Visiting Iceland had been a dream of mine for years, and at the end of April, I finally made it there with my sister. In just seven days, we completed the Ring Road, taking in some of the country’s most breathtaking sights. While Iceland isn’t the cheapest destination, it’s absolutely worth it – and still possible to visit on a budget. For getting around, you can book tours or rent a car. We chose the latter and went with Icerental 4×4, which I’d recommend for its fair pricing and smooth process. A 4×4 is ideal, as not all roads are paved, and fuel costs about two Euros per liter, so budgeting for gas is essential.

Starting in Keflavik, where we stayed for the first night due to our late arrival, the next morning we followed the Golden Circle Route to see three of Iceland’s major attractions including Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

From there, we headed south and explored an ice cave at the foot of the Katla volcano on a tour with Tröll Expeditions. In the South, you also find Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, a lagoon filled with icebergs, where you can hop on a boat tour to explore its serene beauty.

Continuing East, we made our way up North, where we indulged in our first Icelandic hot spring experience and relax in the less crowded geothermal spa Myvatn Nature Baths and visited the most northern city in Iceland, Siglufjörður. This historic fishing town located on a narrow fjord with the same name on the northern coast of Iceland was probably my favourite place we visited.

From there, we headed West to discover Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature” due to its diverse landscapes, including volcanic craters, lava fields, and black sand beaches.

We also wanted to spend at least one day in the capital city of Reykjavik and explore its vibrant culture and historic sites, but also to see some giants of the sea (you can also see them in Husvik or other coastal towns around the island). Thus, we started our last day in Iceland with a whale watching tour (May-September) and then spent the remaining time in the city before dropping off our rental car and heading to the airport.

Every part of the trip was magical and Iceland blessed us with mostly sunny days and even made a dream of mine finally come true: seeing the Northern Lights. We also loved staying in cozy guesthouses in the middle of nowhere, which added to the adventure in the land of fire and ice. After our trip, we are confident to say that it’s worth to explore Iceland beyond the natural wonders beyond the famous Golden Circle. Simply driving around the island reveals stunning landscapes at every turn.

Planning a trip to Iceland soon? Get in touch for our detailed route, further activities and recommended restaurants and find tested and approved accommodations below – ensuring you make the most of your Icelandic adventure!

Accommodation recommendations

Bank Guesthouse Reykjanesbær: located near Keflavík Airport, this guesthouse is a great option for travelers arriving late or departing early

Hotel Selja: cozy and modern hotel in South Iceland, located near Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and surrounded by stunning landscapes

Guesthouse Carina: charming guesthouse in Vík, just a short distance from the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach

Nýpugarðar Guesthouse: peaceful retreat in Hof, close to Vatnajökull National Park and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Hótel Laxá: modern and stylish hotel near Lake Mývatn, offering stunning views of the surrounding lava fields and nature

Hótel Siglunes: charming boutique hotel with cozy Scandinavian-style rooms in the heart of Siglufjörður, Iceland’s northernmost town

Kast Guesthouse: cozy family-run guesthouse on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offering modern yet rustic accommodations with stunning mountain and ocean views