Free Things To Do in Iceland

It’s no secret that Iceland is a notoriously expensive place to visit. Even if you’re used to the dizzying costs of cities like New York and London, you might find yourself astounded at the bill in some Reykjavik restaurants. Put simply, the cost of a trip to Iceland can be something that makes you reconsider your travel plans. But it is possible on a budget!

With so many astounding natural attractions and sights, there are plenty of budget-friendly and free activities that you can experience while visiting this beautiful island. While this goes for the open road, there are also some gems to consider within the capital city that you can visit free of charge. Here’s a guide to our favorite free things to do in Iceland, as well as some fantastic free attractions and activities in Reykjavik!

Tips for Saving Money In Iceland

Traveling to Iceland on a budget is possible with a few smart strategies. Here are some great travel tips on how to get around Iceland cheaply.

• Cook Your Own Meals: Dining out is pricey, so opt for accommodations with kitchens and shop at local grocery stores to save money.
• Travel in a Group: Sharing costs for accommodations, car rentals, and food with friends or family can significantly lower expenses.
• Never Buy Bottled Water: Tap water in Iceland is absolutely delicious - and most importantly, free! Make sure to take a reusable bottle with you to save valuable Icelandic krona.
• Rent a Car: One of the best ways to visit on a budget is to rent your own vehicle to sightsee on your own schedule and save on expensive group tours. 

With these tips, you can enjoy Iceland’s stunning landscapes without overspending!

Top 10 Free Things To Do Around Iceland

From relaxing strolls to stunning natural attractions, here are some fantastic things to get up to on your trip without spending a penny. 

1. Soak in the Hveravellir Hot Spring

Hot springs in Iceland are a relaxing, natural treat for your body, and with over 45 to choose from, you might not know where is best to take a dip. The geothermal area of the Hveravellir Hot Spring is located in the Highlands of Iceland, approximately 206 km from Reykjavík. The wilderness view from the spring, which sits between two glaciers, is breathtaking. There is just a small fee of 500 Kr to use the toilets, pools, and showers at Hveravellir, so be prepared to change behind your towel or in your car if you're determined not to spend!

This remote location is accessible only by driving on mountainous, gravel roads, known as the F-roads. It is important to note that not all of the surrounding springs are suitable for swimming in, with some water temperatures reaching boiling point!

2. Stroll along Reynisfjara Beach

Approximately 2 and a half hours from Reykjavík, you will find Reynisfjara beach. The black sand that makes up this beautiful beach was a product of an eruption of the now-dormant volcano, Katla. The tide here can be dangerous, so make sure to never turn your back to the sea and take extra caution if you are visiting with children. 

If you’re into photography, you’ll be able to take some stunning images of the white foamy seawater against the dramatic black sand, dramatic cliffs, and the surrounding basalt columns.

3. Seek Out The Northern Lights 

Undoubtedly, the aurora borealis is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland, and seeing the lights is completely free of charge if you are prepared to hunt for them without a guide! Some of the most spectacular spots to visit in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights include Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, The Grótta Lighthouse, and Thingvellir National Park. 

This natural phenomenon, which draws people from all over the world to visit Iceland, is never guaranteed to be visible. In order to give yourself the best chances, you should visit during the winter months.

4. Take a Road Trip Around The Golden Circle

Iceland offers some of the best scenic road trips anywhere in the world, and if you enjoy driving, then touring the Golden Circle is simply not to be missed. The route begins in Reykjavík and takes you to 3 wonderful and varied attractions in southwest Iceland; Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. If you leave early enough in the morning, the trip can easily be done in a single day.

If you decide to visit Iceland during the Midnight Sun, you will find you have virtually unlimited daylight hours in which to explore the route.

5. Enjoy Birdwatching at Látrabjarg Cliffs

Believe it or not, Iceland is actually an excellent destination for avid birdwatchers. Lake Myvatn is often a popular choice for the chance to see the highest volume of different types of birds. However, during the summer, the Látrabjarg Cliffs see the return of Arctic Puffins. These adorable creatures nest in the cliffs, providing charming wildlife spotting opportunities.

It’s important never to get too close to the cliff edge or puffins themselves so as not to disturb underground burrows or rub off vital waterproofing oils from their feathers.

6. Walk behind the water at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

That’s right, at Seljalandsfoss waterfall, you can follow a path that will lead you right behind the cascade, a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

The spray from the waterfall can be heavy, so make sure you’re wearing something waterproof. This means that the paths and surrounding area can be icy during the winter, which can make it dangerous and sometimes result in the path behind the water being closed. Although it is free to see the waterfall, there is a small fee for parking that you should be aware of. 

7. Observe the Icelandic wildlife

Iceland boasts a variety of rare animals that you may be lucky enough to see during your trip. Icelandic Horses, Arctic Foxes, Puffins, Grey Seals, Orcas, and Gyrfalcons are just some of the species you can find. If you are keen to do this activity free of charge, then you’ll need to do plenty of research to ensure you know where to go. 

Taking a wildlife tour with an expert guide will incur a fee, but it is the most likely way to spot some of the more elusive animals, such as whales. 

8. Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Situated on the western coast of Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is home to a volcano and a glacier, waterfalls, caves, lava fields, fishing villages, and one of the 3 National Parks in Iceland, Snæfellsjökull. It is a diverse place to spend a few days exploring, and many of the attractions won’t cost a penny to see. 

9. Embark on the short Eldborg Crater walk

This accessible, 6 km walk is a lovely way to spend a day in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The Elborg Crater is a stunning attraction in the area, and visitors from all over the world flock to view it each year. Walking through the surrounding lava fields and enjoying the view from the top allows visitors to reflect on the volcanic activity that left this beautiful scar on the landscape.

10. Take In Kirkjufell Mountain

While the hike here is known for being a little tricky, Kirkjufell Mountain is a very popular destination for photographers in Iceland. The mountain is a beautiful location with stunning coastal views, one not to be missed off your itinerary if you find yourself in West Iceland. 

Located around 100 km northwest of the capital, it is possible to reach the mountain within one day from the capital, but there are closer towns on the peninsula in West Iceland for a more convenient trip. You might even recognize Kirkjufell’s shape from the famous series Game of Thrones!

Free Things To Do In Reykjavík

Whether you are simply looking to fill your itinerary with budget-friendly activities or if you want to complement some of the best paid-for excursions in Iceland, there are plenty of things to do in Reykjavik for free.

1. Kópavogskirkja Church

This glorious, white church was built in the late 1950s- early 1960s and is a landmark of true beauty. Situated on Borgarholt hill, the location of the church offers fantastic views of Reykjavik.

If you decide to add the Kópavogskirkja Church to your itinerary, we’d recommend getting in touch first - the opening times vary.

2. Lake Tjörnin

A stroll along Lake Tjörnin is a wonderful way to spend a few hours in Reykjavík. The lake is home to up to 50 species of water birds, and the shore is lined with colorful houses and buildings. In one corner of the lake, you’ll find the Reykjavík City Hall, which is home to the offices of the mayor.

3. Grótta Lighthouse

Take a walk just 5 km from the center of Reykjavík, and you will find the Grótta lighthouse. This site boasts an untold amount of history, including records of a farm in the 16th century! The shoreline is abundant with nature, with many bird species nesting in the area. You can walk right up to the lighthouse during low tide, and there is even a small geothermal foot spa that you can use on your visit.

4. Reykjavík Botanical Gardens

Home to over 3,000 plant species, the Botanical Garden is run by the City of Reykjavík and is completely free to enter. This wonderful conservation project showcases the diverse vegetation that survives and thrives in the cold Icelandic climate. On Fridays throughout June, July, and August, you can even take advantage of the free 30-minute guided tours around the Garden.

The Flóran Café/Bístró is open in the summer months, with a wide range of refreshments available to purchase and enjoy amongst the delightful surroundings. 

5. Kolaportið Flea Market

Kolaportið Flea Market is situated in the old harbor of Reykjavík and is open on Saturdays and Sundays. A wander around the stalls is completely free, but with so many items available and delicious food to try, we cannot guarantee you won't be tempted to make a purchase! 

6. Embark on a Walking Tour

Stretch your legs and enjoy the downtown attractions on foot by taking part in a 2 km walking tour. You will see the Harpa Concert Hall, the City Hall, and the Parliament Building, all whilst learning about the history of Iceland. Whilst these tours are free to book onto, they give the opportunity for a donation at the end.

7. Admire the Architecture at Hallgrimskirkja Church

Consecrated in October 1986, this landmark was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, an architect who was said to have taken inspiration from the nature displayed in basalt columns. The church is still active today and regularly holds services and concerts. 

It is free to enter the church and take a look around, however, there is a fee should you wish to experience the views of Reykjavík and the harbor from the top of the tower. 

8. Explore Reykjavík Harbor

The old harbor in Reykjavík offers some of the most fantastic views of Iceland, including natural landscapes such as Mount Esja and even the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a clear day. There are also plenty of docked sailing boats to spot. What was once an industrial port is now a vibrant, atmospheric neighborhood offering museums, restaurants, and shops.

9. Experience Local Entertainment 

After a long day of taking in the wonders of Iceland, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a bar with a drink, a bite to eat, and listening to live music. The city of Reykjavík has a bustling nightlife, and you will often find developing talent performing for free inside a variety of venues. 

10. See The Sun Voyager Sculpture

Another free and very quick thing to spot on the shoreline in the capital is the famous Sun Voyager Sculpture. This shiny steel piece of art resembles a Viking longboat, a nod to the country’s rugged early settlers. The artist, Jón Gunnar Árnason, intended the meaning of the sculpture to be one of promise, hope, progress, and freedom.

Now we hope you’ve got some free things to do incorporated into your Iceland itinerary. What’s more, hiring a car in Iceland will enable you to tour the island and visit as many of the free attractions as you wish, at your own leisure.

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