4 Nights Iceland Itinerary- Budget Trip
Iceland, a land of dramatic landscapes and natural wonders, offers stunning sights at every turn. From cascading waterfalls to rugged terrain, geothermal features to the Northern Lights, the country's beauty is unparalleled. Reykjavik, its vibrant capital, boasts colourful streets and a lively arts scene. Whether hiking through volcanic landscapes or exploring charming villages, Iceland promises an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers.
I would recommend stay in Iceland for 4 nights. This would be the perfect amount of time to see a good amount of Iceland, especially if you are on a budget. However, you could easily stay for 2 weeks and drive around the whole country if you have the time and money. I recommend staying in the capital Reykjavik.
Reykjavik stands out as the ideal base for exploring Iceland. Not only does it offer the most vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of accommodations, but it also serves as a convenient hub with easy access to the international airport. With its lively streets, eclectic dining scene, and cultural attractions, Reykjavik provides ample opportunities for exploration and entertainment. Plus, its location makes it a perfect starting point for day trips to nearby natural wonders and attractions.
Renting a car is undoubtedly the most convenient and budget-friendly option for exploring Iceland's natural wonders. Whether you're traversing the iconic Golden Circle or embarking on the scenic Southern Coast route, having your own vehicle offers flexibility and freedom. While organised tours can be costly and may impose time constraints, renting a car allows you to set your own pace and itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive in Iceland early morning and pick up pre-booked rental car (fly to Keflavik airport)
- Drive to accommodation in Reykjavik (check parking availability).
- Spend the day exploring Reykjavik, including Rainbow Street and Hallgrimskirkja Church.
- Try dinner at Cafe Loki, known for Icelandic dishes like fermented shark.
- In the evening visit pubs/bars or dart bars in Reykjavik.
Day 2
- Start early for Golden Circle route.
- Drive to Thingvellir National Park (1-hour drive from Reykjavik)
- Visit Silfra Meeting Point and Oxararfoss Waterfall in the national park
- Drive to Bruarfoss Waterfalls, stop when you see the Icelandic Ponies en route
- Geysir Geothermal Area (30-minute drive)
- Gullfoss Waterfalls (10-minute drive from Geysir)
- Kerid Crater (20-minute drive from Gullfoss)
- Drive home and have dinner at Napoli
Day 3
- In the morning go Whale watching with Elding Whale Watching tours (£75 for 3 hours)
- Lunch at DEIG Workshop
- Visit the Blue Lagoon (entry fee £75 and an hour drive away from Reykjavik)
- Dinner at Posthus Food Hall and Bar
- At night drive out of city for Northern Lights viewing (do your research and look at the aurora forecast and cloud coverage)
Day 4
- Drive to Vik (3-hour drive, leave early to be able to see all the spots)
- Explore Black Sand Beaches and viewpoints.
- Skogarfoss Waterfall (30-minute drive from Vik)
- Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui Waterfalls (20-minute drive from Skogarfoss)
- Return home
- Dinner at KROST
Make sure when you are going on a day trip out of the capital to bring pack lunches. This way is cheaper and easier when on the road. Place to eat become more expensive and limited the further you go out of Reykjavik.
Day 5
- Explore rest of Reykjavik if time permits
- Lunch at Hygge Coffee and Micro Bakery
- Indulge in Omnom Chocolate ice cream
- Visit some of the Museums
- Drive to airport and drop off rental car and head home
Useful Tips and Information
- Most places accept card payments, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases
- The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK), and the country is known to be expensive
- Cheaper Accommodation will be around £80 to £100 per night for Airbnb's in Reykjavik. However, there are a lot of good options for these prices
- Opt for having breakfast at your accommodation and bring packed lunches for day trips to save on dining costs
- Keep an eye on your petrol gauge as some remote areas may have long distances between petrol stations
- Fill up your car's tank whenever you see a petrol station to avoid running out of fuel
- Some attractions may charge for parking, so check beforehand to avoid unexpected fees
- The speed limit in Iceland is 55 mph (90 km/h), and roads are generally easy to drive, although winter conditions can bring snow and ice
- Be mindful of speed cameras along the roads to avoid fines
Thank you for reading and I hope this blog helps you with your travels. Iceland is an incredible country and I would definitely recommend visiting. We visited in the winter. Which is known for a good time to see the Northern lights and seeing whales. Bare in mind it will be snowy and icy condition. If you want to avoid this, visit in spring or summer. However, both time of year are just as beautiful. If you this helped you please save it. Safe Travels.
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