Iceland was a bucket list destination for me. I've read and seen pictures of its beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and volatile climate. I carefully planned my trip and prepared a budget.
I knew Iceland was an expensive country to visit but I was determined to see its spectacular landscape and experience what the country has to offer.
Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Iceland
Iceland or also known as the Land of Fire and Ice is one of the most beautiful countries I've been to. It's volatile climate and stunning landscapes make it a unique destination which you should include in your bucket list. It has a centuries long history and natural disasters that have shaped it. The volcanic eruptions wreaked havoc, but it has also shaped some of the country's stunning landscapes. You can go on road trips or just hang out in the city. You can stay as long as you want or just over the weekend. If you love nature, Iceland is a must visit. Regardless of the season, make sure to bring warm clothes because it gets cold even in the summer. A guide told us during one of my excursions, Iceland has "window weather" you might see the sky clear and the sun out from your vehicle, but once you step out, the winds will be raging and will make it feel colder than the actual temperature.
Get a Visa
Iceland is part of the Schengen zone, which means that getting a visa from any of its members grants you entry into the country. I've gotten visas from Austria, Czechia, Poland, and Italy. The embassies have similar requirements.
You can read my Schengen visa guide here:
How to Get to Iceland
You'll have to take a regional flight from some European cities to get to Iceland. Fortunately, there are low-cost airlines that have occasional promotional airfares. You can check Wizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet, and PLAY for flights. You'll have to look for the right combination so you're booking a direct flight to Reykjavik. I booked a flight from Milan, Italy via easyJet. I saw flights from Warsaw, Copenhagen, London, Prague, and other cities. Where you'll depart from depends on your itinerary.
Getting around Iceland
Public transportation in Iceland is scarce. Visitors and locals often use their own vehicles to get from point A to point B. Renting a vehicle is a good option for groups. This allows you to control your time and visit as many places as you want during the day. However, this option is expensive unless you fully occupy the vehicle and everyone shares the expenses.
For example, an SUV you can use for Iceland's F-roads and highlands can set you back US$1,000 for three days. This price includes road assistance and full protection with zero liability insurance coverage. It can accommodate up to five passengers. You can find a different car for around US$400. You can't deliberately use a vehicle unsuitable for F-roads and the highlands and make a claim for damage dealt to it. You can compare rental prices online or when you get to the country. I would suggest booking a rental in advance during the summer because it's high season. You'll also have to consider parking, gas, and other related expenses. Weigh the pros and cons of renting a car when you plan your budget and itinerary for Iceland.
If you think renting a car is too expensive, you can always join a tour that includes a guide, fees, and transportation. I book through GetYourGuide for my excursions from Reykjavik, you can book through this link .
Best Time to Visit Iceland
There are different things to do throughout the year when you visit Iceland. The best time to see the Northern Lights is in the winter to spring. If you want to chase the Northern Lights, plan your trip around the months from September to April. The summer months from late June to the middle of September is a good time to visit for hiking. I went during the summer to do one of the hiking trails in Landmannalaugar. When you're making your budget and itinerary for Iceland, consider the season you're visiting.
Things to Do in Iceland
You'll have plenty of choices for things to do and attractions to visit when you plan your budget and itinerary for Iceland.
Reykjavik
The capital of Iceland doesn't feel like a big city unlike other capitals I've been to. It's small and kind of quaint but it has many of the things you're looking for in a short city break. There are fast food chains, authentic restaurants, shops, efficienct public transportation (you might not need a ride because most of what you need is near or just around the center), banks, and all sorts of services for a comfortable stay. The city has famous landmarks and museums which you can include in your budget and itinerary for Iceland.
Some of the attractions you can visit include:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Rainbow Street
- Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders
- Mt. Esja day trip
- Old Harbor Area
- Reykjavik Maritime Museum
You can visit a few other places while in the capital. It's also a base for day trips to other parts of the country.
Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a popular route whenever people visit Iceland. Its accessibility and the relatively short distances between attractions are some of the reasons for its popularity. Gullfoss draws multiple crowds because of its photogenic look. The powerful cascading waterfalls and the surrounding landscape make it a beautiful spot in the country. Thousands of liters of water drop into the waterfalls' canyon.
Kerið is a beautiful crater lake that's also a part of the Golden Circle tour. Kerið isn't as old as some of the volcanoes in the country, that's why it still has hints of red instead of the usual black. Another noteworthy spot is Þingvellir National Park. The latter is a natural and cultural attraction. This is where you'll see the effects of the drifting of the tectonic plates. You'll also make a stop at Geysir during your visit.
You can book a tour here: Golden Circle tour
South Coast Iceland
Beautiful views and landscapes are a recurring theme when you explore the South Coast of Iceland. This region is a popular combination along with the Golden Circle for visitors who are short on time when they plan their budget and itinerary for Iceland. You'll see stunning vistas, waterfalls, beaches, and idyllic towns throughout your trip, whether it's a short day trip or a multi-day one.
Some of the places included in itineraries are:
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Vik
- Skogafoss
- Solheimajokull Glacier
- Seljalandsfoss
- Reykjadalur Valley
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Vatnajokull National Park
You'll enjoy your trip around even just a small section of Iceland's South Coast.
You can book a tour here: South Coast Iceland tour
Landmannalaugar
The hiking trails of this park are only open in the summer. The drive to the park provided spectacular views. I joined a tour and one of our stops was a waterfall called Haifoss. The highlight of a trip to this part of the country was the hike. I went through a lava field and saw colorful rhyolite mountains (which reminded me of China's Rainbow Mountains). There's a camping site, parking, toilets, and showers if you want to stay longer. You also have to pay an entrance fee which was included in the tour I booked. There's a small store which sells food and drinks, if you didn't bring your own.
You can go up one of the peaks to get spectacular overlooking views of the surroundings. It gets windy and cold even in the summer so prepare accordingly. I only saw one part of the huge park. If you have the time, you can go deeper and see more beautiful views during a multi-day trek. It's still possible to go to Landmannalaugar during the winter. However, you'll need to ride a super jeep.
You can book a tour here: Landmannalaugar day trip
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Snæfellsnes is a beautiful and stunning region which you can explore as a day trip from Reykjavik or on a longer road trip. Its most recognizable spot is Kirkjufell. You'll recognize it quickly once you see it because it's all over social media and magazines. It is also one of the filming locations in the hit series "Game of Thrones." Some would say that this area is a "Mini Iceland" because it has a little bit of everything that the country offers.
There are waterfalls, spectacular landscapes, black sand beaches, craters, glaciers, old churches, lava fields, and rock formations. Some of the places you can include in your itinerary are:
- Kirkjufell Mountain
- Snaefellsjokull National Park
- Arnarstapi and Gatklettur Rock
- Londrangar Cliffs
- Budir Black Church
- Djupalonssandur Black Beach
- Bjarnafoss Waterfall
The itinerary for a day trip varies depending on the tour company. I only did a day trip but it left me wanting more. You can explore more on your own, if you rent a car.
You can book a tour here: Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour
Where to Stay in Iceland
Iceland is an expensive place to visit. Even hostel dorm rooms are quite pricey. You have more accommodation options if you stay in the capital Reykjavik. You can find affordable accommodation at www.booking.com, I always look for a place to stay through that website.
Budget for Iceland
There's no other way to put it, Iceland is an expensive destination. The country is always on the list of countries with the highest cost of living. However, with careful planning and saving, you can visit Iceland.
Iceland uses their own currency, the Icelandic Krona (ISK). Exchange rates will vary so I'll use their currency when I put values here. A budget of around ISK 150,000 for a six-days trip includes:
- Hostel dorm accommodation
- Budget meals and food from supermarkets/grocery stores and affordable restaurants
- Round trip airport transfers for my arrival and departure
- Day trips with guide and transportation
The budget mentioned above doesn't include flights to and out of Iceland. Renting a car in Iceland is expensive if you're traveling on your own. The only way you'll save money on a car rental is if you maximize its capacity and everyone contributes. Some roads will require a different type of vehicle and will cost more to rent. Reykjavik is a walkable city wherein you might not need to take public transportation or taxis unless you're going further out of the city center. You can spend more or less than ISK 150,000 for six days. It depends on your chosen travel style, the types of accommodations you stay in, the places where you eat, and the attractions you want to visit.
Itinerary for Iceland
When you make a budget for Iceland, this is an itinerary you can follow.
Day 1I would recommend taking the earliest possible flight to Reykjavik so that you'll have plenty of time to explore the city once you arrive. Some of the places you can visit include:
- Hallgrimskirka
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Laugavegur (shopping and dining street, and the famous rainbow street)
- Reykjavík City Museum
- National Museum of Iceland
- Saga Museum
- Þúfa and the Old Port of Reykjavik
Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day 3Go hiking in Landmannalaugar
Day 4Chase waterfalls and see the beautiful landscapes of South Iceland
Day 5Explore the Golden Circle
Day 6Depending on the time of your flight, you'll have time to hang out in the city and/or buy souvenirs.
You can add or subtract days and activities depending on your budget and interests.
