10-Day Iceland Outdoor Adventure and Cultural Experience Itinerary on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival & Reykjavik Exploration

Reykjavik, Iceland on May 20, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Keflavik Airport

Land at Iceland’s main international airport and collect your rental car for flexible travel around the island.
ISK0, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Brauð & Co.

Enjoy fresh Icelandic pastries including cinnamon rolls and sourdough bread in this popular bakery open from 8am to 6pm, perfect for a delicious breakfast.
ISK1500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Reykjavik City Walk

Explore landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the colorful old harbor area, immersing yourself in Icelandic culture and street art.
ISK0, 3h0m

3:30pm

Lunch at Icelandic Street Food

Sample traditional Icelandic meat soup or fish stew at this casual eatery open 11am-8pm, perfect for an affordable and hearty lunch.
ISK2000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Reykjavik Maritime Museum

Gain insight into Iceland’s fishing industry heritage at this museum open until 6pm daily, ideal for an early evening cultural experience.
ISK1700, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Forréttabarinn

Dine on Icelandic favorites such as lamb or seafood in a cozy downtown setting open from 5pm to late, offering excellent value under budget.
ISK3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Golden Circle Tour

Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Iceland on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Guesthouse

Enjoy a hearty breakfast included in your accommodation, fueling up for a full day outdoors.
ISK0, 1h0m

9:00am

Þingvellir National Park Exploration

Walk through the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and visit the site of the ancient Icelandic parliament. Park is open 24/7 and free to enter.
ISK0, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Geysir Geothermal Area

See erupting geysers including Strokkur which erupts every 5-10 minutes—a natural spectacle not to miss. Open all day, no admission fee.
ISK0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Geysir Center

Have lunch at the Geysir Center featuring Icelandic specialties such as lamb soup or fish dishes, open 10am-6pm.
ISK2800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Gullfoss Waterfall Visit

Admire one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls with stunning viewpoints and photo ops. Site is open all day with free entry.
ISK0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Reykjavik

Drive back to Reykjavik for some rest before dinner and evening stroll.
Fuel approx. ISK1000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Icelandic Fish & Chips

Enjoy crispy fish and chips made from fresh local seafood in a casual setting open until 9pm.
ISK2700, 1h0m
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Day 3: South Coast Adventure

South Coast, Iceland on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Fuel up early for a day exploring south Iceland with a simple breakfast included at your accommodation.
ISK0, 1h0m

8:00am

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Hike

Explore this picturesque waterfall which you can walk behind for a unique view. Open 24 hours free of charge.
ISK0, 1h0m

9:30am

Skógafoss Waterfall Visit

Visit a majestic 60m waterfall famed for rainbows on sunny days. You can also hike up adjacent stairs for panoramic vistas.
ISK0, 1h0m

11:00am

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Walk along the dramatic basalt columns and black sand shore, an iconic Icelandic natural attraction open all day with no cost.
ISK0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Soup Company, Vik

Enjoy comforting soups and sandwiches open noon to 5pm, providing budget-friendly and warming options.
ISK2400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Vatnajökull National Park Area

Travel further east toward the scenic Vatnajökull glacier region, known for glaciers and ice caves.
Fuel approx. ISK1500, 3h0m

5:30pm

Check into accommodation near Vatnajökull

Relax and prepare for next day’s excursions. Select affordable guesthouses or hostels to stay within budget.
ISK10000 approx., Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at accommodation or nearby café

Enjoy a simple Icelandic dinner featuring local ingredients within your accommodation or nearby eateries.
ISK2500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Vatnajökull Glacier Experience

Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start your day early with a nutritious breakfast provided by your accommodation.
ISK0, 1h0m

9:00am

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Tour

Experience the breathtaking glacier lagoon with floating icebergs and possible seals. Boat tours available for about ISK6000, open all day.
ISK6000, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk on Diamond Beach

See chunks of glacier ice washed ashore on the black sand beach near the lagoon, free to visit all day.
ISK0, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Vatnajökull

Enjoy homemade soups and sandwiches at the nearby café open from 10am to 5pm.
ISK2800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hike in Skaftafell National Park

Explore easy hiking trails with views of glaciers and waterfalls, open 24/7 free of charge.
ISK0, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to accommodation

Relax after an active day in nature.
ISK0, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at nearby restaurant

Try Icelandic lamb or fish dishes at a local restaurant within your budget, typically open until 9pm.
ISK3200, 1h30m
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Day 5: East Fjords Scenic Drive

East Fjords, Iceland on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before setting off on a scenic drive around the gorgeous East Fjords.
ISK0, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive through East Fjords

Explore charming fishing villages like Djúpivogur and Fáskrúðsfjörður while taking in fjord vistas and wildlife. Drive is self-guided to enjoy at your own pace.
Fuel approx. ISK1500, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Langabúð Café, Djúpivogur

Sample fresh seafood and local dishes in this historic harbor café open around noon to 4pm.
ISK3000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Petra’s Stone Collection in Stöðvarfjörður

Explore an impressive private collection of Icelandic minerals and stones. Open 10am-6pm with a small entrance fee.
ISK1500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Check into East Fjords accommodation

Stay in a guesthouse or small hotel in one of the quaint villages to experience local life.
ISK9000 approx., Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at local guesthouse or restaurant

Enjoy home-cooked Icelandic cuisine, focusing on fresh fish or lamb dishes.
ISK2500, 1h0m
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Day 6: Lake Mývatn Geothermal Exploration

Lake Mývatn, Iceland on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Get ready early with breakfast included in your stay.
ISK0, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Lake Mývatn

Travel north to the Lake Mývatn geothermal area known for volcanic landscapes and rich birdlife.
Fuel approx. ISK1500, 3h0m

11:00am

Hverir Geothermal Area Visit

Explore steaming mud pots and fumaroles, an otherworldly volcanic terrain open all day free entry.
ISK0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vogafjós Farm Resort

Enjoy traditional Icelandic farm-to-table cuisine with beautiful views of the lake; open 11am-9pm.
ISK3200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Dimmuborgir Lava Formations

Walk through unique lava formations and caves steeped in folklore, open all day with free entry.
ISK0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at Mývatn Nature Baths

Soak in geothermal pools surrounded by stunning lava fields, open daily from 10am to 10pm with entrance fee around ISK5000.
ISK5000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check into nearby accommodation

Stay at budget guesthouse in the Mývatn area for convenience.
ISK9000 approx., Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at local bistro

Dine on Icelandic specialties emphasizing local fish and lamb dishes.
ISK2800, 1h0m
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Day 7: Akureyri Culture

Akureyri, Iceland on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy breakfast before departure.
ISK0, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Akureyri

Travel from Lake Mývatn to Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city.
Fuel approx. ISK1200, 1h30m

10:00am

Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Visit Europe’s northernmost botanical garden featuring diverse plants and relaxing strolls. Open daily, free entry.
ISK0, 1h0m

11:30am

Akureyri Church Visit

See the iconic church and enjoy panoramic city views, open during daylight hours, no cost.
ISK0, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rub 23

Enjoy fresh seafood and sushi in a lively downtown restaurant open noon to 10pm.
ISK3500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kulturborgin / Akureyri Art Museum

Explore Icelandic contemporary art in this cultural center open until 5pm, entrance fee approx. ISK1000.
ISK1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the fjord and visit local shops

Stroll along the beautiful harbour area and explore local boutiques and cafés.
ISK0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Strikið Restaurant

Experience views over the fjord paired with Icelandic cuisine at a mid-range price point.
ISK3200, 1h30m
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Day 8: Húsavík Whale Watching

Húsavík, Iceland on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy an early meal before heading out to Húsavík.
ISK0, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Húsavík

Travel to the whale watching capital of Iceland, about 1h30m drive from Akureyri.
Fuel approx. ISK1000, 1h30m

10:30am

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on a 3-hour whale watching tour, mid-May is prime season for humpback and minke whales. Tours typically cost around ISK11000.
ISK11000, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Naustið

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes within walking distance of the harbor, open 11am to 9pm.
ISK3200, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Húsavík Whale Museum

Learn about local marine life and whale species in a compact, informative museum open till 6pm, entrance fee approx. ISK1500.
ISK1500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Akureyri

Drive back to Akureyri to spend the evening relaxing.
Fuel approx. ISK1000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Akureyri local pub

Casual dining with burgers and Icelandic favorites in a friendly atmosphere open until late.
ISK2600, 1h0m
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Day 9: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

West Iceland, Iceland on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and check out

Prepare for a full day trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
ISK0, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Approximately 3-hour scenic drive westwards to Snæfellsjökull National Park region.
Fuel approx. ISK1500, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Kirkjufell Mountain and Waterfall

See one of Iceland’s most photographed sites, iconic mountain with picturesque waterfall. Free to visit anytime.
ISK0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bjargarsteinn Mathús, Grundarfjörður

Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies in this popular eatery open 11am-8pm.
ISK3300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park

Hike around lava fields, black sand beaches, and glaciers with spectacular views. Open all day, free entry.
ISK0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Drive back to Reykjavik

Return for your final night in Iceland, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours drive.
Fuel approx. ISK1500, 3h0m

9:00pm

Dinner at Reykjavik’s Café Loki

Celebrate your last evening with traditional Icelandic open sandwiches and rye bread desserts in central Reykjavik, open until 10pm.
ISK2800, 1h0m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Reykjavik, Iceland on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Reykjavik at your accommodation before packing.
ISK0, 1h0m

9:00am

Last-minute souvenir shopping

Explore local shops in Reykjavik’s Laugavegur street for Icelandic wool goods and handmade crafts.
Variable approx. ISK2000, 2h0m

12:00pm

Head to Keflavik Airport

Drive to the airport allowing 45 minutes for travel and car rental return.
Fuel approx. ISK500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Departure from Iceland

Check-in and catch your flight home after an unforgettable 10-day adventure.
ISK0, Rest
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