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Best Day Trips from Reykjavik
A day trip from Reykjavik is perfect for exploring beyond the city, offering a hassle-free way to experience Iceland’s stunning landscapes and top natural attractions.
Depending on the day trip you choose, these tours typically start in the morning and provide plenty of time to explore iconic sites like waterfalls, geysers, and glaciers before returning to the city.
They offer great value by condensing multiple must-see destinations into a single, well-organized itinerary, making them an efficient way to discover Iceland's magic without the need for extensive travel planning.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best day trips from Reykjavik to make the most of your holiday in Iceland.
Most Popular Day Trips from Reykjavik
Here are some of the best day trips from Reykjavik that are popular because they showcase Iceland’s stunning landscapes unique attractions, and offer thrilling adventures.
The Golden Circle: Iceland’s Most Popular Day Trip From Reykjavik
The Golden Circle is the most popular day trip from Reykjavik and is a must-see for both first-time visitors and seasoned Icelandic adventurers. This iconic route features three main attractions:
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Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
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Geysir Geothermal Area: Home to bubbling hot springs and the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes.
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Gullfoss Waterfall: A breathtaking two-tiered waterfall with roaring cascades.
The Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik is the most popular. It combines stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and accessibility, making it a top choice for travelers looking to experience Iceland’s highlights in one day. Here are the top 3 Golden Circle day trip tours:
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Golden Circle Full-Day Minibus Expedition: Enjoy a small-group experience through the iconic Golden Circle with stops at Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.
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Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon with Kerid Crater: Combine the Golden Circle’s highlights with a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon and a visit to the Kerid Crater.
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The Golden Circle Afternoon Tour: Perfect for travelers looking for a shorter yet comprehensive Golden Circle experience.
The South Coast Day Trip: Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches, and Glaciers
The South Coast offers a dramatic landscape that showcases four of Iceland’s top natural attractions:
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Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: Walk behind this stunning cascade for a unique perspective.
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Skógafoss Waterfall: A towering waterfall that’s perfect for photography.
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Reynisfjara Beach: Famous for its black volcanic sand and striking basalt columns.
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Sólheimajökull Glacier: Ideal for glacier hikes or ice climbing adventures.
A South Coast day trip from Reykjavik is popular for its dramatic beauty, including iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers, making it a favorite among travelers seeking diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes in one day. Here are the top South Coast day trip tours:
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South Coast Glacier Expedition: Discover iconic waterfalls, Reynisfjara Beach, and even explore a glacier up close.
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Your South Coast Full-Day Tour: A comprehensive tour featuring the best highlights of Iceland’s South Coast.
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South Coast Waterfalls: A focused journey to explore the South Coast’s stunning waterfalls.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula Day Trip: The Miniature Iceland
Often called "Iceland in Miniature," the Snæfellsnes Peninsula boasts diverse landscapes in one compact region with four major attractions:
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Kirkjufell Mountain: Arguably Iceland’s most photographed peak, surrounded by picturesque waterfalls.
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Snæfellsjökull National Park: Dominated by a glacier-capped volcano and stunning coastal cliffs.
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Londrangar Basalt Cliffs: These dramatic cliffs, often a highlight of the peninsula, provide breathtaking ocean views and a unique geological experience.
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Stykkishólmur: A charming coastal town with colorful houses, a bustling harbor, and incredible views of Breiðafjörður Bay, making it a gateway for island-hopping adventures.
A day trip to Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik offers a compact and diverse experience, showcasing Iceland’s glaciers, volcanic cliffs, quaint towns, and waterfalls, all in a single day. Here are the top 2 Snæfellsnes Peninsula day trip tours:
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Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour: A compact tour for travelers eager to experience the best of the region.
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Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour: Explore the best of this breathtaking peninsula, from volcanic cliffs to picturesque villages.
The Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle Day Trip
Combine exploration with relaxation on this unforgettable day trip featuring these main highlights:
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The Golden Circle: Visit Iceland’s iconic landmarks, including Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between tectonic plates, the Geysir Geothermal Area with its erupting Strokkur geyser, and the stunning Gullfoss Waterfall.
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Kerid Crater: Marvel at this volcanic crater lake with its striking red walls and vibrant aquamarine water, a unique addition to the classic Golden Circle route.
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Blue Lagoon: End your day soaking in the soothing, mineral-rich geothermal waters of Iceland’s most famous spa, a retreat for the body and mind.
A Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon with Kerid Crater Day Trip is a top choice for travelers looking to combine Iceland’s natural wonders with a relaxing spa experience, making it a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Top Winter Day Trips from Reykjavik
Winter in Reykjavik offers a chance to experience Iceland at its most magical. Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights or combining adventures, these top winter day trips will leave you in awe. These are the top winter day trips from Reykjavik:
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Northern Lights Trip From Reykjavik: Chase the Aurora Borealis - Experience the magic of the Northern Lights with guided tours that take you away from the city’s light pollution. Explore further with these specialized tours:
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Northern Lights Hunt Super Jeep Tour: Travel off the beaten path to secluded locations for the best viewing.
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Whale Watching and Northern Lights Combo: Combine two iconic Icelandic experiences in one package.
Top Summer Day Trips from Reykjavik
Summer in Reykjavik unveils endless opportunities to explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes under the glow of the midnight sun. With long daylight hours, you can pack more adventure into your day and enjoy every moment. Here are the top summer day trips from Reykjavik:
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Whale Watching From Reykjavik - Depart from the harbor to witness majestic marine life, including humpback whales and dolphins. Additional tour options include:
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Best Value Whale Watching Trip: Spot whales and other sea life on this unforgettable adventure that is easy on your budget.
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Whales and Puffins Tour: Observe playful puffins alongside magnificent whales on a day trip from Reykjavik.
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Snorkeling Tour in Silfra Fissure with Transfer from Reykjavik: Swim in a drysuit between the Tectonic plates of the Silfra Fissure, filled with clear glacier water.
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Horseback Riding and Hiking Tour in Reykjadalur Valley: Join a guided horseback and hiking tour of the picturesque Reykjadalur Valley, riding the unique Icelandic horses amongst stunning nature.
- Landmannalaugar Hiking & Hot Spring Bathing Tour: Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Icelandic Highlands and soak in natural hot springs.
Unique Day Trips From Reykjavik
For travelers seeking one-of-a-kind adventures, Reykjavik offers extraordinary day trips that showcase Iceland’s most unique features. From exploring volcanic wonders to snowmobiling across glaciers, here are the most popular unique day trips from Reykjavik:
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Gullfoss, Geysir & Langjökull Snowmobiling: Enjoy a seasonal snowmobile tour over glacial terrains.
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Journey to the Center of the Earth: Explore lava caves and volcanic wonders.
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Inside the Volcano: Descend into the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano.
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Ultimate Volcano Helicopter Tour: Soar over Iceland’s volcanic landscapes for breathtaking aerial views.
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Into the Glacier Tour: Venture inside man-made ice tunnels for a surreal glacier experience.
Which Day Trip From Reykjavik Is Right for You?
Choosing the right day trip from Reykjavik depends on your interests and how you’d like to experience Iceland. Here are some options to help you decide:
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Classic Sightseeing: Perfect for first-time visitors, tours like the Golden Circle Full-Day Minibus Expedition or the South Coast Glacier Expedition let you explore Iceland’s iconic waterfalls, geysers, and black sand beaches in a single day.
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Combination Tours: If you want variety, try a trip that combines natural wonders with relaxation, such as the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon, with a Visit to Kerid Crater.
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Active Adventures: For those seeking excitement, consider options like snowmobiling on glaciers, guided glacier hikes, or exploring volcanic landscapes on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour.
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Seasonal Highlights: Tailor your trip to the season—opt for a Northern Lights Hunt Super Jeep Tour during winter months or glacier hiking and puffin watching in the summer.
Each type of tour offers a unique way to discover Iceland’s beauty, so think about your preferences and the time of year when planning your trip.
Summary
Day trips from Reykjavik are the ideal way to explore Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders, from the iconic Golden Circle to the stunning South Coast and beyond. These guided tours offer convenience, expert insights, and flexible options tailored to your interests—whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, hiking glaciers, or relaxing in geothermal lagoons.
Plan your perfect adventure with ease through Guide to Iceland, where we provide top-rated experiences and seamless booking. Have questions or need help customizing your trip? Email us at info@guidetoiceland.is.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Reykjavik?
Another highly-rated tour is this small group tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with transfer from Reykjavik, given 4.7 out of 5 stars by more than 325 travelers. Witness the volcanic beaches, charming villages, and the world-famous Kirkjufell mountain on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Is it worth it taking day trips from Reykjavik?
What is the cheapest day trip from Reykjavik?
Another budget-friendly tour is this affordable three-hour northern lights bus tour with transfer from Reykjavik, which costs approximately 48 USD per person. This tour is for those traveling from September to April who seek to witness the aurora borealis.
What are some popular day trips from Reykjavik?
How can I choose the right day trip based on my interests?
For a comprehensive experience, visit the Golden Circle with the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in the evening. Consider factors like activity level, duration, and inclusions to find the perfect Reykjavik day trip tailored to your preferences.
Can I combine multiple activities on a day trip from Reykjavik?
How long do day trips from Reykjavik typically last?
Where do day trips from Reykjavik depart from?
Keep in mind that these pick-ups start a half hour before the actual tour starts and will take you to the BSI Reykjavik Bus Terminal. From the bus terminal, you will go on your tour bus and start the tour. If you prefer, you can skip the pick-up from the bus stops and simply show up at the BSI Bus Terminal before the tour starts.
Do day trips from Reykjavik include meals?
Are private day tours available from Reykjavik?
Can I do day trips on my own without a guided tour?
Are day trips from Reykjavik suitable for all ages?
What is the best time of year for day trips from Reykjavik?
Can I join a day trip from Reykjavik if I have mobility issues?
What languages are day trips from Reykjavik offered in?
Can I see the northern lights on a day trip from Reykjavik?
The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between September and March. The visibility of the aurora depends on how cloudy the sky is and how active the solar storms are that night. These specialized tours usually take you away from the city lights to increase your chances of witnessing this incredible natural phenomenon.
What is the best season for a day trip from Reykjavik?
Summer (June–August): With nearly 24 hours of daylight, thanks to the midnight sun, summer allows for longer day trips and more time to explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes. This is the perfect season for activities like glacier hikes, puffin watching, and exploring remote regions such as the Highlands. Roads and trails are generally more accessible, making it easier to reach sites like Landmannalaugar or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Winter (November–February): Winter offers the chance to see Iceland’s magical snowy landscapes and witness the Northern Lights, making it a dream for photographers and nature lovers. Shorter daylight hours mean tours are often carefully timed to maximize exploration during the day, followed by evening adventures like Northern Lights tours. Be prepared for icy conditions and pack warm, waterproof clothing to stay comfortable.
Can I book last-minute day trips?
To secure your spot, it’s best to book in advance, but if you're traveling spontaneously, check availability online or contact us directly to help you get a spot.
What should I pack for a day trip from Reykjavik?
For specific tours, such as glacier hikes, operators typically provide safety gear, but it's a good idea to confirm beforehand what exactly is included.
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