![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@suetzi.sherin-water.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIn the last few years, Iceland has jumped straight to the number one country on almost everyone\u2019s bucket list. With its insane landscapes, friendly locals and incredible natural phenomenons (did someone say hot springs?), it\u2019s no wonder we\u2019re all jumping on the plane to Reykjavik. Time and time again though I hear the same criticism of this beautiful country: it\u2019s just too damn expensive. Well…\u00a0 yes, you will be paying a little more for your fermented shark (Iceland\u2019s National dish) than your typical food in somewhere like South East Asia or Eastern Europe, but don\u2019t let that stop you! If you\u2019re looking to travel this amazing country without the expensive price tag, then we\u2019ve got you covered! There are plenty of amazing experiences to be had in Iceland on a budget – even some that won\u2019t even cost you one Icelandic Krona.<\/p>\n
Put DOWN that bottle of Voss! Not only can you drink the water in Iceland, but you should! Iceland\u2019s water is so pure that you can pretty much drink straight from any free-flowing stream you come across. Ok, so I\u2019m no scientist, but my understanding is that it’s alkaline water, which means it has a pH level above 7 and will keep that body of yours healthy AF! It\u2019s not chemically purified as that\u2019s already covered by the lava filtration. So ditch the expensive bottles and get back to nature.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7: @suetzi.sherin<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you want to enjoy Iceland on a budget, then it should go without saying that you’ll need to find some cheap accommodation. Luckily, Iceland has some awesome hostels spread around the country, which makes your road trip budget even better. I stayed at the Bus Hostel in Reykjavik, which features some seriously 70s chic vibes and possibly the comfiest blankets you\u2019ll ever find in a hostel. Kex Hostel, housed in an old biscuit factory, is also a great choice in the capital if you like your accommodation to have a quirky style, or perhaps try the Hoscar Award winner Loft-HI-Hostel if you want to try spotting the Northern Lights from its rooftop terrace! Akureyri (known as the capital of the north) is another popular town to visit, with the Akureyri Backpackers charming everyone who stays here, whilst Midgard Base Camp in Hvolsv\u00f6llur is the perfect hostel for checking out Sk\u00f3gafoss, Seljalandsfoss and the black beach in Reynisfjara.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @likealocaltravel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve done your research on Iceland you\u2019ve definitely put the Golden Circle on your To Do List! What a lot of people don\u2019t know though is that all three attractions that make up the Golden Circle are actually free. To save on costs, get some of your hostel buddies together and hire a car for the day. You\u2019ll drastically cut down on your spending and still get to see Geysers erupt, Waterfall\u2019s creating rainbows and incredible sunrises over the Thingvellir National Park free from entry costs!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @likealocaltravel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you’re planning on trying out some of Iceland’s local bars, you’ll be surprised to discover that alcohol is quite expensive. That’s because drinks of the boozy variety are heavily taxed, which isn’t great news for budget travellers. So what can you do? Buying a bottle Duty-Free (either at your departure airport or when you arrive at Keflav\u00edk) is your best option, as it means you can have a drink or two before you go out. Alternatively, keep an eye out for bars with Happy Hour – as long as you’re aged over 20. Yup, Iceland’s drinking age doesn’t extend to 18 or 19 year-olds, but at least you’ll save more money this way.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @realedebora<\/em><\/p>\n You\u2019ve probably seen the ridiculously picturesque pools from the famous Blue Lagoon Hot Springs. While these springs will take your breath away, they\u2019ll also get in the way of your plan to explore Iceland on a budget. Why not ditch the expensive man-made pools and immerse yourself in a free natural hot spring instead? The country is littered with plenty of completely free thermal springs. My favourite natural spring is Landbrotalaug, located about 2 hours north of Reykjavik. Here you\u2019ll find one small, deep spring that looks a bit like you\u2019re soaking in a witch\u2019s cauldron and a second larger, shallower spring. If you\u2019re lucky and no one is around you can go al naturale<\/em>… Just make sure you can grab your clothes easily in case a big group of Russian men rock up. That was awkward for all involved.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @likealocaltravel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n You didn\u2019t expect me to write about only one hot spring now did you? Located between Langj\u00f6kull and Hofsj\u00f6kul glaciers you\u2019ll find Hveravellir, a unique nature reserve with a man-made pool heated by volcanic activity. This geothermal pool is just sitting in the middle of nowhere, which gives it this mysterious and enchanting vibe. The beautiful water colour is almost begging you to jump in and enjoy the natural heating! You can fit about 20 people in here, so get a road trip going with your new hostel buddies and soak up those medicinal properties in the water. Perfect for curing the hangover caused by too much Brenniv\u00edn, Iceland\u2019s signature liquor.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @stekyszabo<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you find yourself in Reykjavik over the weekend, stop by Kolaportid Flea Market! Flea markets are one of my favourite places to people watch and stroll around looking at all the weird and wonderful things people have collected. It’s also one of the best ways to see Iceland on a budget, because it’s free! Pick yourself up a genuine Icelandic sweater, find a vintage hat or check out the hand-made jewellery. It\u2019s all undercover which makes it the perfect rainy day activity. There\u2019s a food area in the same building where you can sample delicious items like black lava salt or kleinur (Icelandic donut). It\u2019s also the best place to buy your fermented shark, because you know, when in Iceland…<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @likealocaltravel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Sometimes it\u2019s nice to get a bit of art and culture without the price tag. Good news! You\u2019ll find a free sculpture garden hidden behind the Einar J\u00f3nsson Museum (whose entry cost is 600 ISK – that’s about \u20ac4.5 EUR or $7 AUD). The garden contains twenty six of Einar J\u00f3nsson\u2019s bronze cast sculptures, which he gave as a gift to the Icelandic people. The garden is right next to Hallgr\u00edmskirkja (that really big church) so it’s super central and easy to find. \ud83d\udcf7: @aludeawakening <\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Artist J\u00f3n Gunnar \u00c1rnason wanted this sculpture to be \u2018a promise of new, undiscovered territory\u2019 and a symbol of \u2018light and hope\u2019. Over time this sculpture has become instantly recognizable as a symbol of Reykjavik, standing proudly overlooking the ocean. Take a stroll down to the water’s edge in Reykjavik and watch the sun set across the sea and behind the mountains for the perfect \u2018make your friends jealous because you are in Iceland\u2019 shot.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @jcstomper<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n While Reykjavik might not be ready to rival Berlin\u2019s street art scene, for such a small city it is quickly becoming a top contender. This should definitely be part of your Iceland on a budget itinerary. You can spot countless wall murals taking up entire buildings on just a short stroll through town. A lot of the work is commissioned by the city, while others are anonymously done in the cover of darkness. One of my favourite pieces is part of a collaboration called \u2018Wall Poetry\u2019 which combines street art and music, questioning how these creative processes interact. So put on your good walking shoes and take yourself on a self-guided tour through the city streets in search of some of these amazing pieces.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @anneofgreatmistakes<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Sitting quietly on the edge of the city you\u2019ll find the unique Harpa Concert Hall. It\u2019s dramatic and angular structure makes it really quite intense from the outside. However, the tessellated and minimalist interior is a great place to people watch and check out what shows are coming to Iceland. If architecture isn\u2019t really your thing, maybe you\u2019ll like the fact that this building starred in the latest series of \u2018Black Mirror\u2019?<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @likealocaltravel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Hidden in Reykjavik\u2019s city centre you\u2019ll find the hidden gem, Elli\u00f0a\u00e1rdalur valley. Perfect for enjoying a stroll, taking some snaps or exploring the wildlife. There are plenty of little paths with the stunning Elli\u00f0a\u00e1 river winding through. Ideally, cut down on food costs by bringing a little picnic with you!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @torykvinna<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n You\u2019ve probably seen advertisements for the northern lights tours and already decided they are out of your budget. I agree, who would want to fork out all that Icelandic Krona in case the lights don\u2019t even show! Unfortunately, natural phenomena\u2019s can be like that.. mother nature can be selfish really. An expensive out of town tour may give you a good chance to see the lights, but if your plan is to see Iceland on a budget, why not do the D.I.Y version and head down to the Gr\u00f3tta lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula in Reykjavik. This is the best spot in the city to try to spot those sneaky lights!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @rachatimee<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you head to the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula during the day you\u2019ll be able to find a little hot spring perfect for dipping your tired feet in! Ok, no one\u2019s going to give you a pedicure, but still, after a day of exploring the city, it\u2019s heavenly to rest your tied toes while staring out over the Atlantic. This is also a great place to bird watch as there\u2019s plenty of species that frequent the area.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @mariatius<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Now, being from Australia I\u2019m the first to admit to being a bit of a beach snob. I\u2019m used to pearly white sand and crystal blue water. So when someone told me about the black sand beach I wasn\u2019t all that excited. Well. I. Was. Wrong. This place is a photographer\u2019s paradise, plus there’s no better way to enjoy Iceland on a budget than a bit quality time with your camera. You\u2019ll find black sand all around the country, but the most iconic area is located in the south of the island, called Reynisfjara beach. The pitch black colouring due to lava and the angular basalt rocks that surround it gives this beach an eerie vibe perfect for a moody Instagram post. Locals say that the creepy rocks that tower the beach are actually petrified sea trolls that were trying to steal a ship! Or maybe it\u2019s just from lava flowing, cooling, and cracking into hexagonal shapes. I guess we\u2019ll never know for sure.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @likealocaltravel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n I\u2019m not sure why, but I find abandoned sites just so hauntingly beautiful. Close by Reynisfjara beach, lying forgotten on the black sand is the wreckage of a US DC-3 Airplane. Amazingly, everyone on board survived this 1973 crash and it now rests alone just waiting for photographers to come and capture its beauty. It will take you about an hour to walk to the wreckage, but in my opinion, it’s well worth the trip. Be careful if you decide to climb inside: it\u2019s a crash site so there are lot of wires and old metal in this wreckage. Depending on your taste in music you may be enthusiastic to find out that it featured in Justin Bieber\u2019s \u2018I\u2019ll Show You\u2019 video clip. Or maybe that will make you like it less. Whatever, just don\u2019t skateboard down it like he did. Not cool, Biebs.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @likealocaltravel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n I feel like there\u2019s still an 11-year-old girl in me that just wants to be friends with a pretty horse. Icelandic horses kind of look like fat little pony\u2019s, since the breed has a thick coat and is considerably smaller than common adult horses. Plus they just look so damn majestic against the intense Icelandic scenery. Don\u2019t go jumping any fences (Icelandic people are so nice, so don\u2019t go disrespecting any farmers you hear!) but if one happens to walk up to the fence line, then a little scratch behind the ear should be fine. Unfortunately, I think security will find out if you try to smuggle one home with you though.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7: @likealocaltravel<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2753\u00a0What are some of your top tips for enjoying Iceland on a budget? Comment below and let us know!\u00a0\ud83d\udc47<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hostels in Iceland<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Cheap flights<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Cheap car hire<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Alex Nissen is just a girl from the most isolated city in the world gallivanting her way across the globe. Check out her adventures at www.likealocaltravelblog.com<\/a>\u00a0or on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In the last few years, Iceland has jumped straight to the number one country on almost everyone\u2019s bucket list. With its insane landscapes, friendly locals and incredible natural phenomenons (did someone say hot springs?), it\u2019s no wonder we\u2019re all jumping on the plane to Reykjavik. Time and time again though I hear the same criticism…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":137622,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9493,9553],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-59070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-budget-tips","category-iceland","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"\nStay at a hostel<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@likealocaltravel-Bus-Hostel-492x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMake friends and cut down on coach trips<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@likealocaltravel-Golden-Circle-Tour-3-700x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBuy your alcohol Duty-Free<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@realedebora-alcohol.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSkip the Blue Lagoon and try Landbrotalaug Hot Springs….<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@likealocaltravel-Landbrotalaug-Hot-Spring-2-700x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\u2026. or Hveravellir Hot Springs!<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@stekyszabo-Hveravellir.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPick up local treats at the flea market<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@likealocaltravel-Flea-Market-875x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFree things to do in Reykjavik<\/h2>\n
Einar J\u00f3nsson Sculpture Garden<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@aludeawakening-sculpture-875x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Sun Voyager<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@jcstomper-sun-voyager.jpg\")
<\/p>\nStreet Art<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@anneofgreatmistakes-street-art-875x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Harpa Hall<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@likealocaltravel-Harpa-Hall-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nElli\u00f0a\u00e1rdalur Valley<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@torykvinna-bunny.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCatch a Glimpse of the Elusive Northern Lights<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@rachatimee-northern-lights.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGet a Free Foot Spa<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@mariatius-foot-spa-700x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFree things to do in Iceland on a Budget<\/h2>\n
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@likealocaltravel-Black-Sand-Beach-2-875x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAbandoned Plane<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@likealocaltravel-Abandoned-Plane-875x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMeet an Icelandic Horse<\/h3>\n
![\"iceland](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/iceland-on-a-budget-@likealocaltravel-Iceland-Horse-875x875.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nAbout the author<\/h3>\n