9 Best Day Trips from Reykjavik
Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a great base for exploring the countryside. Here's our list of the best day trips from Reykjavik you can do independently or with a tour.
Iceland is one of the best countries in the world that is calling out to be explored on a road trip.
It almost seems that the Ring Road circumnavigating the island was designed to help travelers move every day from one place to another and make plentiful stops along the way to appreciate the endless number of natural sights.
Not until we finished our 2-week Iceland itinerary did we realize that many places we visited were nearby Reykjavik.
Well, do not take us wrong. We knew where we were and what the map of Iceland looked like.
But the idea of staying a few more days in the largest city in Iceland without the necessity of being a true nomad did not strike us before.
That's why we've decided to put together this travel guide focusing on the best day trips from Reykjavik.
Yes, we definitely recommend you get away from the city and enjoy the true road trip.
However, spending a few more nights in Reykjavik and making some day trips from there might not be a bad idea at all.
It might also be a good idea for travelers who do not want to give up on exploring the top attractions Iceland has to offer but do not find it appealing to sleep every day in a different bed.
Simply put, you can base yourself in Iceland's capital and take advantage of its beautiful surroundings.
Or, if you are a traveler short on time but still want to see some of the must-visit places in Iceland, it can mean a completely different approach to exploring the country.
These day trips from Reykjavik also might be helpful for families with kids who do not want to leave the services the city provides.
You might find out that you have a day or two left in Iceland, so this article can help you as an inspiration for places you can visit from Reykjavik in one day.
Or you might find it helpful after your arrival or just before departure from Iceland if you have a few hours to kill.
And we could go on and on.
Simply put, this travel guide is for every traveler looking for tips on the top day trips from Reykjavik.
How to Get Around
To make your life easier, we carefully selected the best day trips from Reykjavik we believe are worth your time.
Some of them take a couple of hours, some of them require a full day, preferably in the summer when days are long.
Some of the trips have only one main highlight, and a few of them are scenic drives that will reward you with several beautiful stops.
Before we dive into it, there is one more thing you should know about Iceland.
The best way how to get around the country is by rental car.
We rented a 2WD campervan, allowing us to visit all places we wanted.
It's true. You do not need a 4WD car to get to the places mentioned below unless you travel in the winter.
But if you do not want to rent a car and prefer being transported around with a guide, we have good news.
All these stunning locations are easily accessible with tours, and we'll recommend you the best ones leaving daily from Reykjavik.
If you want to find them on your own, use GetYourGuide or Viator.
Hopefully, you'll find some inspiration in our favorite day trips from Reykjavik.
Golden Circle
Golden Circle, an almost 300 kilometers long loop, is less than an hour's drive from Iceland's capital.
It is arguably the best day trip from Reykjavik and one of the most popular attractions in Iceland among international travelers.
The great thing about the Golden Circle is that there are plenty of must-visit stops along the way, and you are not driving just to see one particular place.
Moreover, as the name suggests, it is a loop, which makes this trip even more attractive as you don't have to retrace your steps.
You can travel the Golden Circle counterclockwise or clockwise. In our opinion, it does not matter.
We chose the latter option as we drove around the Golden Circle on the first day we arrived in Iceland, and we later wanted to explore the South Coast.
Nevertheless, if you plan on making only a day trip from Reykjavik, choose whatever direction you want.
As the Golden Circle offers many interesting sights along the way, you should allocate the whole day to finish the loop before dark.
The first stop on our Golden Circle itinerary was Thingvellir National Park, a welcoming place to explore because of the Oxararfoss Waterfall or Silfra diving site.
Yes, you can try snorkeling and diving in Iceland despite the cold and unwelcoming weather.
The national park, which also happens to be on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is famous for one more thing.
It is one of the best places in the world where you can see two tectonic plates, the North American and Euroasian plates, above the sea surface.
Thingvellir National Park also has historical importance because the first parliament of Iceland was established here.
The next stop for us was Bruarfoss Waterfall.
We know that this waterfall usually does not make it on the bucket list of most travelers because it is not close to the road.
However, an hour-long trail to reach the waterfall is fairly easy and well worth the effort.
On top of that, we think it is a welcoming change and a great opportunity to stretch your legs and stay fit while traveling.
Then we continued to Geysir Geothermal Area, famous for Geysir, which is at the moment dormant. The main star of this place is Strokkur, a geyser that nowadays erupts every five to ten minutes.
The geothermal area is attractive, and you should not miss it.
The reason why Golden Circle is so rewarding and popular is that it offers very varied natural sights and locations.
One of the top attractions is Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Waterfall , which gave the name to the whole circuit.
The waterfall is jaw-dropping and one of the things you really cannot miss when traveling around the country.
The drive then continues around Skalholt Cathedral, Kerid Crater, which is the only place on the circuit where you need to pay the entrance fee (400 ISK), and then you can slowly return to Reykjavik.
You can make one more stop, but it is possible to visit it on a separate day trip.
We are talking about the Reykjadalur Hot Spring River.
If you have at least three hours to spare, include it in today's itinerary. Otherwise, save it for tomorrow.
The Golden Circle will then take you back to Reykjavik.
Obviously, it is a long day. However, this trip is very rewarding and perfectly introduces Icelands' breathtaking nature to everyone.
Golden Circle Tour
As we've already mentioned, Golden Circle is one of the favorite places to explore among international travelers.
Therefore, almost every travel agency offers a trip to Golden Circle.
This Golden Circle Tour is well-rated and visits all the top attractions.
Once you reach the Thingvellir National Park by car, you can also consider taking this super popular Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tour.
Blue Lagoon
A lot of people say that your trip to Iceland wouldn't be complete without visiting Blue Lagoon.
Even though we like to avoid these sentiments, we cannot deny that the Blue Lagoon is one of the most iconic places to visit in Iceland.
In general, Iceland is a well-known destination for hot pools and springs.
There are literally hundreds of hot pools scattered around the country.
It is only up to you if you decide to take a dip in a natural hot spring without any facilities, as we found when exploring the East Fjords or Westfjords, or opt for a luxurious spa-like pool such as the Blue Lagoon.
If you decide to travel outside the Reykjavik region, we can also recommend Myvatn Baths in the northern part of Iceland as an alternative.
When we were planning our initial travel itinerary, at first, we did not include the visit to Blue Lagoon in it.
Relaxing in a hot pool for several hours is not what we usually do, especially when the ticket is quite pricey.
But later, when our departure was getting closer, we felt tempted to figure out what is all the fuss about.
That's why we booked the ticket for the very last day of our trip just before our departure.
So how was the Blue Lagoon experience?
Well, we have to admit it was delightful, and we are glad we went for it.
The wonderfully blue lagoon, together with the soothing effects of minerals, especially silica in the water, the access to the sauna, and the possibility to enjoy a mud mask and a drink that was included in our ticket, made our time in the Blue Lagoon special.
Blue Lagoon is conveniently located on Reykjanes Peninsula, only a few kilometers from Keflavik International Airport.
This is why it is usually the first or the last trip on many travel itineraries.
You can travel to Blue Lagoon directly from the airport, but the visit from Reykjavik is also super-easy.
We should also say that Blue Lagoon is rather a half-day trip, but it is only up to you for how long you want to stay there.
Travel Resources
Do not forget that it is required to book your Blue Lagoon Ticket advance. You can also book the ticket directly at the official website.
Those of you who love to pamper yourself can even enjoy a stay in a lavish The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, which provides privacy and exceptional services.
Getting to the Blue Lagoon by car is easy.
However, it is also possible to reserve a tour from Reykjavik that includes the entrance ticket and bus to the lagoon and back to the city.
Here you can reserve a well-rated Blue Lagoon Tour with the transfer or Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Tour.
Reykjanes Peninsula
Reykjanes Peninsula is our secret tip on a great day trip from Reykjavik.
To be honest, we do not understand how come this part of Iceland can be overlooked by so many travelers, especially when you realize that the capital city sits on the north edge of the peninsula.
We feel that most travelers are too excited to start exploring the Land of Ice and Fire that they often forget to see what is right under their noses.
We want to inspire you here to think outside the box and hope that Keflavik Airport and Blue Lagoon won't longer be the only places people visit on Reykjanes Peninsula.
Why do we think that the Reykjanes Peninsula belongs among the top day trips from Reykjavik?
Reason number one is that the destination is well accessible by car or campervan.
Secondly, the road encircles the peninsula and creates a nice loop, which we find very attractive instead of returning from a place the same way.
Lastly, Reykjanes has so much to offer, which is usually the most crucial reason for travelers.
It shows you what Iceland is about in such a short time that you must see it with your very own eyes.
Again, as it is a loop, you can self-drive Reykjanes Peninsula in whatever direction you want.
It is good to know that there are so many places to see and so many detours to take that the drive around Reykjanes will take you a full day.
Some of the detours require a 4WD, but we recommend you check out our more detailed Reykjanes Peninsula itinerary, where we listed all the places we visited with our campervan.
In the end, we did not feel we missed out on anything.
We started our trip at Stekkjarkot, an exceptional example of traditional turf houses, and then we continued to Gardur Old Lighthouse.
Traveling the peninsula offers a very raw experience due to the combination of the untamed ocean, volcanic scenery, and the relentless wind.
The Bridge Between Continents is one of the most extraordinary things to see on this particular day trip from Reykjavik.
Like in Thingvellir National Park, you can see two tectonic plates drifting apart here.
Obviously, you have to use a bit of your imagination as they move away from each other very slowly, only two centimeters per year.
As Reykjanes Peninsula has a volcanic origin, this trip involves visiting a crater (Stampar Crater) and an area with geothermal activity (Gunnuhver).
Add Reykjanes Lighthouse and Valahnukamol Cliffs with lava origin, where you can watch the rugged coastline and crashing waves, and you have a busy day ahead of you.
Also, visit Fagradalsfjall Volcano, Krysuvik-Seltun Geothermal Area, and picturesque Strandaskirkja Church, and we think it is pretty apparent this trip cannot be a failure.
Even though the peninsula is so close to Reykjavik, we did not meet many travelers here, except for a few tour buses.
So grab the chance to see something special without crowds before the word about the exceptionality of this location spreads out.
Reykjanes Peninsula Tour
Reykjanes Peninsula is easy to navigate by yourself, but if you do not feel like driving or are just tired from organizing everything, consider taking this Reykjanes Peninsula Tour
Lately, Fagradalsfjall Volcano has become one of the best-rated attractions in the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs
A trip to Reykjadalur Hot Springs is no more a secret. We know that.
Foreign travelers and locals from Reykjavik flood the parking lot every day, especially during the summer season, to enjoy a dip in the natural hot water.
But we would be very selfish if we did not mention Reykjadalur Hot Springs in our list of the best day trips from Reykjavik.
It is simply one of the coolest places we have visited in Iceland, and we want our readers to experience a similar sensation.
It's so easily accessible, as the parking near the trailhead is only 45 minutes drive from Reykjavik.
Since the day-trippers from the city, plus people traveling around Reykjanes Peninsula and adventurers self-driving the Golden Circle can easily reach the trailhead, Reykjadalur River is a super-popular attraction.
However, it is not that easy to get to the thermal river, and you have to earn this soothing experience.
First, you must walk uphill for an hour to get to a place where it is safe to take a dip in the river with the perfect water temperature.
The trail leads through Reykjadalur Valley (it means Smokey Valley), which is very picturesque. The real reward awaits you at the end of the path some 3.5 kilometers away.
Expect to climb an hour up, then a bit less than an hour down. Most people on average spend relaxing in the river also about an hour.
That means you should allocate at least five hours for the whole trip from Reykjavik.
Is Reykjadalur worth it? We found the experience much better than we thought it would be.
We took advantage of long summer days to avoid the crowds, arrived in the parking lot after 9 PM, and started hiking at 10 PM.
We spent the last minutes of the day chilling in the warm water and had a great time.
By the way, you can visit Reykjadalur Hot Spring year-round, as the river remains warm enough throughout the entire year. In summer, it was at some sections even too hot.
Even that late in the evening, there were still people around.
However, we think there's always a place where you get a bit of privacy to enjoy this unique natural marvel.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Tour
You can visit Reykjadalur Valley on your own if you have a car.
Otherwise, you can consider taking this Reykjadalur Hot Springs Tour, that includes a guide, transport, a hike through the valley, and a dip into the thermal river.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Snaefellsnes Peninsula is home to the most photographed mountain in the country and many other stunning natural attractions.
Located in the west part of Iceland, Snaefellsnes Peninsula can be reached from Reykjavik in under two hours by car.
As we really enjoyed it, we believe that this location is worth a trip.
The word about the Snaefellsnes Peninsula has already spread. So even travelers who would normally stick to the classic Ring Road decide to make a detour to explore this part of Iceland.
Because this destination is full of many exceptional stops, it is wise to allow yourself the whole day to explore it.
Some people who prefer slow travel might object that one day is not enough.
It might be true, but Iceland has so many beautiful places that it is worth it to compromise once in a while.
We found a full day for traveling around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula sufficient.
Most people know about this place only because of Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss, as these natural sights create the most iconic Iceland photo you can see almost everywhere.
This site is the highlight of every trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, but the destination has so much to offer.
It really rewards you for making an effort to travel here from Reykjavik.
Except for the Kirkjufell, we also visited Stykkisholmur, a small but picturesque harbor town with a lovely lighthouse and cliffs.
You cannot also miss Skardsvik Beach, which stands out because of the golden sand.
Most of the beaches in Iceland, such as Reynisfjara or Diamond Beach, are black as they have a volcanic origin, but this one is different.
But no worries, you'll have a chance to walk on the black sand beach here as well. Djupalonssandur Beach is the right example.
Then climb to Saxholl Crater, enjoy epic views of Snaefellsjokull Glacier, descend to Vatnshellir Cave, visit one of the lighthouses, admire the views from Londrangar Cliffs, or take a photo of the famous Budakirkja Black Church.
By now, it must be pretty obvious you will never forget this day.
You can see many more places on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, but we hope it is now clear why this destination should be high on your list.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula is popular among locals, so try to plan your trip on weekdays to avoid crowds if possible.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour
Being one of the most attractive destinations in Iceland has its pros and cons.
The advantage is that you can choose from a large number of tours visiting this incredible place if you don't have a car.
The downside is that some days might be busier than others.
Here you can reserve a popular and well-rated Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour.
Glymur Hike
Iceland is home to thousands of waterfalls. There are so many falls in the country, and you will have an opportunity to see some every day.
Therefore, it would not be statistically possible not to have at least one spectacular waterfall close to Reykjavik.
If you like walking and happen to be in Iceland in the summer months, we have a great tip for a hiking trip near Reykjavik.
It is the hike to Glymur Waterfall, one of the best waterfalls in Iceland.
The drive to Glymur's trailhead takes only a bit over an hour, so it is a perfect way to spend the day.
The trail is around 7 kilometers long, and what we found attractive about it, except for the views, was that you can make the hike more adventurous.
To get the best views of the canyon and Glymur waterfall, you need to cross a log over a river.
This log is here only for several months during the peak season, and then it's removed before the winter.
Not adventurous enough? If you want to make a loop instead of walking the same way back, you need to wade across a river above the waterfall.
Always make sure that you can cross the river safely.
The hike should take you three to four hours, and we believe every averagely fit traveler should be able to finish it in this time range.
The first half of the hike leads uphill, but the climb is not too difficult. Plus, it helps that the scenery is superb right from the very beginning.
We also enjoyed this hike for a very simple reason.
When traveling around Iceland, we soon got a feeling that all the top things were so easily accessible.
Sometimes it did not feel right to see so much beauty with only so little effort.
Glymur hike was slightly different as we had to lace up our hiking shoes and work harder to deserve the epic views.
We like to stay active when traveling, so this is what we like. If you prefer more accessible places, don't forget to visit also Dettifoss or Godafoss.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Hraunfossar & Barnafoss
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are another two waterfalls in western Iceland worth visiting.
The drive to Hraunfossar and Barnafoss from Reykjavik will take approximately an hour and forty minutes.
We know that many locals visit these waterfalls on a day trip from Reykjavik. However, we want to make sure your time in Iceland is spent as efficiently as possible.
Therefore, we would probably recommend you extend the trip to Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Glymur and visit these places altogether.
It does not mean Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are not interesting on their own.
It just feels that the drive is quite long for a thirty-minute visit, and that's why we think you might find it wise to plan it together with some other top attractions in the area.
Hraunfossar is a very unusual lava waterfall that consists of smaller rivulets flowing from a glacier through the porous rock to the Hvita River.
It's a unique sight, and when you add the beautiful blue color of the water, you have a valid reason to visit this place.
Bruarfoss is just a short walk from Hraunfossar, and it stands out because of its powerful cascade making its way through a narrow canyon.
If you want to extend this trip, you can stop in Reykholt Village, which features a cathedral and Snorri's Pool.
Then you can also climb on Grabrok Crater for the scenic views.
West Iceland Tour
We know there are plenty of waterfalls to choose from in Iceland.
If exploring off-the-beaten places is your thing, Bruarfoss and Hraunfossar might be the right option for you.
Here you can reserve a West Iceland Tour that also includes local hot springs and Viðgelmir Lava Cave.
Whale Watching Tour
Did you know that Iceland is one of the world's top locations for whale watching?
The waters around the island are rich in marine life, and the great news is that you can take a tour from Reykjavik to see the giants of the deep without the necessity to travel too far.
There are more locations around Iceland where you can take a whale watching tour, but not everyone has time to visit North Iceland.
We decided to take a whale watching tour in Husavik, a town in northern Iceland on the so-called Diamond Circle.
The success rate to spot the whales is high even in Akureyri or Reykjavik, so choose a location that best fits your plans.
Whale watching is the only trip from Reykjavik that you cannot do on your own, and you need to take a boat tour.
The tour usually takes three to four hours, so you should have plenty of room to include it in your travel itinerary.
It is always crucial to remember that no one can guarantee you to see whales, so try not to put your hopes too high and enjoy the sail.
There are plenty of options to choose from, but this popular Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik offers a great price/quality ratio.
South Coast
Some people say that the South Coast of Iceland is the most beautiful part of the country.
We must agree that thanks to a large number of natural attractions, this scenic road should be definitely high on your list.
But is exploring the South Coast suitable for a day trip from Reykjavik?
Well, we would say that if you do not have another alternative, and if you do not plan on making a multi-day road trip around Iceland, it is doable.
It's going to be a long day, though.
To enjoy the drive and not sit in the car all the time, we recommend you not to travel further than Vik i Myrdal.
Some travel agencies offer day trips that take you in a day to Jokulsarlon Lagoon, but if you plan on self-driving, we think it is too far, and you would not enjoy the trip that much.
The route from Reykjavik to Vik takes two hours and thirty minutes without stops.
That's five hours return trip, plus you must add time for several worthwhile stops along the way.
If you decide to visit the part of the South Coast from Reykjavik in only one day, you should not miss the following places.
Seljalandsfoss is the iconic waterfall you can go behind, then Skogafoss and the nearby Kvernufoss are worth visiting as well.
You also have an opportunity to walk to an eerie Solheimasandur Plane Wreck and then continue your drive to Dyrholaey Peninsula, which is famous for the views and puffins in the summer.
You can finish your journey at Reynisfjara, Iceland's most famous black sand beach.
As you can see, this trip is really packed. If it is your only chance to get there, we think it is worth undertaking this trip from Reykjavik, especially if the weather plays along.
South Coast Tours
The beauty of the South Coast is known to every visitor. That's why you can book a tour that includes most of the top stops we mentioned above.
On top of that, you do not have to worry about the driving part.
You might consider taking this popular South of Iceland Tour from Reykjavik.
Jokulsarlon Lagoon is 380 kilometers east of Reykjavik, and driving there on your own and back in a day is not worth the effort.
If the temptation is too big, we would rather take Jokulsarlon Lagoon Tour, so you don't have to worry about driving.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
Booking a cheap hostel, a classic bed & breakfast, a modern apartment, a luxury hotel, or any other type of accommodation in Reykjavik is a piece of cake.
Hotels are abundant in this lively city. Nevertheless, you will immediately realize that most good and cheap hotels are booked out well in advance.
When you are making the reservation, make sure that the hotel's location is convenient for you.
If you plan to make several day trips, it is a good idea to stay near the main road leading out of the city.
On the other hand, we did not notice too much traffic in Reykjavik, so a hotel near the center might be similarly convenient.
Our last tip for booking a hotel in Reykjavik is that you should not be surprised that the accommodation is quite expensive here.
Unfortunately, even the budget basic hostels are pricey.
Here are the best hotels in Reykjavik.
Budget | Eric the Red Guesthouse - With a hard-to-beat location, this is one of the cheaper places in Reykjavik's city center. For instance, Hallgrimskirkja, the most famous church in Reykjavik, is just a stone's throw away from this guesthouse. There are many excellent restaurants and cafes nearby. Also, a bus stop is conveniently located close to the guesthouse.
Mid-range | Sand Hotel by Keahotels - This boutique hotel offers excellent value for the price, clean, spacious rooms, and a top location on Laugavegur Street, Reykjavik's main shopping promenade. Most of the major tourist sites are within walking distance as well.
Luxury | Black Pearl Apartment Hotel - This luxury accommodation in the city center boasts spacious and bright suites, heated floors, and contemporary furnishings.
Hafnarfjordur | Hotel Viking - Located on the way from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, this Viking themed-hotel features cozy rooms with furnishings inspired by Iceland culture and history. On-site Valhalla restaurant offers regional cuisine, plus you can enjoy a traditional feast in the Viking restaurant. On top of that, you can also use a free sauna and hot tub.
Camping | There is an affordable Reykjavik Campground in the city with a shared kitchen, showers, and restrooms. However, it's often overcrowded, and we recommend you stay in one of the nicer campgrounds outside the city. Here you find more tips on camping in Iceland.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
