Iceland Archives -

Iceland: How much does it cost? (and how to save money)

September 26, 2019April 14, 2018 by Natalie

Before I went on my trip to Iceland, one thing I heard the most was how expensive it was. So, I thought I was prepared just knowing this bit of information. Welll… this wasn’t the case.

The million dollar question is (no pun intended!): “Is Iceland Expensive?” And yes, it is! When I saw the cost of a meal I nearly fell down.

BUT there are ways you can save money so that it isn’t as painful for you or your bank account. I’ll break down the cost of my trip, and how we saved money, to give you an idea of what to expect, so that you can actually be prepared!

Flights

This will vary greatly, depending on deals at the time and where you are flying from. I like to use an app called “Hopper” which watches flight prices for you, the cheapest days to fly, and tells you if you should book a flight or keep waiting. The cost for my flight from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Iceland was $701 CAD roundtrip (although, I have seen deals for as low as $500).

Accommodation

My first choice for accommodation is AirBnb, I love it. Depending on where you stay, you can get a lot more value for your money (like a kitchen, laundry, etc.). Make sure to read the reviews, so that you know what to expect and if the apartment fits your needs.

We stayed in a very central neighbourhood in Reykjavik (read this post for the best areas to stay in), so that we could be within close walking distances to what we wanted to see.

Prices will fluctuate during high and low seasons. We went in September, when the cost for accommodations was a bit lower. For 5 nights the total cost was $576 CAD.

Food – is it expensive in Iceland?

Ah, the food. Now this is where it can get expensiveeee! Before my trip, I heard that it would be expensive, but nothing could prepare me for how expensive it actually was. The cost for one meal is, on average, $30 CAD (at an inexpensive restaurant) to $65 CAD. Tipping is not expected in Iceland.

If you’re eating 3 meals a day this can definitely add up fast. We saved money by buying breakfast foods and snacks from a local grocery store so that we wouldn’t be eating out for every meal.

You can try and cook supper too, but if you’re anything like me the last thing you want to be doing on vacation is slaving away in a kitchen and missing out on local dishes (and more exploring!). I don’t mind breakfast foods because they are quick and easy.

The cost for food can vary in each grocery store, and some are more expensive than others. Check out Bonus for the better deals, or Krónan which is slightly more expensive but has more of a selection.

is iceland expensive - my meal in iceland — Enjoying an expensive (and delicious) meal of Lobster soup ($25 CAD) and an open-faced trout sandwich ($15 CAD).

Drink

Alcohol is also really expensive in Iceland. On average the price for a beer in Iceland is $13 CAD. I know, I almost fell down writing that! If you want to save money, a good tip is to buy it duty-free at the Airport when you arrive.

And whatever you do, don’t waste your money on bottled water. The water is so clean. Bring a water bottle with you and fill it up from the tap.

Transportation To and From the Airport

This can also vary depending on if you are renting a car or not. We didn’t rent a car, so to get to and from the airport there are a couple of different options.

The first option is if you want to head directly to Reykjavik. If you do, then you can take the Flybus. They have Wi-Fi on board and comfy reclining seats. You can opt to be dropped off at your hotel when you purchase your ticket, or at the Reykjavík BSÍ Bus Terminal. If you choose to be dropped off at your hotel, they will take you to the bus terminal anyway, and you will be transferred onto a minibus which will take you to your hotel. The bus terminal is really small, and very organized, so it isn’t too overwhelming once you are there.

If you are staying in an AirBnb, check Google Maps to find the closest hotel to your accommodation and ask to be dropped off there. A return bus voucher (with hotel drop off) starts at 4000 ISK ($50 CAD).

The second option is if you want to go to the Blue Lagoon before (or after) Reykjavik. For convenience, we booked our transportation through the Blue Lagoon’s website. When you buy your Blue Lagoon ticket you can add on transportation. This costs an additional 5500 ISK ($70 CAD), and includes return vouchers and pick ups/drop offs at your hotel.

Excursions

Now time for the fun part – exploring! But is Iceland expensive to explore? This all depends on how you explore it. A big decision before going to Iceland is whether to rent a car, or take day trips.

The cost to explore using a rental car, or going on day trips will all depend on how long you are staying in Iceland, what you want to do, and what your budget is like. For us, during our 5 days in Iceland it was much cheaper to go on day trips than to rent a car.

Day Trips

If you decide to go on a day trip, there are SO many tours available. Like riding an Icelandic horse, or going inside a volcano! Are these tours in Iceland expensive? It all depends on what you want to do, and also how much time you have.

The cost for the most popular day tours are:

Hot Golden Circle Tour: 10.900 ISK (or $140 CAD) – this includes admission to the Secret Lagoon!
South Coast Tour: 10.900 ISK (or $140 CAD)
Reykjanes Tour: 9.900 ISK (or $130 CAD)
Northern Lights: 9.900- ISK (or $130 CAD)

We traveled with the following tour companies, and really liked how small the groups were:

Blue Lagoon Costs

We booked the comfort package for 6.990 ISK (or $90 CAD). This includes Entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica Mud Mask, a towel, and a drink. Compared to the other packages, the main things that are missing is a robe, slippers and an algae mud mask. To save money, we brought our own robes and slippers (flip flops). For a complete guide to the Blue Lagoon, check out this post.

Reykjavik Costs

In Reykjavik, you can go up to the top of Hallgrimskiirkja church for under $10 CAD dollars. Well worth it for those iconic views of the city!

is iceland expensive - the view of Reykjavik — What a beautiful view!

Museums

The average price to go in a museum is about 2.000 ISK. However, if you plan to go to a lot of museums you can save money by purchasing A City Card. This gives free (or discounted) admission to museums, pools, and shops, and public bus transport.

We personally did not use this card while we were there, but if you are planning to check out a lot of museums, and want to go swimming in the local pools, then it may be worthwhile. The prices vary depending on how long you want the card to be valid for. For more details, check out their website.

One of the many museums you can visit during your trip to Iceland!

Shopping

Usually when you go somewhere new, you might want to go shopping and buy a souvenir or something to remind you of the country. One popular thing to buy is an Icelandic Sweater. They are on average $200 CAD.

A tip for shopping in Iceland: If you are not from there, you can take advantage of Tax Free Shopping. If you purchase something that is over 6.000 ISK (about $75 CAD), you can claim up to 14% and get money back! This doesn’t apply for food, accommodation or tours, though.

Claiming your refund is REALLY easy and is done in the following 3 steps:

In the store: When you buy something, ask the store clerk to fill out a tax free form. They will stamp or sign it and give the form back to you.
Fill in your name, address, country, passport number, signature and credit card number.
At the airport: BEFORE you check into your flight, follow the “Tax Free Refund” signs to a counter. There will probably be a line, but it moves quickly. They may ask to see what you purchased. Then, they will then ask if you want your refund by cash or credit card. Easy peezy. You are then ready to check in to your flight and go home!

Hopefully these tips and cost breakdowns of my trip to Iceland will help you with your trip! Are there any tips that you would recommend on how to save money on a trip? Let me know in the comments below.

Exploring Reykjavik in One Day – what to do and where to eat

December 19, 2019March 11, 2018 by Natalie

Reykjavik, Iceland is such a beautiful and artsy city with lots to see and do. It is easy to explore on foot – you can walk almost everywhere! Here is a suggestion for what to do, see and where to eat if you are spending one day in Reykjavik.

one day in reykjavik iceland. what to do and see, and where to eat

Visit Harpa

Harpa is a concert and conference centre located on the waterfront in Reykjavik. The architecture is stunning, so during your one day in Reykjavik it is worthwhile to walk around inside and admire the glass walls and views of the harbour. They also have lots of comfortable chairs you can sit on to relax or eat a snack. It’s a great place to go in the daytime and again in the evening when it is lit up with colourful lights.

Reykjavik in one day. See Harpa during the day and night. — Harpa

Reykjavik in one day: inside of Harpa — Inside of Harpa

Walk along the waterfront and see the Sun Voyager Sculpture

From Harpa, you can walk along the pathway along the waterfront to the Sun Voyager sculpture (Solfar). It’s a short walk (about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace), and there are nice views of the harbour. It can get quite busy at the statue since there are usually other tourists there taking pictures.

Walk along Laugavegur Street

From the statue, you are very close to the main shopping street, Laugavegur. It’s fun to wander around and take in the sites of this cool and trendy street, look around the shops, or grab a quick bite to eat. There is street art everywhere, which was really fun to look at!

Go to the top of Hallgrímskirkja church

It’s not hard miss this church since it’s located in the center of town and close to the shopping streets. Visiting the top of the church is the best place to see the incredible views of Reykjavik from up above, and take that iconic photo of the city below. We went at around sunset before dinner, and the city looked like it was glowing!

Going inside the church itself is free, but you will need to pay a small admission fee to take the elevator ride up to the top. It is 900 ISK (or about 8 CAD dollars).

The iconic view of Reykjavik from the top of the church.

Visit a museum during your one day in Reykjavik

If you plan to go to a museum, check their hours in advance since most close around 5pm. If you go in the morning, this will give you plenty of time to explore a museum and visit the rest of the sites around Reykjavik later in the day. Everything is within walking distance, so depending on which museum you start your day with you can easily walk to the next site.

A few museums to mention:

Penis Museum (also called The Icelandic Phallological Museum) – located on Laugavegur shopping street. It’s filled with the world’s largest displays of -you guessed it – penises!
Reykjavik Settlement Exhibition – An interactive exhibit about early Icelandic settlement. The area where this museum is located is quite central and about a 10 minute walk away from Harpa.

Walk around Tjornin pond next to the Reykjavik City Hall

This is a really scenic and relaxing area in the city. Our AirBnB was located around the corner from here, and it was such a nice to place to walk by! There are lots of ducks and geese there and it’s also very close to the Settlement Museum and central Reykjavik.

Where to eat if you have one day in Reykjavik

If you have one day in Reykjavik, there are so many amazing options for food that it can be hard to narrow it down. Here are a few:

The Laundromat Cafe: Cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Located close to the Tjornin pond, the Settlement Museum, and Harpa. Check out their menu.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: This is a small, popular hotdog stand close to Harpa. Their hotdogs are amaaaazing (ask for it with everything on it!), and there are little picnic tables you can eat at. They accept credit cards too!
The Noodle Station: Offering Thai soup with your choice of beef, chicken or vegetarian. Located on Laugavegur Street and close to the Penis museum. The price for a bowl of soup is about 1700 ISK (or about $20 CAD).
Reykjavik Roasters – Also located close to the church. Stop in for an award-winning cup of coffee.
Loki Restaurant – Relaxed, bright restaurant with nice artwork, and offers traditional Icelandic meals. You can even try fermented shark here if you are brave enough. Has amazing views of Hallgrímskirkja church! The café is downstairs and the restaurant is upstairs. The price for a meal (for one person) is on average 2500 ISK (about $30 CAD).

Walking route for one day in Reykjavik

Here is a map of where you can find the places that I have recommended. As you will see, everything is very close together and it is a very walk-able city! This is the general area where we walked, but of course one of the many joys in traveling is going off of the planned path and seeing what else is along the way!

Tips for one day in Reykjavik

Look out for the amazing street art! It is everywhere!
Drink the tap water – it is safe to drink and so clean.
Reykjavik is very safe to walk around!
The public washrooms are VERY private and clean.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, we didn’t use cash at all when we went.
We didn’t run into any language barriers while we were there – a lot of people were able to speak English very well.
The food is EXPENSIVE! To save money, we bought cereal, milk, and snacks at the local grocery store called Bonus.
It’s possible to see the Northern Lights from the city. They are not as vibrant because of the street lights and car lights everywhere, but when we were there, they were in the sky EVERY night! This is of course not guaranteed, since you know…weather…

Suggested Reading: 5 day in Iceland itinerary

View of the harbour from the top of Hallgrímskirkja

Have you been to Iceland? What was your favourite thing to do (and eat!) during one day in Reykjavik?

Rent a car in Iceland or take Day Trips?

September 17, 2019March 8, 2018 by Natalie

Making the decision on whether or not to rent a car while you are in Iceland can be tough. There are pros and cons to each, and lots of opinions on what is the best choice. In the end, it is up to you on what you can afford, what you want to do, and how comfortable you are driving in a new country.

Costs

The cost to rent a car in Iceland

The cost to rent a car can range depending on the type of car, insurance, if more than one person in your group is going to drive, a GPS, wifi, car seats, etc. Depending on the company you use, renting a car for 5 days is about $600 CAD. This doesn’t include the cost of gas.

If you’re interested in finding out exactly how much it would cost to rent a car for your trip, you can compare each rental company to see where you can get the best rate, check out this website here: https://www.autoeurope.com/

The cost of day trips in Iceland

Day trip prices can range depending on the type of tour you want to do, and how many you plan to do.

To give you an idea of how much it would cost to take day trips, the cost for the most popular day tours are:

Golden Circle: 10.900,- ISK (or $140 CAD)
South Coast: 10.900,- ISK (or $140 CAD)
Reykjanes: 9.900 ISK (or $130 CAD)
Northern Lights: 9.900,- ISK (or $130 CAD)
Return bus trip (to and from the airport, and pick up at your hotel): 6.950 ISK ($90 CAD). About $690 total

When we went to Iceland for 5 days, we traveled with the following tour companies, and really liked how small the groups were:

www.geoiceland.com
https://www.gtice.is
Bus trip to and from Airport: https://www.re.is/flybus

Flexibility

Renting a car in Iceland

Renting a car in Iceland allows you to have a lot of freedom. If you go to Iceland when it is daylight for most of the time, you can explore for as long as you want. If you go during Northern Lights season, you can drive at night to find them instead of paying for a tour company to take you.
You can also go visit areas that tour companies won’t take you to, you have the freedom to stop whenever you want and explore, you can stay at a site for as long as you want, and you can try and go to places during times that may not be as busy.

Going on day trips in Iceland

Day trips don’t have as much flexibility, but if you choose a company that only lets up to 19 people on a bus (instead of going with a larger company) then it doesn’t feel as rushed and crowded. Usually with a tour company they will let you know when you should be back at the bus. It usually doesn’t feel rushed, but if you really like an area and want to stay longer then you are limited in time.

Driving in a new country

Making sure you feel comfortable driving in a new country is also important. The roads aren’t extremely busy, but the weather can change very quickly. You also don’t want to get too tired while you are driving either.

On day trips, you can sit back and relax, nap, or just enjoy the scenery. You don’t need to worry about navigating your way around. They also were good at knowing what the weather was like at each area. For example, on our South Coast Tour, the driver knew it was raining at the Black Sand Beach, but it wasn’t raining at the waterfall we were planning to see. So he took us to the waterfall first and then to the beach so that we could avoid the rain cloud.

Learning the history

One of my favourite things about taking day tours was how much knowledge we learned about Iceland while we were there. We learned about folklore, and interesting stories and history about the areas we went to. One tour guide even sang us a traditional Icelandic lullaby which was so beautiful!

If you rent a car in Iceland, some companies have an option where you can get an audio guide book you can listen to while you drive.

I hope these tips helped! Have you been to Iceland before and rented a car, or took day trips? Let me know in the comments below!

6 Things to Know before Visiting Reykjavik, Iceland

July 30, 2019March 4, 2018 by Natalie

Travelling to a new city can be a daunting task. Where can I be close to everything? What can I do before I check-in? Is the neighbourhood safe? Below are 6 things to know before visiting Reykjavik Iceland.

Where should I stay?

Looking at a map of Reykjavik, it looks bigger than what is actually is. If you want to be close to the city center, then staying close to the pond or the Hallgrímskirkja church is ideal. Basically stay anywhere in the map below if you want to be central.

Our AirBnB was located close to the pond, and it was a 10-20 minute walking distance to all of the main sites (like Harpa, the Sun Voyager statue called Solfar, the waterfront, Hallgrímskirkja church, and the main Laugavegur street).

We were in a central, residential area so at night it was very quiet.

A map of Reykjavik Iceland where to stay to be within walking distance of the main attractions — Our accommodation was located near the red dot

Is Reykjavik safe?

Yes, Reykjavik is SO safe! We would be walking around late at night, early in the morning and never ever felt unsafe. It was so refreshing. Remember to use your common sense though and not get into cars alone with strangers late at night after a night of drinking. Otherwise, there are no neighbourhoods which are dangerous.

Will I need a car in Reykjavik?

If you plan to stay in central Reykjavik, and explore the rest of Iceland with guided day tours, then you won’t need a car. Reykjavik is a very walkable city, and we didn’t need a car to get around. If you are deciding on whether you want to rent a car to explore the rest of Iceland, check out this post here.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the Flybus from the Airport into Reykjavik. They have wifi on board and comfy reclining seats. If you are staying at an AirBnB, check Google Maps to find the closest hotel to your accommodation and ask to be dropped off there.

If you want to go to the Blue Lagoon before (or after) Reykjavik, without a car, you can book your transportation through the Blue Lagoon’s website. When you buy your Blue Lagoon ticket you can add on transportation.

If I were to go back to Iceland, I would rent a car. It looked easy to drive around Reykjavik, and you could easily explore the rest of Iceland. Also, if you wanted to get outside of the city at night to try and find the Northern Lights (without depending on a tour company), then you could do that too.

I arrive in Reykjavik early in the morning – What can I do before I check in?

Our flight arrived in Reykjavik at 4:30AM. Check-in times for most areas isn’t until about 10 or 11AM. There are a couple of things you can do: check your bags at the bus station when you arrive (if your hotel or AirBnB won’t let you drop your bags off before check-in), have breakfast in Reykjavik, and then walk around and explore the sites early in the morning (there are lots of free walking tours you can do too!). If you bags are still at the bus station, you would need to go back there and get them.

I personally recommend going to the Blue Lagoon right after your flight lands. They will store your luggage for a small fee so that you can swim and relax before you need to check-in to your hotel. Read my guide to the Blue Lagoon here.

Can I see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik?

We were lucky when we went and saw the Northern Lights every night we were there, even in downtown Reykjavik! Now remember this is not guaranteed, but it certainly is a nice treat when it happens. There are street lamps everywhere in Reykjavik, and cars driving around, which will make the Northern Lights not as vibrant – but you can still see them if you are lucky.

Watching the Northern Lights in downtown Reykjavik.

Is the Food in Iceland Expensive?

The last thing to know about visiting Reykjavik Iceland is the price of the food. Is it expensive? YES. I had known this before I visited, but nothing could prepare me for how much it actually was. However, there are ways to save money when you go! Read about how much a trip to Iceland costs here.

Have you been to Iceland – did you have a favourite hotel or place to stay in Reykjavik? Let me know in the comments below!

How to pack for 1 week in Iceland in carry-on

December 6, 2019March 3, 2018 by Natalie

Packing for a colder climate with just a carry-on can be a bit of a challenge, but definitely possible! I went to Iceland at the end of September for a week, and it definitely was a lot more chilly than the Canadian climate I am used to. But it is possible to pack for Iceland in a carry-on – with room to spare!

These are the activities that I did and needed to pack for Iceland:

Swimming three times (twice at the Blue Lagoon and once at the Secret Lagoon)
Walked around Reykjavik every evening
Took day trips to the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Reykjanes Peninsula.
Went on a Northern Lights Tour

So how did I pack for Iceland in a carry-on do it, you ask?

Since the clothes you will need to bring are bulkier than spring or summer clothes, only bringing the bare minimum to save on space is essential.

What to Pack for 1 Week in Iceland in a Carry-on

For Swimming

2 bathing suits (we went to the Blue Lagoon – twice! – and also the Secret Lagoon, so having two bathing suits helped just in case it was still wet when I went swimming again).
Robe (optional). At the Blue Lagoon, you can rent a robe, towel and flip flops. It costs more money, so it all depends if you have the space or not. I brought a robe, towel and flip flops with me.
Towel (optional)
sandals/flip flops (optional)

Clothing

3 long sleeved shirts (I re-wore a couple of outfits to save on space).
4 tank tops (to wear under the long-sleeved shirts)
Pajamas
1 fleece sweater
2 pairs of pants
1 pair of fleece lined leggings
1 water resistant coat (I brought one from Walmart that was water resistant, and I layered my fleece jumper underneath. But since it’s cold in Iceland at the end of September I would recommend bringing a down coat and you will still be comfortable!)
Boots – mine were fall boots that were able to resist water up to a certain point.
Warm hat
Pair of gloves
Scarf
Socks – ok, so who would have thought I would get so passionate about socks. For day trips and exploring Reykavik, a wool-blend pair of socks will be great. But for the Northern Lights tour at night, bring REAL WOOL SOCKS. Mine were hand-knitted and I wore these over my wool blend socks. My feet did not get cold at all, and we were standing in the cold at night for HOURS!

What to pack for one week in Iceland in a carry on - my outfit — My outfit for one week in Iceland! I had a tank top, my long sleeved shirt, a fleece jumper and my water resistant jacket on! Layered to the max.

Toiletries

Since you only have a carry-on, everything you bring will need to meet the airplane’s requirements of a quart-sized bag of liquids, limited to 100ml (or 3.4oz) per item.

Before I started travelling with just a carry-on, this part of the packing scared me the most. I wear contacts too, which automatically makes me need to carry even MORE liquids – but have no fear, it can be done!

This is what a brought with me:

1 travel sized contact lens solution
Eye drops (for the plane if my eyes got dry)
Travel sized shampoo and conditioner
Travel sized deodorant
Make up
Toothbrush, floss and toothpaste

Other essentials to pack for one week in Iceland

Sunglasses
A camera – I brought a waterproof camera which I used to take pictures at the Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. After I took the photos I wanted, I put it back in my locker. If you don’t have a waterproof phone or camera to take pictures, you can buy a waterproof cover before you go to protect it from the water!
Sunscreen – protect your skin! Even in the cold, the sun can still pack a punch.
Charger for your phone.
Phone (I used my phone to take a lot of pictures as well)
External Charger. My number #1 item that I always bring on trips with me! (well, apart from my passport of course…). You won’t have to worry about having any of your electronics die on you.
Adapter – I brought a worldwide adapter which is handy for travelling anywhere.

Packing my carry-on suitcase before my trip – I don’t think my dog wanted me to go!!

Tips for Packing for 1 week in Iceland in a Carry-on

If you are going to the Blue Lagoon before or after the airport, pack what you will need for the Blue Lagoon in your backpack. This will save you from rooting through your bigger carry-on bag to try and find what you need! There is a place at the Blue Lagoon to store your luggage, so I left my carry-on suitcase there, and stored my backpack in the changing room lockers.

Don’t bother bringing an umbrella. It’s so windy there that it won’t help you out very much. Bring a poncho if the weather forecast is calling for a lot of rain.

Leave your hair dryer at home – The Blue Lagoon and Secret Lagoon have hair dryers, and check to see if your hotel or AirBnB has one in advance (most do).

Hopefully these tips help you on your adventure to Iceland! Have you been to Iceland before? What are some of your tips for carry-on packing?

A First-Timers Guide to the Blue Lagoon

December 4, 2019February 25, 2018 by Natalie

So you’re planning a trip to Iceland…. and one of the top activities that is recommended is the Blue Lagoon. For good reason too, it’s AMAAAAAZING.

However, with limited time in a new country so many questions begin swirling around. When is the best time to go to the Blue Lagoon? How much time should I spend in the Blue Lagoon? Is it true you have to shower NAKED?

Well, I am here to help guide you through the Blue Lagoon so that your first visit goes by smoothly, and you know exactly what to expect.

Is it worth it?

Iceland is filled with so many incredible lagoons to swim in, that this is a question that comes up a lot. Should I even go to the Blue Lagoon, or go to another one instead? This opinion can vary based on your personal tastes. I loved the Blue Lagoon so much that I went twice. Is it touristy? Yes. But is it worth it? Yes.

It is very organized and easy to get around, the landscape is gorgeous, and it’s huuuuuge so it doesn’t feel overly crowded.

How to Get to the Blue Lagoon

If you do not have a car, and plan to go to the Blue Lagoon either before or after the airport, you can book your transportation through the Blue Lagoon’s website. When you buy your Blue Lagoon ticket you can add on transportation options.

Or, if you already booked your Blue Lagoon Ticket, you can book your bus voucher with Reykjavik Excursions.

Going to the Blue Lagoon before or after the Airport

Since the Lagoon is so close to the airport, a convenient option is to go after you land at the airport, or just before you go to the airport. I did both, and I can tell you that either option is fine. The Blue Lagoon will safely store your luggage too, so you don’t have to worry about lugging it around with you.

If your flight arrives early in the morning, then this is a great way to relax before checking in to your hotel. Our flight arrived in Reykjavik at 4:30AM, and the first bus to the Lagoon isn’t until 7:30am, so we killed time by eating breakfast at the airport.

Another option would be to include your visit to the Lagoon after a trip around the Reykjanes Peninsula. If you take a day tour, you will arrive at the lagoon at around 5pm. You will get the chance to see the sun set and swim in the lagoon at night. The tour will drop you off at the Lagoon, and it will be up to you to get home. This is easy, since you can book your bus voucher online and go back to Reykjavik when the Lagoon closes.

Prices for the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon offers various packages when you book (as of 2019):

Comfort (6990 ISK – about $90 CAD)
Premium (9990 ISK – about $130 CAD)
Luxury (53000 ISK – about $670 CAD)

What does it include? Each package includes a towel, a drink, and the Silica mud mask. The Premium package adds in a robe, slippers, an Algae mud mask, a reservation at the Lava Restaurant and a champagne drink while you are eating there. The luxury one is super expensive, check it out if it is in your budget.

If you have the extra space in your luggage, it is fine to bring your own robe and towel (that’s what I did). It’s SO MUCH easier to find your robe among all of the other Blue Lagoon provided robes that are there.

If you don’t want to bring a robe or slippers with you, I would recommend getting the Premium package since it’s nice to get out of the Blue Lagoon and wrap yourself up in a nice warm robe, and you don’t have to walk around or shower in your bare feet.

Check out the Blue Lagoon’s website here.

Tip: Book your Ticket in Advance!
This is essential! You need to reserve the time that you will enter the lagoon in advance, and these can fill up very quickly! The good thing is that once you start swimming at the Blue Lagoon you can swim around in the water for as long as you want, but you need to get there within your booked time.

Best time to go

The busiest time to go is in the afternoon. The early morning and evenings the crowd begins to thin out.

We went at 8am when it opened, and the sun was just beginning to rise. It was so calm and quiet, and there weren’t a lot of people there.

By about 10am more people start to come and it gets busier. This isn’t a deal-breaker since you can swim off to a more quiet area. The Lagoon is huuuuge, so there were times we were the only two people in certain sections of the lagoon.

sunrise at the Blue Lagoon — Early morning sunrise

How much time to spend at the Blue Lagoon

2-4 hours is the usual amount of time that people spend at the Blue Lagoon. We were there for four hours both times and didn’t get bored. We bobbed around in the water, put on the Silica masks, stood under the waterfall, went in the steam room, had a drink from the bar, and bobbed around in the water some more until about 12pm.

The entrance to the Blue Lagoon — The walkway to the entrance to the Blue Lagoon

Eating and Drinking at the Blue Lagoon

Keep in mind that the food in Iceland is EXPENSIVE. I had heard this before I went, but nothing prepared me for how expensive it actually was. To give you an idea, each meal at a restaurant per person ranged from 30 to 40 dollars CAD.

If you eat at the Lava Restaurant, located at the Blue Lagoon (which looked amazing, btw), make a reservation at the same time you book your Blue Lagoon ticket. Ours was initially at 1pm, but after seeing how expensive the food was we decided to get a snack at their lunch bar (which was also painfully expensive) and eat a meal in Reykjavik instead.

Tips for drinking at the Blue Lagoon

Don’t worry about bringing cash. To buy drinks from the bar (which you can swim up to in the Blue Lagoon), you are given a bracelet which you can use to pay for your drink!
Bring a water bottle! The heat from the water can dehydrate you, save some money and re-fill your water bottle. Don’t keep your water bottle in the locker room – you have to shower every time you leave the locker room! Put your water bottle in the pocket of your robe, so that you can easily access it.

View of the Blue Lagoon from inside the cafe.

Where to store your belongings at the Blue Lagoon

To store your luggage, the Blue Lagoon will store your luggage for you (for a small fee). It is in a small separate building in the parking lot, just before the walkway to the Blue Lagoon.

To store your personal items, (like your wallet, phone, camera, swimsuit, change of clothes, etc), they have secure lockers in the changing room. The lockers can be a bit tricky to use. To use them, scan the bracelet that you are given, choose any locker you want, and then scan your bracelet again to lock it. There are instructions and attendants there just in case you need help.

Tip – Don’t leave your robe and towel in the changing room! They have hooks outside next to the Lagoon so that you can easily grab them. I kept my water bottle in my robe’s pocket so that I could quickly access it.

Taking Pictures

My tip for taking photos would be to enjoy the Lagoon when you first arrive, then go to your locker to get your camera. You can always put your camera back in your locker after you’re finished.

Be wary about storing your camera in your robe while it’s hanging outside with the other robes. All of the Blue Lagoon robes look exactly the same so it could be easy for someone to accidentally grab the wrong robe with your camera in it.

Showering

Will you have to shower naked at the Blue Lagoon? The answer to this is yes. Will you see other people naked? Also yes. But have no fear! No one will need to see YOU naked if you don’t want them to – here’s a step-by-step guide for how!

The changing room. The changing room is essentially an open space with lockers. A lot of people choose to just strip down and change in the open. However, there are a few private changing rooms you can use. If they are busy, you can either wear a towel around yourself and change under it.

The showers. Ah, the dreaded showers. They have open showers and LOTS of private showers. I obviously opted for the private showers.

The trick to showering is go in one of the private showers with your bathing suit on AND a towel wrapped around you. Once you’re in the shower, take off your bathing suit and hang your towel and bathing suit over the door. You’re now ready to shower naked without anyone seeing you! Easy peezy.

Bonus, they have shampoo, conditioner and body wash there. Use LOTS of conditioner before and after because the lagoon makes your hair very, very dry. I tried using a shower cap my second time there but ditched it because it got too annoying.

Lava rocks at the Blue Lagoon — Lava rocks surrounding the Blue Lagoon

Wearing glasses or contacts

Ah, for any glasses wearers out there, you know that the struggle can be real. The short answer is – wear your glasses! Both times I was there I wore my glasses because I was too nervous about getting the water in my eyes (it stung even without contacts in). The water will hurt your contact lens, and your eyes even more if there are contacts in.

Water WILL get in your eyes, no matter how careful you are. If you want to stand under the waterfall to massage your neck, or put on one of the Silica Mud Masks (which you most definitely should, my skin has never looked so good), then you will need to use the water to get the mask off.

The only downside to wearing glasses is that they can steam up in the early morning, and water droplets will get on them. But if that happens you can just go to your towel and wipe it off (again – make sure you DON’T store your towel in the locker room! Take your towel outside and hang it up!).

You can choose to not wear glasses at all, but my vision is waaaaay too bad to do that. It was fine wearing glasses.

There is a little trail you can walk around before (or after) you go to Blue Lagoon

Other random – but important – things to know for the Blue Lagoon

The depth of the Blue Lagoon varies. I am 5ft tall, and there were some parts of the Blue Lagoon where I had to stand on my tip-toes because it got to about 5 ft deep. Other sections are super shallow (like maybe 1 foot deep).

What does the bottom of the Blue Lagoon feel like? I don’t like swimming in lakes because it freaks me out when I can’t see the bottom. You also won’t be able to see the bottom of the Blue Lagoon either. But it’s fine, I promise. The bottom of the Lagoon is concrete in the majority of areas, and in other areas it is sandy.

It will dry out your hair. I’ve already mentioned this, but the Blue Lagoon will make your hair feel like straw. Wear LOTS of conditioner before, and condition it thoroughly after. It may take a couple of days for it to return back to normal. I wore a shower cap my second time, but it got annoying and I took it off.

Have you been to the Blue Lagoon before, or are planning to go there? Let me know in the comments below!

How to visit Iceland in 5 days without a car!

April 2, 2021February 25, 2018 by Natalie

Lava fields, black sand beaches, waterfalls, hot lagoons and endless stretches of gorgeous scenery. How do you choose what to do if you only have 5 days in Iceland without a car?

Below is my itinerary for how to explore Iceland in 5 days without a car, and the recommended day trips to take. Even if you are renting a car while you are there, this will also give you a good idea of what you can see during your 5 days in Iceland!

5 day itinerary for iceland - tips for what to see and do

Should I spend 5 days in Iceland without a car?

Renting a car during your 5 days in Iceland is more expensive, but it gives you A LOT more freedom. You are able to stop any time you see something, for as long as you want. After 2020, this is also the safest option.

Day trips take the stress away from navigating in a new country. Especially if you are not used to driving on the right hand side of the road, or in unpredictable weather conditions.

Your budget is also something to consider. The price of small group tours during my 5 days in Iceland without a car was much cheaper compared to renting a car.

For more information on whether to rent a car in Iceland or not read this post here.

How to get to Reykjavik (and the Blue Lagoon!) from the Airport

To get to Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon from the airport, you can book bus vouchers either when you purchase your Blue Lagoon ticket, or through Reykjavik Excursions.

Reykjavik Excursions is a coach bus, and there is free Wi-Fi on board! They will drop you off at your hotel. If you stay in an AirBnB you will need to walk from the closest hotel.

If you want to go to the Blue Lagoon before checking into your hotel, the bus will stop at Blue Lagoon. Your ticket will be valid from the Airport, with a Blue lagoon stopover, and until you reach your hotel. This makes it convenient stop before or after the airport, or during a layover.

Day 1: Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour

Morning day 1

Most flights arrive in Iceland REALLY early (like 4:30AM early). This is too early to check to a hotel. There are early morning walking tours available in Reykjavik if you prefer, or you can visit the Blue Lagoon.

The first bus to the Blue Lagoon is at 7:30AM. This will give you time to eat breakfast in the Airport. We chose to have bacon, eggs, toast, beans and coffee at Bergsson Mathus.

The Blue Lagoon is a great place to go either before or after a flight. There are barely any other people in the Lagoon early in the morning. We were there for FOUR hours – so relaxing after a long flight!

For a small fee, there is a storage place for your luggage.

Suggested Reading: A First-timer’s Guide to the Blue Lagoon

Evening day 1

During your 5 days in Iceland without a car, you will want to go somewhere really dark to see the Northern Lights. Booking a Northern Lights Tour is a great way to do this.

We booked our tour with GeoIceland.

TIP: If you book a Northern Lights tour early in your trip and you don’t see them, you can go on another tour later in your trip for free!

Even if you are staying in downtown Reykjavik, you will still be able to see the Northern Lights! We were lucky and saw the Northern Lights in Reykjavik as we were waiting for our tour bus. We saw them again on the tour. It was an incredible experience!

Northern Lights tour - what to do in Iceland for 5 day itinerary — The Northern Lights in downtown Reykjavik

Day 2: Reykjanes Peninsula Tour and Exploring Reykjavik

I highly recommend this tour – it was one of my favourite day trips during my 5 days in Iceland without a car. We saw lava fields, a geothermal area, we walked up a cliff to see some incredible views of the ocean, and got to walk between two tectonic plates.

We booked this tour through Gateway To Iceland

walking through geothermal area in iceland

This tour offers the option to be dropped off at the Blue Lagoon. If you do not visit the Blue Lagoon on day one, this is a good alternative. You will be responsible for your own travel back to your hotel.

We opted to be returned back to Reykjavik at around 5pm. This gave us TONS of time to explore the town of Reykjavik!

Evening day 2

If you didn’t choose the option to stay at the Blue Lagoon after the Reykjanes Day Tour, you will have time to explore Reykjavik in the evening.

Places to visit in Reykjavik: Go inside Harpa, walk along the harbour, visit the Sun Voyager sculpture, go to the top of Hallgrimskikja church to see the views of Reykjavik, and visit the shops on the main shopping street.

view from Hallgrimskikja church — View from the top of Hallgrimskikja church

Dinner: We ate at Café Loki, which gave us a great view of the church and the opportunity to try local dishes (fermented shark is def. not my favourite, but the lamb is AMAAAAZING).

Added Bonus – we saw the Northern Lights as we were walking back to our AirBnB!!

Day 3: Hot Golden Circle Tour

The Golden Circle takes you to Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss Waterfall, and a Geysir that erupts every 5 minutes. On this tour, we also went swimming in the Secret Lagoon! This Lagoon has a little Geysir that bubbles hot water into the Lagoon.

We booked this tour through Gateway to Iceland

When we arrived back in Reykjavik we still had more time to explore the city and eat supper. We tried the local hotdog (with everything on it) from a street vendor, and they were delicious.

Day 4: South Coast Tour

Our fourth day in Iceland we explored the South Coast. We saw two waterfalls (Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss), the black sand beach, and walked right up to the edge of a glacier! We went as far as the town of Vik, before heading back to Reykjavik.

This tour was booked through GeoIceland Day Tours

This tour was the longest, and we arrived back in Reykjavik at around 7:30pm. This gave us time to shop and eat supper. We also walked down to the Sun Voyager statue so that we could watch the Northern Lights – and they were spectacular!

Day 5: Last Day (free day with many options)

This day was originally intended as a free day to explore Reykjavik. Since we were able to explore Reykjavik in the evenings during our 5 days in Iceland without a car, we went back to the Blue Lagoon!

This was booked last minute, which I don’t recommend doing since time slots get booked far in advance.

We were lucky that were was an opening (at 8:00am). It was just as nice the second time, and a great way to relax before the flight home!

If you have some free time on your last day, there are other options that you can do in 5 days in Iceland without a car:

Ride an Icelandic Horse. We saw these all over the country, and they SO cute, and are truly special.
Go inside a Volcano. This is a very expensive, but you can do this in half a day.
Visit a Museum. A Penis Museum is one of them! Check the hours in advance since most close at 5pm.
Shopping in Reykjavik. Some shops close at 5, so spend the afternoon buying new souvenirs!

Have you been to Iceland, or are planning a trip there? What was your favourite thing to do? Let me know in the comments below!