8-Day August to September Iceland Self-Drive Adventure with Northern Lights and Vegetarian Eats

Day 1: Arrival and Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland on August 30, 2025

10:00am

Breakfast at Gló

Start your day with a fresh vegetarian breakfast at Gló, offering organic meals. Open from 8:00am.
ISK2500, 1h

11:30am

Sun Voyager and Harpa Concert Hall Walk

Stroll Reykjavik waterfront to enjoy the Sun Voyager sculpture and Harpa Concert Hall’s stunning architecture.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kaffi Vínyl

Enjoy the cozy atmosphere with excellent vegetarian options. Open 12:00pm - 10:00pm.
ISK2000, 1h

2:30pm

Reykjavik Maritime Museum

Explore Iceland’s rich seafaring history in this museum by the old harbor. Open 11:00am - 6:00pm.
ISK1500, 1.5h

4:30pm

Check-in at Kex Hostel

Budget accommodation in central Reykjavik with a lively atmosphere.
ISK7000, Check-in

7:00pm

Dinner at Vegamot

Dine on delicious vegetarian Icelandic dishes until 10:00pm.
ISK3000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Golden Circle Tour

Iceland Golden Circle route on August 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kex Hostel

Fuel up with breakfast before your Golden Circle day trip.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Þingvellir National Park

Walk between tectonic plates and visit the Rift Valley in this UNESCO site. Open 24 hours, visitor center 9:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Geysir Geothermal Area

Watch Strokkur geyser erupt regularly amid impressive geothermal activity. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Geysir Glima

Vegetarian soups and salads near the hot springs. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm.
ISK2500, 1h

2:00pm

Gullfoss Waterfall

Experience the power of this iconic cascading waterfall, one of Iceland’s must-see sights. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Reykjavik

Relax on the drive back and prepare for evening activities.
Fuel approx ISK4000, 2h

9:00pm

Northern Lights Tour

Join a guided Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik to hunt for the elusive Aurora Borealis. Tours typically run from 9:00pm to midnight.
ISK12000, 3h
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Day 3: South Coast Waterfalls

South Coast, Iceland on September 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kex Hostel

Early healthy vegetarian breakfast before your day on the south coast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Walk behind this stunning waterfall, open 24 hours with free entrance.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Skógafoss Waterfall

One of Iceland’s biggest waterfalls with a staircase to panoramic views.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Skógar Museum Café

Offers vegetarian soups and fresh bread. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm.
ISK2500, 1h

1:30pm

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Visit the dramatic black sand beach with basalt columns near Vik.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Check-in at Puffin Hostel Vik

Budget accommodation with comfortable rooms in the village of Vik.
ISK7000, Check-in

7:00pm

Dinner at Halldorskaffi

Casual dining with vegetarian stews and salads, open until 9:00pm.
ISK2900, 1.5h
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Day 4: Glacier and Lagoon

Skaftafell & Jökulsárlón, Iceland on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Puffin Hostel

Enjoy a quick hostel breakfast before day’s sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Skaftafell National Park Hiking

Take trails around glaciers and waterfalls within this part of Vatnajökull National Park. Visitor center open 9:00am - 7:00pm.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic

Bring vegetarian sandwiches and snacks purchased in Vik for a scenic picnic.
ISK1500, 1h

2:00pm

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Admire floating icebergs and possibly seals; small boat tours available. Open 24 hours.
Free, Boat Tour ISK6000, 2h

4:30pm

Drive to Egilsstaðir

Relax on the scenic three-hour drive to East Iceland, check in and rest.
Fuel approx ISK6000, Accommodation approx ISK7000, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Salt Café & Bistro

Delicious vegetarian-friendly Icelandic dishes in Egilsstaðir, open until 10:00pm.
ISK3200, 1.5h
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Day 5: East Fjords to North Iceland

Egilsstaðir & Akureyri, Iceland on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

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

9:00am

Drive to Akureyri

Scenic 4-5 hour drive to Akureyri, North Iceland’s capital.
Fuel approx ISK7000, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Akureyri Street Food

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

3:30pm

Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Explore lovely gardens featuring northern flora; open 8:00am - 10:00pm.
Free, 1.5h

5:30pm

Goðafoss Waterfall

Short drive to this magnificent waterfall, especially beautiful at sunset.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Check-in at Akureyri Backpackers

Stay in budget-friendly accommodation in Akureyri center.
ISK7000, Check-in

9:00pm

Northern Lights Tour from Akureyri

Join a nighttime Northern Lights tour in the dark skies of North Iceland. Tours typically run from 9:00pm to midnight.
ISK12000, 3h
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Day 6: West Iceland Waterfalls

West Iceland, Iceland on September 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Akureyri Backpackers

Early vegetarian breakfast before journey west.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Hraunfossar Waterfalls

3 hour scenic drive west to visit the unique lava waterfalls.
Fuel approx ISK5000, 3h

11:45am

Hraunfossar Waterfalls

Enjoy easy walking paths with views of waterfalls flowing through lava fields.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sumac Grill & Bar, Reykholt

Offers vegetarian-friendly fresh dishes in a cozy setting, open 11:00am - 8:00pm.
ISK2500, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Reykholt

Visit this historic site with cultural landmarks and hot springs nearby.
Free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Drive to Reykjavik

1.5 hour drive to Reykjavik to rest and prepare for final days.
Fuel approx ISK3000, 1.5h

6:30pm

Check-in at Kex Hostel

Budget accommodation in Reykjavik for final stay.
ISK7000, Check-in

7:30pm

Dinner at Gló

Enjoy a final vegetarian Icelandic dinner with organic ingredients.
ISK3000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Leisure and Museums

Reykjavik, Iceland on September 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Babalú

Charming café with excellent vegetarian breakfast options. Open 8:30am - 6:00pm.
ISK2200, 1h

10:00am

Reykjavik Art Museum - Hafnarhús

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

12:30pm

Lunch at Aalto Bistro

Fresh vegetarian meals including soups and salads. Open 11:00am - 5:00pm.
ISK2800, 1h

2:00pm

National Museum of Iceland

Explore Iceland’s history from settlement to modern times. Open 10:00am - 5:00pm.
ISK2000, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at the hostel

Rest and pack in preparation for departure.
Free, Flexible

7:00pm

Dinner at Kaffi Vínyl

Return to this vegetarian-friendly spot for your last Icelandic dinner.
ISK3000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Departure Day

Reykjavik, Iceland on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kex Hostel

Early breakfast before heading to the airport.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Keflavik Airport

45 minute drive to Keflavik International Airport for departure.
Fuel approx ISK1500, 1h
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