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Iceland on a Budget: 15 DIY Worthy Things To Do During Wintertime
Wintertime sometimes entail a bit of cuddling with your favorite paper back and just laying down on your bed all day. It’s too cold outside and even Elsa would rather be in her castle singing her heart out, instead of creating ice castles outside. But if you happen to finally find yourself visiting the northernmost capital of the world, Reykjavik, needless to say, it’s better to be out and about exploring the city and the rest of Iceland – no amount of cold winter weather should prevent you from having your much-deserved Icelandic adventure.
Flying from the Philippines to Iceland, or from Singapore, Asia, or from whichever part of the world you are, it’s rather challenging to visit Iceland during winter, because of the weather. It’s like traveling to Alaska or Antarctica – not everyone is built for that kind of go-through. Which is why, if you get the privilege to do so, whether it’s Iceland on a Budget, Iceland for a few days, or Iceland DIY style, the wintery weather should be a good motivating factor for you to experience Iceland on an entirely unbelievable level.
You’ll have a guarantee that the magnificent landscapes and vibrant culture will keep you warm and livened-up, as you plan to explore Iceland during winter. Although Iceland is notoriously known to be a tad bit expensive place to visit, you’ll be happy to know that there are affordable options that’ll promise priceless memories and experiences. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, why not make use of this list of some of the best cheap and free things to enjoy in and around Reykjavík.
Icelandic Fish Leather & Lava Beads
I spent the morning walking around Reykjavík with Bryan and Lani, a couple from Australia who have been staying with us for a couple of days. They recently came back from a 9 month drive around Africa and had a three day stopover in Reykjavík on their way to Boston, USA. Their plan is to drive across America in two months, trying to Coushsurf the whole way, and they have a blog to document the whole thing. You should check them out. Read more at: https://iheartreykjavik.net/2011/06/reykjavik-for-diy-crafters-lava-jewellery/
Graffiti and Street Art in Reykjavík at Night
The colorful North Atlantic capital of Reykjavik; Iceland has a lot to take in when it comes to street art. Some of the work is commissioned by the city for specific artists, while others are part of collaborative projects or anonymous contributors. While there are a plethora of art galleries and museums for such a small area, seeing work in public spaces – and bringing vibrant color to otherwise dull infrastructures – brings a new level of culture to a city. Check out these great examples of street art within walking distance throughout the city. Read more at: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/iceland/articles/where-to-find-the-best-street-art-in-reykjavik/
Road Trips and Self Drive Tours in Iceland
The customised itineraries of winter self drive tours have taken road conditions and daylight hours into consideration. With accommodation, vehicle rentals and activities booked in advance, you can fully enjoy Iceland under the mythical northern lights and inside magical ice caves. Read more at: https://guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/self-drive-tour-packages/winter-self-drive-tours
Unique Fótógrafí Store in Reykjavik
Fótógrafí opened in May 2007 and is located on Skólavörðustígur in Reykjavík. Owner and Photographer Ari Sigvaldason had just retired as a newscaster on Icelandic State Television RUV to pursue his passion fulltime. The store is small, but it's always warm and cozy and perfect to look for the right shot from Iceland when the weather outside doesn't let you take your own pictures. We usually have some records spinning on our phonograph. Our huge LP collection has is filled with lovely records from the sixties, seventies and eighties. And if you're in the mood for something Icelandic we have some vintage Stefán Íslandi just for you. You can now choose from a selection of our prints to purchase online. Read more at: http://www.fotografi.is/
Dunkin Donuts in Across Iceland
U.S. coffeehouse chain Dunkin’ Donuts has made a franchise contract with Icelandic supermarket chain 10-11 on opening restaurants under the company’s brand in 16 locations in the country, as announced in a joint press release today. CEO of 10-11 Árni Pétur Jónsson commented that he is looking forward to opening the first Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant in Iceland later this year and that he is confidents Icelanders will welcome the novelty, ruv.is reports. Most of the restaurants will be located in the Reykjavík metropolitan area. Read more at: http://icelandreview.com/news/2015/04/16/dunkin-donuts-open-16-restaurants-iceland
Cool and Cheap Souvenirs in Reykjavik at Night
Are you a souvenir lover? Well, you should consider visiting the city of Reykjavik. When it comes to souvenirs, Reykjavik is a great place to find things to take home with you. Souvenirs in Reykjavik started being sold a hundred years ago and they keep getting better and better. In Reykjavik, there is no shortage of souvenir shops. From the main shopping street of Laugavegur, souvenir shops are spread up to the city mall known as Kringlan and the phallus shaped mall of Smaralind that is located in the suburb of Kopavogur. Here you can find anything ranging from key chains, elf figurines, knitted goods, post cards to anything embodied with an Icelandic flag being sold. If tchotchke souvenirs don't do it for you, don't worry, the Icelandic souvenir list is endless. Read more at: https://www.tripsavvy.com/souvenirs-from-reykjavik-1626738
Snap Selfies with Wild Icelandic Horses
The Icelandic horse. Originally from Mongolian descent, the Icelandic horse was moved here from Scandinavia by vikings more than 1000 years ago. It is aesthetically unique as it is shorter than other horse breeds. It also is built very strong and is conditioned to handle the worst kinds of weathers. It is generally easy to train and has a mild temperament which is one of the reasons the Icelandic horse is admired by horse lovers all over the world. There is just something very adorable about the Icelandic horse with those kind, intelligent eyes and shaggy long hair. Horseback riding tours have been very popular tourist activity in Iceland for some years and still is, but now with the popularity of social media we are seeing another trend within our horse loving visitors which includes ‘selfies’ with the Icelandic horse. When driving along route 1 you will often see travelers pulled over on the side of the road with the sole intention to catch a photographs of the Icelandic horse and some even try to feed them grass to lure them closer. Read more at: https://www.centerhotels.com/2017/07/12/icelandic-horse-iceland/
I Don’t Speak Icelandic Souvenir Store - Idontspeakicelandic
I don't speak Icelandic is a cool little gift store that specializes in cool Icelandic products. We make our own t-shirts, knits, mugs and other stuff. Read more at: https://www.idontspeakicelandic.com/
Kerið Crater – Kerid Crater Lake
In Iceland, you can’t just have a stunning lake. No, it also has to be inside of a volcanic caldera. And sometimes that’s not even enough, so the showiest country in the world provides something like Kerid Crater Lake, which is a nearly neon blue lake sitting in a volcano surrounded by rare red volcanic rock. Located in southern Iceland along the so-called Golden Circle, Kerid is unique among crater lakes in that its caldera likely didn’t form from an explosion as most do. The Kerid volcano is thought to have formed when the magma in the center simply depleted itself, and the empty chamber beneath caved in. Regardless of the geological minutia that led to the lake’s creation, its bright rainbow of colors look unearthly. In addition to the bright, sapphire-colored waters, the steep slopes of the caldera’s bowl are almost entirely covered in red volcanic rock. There is one, less-steep side of the slope that is covered in rich green moss, as though the lake weren’t colorful enough. Read more at: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kerid-crater-lake
Kjuklinga Borgari Burgers and Fries
Ok, please realize this is based on typical fast food standards. Was this our best meal in Iceland? No. Was it the some of the best fast food I’ve ever had? YES! There are 4 Aktu Taktu’s on the island. With the all too familiar red and yellow fast food colors we all know and love, we were expecting a subpar McDonald’s-like meal. We were wrong. The meat is fresh, the sauces are delicious. All in all my chicken burger or Kjuklinga Borgari was fresh tasting and I’d compare it to something I’d get at a cafe or dinner here at home. Most importantly Aktu Taktu is relatively cheap in comparison to the price of most of our meals out in Iceland. Read more at: http://laceymcarroll.com/traveling-iceland/
Kronan - Discount Store
Grocery stores in Iceland are absolutely essential to visit if you are spending a long period of time in the country or if you are trying to see Iceland on a budget. While everyone knows that going out to eat while visiting is ultra expensive, no one really talks about grocery stores in Iceland. We are here to tell you that Icelandic grocery stores are actually really great and not scary at all for foreigners [you can breathe a sigh of relief!] Before you pay an Iceland grocery store a visit, there are a few tips you need to keep in mind! Read more at: https://www.followmeaway.com/5-things-to-know-grocery-stores-in-iceland/
Hostels & Guesthouses in Iceland
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’ll 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 Hvolsvöllur is the perfect hostel for checking out Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss and the black beach in Reynisfjara. Read more at: https://www.hostelworld.com/blog/iceland-on-a-budget/
The Swans of Tjornin Pond in Reykjavik
Located in the heart of the city the downtown pond Tjörnin is one of the defining landmarks of downtown Reykjavík. It's bird life and the beautiful colorful homes lining its banks make it a wonderful destination for a lazy afteron stroll. Despite being sometimes referred to as the "downtown lake", Tjörnin hardly qualifies as a lake. While there is no precise scientific definition of what constitutes as a lake or a pond, Icelanders have always viewed Tjörnin as a pond rather than a lake: The name Tjörnin literally translates as "The Pond". However, it has also been described as a "shallow lake" in Icelandic books about Reykjavík. And it is very shallow: The average depth of Tjörnin is just 57 cm (1.9 feet). The deepest parts of the northern part of Tjörnin is just 80 cm (2.4 feet). Read more at: http://icelandmag.is/article/seven-fascinating-facts-about-downtown-pond-tjornin
Reykjavík Official Tourist Information Centre
The Information Centre provides impartial, reliable information. In addition, the priority in bookings and sales is to managing distribution of tourists, their safety during their travels in Iceland and responsible tourism. There is also an emphasis on promoting culture and arts to tourists, and their access to events is facilitated through a centralised ticket sales system. The Information Centre has been in a successful collaboration with Safe Travel, which is run by Icelandic Search and Rescue (Ice-SAR). The Information Centre ensures that up-to-date information on important safety measures is readily available to tourists. The Information Centre thus has an important role to play in the safety of visitors to Iceland. The Tourist Information Centre has a major role in the Reykjavík Loves campaign, in collaboration with the other municipalities in the Greater Reykjavík area. The objective of the campaign is to guide tourists to new places in the capital region, thus reducing pressure on vulnerable sites in and around Reykjavík. Encouraging visitors to explore the area more widely leads to better utilisation of services and activities in the Greater Reykjavík area as a whole. Read more at: https://visitreykjavik.is/official-tourist-information-centre-city-hall
Try the Legendary Sultuborgari at the Prikid Stofnad
The best time to come here is when nobody else is. The service is sincere if not sometimes rushed and the food takes a little time to arrive. Its an honest place, with friendly amicable staff - if they're in a good mood. The point of this place isn't to find sycophantic serving staff though, its in the food. The food is American Brunch and Bar food at its best. I should know, I've eaten at quite a few! The real deal here though are the OMELETTES. they're by far the most food for your kroner anywhere in Reykavic. No less than half a dozen eggs must go into these monsters. We came back at least 2 or 3 times for them alone, although I branched out into the 'sweaty burger' the last time. My first Prikid experience was in 2010 where enjoyed a somewhat traditional open faced sandwich brunch with Skyr. This time round was no less enjoyable and - if you can deal with the odd overworked waitress - you'll find great food at decent prices. Read more at: http://www.prikid.is/
Walk Around the Reykjavik City Centre
Exploring the city on foot is a delightful experience with much to see, including everything from old style wood-framed houses, clad in colourful corrugated-iron, mixed with a creative collection of postmodern architecture. The lively atmosphere generated by the activity in Reykjavík’s old harbour area is a new major attraction and the area makes for a pleasant stroll, as do any of the city’s many historic trails. You need not venture beyond the city limits to enjoy the nature! The city's wooded leisure areas offer peaceful walks and hiking in Reykjavík, such as Öskjuhlid, a hill adjacent to Reykjavik airport, and Ellidaárdalur, a valley in the east of the city. A stone’s throw from the city is the extensive Heidmörk nature reserve, with its splendid volcanic landscape, woods and spectacular views. Another lovely spot, offshore and just minutes away by ferry from Reykjavík is Videy Island. Read more at: https://visitreykjavik.is/city/foot-reykjavik
[ICELAND TRAVEL] Read the rest of Explore Iceland Travel Blog Series:
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