6-Day Iceland Itinerary: Essential Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Travel date: Oct 26 – Nov 1, 2025

Thinking of going to Iceland? Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, here’s our 6-day budget! Tours were paid individually, while we split the costs for lodging, groceries, and the 20 kg checked luggage on Austrian Airlines and Wizz Air.

All our tours were booked through GetYourGuide — super convenient and helped us secure spots for popular activities like the Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon, and Golden Circle.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 (Oct 26): Arrival in Reykjavik + Northern Lights Tour
Day 2 (Oct 27): South Coast – Waterfalls & Black Sand Beach
Day 3 (Oct 28): Explored the Old Town & Northern Lights Bus Tour
Day 4 (Oct 29): Volcanoes & Blue Lagoon
Day 5 (Oct 30): Golden Circle & Sky Lagoon
Day 6 (Oct 31): Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Mount Kirkjufell

Budget Breakdown

(Includes both group totals and individual shares.)

Total spent: ₱95,061.19 (~€1,585) per person, excluding Vienna-Innsbruck
Average daily cost: ~₱15,843 (€264)

A cup of coffee typically costs from 590 Icelandic króna (about €4) and up.

Travel Tips & Pointers

Season & Weather (October in Iceland)

Season: Late October is autumn moving into winter. Expect shorter days, colder temperatures, and highly variable weather.

Daylight: About 8–9 hours of daylight — sunrise ~8:30 AM, sunset ~5:30 PM. Plan tours accordingly.

Temperature: Around -1°C to 5°C (30–41°F). Wind chill can make it feel much colder, especially on coasts and open plains.

Weather: Rain, wind, and occasional snow are possible. Roads can be slippery; check conditions if driving.

Aurora Borealis: October is a good time to see the Northern Lights due to long nights and dark skies. Patience is essential—sometimes it means waiting hours in cold conditions.

Tip for Filipinos: Coming from a tropical climate, you may find the cold and wind quite intense. Pack thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, gloves, a hat, and sturdy boots. If your itinerary includes visiting glaciers, make sure your outerwear and footwear are waterproof.

Transportation

Airport Transfers: Take the Flybus or Airport Direct shuttles — reliable and more affordable than taxis.
Public Transport: Reykjavik’s bus system (Strætó) is convenient for short trips, though most tours offer hotel pickups.
Driving: If you plan to self-drive, rent a 4×4, as weather conditions outside the city can change quickly.
Scooter/On Foot: Exploring the city on foot is easy and enjoyable.

Money-Saving Tips

Iceland is card-friendly — little need for cash.
Tap water is safe and free — bring a refillable bottle.
Pack sandwiches or snacks for lunches to save on dining out.
Use GetYourGuide to book tours directly and conveniently.
If you’re in a group, book an accommodation with a kitchen and buy groceries from Bónus for budget-friendly meals.
Use the Flybus for airport transfers — cheaper and reliable.
Consider staying in a hostel or hotel around Reykjavik’s Old Town for easy walking access to attractions.
Check the Reykjavik City Card for savings on multiple attractions.
Get a map from your accommodation/tourism office — it usually shows the city layout and includes local tips for exploring hidden gems.

Useful Apps

Veður – Accurate Icelandic weather forecasts.
*Apple Maps & Google Maps – Navigation around Reykjavik and for road trips.
Translation apps – Helpful for Icelandic signs, menus, and communication.
*My Aurora Forecast & Alerts– Track Northern Lights visibility in real time; No.34 Weather
*GetYourGuide – Manage and access your booked tours easily.

* very helpful

Packing Essentials

It doesn’t need to be over the top, but the following items were very helpful during our tour:
Thermal layers — base layers to keep warm.
Fleece jacket — for added insulation.
Waterproof shell/jacket — protects from rain and wind.
Socks / thermal socks — for warmth and comfort.
Beanie, gloves, and scarf — wind chill can be strong.
Waterproof or sturdy shoes/boots — essential for waterfalls, beaches, and hikes.
Power bank — you’ll take a lot of photos!

Northern Lights Tips

Best viewing hours: 9 PM – 1 AM.
Check aurora forecasts nightly to track visibility.
Go outside city lights for clearer skies.
Be patient — sightings depend on weather and luck.

Tour Tips:

Many tours depart from the city center for Northern Lights chasing.
Some tours offer a second trip free or discounted if no aurora is seen on the first night.
GetYourGuide offers multiple tour options:
- Large group tours are usually more affordable than mini-bus tours.
- Some tours include hot cocoa to ejoy while waiting under the night sky.

Lagoon & Hot Spring Tips

Sky Lagoon vs. Blue Lagoon: Both offer unique experiences — try both if you can.
Sky Lagoon at night offers beautiful views of city lights.
Blue Lagoon is ideal for relaxing after long tours — we visited it after our volcano trip.
Bring a waterproof bag for valuables.
Ticket inclusions vary:
- At Blue Lagoon, our ticket included a mask and a drink.
- At Sky Lagoon, the standard ticket only covers entrance.
Tip: If booking through GetYourGuide, check the package carefully and maximize its inclusions — always read the fine print!

Food & Dining

Bring sandwiches and snacks on tours — meals in Reykjavik are pricey.
Grocery stores like Bónus (pink pig logo) and Krónan are budget-friendly.
Lunches during tours were enough; we skipped expensive restaurants and kept costs low.

Extra Insights

Always carry a printed map — it’s a great way to discover local favorites.
Tipping isn’t required; service is included.
Portions are generous — don’t overbuy.
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and buses.
Iceland is expensive, but tours and experiences are worth it.
While last-minute tours are possible, planning ahead reduces stress and ensures you make the most of your day—rather than spending it on a staycation.