Discount Codes & Budget Saving Tips

Here is a collection of my discount codes to help you save money on awesome experiences. I have built personal relationships with each of these companies and trust that you will find them to provide great service and amazing memories for your time in Iceland.

Rent.is - gunnargunnar

Discovering Iceland in a campervan, RV or motorhome is one of the best ways to see and do as much as possible, giving you maximum flexibility in where and when you travel. Campervans are also a more budget friendly option since your vehicle and accommodation is bundled into one AND you can make your own meals. Rent.is has a large selection of campervans, RVs, and motorhomes for all sorts of adventures. - Use code gunnargunnar for a FREE Wi-Fi hotspot (very necessary for navigation).

Icelandic Roamers - GUNNAR10 

Miro and his guides at Icelandic Roamers are fantastic. From day tours to the South Coast, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Highlands to Northern Lights tours, Icelandic Roamers offers small group and private adventures. All tours include high quality, professional photos and great company. Booking a tour with Icelandic Roamers is also a great chance to ride in a fun Super Jeep! - Use code GUNNAR10 for 10% off.

Katlatrack - GUNNAR

Visiting an ice cave is a MUST-DO experience in Iceland! Katla Ice Cave is a dramatic and stunning ice cave not too far from Reykjavik and with Katlatrack as your guide, this tour will be a highlight of your trip! - Use code GUNNAR for 10% off Fast Track and regular ice cave tours.

North Sailing - GUNNAR

In the charming town of Húsavík you will find the most amazing spot for whale watching. North Sailing is a great and passionate company with a variety of whale watching tours available everyday from March through November. Hop aboard their seasoned, wood sailboats or their eco-friendly, electric boats for a peaceful and silent journey alongside marine life in the Arctic Ocean. Your tour with North Sailing includes discounts to a few restaurants and a geothermal spa nearby (this makes a perfectly planned day in Húsavík)! - Use code GUNNAR for 10% off.

Midgard Adventure & Base Camp - GUNNAR

Midgard is a small, family-owned business with local and experienced guides that provide authentic experiences and connections. One of my favorite tours with Midgard takes you into the lush Valley of Thor, Þórsmörk… year-round! They also provide affordable accommodation, a restaurant, & hot tubs, all in a convenient location. - Use code GUNNAR for 10% off tours.

ISAK 4x4 - gunnar 

If you’re driving into the Highlands, a Super Jeep or modified 4x4 is the way to go. ISAK’s vehicles will get you over rugged F-Roads and across rivers safely while looking good too! ISAK provides pick-up and drop-off to/from Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavik city center. - Use code gunnar for 10% off.

Miðhraun Lava Resort - ICELANDICEXPLORER

Looking for a place to stay while you visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Silver Circle? Miðhraun Lava Resort is the perfect place to go! They are a family-run resort with several self-catering properties to accommodate groups of many sizes. They also have a restaurant and geothermal bath on site. - Use code ICELANDICEXPLORER for 10% off.

Local Guide of Vatnajökull - GUNNAR10

Nominated as one of the top 3 companies for the president's Responsible Tourism Award in 2025, Local Guide of Vatnajökull is THE company for glacier hikes and ice cave tours in southeast Iceland! The beautiful blue ice cave tours run from October - April and glacier hikes run from April - September. They have easier, shorter, more budget friendly tours as well as longer, more in-depth experiences on the ice. In addition, Local Guide offers ice climbing and private tours. Use code GUNNAR10 for 10% off.

Besides using my discount codes, here are some other tips to help you stay on budget:

General - There is a lot that goes into planning a trip to Iceland so get started with figuring out when and where you will travel.

• Traveling in the off-season will help you save money on some of the largest travel expenses like accommodation and flights. Iceland's off-season is November, early December, and January thru mid-April. Keep in mind that the weather is more challenging during these months, driving is more difficult, and daylight hours, especially from November - January will limit how much you can do and see each day.

• Less traveled regions like East and North Iceland are a good opportunity to get off the beaten path and save some money, especially in the summer. The most popular regions (Reykjavik, South Coast, and the Golden Circle) have a lot to offer but they are always busy and more costly.

• Purchase your flights as far in advance as possible. Fares rarely go down over time.

Accommodation - All throughout the country you can find a large variety of accommodation, from camping to luxury hotels. Peak-season (summer) demand results in higher prices but more options for camping become available.

• Stay in hostels like Nordic Hostel in Reykjavik or Midgard Base Camp in South Iceland.

• Self-catering guesthouses and campervans will allow you to prepare your own meals, saving money on eating out.

• Accommodations with shared bathrooms are a great option to save some money but still have some luxuries of a traditional hotel. 

• Camping is typically the most budget-friendly option for accommodation but beware… depending on the type of camper and the season, the cost of renting a campervan may be just as expensive as renting a car and staying in budget hotels. Driving a regular car and camping in a tent is possible but be prepared for cold temps and strong winds, even in the summer. I would not suggest tent camping for most travelers. Also, camping is most feasible from June - August when the weather is more tolerable and all campsites are open.

Eating & Drinking - Iceland has wonderful culinary experiences but saving on food and drink is quite easy to do.

• Purchase your own groceries at either Prís, Bónus or Krónan. If you have a Costco membership and are traveling for a long time or with a large group, a stop at the Costco in Reykjavik may be a good idea.

• Many fuel stations across the country have a small market and grill for cheap eats. Hot dogs from a gas station are maybe not the healthiest options but they are a satisfying choice when on the go.

• Do not purchase bottled water! Bring a reusable water bottle from home and fill up at any tap - all of our water comes from the glaciers!

• If you would like wine, beer, or liquor for your travels, purchase it at the Duty Free shop in the airport. This is the least expensive place to buy alcohol. You will be led through the shop before exiting the terminal.

• These Thai Cube curry bowls from Krónan are a great meal for campers - tasty, inexpensive, easy to make, decent ingredients and better than most curries in Icelandic restaurants.

Transportation & Fuel - If you’re a self-driving traveler in Iceland, you will probably drive for several hours each day to explore Iceland’s beauty. The cost of fuel is often forgotten or underestimated when figuring out a travel budget but it can add up quickly.

• Rent a smaller car or an electric car. Know that depending on the length of your stay and distances you intend to drive, an electric may not save you too much. Also, there is a cost to plugging in your car and a bit more planning should be done to ensure that you will be able to recharge when necessary.

• When renting through Blue Car Rental, you will receive a discount fob with the car key to use at select fuel stations around the country. In addition, the fob will get you a surprisingly good cup of coffee at Ólis stations for super cheap.

• To avoid a large hold/pending amount on your credit card, do NOT choose the ‘fill-up’ option at the pump. Instead, select a specific ISK amount. Even if you do not reach the selected amount, you will only be charged for what you pumped.

• The least expensive petrol station is Costco, just outside of Reykjavík. A Costco membership is required, however.

• When in Reykjavik, park here - it's a fairly large lot in a good, central location, with easy walking access to the main attractions.

• If you need a 4x4 to travel on F-Roads, a Dacia Duster is a cost effective, simple and reliable car that can easily get you to the most popular Highland destinations (Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll).

Experiences - There is so much to do and see in Iceland that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have an incredible journey.

• Visit smaller, natural hot springs (check the guide for my recommended ones) and local swimming pools instead of geothermal spas. An afternoon swim at the local pool is one of the best ways to truly experience Icelandic culture and a great option when traveling with kids. Here are some of the best ones: Sundhöllin, Árbæjarlaug, Laugardalslaug, Hófsos Sundlaug, Sundhöll Vestmanneyja, Lagafellslaug, Vatnaveröld Keflavik, Dalslaug.

• Go to natural sights where all that may be required is a small parking fee - waterfalls, canyons, beaches, etc. 

• Consider activities which don't require a guide - Perlan museum has an ice cave exhibit, you can see puffins in Vestmannaeyjar and Dyrhólaey all on your own, walk to the edge of a glacier, etc. Please note that exploring an ice cave or hiking on top of a glacier without a guide, without proper safety gear, and without local knowledge and experience is a terrible idea.

Gear & Packing - Check out my seasonal packing recommendations here.

• If you don’t already have some of the essential gear for your season of travel, consider renting items instead of purchasing, especially for shorter trips. IcelandCover Outdoor Clothing Rental has great quality items for any type of weather. And Iceland Camping Equipment Rental has all you will need for camping.

• Pack efficiently, wisely and light. This will save you money when it comes to checked luggage fees with airlines. Plan to wear certain items multiple times and consider booking accommodation with a washer & dryer. Laundry services are very expensive and difficult to find, especially once you are out of Reykjavik.