Walk by Faith

Faith, Budget, and the Beauty of Iceland

Iceland- Awakened

My experience: A really huge part of traveling, especially away, is the impact.

Iceland has a reputation for being pricey, but with a little planning and intentionality, I made it work without stress or overspending. Here’s how I did it:

(…and Still Had the Trip of a Lifetime)

1. I stayed at Laekur Hostel in Reykjavík.
It was clean, affordable, and about a 30-minute walk from the main city. The best part? It was right by the water, so the walks were peaceful and grounding. I stayed for 5 days, and the total cost was around $220. The staff was incredibly helpful and responded quickly to emails, which made me feel safe and supported the entire time.

2. I brought most of my food from home and kept meals simple.
To save money, I packed food I could easily heat up or make at the hostel, things like oatmeal, rice, and simple meals. This saved me so much. When I did go to the grocery store, it was mostly for drinks. I went twice and spent about $7 in total. On my last night, I treated myself to eating out a pizza that cost about USD 14. Not terrible, but definitely a reminder that Iceland can be expensive!

3. I explored Reykjavík on foot.
Without renting a car (I didn’t have my license yet), I walked everywhere. The city is quiet, peaceful, and surprisingly friendly. One of my favorite spots was Þingholt—an incredible area filled with history and beautiful architecture. Just wandering the streets and soaking in the calm vibe was a gift.

4. I saw the Northern Lights… for free.
On my last night, I traveled to a local lighthouse called Seltjarnarnes, just on the other side of the city. It was late evening, quiet and still, and as I stood there watching the sky come alive with the Northern Lights dancing overhead, I felt completely overwhelmed by God’s beauty and presence. It was an unplanned, sacred moment like a final gift from Him to seal the trip.

Estimated total cost:

• Round-trip flight: $284.28 (what a steal!)
• Hostel: $220
• Groceries/drinks: ~$7
• Food I brought: already prepped from home
• Eating out (pizza): $14
• Local transit/walking: $2 – $6
• Northern lights & scenic walks: free

Total: 531.28 ( more or less depending on how much you spend)

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more personal, more tender ❤

Iceland: Where God Met Me on the Mountain –

Before Iceland, I was becoming really tired. Not just physically, but mentally weary. I had been faithful and hopeful in a season of my life that left me drained and disappointed. I had gotten too comfortable in the cycle of disappointment and was numb to the fact that I was slowly fading. Spiritually, I felt defeated. I knew I needed to step away to hear God again, especially after believing I had heard him so clearly before.

Iceland was never just a trip; it was an invitation. And when I said yes, God met me with newness. The kind that’s healing. The kind that wakes you up.

One day, I was walking alone near the mountains just outside of Reykjavík. It was quiet, open, and sacred. And in that stillness, God spoke. Clearly. Tangibly. I could see everything He was saying reflected in the landscape around me, like creation itself was repeating His words. The silence made room for His voice, and I felt so close to Him. The wind, the light, the sky, they weren’t just scenery. They were part of the conversation. It is nice to step away to be with the Father, particularly when you’re in a place where you need it.

He reminded me that change isn’t something to fear; it’s good. It’s holy. We were never made to stay the same, and in His mercy, He gently shifted me forward.

I met two strangers in my hostel, two beautiful souls from different parts of the world. We laughed, shared stories, and spent real, quality time together. They weren’t Christians, but I saw God moving in them. And by the end of the trip, they told me they felt encouraged and inspired just by being with me. It felt like one of those unforgettable moments in your 20s that mark you forever. I was only 19, but I knew something eternal had happened.

This trip didn’t just restore me, it reintroduced me to myself. I cared for myself. I listened to what I needed. I found joy in solitude after months of pouring into others. I silenced the noise and found God right there, waiting.

My relationship with Him shifted. I came back in awe not just of His greatness, but of His beauty. I saw how small I was in His vast, unfolding plan. And I felt the mercy He gives so freely, mercy I didn’t even know I needed until it washed over me. God is kind. He’s a Father who listens, like truly listens, and watches and awaits. I needed to return to him, and even though I wasn’t far, I knew I wasn’t surrendering.

I returned not just needing Him… but wanting Him more.

And what’s even more amazing? This trip didn’t break my budget. I stayed in a cozy, welcoming hostel that kept things affordable and helped me meet amazing people. I kept food simple: grocery store snacks, warm café meals when needed, and occasional treats that made it special. My outings were intentional: local hikes, quiet scenic walks, and free or low-cost experiences that filled my soul far more than anything expensive ever could.

And on my last night right before flying home, I saw the Northern Lights. I still don’t have the right words for it. It was like God giving me a final kiss on the forehead. A reminder that He sees me, He loves me, and He makes beauty dance even in the darkest skies.

I want people to read this and know two things:

Iceland is more breathtaking than words can hold. And God? God is near. Even on the other side of the world, even when you’re lost, even when you’ve forgotten how to listen, He meets you.

All of that to say- We all all in different seasons and times and environments. My trip to Iceland may not be as remotely close to perhaps your trip to Iceland, but the point is ( to my fellow believers) go to him even while away, and he will show you his face. And those who don’t know or are figuring it out, take a second, away from all the noise, all the familiarity, and be still. We are young. All of us. And we don’t have time to waste it on mindless, empty things. There is so much beauty in giving God control. There is so much depth in seeking Him with our whole selves. Iceland reminded me of that.

Love you,

Faith H.