute drive from Vik.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Vik's Grill

Taste local grilled dishes in a friendly setting after a day of explorations.
Near your accommodation.
ISK3000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Stargazing (weather permitting)

Head out to a nearby open area for breathtaking views of the night sky.
Walk to a dark spot nearby.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 4: Nature at Skaftafell

Skaftafell, Island

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast before setting off to Skaftafell National Park.
In-house or prepare something from local grocery.
ISK2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Skaftafell National Park

Head to one of Iceland’s most beautiful national parks.
2-hour drive from Vik.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Hike to Svartifoss Waterfall

Embark on a scenic hike to the stunning Svartifoss waterfall, known for its basalt columns.
Park entry, accessible from the visitor center.
ISK2000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Skaftafell Café

Fuel up with a warm meal and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Onsite at Skaftafell.
ISK2500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Glacier Trails

Take a guided glacier hike for an unforgettable experience on same-day booking.
Must book in advance.
ISK10,000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at your accommodation

Return to your hostel and enjoy cooking a meal with fellow travelers.
Prepare dinner together for a fun experience.
ISK1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Glorious Jokulsarlon

Jokulsarlon, Island

7:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up for another day of adventure.
Cook your own or order something simple.
ISK2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

Enjoy the stunning scenery on the way to the famous glacial lagoon.
45-minute drive from Skaftafell.
Free, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Explore Jokulsarlon

Marvel at the icebergs floating serenely on the lagoon.
Park in the designated parking lot.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Diamond Beach Visit

Walk over to the nearby Diamond Beach to see washed-up icebergs on the black sand.
Short walk from Jokulsarlon.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at a local stall

Grab simple hot dogs or soup from one of the food stalls near the lagoon.
Onsite at Jokulsarlon.
ISK2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Tour (optional)

Consider taking a short boat tour among the icebergs if budget allows.
Must book in advance.
ISK10,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Hofn

Head to the nearby town of Hofn, known for its seafood.
20-minute drive.
Free, 20 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood, especially their lobster dishes.
In Hofn.
ISK5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: East Fjords Exploration

East Fjords, Island

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before hitting the road.
In-house or nearby bakery.
ISK2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive the scenic East Fjords

Embark on a picturesque drive along the rugged coastline.
Start the east-coast drive from Hofn.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Seydisfjordur

Discover the charming village of Seydisfjordur, famous for its colorful houses.
1-hour drive from Hofn.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Norð Austur Sushi

Try local sushi and seafood dishes in this quaint restaurant.
In Seydisfjordur.
ISK3000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Stafafell Nature Reserve

Take a short hike in this beautiful nature reserve nearby, enjoying serene landscapes.
Drive 30 minutes from Seydisfjordur.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Egilsstaðir

Head to Egilsstaðir for the night, a hub for East Iceland.
1-hour drive from Stafafell.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Vinbuðin

Grab a simple dinner from the supermarket Vinbuðin, where you can find affordable meals.
In Egilsstaðir.
ISK2500, 1 hour
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Day 7: North to Akureyri

Akureyri, Island

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start the day with a simple breakfast sprinkled with local specialties.
In-house or local cafe.
ISK2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Akureyri

Head towards Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, with a stunning view across the fjord.
2.5-hour drive from Egilsstaðir.
Free, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a stroll through the lush Akureyri Botanical Gardens, boasting various plant species.
Center of Akureyri.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Akureyri Fish & Chips

Taste fresh fish and chips from a local, popular eatery.
Located in town.
ISK3000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Akureyri

Visit local shops or relax in one of the coffeehouses, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.
Walkable downtown area.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Godafoss Waterfall

Just a short drive away, see the 'Waterfall of the Gods' in all its glory.
30-minute drive from Akureyri.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Kjöt & Kúnst

Enjoy Icelandic cuisine in a charming setting, a great way to close the day.
Back in Akureyri.
ISK4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Snaefellsnes, Island

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Gather energy for the next leg of your adventure with a nice morning meal.
In-house or local bakery.
ISK2000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Set off to discover the beautiful and diverse landscapes of Snaefellsnes.
3-hour drive from Akureyri.
Free, 3 hours

11:00AM

Explore Kirkjufell Mountain

Capture stunning photos of this iconic mountain, especially with the waterfall in the foreground.
Drive 30 minutes from Snæfellsnes town.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Norðurstofa

Dine on delicious pizza in a relaxed environment while enjoying the view.
In the nearby town.
ISK3000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Djúpalónssandur Beach

Wander amidst the black pebbly beach with its fascinating rock formations.
30-minute drive from Kirkjufell.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a local diner

Sample some traditional Icelandic food at a diner on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Many options available while traveling.
ISK3500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Reykjavik

Drive back to Reykjavik for the final night, reflecting on your adventures.
2-hour drive back.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 9: Final Day in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Island

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brunch Café

Enjoy a delightful breakfast spread to satisfy your appetite.
Located in Reykjavik.
ISK2500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Museum of Iceland

Explore the rich history of Iceland through its interesting exhibits.
Short drive or walk from café.
ISK2500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Relax at Laugardalslaug Swimming Pool

Experience an authentic Icelandic swimming pool and hot tubs.
A short drive from the museum.
ISK1000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Mandi

Enjoy a delicious wrap at this popular eatery specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine.
In Reykjavik.
ISK2500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Old Harbor

Wander around the lively harbor area and enjoy the scenic views.
Walking distance from Mandi.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Snaps Bistro

Finish your adventures with a delightful meal at a local favorite bistro.
Walking distance from the harbor.
ISK4000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Enjoy Reykjavik nightlife

End your journey with a night out at one of the city's vibrant bars or clubs.
Downtown Reykjavik.
Free unless buying drinks, 2-3 hours
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Day 10: Departure Day

Reykjavik, Island

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast before departing.
In-house.
ISK2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Pack and Check-out

Prepare for your departure back home, reflecting on the incredible experiences.
Organize your things and check out.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Perlan Museum

See stunning exhibitions and panoramic views of the city at this unique museum.
Drive or take a bus to Perlan.
ISK3000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Café Perlan

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with a view overlooking Reykjavik.
Inside the museum.
ISK2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Departure

Head to the airport or bus station for your journey home.
Organize transportation.
Varies, 1 hour
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