How much does it cost for an average person to visit Iceland? Three budget tiers revealed
Iceland, the land of ice and fire at the end of the world. Many people think Nordic countries are ridiculously expensive, but an average person can still have a premium experience for as little as CNY 15,000 per person if they know how to plan. Here are three budget tiers, a 7-day midnight sun itinerary, and money-saving tips to help you plan your trip 🛫
📍 Essential travel information
🔹 Visa: Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. Apply for a Schengen visa. The fee is €90 (approximately CNY 730) + a service fee of about CNY 245. Children (6–12 years old) pay half price. Apply 2–3 months in advance. Prepare your passport (valid for at least 6 months), round-trip air tickets, hotel booking, bank statements (daily balance of over 500 ISK), and travel insurance (coverage ≥ €30,000). Iceland's visa review process is strict, takes longer during peak season, and has a rejection rate of about 13.8%.
🔹 Best season: July for the midnight sun, with 20–21 hours of daylight. Route 1 is fully open, and lupines are at their best (until mid-July). Summer average temperature is about 10–15℃, but the weather is changeable, windy, and can experience all four seasons in one day.
🔹 Exchange rate: 1 ISK ≈ CNY 0.068 (reference for 2026)
🔹 Power: European standard two-round-pin socket
💰 Three single-person budget tiers (7 days, 6 nights, international air tickets not included)
🎒 Budget traveler | Approximately CNY 12,000–15,000
Round-trip air tickets: CNY 6,000–9,000 (connecting flights)
Accommodation: Hostels + guesthouses, CNY 200–350 per person per night
Dining: Self-catering from supermarkets, CNY 100–150 per day
Transportation: Bus + carpooling, about €90 for a 7-day pass
Admission: Focus on free natural attractions
🏨 Comfortable traveler | Approximately CNY 18,000–25,000
Round-trip air tickets: CNY 7,000–10,000
Accommodation: Comfortable hotels/guesthouses, CNY 600–1,000 per person per night
Dining: Partial self-catering + occasional restaurant meals, CNY 200–300 per day
Transportation: Car rental (about CNY 3,500–5,000 for 7 days + fuel) + gravel insurance
Admission: Blue Lagoon about €110 + glacier hike about €120
🛋️ Premium traveler | Approximately CNY 35,000–50,000+
Round-trip air tickets: CNY 8,000–12,000
Accommodation: 4-star hotels/boutique hotels, CNY 1,200–2,000 per person per night
Dining: Specialty restaurants + Michelin-recommended
Transportation: Full-trip car rental + insurance
Admission: Glacier hike + Blue Lagoon + Glacier Lagoon boat tour + helicopter sightseeing, etc.
🗺️ 7-day midnight sun classic itinerary (counter-clockwise around the island)
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik > Pick up car > Golden Circle (Thingvellir National Park + Geysir + Gullfoss) > Stay in Selfoss
Day 2: South Coast highlights > Seljalandsfoss (can walk behind the waterfall, remember to wear a raincoat) > Skógafoss (climb the stairs on the right for an overview) > Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (⚠️ Do not turn your back to the sea, the waves are dangerous) > Stay in Vik
Day 3: Glacier Lagoon > Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (floating blue icebergs) > Diamond Beach (black sand + sparkling ice chunks) > Stay in Höfn
Day 4: East Fjords > Coastal road > Egilsstaðir > Stay in Egilsstaðir
Day 5: North highlights > Mývatn Nature Baths > Goðafoss > Stay in Akureyri
Day 6: North > Hvítserkur (Rhino Rock) > Akureyri city center > Stay in Akureyri
Day 7: Snæfellsnes Peninsula > Kirkjufell (Game of Thrones filming location) > Return to Reykjavik > Return car > Depart
🍜 Must-try foods
🔹 Icelandic hot dog: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, a national snack, about CNY 45
🔹 Lobster soup: Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron), a legendary seafood restaurant in Reykjavik
🔹 Icelandic lamb: No gamey taste, tender meat
🔹 Icelandic Skyr: Similar texture to Greek yogurt, very high in protein
🔹 Supermarket shopping: Bónus (the pink pig supermarket) offers the best value, significantly saving money if you self-cater
💡 Tips to avoid pitfalls
· Water is free: Tap water in Iceland is safe to drink, no need to buy bottled water
· Book in advance: Book accommodation and car rentals several months ahead during peak season
· Rain and wind protection: Icelandic weather changes quickly, a windproof and waterproof jacket is essential
· Safety first: Never turn your back to the sea at the black sand beach
· Check road conditions: Check road.is and vedur.is before departing each day
· Save money by self-catering: Choose accommodation with a kitchen, as restaurant prices are generally high