7-Day Iceland Adventure: Explore Nature on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Reykjavik Roasters

Start your adventure with a delicious cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll at Reykjavik Roasters, known for their locally sourced brews.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
ISK 1,200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Harpa Concert Hall

Explore the stunning contemporary architecture of Harpa Concert Hall, right by the harbor.
10-minute walk from Reykjavik Roasters.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Savor the iconic Icelandic hot dogs at this famous food stall, a must-try while in Reykjavik.
10-minute walk from Harpa.
ISK 500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Free Walking Tour

Join a free walking tour of downtown Reykjavik, learning about its history and culture from a local guide.
Starting point at Harpa Concert Hall.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Perlan Museum

Visit Perlan, where you can explore exhibits on Icelandic nature and a stunning glass dome with city views.
Take bus #18 from Harpa to Perlan.
ISK 3,500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at the Reykjavik Fish Restaurant

End your day with a budget-friendly fish dinner, featuring fresh catch dishes served in a cozy atmosphere.
Take bus #5 back to downtown.
ISK 2,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Golden Circle Highlights

Golden Circle, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sandholt Bakery

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee as you prepare for a day of adventure on the Golden Circle.
Take bus #1 to Sandholt (downtown).
ISK 1,800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Þingvellir National Park

Discover the geological wonders of Þingvellir National Park where you can walk between tectonic plates.
Take a bus from Reykjavik to Þingvellir (approx. 50 mins).
ISK 2,500, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Þingvellir Café

Grab a quick lunch at the café inside the park, enjoying local snacks.
Onsite at Þingvellir.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Geysir Geothermal Area

Witness the breathtaking Strokkur geyser erupting every few minutes in this geothermal area.
Bus to Geysir (20 mins).
ISK 0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Gullfoss Waterfall

Take a short bus ride to see the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous attractions.
Bus to Gullfoss (30 minutes).
ISK 0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Geysir Glíma Restaurant

Sample traditional roast lamb or vegetarian meals at this charming spot before heading back to Reykjavik.
Return bus to Geysir then back to Reykjavik.
ISK 3,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: South Coast Adventure

South Coast, Iceland

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café Babalú

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at this quirky café in Reykjavik before an exciting day.
Walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Travel about 2 hours to witness the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk behind.
Book a bus tour departing from Reykjavik.
ISK 5,500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Skógafoss Waterfall

Continue to Skógafoss where you can hike up the stairs for an astonishing view from the top.
Bus to Skógafoss (30 minutes).
ISK 0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Skógafoss Café

Rejuvenate with some warm soup and bread at the on-site café.
Onsite at Skógafoss.
ISK 2,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Experience the stunning black sand beach with eerie basalt columns and roaring Atlantic waves.
Bus to Reynisfjara (30 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Vik at Söluskeið

Enjoy a budget meal with pizza, burgers, and more at this popular eatery in Vik.
Walk from Reynisfjara.
ISK 2,400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Vik to Skaftafell

Vik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vikurskali

Sit down for a nourishing breakfast to get ready for the journey ahead.
Walking distance from your lodging.
ISK 1,700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Vik

Take the morning to explore the beautiful surroundings of Vik, including the church on the hill.
Available by foot.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Drive to Skaftafell

Travel approximately 1 hour to Skaftafell, a part of Vatnajökull National Park, with stunning landscapes.
Rent a car or take a bus from Vik.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Skaftafell Visitor Center

Fill up with sandwiches or warm meals available at the visitor center after your journey.
Onsite.
ISK 1,800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hiking in Skaftafell

Enjoy a scenic hike to Svartifoss, known for its black basalt columns and stunning waterfall.
Trailhead accessible from the visitor center.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Bistro Skaftafell

Savor a cozy dinner with a mix of Icelandic dishes and international cuisine at Bistro Skaftafell.
Onsite at the Bistro.
ISK 3,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Jökulsárlón Adventure

Jökulsárlón, Iceland

7:30AM

Breakfast at your accommodation in Skaftafell

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse before heading to Jökulsárlón.
Onsite.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Marvel at the breathtaking blue icebergs floating in the lagoon and, if you're lucky, spot seals swimming nearby.
Drive or take bus to Jökulsárlón (30 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Diamond Beach

Walk across to Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore, glistening like diamonds against the black sand.
Walk from Jökulsárlón (5 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Jökulsárlón Café

Grab a quick meal, including sandwiches or hot soups from the café overlooking the lagoon.
Onsite at Jökulsárlón.
ISK 2,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Tour on the Lagoon

Join an affordable boat tour to get up close to the beautiful icebergs and calving glaciers.
Book onsite at the lagoon.
ISK 5,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Skaftafell Restaurant

End your day with warm comfort food before heading back to your lodging in Skaftafell.
Drive back to Skaftafell or take bus.
ISK 3,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Return to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bistro Skaftafell

Indulge in a hearty breakfast to prepare for your journey back to the capital.
Onsite at Bistro.
ISK 1,500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Departure to Reykjavik

Travel back to Reykjavik either by bus or car rental.
Approx. 4-hour trip.
ISK 5,600, 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Kol Restaurant

Savor a delicious lunch at Kol, known for its fresh ingredients and modern Icelandic cuisine.
Walk from your accommodation in Reykjavik.
ISK 3,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at the Blue Lagoon

Spend a soothing afternoon at the Blue Lagoon, a famous geothermal spa surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Book a bus transfer to the Blue Lagoon.
ISK 8,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Laundromat Café

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience at the Laundromat Café, featuring international dishes and desserts.
Bus back to Reykjavik.
ISK 2,600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Last Day in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Grái Kötturinn

Visit this cozy cat café for a unique breakfast experience surrounded by friendly felines.
Walk from your lodging.
ISK 1,200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Sun Voyager

Stroll along the coast and take photos of the iconic Sun Voyager sculpture, a symbol of exploration.
30-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Loki

Try traditional Icelandic dishes such as rye bread and herring at this charming café near Hallgrímskirkja.
10-minute walk from Sun Voyager.
ISK 1,800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visit this iconic church and take the elevator up for panoramic views of Reykjavik.
5-minute walk from Café Loki.
ISK 1,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Last-minute Shopping

Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs and local art along Laugavegur street.
Walk from Hallgrímskirkja.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Icelandic Bar

End your trip with a stellar dinner featuring local dishes and beers at Icelandic Bar.
Walk to the restaurant.
ISK 3,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability