Planung · Kapitel 3
By the HolidayGenie editorial team ·
Iceland is one of the most expensive travel destinations in the world — but with the right strategies, you can experience northern lights, geysers, and hot pots without flying home bankrupt.
What Does Reykjavik Cost?
Let's say it outright: Iceland is expensive. The combination of island location, small market, high wages, and strong currency makes almost everything significantly more expensive than in Germany. Especially restaurants, alcohol, and accommodations are costly. But: The most spectacular natural experiences are often free — northern lights, waterfalls, geysers, hot springs in the wilderness cost no admission.
Typical Prices (Estimates 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Coffee in a café | 4–6 |
| Lunch (café/soup) | 15–25 |
| Dinner in a restaurant | 35–70 |
| Beer in a restaurant (0.5l) | 8–12 |
| Hotdog (Pylsur) at a stand | 4–5 |
| Hostel (dormitory) | 40–70 |
| Hotel (mid-range, double room) | 150–350 |
| Blue Lagoon (Comfort) | 75–110 |
| Sky Lagoon (Pure Ritual) | 55–75 |
| Whale watching (3 hrs) | 80–100 |
| Golden Circle Tour (full day) | 60–90 |
| Rental car (per day, small car) | 50–100 |
| Gasoline (per liter) | 2.20–2.50 |
| Thermal bath (municipal) | 10–15 |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (80–130€ per day)
Hostels or campsites (in summer), self-catering at Bónus supermarket (the one with the pig logo — Iceland's cheapest supermarket), hot dogs and soup as restaurant alternatives, public thermal baths instead of Blue Lagoon, free natural highlights. Iceland has a well-developed camping infrastructure, and in summer, camping is the cheapest way to travel.
Mid-Range (150–300€ per day)
Guesthouse or 3-star hotel, mix of self-catering and restaurant dining, Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, one organized tour (Golden Circle, whale watching) per day, occasionally a craft beer in the evening. The most comfortable way to experience Reykjavik without straining the wallet too much.
Comfort / Luxury (350–800€+ per day)
Boutique hotels in the center (Canopy by Hilton, Hotel Borg, The Reykjavik Edition), fine dining (Grillið, Dill, Íslenski Barinn), Retreat at Blue Lagoon (premium experience from 250€), private super jeep tours, helicopter flights over volcanoes. Iceland has a surprisingly good luxury segment — the combination of design hotels and wild nature is unique worldwide.
Tipp
The Reykjavik Hack: Cook for yourself in the hostel or apartment (Bónus supermarket!), pre-drink at the hotel (alcohol from the duty-free shop at the airport is 50% cheaper than in the city), and use the municipal thermal baths (10–15€) instead of the expensive tourist lagoons. Nature — northern lights, waterfalls, hot springs — costs nothing.
Money-Saving Tips
Iceland doesn't have to be unaffordable. The best strategies:
- Bónus Supermarket: The yellow pig on a pink background is your best friend. Iceland's cheapest supermarket with an amazingly good selection. Skógarhlíð branch in the center.
- Duty-Free at the Airport: Alcohol in Iceland is extremely expensive (state monopoly, Vínbúðin). Buy beer, wine, and spirits at the duty-free shop upon arrival in Keflavík — this saves 40–60% compared to restaurant prices.
- Municipal Thermal Baths: Laugardalslaug, Sundhöllin, and other public baths cost only 10–15€ and offer the same hot pot experience as the expensive Blue Lagoon — without the selfie tourists.
- Reykjavik City Card: From 42€ for 24 hours — free entry to the main museums, thermal baths, free city bus, and a ferry trip to Viðey Island. Worth it for 2+ museums and a bath.
- Free Attractions: Hallgrímskirkja (church, not the tower), Harpa (foyer and architecture), street art, Tjörnin Lake, Laugavegur stroll, Sun Voyager sculpture, northern lights.
- Happy Hour: Almost every bar in Reykjavik has a happy hour (usually 3–6 PM or 4–7 PM), where beer and cocktails are 30–50% cheaper. The "Appy Hour" app shows all current offers.
- Self-Drive Instead of Tour: A rental car for the Golden Circle (from 50€/day + gas) is cheaper for 2+ people than an organized tour (60–90€ per person) and much more flexible.
- Camping in Summer: Campsites from 15–20€ per person. The Reykjavik Campsite in Laugardalur is centrally located and has good facilities.
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