Best 30 Free Things to See in Iceland with a Cheap Car
                     Best 30 Free Things to See in 
Iceland with a Cheap Car
There might be no better place in Europe for dramatic landscapes than Iceland. 
Imagine exploring lunar landscapes, craggy cliff sides, remote hot springs, and jaw- 
dropping cascades.
Despite common thought, it is possible to explore Iceland on a budget with a little ingenuity. 
One of the best tools to keep your trip cheap? Finding an inexpensive rental car.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best things to see in Iceland with a cheap 
rental car ,especially the free ones, and where to find the best deals (Hint: Firefly 
Iceland!).
Visit Our Website:
www.firefly.i
s
Why Rent a 
Cheap Car in 
WIhcile erenltinag an chedap car in Iceland can sound counterintuitive, many d?iscount car rental companies 
simply monopolize on using vehicles that are a few years 
old versus the newest models.
Renting a car allows you to save money on transportation, 
which can add up if you’re exploring solely by tour. You’ll 
also have access to remote destinations that public 
transportation just can’t reach and the freedom and 
flexibility to visit as many attractions as you wish—and 
hang around as long as you like!
Be sure to check the fuel efficiency of the car you’re 
thinking about renting, too. Fuel in Iceland isn’t cheap! so 
we recommend choosing a fuel-efficient 2WD if you’re 
staying on paved roads or an older 4WD model if you’re 
planning a day trip off the beaten path. Either way, it’s a 
smart way to explore Iceland’s south and beyond!
Best Views in Iceland
Þingvellir National Park –  A must-see on any Golden Circle tour, Once the site of 
Viking gatherings and important constitutional meetings in medieval Iceland, 
thingvellir national park protects the heritage of this ancient area. It also happens  
to be the place where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are 
separating and you can walk between the two at this UNESCO  World Heritage Site.
Kirkjufell Mountain –  The most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell 
Mountain is most well known for its appearance in Game of Thrones. Located on the 
Snæfellsnes Peninsula, visitors will also be treated to Kirkjufellsfossar, the nearby 
waterfall.
Dyrhólaey Arch –  Located on Iceland’s South Coast, Dyrholaey Arch is a sea arch 
that offers dramatic views and puffins in summer. This is located right next to the 
famous Reynisfjara Beach black sand beach if you want to combine the two!
Hvitserkur –  A craggy, “dragon-shaped” basalt rock formation surrounded by the 
sea in North Iceland, Hvitserkur is one of the most impressive geologic sites in 
Iceland.
Sólheimajökull Glacier –  A stunning outlet glacier of the larger Myrdalsjokull 
which covers the Katla Volcano, Solheimajokull Glacier has easy roadside access on 
Iceland’s South Coast making it easy to add a peak of a glacier to your itinerary.
Kerið Crater –  Tucked along Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, the Kerið Crater is a 
colorful volcanic crater with a unique lake inside. This is a quick but beautiful stop.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon –  Known for its appearance in a Justin Bieber music 
video, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a breathtaking, moss-covered canyon with winding 
rivers. Located on Iceland’s South Coast, the Tjandra River carves its way through 
the canyon, only adding to its dramatic beauty.
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck –  A hauntingly beautiful abandoned DC-3 plane wreck 
on a vast black sand beach, Sólheimasandur is a must-see for history buffs.
8 free Waterfalls in Iceland
Seljalandsfoss –  If you’re looking for the best things to see in Iceland, look no 
further than Seljalandsfoss. Tucked on Iceland’s South Coast, this is one of the 
most-visited waterfalls in Iceland. What makes this iconic cascade unique is that 
you can walk behind it. Be sure to bring slip-resistant shoes for this adventure!
Skógafoss –  Possibly the most popular waterfall on Iceland’s South Coast, 
Skogafoss plummets over a cliffside 197’. Climb the stairs for the perfect photo 
opportunity and sweeping views of the south coast. This waterfall is tucked just 
off the famous Ring Road.
Gullfoss –  One of the highlights of any Golden Circle tour. Gullfoss waterfall is 
the famous Golden Circle waterfall. This thundering cascade sees 140 cubic meters 
of water flow every second in the summer months. In the winter, this waterfall is 
even more dramatic, often frozen in some sections.
Hraunfossar –  Located north of Reykjavik near the Snæfellsjokull Peninsula, 
Hraunfossar is a waterfall that trickles through a lava bed, flowing from beneath 
the ground. This is one of the most unique cascades in Iceland, although a bit off 
the beaten path!
Dettifoss –  Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss waterfall is located inside 
Vatnajökull National Park, the same preserve where you’ll find Europe’s largest 
glacier. This is the largest waterfall in Iceland!
Dynjandi –  One of the most beautiful sites in the Westfjords, Dynjandi is a 
majestic “bridal veil” waterfall. It’s about a mile hike to reach Dynjandi, but 
it’s worth it to see this remote region’s largest waterfall.
Háifoss –  One of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, it’s well worth the trek to see this 
cascade plummet 122’ over a cliff. You can either hop out of your car and simply 
look at the waterfall from the overlook or you can make the 2.7 mile hike down to 
its base for an up close view.
Exploring 3 Free Hot Springs in 
IcReyekjaldaalunr Hdot Springs –  Situated close to Reykjavik, the Reykjadalur Hot Springs are a natural hot river, accessed by a beautiful hike.
Landbrotalaug –  Landbrotalaug is a tiny, hidden hot pot on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Despite its small size, it’s surrounded by 
stunning scenery.
Grjótagjá Cave –  Located near Lake Myvatn in Northern Iceland, Grjótagjá Cave is a unique lava cave filled with steaming hot 
water. These might be the most unique hot springs in all of Iceland! This is another famous filming location for Game of Thrones, 
setting the backdrop for Jon Snow and Ygrittes love scene. Because the water temperature is unpredictable, you can no longer swim 
here.
6 Iceland must-see 
Natural Wonders
Geysir Geothermal Area –  Located along the Golden Circle, the Geysir Geothermal 
Area is home to several geysers, including Strokkur which you can watch erupt every 
few minutes. A must-stop on any Golden Circle drive.
The Blue Lagoon (Outside Viewing) –  Don’t want to pay the hefty price to soak in 
the Blue Lagoon? You can still stop by to see its milky blue waters for free. Visitors 
can pull off at the viewing platform along the road that leads to the Blue Lagoon 
for a look.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (Free Access) –  Tucked on the Ring Road, the 
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most visited sites in Iceland—and for good 
reason. You’ll witness giant icebergs floating on the lagoon, cracked off from the 
nearby Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier.
Diamond Beach –  Right across from Jökulsárlón, you’ll find Diamond Beach, a black 
sand beach covered in sparkling ice chunks that wash up from the ocean. This is 
another one of the best things to see in Iceland!
Stuðlagil Canyon –  A stunning basalt canyon with turquoise waters, Stuðlagil 
Canyon is located in the remote Eastfjords and offers some of the most otherworldly 
scenery in Iceland.
Hverir Geothermal Area –  Not far from Lake Myvatn in Northern Iceland the 
Hverir Geothermal Area is a Mars-like landscape of boiling mud pots. If you’re 
eager to see Iceland’s volcanic activity upclose, this is one of the best spots!
3 Unique 
Iceland 
LReynisfjara Black Sand Beach –  The most famous black sand beach in Iceland, Reaynisfjnara is ndotoriosus focr its asneakper wavees. Vissitors should visit this beach with 
extreme caution and follow all posted warning signs. Aside from being a bit 
dangerous, this beach is beautiful and flanked by basalt column rock formations.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve –  A smaller version of the sprawling Vatnajokull 
National Park, the Skaftafell Nature Reserve sits in the shadow of Europe’s 
largest glacier. This area is great for hiking, waterfalls, and glacier views.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula –  If you don’t have time to travel the entire Ring Road, 
opt for a mini version of Iceland by road tripping the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ll 
be treated to lava fields, waterfalls, unique beaches, charming fishing villages, 
and more.
Bonus Tip: Keep an Eye 
Out for the Northern 
Lights
If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss one of the most 
magical things to see in Iceland — the northern lights. To 
catch this natural phenomenon, head away from the capital 
city lights and into the countryside. A Firefly rental car lets 
you chase clear skies and increase your chances of seeing 
the aurora dance across the night sky.
If you’re here in summer or shoulder season, another 
unforgettable experience is whale watching. Towns like 
Húsavík in the north or Reykjavík’s Old Harbour offer some 
of the best tours. From minke whales and humpbacks to 
occasional sightings of orcas and blue whales, it’s one of 
Iceland’s most breathtaking natural sights — and an easy 
day trip to add to your itinerary.
And if you’re hungry after a long day of exploring? Grab a 
classic Icelandic hot dog at a gas station — it’s a local 
tradition loved by visitors and locals alike!
Contact 
Uwsww .firefly.is(+354) :522 00 22
[email protected]