12-Day Iceland Adventure on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arriving in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

10:00 AM

Arrive and Check-in

After landing in Reykjavik, head to your affordable accommodation to check-in and freshen up.
Public transport or shuttle to downtown Reykjavik.
ISK 3000, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Enjoy a famous Icelandic hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, known for its delicious, cheap snacks.
Walk to the hot dog stand located nearby.
ISK 500, 30 min

1:00 PM

Explore the Harpa Concert Hall

Visit the striking Harpa Concert Hall and take in the stunning architecture and waterfront views.
Walk to Harpa Concert Hall.
Free, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Hallgrímskirkja

Head over to Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church in Reykjavik, where you can take the lift to the top for breathtaking views.
Walk to Hallgrímskirkja.
ISK 1000, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Dinner at Reykjavik Fish

End your day with a budget-friendly meal of fish and chips at Reykjavik Fish.
Walk to Reykjavik Fish.
ISK 2500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Golden Circle Begins

Golden Circle, Iceland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Laundromat Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Laundromat Café, a popular spot in Reykjavik.
Drive to Laundromat Café.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Thingvellir National Park

Drive to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
50 km drive from Reykjavik.
ISK 0 (Parking ISK 500), 2 hours

11:30 AM

Geysir Geothermal Area

Continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area and watch the Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes.
Drive 60 km from Thingvellir.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Geysir Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch at Geysir Cafe for some local flavors while resting.
Walk to Geysir Cafe.
ISK 1500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Gullfoss Waterfall

Visit the spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall, known for its stunning natural landscape.
Drive 10 km from Geysir.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Drive to Selfoss

Make your way to the town of Selfoss and check into your budget accommodation.
Drive 60 km to Selfoss.
ISK 12000 (Accommodation), 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Grillhúsið

Savor an affordable steak or burger dinner at Grillhúsið.
Walk to Grillhúsið.
ISK 2500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Continue Golden Circle

Golden Circle, Iceland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Grab a pastry and coffee at a local bakery in Selfoss to fuel your day.
Walk to Bakery.
ISK 1000, 30 min

9:00 AM

Kerið Crater Lake

Visit Kerið, a volcanic crater lake with vibrant red and blue hues.
Drive 25 km from Selfoss.
ISK 400, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Drive to Vik

Head south towards Vik, soaking in the scenic views along the route.
Drive 130 km to Vik.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Soup Company

Arrive in Vik and warm up with a bowl of Icelandic lamb soup at The Soup Company.
Walk to The Soup Company.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Black Sand Beach

Visit Reynisfjara black sand beach and its stunning basalt columns.
Drive to Reynisfjara.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Vik Village

Take a stroll through the charming village of Vik and enjoy the quaint local shops.
Walk around the village.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Halldorskaffi

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Halldorskaffi, known for its pizza and local dishes.
Walk to Halldorskaffi.
ISK 2000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell, Iceland

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Icelandic Coffee Company

Fuel up with a coffee and breakfast sandwich at Icelandic Coffee Company in Vik.
Walk to the café.
ISK 1500, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Skaftafell National Park

Hit the road early to explore one of Iceland's most beautiful national parks.
Drive 60 km to Skaftafell.
Free, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hiking in Skaftafell

Embark on a scenic hike to Svartifoss waterfall, renowned for its dark basalt columns.
Follow marked trails in the park.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Skaftafell Visitor Centre

Have a packed lunch at the picnic area, enjoying the natural surroundings.
Pack lunch from Vik.
ISK 1000, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Glacier Views

Capture breathtaking views of Vatnajökull glacier, one of Europe’s largest ice caps.
Hike around the glacier viewpoints.
Free, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Drive to Höfn

Continue the drive to Höfn, a small fishing town known for its lobster.
Drive 70 km to Höfn.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Dinner at Pakkhús Restaurant

Enjoy an affordable lobster dish at Pakkhús Restaurant for a local taste experience.
Walk to restaurant.
ISK 3500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón, Iceland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Höfn

Start your day with a simple breakfast at your accommodation in Höfn.
Free walk from hotel.
ISK 1000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Jökulsárlón

Travel to Jökulsárlón to experience the stunning blue icebergs in the lagoon.
Drive 80 km to Jökulsárlón.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Jökulsárlón

Spend some time walking around the glacier lagoon and capturing the stunning views.
Walk around the lagoon.
Free, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Diamond Beach

Walk to nearby Diamond Beach to see ice chunks washed ashore on the black sand.
Walk to Diamond Beach.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at nearby food truck

Grab lunch from a food truck offering delicious fish and lamb meals near the lagoon.
Near Jökulsárlón.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Drive to Egilsstaðir

Head towards Egilsstaðir, the largest town in East Iceland.
Drive 200 km to Egilsstaðir.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Kaffi Egilsstaðir

Enjoy dinner at Kaffi Egilsstaðir with various affordable local options.
Walk to the restaurant.
ISK 3000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore East Fjords

Egilsstaðir, Iceland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation for a good start.
Walk from your accommodation.
ISK 1200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Seyðisfjörður

Drive to the picturesque village of Seyðisfjörður, nestled in a scenic fjord.
Drive 27 km to Seyðisfjörður.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Seyðisfjörður

Stroll through the charming streets and enjoy the local art galleries.
Walk around town.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Kafé Litla fjósið

Have lunch at Kafé Litla fjósið, known for delicious local bites.
Walk to the café.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Drive to Stokksnes Peninsula

Head to Stokksnes Peninsula, famous for breathtaking landscapes and Vestrahorn mountain.
Drive 50 km from Seyðisfjörður.
ISK 1000 (Entrance Fee), 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Stokksnes

Walk around Stokksnes for stunning views and great photo opportunities.
Walk around the area.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Egilsstaðir

Return to Egilsstaðir and have dinner at a local diner offering warm meals.
Drive back to Egilsstaðir (50 km).
ISK 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Lake Mývatn Exploration

Mývatn, Iceland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel in Egilsstaðir

A quick breakfast at your hotel prepares you for the scenic drive ahead.
Scheduled from hotel.
ISK 1200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Mývatn

Travel to Lake Mývatn, known for its geothermal activity and wildlife.
Drive 120 km to Mývatn.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Mývatn Nature Baths

Relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a geothermal spa offering stunning natural settings.
Follow signs to Mývatn Nature Baths.
ISK 4000, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at a Local Diner

Have lunch at a nearby diner serving local dishes and refreshments.
Walk to the diner.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Hverir Geothermal Area

Head to Hverir to explore unique geothermal features and bubbling mud pots.
Drive to Hverir (10 km from Mývatn).
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Drive to Akureyri

Make your way to Iceland's second-largest city, Akureyri.
Drive 90 km to Akureyri.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Akureyri Fish and Chips

Enjoy a budget meal at Akureyri Fish and Chips known for fresh local fish.
Walk to the restaurant.
ISK 2000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Exploring Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Start your day with breakfast at a cozy local café in Akureyri.
Walk to the café.
ISK 1500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Stroll through the delightful Akureyri Botanical Gardens, offering beautiful flora.
Walk to the gardens.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Akureyri Church

Visit the striking Akureyri Church and take in views over the town.
Walk to the church.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Cafe du Luxembourg

Indulge in affordable lunch options at Cafe du Luxembourg in town.
Walk to the café.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Drive to the coast and visit Eyjafjörður

Take a scenic drive along Eyjafjörður before returning to Akureyri.
Drive along the coastal route.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at Bautinn

Wrap up your day with a delicious meal at Bautinn, known for burgers and pizzas.
Walk to the restaurant.
ISK 2500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Snæfellsnes, Iceland

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the day.
Walk from your hotel.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Hit the road towards Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its diverse landscapes.
Drive 330 km to Snæfellsnes.
Free, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch in Grundarfjörður

Take a break for lunch at a local café in Grundarfjörður.
Stop in Grundarfjörður.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Kirkjufell Mountain

Explore the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and photograph its famous waterfall.
Drive to Kirkjufell.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park

Drive to Snæfellsjökull National Park for hiking and stunning coastal views.
Drive to the park entrance.
ISK 1000 (Entrance Fee), 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Arnarstapi Village

End your day with dinner at a cozy restaurant in Arnarstapi Village.
Drive to Arnarstapi.
ISK 3000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Snæfellsnes, Iceland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at local bakery

Indulge in fresh pastries and coffee at a local bakery to kick start the day.
Walk to bakery in Arnarstapi.
ISK 1500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Lóndrangar Basalt Cliffs

Take a walk to the impressive Lóndrangar basalt sea stacks for stunning ocean views.
Drive to Lóndrangar.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Djúpalónssandur Beach

Next, visit Djúpalónssandur Beach, known for its black pebbles and breathtaking scenery.
Drive to Djúpalónssandur.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hellnar

Take a break for lunch at a cozy café in Hellnar with ocean views.
Drive to Hellnar.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Take a Coastal Hike

Engage in a coastal hike between Hellnar and Arnarstapi, enjoying stunning views.
Follow the coastal trail.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at local grill

Finish your exploration with dinner at a local grill restaurant in Arnarstapi.
Walk to the restaurant.
ISK 2500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Return to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at local café

Enjoy breakfast at a local café before heading back to Reykjavik.
Walk to the café.
ISK 1500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive back to Reykjavik

Take a leisurely drive back to Reykjavik, soaking in the beautiful countryside.
Drive 200 km.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Hlemmur Mathöll

Arrive in Reykjavik and have lunch at Hlemmur Mathöll, a food market with various affordable options.
Drive to Hlemmur Mathöll.
ISK 2000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Reykjavik's museums

Exploring the various museums in Reykjavik, such as the National Museum of Iceland.
Walk to the museums.
ISK 1500 (entry fees), 2 hours

4:00 PM

Tour Harpa Concert Hall

Take a guided tour of Harpa Concert Hall to learn about its unique design.
Walk to Harpa.
ISK 2500, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Sægreifinn

Wrap up your trip with dinner at Sægreifinn, where you can try Icelandic lobster soup.
Walk to Sægreifinn.
ISK 2500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure

Reykjavik, Iceland

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at your accommodation.
Free walk from hotel.
ISK 1500, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Check-out and Pack up

Check out of your hotel and prepare for departure.
Free walk from hotel.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Final stroll in Reykjavik

Take a final walk around Reykjavik, enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Walk in downtown Reykjavik.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Café Babalú

Have a comforting quick lunch at Café Babalú before heading to the airport.
Walk to Café Babalú.
ISK 1500, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Depart for Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight, reflecting on amazing memories made.
Drive or take shuttle to airport.
ISK 3000 (transportation), 1 hour
View Hotel Availability