Best Budget Winter Trip From Reykjavik, Iceland
Experience the magic of Iceland with a five-day winter adventure based entirely from Reykjavik! As a solo traveler on a tight budget, I discovered that exploring this stunning country without a car is not only feasible but incredibly rewarding. With some pre-planning, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the capital while still taking day trips to breathtaking natural wonders. From personal experience and being on a tight budget, Iceland will not leave you disappointed as this country has so much to offer that I have it back on my bucket list to visit the country again but in the summer season.
Captial city of Iceland in Winter - Reykjavik
Landed into Keflavik, Iceland’s main international airport. My first winter day in Iceland and feeling very excited.
Day 1 - Exploring the City
After my morning flight from Brussels to Amsterdam and then landing in Iceland by plane, I jumped onto a pre-booked bus transfer outside of the airport terminal that took me to BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. After being dropped off at the bus terminal walked to the hotel which was located in the heart of the city as I wanted to be close to the action.
Images above: Typical winter street scape in Reykjavik.
After dropping off my bags at a cozy hotel, I headed to the shore line near the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre and was captivated by the striking architecture of the concert hall, where I enjoyed free access to both its interior and exterior.
Day 2 - Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobiling Day Trip
Exploring the Golden Circle is a must for any traveler in Iceland, as you get to see the county’s most stunning natural wonders at it’s best in the winter season plus the extra bonus to this trip was experiencing a snowmobile ride of a lifetime. I booked this day trip through TripAdvisor. It takes about 10 hours and included a warm bus ride to Thingvellir National Park and a snowmobile experience.
It was a wow moment viewing and hearing the powerful Gullfoss waterfalls. Not too far from the waterfalls got to watch the Geysir Geyser.
Next was a bus ride to Langjokull glacier for amazing snowmobile experience on the second largest ice cap in Iceland Langjokull. We had to change buses to what is called a super truck as the bus from Reykjavik wasn’t design for the rugged terrain. The landscape was like a being on the moon.
Day 3 - Exploring More of the City
Beyond the iconic sights, I watched some people playing soccer on lake covered in thick ice, visited Saga Museum, LAVA Centre, and National Museum of Iceland to learn more about Iceland and it’s history, and then did lots more walking to soak in the culture of this amazing city.
Day 4 - The Glacier Hike and South Coast Day Trip
Took another action-packed day trip to the south by mini bus from Reykjavik. I booked this 12 hour day trip through TripAdvisor. Our first stop was a hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier. After the glacier hike, we stopped at Seljalandsfoss waterfall before going to dangerous The Black Sand Beach where we got to watch the waves of the Atlantic ocean. After a lunch break at The Black Sand Beach we visited another waterfall - the majestic Skogafoss before heading back to the city. That night the people on the day tour decided to meet up later for dinner and drinks before setting off on our own ways.
Day 5 - The Departure Day
Final day was spent wandering around the city and doing a bit of shopping before hopping onto the pre-booked bus transfer back from BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik to the International Aiport.
Top tips from this trip that I did on a very tight budget and as a solo traveller:
Eating out at resturants can be quite expensive so head to local supermarket instead.
Pre-book as much as you can such as airport transfers and day trips. I did have another day trip booked for day 3 but was cancelled due to bad snow storm so the back up plan was spending more time in the city as there is so much to do.
As a solo traveller, day trips are a great way to meet other people and you may get the opportunity to go out for dinner like I did.
View of Iceland when departing from the International Airport.
