Iceland: it’s been on every traveler’s mind since its tourism began to boom in 2010. There are two things avid adventurers know about Iceland; it’s beautiful, and it’s expensive. If you are on a budget, one of the best ways you can still afford to do Iceland is by packing in a lot in a short period of time. Flights to Iceland are comparable to other European countries from the United States, but here, the cost of food, rental cars, and accommodations can add up quickly. Traveling in the off season is one way to cut down on the third. Thus, having a short stopover during winter months on your way to other, more affordable, European destinations is the best way to do Iceland economically. And don’t worry, you won’t have to compromise on the beauty.
Logistics
While it may be chaotic, you can see plenty of Iceland within two days. In the winter, you’ll be battling sunlight. The best way to utilize your time is by renting a car from the airport. I personally had a great experience with Blue Car Rental. In Iceland, you do not want to gamble with the insurance. Roads and weather can be unpredictable – buy it. A GPS or paper maps may also be handy, as cellular service can be spotty. When you get gas, input the amount you want. Don’t just “fill her up” as this can create a hold on American cards. There are large stretches of land without civilization, so make sure your tank is full. Get a small amount of Krona (Icelandic currency) as some places out of the city, or small businesses, may not take cards.
Day One: Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon
Iceland is filled with hidden gems, but when short on time, don’t rule out the tried, true, and easy to get to! While the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon may be considered touristy, they got that reputation for good reason. Before you get lost in the wild looking for some secret spot, make sure your first trip to Iceland includes these staples.
Þingvellir National Park
Start your days early in Iceland making sure you arrive at your first stop just as the sun is coming up. You may even momentarily get Þingvellir National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, all to yourself. While the park is free, there will be a small fee for parking. Stop by the visitors center to grab a warm beverage, a map, and see the best view you’ll ever get from toilets – I kid you not – before embarking on the trail. The main hike here will allow you to see the Mid Atlantic ridge above ground as you walk through the fissure between two tectonic plates, the Eurasian and North American. On a dark note, you’ll walk past a historic drowning pool used to carry out executions in the 1600’s before concluding at the Öxarárfoss waterfall. This hike takes about an hour and a half and is rated easy by All Trails but can be slippery in winter. Crampons are recommended.
Haukadalur Geothermal Field
Haukadalur Geothermal Field, or the Geysir Hot Spring Area, is your next major spot along the Golden Circle. Here, you can see Great Geysir, mostly dormant, and Strokkur, active every few minutes. While you might not need a lot of time here, it is cool to see the steaming and bubbling ground before the inevitable fountain of water bursts from the earth up to 100 feet in the air. Further, you’ll get to see rich and colorful, if somewhat barren in winter, landscape. Warm up and grab a bite inside the elegant yet cozy Geysir Center. Plates here will run you between $16 – $20 USD. To save money and time, consider bringing some groceries or snacks with you on the road.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Dropping 106 feet and spanning 575 feet wide, Gullfoss Waterfall is ever growing due to the constant erosion. Though it is nowhere near the size of Niagara Falls, Gullfoss Waterfall is simply breathtaking. Cascading water drops down two tiers to a canyon below, surrounded only by nature. While the flow averages 1400 m³/s in the summertime and 80 m³/s in the wintertime, seeing it in the winter surrounded by ice and snow makes for a magical experience. View it first from the upper observation decks before walking the trail to get a closer view. This path is often closed for safety in the winter, but walking around the open areas will give you varying perspectives of this immense and immaculate landmark.
Kerið Crater
Sometimes overlooked in comparison to the preceding attractions, Kerið Crater should not be skipped. This 3,000 year old volcanic crater cultivates a captivating contrast between the blue water and the surrounding red volcanic rock. Kerið Crater is around 180 ft deep, 560 ft wide and 890 ft across. You can simply walk the upper perimeter or walk down to the lake’s edge. The entrance fee is just a few dollars and well worth the addition to your trip.
Blue Lagoon
You cannot go to Iceland without going to Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa can quickly become the highlight of any Iceland trip and is the country’s most popular tourist attraction. It is the perfect way to end your first winter day in Iceland as the waters stay at a dreamy 98–102° F. The on site hotel and restaurant are quite pricey, so plan on staying back in Reykjavik and grabbing dinner there. The entry fee is more manageable and very worth it. Starting around $62 (though this can vary by date and time), the basic comfort package gives you access to Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, a drink of your choice, and use of a towel.
Upon entry, you’ll be given a wristband to access your locker and to wear into the water. It tracks your redemption of the complimentary mask and drink, and allows you to buy additional. You’ll get your drink while in the water from their swim up bar. They offer beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Float over to the mask bar and lather up with the healing silica mud. Later, wash your face in the very water you are wading through, but be careful to keep your hair out of the water. While the water has restorative properties for skin, it will dry out your hair for days. Blue Lagoon has you shower using their products before and after your time in the water. Arrive before sunset to get to appreciate the azure waters but stay until after dark for mystifying beauty.
Day Two: South Coast, Vík and Reykjavík
If you are on a short trip to Iceland with accommodations booked in Reykjavik for the duration of your stay, don’t rule out seeing more of the island. You can experience many of the wonders of the South Coast within a two hour drive from the capital. Warning, this will leave you wanting to come back for more!
Seljalandsfoss
If you are planning a trip to Iceland, you have already seen photos of the astounding Seljalandsfoss. A short walk from the parking lot leads you to a path that will give you perfect views of the waterfall from both in front of and behind it! Yes, you can walk behind this 200 ft waterfall. Although the ground may be slightly slick, the path behind the waterfall is wide enough to feel safe and worth taking a lap, or two. Both of the “entrances” to the path require some agility to move up and down rocks. Trekking poles or assistance could be helpful. As with many locations in Iceland, raincoats are recommended.
Skógafoss
Drive another thirty minutes with rocky cliffs on your left and flat plains with ocean views on your right – the journey is truly part of the destination in Iceland. While Skógafoss is approximately the same height as Seljalandsfoss, it has an impressive width of over 80 ft. Take in the view from the misty bottom before climbing 527 steps to the viewing platform which puts you above the waterfall and feels like the top of the world. Here, avid hikers can begin the over 16 mile long Fimmvörðuháls trail where there will be plenty of additional waterfalls. You can also take a short walk up the path to see further up the river before returning to your car.
Reynisfjara Beach
It’s only another thirty minute drive from Skógafoss to Reynisfjara beach, where you get multiple impressive geological features to treat your eyes to all in one stop. It’s just a short walk from the parking lot to this iconic black sand beach, a sea cave, the famous rock pillars for which the beach is known, and basalt sea stacks towering in the sea. While taking in the beautiful and impressive scenery, you will notice enormous waves. These waves are sneaker waves and not to be messed with. This beach is enjoyable and well worth the stop, but to be safe make sure you keep your distance from the water.
Vík
Less than fifteen minutes away you’ll find Vík, a small picturesque seaside village with a population under four hundred. Looking over the town is Víkurkirkja Church. Like the town, the church is relatively new. Built-in 1934, this is a perfect spot to get a good picture and an even better view. Although the town is small, you can fill an evening here. Try taking a horseback ride along the beach, seeing an indoor lava show, or grabbing a bite to eat before making the two and a half hour drive back to Reykjavik.
Reykjavik
While most of the country’s tourists come for the untouched natural beauty of Iceland, there is much to be offered in the often overlooked capital city. Once the sun goes down, you won’t have a lot to see out on the road, unless you have a chance to see the northern lights (you can check using the Hello Aurora app). Allot a few after-dark hours on your trip to see some of Reykjavik’s highlights.
At 244 feet, Hallgrimskirkja church is the second tallest building in the city. For less than $10, you can ascend to the tower via elevator and look out from behind the clocks or continue on up some additional stairs for an even higher view. Give yourself a street art tour by walking down the Instagram worthy Rainbow Road then heading to other major murals such as “Ode To Mother” on Laugavegur street, “Heavy Stones Fear No Weather” on Ægisgata Street, and Tupac and Einstein sharing a beer at Bar Kaldi. If you’re planning to visit the Sun Voyager sculpture, you’ll set yourself up to have an easy walk along the water to view the glimmering Harpa Concert Hall. End Iceland on a sweetnote with treats from Omnom Chocolate Ice Cream Shop, featured on Netflix’s Down to Earth with Zac Efron.
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