Planning a trip to Iceland opens up a world of extraordinary day trips from Reykjavik, each offering unique adventures into the land of fire and ice. From the mesmerizing Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon to the dramatic landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Reykjavik serves as the perfect base for exploring Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders. The capital city’s strategic location makes it possible to experience volcanic eruptions, black sand beaches, and thermal lagoons all within comfortable driving distance.
🏠 Where to Stay in Reykjavik
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Reykjavik EDITION
- ✨ 5-Star: Black Pearl Reykjavik Finest Apartments
- 🏨 4-Star: Centerhotel Laugavegur
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Hotel Lind
- 💸 Cheap: Bus Hostel
- 🏢 Apartament: Gerdur Apartments
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Hotel Odinsve
- 🏩 For Couples: Centerhotel Arnarhvoll
One of the best ways to discover Iceland’s treasures involves taking advantage of the numerous options from Reykjavik, whether through guided tours or self-drive adventures. Popular hiking destinations and natural wonders like Hraunfossar waterfalls and Kerid crater showcase the raw beauty of this part of Iceland, while the famous Blue Lagoon provides a perfect relaxation spot after a long day of exploration.
💁 Best Guided Tours from Reykjavik
- South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from € 120 (⭐4.9/5)
- Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik from € 75 (⭐4.5/5)
- Half-Day Secret Lagoon Visit from Reykjavik with Transfer from € 110 (⭐4.8/5)
- Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon with Admission Tickets and Kerid Volcanic Crater from € 220 (⭐4.9/5)
- Southern Iceland Day Tour from € 110 (⭐4.7/5)
Best Day Trips from Reykjavik
1. 🌋 The Golden Circle
Visit duration: 8-10 hours / Travel duration: 45 minutes to first stop (40 miles/64 km from Reykjavik)
Natural Phenomena: The Golden Circle route encompasses Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly separate by a few centimeters each year. The reliable Strokkur geyser erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters high, while the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall drops 32 meters into an ancient canyon, creating spectacular rainbows on sunny days.
Visitor Appeal: The Golden Circle stands as Iceland’s most popular day trip, offering an accessible journey through the country’s most stunning geological wonders. This perfect loop combines dramatic waterfalls, active geysers, and visible tectonic activity, making it an essential introduction to Iceland’s raw natural power and historical significance as the site of the world’s first parliament.
Insider Tips: For the best experience, start your journey early at Gullfoss before tour buses arrive and plan lunch at Friðheimar tomato greenhouse restaurant where you can taste locally grown produce in a unique geothermal-powered environment.
⭐ Best Activities
Grand Golden Circle Day Trip from Reykjavik: The Grand Golden Circle day trip takes visitors on a classic Icelandic journey to see three of the country’s most iconic natural wonders. This comprehensive tour includes visits to Thingvellir National Park where continental plates meet, the explosive Geysir geothermal area, and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall.
2. 🧊 Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Visit duration: 4-5 hours / Travel duration: 4.5-5.5 hours (380 km/236 miles from Reykjavik)
Natural Marvel: Jökulsárlón sits at the southern edge of Vatnajökull National Park, where Europe’s largest ice cap meets the Atlantic Ocean. The lagoon formed from the retreat of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which has withdrawn 5.6km over the last century, creating a mesmerizing display where massive icebergs break off and drift through crystal-clear waters. The area surrounding Jökulsárlón offers multiple attractions, including the famous Diamond Beach directly across the Ring Road, where ice fragments wash ashore on black sand.
Visitor Experience: The lagoon’s otherworldly beauty has made it Iceland’s most visited natural attraction, offering visitors the chance to witness the raw power of glacial evolution. During summer months, amphibian boat tours (€43) take visitors between towering icebergs, while winter presents a more serene atmosphere perfect for photography and northern lights viewing.
Time Saver: For the ultimate experience, combine the visit with stops at nearby attractions like Diamond Beach and Skaftafell National Park, which are all easily accessible from the Ring Road.
⭐ Best Activities
South Shore and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Day Trip: This extensive tour combines the highlights of Iceland’s South Coast with a visit to the crown jewel of Iceland – the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The journey includes stops at magnificent waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and culminates at the stunning glacier lagoon where massive icebergs drift serenely toward the Diamond Beach.
3. 🌊 South Coast
Visit duration: 10-12 hours / Travel duration: 2 hours to first stop (155 miles/250 km round trip)
Natural Features: The South Coast route showcases Iceland’s most dramatic waterfalls – Seljalandsfoss, with its unique walkable path behind the cascade, and the 60-meter Skógafoss, famous for its double rainbows and folklore about hidden treasure. Reynisfjara’s black sand beach presents a masterpiece of natural architecture with its hexagonal basalt columns, while the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean like ancient trolls turned to stone.
Visitor Appeal: The South Coast represents Iceland’s most photographed region, where glaciers meet black sand beaches in a dramatic display of natural contrasts. This stretch of coastline offers the perfect combination of accessible natural wonders and raw, untamed landscapes that characterize Iceland’s wild beauty.
Top tip: The route features well-maintained facilities at each stop, with the charming village of Vík providing an ideal lunch break at its traditional restaurants serving fresh local seafood.
⭐ Best Activities
South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus: This comprehensive South Coast tour showcases Iceland’s most dramatic coastal landscapes in a comfortable minibus setting. The journey includes visits to the iconic Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the charming village of Vík.
4. ⛰️ Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Visit duration: 12-14 hours / Travel duration: 2.5 hours to first stop (190 miles/306 km round trip)
Natural Features: The Snæfellsnes Peninsula showcases the iconic Kirkjufell mountain (463m), rising dramatically beside the three-tiered Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, creating Iceland’s most photographed landscape. The coastline features golden seal beaches at Ytri Tunga, the dramatic basalt cliffs at Arnarstapi, and the mysterious black church of Búðir standing solitary against volcanic lava fields, while the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano, made famous by Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” dominates the peninsula’s western tip.
Visitor Appeal: Known as “Iceland in Miniature,” the peninsula compresses the country’s most stunning landscapes into a single day trip, offering visitors a complete Icelandic experience. The diverse scenery transitions from volcanic craters to golden beaches, from glacier views to basalt cliffs, making it an essential journey for photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking to capture Iceland’s varied landscapes in limited time.
Practical Information: The journey requires an early start from Reykjavik, with the best photography opportunities at Kirkjufell during sunrise; the coastal village of Hellissandur offers fresh seafood restaurants and coffee shops perfect for lunch breaks, while the entire peninsula route is well-marked and suitable for standard rental cars.
⭐ Best Activities
Snaefellsnes Peninsula Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik: This full-day exploration of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula takes visitors through what’s often called “Iceland in Miniature” due to its diverse landscapes. The tour showcases the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, black sand beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and the mystical Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano.
5. 🌋 Eyjafjallajökull
Visit duration: 6-8 hours / Travel duration: 2 hours (120 miles/193 km from Reykjavik)
Natural Features: Eyjafjallajökull stands as a towering stratovolcano at 1,651 meters (5,417 feet), covered by an impressive ice cap spanning 100 square kilometers. The glacier-volcano combination creates a dramatic landscape where ice meets fire, with several glacial outlets including the famous Gígjökull.
Visitor Appeal: This iconic landmark gained worldwide fame during its 2010 eruption and now offers visitors a unique glimpse into Iceland’s raw geological power. The site provides spectacular views of three glaciers – Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull – while the surrounding area features stunning waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss, which is fed by the glacier’s meltwater.
Practical Information: The best viewing point is located at the visitor information center along Route 1, approximately 2 hours from Reykjavík. For a more immersive experience, join a Super Jeep tour or take on the challenging Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, which offers close-up views of the newly-created craters of Magni and Móði.
⭐ Best Activities
South Coast and Waterfalls Full Day Tour from Reykjavik: The journey takes visitors past glaciers, volcanoes, and charming villages while providing spectacular photo opportunities of Iceland’s most scenic coastline. The comfortable bus tour includes expert commentary and convenient pickup from Reykjavik.
6. 🌊 Gullfoss Waterfall
Visit duration: 1-2 hours / Travel duration: 1.5 hours (73 miles/117 km from Reykjavik)
Natural Marvel: Gullfoss earned their name “Golden Falls” from the shimmering rainbow-touched mist and golden-brown hue of glacial waters on sunny days. The falls consist of two dramatic cascades – an upper tier dropping 11 meters and a lower plunge of 21 meters , creating a total height of 32 meters. The mighty Hvítá River, fed by Langjökull glacier, powers through the deep canyon, carrying up to 140 cubic meters of water per second in summer months.
Geological Spectacle: The waterfall’s unique formation allows visitors to witness nature’s raw power as the glacial waters disappear into a deep crevice, creating an illusion of the river vanishing into the earth. The surrounding canyon walls tower up to 70 meters high, shaped by violent glacial floods during the last ice age.
Time Saver: Visit during early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds, and combine with other Golden Circle attractions like Geysir and Thingvellir National Park for a complete day trip experience.
⭐ Best Activities
Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik: This classic Golden Circle tour offers an expertly guided journey through Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route in a single day. Visitors experience the geological wonders of Thingvellir National Park, witness the powerful Strokkur geyser’s regular eruptions, and marvel at the magnificent two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall.
Seasonal Day Trips
1. 🌠 Northern Lights
Visit duration: 4-6 hours / Travel duration: Varies based on conditions (typically 30-60 minutes from Reykjavik)
Natural Features: The aurora borealis creates a mesmerizing dance of green, purple, and sometimes red lights across Iceland’s dark winter skies, caused by solar particles interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere. Iceland’s location just below the Arctic Circle, combined with minimal light pollution outside Reykjavik, provides ideal conditions for viewing this natural phenomenon between September and April.
Visitor Appeal: Witnessing the Northern Lights remains one of the world’s most sought-after natural experiences, and Iceland’s accessibility makes it a premier destination for aurora hunting. The combination of professional guides who understand weather patterns and optimal viewing locations, along with Iceland’s diverse landscapes as foreground, creates perfect conditions for both viewing and photographing this spectacular phenomenon.
Practical Tips: Most tours include warm beverages and expert photography assistance, with the best viewing conditions occurring on clear, cold nights between 10 PM and 2 AM; reputable companies offer free second attempts if the lights aren’t visible on your first tour, making it advisable to book early in your stay.
⭐ Best Activities
Midnight Sun Adventure Tour from Reykjavik: This unique evening tour takes advantage of Iceland’s midnight sun phenomenon during summer months, offering a magical experience of Iceland’s landscapes bathed in endless twilight.
2. 🌈 Landmannalaugar
Visit duration: 10-12 hours / Travel duration: 3.5 hours (120 miles/193 km from Reykjavik)
Natural Phenomena: Landmannalaugar showcases extraordinary rhyolite mountains with vibrant colors ranging from pinks and yellows to greens and blues, created by centuries of volcanic activity from the Torfajökull volcano. The area features the dramatic Laugahraun lava field, formed by an eruption in 1477, alongside natural geothermal hot springs maintaining a perfect temperature of 36-40°C (96-104°F).
Visitor Experience: The region stands as Iceland’s premier hiking destination, offering trails for all skill levels amid otherworldly landscapes. The Laugahraun Loop, a family-friendly 4.3 km trail, provides an perfect introduction to the area’s unique geology, while more challenging routes lead to peaks offering panoramic views of up to five glaciers on clear days.
Visitors Tips: The optimal visiting period runs from June to September when the highland roads are accessible and the colorful mountains emerge from winter snow. During these months, the Icelandic Touring Association operates three campsites and a mountain hut accommodating up to 80 visitors, making it possible to extend your highland adventure.
⭐ Best Activities
Landmannalaugar Highland Adventure Tour: This highland adventure takes visitors to Landmannalaugar, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs in Iceland’s remote interior. The tour combines hiking through rainbow-colored landscapes with the opportunity to bathe in natural hot springs surrounded by dramatic volcanic terrain.
Thermal Experiences near Reykjavik
1. 🧊 Blue Lagoon
Visit duration: 4-5 hours / Travel duration: 45 minutes (30 miles/49 km from Reykjavik)
Natural Features: The Blue Lagoon’s milky-blue geothermal waters maintain a perfect 38°C (100°F) temperature year-round, enriched with healing silica, algae, and minerals that give the water its distinctive color and therapeutic properties. The surrounding landscape showcases the raw beauty of the Reykjanes Peninsula’s active volcanic zone, where black lava fields and steam vents create an otherworldly atmosphere around the lagoon.
Visitor Appeal: This premium geothermal spa represents Iceland’s perfect blend of natural wonder and modern luxury, offering an unforgettable wellness experience that’s consistently ranked among the world’s top spa destinations. The contrast between warm, mineral-rich waters and the rugged volcanic landscape creates a uniquely Icelandic experience that draws visitors from around the globe.
Practical Information: Pre-booking is essential with prices starting from 6990 ISK for the basic package; combine your visit with arrival or departure at Keflavík Airport as the lagoon is conveniently located between the airport and Reykjavik, and booking the first morning slot at 8:00 AM offers the most serene experience.
⭐ Best Activities
Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Tour with Kerid Crater: This tour combines Iceland’s most popular attractions in one perfect day: the Golden Circle route and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Visitors get to experience the best of Iceland’s natural wonders, from geysers and waterfalls to a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, with admission tickets included.
2. 🌅 Sky Lagoon
Visit duration: 3-4 hours / Travel duration: 15 minutes (4 miles/7 km from Reykjavik center)
Natural Features: Sky Lagoon combines geothermal waters with dramatic North Atlantic views through its 75-meter infinity edge design, creating an illusion of endless ocean meeting thermal waters. The facility’s 38°C (100°F) geothermal pool is carved into natural rock formations, while the turf-house design pays homage to traditional Icelandic architecture, featuring local stone, wood, and living walls.
Visitor Appeal: This newest addition to Iceland’s thermal spa scene offers a more intimate and sophisticated experience than its counterparts, with its signature seven-step ritual rooted in Icelandic bathing tradition. The spa’s location provides unobstructed views of the ocean, mountains, and sky, making it possible to witness both spectacular sunsets and the Northern Lights during winter months while soaking in warm waters.
Visitors Tips: Pure Pass starts from 7990 ISK including the seven-step ritual; evening visits offer the best value and most atmospheric experience, especially during summer’s midnight sun or winter’s aurora displays, while the facility’s proximity to downtown Reykjavik makes it perfect for half-day relaxation.
⭐ Best Activities
Sky Lagoon Admission with Transfer from Reykjavik: This tour offers a luxurious escape to Iceland’s newest geothermal spa, the Sky Lagoon, featuring an infinity edge that blends seamlessly with the North Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can experience the signature seven-step ritual combining warm and cold therapies, while enjoying breathtaking ocean views from the thermal waters.
⭐ Sky Lagoon 7-Step Ritual – Check availability of tickets
Adventure Day Trips
1. 🌍 Thingvellir National Park
Visit duration: 3-4 hours / Travel duration: 45 minutes (28 miles/45 km from Reykjavik)
Geological Marvel: Thingvellir showcases the dramatic meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, with the plates drifting apart by 2 centimeters annually. The Almannagjá canyon presents a remarkable walking path between continental plates, while the crystal-clear Silfra fissure offers world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities in some of the planet’s clearest water.
Visitor Experience: The park offers well-maintained hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, with the most popular route being the 1.3-mile paved path through Almannagjá fissure. The area provides exceptional photography opportunities, particularly at the dramatic Öxarárfoss waterfall and the historic Þingvallakirkja church.
Time Saver: Visit early morning before 10 AM to avoid tour buses and secure parking at P2 lot for the closest access to the main attractions. The parking fee is 1,000 ISK for all-day access to any lot within the park.
⭐ Best Activities
Small Group Snaefellsnes National Park Day Trip: This intimate small-group tour explores the diverse landscapes of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature.” The journey includes visits to the photogenic Kirkjufell mountain, black pebble beaches, basalt cliffs, and charming fishing villages, all under the watchful eye of the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano.
2. 🧊 Langjökull Ice Cave
Visit duration: 4-5 hours / Travel duration: 2.5 hours (93 miles/150 km from Reykjavik)
Natural Features: Located within Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjökull showcases a 1,640-foot (500m) network of tunnels stretching 9 feet tall and 11 feet wide. The cave system features dramatic layers of ice and volcanic ash, revealing centuries of geological history through its crystalline walls.
Visitor Appeal: As the world’s largest man-made ice tunnel, opened in 2015, this unique attraction offers year-round access to the heart of an ice cap. The carefully engineered tunnels allow visitors to explore the glacier’s interior while maintaining the magical experience of walking through blue ice, complete with an ice chapel and stunning ice formations.
Practical Information: Tours depart from either Húsafell Center or Klaki Basecamp, with options for Reykjavik pickup. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 0°C (32°F) year-round, and the experience includes an exciting ride in a modified monster truck specially designed for glacier travel.
⭐ Best Activities
2-Day South Coast Tour with Blue Ice Cave and Jökulsárlón: This comprehensive two-day tour combines the highlights of South Iceland with unique winter experiences. The journey includes exploration of a natural blue ice cave, visits to the spectacular Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, plus stops at major waterfalls and black sand beaches along the South Coast.
3. 🌟 Askur Ice Cave
Visit duration: 2-3 hours / Travel duration: 2 hours 15 minutes (165 km/101 miles from Reykjavik)
Natural Features: The Askur Ice Cave showcases extraordinary ice formations with distinctive layers of volcanic ash from historic Katla eruptions embedded within crystalline walls. The cave extends 250-300 meters deep with varying dimensions, featuring dramatic open “domes” and passages ranging from 1.7 to 4 meters in height.
Visitor Appeal: As Iceland’s newest and most accessible natural ice cave, Askur offers an intimate exploration of ancient ice formations without the crowds. The cave’s unique combination of trapped air bubbles thousands of years old, intricate ice patterns, and the meditative sound of meltwater streams creates an otherworldly atmosphere unlike any other ice cave in Iceland.
Practical Information: Tours begin at Mýrdalsjökull Base Camp and include an exciting 20-minute Mountain Truck ride to the glacier’s edge. The mostly flat pathway through the cave requires no climbing experience, making it accessible for visitors aged 8 and above.
Time Saver: Book a morning tour to combine with South Coast attractions like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls for a complete day of exploration.
❓ FAQ
What are the best day trips you can take from Reykjavik?
The most popular day trips from Reykjavik include the Golden Circle route, featuring geothermal areas and waterfalls in Iceland; the South Coast journey to Vik with its black sand beach at Reynisfjara; and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour. The Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon combination provides a perfect half-day option closer to the international airport.
Can I visit Iceland without renting a car?
You can easily explore Iceland without a car as many tours depart from Reykjavik daily. Tour operators offer comprehensive packages covering all major attractions, from Golden Circle tours to South Coast adventures. However, if you’re looking for flexibility, car rental in Iceland gives you the freedom to create your own Iceland itinerary and explore popular hiking destinations at your own pace.
What’s the best time to plan day trips from Reykjavik?
The best time depends on what you want to see in Iceland. Summer offers endless daylight and access to highland areas, perfect for long day trips around Iceland. Winter provides opportunities to see the Northern Lights and visit ice caves, though daylight is limited. Spring and fall offer balanced daylight hours and fewer crowds, making them ideal for activities in Iceland like the Golden Circle or South Iceland tours.
How long should I plan for each day trip from Reykjavik?
Plan 8-10 hours for the Golden Circle, 12-14 hours for South Coast day trips to Vik, and a full long day (14-15 hours) for the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The Reykjanes Peninsula and Blue Lagoon can be done in half a day. When booking your car or tour that includes multiple stops, consider these timeframes for the best experience.
Which day trips are possible using public transport versus needing to book a car or tour?
While most visitors either rent a car or book organized tours that depart from Reykjavik, some destinations are accessible by public bus. The Blue Lagoon offers shuttle services from Reykjavik and the international airport. However, to reach popular spots like the Golden Circle, South Coast, or Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you’ll need to either hire a car or join one of the many tours Reykjavik offers.
