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3 Days in Iceland on a Budget

Iceland 3 days

Iceland. The Land of Fire and Ice. A country with beautiful black sand beaches, wondrous waterfalls, and glorious geysers, where travel budgets get pushed to their limits. Sure, Reykjavík is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but the Bros believe that anything is possible.

Iceland is one of the top spots on traveler’s bucket lists, and with Icelandair offering free stopovers in Reykjavík, it’s time to strike while the iron is hot. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Iceland on a budget.


DAY 1

GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR

The Golden Circle tour. The most popular thing to do in Iceland for sure, but why spend extra money on a tour? Your time at each stop will be limited. You’ll be ushered from spot to spot as quickly as possible while competing with a bus full of tourists for the same photos. You won’t get to truly appreciate nature as it was meant to be appreciated. And trust us, the nature in Iceland is pretty spectacular and you’ll want to soak it all in.



The best way to start your 3 days in Iceland on a budget is to check into a hostel, talk to your roommates, and split a rental car. When you split the cost between 3 or 4 people it’s actually pretty affordable. Having your own car means you will be in control of your own destiny. You’ll be able to go at your own pace, turn down random mysterious roads and explore parts of Iceland that aren’t included in a packaged Golden Circle Tour. Talk to the front desk at your hostel, as they can often arrange to have the car dropped off right at your doorstep!


Here’s a list of the stops to make on your “Do It Yourself” Golden Circle Tour along with some google maps directions. Follow this plan on Day 1 to get off to a good start on your 3 days in Iceland on a budget.


BROS TIP: To keep costs in check, hit the grocery store in Reykjavík before departing on your road trip. Pack the car with homemade smørrebrød like a local. Smørrebrød is a traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwich. Your wallet and stomach will thank you later. Who said Iceland has to cost an arm and a leg?


DAY 2

ROAD TRIP ALONG THE SOUTHERN COAST

The Golden Circle may be the most popular, but the Bros think a road trip along the southern coast of Iceland is really where it’s at. The drive will pass through otherworldly landscapes. Is this Iceland or Mars? You’ll encounter the unique, majestic horses of Iceland as you drive with your jaw wide open due to the stunning scenery surrounding you.


You’ll hike on top of a magnificent waterfall that regularly displays rainbows. If that’s not impressive enough, how about walking behind and standing underneath a waterfall that is regularly ranked as one of Iceland’s best? And since you have your own rental car, you’ll have time to stop off at a hidden waterfall. Afterward, debate with your friends about which one ranks at the top of your list. It’s sure to be a tough debate.  


The Day 2 itinerary also includes one of the most popular spots for photos in all of Iceland, the black sand beaches of Vík. Take a stroll towards the basalt columns at the edge of the beach. Climb the rock structures and get lost in your surroundings. There’s not another place on Earth like this one. Keep an eye out for the puffins, funny miniature penguin-looking birds. See below for the must-see stops of your drive along the southern coast. Here are some directions for the day. 

BROS TIP: Choose your adventure around these spots below. Remember, there’s plenty more to explore in between. The best parts of your own Iceland road trip are often the times when you decide to make a random left or right turn. See where your curiosity leads you. Spontaneity is the key to an epic 3 days in Iceland on a budget.



DAY 3

A DAY IN REYKJAVÍK

Your trip to Iceland won’t be complete without some time in the world’s northernmost capital of Reykjavík. With a population of about 130,000, it has a small town feel and is known for being green, clean and safe. If you only have 3 days in Iceland and you’re on a budget, the Bros believe one day is enough. Here’s a list of things to do during one day in Reykjavik.

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Backpacking Europe on a budget? Looking to travel around the world on the cheap?! Check out our Backpacker Budget posts for:


READY FOR 3 DAYS IN ICELAND ON A BUDGET?


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