12 Best Day Trips From Reykjavík, Iceland - Updated 2024

Rienz Althron
Rienz Althron 
Updated
| 4 min read

Being Iceland’s largest city, Reykjavik is a major economic and cultural center, and there are a wide variety of things to do, local foods to try, stunning hotels to stay, and historical sites to visit. In addition, it is considered one of the safest and cleanest cities in the whole world. So, after you feel rejuvenated with a massage at the spa hotel you have put up at, you can go taking pictures of street art in the city. You’d be surprised that there are several you can point and click your smartphone and digital camera on here such as the works of some of the most famous artists such as Guido Van Helten. If you are googling day trips from this part of Iceland, we’ve listed some of the best day tours from Reykjavík that you’ll enjoy. Continue reading for the best day trips from Reykjavík, Iceland.

1. Landmannalaugar (from USD 402.0)

Your itinerary in Iceland is not complete if you don’t visit Landmannalaugar. It is located in the highlands of Iceland and is a must-visit for any traveler. The region is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs that create a stunning landscape.

One of the best ways to experience the region’s beauty is by hiking through the mountains. The hiking trail to the top offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, which is a sight to behold.

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can enjoy the natural hot springs. The warm, geothermal water provides a soothing experience amidst the natural surroundings.

Visited this place?

Geothermal Jeep Tour in Landmannalaugar with Hiking

Duration: 11 hours

28 reviews

2. Lava Fields (from USD 114.94)

day trips in reykjavik | lava fields

Look forward to a unique experience when you visit Lava Fields in Iceland. Boasting a rugged terrain of black lava fields and rolling hills, you’ll be in awe of the breathtaking landscapes. The lava fields also offer a glimpse into Iceland’s geological history, with the unique formations of lava providing insight into the volcanic activity that created them.

One of the best ways to explore the area would be by horse riding. An Icelandic horse will lead you through the stunning landscapes, where you’ll also see a variety of picturesque flora and fauna.

Visited this place?

From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

Duration: 2.0 to 4.0 hour

906 reviews

3. Skógafoss (from USD 175.0)

Just 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the city of Reykjavík lies a wonder of nature, Skógafoss, one of the country’s largest waterfalls. Being one of the main tourist spots in Iceland, Skogafoss is often included in day tours together with nearby tourist destinations such as Jökulsárlón and Skaftafell National Park. During a day trip from Reykjavík in summer, you will find swarms of people visiting the area, and so it is best to go very early in the morning, or at night. Why night, you’re asking? Because during summer, the daylight in Reykjavík extends up to midnight! Amazing, right?

Visited this place?

Iceland South Coast and Jokulsarlon Lagoon from Reykjavik

Duration: 14 hours

519 reviews

4. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (from USD 179.0)

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the largest glacial lagoon in Europe which is easily accessible from Reykjavik. Explore the world of ice, capture a few shots for your social media account, and be accompanied by a professional tour guide to assist you during your travels and give you tidbits of information about the place. As a bonus, you’ll even get to see the famous Seljalandsfoss Waterfall at the end of the tour! The duration of the whole trip including stopovers is four hours.

Visited this place?

Reykjavik Full-Day Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Tour

Duration: 14 hours

439 reviews

5. The Golden Circle (from USD 79.0)

The Golden Circle offers its three wonders for Iceland’s visitors. Be stunned by the views of the Gullfoss Waterfall, see a geyser in action in Haukdalur, and be amazed by the tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park. All these, plus an air-conditioned vehicle and a trusty tour guide all at your service. This is yet another tourist destination where your smartphones should be fully charged, ready to snap a picture or two!

Visited this place?

Golden Circle and Thingvellir Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik

Duration: 7 hours

4103 reviews

6. Landmannalaugar (from USD 195.0)

Who can agree that hiking and hot-spring bathing are some of the most fun things to do when you’re on a vacation? Well, at Landmannalaugar, you can do both! Hike your way to the Hjalparfoss Waterfall and appreciate the beauty of the mountains. After you’re tired of all the walking, head on to the natural pool where you can release all the tensions you’ve accumulated during your hiking. The tour has the capacity of up to 99 people, making it an ideal day tour for field tripping.

Visited this place?

Landmannalaugar Hot Springs and Hike in the Highlands from Reykjavik

Duration: 11 hours

38 reviews

7. Blue Lagoon (from USD 828.0)

This tour will give you a chance to explore the most famous tourist attractions in the city, and see the world famous Blue Lagoon without waiting in line, as tickets are already included in the tour. A guide will accompany you all throughout the journey and keep you informed of each destination’s history and other bits and pieces of information that will keep you entertained.

Visited this place?

Blue Lagoon & Reykjavík Sightseeing - PRIVATE TOUR

Duration: 6 hours

38 reviews

8. Þingvellir National Park (from USD 717.0)

Þingvellir National Park is the site where the oldest parliament in the world was founded and is now considered a UNESCO cultural site. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Iceland. You can take as many pictures as your phone’s memory can handle; the site has many picturesque views, especially on Hakid viewpoint. If you have wishes you’d like to come true, you can toss some coins into the clear Peningagján waters. Close your eyes and wish away!

Visited this place?

Thingvellir: Private Tour from Reykjavik

Duration: 4 hours

4 reviews

9. Langjokull Glacier (from USD 356.0)

Pack your body-warming clothes and prepare to scream a lot if you decide to go for a day tour in Langjokull Glacier! You will board a snowmobile together with your thrill-seeking friends and ride across the stunning Langjokull Glacier! This is a great activity for people who love heart-pumping activities. The tour may be combined with other groups, so there is a chance of meeting new friends!

Visited this place?

Snowmobile and Ice Cave Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Duration: 7 hours

52 reviews

10. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (from USD 99.0)

Prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty of Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls on this day tour, where you’ll ride a luxury minibus to travel through a volcanic landscape. You will also be taken to Skogafoss, Reynisfjara and have a wonderful view of the Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. In addition to all the nice things you’ll see and experience, snacks are included in this tour along with an excellent driver, an entertaining tour guide, and most of all, free hotel pick up!

Visited this place?

South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik

Duration: 10 hours

1949 reviews

11. Game of Thrones locations tour (from USD 123.0)

Game of Thrones is arguably one of the most famous TV series today, and if you’re one of the show’s die-hard fans, you’d probably and most likely book a Game of Thrones Locations Tour. In this tour, you’ll be taken to places where GoT was filmed. Relieve the most memorable scenes of the series in Thingvellir National Park, Thjorsárdalur valley and other stunning locations. An air-conditioned ride and a GoT geek guide are additional perks.

Visited this place?

Iceland from Reykjavik 'Game of Thrones' Locations Tour

Duration: 8 hours

10 reviews

12. Gullfoss (from USD 197.0)

Visit Gullfoss where you’ll be amazed by the double waterfalls. In addition, you’ll also be visiting other iconic sites in the Golden Circle, such as Geysir and Strokkur. The whole tour will be as comfortable as it can be because the vehicle is air-conditioned. It will also be a tad more entertaining, thanks to the knowledgeable tour guide. Last but not the least, a whale-watching boat tour is included in this package! This is a value for money tour, as you’ll be taken to several destinations.

Visited this place?

Reykjavik Whale-Watching Tour Including Gullfoss Falls, Geysir

Duration: 10 hours

37 reviews

Enjoy the best day trips from Reykjavík

Other than the list we’ve posted above, there are a lot of sites and off-the-beaten paths that you can explore on a road trip to Iceland. Don’t be afraid to get lost when you’ve finally arrived in the city, but do keep in mind that a structured tour saves you from all the stress of planning. A balance between getting lost and being organized is sometimes necessary when traveling. And that wraps up our list of the best day trips from Reykjavík, Iceland. Enjoy your travels!

Frequently asked questions about day trips from Reykjavík


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Rienz is a former office-based employee who entered the world of travel writing. His ultimate dream is to be able to travel the world and experience as much of it as he can. By pursuing his dreams,...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Reykjavik
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.