Europe

Iceland

Land of fire and ice. Stunning landscapes, geothermal pools, and the Northern Lights.

📅Visited: September 2024
💰Budget Friendly
🎒Light Travel

Our Iceland Journey

September 2024 - 6 Days

Our Route

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Crowd Levels

Moderate Crowds

Moderate crowds at popular spots like Golden Circle and Jökulsárlón. Remote areas like Westfjords were much quieter. September is perfect shoulder season!

Day by Day

Our Top Recommendations

Must Visit

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Absolutely stunning and otherworldly. Don't miss Diamond Beach across the road.

Must Do

Silfra Snorkeling

Once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming between continents in crystal clear water

Budget Tip

Camping + Grocery Shopping

Camping saves a fortune vs hotels. Buy groceries at Bonus supermarket for major savings on food

Hidden Gem

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Stunning moss-covered canyon that feels like another planet (check if open before visiting)

Weather Tip

Layer Everything

Weather changes multiple times per day. Waterproof outer layer is essential year-round

Essential Information

Camping Tips

  • Wild camping is prohibited - use designated campsites
  • Campsites cost ~1,500-2,500 ISK per person per night
  • Facilities usually include showers, toilets, cooking areas
  • Bring warm sleeping bag and good tent (weather can be harsh)
  • Many campsites close after September

Must Book in Advance

  • Silfra snorkeling/diving
  • Blue Lagoon tickets (3+ weeks ahead)
  • Glacier hiking tours
  • Ice cave tours (seasonal)
  • Westman Islands ferry (if choosing alternative Day 5)
  • Rental car (book early for better rates)

Driving Notes

  • Speed limits: 90 km/h on paved roads, 80 km/h on gravel roads
  • Watch for sheep on roads, especially in rural areas
  • F-roads (mountain roads) require 4WD and are closed in winter
  • Gas stations can be far apart - fill up regularly
  • Single-lane bridges require yielding
  • Weather changes rapidly - check road.is and safetravel.is

Optional Activities

  • Whale watching from Reykjavik or Húsavík
  • Lava show in Vik
  • Glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull
  • Ice cave tours (winter only)
  • Puffin watching (May-August)
  • Northern Lights tours (September-April)

Budget Breakdown

AccommodationCamping: ~1,500-2,500 ISK per person per night (~$11-18 USD)
Food & DiningGroceries and camp cooking: ~3,000-4,000 ISK per person per day (~$22-30 USD). Restaurant meals: 2,000-4,000 ISK (~$15-30 USD)
ActivitiesSilfra snorkeling: ~25,000 ISK (~$180 USD), Blue Lagoon: ~10,000-15,000 ISK (~$75-110 USD), Glacier tours: 10,000-20,000 ISK (~$75-150 USD)
TransportationRental car: ~8,000-15,000 ISK per day (~$60-110 USD), Gas: expensive, budget ~15,000 ISK per tank (~$110 USD)

Top Highlights

Golden Circle
Diamond Beach
Black Sand Beaches
Northern Lights
Westfjords
Gullfoss Waterfall
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Budget Tips

1

Rent a camper van

2

Shop at Bonus supermarket

3

Free hot springs outside Reykjavik

Location

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64.9631°, -19.0208°

Interactive map coming soon