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Budget Adventure to Experience the Northern Lights

Viewed by 54 travelers

Day 1: Reykjavik Arrival

Reykjavik, Iceland

10:00AM

Arrive in Reykjavik

After arriving in Reykjavik, take in the fresh northern air and head to your accommodation.
Take a bus or shuttle from the airport to Reykjavik.
ISK 3000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Reykjavik Street Food

Enjoy some traditional Icelandic fish stew at Reykjavik Street Food, a favorite among locals.
Walk to the restaurant from your accommodation.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Hallgrímskirkja

Explore this stunning church, which offers panoramic views of Reykjavik from its tower.
Walk to Hallgrímskirkja from the restaurant.
ISK 1000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Dig into Icelandic hot dogs at this famous stand, considered a must-try by locals.
Walk from Hallgrímskirkja.
ISK 800, 1 hour

9:00PM

Northern Lights Tour

Join a budget-friendly group tour to search for the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
Reservation required; pick-up from your accommodation.
ISK 7000, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Reykjavik

Day 2: Golden Circle

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and strong Icelandic coffee at this local bakery.
Driving to the Golden Circle from Reykjavik.
ISK 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Þingvellir National Park

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, notable for its unique geology and historical significance.
Drive from Reykjavik, parking is available.
ISK 2000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Fjallkonan

Enjoy traditional Icelandic dishes amidst stunning natural scenery.
Nearby the national park.
ISK 2500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Geysir Geothermal Area

Watch the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes, an unforgettable natural phenomenon.
Drive 50 minutes from the restaurant.
ISK 1000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Gullfoss Waterfall

Witness the majesty of this powerful waterfall as it cascades into a rugged canyon.
A short drive from Geysir.
ISK 0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pylsur

Return to Reykjavik and indulge in more Icelandic hot dogs.
Drive back to Reykjavik.
ISK 800, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Reykjavik

Day 3: National Park Exploration

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Laundromat Café

Have a hearty breakfast of pancakes and eggs at this cozy café.
Walk to the café.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Þingvellir National Park

Embark on a hike through the breathtaking landscapes of this historic park.
Drive back to Þingvellir once again.
ISK 0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Pack a Picnic Lunch

Prepare a packed lunch from a local supermarket to enjoy amidst nature.
Quick stop at the supermarket before you head to the park.
ISK 1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hiking/Exploring More of the Park

Continue exploring Þingvellir with magnificent views all around.
Stay within the park.
ISK 0, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Drive to Akureyri

Travel to the next destination, enjoying the stunning Icelandic scenery along the way.
Drive northward to Akureyri.
ISK 3000 (fuel), 4 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at the Akureyri Fish and Chips

Savor delicious fish and chips at this local favorite.
Located in Akureyri center.
ISK 2500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Reykjavik

Day 4: Nordic Charm in Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Björk

This café is known for its scrumptious breakfast bowls at reasonable prices.
Located in the heart of Akureyri.
ISK 1800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Stroll through this beautiful garden showcasing Iceland's native plants.
Just a short walk from the café.
ISK 0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at the Akureyri Backpackers

Dig into hearty daily specials that won’t break the bank.
Walk to the restaurant.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Whale Watching Tour

Take a budget-friendly whale watching tour to catch glimpses of these magnificent creatures.
Meet at the harbor, pick-up available.
ISK 8000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Visit Akureyri Church

Explore this charming church, known for its unique architecture.
Close to the town center.
ISK 0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Eldur and Is

Enjoy a trendy atmosphere with tasty pizzas and local brews.
Near the church.
ISK 2500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Akureyri

Day 5: Mývatn Adventures

Mývatn, Iceland

7:00AM

Breakfast at my place

A quick breakfast at the hotel before starting your journey to Mývatn.
Depart early from Akureyri.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Mývatn

Travel to Mývatn, known for its stunning landscapes and geothermal activity.
Drive east for about an hour.
ISK 1000 (fuel), 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Mývatn Nature Baths

Relax in the geothermal waters and enjoy breathtaking views.
Follow signs to the baths.
ISK 4000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Mývatn Nature Baths Restaurant

Indulge in lunch with locally sourced ingredients.
Same location as the baths.
ISK 2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Dimmuborgir Lava Field

Wander through the fascinating lava formations known as the 'Dark Castles'.
Short drive from the restaurant.
ISK 1000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Hverir Geothermal Area

Experience the bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles at this otherworldly site.
Drive to the geothermal area.
ISK 0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a local diner

Enjoy affordable Icelandic fare or a burger at a nearby diner.
Find a local diner in Mývatn.
ISK 2000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Mývatn

Day 6: Journey to Egilsstaðir

Egilsstaðir, Iceland

7:30AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
Included with your stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Egilsstaðir

Take your scenic drive through East Iceland, rich in landscapes.
Drive southward approximately 1.5 hours.
ISK 1500 (fuel), 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Egilsstaðir's nature

Visit Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest forest in Iceland.
Short drive from Egilsstaðir.
ISK 0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Egilsstaðir Café

Savor a rustic lunch with good coffee on the side.
Back in Egilsstaðir.
ISK 1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Seyðisfjörður

Travel to this charming town known for its colorful houses and stunning landscapes.
Drive south from Egilsstaðir; 30 minutes.
ISK 0, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Seyðisfjörður

Wander through the picturesque streets and the scenic fjord.
Walking around the town.
ISK 0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at a local bistro

Indulge in a delicious meal at one of Seyðisfjörður’s cozy bistros.
Choose a bistro close to the fjord.
ISK 2500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Egilsstaðir

Day 7: Explore Vopnafjörður

Vopnafjörður, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at your guesthouse

Enjoy breakfast as you soak in the lovely views.
Included in your stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Vopnafjörður

Make your way to Vopnafjörður, a hidden gem along the coast.
Drive north approximately 1.5 hours.
ISK 1500 (fuel), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Vopnafjörður Museum

Learn about the local history and culture at this small museum.
Located within the town.
ISK 1000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a nearby café

Have a hearty lunch featuring freshly caught fish.
Choose a café close to the museum.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Nature Walk to the local fjord

Enjoy a tranquil walk along the fjord and taking in the scenery.
Walk around the town to the fjord.
ISK 0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive back to Egilsstaðir

Return to Egilsstaðir with lovely views en route.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours.
ISK 1500 (fuel), 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Egilsstaðir Restaurant

Enjoy a comforting dinner featuring traditional Icelandic dishes.
Located in Egilsstaðir.
ISK 2500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Vopnafjörður

Day 8: Final Day in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up before your journey back to Reykjavik.
Included in your stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive back to Reykjavik

Enjoy the scenic drive back to the capital.
Drive back for about 5 hours.
ISK 5000 (fuel), 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Reykjavik Fish Restaurant

Treat yourself to a scrumptious seafood platter.
In downtown Reykjavik.
ISK 3000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Perlan Museum

Discover the wonders of nature through interactive exhibits at this unique museum.
Short drive or bus ride.
ISK 2500, 2 hours

5:30PM

Explore Laugavegur Street

Wander along Reykjavik's most famous shopping street filled with local boutiques.
Walk from the museum.
ISK 0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kol Restaurant

Indulge in a last dinner featuring authentic Icelandic cuisine in a modern setting.
Located in the city center.
ISK 3500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Reykjavik

Day 9: Departure Day

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy your last breakfast in Iceland and prepare for departure.
Included in your stay.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Reykjavik Airport

Head to the airport to catch your flight back home, reflecting on the memories made.
Allow extra time for the return of the rental vehicle.
ISK 1500 (fuel), 1 hour
Find Hotels in Reykjavik
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