8-Day Self-Drive Iceland Adventure for Vegetarian Foodies on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival and Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland on May 13, 2025

10:00am

Breakfast at Gló

Enjoy a healthy vegetarian breakfast at Gló, popular for organic and fresh options in Reykjavik. Open from 8:00am.
ISK2500, 1h

11:30am

Hallgrímskirkja Church

Visit the iconic Reykjavik landmark with panoramic city views from its tower. Open 9:00am - 6:00pm.
ISK1000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kaffi Vínyl

Enjoy a vegetarian-friendly lunch in a cozy café known for vegan and vegetarian dishes. Open 12:00pm - 10:00pm.
ISK2000, 1h

2:30pm

Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall Walk

Walk along the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture and the striking Harpa Concert Hall architecture.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Check-in at Kex Hostel

Budget hotel option with a good location in Reykjavik offering dorms and private rooms.
ISK7000, Check-in

7:00pm

Dinner at Vegamot

Savor vegetarian Icelandic dishes at Vegamot, open until 10:00pm and well-loved by locals and visitors alike.
ISK3000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Golden Circle

Iceland Golden Circle route on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kex Hostel

Start early with breakfast at the hostel before your day trip on the Golden Circle.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Þingvellir National Park

Explore the historic and geological wonder of Þingvellir where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Open 24 hours, visitor center 9:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Geysir Geothermal Area

See the famous Strokkur geyser erupt every few minutes. Open 24 hours with visitor facilities.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Geysir Glima

A casual restaurant near Geysir offering vegetarian dishes such as vegetable soups and salads. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm.
ISK2500, 1h

2:00pm

Gullfoss Waterfall

Visit the stunning two-tiered waterfall, one of Iceland’s most popular natural attractions. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Reykjavik

Drive back to Reykjavik and relax at accommodation.
Fuel approx ISK4000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Myllan

Enjoy vegetarian-friendly meals with locally sourced ingredients at this budget eatery. Open 5:00pm - 9:00pm.
ISK2800, 1.5h
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Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls

South Coast, Iceland on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kex Hostel

Fill up early before heading out on the day’s drive along the south coast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Visit the picturesque waterfall you can walk behind; open 24 hours with no entrance fee.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Skógafoss Waterfall

Experience one of Iceland’s biggest and most famous waterfalls, with a staircase for panoramic views.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at the Skógar Museum Café

Simple vegetarian dishes with soups and bread are available here. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm.
ISK2500, 1h

1:30pm

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Explore the dramatic black sand beach with basalt columns and sea stacks near Vik.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Check-in at Puffin Hostel Vik

Affordable accommodation in Vik with basic facilities and a friendly atmosphere.
ISK7000, Check-in

7:00pm

Dinner at Halldorskaffi

Vegetarian options like vegetable stew and salads available in this casual local restaurant. Open until 9:00pm.
ISK2900, 1.5h
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Day 4: Glacier and Lagoon

Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón, Iceland on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Puffin Hostel

Enjoy a quick hostel breakfast before a full day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Skaftafell National Park Hiking

Hike easy trails to see glaciers and waterfalls within Vatnajökull National Park. Visitor center open 9:00am - 7:00pm.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic

Pack vegetarian sandwiches and snacks for a picnic during your hike. Purchase supplies in Vik the previous day.
ISK1500, 1h

2:00pm

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

See magnificent floating icebergs and possibly seals, open 24 hours with a small boat tour option.
Free, Boat Tour ISK6000, 2h

4:30pm

Drive to Egilsstaðir

Scenic drive toward the East Fjords, check-in and rest.
Fuel approx ISK6000, Accommodation approx ISK7000, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Salt Café & Bistro

Vegetarian-friendly Icelandic dishes with fresh local ingredients in Egilsstaðir. Open until 10:00pm.
ISK3200, 1.5h
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Day 5: East Fjords to North Iceland

Egilsstaðir & Akureyri, Iceland on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Start with breakfast at your Egilsstaðir lodging before heading north.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Akureyri

Enjoy the scenic 4-5 hour drive from East Fjords to Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland.
Fuel approx ISK7000, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Akureyri Street Food

Casual vegetarian-friendly spot with soups and wraps. Open 11:00am - 6:00pm.
ISK2200, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Explore beautiful gardens showcasing northern plants. Open 8:00am - 10:00pm, free entrance.
Free, 1.5h

5:30pm

Goðafoss Waterfall

Short drive to one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls, located nearby Akureyri.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Check-in at Akureyri Backpackers

Budget-friendly lodging with good amenities located in town center.
ISK7000, Check-in

8:00pm

Dinner at Greifinn

A popular restaurant offering a good vegetarian selection including salads and homemade bread. Open until 10:00pm.
ISK3000, 1.5h
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Day 6: West Iceland Wonders

West Iceland, Iceland on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Akureyri Backpackers

Early morning breakfast before heading west.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Hraunfossar Waterfalls

Drive approx 3 hours southwest to see the spectacular lava waterfalls of Hraunfossar.
Fuel approx ISK5000, 3h

11:45am

Hraunfossar Waterfalls

Enjoy walking paths showcasing stunning waterfalls flowing through lava fields.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch in Reykholt at Sumac Grill & Bar

Offers vegetarian options with fresh ingredients in a cozy setting. Open 11:00am - 8:00pm.
ISK2500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Reykholt

Explore this historic site with Snorri Sturluson’s cultural heritage and hot springs nearby.
Free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Drive back to Reykjavik

Return approximately 1.5 hour drive to Reykjavik for final night stay.
Fuel approx ISK3000, 1.5h

6:30pm

Check-in at Kex Hostel

Stay again at budget-friendly Kex Hostel in Reykjavik.
ISK7000, Check-in

7:30pm

Dinner at Gló

Enjoy a final sumptuous vegetarian dinner at Gló, featuring Icelandic organic dishes.
ISK3000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Leisure and Shopping

Reykjavik, Iceland on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Babalú

A charming cafe with excellent vegetarian breakfast options. Open 8:30am - 6:00pm.
ISK2200, 1h

10:00am

Explore Laugavegur Shopping Street

Browse boutiques, bookstores, and local craft shops for souvenirs and Icelandic designs.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Aalto Bistro

Vegetarian friendly with fresh salads, soups and light meals. Open 11:00am - 5:00pm.
ISK2800, 1h

2:00pm

Reykjavik Art Museum - Hafnarhús

Modern and contemporary art exhibitions in a harbor-side historic building. Open 11:00am - 6:00pm.
ISK1500, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at the hostel

Rest and prepare for departure next day.
Free, Flexible

7:00pm

Dinner at Kaffi Vínyl

Return to this vegetarian-friendly spot to enjoy your last dinner in Reykjavik.
ISK3000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Departure Day

Reykjavik, Iceland on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kex Hostel

Early breakfast before your departure drive to the airport.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Keflavik Airport

Drive approx 45 min to Keflavik International Airport for your departure flight.
Fuel approx ISK1500, 1h
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