Iceland

Reasons to go include:

1. F208

Beautiful mossy lava fields around (63.917734, -18.602217).
Beautiful area around (63.939573, -18.641901). From here you could do a short hike to Gígvatn (63.93724, -18.663614).
F223 is a short detour to a beautiful view (63.95137, -18.638244). From here you could hike to Ófaerufoss (63.964216, -18.617319).
F235 is a big detour to Langisjór lake. Great view of Hellnafjall (64.069302, -18.499554). Great view of Langisjór lake (64.113381, -18.432485). See Igor’s blog for hiking suggestions.
★ If you are driving north on F208, the most magnificent view of the whole drive is at (63.981984, -18.767118) where you enter a giant crater that contains a world of its own. On your way south, the best view is at (63.979225, -18.890101) when you enter the crater from the other side.
Great view of Kýlingavatn at (63.988466, -18.992473).
From this parking (64.013316, -19.04276), climb up the little Stútur volcano (64.013136, -19.040676) for great views. You could continue hiking to Norðurnámur peak (64.020365, -19.015206).
From this parking (64.013784, -19.045826), walk to this viewpoint (64.01202, -19.045744) where you can see the new lava that entered Frostastaðavatn in the old crater.
View of Ljótipollur crater from this parking (64.034714, -19.013739).
View of Hnausapollur crater from this parking (64.054984, -19.03453).
Continuing along F225 is on my wishlist.
Also on my wishlist is to drive the loop from the east end of F210 (63.734554, -18.627465) to the south end of F232 (63.630994, -18.515209). Expected highlights include Axlafoss (63.806557, -18.764642), hiking from this parking (63.830287, -18.812118) to Rauðibotn crater (63.840471, -18.838185), driving over Bláfjallafoss (63.759345, -18.840717), Hólmsárfoss (63.710231, -18.720101). If you’ve seen videos of cars driving over a waterfall, that’s Bláfjallafoss.

2. F210 and F261 via Maelifell

The part of F210 near Maelifell was closed when we visited, so we ended up doing a loop from F210 west (63.824869, -20.028807) to F261 west (63.712784, -19.736916), and it was one of our favourite drives.
This pedestrian bridge (63.825508, -19.213682) is really fun.
This is the point (63.800302, -18.955723) where the road closure is likely, luckily you get a perfect view of Maelifell from here.
Hattafell (63.791284, -19.353733) is not as famous as Maelifell, but I’d say it is equally as pretty.
Traditional turf houses here (63.783698, -19.427065).
From the numerous waterfalls along the way, this one (63.777344, -19.417508) was my favourite.
The best view of magnificent Einhyrningur (63.740033, -19.472699) is from (63.745128, -19.465478).
On my wishlist is driving F249 to Thórsmörk (63.677721, -19.481827) and hiking from there, perhaps to Fimmvörðuháls mountain pass (63.621547, -19.440714). See Igor’s blog. If you’ve seen videos of buses barely surviving a river crossing, that’s Krossá river around here (63.684329, -19.512294).

3. F206 to Laki craters

Fagrifoss (63.868037, -18.244087) is beautiful, totally worth the 250m walk from this parking (63.869909, -18.243945).
Once you reach the loop (63.981026, -18.285304), it is implicitly assumed that you’ll drive it conter clockwise (turn right).
★ Hike up Mt Laki for the best views. From this parking (64.062678, -18.244497), do a Visitor trail first - through (64.067108, -18.247407) and up to this viewpoint (64.067734, -18.245519). Then continue to this viewpoint (64.068514, -18.242177) and summit Mt Laki (64.070189, -18.236308). If you see buses at the bus parking lot (64.065146, -18.246338), do this hike in reverse.
Tjarnargígur crater hike from this parking (64.041539, -18.312448). Highlights include the crater lake (64.039331, -18.305363) and entering this crater (64.034941, -18.316457). It is a circular hike that comes back to the parking lot, so won’t have to walk along the road.
This is a great viewpoint (64.073858, -18.262858) you can drive to.
This is a tiny crater (63.995154, -18.408037) you can peak into.
On my wishlist is hiking from (64.056433, -18.294544). There is a hike that goes via this peak (64.081896, -18.338716), along this ridge (64.049215, -18.426328), to this waterfall (64.018034, -18.456555). For more information, speak to the ranger at (64.062678, -18.244497).
Check online for tours to Laki craters, see what time they are likely to be there (10:30?) and avoid that time.

4. F910 to Askja

For a great viewpoint of Iceland desert, park at (65.345111, -15.770673) and hike up to (65.353587, -15.765903).
For another great viewpoint, park at (65.143034, -15.946029) and hike up Dyngja (65.154234, -15.942384).
The views on F910 become spectacular from (65.093969, -16.162647) onwards.
You’ll have to unlock the gate of the Vatnajökull National Park at (65.099701, -16.172708) and then another one further down the road. If the gates are not padlocked, you are expected to open and close them to let yourself in.
The hike to Askja starts from this carpark (65.067057, -16.724943) at the end of the road. Explore the craters around (65.065121, -16.73083). When you reach the Víti crater (65.047875, -16.724685), go right for this viewpoint (65.046184, -16.727618) and come back. Then continue all the way down to the shore of Askja lake (65.045057, -16.725202). The ranger suggested we return to the carpark via (65.047708, -16.722528) and (65.048684, -16.70817) for extra good views.
If you have time, explore the Drekagil canyon. From here (65.042834, -16.596094) you can hike all the way to Drekafoss (65.041997, -16.60667).
On my wishlist is continuing on F910 past Askja to (64.933184, -16.514652) and (64.921269, -16.721375) and beyond.
Also on my wishlist is exploring F902 to (64.725227, -16.653609) and F903; including Hvannalindir oasis (64.888703, -16.308538).
See Igor’s blog. Both park rangers and our hotel staff said they don’t like F88.

5. Hiking in Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Once you pass the parking camera at (64.001847, -19.045635), you’ll have to pay for parking. This parking lot (63.995027, -19.059698) can be reached without river crossing via Road 26 (64.209511, -19.152276), it fills up fast. If you are able to cross rivers, continue to the parking area further down the road. During peak season, you might have to reserve your parking in advance, check this website.
★ I did a circular hike from Landmannalaugar camp via Brennisteinsalda and Bláhnúkur peaks. I strongly advise you do it anti-clockwise. The hike starts at (63.990613, -19.061659) and takes you through a lava field to (63.990079, -19.085887). Great viewpoint here (63.989264, -19.089848). This bit (63.989846, -19.103054) is very steep and a bit tricky, I would not want to do it on the way down. The best viewpoint in the area is from Brennisteinsalda (63.980905, -19.095541), it is not to be missed. Some geothermal activity here (63.980398, -19.09108) and more vigorous geothermal activity here (63.981819, -19.088425). From here you have 3 options: hiking up Bláhnúkur, walking around it to (63.986232, -19.060777) or returning through the lava field (63.990079, -19.085887); the trail that used to go through (63.983242, -19.085833) no longer exists. If you head up Bláhnúkur, there is a river crossing here (63.978858, -19.083731) - it was only a trickle when I was there, but sometimes it is serious. This bit (63.977131, -19.083097) is steep and very muddy, I would not want to do it on the way down. From Bláhnúkur (63.976775, -19.069172) you get an amazing 360 view. On your way to the carpark, you’ll pass this viewpoint (63.986232, -19.060777) of an unbelievably blue mountain.
There is more amazing hiking in the area. On my wishlist is a circular hike via Skalli peak (63.95305, -19.0428), and a Graenihryggur ridge hike from (63.985068, -18.967707) to the blue mountain viewpoint (63.936188, -19.005633) and back.
See Igor’s blog.

6. Inside the Volcano

★ This is the only evelator into a volcano crater in the world. Book in advance.
Take Road 417 from (64.064698, -21.579127) to the meeting point at (63.982785, -21.652324). The tour starts with a 3km walk to the base camp (63.997664, -21.698592). From near there you’ll take an elevator into Thríhnúkagígur crater. As you enter the elevator, left side is best for the views of a vertical lava tube. You’ll have about 20 minutes inside the crater - just enought to explore the two short hiking trails inside.

7. Leirhnjúkur volcanic area

Once you pass the parking camera at (65.706773, -16.771803), you’ll have to pay for parking. One payment includes all 3 parking lots. It is not on Parka app, pay through their website.
★ A super exciting hike that takes you through geothermal activity, many volcanic crators and different types of lava starts from this parking (65.713171, -16.773955). Get the views of geothermal activity from (65.721608, -16.788602), see the Hófur crater (65.725519, -16.791363), from here (65.722226, -16.795131) find a hike that goes up along the ridge to (65.721636, -16.795386), then down to (65.721404, -16.795278) and backtrack to (65.722232, -16.79506), see this viewpoint (65.721658, -16.791842), then the two viewpoints at (65.719383, -16.791258) and (65.718449, -16.790869), and return to the carpark.
There are two other hikes from this carpark: one via (65.713633, -16.805527) to Hlíðarfjall (65.677564, -16.85798), and another along Dalfjallsleid ridge (65.666854, -16.806017). I’ve not tried these.
See Viti crater lake from this carpark (65.717677, -16.757552). I continued to this viewpoint (65.715703, -16.752186), but I’m not sure if it was worth it given how muddy the path was. The hike to Krafla peak (65.71423, -16.730315) starts from this carpark and goes via (65.714317, -16.761131); I’ve not tried it.
This carpark (65.711386, -16.769569) is a nice viewpoint.

Other stuff in the area:

★ Hverir - my favourite geothermal area in Iceland. The parking (65.642594, -16.803234) is not on Parka app, pay through their website. There are many bubbling mud spots to explore. I did a circular hike up to this viewpoint (65.638301, -16.817087), to Námafjall (65.640148, -16.821119) and back down the less steep way. Many bus tours come here, so visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
★ Hverfjall crater rim is so perfect, it is an irresistible hike. From this carpark (65.612621, -16.877618), hike up to the rim, all the way around the rim and back down. Sunset views are great. Pay for paring on Parka app.
From this free carpark (65.626233, -16.882547), you can see Grjótagjá cave with a lake (65.626172, -16.883027) and this impressive crack (65.626682, -16.882948). Nice, but skipable.
Dimmuborgir lava field is a bit of a Disneyland, but the carpark (65.591616, -16.913105) is free. I visited late in the evening for a short stroll on paved paths. If visiting during daylinght, I’d head to (65.588525, -16.910541) and further out.
Goðafoss (65.682816, -17.550623) is nice.
Hrossaborg is a crater you can drive into (65.615404, -16.258186).

8. Kerlingarfjöll nature reserve

Coming from the south, Road 35 is paved until (64.431602, -20.008613).
Gýgjarfoss (64.704096, -19.396549) is interesting - located at a confluence of two rivers, it is half clear water and half muddy.
The landscape along F347 gets really pretty from (64.689392, -19.346779) onwards.
This (64.668561, -19.281034) is a great viewpoint.
Hveradalir: amazing landscape and a lot of geothermal activity a short hike from the parking (64.646507, -19.278536). My favourite viewpoints were (64.643023, -19.286274) and (64.644926, -19.288623). It was too muddy to continue to this viewpoint (64.646765, -19.293364), but the path towards Hverabotn looked inviting.
On my wishlist is doing much more hiking in the area: Hverabotn geothermal area (64.631973, -19.314393), Snaekollur (64.643709, -19.228755), Maenir (64.641617, -19.316128), Kerlingartindur (64.641, -19.38332), Ásgarðsfjall (64.68074, -19.282289). See Igor’s blog.
If you have time, you could continue on Road 35 to Hveravellir nature reserve. Explore Hveravellir geothermal area from this parking (64.866161, -19.553528). My favourite thing was the eruptions of this hot spring (64.86561, -19.559378) - wait for it. I continued to Eyvindarett (64.856571, -19.55062) - the hike there was underwhelming by Icelandic standards, but exploring the top of the beautiful Eyvindarett was fun. On my wishlist is hiking to Strýtur volcano (64.815517, -19.572188).

9. Snaefellsnes peninsula

Road 558 between (64.96578, -22.897963) and (64.943393, -22.974999) through Berserkjahraun lava field. Hike from (64.963756, -22.910211) to (64.961665, -22.909644).
Coastal viewpoints: a bird colony (64.891975, -23.670499), Kirkjufell (64.921978, -23.284668), islands (65.042395, -22.521156). Shipwreck viewpoint (65.047009, -22.550097) is on my wishlist.
Hikes on my wishlist: into Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge from this carpark (64.798206, -23.637542), to Eldborg Crater (64.796362, -22.321484) from this carpark (64.773885, -22.302171).

Snaefellsjökull National Park:

F575 between (64.842422, -23.738155) and (64.867244, -23.910615): My favourites were Rauðhóll crater hike from (64.869408, -23.880392) and hike up Sjónarhóll crater (64.853803, -23.842497). Klukkufoss is nice, but skipable.
Road 579: I enjoyed Skarðsvík beach (64.881463, -23.986505) and the hike from this carpark (64.873181, -24.007222) to Vatnsborg crater (64.857603, -23.994507). The road gets worse beyond that point. You could continue to a bird colony viewpoint (64.863829, -24.038997) by the Svörtuloft lighthouse, and to Öndverðarnes lighthouse (64.88483, -24.044214).
This (64.735141, -23.774327) was my favourite viewpoint - bird colonies and Lóndrangar. I skipped Malarrif lighthouse (64.728191, -23.802827) but it does look great on photos.
Djúpalónssandur pebble beach (64.751947, -23.901053) is nice, and you could continue to Dritvik beach (64.753788, -23.915443).
Saxhóll Crater (64.851727, -23.926532) - a staircase to the rim of this crater makes it doable even in the worst of weather.
You have to pay for parking once through Parka app, that covers you for the whole day and for all parking lots throughout the national park.

10. Stuðlagil canyon

★ Columnar basalt Stuðlagil canyon is so much fun to climb into (65.162233, -15.308831).
Pay for this parking (65.175399, -15.270236) on Parka app, then walk for 2.5km to the canyon. Once you are on the basalt columns down by the water in the narrowest part of the canyon, you’ll see how it is totally worth it.
Do not go to this parking (65.163539, -15.309766) on the north-west side of the canyon - you can’t really see the beauty of the canyon from there and there is no way to cross the river.

11. South part of the Ringroad

Glaciers:

★ The Diamond beach is absolutely increadible - loads of tiny icebergs beached on an infinite strech of black sand. In addition, those icebergs are super tasty (no seriously, break off a bit and taste it), watching icebergs travel through Jökulsá estuary is really fun, and there are many seals in Jökulsárlón lake. You cannot cross Jökulsá estuary on foot, there is only a car bridge, so you have two options - park on the east side or the west. On the east side there are two carparks - (64.04801, -16.17969) and (64.045264, -16.177836) - both are pay-for on Parka app, and you’ll want to do the exciting walk between them watching the little icebergs escape from the Jökulsárlón lake, so it really doesn’t matter which one you pick. Explore the Diamond beach (64.043142, -16.178247), the views of the Jökulsárlón lake (64.047923, -16.180966), spot a seal, and there are also toilets (64.048112, -16.179014). On the east side there is the free parking (64.041758, -16.213966) with the glacier view (64.042747, -16.20932), and you could walk from there to this (64.042804, -16.1828) pay-for on Parka app parking to explore the west part of Diamond beach, which is less crowded than the east side. I’d say park on the east side, and if you have time left then go check for interesting icebergs from the free carpark.
Viewpoint of Svínafellsjökull (64.002405, -16.880111) from this free carpark (64.00013, -16.893766). You can get close to it.
Viewpoint of Sólheimajökull from this carpark (63.534183, -19.358182), pay on Parka app. It is a bit of a walk, but you can get close to it.
Viewpoint of Fjallsjökull (64.015651, -16.374153) from this free carpark (64.016366, -16.365042). You’ll be across the lake from it.

Waterfalls:

★ Skógafoss (63.532104, -19.511291) is, in my opinion, the most fun waterfall in Iceland. Go see what I mean. A beautiful walk continues along the canyon to (63.539624, -19.501362), from there the trail starts to descent and I turned back, but you could continue for much longer. Pay for (63.525928, -19.511165) parking on Parka app.
Kvernufoss (63.528686, -19.48051) is a waterfall in a beautiful setting and you can walk behind it. It’s so pretty, you’ve probably already seen it on posters. Pay for (63.526237, -19.494108) parking on Parka app.
Seljalandsfoss (63.615458, -19.988169) is the famous waterwall you can walk behind, but all you get is a view of parked buses through the waterfall. If you feel like getting wet, do come here and continue to Gljúfrabúi (63.620911, -19.98652) - a waterfall in a truly unique setting, but only visible after your dryness has decreased. Pay for (63.615655, -19.993689) parking on Parka app.
Skaftafell Nature reserve: Pay for (64.014395, -16.968766) parking on Parka app. The two things to see is the Svartifoss columnar basalt waterfall (64.027366, -16.975005) and the best viewpoint (64.027787, -16.982381). There are 3 ways to get there: via (64.022854, -16.980183) is a nice path through the forest, via (64.022581, -16.977426) is the easiest path that is likely to be very crowded, via (64.020856, -16.973439) is an unrewarding detour. Given the distance from the carpark, and hence the time it takes, I’d say this was skipable. Or if you have the whole day, you could hike all the way to a viewpoint of Skaftafellsjökull (64.057871, -16.919427) and up Kristínartindar (64.069264, -16.926114).

Other stuff:

Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon: Pay for (63.770457, -18.172154) parking on Parka app. It’s a beautiful walk to (63.779089, -18.176806).
Reynisfjara Beach: Pay for (63.404328, -19.045234) parking on Parka app. Explore the columnar basalt (63.402875, -19.041599) and the delightful black sand beach. If you are here in puffin season, but you didn’t spot any here, go examine the cliffs of Dyrhólaey peninsula. Once you pass the parking camera at (63.408242, -19.114454), you’ll have to pay for parking on Parka app, but you get two parking lots for the price. From (63.404017, -19.128957) parking, this (63.402737, -19.130911) was my favourite viewpoint, and puffins have been spotted around here. Also try (63.404814, -19.106982) parking for more puffins.
★ For an amazing moss covered lava field, use this free parking (63.743319, -18.17175) - from here it’s a beautiful path to (63.737308, -18.196913) and beyond. Leave the viewpoint across the road (63.745803, -18.15957) to other tourists.
This tiny outdoor rock museum (63.543063, -19.667731) is worth a quick stop. Free parking.
Dverghamrar columnar basalt (63.850449, -17.860285) is worth a quick stop, if the parking is still free.
On my wishlist: Hiking from Thakgil (63.530435, -18.887895), perhaps to the Huldujökull viewpoint (63.563508, -18.947086); see Igor’s blog. Hiking in Mulagljufur canyon (63.987142, -16.480231). Hvalnes nature reserve beach (64.405863, -14.551873).

12. Reykjanes peninsula

★ Hiking near Fagradalsfjall volcano: I did a circular hike from this (63.858846, -22.279899) parking (pay on Parka app), to the nearest lava (63.863785, -22.286608), all along the edge of the lava to (63.873497, -22.270703), up this steep section, which I woudn’t want to do on the way down, to (63.874127, -22.266936), to Viewpoint C (63.888329, -22.246071), along the ridge to Langihryggur peak (63.87404, -22.26199), and back to the carpark. Most of the lava I saw was from the 2021 eruption, it was fascinating to walk so close to it for more than a kilometer. To see lava from 2022 and 2023 eruptions, you’ll have to go on a longer hike. See information here and this blog by Mark and Paul.
Seltún geothermal area: The parking (63.89547, -22.051885) is not on Parka app, I paid through the machine by the toilets. I did a hike through this viewpoint (63.895403, -22.057214), this other geothermal area (63.892957, -22.062557), Hverafjall (63.892995, -22.06712), and this viewpoint (63.894793, -22.055269).
Gunnuhver fumarole (63.819445, -22.684181) is worth a quick stop. You also get a view of the power station, and you could continue to the pressure relief valve (63.818458, -22.695392). Free parking (63.819052, -22.68213).
Bridge Between Continents (63.868218, -22.675163) is worth a quick stop. Free parking.
Drive around Hópsnes peninsula: see this shipwreck (63.831272, -22.4174), and this one (63.826501, -22.409742), and Hópsnes lighthouse (63.826402, -22.40651).
On my wishlist: hiking through Eldvörp (63.848850, -22.551753) row of spatter cones (I’m intrigued by these photos), hiking up Eldborg crater (63.857853, -21.998552), Sandvík beach (63.855095, -22.693847), Valahnúkamöl coastal landscape (63.812914, -22.715166), Katlahraun lava field (63.840049, -22.245139), birdwatching at Flói Nature Reserve (63.900314, -21.191789).

13. Touristy Golden circle area

★ Haukadalur geothermal area: Pay for (64.309047, -20.303499) parking on Parka app. Wait for Strokkur geyser (64.312697, -20.300772) to erupt, then see the others - bubbling Blesi geyser (64.313449, -20.30118), dormant Geysir geyser (64.313839, -20.299509), cool looking Konungshver geyser (64.313829, -20.301819), this mossy one (64.313913, -20.306062), and the cute Litli Geysir (64.311774, -20.301206).
Hike to Brúarfoss (64.264235, -20.515872) from this free parking (64.240188, -20.524076) - 3km one way. The intense blueness of the river and other waterfalls along the way made this worth it for me.
Thingvellir National Park: You have to pay for parking once through their website, that covers you for the whole day and for all parking lots throughout the national park; P3 parking looks free but people have been fined for using it without paying. Here is the route I took that takes you through all the highlights and goes through the best bit twice: from P3 parking (64.273026, -21.110982), walk through the Langistígur canyon (64.270907, -21.110212), see Öxarárfoss (64.265741, -21.117226), Almannagjá gorge (64.257775, -21.125453), the main viewpoint (64.255409, -21.128044), Silfra fissure (64.25519, -21.116942), Flosagjá fissure (64.25851, -21.116965), this bridge (64.259129, -21.11932), this viewpoint (64.259382, -21.122465) and return through the Langistígur canyon. Then drive to Hrafnagjá viewpoint (64.24703, -21.025779) for a quick but very scenic stop. In my opinion, Thingvellir National Park is skipable.
Muddy water of Gullfoss (64.325242, -20.130739) did not impress me, but the parking is free.
Skip Kerið crater (64.041537, -20.886981) with pay-for parking, unless you are in Iceland for only a day and won’t have a chance to see any other crater.
On my wishlist: it would be cool to arrange a visit to Climeworks CO2 removal plants (DACs) Orca (64.043951, -21.399435) and Mammoth (64.044201, -21.41508); Nesjavellir geothermal power plant viewpoint (64.106494, -21.269342) is probably worth a quick stop; The Geothermal Exhibition at Hellishei power plant (64.037339, -21.40065) is probably skipable.

14. Reykjavik

Here is my suggested evening walk to take in some of the Reykjavik’s highlights: starting from this square (64.146429, -21.933036), see Skólavörðustígur street, Hallgrimskirkja church, Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík church, The Unknown Bureaucrat statue (64.145783, -21.940345), Alþingishúsið parliament house (64.146746, -21.940168), this fountain (64.148318, -21.940994), Minør historic locomotive (64.149403, -21.938323), Harpa Concert Hall (64.150396, -21.932863) - beautifully lit up in the evening and exciting on the inside too, Sun Voyager sculpture (64.147607, -21.922262) is also beautifully lit up in the evening, and take Laugavegur pedestrian street (64.144895, -21.925199) back to where you started.
On my wishlist: The National Gallery of Iceland, Reykjavík Art Museum Ásmundarsafn, Reykjavík Art Museum Hafnarhús.
Read about Reykjavik’s architecture.
Stykkishólmskirkja (65.073911, -22.72183) and Blönduóskirkja (65.659756, -20.280315) would be as famous as Hallgrimskirkja, if they would be in Reykjavik.

Notes:

Budgeting:

You’ve heard that “Iceland is expensive”. Many businesses prey on this complacency. Sure, it won’t be a cheap trip, but if you are strategic, it might be the most satisfaction per dollar spent you’ll ever get. Your expenses in Iceland will fall into 4 categories - accomodation, transportation, food and everything else.
Accomodation: Hotels/hostels are not cheap, but they will keep you warm and dry, and if you pick strategically, you could have a well equiped kitchen and maybe even a free sauna. Look at the reviews; many of the places I booked through Booking.com had facilities not listed in the description - surprise kitchens, saunas and outdoor hot tubs. Iceland’s weather can be brutal even in summer, which put me off camping. And the cost of renting a campervan put me off that option (which is also not great in brutal weather).
Transportation: Public transport is extremely limited, so your options are - booking only tours, renting a cheap car and supplementing that with some tours, or renting a very expensive car and being your own tour guide. Petrol and diesel is expensive.
Food and drinks: Drinking water in Iceland is free. I ate exclusively supermarket food. I frequented Bonus, Kronan and Netto supermarkets - each chain had something nice that other’s didn’t. Bonus was probably my favourite - they have Oko range of products which includes really nice bean cans, and many products from Salling range were nice. While in Iceland, try skyr and stock up on Saltverk Birch Smoked Sea Salt.
Everything else: Parking fees and Inside the Volcano tour (there is no other elevator into a volcano crater in the world). I did not pay for anything else. Despite posters trying to convince me otherwise, my trip to Iceland was perfectly complete without expensive spa visits.

Planning your trip: