Exploring the wonderful natural beauty of Iceland doesn't have to mean emptying your wallet. Despite its reputation for being on the pricier side, Iceland offers a treasure trove of experiences that don't cost a dime.
Whether you're hiking through pristine trails or exploring geysers, some of Iceland’s core tourism experiences can be enjoyed without the need for running up a massive credit card bill.
From its breathtaking landscapes and cascading waterfalls to its unique geothermal phenomena and dancing northern lights, Iceland's natural wonders are largely accessible for free.
So, with some careful planning and sensible decisions on transport and accommodation, it’s possible to enjoy the best of Iceland for cheap.
Although Iceland isn’t completely barren, its complex geography means that not much is actually made in the country. Iceland’s primary production is geothermal energy, widely available, which lowers the cost of power and heating for all islanders.
However, most products aside from some meats, fish, and wool are imported, which drives up costs for everything else. This increases local salaries, which, in turn, increases costs for tourists.
Hotel accommodation, meals, and souvenirs will all cost significantly more than most travelers might expect. In fact, the cost of living comparison site Numbeo currently lists Iceland as 6.9% more expensive than Norway, a country often perceived as Europe’s most expensive.
Another issue for tourists is that it’s not always easy to assess value in Iceland due to the difficulty in calculating exchange rates.
For example, at the time of writing, 1,000 Icelandic krona is worth $7.25. That makes figuring out the true cost to you of something priced at, say, 17,500 Icelandic krona, requires some serious mental gymnastics.
As tempting as it is to get a selfie at the Blue Lagoon for bragging rights, entry to the world-famous site costs up to $100 in high season. But much of the reason for the attraction’s fame is simply clever marketing.
Save your money and visit a much cheaper alternative, where you’ll enjoy a very similar experience.
Iceland is jam-packed with fantastic natural attractions that cost nothing except the means of getting there. The country's landscape is a patchwork of waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and stunning coastlines that are accessible without admission fees.
Waterfalls: Don't miss the chance to see some of Iceland's most famous waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascading water, and Skógafoss, known for its sheer size and beauty. Both are located along the south coast and are easily accessible from the main road.
National Parks: Iceland's national parks, including Thingvellir,
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The Blue Lagoon resort in the south of Iceland is a scenic network of steaming azure pools surrounded by dark rocks, where tourists dip in the geothermal water, have spa treatments and enjoy what the resort advertises as “a universe of radiant well-being.”
Finland has done it again. The 2024 World Happiness Report is out, and for the seventh year in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world.
The Scotland-based company Slow Adventure advocates a more mindful approach to activity holidays. Options include climbing and yoga in the Italian Alps, mountain biking in Sweden and horse riding and rambling in Iceland. On the Finnish Happiness trip, guests stay in log cabins by a lake in Lapland and activities include canoeing under the midnight sun, hiking, swimming, swamp foraging and daily saunas. On all trips, 5% of the fee goes to local conservation projects, which in Finland could mean helping protect the rare Saimaa ringed seal, preserving forests or supporting a children’s environmental charity.From £876 for five nights, slow-adventure.com
It is said that when Norse explorer Ingólfur Arnarson and his wife Hallveig Fróðadóttir threw some wooden posts from their ship in AD878 they floated to a bay covered with steaming springs, hence the name Reykjavík, or “stormy bay”, and that’s where Arnarson decided to settle. I am here researching women in Icelandic sagas for my next book, and our two small children have accompanied me, with their father sharing childcare.
Witnessing the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. But determining where to see the northern lights is a complex matter—actually encountering the majestic and alien-ish green and purple glow of the night sky is not only about location, but also timing (December to March is ideal in many instances; August through April in other parts), positioning (typically from latitudes 65 to 72 degrees North), and plain ol’ luck (a clear, dark, and cloud-free sky).
There’s exciting news for those looking to discover the increasingly popular Faroe Islands in 2024; this unique destination will soon be more accessible following Icelandair’s newest route expansion.
Digital nomadism has shot up in popularity recently. While many destinations have simple citizenship requirements in place, the country a person hails from can still significantly impact their travel opportunities.