Travelling the World on a Budget: A 4-Day Iceland Adventure in Reykjavík

In November, my girlfriend, Daisy, and I embarked on a 4-day adventure to Reykjavík, Iceland. After catching a flight from London Luton, we were ready to explore the stunning landscapes, quirky attractions, and unforgettable experiences that Iceland has to offer. Here’s a breakdown of our trip, including costs, highlights, and tips for anyone planning a similar getaway.

Flight Costs and Arrival in Reykjavík

We flew from London Luton to Keflavik Airport, and the return flight was fairly affordable, coming in at around £100 per person. Once we arrived, we took a bus from Keflavik Airport to the city, which cost about £15 each for a one-way ticket. It was a smooth, scenic ride and a great introduction to Iceland’s unique beauty.

Our Accommodation: Comfort on a Budget

We stayed just outside the city centre in a hotel that cost £85 per night. Although it was a bit outside Reykjavík, the quiet location provided a peaceful retreat after long days of sightseeing. The hotel was basic but comfortable, and it offered easy access to a bus stop that took us into the heart of Reykjavík. The bus ride was about 20 minutes, and it cost £3 per person each way, making the hotel an affordable choice.

Exploring Reykjavík's Highlights

On our first day, we set off to explore Reykjavík on foot. The city is small enough to get around easily, and the colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere immediately captured our hearts.

Northern Lights Tour (Boat)
We had high hopes of seeing the Northern Lights, so we booked not one, but two boat tours in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Each tour cost us about £40 per person. Unfortunately, both nights were cloudy, and we didn’t see the Northern Lights on the boat. However, on our return to the hotel, we stepped outside and were treated to an unexpected show of the aurora right from the hotel grounds! It was a magical moment, even if it wasn't exactly the boat experience we had envisioned.

Sky Lagoon
A trip to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a geothermal lagoon. We decided to spend a few hours relaxing at the Sky Lagoon, a peaceful alternative to the popular Blue Lagoon. The entry fee was £45 per person, which included access to the lagoon, sauna, and stunning ocean views. We spent a few blissful hours soaking in the warm waters, a perfect way to unwind after a busy day.

Icelandic Phallological Museum
One of the quirky attractions we had to check out was the Icelandic Phallological Museum, known for its collection of animal (and human) specimens. The entry fee was £10 per person, and while it’s not for everyone, we found it both bizarre and fascinating. If you’re looking for a truly unique museum experience, this is definitely one to visit.

National Museum of Iceland
We spent some time at the National Museum of Iceland, where we learned about the country’s fascinating history, from its Viking past to more recent times. The museum entry was £15 per person, and it offered great insights into Icelandic culture and heritage.

Hallgrímskirkja Church
A must-see in Reykjavík is the Hallgrímskirkja Church. We took a trip to the top of the church for panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes. The entry fee to the tower was £7 per person, but the view was well worth it.

Dining in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is known for its vibrant food scene. We enjoyed hearty Icelandic stews, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes throughout our stay.

Meals and Snacks
We spent about £25 per person per day on meals, which included breakfast at our hotel and lunch/dinner at cafés and restaurants around the city. One of the highlights was trying Icelandic lamb stew, which was rich and delicious. For a quick snack, we indulged in the famous Icelandic hot dogs, which cost around £5 each.

Traditional Icelandic Food: Sheep’s Head Jelly Flatbread
On the adventurous side, I decided to try sheep’s head jelly flatbread, a traditional Icelandic dish. At £15 for a portion, it wasn’t expensive, but I have to admit, it wasn’t to my taste. The jelly was a bit too much for me, but it’s definitely worth trying for anyone interested in authentic Icelandic cuisine.

Relaxing at the Old Harbour and Final Day in Reykjavík

In the evenings, we wandered around the Old Harbour area, which was filled with cozy restaurants and bars. The area had a relaxed, laid-back vibe, and it was the perfect spot to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.

On our last day, we explored the city’s shops, cafés, and galleries before heading back to the hotel to catch our bus to the airport. We also took time to walk around the city, soaking in the beautiful scenery one last time.

Total Costs Breakdown (for 2 people):

• Flights: £200
• Accommodation (4 nights): £340
• Bus transport (return): £24
• Sky Lagoon entry: £90
• Northern Lights boat tours (2 tours): £160
• Icelandic Phallological Museum: £20
• National Museum of Iceland: £30
• Hallgrímskirkja entry: £14
• Meals and snacks: £200

Total: £1,058 for 2 people

Final Thoughts: Reykjavík, Iceland – A City Worth Exploring

In just four days, Reykjavík offered us a perfect mix of nature, quirky attractions, and cultural gems. Although we didn’t get the Northern Lights on the boat tour, seeing them from our hotel was an unforgettable experience. From the relaxing Sky Lagoon to the eccentric Phallological Museum, there’s no shortage of unique experiences to enjoy in Iceland. Whether you're after adventure, history, or simply a tranquil getaway, Reykjavík has it all. We can’t wait to return to explore more of Iceland's stunning landscapes.