Basket
Just tapped “How much does The Golden Circle in Iceland cost?” into Google? You’re in the right place.
When we’re talking about bucket list trips, Iceland’s Golden Circle is just the sort of trip we mean.
It’s a must-do for so many people and you can see why – stunning natural beauty, the northern lights, and a climate that’s completely different to anything we’re used to. Some pretty sexy natural spas too.
This famous circuit takes in some of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders, including Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the mighty Gullfoss waterfall.
Planning a trip to Iceland can be harder than it might seem though – knowing where to begin is easier said than done when you’ve got so much to choose from. Given that Iceland has a reputation as an expensive country, you might be wondering how to budget for your trip too…
Have no fear – we’re here to answer all of your Icelandic questions!
Not in Icelandic though, we’ll stick to English and leave that to the locals to make things easier for all of us.
How Much Do Flights To The Golden Circle In Iceland Cost?
Getting to Iceland is typically the biggest expense for most travellers. Flights from major UK and European cities can vary, although you’re looking at a pricier flight than your standard western European flights, understandably.
Expect to pay something from £200 to £400 or more, depending on your departure city, travel dates, and airline(Non European flights will be considerably more expensive).
You can get deals by shopping around and booking well in advance (at least 6-12 months before you head off) but it’s also worth considering when you’ll be heading to Iceland, given the climate and cost.
How Much Spending Money Do I Need To Take To Iceland?
Depending on your budget and what you’re planning on doing in Iceland, you’ll need to bring a decent amount of spending money.
It’s worth budgeting for food, activities and transportation – have a think about the sort of meals you plan on eating, what you want to do while you’re there, and then work out a reasonable budget.
That might be £80 per person per day or £150 per person per day – it entirely depends on what you want to do, whether you’re planning on eating quick meals or sit down 3-course meals and whatever else you want to spend your money on!
If you want to add on trips to go snowmobiling, head off on glacier hikes and do overnight northern lights trips, you’ll need to book those and factor it into your holiday budget.
How Much Is Accommodation In Iceland?
Aside from flights, accommodation will most likely be your biggest expense on your bucket list trip to Iceland…
Prices range from £80 to £240 for standard hotel rooms but you’ve got a wide variety of choice in bigger cities such as Reykjavik, while your choice is a bit more limited in smaller and more remote locations.
It might be that you mix it up on your trip and stay in different levels of accommodation at different points – it’s always nice to end your stay in a bit of luxury as a treat!
Another way you could save money is by staying outside of Reykjavik in smaller towns along the Golden Circle route, where prices tend to be more affordable.
If you’re trying to keep costs down, it’s worth looking into budget-friendly options like hostels or camping, which can significantly reduce your accommodation costs.
And if you want to avoid spending your time comparing hotel rooms and make sure you get the most cost-effective deal for your trip, it’s worth considering joining us on our Bucket List Company trip to Iceland – find out more about that one here.
How Much Is Entrance To Iceland's Natural Spas?
When you think of Iceland, one of the first places that springs to mind (see what we did there) is the country’s famous hot springs and geothermal spas.
I can already picture everyone in there with their silica mud masks on, enjoying one of the world’s most fun natural phenomenons.
I mean, what’s not to love about a natural spa?!
The most well-known natural spa in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon, where the entrance fee will be between £40-£80 depending on the package you go for. There’s also the Secret Lagoon and Fontana Geothermal Baths, both of which cost around the same amount.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland?
Iceland has extreme seasons…
The summer months, from June to August, offer long daylight hours, milder temperatures, and the chance to see the midnight sun. The issue is that those tend to be the busiest months, as is the case with most places!
If you’re looking for a quieter (and potentially cheaper) time of year to head to the Golden Circle, Spring (mainly April and May) and September to October are ideal times to visit.
However, if one of your main goals in Iceland is to see the Northern Lights, the best time to visit is during the winter months, from November to March.
The skies are darker and the Aurora Borealis is more likely to be visible… but it will be noticeably colder! The winter in Iceland can be harsh at times, with shorter daylight hours and the potential for disruption due to the weather.
Our TBLC trip heads off in March each year, with two options, so you’re right on the shoulder of winter and spring – we think that’s the perfect balance between giving you a great chance to see the Northern Lights and not being caught in the harsh weather.
Check out our itinerary here to see when we’ve got trips running.
Exploring the Golden Circle and Beyond
The Golden Circle is just the beginning of the incredible natural wonders that Iceland has to offer.
There’s tonnes more to see in Iceland, whether it’s Glacier Lagoon, Skaftafell National Park, and the hot springs and geothermal areas around Reykjavik.
The Glacier Lagoon is a stunning glacial lake filled with floating icebergs that have carved off the nearby Vatnajökull glacier. It’s a sight like very little else!
Otherworldly is how we’d describe much of Iceland’s spectacular landscape, which is the perfect spot for boat tours and wildlife viewing. Expect to see seals and even the occasional glimpse of a whale when they’re not too shy.
The Golden Circle and beyond is one of the world’s most spectacular sights and Iceland can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for so many people… and we know exactly why.
By planning ahead, choosing a trusted travel operator (ahem) and paying in monthly instalments (ahem ahem), you can make the most of your Icelandic adventure and ensure it’s a trip you’ll remember forever.
Ready to get going?
