10-Day Adventure and Leisure Trip to Iceland with Vegan Dining and Budget Stays

Day 1: Arrival and Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland on June 9, 2025

9:00am

Arrival in Reykjavik

Arrive at Keflavik International Airport and take the Flybus or a budget shuttle to Reykjavik city centre.
ISK3000, 1h

10:30am

Accommodation check-in

Check into a budget-friendly guesthouse or hostel such as Kex Hostel or Reykjavik Downtown Hostel, known for good amenities and social atmosphere.
ISK7000, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gló

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Gló, specialising in health-conscious vegan and vegetarian dishes, open 11am-10pm daily.
ISK2500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Hallgrímskirkja Church and city centre

Visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church and take the elevator up for panoramic city views. Wander around the colourful streets of downtown Reykjavik.
ISK1000, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at the Sun Voyager and Sculpture Walk

Stroll to the oceanfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture and enjoy a leisurely walk along the Reykjavik coastline.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kaffi Vínyl

Dine at Kaffi Vínyl, a budget-friendly vegan bistro with excellent comfort food options open daily 5pm-midnight.
ISK3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Golden Circle Tour

Reykjavik and Golden Circle, Iceland on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bergsson Mathús

Start your day with a healthy vegan-friendly breakfast at Bergsson Mathús in Reykjavik, popular for fresh smoothies and oat bowls.
ISK2000, 1h

9:00am

Self-drive Golden Circle

Rent a car or join a budget-friendly tour to explore Golden Circle highlights: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear.
ISK6000 (car rental) or ISK9000 (group tour), 7h

12:30pm

Packed Vegan Lunch

Enjoy a packed vegan picnic purchased earlier from a Reykjavik health food shop during your stop at Þingvellir.
ISK1000, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Reykjavik and relax

Drive back to Reykjavik and rest at your accommodation before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vínyl again or Hlemmur Mathöll

Optional dinner at Vínyl or explore Hlemmur Mathöll food hall, which offers several vegan-friendly stalls with affordable prices.
ISK2500, 1h
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Day 3: South Coast waterfalls & beaches

South Coast, Iceland on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hostel

Have a quick budget breakfast provided by your accommodation or pick up fresh fruit and bread from a nearby shop to fuel the day.
ISK1000, 30m

8:00am

Drive east along the South Coast

Head to Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you can walk behind the cascade. Nearby is Gljúfrabúi waterfall hidden in a canyon—an off-the-beaten-path experience. Both sites open all day, free to visit.
Free, 2h

10:30am

Visit Skógafoss waterfall

Continue to Skógafoss, a majestic 60m waterfall with an optional climb to the top viewpoint.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Soup Company, Skógar

Eat at The Soup Company that offers hearty soups and vegan options, perfect for a light and affordable meal close to Skógafoss.
ISK2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach with basalt columns and views of Reynisdrangar sea stacks, an iconic but sometimes unexplored gem.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Stay overnight at a guesthouse in Vik

Check into an affordable guesthouse or hostel in Vik village, such as Puffin Hostel, which offers budget rooms and easy access to nature.
ISK8000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sudur Vik

Dine at Sudur Vik, which has vegan/vegetarian options and local atmosphere. Open till 10pm.
ISK3000, 1h
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Day 4: Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell, Iceland on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation or grab vegan snacks en route.
ISK1000, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Skaftafell National Park

Travel to Skaftafell for hiking and glacier views. Take the Svartifoss waterfall trail to see the stunning basalt-columned falls (approximately 1.5h return).
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Skaftafell Visitor Centre café

Grab a budget lunch of vegan soup and sandwiches from the visitor centre café, open 9am-5pm.
ISK2000, 1h

2:30pm

Optional guided glacier walk

Book a budget-friendly guided glacier walk if desired—an unforgettable adventure on Vatnajökull glacier. Confirm advance booking.
ISK13000, 3h

6:30pm

Stay overnight at budget guesthouse in Skaftafell or nearby

Rest at Skaftafell or Vatnajökull area guesthouse after the glacier adventure.
ISK8500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at local guesthouse kitchen or pre-purchased vegan meal

Opt for a self-catered dinner with vegan groceries or ask guesthouse hosts for vegan-friendly meal options.
ISK1500, 1h
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Day 5: Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

Jökulsárlón, Iceland on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Have breakfast at your guesthouse or prepare your own vegan breakfast items.
ISK1000, 30m

9:00am

Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Explore the magnificent glacier lagoon with floating icebergs. Take a budget zodiac boat tour (optional) or walk along the shore.
Free or ISK6000 for boat tour, 2h

11:30am

Walk over to Diamond Beach

See the ice fragments glistening on the black sand beach nearby for amazing photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hali Country Hotel café

Enjoy light vegan-friendly meals at Hali café, known for local fresh fare, open 11am-5pm.
ISK2500, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to East Fjords

Begin scenic drive into the remote East Fjords, stopping at small villages such as Djúpivogur, enriching your journey with less visited locations.
Fuel cost approx ISK3000, 4h

6:30pm

Accommodation in East Fjords

Stay overnight at a budget guesthouse or Airbnb in the East Fjords, offering spectacular fjord views and peaceful surroundings.
ISK7500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at guesthouse or local café

Share a vegan-friendly meal prepared by your host or local café with fresh locally sourced ingredients.
ISK2000, 1h
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Day 6: East Fjords Exploration

East Fjords, Iceland on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Enjoy a homemade or guesthouse breakfast with vegan-friendly options.
ISK1000, 30m

9:00am

Explore Seyðisfjörður

Visit artsy town Seyðisfjörður known for colourful houses, galleries, and relaxed atmosphere. Walk to the Blue Church and nearby waterfalls.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kaffi Lara

Dine at Kaffi Lara with some vegan and vegetarian dishes, open daily from 11am to 6pm.
ISK2500, 1h

2:00pm

Hike in Borgarfjörður Eystri

Drive to Borgarfjörður Eystri for beautiful hiking trails known for puffin watching and serene landscapes.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Return to accommodation

Relax and freshen up at your guesthouse in East Fjords.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local guesthouse or café

Choose a home-cooked or vegan-friendly meal to enjoy a quiet evening.
ISK2000, 1h
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Day 7: Lake Mývatn region

Lake Mývatn, Iceland on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast

Grab breakfast and prepare for a longer drive towards Lake Mývatn, a geothermal wonderland.
ISK1000, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Lake Mývatn

Travel north towards the fascinating volcanic landscapes and geothermal baths surrounding Lake Mývatn.
Fuel cost approx ISK4000, 5h including stops

1:00pm

Lunch at Vogafjós Farm Resort

Enjoy a satisfying vegan lunch at Vogafjós beside Lake Mývatn with farm-to-table ingredients, open 11am-9pm.
ISK3000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore bubbling mud pools at Hverir

Visit the geothermal area Hverir to see colourful boiling mud pools and fumaroles.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Walk the Dimmuborgir Lava fields

Wander through Dimmuborgir volcanic formations, a mystical setting of lava towers and caves.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Accommodation in Mývatn area

Check into a budget guesthouse or hostel, such as HI Hostel Mývatn, well placed for exploring the region.
ISK7000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vogafjós or guesthouse

Dinner with vegan options at Vogafjós or prepare a meal at your accommodation’s kitchen facilities.
ISK2500, 1h
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Day 8: Akureyri and whale watching

Akureyri, Iceland on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Have breakfast and check out from your accommodation.
ISK1000, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Akureyri

Drive to Akureyri, Iceland’s second city, known for its charming town centre, botanical gardens and whale watching tours.
Fuel cost approx ISK2000, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Akureyri Botanical Gardens

Explore the beautiful botanical gardens showcasing native and exotic plants in an affordable, tranquil environment.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Greifinn

Taste vegan-friendly international dishes at Greifinn, open around noon till late.
ISK2500, 1h

2:00pm

Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri

Embark on an afternoon round-trip whale watching tour (3h) from Akureyri harbour to see humpbacks, minkes, and other marine life.
ISK13000, 3h

6:00pm

Stay overnight in Akureyri

Choose budget guesthouse or hostel accommodations such as Akureyri Backpackers.
ISK7500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at cafe Kaffe Freiburg

Enjoy a cosy dinner with vegetarian and vegan options at café Kaffe Freiburg, open till 9pm.
ISK2500, 1h
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Day 9: West Iceland & Hraunfossar

West Iceland on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast

Breakfast at your accommodation and prepare to travel west.
ISK1000, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls

Visit stunning lava waterfalls of Hraunfossar and nearby Barnafoss, a slightly less touristy area with peaceful surroundings.
Free, 2h

10:30am

Continue to Reykholt historical site

Explore the historic Reykholt with its rich medieval heritage—a great spot off the main tourist path.
ISK1500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Við Brúnna Restaurant

Eat a budget-friendly vegan or vegetarian meal at Við Brúnna Restaurant near Reykholt, open 11am-6pm.
ISK2500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Deildartunguhver hot spring

Stop at Europe’s most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver, to marvel at geothermal power.
Free, 30m

3:00pm

Drive back to Reykjavik

Return to the capital area for your last night.
Fuel approx ISK3500, 2h

6:00pm

Accommodation in Reykjavik

Check into your original budget stay or a similar hostel for convenience.
ISK7000, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hlemmur Mathöll

Enjoy your final Icelandic dinner at Hlemmur Mathöll food hall with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
ISK3000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Reykjavik and Departure

Reykjavik, Iceland on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brauð & Co

Try vegan pastries and fresh coffee at Brauð & Co bakery before your departure, open from 7am on weekdays and 8am weekends.
ISK1500, 1h

9:30am

Last-minute shopping or sightseeing

Visit local shops for souvenirs or the Reykjavík Maritime Museum if time permits (open 10am-5pm).
ISK1500, 1h30m

11:30am

Transfer to Keflavik Airport

Take the Flybus shuttle to Keflavik Airport for your flight home.
ISK3000, 1h
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