Iceland on a Budget – A Winter Guide to Exploring the Land of Fire and Ice
- allannahtravels
- Dec 18, 2018
- 19 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2019
Not long ago, Iceland was a destination relatively unheard of to anyone but the most extreme adventurers. In 2018, it is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Positioned directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, Iceland is a highly-active geological wonderland, comprising some of the world’s most unique and fascinating landscapes. And, setting its geological history aside, it’s isolation in the Northern Atlantic makes Iceland home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, extreme weather conditions, and contributes to an intriguing history and culture.
Although summer is the busiest time to visit Iceland, winter is still considered to be peak season. Amidst the snow and cooler temperatures, Iceland’s landscapes look more dramatic than ever, as glaciers advance toward the coast, icebergs fill the shorelines, and most significantly, the northern lights dance across the night sky.
I have wanted to travel to Iceland for as long as I can remember; for a geologist, it is everything we read about in textbooks. Although time and money were limited during my trip, I still had an unforgettable experience, and recommend Iceland to any one with a passion for the outdoors or just something a little unique. This blog outlines my quick and cheap 4-day itinerary, which will provide you with an exciting glimpse into this incredible Land of Fire and Ice.
Fun Facts
Before we get started, here are some things you probably didn’t know about Iceland!
Iceland was settled by Vikings from Norway sometime in the 800 AD. This makes Iceland a fairly young country when it comes to settlement, and also contributes to its distinct cultural background.
Iceland is one of only two places where you can see two of the Earth’s tectonic plates meeting above the Earth’s surface. The North American and Eurasian plates are visible at Þingvellir National Park and move apart roughly 2 cm per year.
Iceland averages a volcanic eruption every 4 years and is home to more than 125 volcanoes.
More than 80% of the country is powered by hydro and geothermal energy!
Iceland has a population of only 300,000 people! This is equivalent to the Bahamas or the city of Christchurch in New Zealand. Over 60% of this population live in Reykjavík, making the country largely rural.
More than 50% of present-day Icelanders believe in the existence of fantastical beings, such as trolls and elves.
There is very little crime in Iceland and virtually no violent crime. Iceland does not have a standing army, and police do not carry guns.
Iceland is home to many strange traditional foods including whale, puffin, fermented shark, sheep’s head and even pickled ram’s testicle.
Forget about picking up a Big Mac – there are no McDonalds restaurants in Iceland.
Beer remained illegal in Iceland until 1989!
Strip clubs are illegal in Iceland.
As Iceland is located close to the Arctic Circle, the country experiences long winter nights and long summer days, with almost 24 hours of darkness in December and nearly 24 hours of daylight in June. This also makes it a great place to witness the Northern Lights.
The Perfect 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: The Golden Circle
Route: The Golden Circle
Distance: 250 km
Driving Time: 3.75 hours
Highlight: Þingvellir National Park, Haukadular Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, Kerið Crater Lake
The Golden Circle is a 250-kilometre route to four of the most popular natural attractions in Iceland: Geysir Geothermal Area, Gullfoss Waterfall, Kerið Crater and Þingvellir National Park. This route takes about a day to drive and provides a first glimpse into Iceland’s fascinating geological features, landscapes and culture.
There are options to take a Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavík, however, I highly recommend renting a vehicle and driving the route yourself. Read more about transport options in the Planning section of this blog.
Stop 1 – Þingvellir National Park
The first stop and the largest attraction of the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park, located about 50 km and 45 minutes east of Reykjavík. The National Park has great geological significance as it is located within a rift valley directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This Mid-Oceanic Ridge is spreading at an average rate of about 2.5 cm per year, and over the past 10,000 years has widened by 70 metres. This makes is one of very few places in the world where you can walk between the continents.
If you are daring and qualified, you can also scuba dive in this no-mans-land, in a ravine filled with with crystal-clear spring water called Silfra. The visibility here can exceed 100 metres, revealing incredible geological sites, in water that remains at a refreshing 2°C throughout the year. If diving is not your thing, you can enjoy the park from many view points or take a walk though the valley.
GEO FACT
Not only is the Mid-Oceanic Ridge changing the geography of Iceland, it’s also responsible for the volcanic activity which created the island. As the two tectonic plates shift, fissures periodically form in the crust that allow molten rock from underground to surface as lava, forming Iceland's numerous volcanoes.
Stop 2 – Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is a hot-spring haven in Haukadalur Valley, located approximately 60 km and 50 minutes east of Þingvellir National Park. Geysir Geothermal Area is home to the geyser that named all others – Geysir itself. Although this feature is currently in a phase of inactivity, its neighbour Strokkur makes up for it, erupting every five to ten minutes to a height of up to 40 metres. The surrounding area is dotted with fumaroles, hot springs, and mud-pits, as well as two other active geysers.
Stop 3 – Gulfoss Waterfall
Gulfoss, the ‘Golden Waterfall’, is one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in Iceland. It plummets 32 metres over two tiers into Hvítá River Gorge below – a popular place to go rafting. The size of this feature is impossible to imagine and even more impossible to photograph.
Gulfoss Waterfall is just a ten-minute drive from Geysir Geothermal Area and is the furthest point along the Golden Circle Route. Remember to take a waterproof jacket!
Stop 4 - Kerið Crater Lake
Kerið Crater Lake is approximately 60 km and a five-minute drive from Gulfoss Waterfall. Depending on the season, the lake looks vastly different; in the summer it is coloured by red, iron-rich volcanic rock and bright vegetation, and in the winter the bright blue lake contrasts the surrounding snow cover. There is a small fee to enter (about €2 from memory); a donation to keep this area so well preserved. From the entrance you can take a path right to the crater’s edge, and descend down to the icy, pristine waters of the crater lake.
GEO FACT
Scientists believe that Kerið was once a cone-shaped volcano. Upon eruption, the volcano depleted its magma reserve, causing the foundation to fall in on itself and form a large crater. Over time, Kerið crater filled with water and formed the lake (or ice) you see today.
From Kerið Crater Lake, the Golden Circle route takes you back to Reykjavík via Selfoss. The drive is about 70 km and takes one hour. For accommodation options, food and drink recommendations, and a list of things to see in the city, check out the Planning section of this blog.
Day 2: Glaciers and Waterfalls
Route: Reykjavík to Vík
Distance: 250 km
Driving Time: 3.75 hours
Highlight: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Sólheimajökull Glacier, Sólheimasandur Plane Crash Site, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Day two involves driving the first section of the infamous Iceland Ring Road between Reykjavík and Vík; a route known for waterfalls, glaciers and black sand beaches. There are many features to see along this route – if you don’t have time for all of them don’t be disheartened, you can always make a stop on the way back!
Note: Before starting this section of the trip I recommend stocking up on food from supermarkets in Reykjavík. There are limited stores beyond the city, and the stores that are there are pricey. There is one supermarket in Vík, but the store hours are short – we arrived 10 minutes too late and ended up spending €60 on gas station nachos.
Stop 1 – Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is located just off Highway 1, about 1.5 hours (130 km) south of Reykjavík. Due to its close proximity to the Ring Road, it is one of the countries most famous and visited waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall falls approximately 60 metres from a tall cliff that once marked the country’s coastline.
A distinguishing feature of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is a pathway that stretches all the way around it. This is possible to walk behind the falls in both summer and winter; however, it can be slippery in icy conditions. Be sure to take a rain jacket with you and prepare to be soaked by the perpetual mist on the way.
Stop 2 – Skógafoss Waterfall
Continue along Highway 1 for another 25 minutes (30 km) and you will be able to see one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls – Skógafoss. Skógafoss has an astounding width of 25 metres and a drop of about 60 metres. Due to the amount of spray the waterfall produces, at least one rainbow is present any time the sun emerges from behind the clouds.
At the eastern side of Skógafoss you will find one of Iceland’s most famous hiking trails – Fimmvörðuháls Pass, which winds between two glaciers before ending in the incredible Þórsmörk valley. Look out for future blogs about this hike!
Stop 3 – Sólheimajökull Glacier
Sólheimajökull Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Iceland, and a popular place to take a guided hiking tour. Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the mighty ice cap Mýrdalsjökull and is an impressive eight kilometres long and over two kilometres wide. It displays crevasses, ice caves, spectacular ice ridges and formations, and vivid colouration of white, black and bright blue.
We organised a glacier hiking tour with a tour company called Extreme Iceland. The tour took approximately three hours and cost €70 (9,600 ISK) each. We had a friendly and informative guide who lead us over the glacier, via many amazing ice features and through an ice cave before returning to the carpark. Helmets, axes and crampons were provided, and it is recommended that you bring your own warm clothing and appropriate footwear. It is an incredible and unique experience – one of the highlights of our Iceland trip!
GEO FACT
Sadly, like all the glaciers in Iceland, Sólheimajökull is shrinking rapidly. A glacier lagoon at its base reveals how quickly it is receding: the length of an Olympic swimming pool every year! It seems like this change is already an irreversible consequence of climate change, and it may be gone within decades. Therefore, I recommend visiting while you still can.
Stop 3 – Sólheimasandur Plane Crash Site
The Sólheimasandur Plane Crash Site is one of Iceland’s most iconic and haunting photography locations. On November 24, 1973, a US Navy Douglas Super DC-3 aircraft was forced to land on Sólheimasandur’s black sand beach after experiencing severe icing. Thankfully, all crew members survived the crash, but the aircraft was abandoned and still remains on the beach 45 years later.
Sólheimasandur Plane Crash Site can be difficult to find - here are some directions to help you get there:
After leaving Sólheimajökull Glacier and returning to Highway 1, continue south along the Highway for about three kilometres.
Keep your eyes open for a carpark and a gate on your right. If you drive over a bridge you have gone too far.
In the winter, the access road is closed to the public, so you can leave your car in the carpark and walk to the crash site. The walk from the carpark is about four kilometres and takes about an hour. The road is relatively easy to follow, and there are some markers along the way.
Stop 4 – Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara is a world-famous black sand beach located just outside of the small fishing village of Vík. The beach rugged and dramatic, filled with roaring Atlantic waves and lined with enormous basalt columns and Hálsanefshellir Cave. The ocean here is rough because there are no significant landmasses between Reynisfjara and Antarctica, meaning the waves have thousands of kilometres to build. Reynisfjara is approximately 20 minutes (24 km) south of the Sólheimasandur Plane Crash Site, and only 10 minutes from of the village of Vík.
GEO FACT
These basalt columns (also known as columnar basalts) form when flowing lava encounters the ocean and cools rapidly. The lava solidifies and the resulting basalt rock fractures to form these hexagon formations or columns.
From Reynisfjara, the drive to Vík is only 10 minutes along Highway 1. This is a great place to base yourself for the next two nights. For accommodation options in Vík, check out the Planning section of this blog.
Day 3: Icebergs and Ice Caves
Route: Vík to Jökulsárlón Lagoon (return)
Distance: 400 km (return)
Driving Time: 5 hours (return)
Highlight: Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Crystal Ice Caves, Svartifoss Waterfall
Day three is all about ice! The southern section of the Icelandic Ring Road takes you to one of the most unique and magical sights in Iceland – Jökulsárlón Icebergs. Make sure you leave early so you have plenty of time to explore this unique landscape.
Stop 1 – Jökulsárlón Lagoon
Jökulsárlón Lagoon is one of Iceland's natural crown jewels and hosts thousands of people all year round. It is Iceland’s deepest lake at 248 metres, and is positioned south of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. The lagoon is formed naturally from melted glacial water and is perpetually growing while big blocks of ice crumble from the shrinking glacier - visibly demonstrating the effects of climate change. This, perhaps, makes the lagoon and the nearby glacier tongue even more special, as they will look different each time you pay them a visit.
The icebergs that break away from the glacier and fall into the lagoon, slowly melt and drift out to sea, where they are polished by the North Atlantic waves before being washed ashore on the jet-black beach called Breiðamerkursandur. This black stretch of sand is, therefore, always covered in these incredible, translucent, compact ice sculptures that glisten in the sun.
Stop 2 – Crystal Ice Caves
It is possible to go ice caving from Jökulsárlón Lagoon and explore a natural blue ice caves within Vatnajökull Glacier.
GEO FACT
These ice caves form as the glacier melts and water runs underneath the ice, sculpting it into tunnel formations. This means that each cave is different from the next – but the one thing they all have in common is the incredible electric blue colour.
Most ice caves are only accessible between November and March each year, and tours are very dependent on the weather. If it's too warm, the caves may melt or collapse, so you should never enter an ice cave unless you're with a guide. We organised an ice caving tour with Extreme Iceland for about €140 (19,200 ISK) each. The tour takes about 3 hours and starts from the Jökulsárlón Lagoon Café. We were picked up in a ‘super jeep’ and driven across rugged terrain to the ice caves. A tour guide provided helmets and directed us through the cave before giving us some time to explore solo.
The only downside to our experience was how busy the cave was during our visit. Although it was absolutely beautiful, it was overcrowded making it difficult to photograph and explore. Perhaps one of the larger, more remote caves would have been preferable - I recommend looking at all the ice caving options before you book a tour yourself.
Stop 3 – Svartifoss Waterfall
Svartifoss is one of the most unique waterfalls in Southern Iceland. It is situated in Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park, about 50 minutes (60 km) west of Jökulsárlón Lagoon, as you return to Vík.
Svartifoss is an elegant waterfall, only 20 metres tall, and beautifully framed by black columnar basalt formations. From the Svartifoss Visitor Centre, the hike to the waterfall is about 1.5 kilometres and takes about 90 minutes return. The trail is uphill most of the way, but the walk is relatively easy and definitely worth the detour.
Day 4: Returning to Reykjavík
Route: Vík to Reykjavík
Distance: 280 km
Driving Time: 3.5 hours
Highlight: Icelandic horses, Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights
If you are planning to stay in Iceland longer than four days, I recommend continuing east along the Ring Road toward Höfn and Seydisfjordur. Otherwise, the drive back to Reykjavík is beautiful and you have the opportunity to visit any sites you missed on the way. I recommend taking the time to stop and play with some cheeky Icelandic horses.
The rest of day four can be spent exploring the city of Reykjavík. Reykjavík is the northernmost capital of the world, comprised of a population so minute that it hardly amounts to a city. But despite being home to less than 200,000 locals, it presents a wealth of sights and activities that appeal to history, culture, and nature enthusiasts.
Here are some options for your final day in Reykjavík. We were caught in a snow storm so spent the day exploring the city and building an igloo in our backyard.
1. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular destinations. It is located approximately 50 km and 40 minutes west of Reykjavík and is only a 10-minute drive from Keflavík international Airport. The Blue Lagoon is a large lake that rests at a perfect bathing temperature of approximately 39°C. Although it may appear to be an incredible natural feature, the lake did not form naturally, but is actually excess water from a geothermal power plant. That being said, the water is completely clean and does not contain any chemicals; only natural minerals that have proven to be very good for your skin.
The popularity of the Blue Lagoon means that it is necessary to book days or weeks in advance. When you visit, do not expect to have the place to yourself. The entry fee is about €50 (6990 ISK) and opening hours vary depending on the season. For more information, check out this helpful blog.
Photo: mostlyamelie
2. Wildlife Watching
There are numerous wildlife tours offered in and around the city, including whale watching, dog sledding, puffin tours and horseback riding. By helicopter or boat, the most commonly sighted animals include minke whales, humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins and many different seabirds. The cost of these tours ranges from €50 to €200 (7000 to 28,000 ISK) depending on the length of the tour, preferred transportation method, and the quality of the tour provider.
3. Explore the City
A cheaper option is to explore the streets of Reykjavík’s city centre for shopping, food and culture. You can join a free walking tour or roam the streets at your own pace. This city has something for everyone.
If you like shopping, explore the main streets of Laugavegur, Bankastræti, Austurstræti, Lækjargata and Skólavörðustígur.
If you are interested in history, visit the Whales of Iceland Museum, Aurora Reykjavík Museum or Marshall House.
If you are interested in art, the largest art galleries are Reykjavík Art Gallery, Kjarval Museum and the National Gallery of Iceland. Also keep on eye out for stunning street art and smaller galleries scattered throughout the city;
If you are interested in architecture, walk along the Old Harbour to the impressive Harpa Concert and Conference Hall;
If you like a something a little different, visit the city's flea market, Kolaportið (open only on the weekends), or head to Grandi, the “fish packing district" where old factories and warehouses have been converted to quirky shops and cafes.
4. Hallgrímskirkja Church
Towering over the centre of Reykjavík is Hallgrímskirkja Church. At the top of this 75-metre-high expressionist building is a viewing platform that provides panoramic views over the entire city. Its architecture is inspired by the beautiful basalt columns of the Svartifoss waterfall that you would have seen in South Iceland. The tower is open daily (except Sunday) and entry to the viewing platform is about €6 (900 ISK).
5. The Northern Lights
If you have not been lucky enough to see the northern lights during your travels in South Iceland, you may be able to spot them in Reykjavík. A bonus of having a rental car is that you can drive out of the city to escape the light pollution and get the best view possible. For more information about the northern lights in Iceland see my Northern Lights Guide below.
Northern Lights Guide
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to experience the rare and spectacular Northern Lights.
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) are the visual result of solar particles entering the earth’s magnetic field. The intensity of the visual display depends on the solar activity from the sun and the acceleration of the these particles. As the particles ionize they appear as dancing lights in the sky, and depending on the element being ionized, the colour of the lights can change between green, purple, red, pink, orange or blue.
Due to the nature of the earth’s magnetic field, the auroras only appear at the Earth’s poles, usually above the 60° latitude mark in the north, and below the 60° latitude in the south (these ‘Southern Lights’ are called the Aurora Australis). Iceland, which sits at the latitude of approximately 64° north, is therefore, in a perfect position.
When can we see them?
It is possible to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland between September and April, however, the best time is from January to March. We visited Iceland in late February, which happened to be during a peak in solar activity.
As well as timing, the following conditions are required to see the Northern Lights in Iceland:
The night must be as dark as possible (a fuller moon, for example, will dim the aurora);
There should be as little light pollution as possible;
There should be little to no cloud cover;
And most importantly, there must be enough solar activity.
Cloud cover and solar activity can be forecast a few days in advance. While you’re traveling in Iceland, keep track of the forecast on this website.
How can we see them?
There are two ways to see the Northern Lights in Iceland – either by a guided tour or by renting a vehicle and searching for them yourself.
On our fourth night in Iceland we were lucky enough to experience some of the brightest Northern Lights of the season. The bright green ribbons were crystal clear in Reykjavík city centre! As we had a rental car, we went with the self-guided option and drove away from the light pollution of the city to the most rural location we could find. From here, the lights were absolutely breathtaking - we were very lucky.
If you prefer, you can take a guided northern lights tour with Extreme Iceland from Reykjavík. These tours run regularly from September to April, whenever the lights are anticipated. If tours are cancelled or unsuccessful, you will get another opportunity to see them for free. The advantages of a tour are that you will have experts directing you to prime locations, monitoring cloud movement, and taking photographs for you. Though this kind of experience does come at a cost – a four-hour tour with Extreme Iceland will set you back about €70 (9,900 Icelandic Krona).
How can we photograph them?
I love to take photos, but I do not have the latest and most expensive camera or equipment. I traveled with my smart phone and a GoPro Hero 4, which are both easy to transport, life proof, and still produce great photos. Once out of the city, my GoPro worked surprisingly well in capturing the Northern Lights. If you have a GoPro with you, adjust your camera to these settings to capture them yourself:
NIGHT MODE
Shutter – 30 seconds
Interval – Continuous
MP – 12MP wide
Spot Meter – OFF
Pro tune – ON
White Balance – 3000k
ISO Limit – 800
Sharpness - High
The best photos will be taken using a tripod, set up on a flat surface with the camera angled toward the sky. I found my best photos included the foreground/mountains as well. Once you click the capture button, the camera will take one photo every 30 seconds until directed otherwise. The longer you leave it, the greater chance you have of capturing something truly spectacular.
Tips
Here are some tips and lessons learned from our travels in Iceland:
Out of the capital, stores are limited and have unusual open hours. It is best to stock up on food before you leave the city.
Prepare for all weather conditions - base layers and good footwear are essential at this time of the year.
Beer in Iceland is very expensive (about €8 per can) so stock up on duty free vodka on your way out of the airport instead!
You may think that Winter is off-peak, but it is almost as busy as summer time in Iceland. Make sure you book your accommodation, rental car and tours in advance.
Most people in Iceland speak English but be sure to learn some basic Icelandic words out of politeness (hello, thank you and cheers are my go-to’s in a new country).
Be flexible with your schedule. Our plans changed many times, mostly due to weather conditions, and also because of delays with tours and spending more time at some places than others. Four days isn’t nearly long enough to explore this country, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t see everything you want – you’ll just have to book a second trip!
Planning
Itinerary
Here is a summary of our self-guided, four-day (five-night) itinerary.
Driving Conditions
During your trip you’ll be driving entirely on highways and paved access roads. The roads are generally cleared and well maintained, but it is still likely to encountered snow and ice en route. Drive slowly and allow plenty of time to get to your locations. Winter tires are essential at this time of the year and should come with your rental car.
Season
We visited Iceland in late February which is a great time to see the Northern Lights. The average temperature is zero degrees and you can expect about 8 hours of day light. Snowfall is highly likely and you may even encounter a blizzard or two.
Transport
I highly recommend renting a vehicle while in Iceland. The freedom that comes with having your own transport is worth it and the cost is not much more than relying on public transport and tour groups. We rented a seven-seat SUV from Nordic Car Rental for about €230 (31,400 ISK). Nordic Car Rental staff picked us up from the airport and drove us to their office location (about 10 minutes toward Reykjavík).
The price of petrol has steadily risen in Iceland since 2017. As of October 2018, the cost of petrol is around €1.71 (231 ISK) per litre. The total distance traveled in this itinerary is approximately 1000 km so be sure to take this into account when considering a rental car in your budget.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Iceland is expensive, however, having a large group meant that an Airbnb was a great option for us. In Reykjavík, our basement suite cost about €40 (5,500 ISK) each per night and was located about 10 minutes from the city centre. In southern Iceland, we stayed at the beautiful Katla House, located 30 km east of Vík. The house was rural and secluded, with an interior resembled a log cabin and excellent facilities. It was one of the highlights of our trip and cost about €34 (4,580 ISK) each per night.
If you are travelling solo or as a couple, hostels are the best option on a budget. We spent our final night in Reykjavík at the Capital Inn Hostel, which had good facilities, was located slightly out of town, and cost approximately €60 (8,200 ISK) each per night.
Food and Drink
Budgeting
Food and drink in Iceland is expensive. If you are on a tight budget, I highly recommend cooking your own meals whenever you can. Staying at Airbnb’s meant cooking was easy, and we saved sampling of local foods until our last night in Reykjavík. I also recommend stocking up on food from supermarkets in Reykjavík before driving south. There are limited stores beyond the city, and the stores that are there are pricey. There is one supermarket in Vík, but the store hours are short – we arrived 10 minutes too late and ended up spending 60 euros on gas station nachos.
Alcohol also comes at a cost in Iceland (considering beer has only been legalized in the last 30 or so years). I recommend picking up some duty-free vodka on your way out of the airport; it is much cheaper and surprisingly enjoyable!
Local Food
Icelandic cuisine is known for its strange meat options – whale, puffin, fermented shark and boiled sheep’s head to name a few. If you are not feeling that adventurous, fish is a very popular option, given the Iceland’s primary industry is fishing, and it is often served dried or in a stew. Lamb, Hot Spring rye bread, coffee and local craft beer should also be on your must-try list.
Cost
Here is a rough budget for a cheap four-day (five-night) trip to Iceland. This considers a solo traveler rather than our group of seven. Flights are not included.
Packing
Here are some essential items for your trip to Iceland:
Waterproof jacket or snow jacket
Thermal base layers - recommend Merino long sleeve top and leggings
Hiking or snow boots
Thermal socks
Casual change of clothes and shoes
Swimwear
Beanie
Scarf
Warm gloves
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Cameras
Phone
Europe adapter
Water bottle
Passport
Cash (ISK) - we payed for all tours, accommodation and car rental in advance, so we only took a small amount of cash for food and petrol. Credit cards are accepted in most places.
Useful Websites and Blogs
Finally, here are some websites and blogs that helped me plan my trip to Iceland. Be sure to also check out my other European guides for traveling on a budget.
Weather/Aurora Forecast
Road/Driving Conditions
Travel Information/Blogs
