5-Day Ring Road Iceland Itinerary on a Budget: My Epic Solo Adventure in May

 Iceland’s Raw Beauty Meets Solo Travel Freedom

Iceland was a dream destination for me—and in May, I finally turned that dream into reality. I embarked on a 5-day solo road trip around the country’s legendary Ring Road, chasing waterfalls, hiking canyons, soaking in hot springs, and exploring black sand beaches. My goal? Do it all on a budget—without missing out on magic.

This blog shares a day-by-day itinerary, practical travel tips, cost breakdowns, and insider advice for budget travelers exploring Iceland alone. If you’re planning your own Iceland Ring Road itinerary, this guide will help you maximize your trip while keeping expenses in check.

Why May? Because it’s the perfect shoulder season—fewer crowds, lower costs, and long daylight hours. While the weather can still be unpredictable, it’s nothing a good jacket and spirit of adventure can’t handle.

Day 1: Golden Circle Highlights + Reykjavík Hostel Vibes

Morning Arrival & Essentials

• Arrival at Keflavík Airport (9:30 AM)
• Grocery run at Bónus supermarket — Iceland’s budget-friendly grocery store. Stock up on road snacks, bread, cheese, and skyr.
• Picked up rental car and hit the road by 10:30 AM.

Golden Circle Stops (Classic Route + Hidden Gems)

• Þingvellir National Park & Öxarárfoss (ISK 1000) — where tectonic plates meet and ancient Icelandic history was made.
• Brúarfoss Waterfall (ISK 750) — off the beaten path, icy-blue magic, accessible via a scenic walk.
• Strokkur & Geysir Geothermal Area (ISK 1000) — reliable eruptions every 5–10 minutes.
• Gullfoss Waterfall — free and roaring with power. Rainbows and mist included.
• Hrunalaug Hot Springs (ISK 3000) — rustic, cozy, tucked into the hills.
• Kerið Volcanic Crater (ISK 600) — great for photos, especially at golden hour.

Accommodation

• Kex Hostel, Reykjavík — trendy, social, clean. Ideal for solo travelers. Live music, local beer, and travel stories around every corner.

Driving Distance: ~230 km
Total Spend: ~$75 (Entry + food + fuel)

Added Value Tip:

If you plan to spend more time in Reykjavik, consider the Reykjavik City Card—it includes museums, pools, and public transport.

Day 2: Epic Waterfalls & South Coast Hikes

Waterfall-Hopping Along Route 1

• Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike (ISK 750) — 2-hour hike to a naturally warm river valley. Steam rising from the earth as you hike.
• Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi (ISK 1000) — walk behind the falls. Gljúfrabúi is hidden in a canyon—don’t miss it.
• Skógafoss & Waterfall Way Trail — hike past Skógafoss into a lush valley dotted with smaller falls. Peaceful and awe-inspiring.

Secret Gem

• Seljavallalaug Pool — Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, tucked between cliffs. It’s cold, but photogenic.

Accommodation

• The Barn Hostel, Vík — clean, modern, and great kitchen setup. Close to Reynisfjara.

Driving Distance: ~180 km
Total Spend: ~$60 (Hikes + fuel + groceries)

Pro Traveler Tip:

Bring a waterproof layer for all waterfall visits. Even sunny days won’t keep you dry.

Day 3: Glaciers, Black Sand, and East Fjords Escape

Morning to Afternoon Stops

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (ISK 1000) — towering basalt columns, dangerous sneaker waves. Keep a safe distance.
• Svartifoss in Skaftafell (ISK 1000) — moderate hike to a basalt-surrounded waterfall.
• Múlagljúfur Canyon (ISK 1000) — perhaps the most jaw-dropping stop on the trip. Hidden and pristine.

Glacial Moments

• Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon — quieter alternative to Jökulsárlón. Serene and icy.
• Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach (ISK 1000) — see mini-icebergs float into the Atlantic. Sunset here is pure magic.

Long Scenic Drive

• Drive to Seyðisfjörður through fjords and mountains. Stop for views often.

Accommodation

• Hafaldan Hostel (Old Hospital), Seyðisfjörður — charming and historical. Budget-friendly and comfortable.

Driving Distance: ~400 km
Total Spend: ~$85 (Attractions + fuel + groceries)

Bonus Stop:

If time allows, check out Petra’s Stone Collection museum in Stöðvarfjörður—a quirky stop showcasing Icelandic minerals.

Day 4: Eastern Forests, Canyons & Northern Thermal Pools

Start Your Day with Nature

• Hallormsstaður Forest — Iceland’s largest forest. Played disc golf and picnicked lakeside (ISK 2200 total).
• Hengifoss & Litlanesfoss (ISK 1000) — a canyon trail lined with basalt columns.
• Rjúkandi Waterfall — easy roadside stop. Great photo opp.

Canyon and Falls Circuit

• Stuðlagil Canyon (ISK 1000) — otherworldly basalt cliffs and bright turquoise water.
• Dettifoss & Selfoss — powerful and poetic. Easy walk between the two.
• Goðafoss — perfectly framed and lit during golden hour.

Rest and Relaxation

• Forest Lagoon, Akureyri (ISK 6900) — forest-side geothermal soak with bar and mountain views.
• Hafnarstræti Hostel, Akureyri — compact but cozy.

Driving Distance: ~350 km
Total Spend: ~$100

Local Insight:

If Forest Lagoon is too expensive, Myvatn Nature Baths is a cheaper (and equally scenic) alternative.

Day 5: Waterfall Finale & West Iceland Wonders

Soaks, Falls, and Cultural Sites

• Fosslaug Hot Spring & Reykjafoss — hidden gem. Bring a towel. Suggested donation: ISK 1000.
• Barnafoss & Hraunfossar — lava rock meets electric blue river. Gorgeous stop.
• Reykholt & Deildartunguhver — historic village and Europe’s most powerful hot spring.

Epic Hike Before the End

• Glymur Waterfall — rope crossings, log bridges, steep trails. One of the best hikes in the country.
• Þórufoss — last-minute detour for one more waterfall shot.

Final Night

• Kex Hostel, Reykjavík — book in advance. Sells out quickly in summer.

Driving Distance: ~350 km
Total Spend: ~$65

Full Trip Budget Breakdown (USD)

Item	Cost
Car Rental + Insurance	$488
Fuel	$300
Hostels (5 nights)	$254
Groceries + Dining	$200
Attractions + Parking	~$143
Hot Springs / Lagoon Fees	~$85
Total	~$1,470

Sleeper Van vs Hostels: Pros & Cons

Sleeper Van

• ✔️ Flexibility and remote camping
• ❌ Cold nights, limited comfort, more driving stress

Hostels

• ✔️ Showers, warm beds, kitchen access, community
• ❌ Slightly more structured

Recommendation: For solo travelers in spring, hostels win.

Top 5 Unmissable Stops

1. Múlagljúfur Canyon — untouched beauty.
2. Waterfall Way Hike — beyond Skógafoss.
3. Stuðlagil Canyon — surreal rock formations.
4. Diamond Beach — sunset shimmer.
5. Glymur Hike — thrilling finale.

Iceland Travel Tips for Solo Budget Travelers

Navigation

• Use Google Maps + offline downloads.
• Vedur.is for weather.
• Road.is for road closures.

Gear Checklist

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Layered clothing (base layer, fleece, rain jacket)
• Quick-dry towel
• Power bank and SIM card (Síminn or Nova)
• Snacks, reusable water bottle, sleep mask (midnight sun!)

Safety

• Always check conditions before remote hikes.
• Let someone know your itinerary.
• Iceland is extremely safe, but nature is wild—respect it.

Go Solo, Go Soon

This trip wasn’t just about nature—it was about freedom, clarity, and connection. The Ring Road isn’t just a highway—it’s a heartbeat. Iceland’s magic lies not only in the landscapes, but in the silences between them.

I went solo and returned changed. If you’re hesitating to go alone or to do it on a budget—this is your sign. Iceland will challenge and reward you in equal measure.

So grab a map, rent a car, pack light—and go fall in love with the land of fire and ice.