reykjavik day trips winter

9 Best Iceland Winter Tours & Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 23, 2023

Are you traveling to Iceland in winter, but don’t want to deal with the stress of driving in winter conditions ? I am getting so many questions from readers just like you, people who are keen to discover Iceland in winter, but rather do it by taking organized winter day trips from Reykjavik . So I made this selection of the best winter tours in Iceland that should help you when planning your trip. Find out!

While you cannot expect to visit the whole country from just one location, you can still see quite a lot of Iceland by taking organized tours and day trips from Reykjavik, also in winter.

In this post, I share my hand-picked selection of the best day trips from Reykjavik in winter . Even if you are making a short stopover in Iceland, in addition to the main highlights in Reykjavik , you can also see some of the main highlights of Iceland by taking these tours. See how!

Top Winter Experiences in Reykjavik:

• Golden Circle with Kerid Crater .
• Northern Lights Tour .
• South Coast Day Tour .
• Sky Lagoon .
• Blue Lagoon .

PRO TIP: Since the daylight hours are limited in winter, one of the best ways to see all the main sights of the South Coast in a short time is by taking a 2-day tour from Reykjavik . It limits the driving and allows you to get further from the city – all the way to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Plus, most of the multi-day tours also include a visit to the nicest natural ice caves in that area (which is very hard to do on a day trip from Reykjavik).

Best Iceland Winter Day Trips from Reykjavik

Below, you will find a selection of the best and most popular organized Iceland winter tours from Reykjavik. For each of the excursions, I picked the very best options available based on the length of the trip, group size, and of course, the itinerary.

You will see that most of the Iceland winter tours that I recommend here are bookable through GetYourGuide, rather than e.g. Viator or directly with a company. The reason is simple – GetYourGuide offers an easy cancellation option with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance . And that is a nice insurance to have in Iceland in winter!

I did lots of research and listed only the best winter tours from Reykjavik. So all you have to do is pick one that fits your itinerary, way of travel, and budget and enjoy your trip to Iceland.

TIP: If you are visiting Iceland in the warmer months, you may want to check our hand-picked selection of the best guided tours in Iceland for all seasons .

Best Iceland Winter Tours from Reykjavik – OVERVIEW

1. golden circle, 2. southern iceland: waterfalls, glaciers, and beaches.

• 3. South Iceland – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• 4. Northern Lights Tours

5. Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Laugarvatn Fontana Lagoon

• 6. Glacier hiking and ice caving
• 7. Snaefellsnes Peninsula
• 8. Best 2-in-1 combination winter tours from Reykjavik
• 9. Themed winter day trips from Reykjavik (horse riding, lava caves, and more)

These are the best day trips from Reykjavik in winter:

Golden Circle is the most popular day trip from Reykjavik at any time of the year, and it can easily be visited in winter as well.

What can you expect to see? The three main highlights of the Golden Circle are the spectacular Geysir area with the incredibly active Stokkur geyser that goes off every 5-10 minutes, Gullfoss waterfall , and Thingvellir National Park .

The most popular Golden Circle day trips from Reykjavik take about 8 hours, but there are somewhat shorter afternoon trips available as well, or you can opt for a combination trip with for example snorkeling, Blue Lagoon, etc. For the best 2-in-1 combination day trips from Reykjavik , see further down. And here are the best Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik :

• Full-Day Premium Golden Circle Tour by Minibus (includes tomato tasting at Friðheimar Farm).
• Golden Circle Full-Day Grand Tour from Reykjavik .
• Golden Circle Afternoon Tour (6hrs starting at +-11 AM in winter).

TIP: Make sure to check the best 2-in-1 tours further below, because Golden Circle can easily be combined with e.g. a visit to geothermal pools nearby. It’s a good way to relax after a busy day AND you see more on the same day without having to pay for transportation twice.

If you have a chance, try to see at least some of the South Coast of Iceland . It’s one of the nicest areas that you can visit on a day trip from Reykjavik, also in winter.

What can you expect to see? The main highlights of the South Coast tours are the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the black sand beach of Vik (Reynisfjara). The description often mentions a glacier as well, but these tours don’t actually go on the glacier – you will see it in the distance, or in the best case drive up to one of the glacier tongues.

You can find my selection of the best glacier and ice caving tours further in this article. In the meantime, here are the best Reykjavik day trips to the South Coast of Iceland :

• Highly rated and most popular South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik .
• South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik. This tour is the best price/quality option for families: kids 0-11 yrs travel free, older kids pay half the price. Most other tours offer free trips for kids under 7 or 9.
• Iceland’s South Coast Day Tour by Minibus. One of the best-rated South Coast tours.
• Combination tour of South Coast & Glacier Hike . A great option, especially if you have no time to do the two separately.

READ ALSO: Top Things to See and Do on the South Coast of Iceland

3. South Iceland & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

I have to be honest with you – I have really mixed feelings about taking a Jökulsárlón day trip from Reykjavik and certainly in winter. To me, the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is no. 1 among the best must-see places in Iceland . However, it’s such a long drive from Reykjavik! You are going to be sitting on the bus the entire day.

Most Jokulsarlon day trips from Reykjavik don’t even run in winter as the daylight hours are simply too short. But for those who are short on time and absolutely want to see Jokulsarlon, here are the two best (and only) options for Jokulsarlon winter day trips from Reykjavik .

• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik . This tour is the most popular option, has great reviews, and runs daily in winter.
• Small-Group Jokulsarlon Day Tour. This is a very similar tour, but the group size is smaller.

TIP: If you have some extra time and aren’t bound to staying in Reykjavik, I strongly advise doing a 2-day South Iceland tour instead of two separate day trips to the South Coast and Jokulsarlon. This tour offers great value as it also includes a visit to an ice cave (value of about 200 EUR and one of the best winter activities in Iceland ).

4. Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavik

Seeing the Northern Lights was one of the main reasons why I traveled to Iceland in winter . On a good night, you might be lucky and see the auroras in Reykjavik too, but the light pollution makes it more difficult. That’s why you have bigger chances to see the Northern Lights outside of the city.

Taking the Northern Lights tour is increases your chances of actually catching the auroras. The tour companies always keep an eye on the radar and will do their best to bring you to locations where the chances of seeing auroras are the highest for that specific night.

There are many tours available. Some go by big bus, some others offer a private 4WD experience (this can be really pricey), or you can even take a boat and watch the Northern Lights from the water.

Good to know: Nobody can guarantee that you will actually get to see the Northern Lights. You might think that it’s better to wait to book a tour till you see what the aurora forecast looks like, but the best (= small group) tours actually sell out pretty quickly. So it’s up to you to decide if you want to take the risk. I advise booking your Northern Lights tour in advance in order to avoid disappointment. If the forecast looks really bad, you can always cancel the tour up to 24 hrs in advance (if you book via GetYourGuide, as we recommend).

TIP: Book your Northern Lights tour at the beginning of your stay in Reykjavik – some tours offer a second tour free of charge the next day if you don’t see the Northern Lights the first time.

Below is the selection of the best Northern Lights tours from Reykjavik . All these tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so if the weather is bad or aurora activity is really low, you can cancel it the day before.

• Northern Lights Tour by Big Bus . This is the best-rated big bus Northern Lights tour that I was able to find. It also includes a visit to the Aurora Museum and a free retry if you haven’t seen the lights on the first day. This tour offers the best value of them all.
• Northern Lights by Boat. This tour is quite popular and has really good reviews too. Just beware that it can get really cold on the water. The good thing is that you can stay inside and only come out when the auroras are visible. Many of our readers reported that they really enjoyed boat tours.

You may want to know that it’s also extremely difficult to get any good pictures of the auroras from a boat. You need a tripod and long aperture for the Northern Lights, and so ideally you stand on a solid surface, but if you don’t care about photography, then a boat tour is a very good option.

If you want to learn a bit more about photographing the Northern Lights, check this post: How to find and photograph the Northern Lights – beginner’s guide.

LEARN MORE: Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Visiting geothermal pools is one of the musts in Iceland (and one of the most popular excursions from Reykjavik in winter). Below are some of the best geothermal pools that you can also visit on a day trip from Reykjavik in winter :

Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular attraction. Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, it’s busy. But there’s nothing better than to soak in a hot geothermal pool after a long cold winter day.

Blue Lagoon is located about 45 minutes drive from Reykjavik and if you don’t have a car it’s best to book the Blue Lagoon bus transfer from Reykjavik . Note that you have to pre-book Blue Lagoon tickets in advance as well. Or you can book a trip that combines Blue Lagoon with a day trip to the Golden Circle (note that you’ll still have to buy the Blue Lagoon tickets separately).

Sky Lagoon is located very close to the city center and is absolutely not to be missed. Its 7-step SPA ritual is amazing and the sea views will leave you in awe. This is our readers’ favorite geothermal pool in Iceland. If you want to visit, you absolutely need to reserve a ticket in advance . You can also opt for a ticket that includes a bus transfer .

Secret Lagoon is a smaller, less crowded, and cheaper geothermal pool. It’s located along the Golden Circle. It’s much less fancy than the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon and the experiences are actually very different, but each is unique in its own way. If you don’t have a car, the best way to visit is with a Golden Circle tour that includes Secret Lagoon admission tickets .

Another less known, but really beautiful geothermal pool is Laugarvatn Fontana Lagoon . Its location close to the Golden Circle makes it a perfect day trip from Reykjavik in any season. Here’s a highly-rated tour that combines the Golden Circle with Fontana Lagoon .

6. Glacier Hiking and Ice Caving

Glacier hiking is one of the most popular excursions that you can do in Iceland the whole year round. Whereas visiting a natural ice cave can best be done in winter, usually not before the end of October – November. Some winter excursions are more adventurous and offer ice climbing as well.

I don’t know about ice climbing, but glacier hiking and ice caving can be done by anyone in a reasonable physical condition. Kids under a certain age are not allowed (varies per tour). As for older people, we had a couple of 70-year-olds in our group on a glacier and despite their concerns, they had no difficulties with it. Safety equipment is provided, but you have to wear sturdy waterproof walking shoes to fit the crampons on.

And since I sometimes get this question – no, it’s really not a good idea to walk on a glacier without a guide. You may also want to read our complete guide to glacier hiking in Iceland for more information. Check it out via the link below!

LEARN MORE: Iceland Glacier Hike

Here are the best glacier hiking winter day trips from Reykjavik :

• Glacier Hiking& South Coast from Reykjavik .
• Reykjavík Combo Trip: Glacier Hiking & Ice Climbing Day-Tour .

And here are some of the best winter tours from Reykjavik that visit ice caves:

• From Reykjavik: Langjökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour . Note that this is a man-made ice cave.
• Katla Ice Cave Tour from Reykjavik . This is the only natural ice cave that can be visited year-round, and one of the few that you can visit as a day trip from Reykjavik in winter.

The best natural ice caves are actually located near Skaftafell National Park or Jokulsarlon area. Those are difficult to visit on a day trip from Reykjavik. If you don’t plan to rent a car and self-drive, it’s easiest to visit the natural ice caves on a 2-day trip like this one .

7. Snæfellsnes National Park

Snæfellsnes Peninsula is located North of the city and is another popular day trip from Reyjavik, also in winter. This is a wonderful place to visit and there is so much to see and do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula !

However, driving conditions in winter here are usually even more unpredictable than on the South Coast. Therefore, taking an organized day trip is probably the best way to visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in winter.

Here is the best Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour that you can do as a day trip from Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes full-day trip .

8. Best 2-in-1 Combination Winter Tours from Reykjavik

Sometimes it might be interesting to combine several excursions in one . It not only saves you time but money as well.

Below are some of the best combination tours that you can do from Reykjavik in winter. Just beware that the daylight hours are short in winter. While it’s perfectly ok to enjoy the Secret Lagoon in the dark, some other combinations may not be ideal during the darkest winter months.

Here are some of the best winter day tours from Reykjavik that combine several places/ activities in one day:

• Golden Circle and Silfra snorkeling. This tour is extremely popular and is often sold out, also in winter.
• Secret Lagoon Early Access & Golden Circle: Full-Day Tour .
• Golden Circle and Fontana Wellness Tour .
• Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Transfer Small-Group Tour .
• Golden Circle and Lava Caving .
• Combo Snorkel in Silfra Fissure & Lava Caving . Great value.

9. More Winter Day Trips from Reykjavik

Here is a small selection of other popular winter day trips from Reykjavik. These are not ‘must-see’, but less touristy and well worth it if you have some time to spare after you have seen all the main landmarks.

• Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields .
• Lava Cave .
• Silfra Snorkeling Tours .

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So, this is my hand-picked selection of the best tours, excursions, and day trips that you can do from Reykjavik during the winter months.

If you are visiting Iceland in winter, make sure to also read our guide on what to pack and what to wear in Iceland in winter . Right or wrong clothing can make or break your trip so travel well prepared.

TIP: If you are looking for accommodation for Reykjavik, take a look at our detailed guide on where to stay in Reykjavik .

More tips for your trip to Iceland:

• Airport transfers: How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Accommodation: Where to Stay in Iceland & Where to Stay in Reykjavik
• Top places: Best Things to Do in Iceland
• Important to know: Iceland Winter Travel Tips
• Itinerary: The Best Iceland Winter Itinerary & Iceland One Week Itinerary & Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
• Reykjavik: Best Things to Do in Reykjavik & Best Half Day Tours from Reykjavik & 1 Day in Reykjavik
• Must-see in the city: Perlan Museum in Reykjavik
• Auroras: Northern Lights in Iceland & How to See and Photograph the Northern Lights

READ ALSO: Check our Iceland travel guide for even more inspiration and travel tips!

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Wayne Krauss

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

We will be in Reykjavik DEC 23 thru 26. We have 2 full day trips booked already ... Golden Circle and Southern Sites. Will there be enough light to see all of these natural sites? Should we opt for half day trips starting in the mid morning? Blue Lagoon can be done anytime and chasing the N Lights in the evening. Just a little guidance for Iceland

Our other places destinations are Tromso, Helsinki, Estonia and Ivalo for the igloos.

Looking forward to it all

LOVE LOVE LOVE your blogs and very happy that I stumbled upon them.

Wednesday 30th of August 2023

Hi Wayne, if you book tours, you have to rely that local guides know what they are doing. They'll normally drive when it's still dark to maximize the daylight hours to see the main sights. Yes, Blue Lagoon can be done when it's dark and it's really nice. However, more and more people tell us that they prefer the Sky Lagoon by far, plus it's closer to the city, so you may want to check it out as well. Both have to be booked well in advance. And if you are lucky, you may get to see auroras from there too (but the chances are always higher on a tour since they drive to the places where there is less cloud coverage that specific night). If you still have extra time on the half days in Reykjavik, just explore the city. Take a look at this guide for some ideas what to do. Many readers tell us that they loved Icelandic food tours. If you need guidance for Tromso, we have tons of winter articles as well. See here. Have a great trip!

Monday 12th of June 2023

I need guidance from an expert like you. I am planning to go to Iceland between Nov 19 returning from Iceland Nov 26. I was advised not to stay in Reykjavik but to go to Vik also. I am traveling solo I do not feel confortable driving there by myself. I do not want to take 8 or 11 hours tour, I will take tours, small groups> i hope I can find them :) I know I will not be able to see everything but I want a slow pace vacation.

What would you recommend me? What itinerary or how to get to Vik, what to do in Vik, what is the most iconic, interesting, must see around Vik

I was recommended this hotel in Reykjavik and I was looking Puffin Hotel Vik in booking.com I do not want a sharable room, I want my own room and private bathroom. :

I appreciate your time and advice in advance.

Sincerely, Celestina

I forgot to mention, I was recommended to visit one more city besides Reykjavik, Vik was suggested since it is closer to Reykjavik. Your thoughts, please

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Hi Celstina, a few things: Vik is not a city, more of a village. Apart from Reykjavik, there are no cities in Iceland. Akureyri is somewhat bigger and a few others, but it's nothing like what you are probably imagining. Most people go to Vik to see the black sand beach of Reynisfjara. There are a few other tourist attractions, but the beach is the main reason to go.

Since you are visiting in the winter season, indeed, it's better not to drive if you are not comfortable driving in winter conditions. Also, it's practically impossible to do much without a car since public transport will not get you to the nicest places. So you really have to consider tours.

I recommend doing a 2-3 day organized tour of the South Coast (they'll all stop in Vik and show you all the highlights there). For the rest, stay in Reykjavik, do some day trips nearby, visit all the hot springs, etc. For the city itself, take a look at our recommendations here.

For all tour suggestions, please see our recommendations in the article. For a multi-day tour of the South Coast, I recommend a winter tour like this one. Among all the highlights of the South Coast, it includes a visit to the natural ice caves as well. Plus, you'll be in the countryside for 2 nights so you have better chances to see auroras without having to look for a tour outside the city. This tour includes accommodation with private bathrooms.

For accommodations in the city, take a look at this guide for the best places to stay in Reykjavik.

Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 11th of January 2023

We will be coming from the US and arrive early April 2nd and leave the 8th in the late afternoon. We have kids ages 6,11, and 6 adults. We will be in Reykjavík and plan on doing day trips. We would like to see the northern lights, the blue lagoon, and a circle tour. Can you help us decide which days would be best to do each thing? I know I’d like to do the northern lights early in the week so if we need to rebook we can.

Not sure with the time change which day that would be best. Also, not sure if doing the blue Lagoon on its own day or the last day before going home makes more sense.

Thanks for your advice.

Thursday 12th of January 2023

Hi Melissa, you have plenty of time for those excursions, so I think you can even do more than this. Anyway, I would book them all as early in the trip as possible. In case the weather is really bad and they get cancelled or if you don't see the Northern Lights and want to try again, it's always better to have a few extra days for that. Also, some Northern Lights tours offer a second try free of charge if you don't see them the first time. For example, this bus tour or this small-group tour. Another reason to book aurora tours early in your trip is that April is really the end of the season. The nights get shorter and shorter and so there is less chance to see them as it doesn't get dark enough later in the month. But the first week you still have good chances, so fingers crossed! Also, all the tours we recommend offer free cancelation or rescheduling (if there's availability), so you can always adjust your bookings as the trip gets closer based on the weather forecast. For the Blue Lagoon, you can do it in combination with the Golden Circle, e.g. a tour like this. Or you can do the two separately. There are also many other tour combinations, also with other hot pools like e.g. this Golden Circle tour with Secret Lagoon. If you go to the Blue Lagoon separately, you can book entrance tickets with transfers from Reykjavik. You really need to book entrance tickets in advance! I also highly recommend Sky Lagoon, but they don't allow kids under 12 so that might be trickier. One other day trip to consider is the a tour of the South Coast. It's really worth it! Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Monday 12th of December 2022

Thank you for detailed itenary. However after reading the post I see that planning a trip in Winter for 4 days is not possible without booking tours. Can you please help guide best top things we cannot miss in our 4 days trip to Iceland in month of January or February.

Thank you again for guidance

Hi Nish, a self-drive trip is possible, but not advisable in the winter if you aren't comfortable with potentially bad road conditions, snowstorms, etc. So, indeed, in that case, it's best to take tours. With 4 days in winter, I highly recommend the following (not necessarily in this order): One day in Reykjavik city. A 2-day tour for the South Coast, Jokulsarlon, and an ice cave. A day tour to the Golden Circle, potentially in combination with the Blue Lagoon. If you don't want to do the 2-day tour, you could just opt for a South Coast tour or one that visits Jokulsarlon and quickly stops at a few other places, but with 2 days, you'll see so much more and spend less time in the car. Plus, you'll be out of the city for one night and have better chances to see the Northern Lights if the conditions are right. An alternative to the two tours above is a 3-day tour that covers pretty much the same places. With a 3-day tour, you'll have even more time outside the city, so more chance for auroras and even less time in the car since you don't have to return to Reykjavik. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Monday 5th of December 2022

Thank you for your blog and the article, this is amazing and extremely helpful! Me and my friend are planning to visit Reykjavik in February. He can drive, so we are planning to rent a car from the airport. So I have a question - do you think it's possible to cover most of the amazing places in Iceland without booking a tour? For example, just drive to Golden Circle and see the geysers and waterfalls by ourselves? Do you think we can stay somewhere around the area of Gullfoss waterfalls so we don't have to return to Reykjavik the same day or even travel South to Black sand beach the next day?

Looking forward for an answer!

Tuesday 6th of December 2022

Hi Alina, if your friend has winter driving experience and is comfortable with driving in any conditions (ice, snowstorms, wind...), then yes, renting a car can be a good option. Just stay flexible and always check if there are any official warnings on driving conditions. You can find more info in our guide to driving in Iceland in winter. You may also want to read our tips for visiting Iceland in winter. For where to go, check our Iceland winter itinerary for some ideas on how to plan your time. If you are driving, it's best not to go back to Reykjavik, indeed, and just make a road trip. Good luck with the planning!

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11 day trips from Reykjavik in winter: glaciers and beaches!

Are you looking for day trips in Reykjavik in the winter? 

While the days are cold and dark in the winter months, the unique nature of the Nordic country, bathing in elongated sunrises and sunsets and breathtaking winter light, along with bucket-list experiences like snorkeling through tectonic plates, means that there are countless winter day trips from Reykjavik. 

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world and an ideal destination for travelers all year round. In the winter, geothermal pools are all the more welcoming and the natural scenery of the country is highlighted by a twinkling blanket of snow. 

Gaze at glacial waters, have an otherworldly experience in an ice cave or see the legendary Icelandic volcanoes that regularly make international news. 

There’s an abundance of lovely day trip opportunities from Reykjavik in November, December, January and February.

From sightseeing to ice hiking  to snowmobiling, these day trips will make your Iceland winter trip even more memorable!

So, if you’re wondering what else to do besides checking out some awesome sights in downtown Reykjavik, here’s a detailed guide of the best day trips that you can’t miss!

Table of Contents

Best day trips from Reykjavik in winter

From exploring the Golden Circle to touring South Iceland to exploring a natural ice cave, there are so many fantastic day trips that you can enjoy in the winter months. It’s frosty, but you’ll stay warm if you layer up!

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of the most popular day trips from the capital of Iceland – and it’s well worth visiting in winter .

The road trip route is named so because it incorporates the country’s most iconic sights and dramatic landscapes, including Kerid Crater, Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Hot Springs and Thingvellir National Park.

While there’s obviously so much to see in Iceland, the Golden Circle is a fantastic snapshot of some of the country’s highlights. 

On a day tour of the area , you’ll enjoy this diverse landscape while learning about Europe’s most impressive glaciers, thundering waterfalls, and how geysirs are formed along with tales of Iceland’s Viking past.

As you drive, you’ll see beautiful frozen landscapes with occasional groups of Icelandic horses. 

If you have experience driving in winter conditions, the Golden Circle is drive-able, but if you have any concerns about hiring a car driving on the frosty roads (they are generally well maintained, but they can be perilous in bad weather conditions!).

Plus, you’ll learn about the history and geology of the area from a knowledgeable guide. 

You can do a Golden Circle tour that’ll show you some of the best natural sights of the area, or partake in other tours that include the Secret Lagoon (which are hot springs), the Blue Lagoon or a northern lights tour. 

Click through to go to some of the best tours in the area: 

• Golden Circle full-day tour with Kerid Crater (this is the one that we did)
• Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour
• Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour
• Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour

South Iceland

The South coast of Iceland is renowned for its stunning waterfalls and black sand beaches. The weather is typically milder than in other parts of the country, so this is the day trip to do if you want slightly warmer weather! 

This South Iceland tour includes visiting Seljalandsfoss Waterfall which plummets down 200 metres (60 feet) off a clifftop. You can admire the beautiful waterfall from afar, but not walk behind it in the winter due to the risk of falling ice!

You’ll also see the glorious Reynisfjara black sand beach which is famous for its basalt columns and Vik, the southernmost town in Iceland. 

 Some south coast tours, like this one , also visit places like Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you can see the ice breaking away from the glacier into the ice-cold water.

Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon

Iceland is renowned for its geothermal waters, and there are a few that you can easily reach from Reykjavik. 

Laugardalslaug is a popular complex in the city center, but the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are other alternatives that are open year-round. 

These aren’t necessarily far enough away to warrant a whole day trip, but you can either self-drive or book a tour (tours depart throughout the day and evening) to see either of them. 

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon Iceland is a geothermal spa with naturally heated pools of warming milky blue water and healing silica mud.

Situated about an hour from Reykjavik, with breathtaking views of the surrounding lava fields, the thermal pool is one of the most popular places to visit near Reykjavik. 

At the Blue Lagoon in winter , you can have a long soak in the mineral-rich waters, apply a silica mud mask and enjoy a drink from the bar. 

Their comfort package comes as standard, but you can also book their more exclusive packages that’ll include a robe, slippers, luxurious masks and exclusive changing facilities.

Or, you can book into their luxury private lagoon where you’ll enjoy a more spa-like experience! 

We did this Blue Lagoon tour that included transport to and from the thermal pool, a comfort package with a face mask and one free drink and a towel.

You can spend a flexible amount of time at the attraction, taking whatever bus suits you (be sure to check return times). Click here to read more about this tour.

Sky Lagoon Iceland is a luxurious spa situated around a 15 minute drive from Reykjavik.

This unique spa destination and the geothermal lagoon have breathtaking views of the North Atlantic coastline stretching out into the sea. 

Visit at sunset for a mesmerizing view, or you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights in winter!

Northern Lights tour

Again, not really a day trip, but an incredible tour departing Reykjavik; if you’re visiting Reykjavik in January , December, November or February, you should at least try to hunt for the northern lights ! 

The aurora borealis (the official name for the northern lights!) are charged particles of solar wind that hit the atmosphere close to the North Pole and create colourful dashes of light, usually green but sometimes pink. 

I took this boat tour which sailed from Reykjavik harbour, away from light pollution, and offered plenty of chances to photograph the natural phenomenon. 

 We were really lucky and saw a phenomenal display of lights, with bright green and pink flashes, while listening to our expert guide detail exactly why the northern lights occur. 

It’s not guaranteed that you’ll see the lights, but you’ll usually get another tour for free if you don’t.

You can see the availability of this boat tour by using the search box below.

There are also bus tours that leave Reykjavik in pursuit of the northern lights. These visit a few different destinations in the countryside near the Icelandic capital; the exact location will depend on the weather forecast of the day! 

Click here to read about a bus tour!

Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Trip

The 55-mile-long Snæfellsnes Peninsula is an unmissable spot for anyone visiting Iceland.

Often known as “Iceland in miniature”, the peninsula boasts puffin colonies, lava fields, black sand beaches, basalt cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. 

Tours include stops at places like Kirkjufell which is Iceland’s most famous mountain and the volcano of Ljosufjoll. 

There’s also a glacier at Snæfellsjökull that you can admire; seriously, this peninsula basically has all of Iceland’s best attractions! 

You can do a full-day tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik; it lasts around 11 hours and is perfect if you want to relax while watching the country unfurl around you.

Silfra Snorkelling Tour

No, snorkeling in Iceland isn’t just for the summer months – and you can do snorkeling tours that run beneath the Eurasian and North American continental plates throughout the seasons.

Check out tours here.

Thanks to the fact that you wear a dry suit, snorkeling at Silfra is totally possible during the winter – and it’s one of the most impressive natural sites in Iceland. 

On this tour, you’ll explore the beauty of Iceland from a whole new perspective, by snorkeling and swimming through glacier meltwater in the Silfra fissure.

After donning your dry suit, you’ll drop into the crystal clear water and swim from one side to another, with the two continental plates of North America and Europe on either side.

This experience takes Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and location that National Geographic called one of the top dive sites in the world. 

Check out the availability of the Silfra snorkeling tour using the widget below.

Whale Watching Tours

Whale-watching tours leave Reykjavik harbour and provide you with a chance to see some of the most mesmerising creatures in the ocean. 

Winter isn’t the best season to find whales in the sea, but if you’re lucky you’ll still see minke, humpack and orca whales.

In fact, this tour still accredits sightings on 80% of winter tours! They also focus on sustainability, ensuring that they move slowly toward the whale habitat to reduce disruption and pollution. 

The experienced guides are often marine biology experts, and they’ll explain what you’re looking at AND answer all questions that you have about whales!

Obviously, these tours are weather-dependent, but if you visit during calmer days they are an amazing experience!

Langjökull Glacier

Langjökull Glacier is located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) inland from Reykjavik and is one of the largest in Europe.

The glacier is about about 50 kilometers (31 miles) long and up to 20 kilometers (12 miles) wide, making it Europe’s second-largest glacier (the largest one, Vatnajökull glacier, is also in Iceland!).

Langjökull Glacier reaches up to 1,460 meters above sea level (it’s highest point is Baldjökull) and has a maximum thickness of just under 600 meters.

You can either visit Langjökull Glacier by taking part in a tour from Gullfoss.

Here, the all-terrain bus will pick you up and take you to the glacier, where you can walk in an ice cave and learn about the glacier, including why it is at risk due to global warming.

Click here to read more about it.

There are also snowmobile tours departing from Amazing Basecamp Skjól, which will give you a chance to get up close and personal to the glacier as you explore it in your own independent vehicle.

Click here for more information.

Alternatively, you can take part in a Golden Circle tour that also includes visiting Langjökull Glacier. This will be slightly longer than your standard Golden Circle tours, taking 11 hours, but it packs a lot in and offers a truly unique Icelandic experience. 

Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

This tour departs from Reykjavik or Vik.

You’ll hike across Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, Iceland’s fourth largest glacier, and ultimately reach Kötlujökull where you can descend into Katla Ice Cave.

This is a mesmerizing cavern of all different shades of blues and blacks, and is one of the best winter activities in Iceland; they’re only open from mid-November to March, so you certainly can’t visit them in the summer season! 

It’s difficult to visit these ice caves independently, making doing this one of the must-do winter tours from Reykjavik or Vik. 

Crampons are provided, but make sure that you wear very seasonally-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes – you’re in Arctic conditions in the winter, after all! 

Meradalir Volcano

One thing that Iceland is known for is erupting volcanoes. In fact, I remember when Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010 – I was in Mexico at the time and I wasn’t able to get home for another 10 days – all air-based Mexico transportation was shut down, despite it being over 7,000 kilometres away!

Meradalir Volcano, located near the Kevaflik Airport, is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe.

It has been erupting continuously since 1805, and more recently in August 2022. 

Meradalir has produced some spectacular eruptions over the years, with ash frequently reaching as far away as Denmark!

It hasn’t erupted since August 2022, but as that was so recently, visiting provides a fascinating look at what volcanic eruptions mean for the environment.

On this day trip (with an expert guide), you’ll hike by Fagradalsfjall Volcano, see the lava flow from the volcano itself, and trek through the Geldingadalur Valley, learning about how volcanic eruptions have shaped the landscape as you go. 

Your knowledgeable guide will detail everything you’ve ever wanted to know about volcanic eruptions and how the country is still being formed thanks to its volcanoes and other geological features. 

It’s an incredible snapshot into how Iceland is still being formed by its natural wonders, and going with an expert guide will help you to understand the rugged backdrop of Iceland a little better. 

Although you can visit Meradalir Volcano throughout the year, these tours do operate throughout the winter months. 

Click here to read more about this tour.

Ice climbing at Sólheimajökull Glacier

This is one for the adventurers! 

You can do an ice climbing experience at Sólheimajökull Glacier. You’ll walk up to an ice wall and, saddled up with the correct gear, have the chance to summit it yourself. 

The glaciers are ever-changing, meaning that you’ll have a completely unique experience whatever day you visit. 

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, who is fully versed on all of the safety procedures of ice climbing; they’ll also give you some information about the glacier.

You’ll also be provided with all the gear you need to successfully and safely climb in the ice. 

Transportation from Reykjavik isn’t included, but if you don’t have your own transport, you can add it on for an extra cost. 

How to book these day trips from Reykjavik 

Due to the fairly temperamental weather conditions in Iceland in winter, I would only recommend driving if you’re used to navigating the roads in snow and ice.

Remember, even if it’s not snowing in Reykjavik , it’s likely to be snowing elsewhere in the country!

Plus, some of these tours, like snorkeling at Silfra, ice climbing and taking a 4WD bus onto the glacier are not accessible independently. 

If not, guided tours run to all the places listed above, and you can browse them on Get Your Guide. 

Other things to do in Reykjavik

There are plenty of other fun activities to do in Reykjavik throughout the winter, including: 

• taking the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja church
• exploring some of the best museums, including the National Museum of Iceland, the Saga Museum and the Whale Museum
• seeing the whole country at the Fly Over Iceland experience
• enjoying the wonders of Iceland at Perlan
• learning about the unique land on a walking tour

Where to stay in Reykjavik

We stayed at the Reykjavik Lights Hotel , which is about a half hour walk from downtown Reykjavik. This was a little bit too far in very icy conditions, but it was quite a lot more affordable than other hotels in the city! 

It had minimalist, chic rooms with Nordic vibes, amazing power showers and powerful radiators that heated the room up perfectly. 

The breakfast spread was tasty, with plenty of veggie options, and the staff were friendly and helpful. 

Reykjavik day trips FAQ

Should I stay in Reykjavik and do day trips?

You certainly can stay in Reykjavik and do day trips into the surrounding areas; you can see a lot of the south part of Iceland this way, and it’s one of the best ways to see the country in the winter.

Is it safe to self-drive in Iceland in winter?

If you’re used to driving in the snow , you might be ok driving in Iceland in the winter – people certainly do – but there’s always a risk of being caught in a blizzard – so it’s generally safer to go on a tour.

Is it easy to get around Reykjavik without a car?

Yes, Reykjavik is quite walkable, and there is also a decent bus service that connects the city to its suburbs. Reykjavik can have a surprising amount of traffic in peak hours, so you might want to avoid driving if you can.

What do you need to pack for winter day trips from Reykjavik?

For winter day trips, make sure that you pack warm clothes, including ski gear if possible, thermals and fleeces, along with thick socks and waterproof boots so your feet will stay warm! Depending on the trip, you might need special snow gear too.

Best Reykjavik winter day trips 

Whether you want to see vistas of Iceland’s biggest volcanoes, watch the country sparkle in icy winter conditions or soak in warm water at the many lagoons near Reykjavik, these day trips are incredible experiences.  

All of these Iceland day trips are bookable on Get Your Guide.

Claire Martin

Claire is an expert in exploring Europe in the winter! She's from the UK and has been to over 20 countries on the continent in the winter season. She loves every bit of Europe in the cooler months, including finding winter sunshine in Spain, skiing in the Alps and the charm of the Nordic countries in the festive season.

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5 Easy Winter Day Trips From Reykjavík

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This week I am sharing some fun and easy winter day trips from Reykjavík that you can enjoy during your visit. The days have become noticeably shorter and soon the nights will be very long, which is something that Icelandic winter is known for.

While it is more than possible to travel the ring road (the road that goes around the whole country) of Iceland during winter, I often find that a decent number of visitors during this season use Reykjavík as their base and are interested in day trips that end up back in the capital.

These ideas are specifically catered to people who plan to drive themselves with a rental car. I have nothing against tour buses but if you’ve heard my other episodes about renting a car you know that it’s my preferred option and the one I recommend to everything that visits because it provides you the opportunity to explore so many places that tour buses don’t go to.

How I Made These Winter Day Trips Optimized for Iceland

I purposefully chose places that don’t include more than 4-5 hours of driving round-trip because, as I mentioned, we have long dark nights during winter and you will have limited hours of daylight. I think it’s good to use as much of the daylight at the sites and drive in the dark to the places and on the way back to town.

I’m including five-day trips and you can check out the full list of places below. Please note that rental car companies in Iceland do put studded tires on their cars to help with traction on the road during winter if the road is icy.

Where to Rent Your Car During Winter in Iceland

Before I jump into the places, I’d like to thank the sponsor of this episode, Go Car Rental Iceland . They are a local Icelandic rental company that has competitive rates, great customer service and a large variety of cars to choose from. If you use my code Iceland10, you can save 10% on your entire booking with them.

A few of you have reached out to let me know how great of an experience you’ve had with Go Car Rental Iceland after booking with them and using their vehicles. It brings me so joy to hear that because I only like to partner with companies that I have personally used and feel that my audience will also enjoy and/or find helpful. Please feel free to keep tagging me on Instagram or other places in your adventures. It’s fun to see what all of you are up to.

5 Winter Day Trips from Reykjavik, Iceland

1. The Iconic Golden Circle

To kick off this list, I‘m sharing the most iconic route in the country and that is the Golden Circle. At it‘s simplest, the Golden Circle consists of Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Spring, and Gullfoss waterfall. I‘m going to share 12 Pleaces, including the three main attractiios that you can consider visiting on this day trip.

• Þingvellir National Park
• Laugarvatn Fontana (spa and place where bread is baked in the ground)
• The Cave People
• Efstidalur dairy farm
• The Secret Lagoon
• Faxi waterfall
• Sólheimar Eco Village
• Kerið crater

2. South Coast

Iceland’s famous South Coast has so much to see during winter. Below is a fun list of places I think you’ll enjoy.

• Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Gljúfrabúi waterfall
• Skógafoss Waterfall
• Skógar Museum
• Kvernfoss waterfall
• Sólheimajökull glacier
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• The  Lava Show (in Vík)

3. Reykjadalur Hot Spring River Hike

Hveragerði in south Iceland is only about a 30 minutes drive from Reykjavík. I didn’t include this in the south coast list above because, on average, people spend about 3 hours hiking and spending time in the hot river soaking. 3-hours is the round-trip amount.

There is a great pizza place called Ölverk and a shopping place called Gróðurhúsið that has a food hall in the town, if you find yourself feeling famished after the hike.

I highly recommend bringing water shoes with you for the hot spring river. They come in handy because there are a lot of rocks in the water and the board walk area will, more than likely, be cold and might have snow or ice on it.

4. A Little Taste of West Iceland

When most people think of West Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula comes to mind. While that is an awesome place to visit, the goal of these winter days trips are to have less than 5 hours round-trip of driving.

Below are spots in West Iceland that are definitely worth seeing and most visitors are unaware of that these attractions exist.

• The Settlement Center in Borganes
• Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area (Europe’s Most Powerful Hot Spring)
• Reykholt – Snorri Sturluson Exhibit
• Hraunfossar and barnafossar waterfalls
• Vidgelmir Cave – Iceland’s Largest Lava Cave

5. The Reykjanes Peninsula

Some time ago I shared about why the Reykjanes Peninsula is worth visiting on this podcast. What’s so nice about this peninsula is that it’s where the Blue Lagoon in located and Keflavík International Airport.

• Lake Kleifarvatn
• Seltún Geothermal Area
• Blue Lagoon
• Cafe Bryggjan
• Hérastubbur
• Gunnuhver Hot Spring
• Reykjanesviti Lighthouse
• Bridge Between Continents
• Viking World Museum

Thanks again to Go Car Rental Iceland for sponsoring this episode. Remember to use my code Iceland10 to save 10% on your full booking with them.

Random Fact About Iceland

From January to March in 2021, there were 11,960 visitors to Iceland. The same period in 2022 is 244,660.

There have already been over 1.2 million visitors to the country this year. While winter is a lovely time to see Iceland, most visitors are not here during that season, which provides a unique opportunity for you to explore Iceland. This data was found on the Icelandic Tourism Board ’s website.

Icelandic Word of the Episode

Dagferð – day trip

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13 Best Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter in 2024

Want to take a day trip from Reykjavik in Winter?

You’re in luck as I’m about to tell you the best options you have for day trips from Reykjavik in Winter.

Iceland is an amazing country to visit, especially in Winter, and while Reykjavik is a beautiful city, it’s not quite the reason people go to Iceland.

Day trips pretty much single-handedly make up a trip to Iceland and most people take day trips nearly every day of their trip, so it can be hard to find enough places to go to.

Luckily for you, I’ve visited Iceland and spent a lot of days taking day trips from Reykjavik, and I’ve created this ultimate guide compiling all of the best options .

So without further ado, let’s get on with it.

This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me to keep my site up and running! Read my disclaimer for more information.

Best Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter

Winter is one of the most popular times to visit Iceland and Reykjavik because it’s the best time to see the Northern Lights, and the natural beauty of Iceland is incredible at this time of year.

But some Google results encourage you to take day trips which might be a bit of a letdown. For example, lots of posts say to take a whale-watching tour, yet the best time for watching whales is between April and September …literally the exact opposite of winter.

Don’t worry- I will only give you the best options. You’ll be pleased to know that Reykjavik is the best place to stay in Iceland because it’s where all the best tours and excursions leave from, meaning you have an abundance of day trip options.

In no particular order…

1. Golden Circle

Without a doubt, the most popular day trip from Reykjavik in winter, and all year round, is a Golden Circle tour .

It would be impossible to visit Iceland without taking a Golden Circle tour. It visits 3 of the island’s main attractions: Geysir Area, Gullfoss Waterfall & Þingvellir National Park.

I recommend booking the Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater which has 10,000 positive reviews which I think speaks for itself as to how good the tour is. Plus, you get to visit an extra destination in Kerid Crater.

As the name “Golden Circle” suggests, it’s a beautiful scenic drive between all of the stops. The loop offers some of the most incredible views in all of Iceland , and as I said, it’s impossible to take a trip to Iceland without taking a Golden Circle day tour.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Golden Circle route, the Geysir Area is a unique terrain featuring a series of hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pools, with the famous Strokkur geyser erupting impressively approximately every 10 minutes.

Gullfoss Waterfall is a stunning waterfall known for its impressive two-tiered drop, one of which you can see in this photo.

Þingvellir National Park is where the North American and Eurasian plates meet. In other words, you can walk across two continents. And the rest of the National Park is beautiful too.

All in all, taking a Golden Circle tour is one of the best day trips from Reykjavik in winter, and you genuinely can’t go wrong with it. It will be one of the best days of your trip to Iceland, no doubt about it.

2. Iceland’s South Coast

Another “ must-do ” day trip from Reykjavik in Winter is to Iceland’s South Coast. Just like the Golden Circle, there are lots of South Coast tours .

A typical tour of the South of Iceland includes stops at Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull, Vik, Reynisfjara Beach and Seljalandsfoss. Taking one of these tours is the best way to get to Seljalandsfoss from Reykjavik , as well as all of the other attractions.

And similarly, there are plenty of other examples of the breathtaking natural beauty of Iceland along the way.

My recommendation is to book the South of Iceland Full-Day Trip which has over 4,000 reviews and an average of 4.7/5 stars. It’s the best of the best when it comes to South Iceland day trips from Reykjavik.

Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull, Reynisfjara Beach and Seljalandsfoss are some of the most beautiful things I have ever seen . Skógafoss is a huge 60 metre high waterfall which creates a huge mist making for an atmosphere like no other.

Sólheimajökull is a glacier which offers views which are simply out of this world, and hiking opportunities if you want to return on another day trip- or maybe even take an Iceland snowmobile tour ! Reynisfjara Beach is a black sand beach with basalt columns similar to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Lastly, Seljalandsfoss, which is also my favourite stop. If you have ever seen or heard about the waterfall in Iceland where you can walk behind the waterfall , this is it. It’s indescribable- something straight out of a fairy tale.

Exploring the South of Iceland isn’t something to be considered, it’s something to add to your Iceland itinerary no questions asked. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

3. Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the thin strip of land in the middle of Iceland which goes out towards the west. If you fly into Keflavík International Airport, you will be on the peninsula, just not the right part of it.

Day trips to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offer an unforgettable experience. Many people consider the Peninsula to be a miniature version of the whole of Iceland.

In such a small area, it’s got a little bit of everything. Volcanoes and lava, glaciers and ice caps, stunning waterfalls, unique geological formations, everything.

The best option for taking a day trip is to book the Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour which like all my recommendations, is well thought-of, with over 1500 positive reviews .

Some of the main attractions include quaint fishing villages like Grundarfjordur, Arnarstapi, and Hellnar; the mountains and volcanic craters of Kirkjufell and Ljósufjöll; Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beach; the glacier of Snæfellsjökull; and the infamous Black Church at Budir.

As you can see, it’s a pretty jam-packed part of Iceland , and it’s actually really close to the capital city, making it the perfect day trip from Reykjavik in winter. There’s no better time than in winter, especially with the glacier!

The peninsula will leave you speechless. It’s impossible to find the words to describe the beauty of an area like this. A Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

4. Blue Lagoon

One of the main reasons people visit Iceland is to spend a day relaxing in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s natural geothermal spa.

But a common issue is that it’s a bit outside Reykjavik, and since most people don’t rent a car during a trip to Iceland, it can be hard knowing how to get there.

That’s why I recommend taking a day trip to the Blue Lagoon . There’s no Uber in Iceland , but thankfully, there are tours which include a transfer to and from Reykjavik as well as entry to the Blue Lagoon.

You could easily spend a full day at the Blue Lagoon . Relaxing in the warm waters of the lagoon while there is a cold Icelandic breeze is one of the best feelings I have ever had.

That’s why it’s one of my top day trips from Reykjavik in winter- because the contrast of the cold with the heat of the water is unreal.

Not to mention the landscape around the lagoon. It’s typical Iceland terrain with otherworldly rock formations and views that leave you thinking you’re on another planet. Once you’re there, it’s clear to see why nearly 1 million people visit each year .

There are also lots of other ways to relax at the Blue Lagoon with massages, float therapy, skin treatments and more available. Aside from having a really great time, you’ll leave feeling like a new person.

And the best part is, it’s not even too far from Reykjavik , so by taking a day tour, you’re not wasting a lot of time on the bus. It’s actually a pretty short transfer, but it does book up in advance so make sure to book your Blue Lagoon day well ahead of your trip.

5. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Taking a day trip to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is pretty much like visiting Antarctica . Minus the penguins, of course. There are seals though!

There are plenty of options for taking day tours to the glacier but I suggest booking the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Trip . With over 2000 ratings and endless positive reviews, you just know you’re going to have a day to remember.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is Iceland’s largest and deepest glacier lagoon . The landscape is made up of icebergs, snowy mountains and pretty much everything else you would expect. It’s a real-life winter wonderland- hence why it makes this list of Reykjavik winter day trips.

By taking the above day tour, you can even book onto a boat tour , to get up close and personal to the glacier, and get out there on the water. I don’t use the phrase lightly, but it’s a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

On the way back to Reykjavik, the tour also stops at Diamond Beach , another of Iceland’s many black sand beaches, but this one has a unique twist. It has blocks of ice on the sand .

The contrast between the black of the sand versus the white of the ice is magical to see. It actually looks fake in pictures, and seeing it for yourself, it still doesn’t feel real haha. But it’s very much real and it’s fascinating to see.

For a true winter-themed day trip, take the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Trip from Reykjavik. It can’t get much more wintery than this!

6. Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is part of Iceland’s Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands and visiting is like stepping into a different world.

A 13-hour day tour from Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour is the best way of exploring the region.

There’s so much on offer in this part of Iceland, with lots of hiking trails, countless waterfalls, obsidian rock formations, geothermal pools, and more.

For me, it’s one of the best hiking spots in Iceland. Just take a look at the picture below.

But the day tour visits more than just Landmannalaugar. Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour as the name suggests makes other stops. How do the three waterfalls of Hjálparafoss, Glanni and Háifoss and the crater lake of Hnausapollur sound?

Sounds good to me, and I can’t recommend this day trip enough. It’s not the most popular, I would even consider it underrated . Because it’s truly amazing.

By the way, make sure you follow the policy of “take nothing, leave nothing”. It’s illegal to take rocks etc. from Iceland as it is all protected. Instead, buy a lava rock necklace or something as a souvenir to take from Iceland .

7. Sky Lagoon

Some people choose not to visit the Blue Lagoon as it’s so popular and is so touristy. Instead, some people prefer to visit the Sky Lagoon. It’s a similar idea- a natural geothermal spa.

Just like for the Blue Lagoon, you can get a transfer to and from the Sky Lagoon which includes entrance to the spa.

It makes for the perfect relaxing day trip, with a 7-step ritual included in your entry. If you’d like to know in advance, here is the ritual.

Step 1: Slow down and relax in the lagoon Step 2: Cool down with the cold plunge Step 3: Relax and enjoy the views in the sauna Step 4: Refresh in a cold fog-mist Step 5: Invigorate and exfoliate with a rejuvenating body scrub Step 6: Chill out in the steam room Step 7: Shower and relax in the lagoon

The perfect way to relax, if you ask me. And the same logic for why I included the Blue Lagoon in the best day trips from Reykjavik in winter stands: The contrast of the cool winter weather and the warm lagoon water is a magical sensation.

Those who visit both the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon have split opinions on which is better . But I can tell you that both offer an extraordinary day trip and if you only visit the Sky Lagoon, you’ll experience fewer crowds and have a lot more room to move about.

A common argument in favour of the Sky Lagoon is that the view out into the North Atlantic Sea is beautiful (which it is), take a look at the picture above and you’ll see.

Fancy a relaxing day trip from Reykjavik? Book your excursion to the Sky Lagoon .

8. Northern Lights Tour

Admittedly, this isn’t exactly a Reykjavik day trip, it’s more of a night trip , but still, it deserves a spot on this list.

There are plenty of day trips from Reykjavik in winter which are special, but I personally don’t think any of them come close to being just quite as special as seeing the Northern Lights.

I’d recommend taking a Northern Lights tour towards the start of your trip, because if you don’t get to see the auroras, you are booked on for the next night free of charge, and this applies until you get to see the Northern Lights.

And trust me, when you see them, you’ll be left with memories to last a lifetime. There aren’t any words to describe seeing the Northern Lights- it’s the most magical feeling ever.

And as it turns out, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is in winter. So it should be guaranteed a spot on any Iceland winter trip, in my opinion.

Most tours leave around 9 pm but it might be an hour later or an hour earlier depending on which month you visit Iceland, but the late night is so worth it.

It’s one of my favourite memories- a core memory that I’ll cherish forever.

I took the Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik and had the time of my life. I can’t recommend it enough.

9. Þingvellir National Park and Silfra Fissure Snorkeling

One of the more unique winter day trips from Reykjavik involves swimming between two continents – yes, you read that sentence correctly.

You might recall that Þingvellir National Park is included in the Golden Circle tour, but that’s for a more ordinary visit.

As I said earlier, the National Park is where the North American and Eurasian plates meet. But there’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity here: to swim in Silfra, a fissure (crack) between the two tectonic plates.

Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Half-Day Trip takes you from Reykjavik, to the National Park, allows you to swim and then takes you back to the city.

It’s a bit pricey, but it’s so worth it. How many people can say they’ve swam between two continents?! By the way, Iceland’s currency is Icelandic króna but you can book all of these experiences through GetYourGuide in your home currency.

You get 45 minutes of snorkelling time in Silfra – I’ll pre-warn you that it’s absolutely freezing – and it’s amazing. It’s considered one of the best diving spots in the world .

It’s not for the faint-hearted though. The water is extremely cold (even with a dry suit on) and you aren’t allowed to take part if you have any medical conditions (respiratory, cardiac, diabetes, epilepsy, etc.), claustrophobia, or mobility issues.

But if it sounds like a bit of you, Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Half-Day Trip is the best way to do it from Reykjavik.

10. Horseride through Lava Fields

Another unique day trip you can take from Reykjavik is not by taking a coach, but by riding a horse. Technically speaking, you need to get a coach to get to the horseriding, but who cares about technicalities?

Icelandic horses are actually a breed of horse, which are famous around the world for their cute looks and friendly personalities .

They have never had any predators , so they have no survival instinct, and even wild horses are very friendly.

Most horseriding tours ride through Red Lava fields, which is a dramatic terrain unlike any other, and when riding a horse through the landscape, you feel like you’re in a movie or something. It’s extraordinary.

As always, I have a tour recommendation, and this time it’s Red Lava Horse Riding Tour which has over 1000 positive ratings. Like I said earlier, I only recommend the best.

Just look at that cute face!

Oh and if you’re wondering, even though they speak English in Iceland , the horses understand Icelandic so you need to learn a few words to be able to control your horse. It all adds to the experience though!

If you’re an animal lover, this is the day trip for you. Iceland isn’t exactly filled with animals or zoos or many animal experiences, but riding Icelandic horses is up there as one of the best animal experiences you will ever have.

11. Westman Islands

Iceland in Icelandic is Ísland, so it’s only fitting that the best day trips from Reykjavik include a trip to the Westman Islands.

The Westman Islands are just off the southwest of Iceland and takes a 45-minute ferry journey to get there from Landeyjahöfn, 2 hours outside Reykjavik. You can get to Landeyjahöfn by taking public transport .

One of the main reasons to visit is the puffins. Sadly puffins tend to be out at sea during winter, but if you visit in October or November, there’s still a slim chance of seeing them.

Aside from puffins, there are so many stunning hiking routes and trails, a beluga whale sanctuary , unbelievable landscapes, and even museums.

Not many people know that the islands even exist, so they aren’t very busy and it’s definitely off-the-beaten-path . It’s well worth visiting though, for sure.

12. Húsafell and Langjökull Glacier

Another exceptional winter-themed day trip from Reykjavik is to Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier.

From Reykjavik: Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour takes you to Husafell where you will layer up and hop into a specially modified glacier truck for a ride across the ice.

Then you get to take it one step even further and hike deep into the glacier itself through a man-made ice tunnel.

It’s essentially like being inside a huge igloo so big that it has lots of rooms and corridors. There’s genuinely nothing like it- but again, it’s not for the faint-hearted.

But being inside an actual glacier. Simply put, “wow”.

It’s also one of the best places for ice climbing in Iceland too, if you are interested in taking an adventurous day trip filled with adrenaline..

13. Greenland

Last but by no means least of these day trips from Reykjavik in Winter is one which you might not expect. Greenland. That’s right, Greenland.

It sounds far-fetched, and to be honest, it probably is. But logistically speaking, it is possible.

A flight from Iceland to Greenland only takes 2-3 hours. So it’s possible. Expensive, but possible.

When I was looking, it was hard to find a day when there was a flight both to and from Greenland. So it’s unlikely to line up with your trip, but if it does, it might be something to consider.

I don’t imagine anyone has ever made this day trip , but I’m sure there are some people reading this who would love to try it.

Greenland has so much to offer, and spending half a day there would allow you to see a glimpse of what the huge island has to offer.

So…if you feel like making the most unique day trip ever , book your flights to Greenland.

Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter: FAQ

Below are some questions relating to the best Reykjavik day trips in winter, along with my answers to each question.

Yes, Reykjavik is definitely worth visiting in winter. In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit Iceland. So many of Iceland’s best attractions are best enjoyed in the winter weather conditions, such as the glaciers and even the Blue Lagoon.

Yes, there are endless day trip options from Reykjavik. The most popular include the Golden Circle route, a tour of the South of Iceland and a day trip to the Blue Lagoon. Reykjavik is the perfect starting point to explore Iceland.

One of the best things to do in Reykjavik when it’s snowing is to go to the Blue Lagoon. The contrast of the heat from the water versus the cold of the snow is a unique but incredible sensation.

A week allows for a complete winter experience, seeing everything there is including Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Coast, Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights and maybe even a glacier hike. Winter is the best time to visit Iceland.

Final Thoughts: Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter

And there you have it, a complete guide to the best day trips from Reykjavik in Winter.

Whether you choose a classic Golden Circle tour or something a bit different, like taking. a ferry to the Westman Islands, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time.

Iceland is a beautiful country and there’s no better starting point for day trips than Reykjavik.

Enjoy your trip to Iceland and most importantly, enjoy your day trips. 🙂

Josh Band is the founder of A Backpacker's World. He is a full-time traveller currently on a mission to visit every country in the world. As a full-time traveller, Josh knows exactly how to make the most of any trip and shares these tips with his readers. Josh mostly travels as a backpacker on a budget, so he is also an expert when it comes to getting the most of your money while travelling.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

26 Best Day Trips From Reykjavik Worth The Effort

July 30, 2021 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   Leave a Comment

Looking for the best day trips from Reykjavik ? Look no further! This guide has every day trip from Reykjavik that is worth your time. If you have already done all of the best things to do in Reykjavik , this is what you are going to want to be looking for! 

Planning your trip to Reykjavik last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Reykjavik!

Top Experiences And Tours In Reykjavik:

• Golden Circle Full-Day Tour From Reykjavik (Likely To Sell Out!)
• Northern Lights Bus Tour (Go with a local guide)
• Whale Watching & Marine Life Cruise (Often sells out!)
• Keflavik > Reykjavik Bus Airport Transfer  (Skip the line!)
• South Of Iceland Full Day Trip   (Our pick!)

Top Hotels In Reykjavik:

• 201 Hotel (Highly rated!)
• Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel (Includes a kitchen)
• Center Hotels Plaza (Central location in Old Town)
• R13-A Townhouse Hotel (Great for families!)

As the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik is usually where visitors to this island set up their home base. Luckily, there are tons of amazing day trips from Reykjavik within just a couple of hours of driving. Don’t forget to check out Where To Stay In Reykjavik if you plan on making it your home base!

You can explore breathtaking glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and national parks without having to venture too far or book multiple accommodations.

Because public transportation in Iceland doesn’t extend very far, you’ll need to either take tours that include transportation or rent a car in Iceland. Be aware that driving in Iceland can be a little bit of a tricky task at times, so be sure to know what mistakes to avoid while driving in Iceland .

Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private  Iceland Facebook Group  and share your photos and ask for tips and tricks.

Best 9 Reykjavik Day Trips Within 1 Hour

Blue lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular destinations in Iceland. This hot spring was actually created by accident in 1976 by the Svartsengi Power Plant next door. The water is heated by natural geothermal activity and stays around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The unique, milky hue is a result of a mixture of algae, silica, and minerals. As a matter of fact, the water is actually chalky white in color, but, somehow, the sun makes it look blue.

This stop is in a great area and is actually on our list of Best Places To Stay In Iceland . In this post, we offer suggestions for where to stay around the Ring Road!

If you plan on visiting the Blue Lagoon, be sure to pre-book your entry into this amazing attraction! It’ll save you a lot of time and effort. To get to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik, you’ll either have to drive about 45 minutes or take a tour that includes transportation.

Book Here: Blue Lagoon Entry Day Trip From Reykjavik

Valahnukamol

To get to Valahnukamol from Reykjavik, you’ll have to drive for about an hour southeast to the coast. Here, you will find awesome, jagged rock formations sticking out of the wild sea like monster teeth.

If you like unique coastal views or are looking for an amazing and eerie photography background, this is the place for you! Valahnukamol remains one of Iceland’s hidden gems even though it is so close to Reykjavik and even closer to the Keflavik International Airport.

Valahnukamol is not too far past the Blue Lagoon, so it is possible to combine these day trips into one and visit them on the same day to save time. You can also visit the nearby Reykjanes Lighthouse or the Gunnuhver hot spring.

This is one of the best stops around Iceland’s Ring Road . If you happen to be driving in Iceland , you will want to ensure that you make time to see it! 

Reykjadalur Hot Springs

Reykjadalur Hot Springs is one of the best day trips from Reykjavik and is just under an hour’s drive. It combines an active hike through Iceland’s beautiful nature and time for relaxation in one of the country’s best hot springs .

Unlike other hot springs in Iceland that look like a pool, Reykjadalur Hot Springs are completely natural and are just small flowing rivers! The perks of this hot spring don’t end there. You may also catch a glimpse of roaming herds of sheep or even a few of those famous Icelandic horses. 

It would be helpful at times to have a tour guide on your trip to this relaxing location, as there are certain things you should know before visiting these Reykjadalur Hot Springs.

For example, there are certain pools that aren’t suitable for bathing, and the best pools to bathe in vary depending on what time of year you visit. It is one of the best places to see on your Iceland Itinerary!

Book Here: Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike From Reykjavik

Thingvellir National Park

To get to Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik, it takes about 45 minutes by car. This relatively short journey is worth it for the amazing views you will be granted in this park. As far as the eye can see, you will find roaring rivers, cascading waterfalls, and rugged, alien landscapes. During winter, the area is transformed into a snowy wasteland where the Northern Lights can be viewed.

It is clear why Thingvellir National Park is one of the best day trips from Reykjavik as well as being one of the most popular destinations in Iceland in general.

The park draws people in who want to hike the twisting trails, photograph unique landscapes, fish for trout, go horseback riding, or enjoy any of the other outdoor activities popular here. Thingvellir National Park is also part of the Golden Circle and is usually the first stop on this Iceland road trip .

Book Here: Golden Circle Day Tour From Reykjavik (Including Thingvellir National Park)

Silfra Snorkeling

Snorkeling might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Iceland, but it is one of the noteworthy activities you can do in Thingvellir National Park. This location is one of the most popular places to go snorkeling in the entire world and with good reason.

At the Silfra rift, you can swim between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and even touch both at the same time! The outstandingly clear, vibrant blue water paired with the prehistoric-looking geology will make for a dreamy and breath-taking swim.

You cannot dive here without a guide, so book a tour in order to get the proper training and equipment before enjoying this beautiful water and having a once in a lifetime experience!

Book Here: Silfra Snorkeling Tour

Game Of Thrones Tour

Iceland has a landscape that easily could have been pulled from the pages of a fantasy novel. Because of this, it is no wonder those in charge of location scouting for the Game of Thrones TV show choose to film in so many places on the island.

As you travel around the country, you are guaranteed to see at least some sights that you might have seen on screen. If you are a huge fan of the show, consider taking a tour dedicated to Game of Thrones . You can do your own self-guided tour or if you want to avoid the research and stress, book a tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Book Here: Game Of Thrones Tour

Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater is just under an hour from Reykjavik and is really a must-visit location for anyone searching out the best landscapes in Iceland. This 170-meter wide crater lake is created by the top of a volcano in Iceland’s typical fashion of making everything just a bit more epic. The bright blue-green color of the lake’s water pops in colorful contrast against the red volcanic rock and green moss that creates the rim of land around the water.

There is a very small fee to visit the area, but you won’t mind handing over the few dollars in order to stand in awe along the Kerid Crater’s rim. This location is part of the Golden Circle and can be visited as part of a Golded Circle tour if you don’t drive yourself.

Book Here: Golden Circle Day Tour From Reykjavik (Including Kerid Crater)

Whale Watching

Iceland is one of the best places for whale watching and you can book a tour right out of Reykjavik, so you do not need to travel far for this day trip. The ocean off the coast of Iceland is the perfect feeding ground for whales and draws in many species.

You can embark on a whale watching tour throughout the year, but the season does determine the number of whales and species you are likely to see. Consider going in the summer months to increase your chances of witnessing whales breaking the surface as well as for fairer weather and calmer seas.

While out on your boat, you can look forward to seeing minke whales, the most common in the area, as well as humpbacks and possibly a sperm whale. Along with whales, you might be able to spot orcas, harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and a number of sea birds.

Book Here: Whale Watching Tour From Reykjavik

Raufarholshellir

The Raufarholshellir lava cave will leave you gasping from its beauty. Whether geology is your passion or you just love drop-dead gorgeous sights, this is a day trip from Reykjavik you need to take! With only a 40-minute drive to get to the cave, there is no excuse to not take a tour of this natural wonder.

The cave was formed over 5,000 years ago and is the fourth largest lava cave in Iceland at just under a mile long and ceilings that reach 10 meters. The tunnel is full of amazing pink and purple magma-formed walls and even giant ice crystals during certain times. Book a tour to get a guide and the proper safety equipment to explore the cave.

Book Here: Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel Day Trip From Reykjavik

Best 7 Reykjavik Day Trips Under 2 Hours

Strokkur and geysir.

To get to Strokkur and Geysir from Reykjavik, you will have to drive for about an hour and forty minutes. If that drive is too long for your liking, you can also take a tour that includes transportation. However you get there, you will find a geyser ready to blast!

The Great Geysir is known as the first geyser described in modern literature and is where the name for geysers originated. The word comes from the Icelandic “geysa”, meaning “to gush.” While this old geyser almost never erupts anymore, it is still an interesting site due to its history.

A short walk from Geysir is Strokkur, which will not disappoint. This is the most active geyser in Iceland and will explode up to 20 feet into the sky every 4 to 10 minutes. Make this day trip from Reykjavik in order to watch this amazing natural wonder put on a show.

Book Here: Golden Circle Day Trip From Reykjavik (Including Strokkur and Geysir)

Gull foss Falls

Gullfoss Falls is not far from Strokkur and Geysir, so it is possible to visit all three in the same day. This magnificent waterfall is found on the Hvita River and is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland .

With a name that translates to “Golden Falls,” it is perfect that it is found on the Golden Circle route. Unlike many Iceland waterfalls, you will be able to view Gullfoss from the cliffs above it and watch as it cascades 105 feet down and over two tiers into a gorge.

With trails around it and multiple viewpoints, you will be able to see the 575-feet wide falls from many angles. You simply have to take the time to visit Gullfoss if you want to see the might of nature in Iceland and snap some amazing photographs.

Book Here: Golden Circle Day Tour From Reykjavik (Including Gullfoss Waterfall)

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Hrunalaug Hot Spring is one of the hidden gems in Iceland as well as one of the best hot springs in the country, making it the perfect hot spring if you want to avoid huge crowds and find time for yourself to relax.

The spring is about an hour and a half from Reykjavik and after the long drive, you can look forward to laying back in the hot water with views of the rolling hills that surround it.

The pool is small, which is perfect for couples who want to soak together in an intimate setting and feel as if they are the only people in the world. A small donation for upkeep is appreciated but do your part as well by cleaning up after yourself.

Secret Lagoon Hot Spring

This hot spring is located just around the corner from Hrunalaug Hot Spring and despite the word secret being in its name, this spring is larger and more well known. It is also the oldest hot spring in Iceland and dates back to 1891. Unlike many of Iceland’s other hot springs, this one is big enough to swim in and offers modern facilities.

A couple of restaurants can be found right next door and there is a small geyser nearby as well. If you are really craving a spa day, you can easily visit both the Secret Lagoon and Hrunalaug on the same day. The entrance fee to the Secret Lagoon is $25.

Book Here: Secret Lagoon Tour From Reykjavik

Glymur Waterfall

Glymur Waterfall is just over an hour north of Reykjavik and is found in one of Iceland’s stunning canyons, Glymur Canyon. Make sure you wear your hiking boots because this area is a hiker’s dream. From the nearby parking lot, you will have a good four-hour round trip hike to conquer to get the best views of the 198-meter waterfall.

Beware that this is not a super easy hike, so go into it prepared. Not only is it lengthy, but you will also be required to wade through a river, climb through a cave, and walk along dangerous, mountain paths.

Sign markers will keep you from getting lost as you make your way along the unpaved trail. Once you reach the climax of the hike, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views, so do not hesitate to embark on this thrilling hike.

Book Here: Glymur Mountain Hike Day Trip From Reykjavik

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

It will take you about an hour and forty-five minutes from Reykjavik to reach Seljalandsfoss, one of the most iconic and swoon-worthy waterfalls in Iceland . The waterfall is found just off of the Ring Road in the south of Iceland and is hard to miss since it can be spotted from the road. This nearly 200-foot waterfall is a mighty force to be reckoned with and will leave you in awe.

The water tumbles over the cliffside in a way that allows you to walk behind the powerful stream for spectacular views. If you are traveling in the summer, you will find the land around the falls lush with greenery and blooming flowers.

Do not be surprised to find many tourists at Seljalandsfoss when you visit, but do not let that turn you off, because this waterfall should be at the top of your list of places to see in Iceland.

Book Here: South Of Iceland Day Trip From Reykjavik (Including Seljalandsfoss Waterfall)

Best 7 Reykjavik Day Trips Over 2 Hours

Iceland south coast.

South Iceland has a great collection of beautiful sights close together, making it one of the most perfect day trips from Reykjavik if you want to see multiple things in one day.

Many of the locations can be found not far from Route 1, or the Ring Road, so finding them is not hard. If you drive as far as Vik, it will be about a 5-hour round trip of just driving, not including the time taken to see each place. Because of this, try leaving Reykjavik early in the morning and timing yourself appropriately.

Along the coast, you will find a multitude of waterfalls, such as Seljalandsfos and Skogafoss. Once you reach Vik, you will be greeted by a cute village adorned with a pretty church. Near Vik, you can find the Reynisfjara black sand beach and the picturesque Dyrholaey peninsula. There are also many hid den gems in the area if you have time to search them out.

Book Here: South Of Iceland Day Trip From Reykjavik

Thorsmork , or Thor’s Valley, named for the Norse god of thunder, is a two and a half-hour drive from Reykjavik, but because the route there passes by many other popular stops, you can knock off multiple locations on your way.

The entrance to the nature reserve is near the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. If you are driving yourself, make sure to rent a 4×4 vehicle suitable for the f-roads, and you may want to read up on some tips for driving in Iceland . The best way to get around Thorsmork is to book a tour with a guide driving a super jeep, which will ensure you get through the rivers and offroad trails that crisscross the area.

If you want to enjoy your time at Thorsmork on foot, you can leave your car at the entrance to the valley and hike from there. One of the best trails in the area is the Valahnukur Hike.

This trek will take you about two hours to complete and will give you amazing views of the mountains sprawling in every direction. In the end, you will not regret embarking on this day tour from Reykjavik.

Book Here: Thorsmork Hike And Super Jeep Tour From Reykjavik

Haifoss Waterfall

Yet another amazing waterfall in Iceland is Haifoss, a more secluded waterfall that crashes into a gorge in the Fossardalur valley. Haifoss is just over two hours from Reykjavik and is well worth the drive. If you drive yourself, you will need a 4×4 vehicle. The falls can easily be included in a four day Iceland itinerary as well if you are interested in doing more than a Reykjavik day trip.

At 400 feet, Haifoss is Iceland’s third-largest waterfall. Nearby is another smaller waterfall named Granni, which appropriately translates to “neighbor.” As you hike along the top of the gorge, you will have great viewpoints of both waterfalls at the same time.

From this location, you can also spot the “Gates of Hell” volcano Hekla. These waterfalls could be called Iceland off the beaten path as most tourists do not go out of their way to visit. Because of this, you can expect to find time for yourself with nature.

Book Here: Landmannalaugar Super-Jeep Tour From Reykjavik

Westman Islands

The Westman Islands are another hidden gem in Iceland. Though they are only just under a three-hour journey from Reykjavik, including a ferry ride, most tourists do not know or care to visit. Like the rest of Iceland, these small islands are full of rugged, jaw-dropping landscapes and wildlife. The largest island is Heimaey, which is home to a population of about 4,300 locals.

The other islands are significantly smaller and are mostly uninhabited except for the occasional hunting cabin. While visiting the Westman Islands can be done as a day trip from Reykjavik, you might want to consider staying at least one night there in order to have time to fully explore.

Your time on the island of Heimaey will be far from boring since there are plenty of fun and adventurous activities to fill your time. In the south of the island in Storhofdi you will find one of the largest puffin colonies in Iceland with close to 700,000 birds nesting there in the summer.

You can also hike a few different trails, including the Eldfell volcano crater. Also, make sure to check out the pretty Heimaey Stave Chuch, the only completely black church in Iceland.

Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss is yet another really iconic waterfall in Iceland and at just over two hours from Reykjavik, it makes for a perfect day trip along the Ring Road. It is also not far from Thorsmork and Seljalandsfoss, so all three could be checked off your list on the same day. These locations could be part of your Iceland South Coast day trip.

Skogafoss is a mighty waterfall that will leave you breathless. The falls cascade straight down for 60 meters and the curtain of water is 25 meters across.

With so much mist generated by the falls, a rainbow is often formed if the light is right and can be photographed shooting out of the water for a magical memory. The position of this waterfall allows you to walk right up to it, but be prepared to get very, very wet! You can also hike to the top of the falls for a more unique angle.

Book Here: South Coast and Northern Lights Tour (Including Skogafoss Waterfall)

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

To get to Snaefellsnes Peninsula , you will have to drive two hours, but with so many of Iceland’s top destinations, you cannot ignore this day trip from Reykjavik. This beautiful peninsula is north of Reykjavik and juts 55 miles into the ocean.

If you are able to stay in the area for more than a day you can really explore in-depth and spend more time at each location. But, if you do only have a day, try to prioritize what you want to see the most.

On the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you will discover the Kirkjufell mountain and the Kirkjufellafoss waterfall nearby. These two landscape features combine to create the classic postcard photo of Iceland and are an extremely popular shot for photographers. Kirkjufell translates to “Church Mountain” because of its shape and is just over 1,500 feet tall.

At the tip of the peninsula, there is the Snaefellsjokull National Park, where you can hike a glacier-topped mountain, explore the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, or walk along rugged beaches.

The peninsula is also home to several cute fishing villages, churches, and lighthouses to check out. No matter your interests, there is a ton of fun and epic activities to do on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula!

Book Here: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Trip From Reykjavik

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

With help from social media, the Solheimasandur plane wreck has become a hotspot for tourists, and it is no wonder why! This haunted-looking, skeleton of an airplane is so photogenic you will be drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

Unfortunately, you will not be the only person drawn to it, and you should not expect to have the site to yourself, especially in peak season. Either way, the plane is worth a look at and make sure to snap a photo while you are there, even if you have to edit out the other onlookers. Make sure to enjoy the sight of the plane from the ground since climbing on it is not allowed.

To find the plane wreck, drive on the Ring Road towards Vik for just over two hours, until you reach Solheimasandur Beach. From there, you will have to walk about two and a half miles to the site. Alternatively, you can book an ATV tour that will get you there faster and without tiring your feet.

Book Here: South Iceland ATV Adventure (Including Solheimasandur Plane Crash )

3 Optional Longer Reykjavik Day Trips

Langjokull glacier.

Visiting the Langjokull Glacier is one glacier tour in Iceland you should consider doing if you want to make a great memory! You must book a tour to get up and personal with this glacier. The tour will include the special transportation and equipment you will need.

There are manmade tunnels carved into the snow and ice of Langjokull that will allow you to descend directly into the glacier, which is not something you get to do every day! You will love exploring the twisting tunnels and their stark blue coloration.

You will want to take plenty of pictures to document your journey or your friends and family back home might not believe you did this crazy, awesome tour!

Book Here:  From Reykjavik: Langj0kull Glacier Ice Cave Tour

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Getting to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon requires a bit of a drive – five hours to be exact! It might be best to book a tour out of Reykjavik if you are not up to driving so far.

However you decide to get there, you will find the long car ride totally worth it! Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is one of the most visited locations in Iceland, and as soon as you step foot on the beach, you will understand why.

This gorgeous lagoon is full of drifting icebergs and the beach will often have glassy ice waiting to be photographed. Of course, the amount of ice depends on the season you visit, but there will always be something to look forward to when you come here.

If you want, you can take a boat tour out onto the lagoon to get even closer to the cracking icebergs. If you come in the winter, you might glimpse seals on the ice or the Northern Lights dancing in the sky.

Book Here: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Day Trip From Reykjavik

Vatnajokull Ice Caves

Want your breath taken away? Then, visit the Vatnajokull Ice Caves! This is another fascinating Iceland glacier to visit if you love chilling in nature, and it is the largest glacier in Europe so you will want to say you’ve been there.

The only downside to visiting Vatnajokull is the five-hour drive to get there making it one of the longer day trip options. You will have to book a tour for the ice caves to go inside safely, but most likely, the tour will not include transportation from Reykjavik. Even so, this is clearly one of the best Reykjavik day trips worth the effort!

The ice caves here are a natural wonder you can’t find in most places, and you will not want to pass it up. In any of the many caves at Vatnajokull, you will be able to immerse yourself in a frozen, jewel-like world. These caves can only be accessed during the winter, so do not add them to your itinerary if you are in Iceland in the summer.

Book Here: Ice Cave Tour

Whether you are only in Iceland for a long layover or like the idea of keeping things simple with a home base in Reykjavik, there are plenty of day trips you can take from the Iceland capital.

Book a few of the many day tours from Reykjavik for an easy, stress-free time or rent a car to get to these amazing sights. If you love nature, adventure, or relaxing, there are a handful of day trips from Reykjavik perfect for you!

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Small-Group 8-Hour Golden Circle Minibus Tour with Bruarfoss Waterfall & Kerid Crater from Reykjavik

Small Group Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Transfer from Reykjavik

11 Hour South Coast Waterfalls & Glacier Hiking Day Tour to Solheimajokull Departing from Reykjavik

Golden Circle ​& Snowmobiling Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Affordable Whale Watching Boat Tour from Reykjavik

The Golden Circle & the Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

South Coast Minibus Tour with Glacier Hike & Transfer from Reykjavik

Helicopter Tour over the Volcano Area on the Reykjanes peninsula from Reykjavik

9 Hour Tour of the Golden Circle with an Audio Guide in 10 Languages & Transfer from Reykjavik

11 Hour Sightseeing Tour of Snaefellsnes with Kirkjufell & Black Sands with Transfer from Reykjavik

Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour with a Photographer Guide & Transfer from Reykjavik

Affordable 3 Hour Northern Lights Bus Tour with Transfer from Reykjavík

Amazing 2 Hour Northern Lights Cruise with Transfer from Reykjavik Harbor

Into the Glacier Langjokull & Hraunfossar Waterfalls Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Fantastic 5-Hour ATV & Helicopter Adventure with a Mountaintop Landing and Reykjavik Transfer

Magical 4-Hour Aurora Museum and Northern Lights Minibus Tour from Reykjavik

Afternoon 6 Hour Golden Circle Tour to Gullfoss, Geysir & Thingvellir with Transfer from Reykjavik

10 Hour Super Jeep Tour of the Golden Circle with Snowmobiling and Transfer from Reykjavik

Amazing Northern Lights Hunt in Small Group from Reykjavik with Hot Chocolate

4 Hour Whale Watching Boat Tour & Whales of Iceland Exhibition with Transfer from Reykjavik

5 Hour Whale Watching & Northern Lights Double Boat Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Amazing 14 Hour Jeep & Hiking Tour of Landmannalaugar & Waterfalls with Transfer from Reykjavik

Affordable 7 hour Golden Circle Sightseeing Bus Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

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Wonderful Aurora Hunting Tour Experience! Although the aurora was not very visible, it still made for a fantastic memory. The tour was initially set for three hours, but due to poor visibility that evening, the team didn't give up. They continued to search for the northern lights and managed to capture some faint camera lights after 2 AM. Despite running overtime and it being very late, they provided ample opportunity for those still energized to get off the bus and try their luck at spotting and photographing the lights. It was the last day of the aurora season, and on the way back, the guide explained that this time didn’t count as a successful sighting and offered a chance to join another tour within the next two years. I’m truly grateful for the team's dedication and effort. Thank you for making it a memorable experience!

Guojin Gong

Great experience! The tour guide (Kiki) is so helpful and told us a lot of stories along the road, making it fun and educations (for my 12-year-old girl). Definitely recommend!

Jessica Lynas

It was lovely! I'd recommend it for anyone who doesn't want to do a 10 hours tour straight away. This is a lovely little taster of what Iceland can offer. 10/10

My first time solo travelling I was a little nervous about big groups so this was recommended to me instead. It was amazing I couldn't recommend anything else for solo travellers. The groups are small enough that you don't feel overwhelmed but still have the opportunity to make friends if you wanted. Siggi was amazing cracking jokes and getting everyone involved. 10/10

Best Day Trips from Reykjavik

Reykjavik, Iceland's vibrant capital, serves as the perfect launching point for exploring the country's stunning natural beauty. Numerous day trips are available from Reykjavik , offering a wide range of unique experiences. 

The Golden Circle is perhaps the most famous, encompassing the Geysir geothermal area , the iconic Gullfoss waterfall , and the historical Thingvellir National Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just an hour's drive from Reykjavik, it provides a taste of Iceland's geological wonders.

For those seeking a more immersive adventure, a trip to the South Coast unveils the striking Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls , along with the eerie beauty of the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and the charming village of Vik . 

Another option is the enchanting Snaefellsnes Peninsula , featuring the Snaefellsjokull glacier and a rugged coastline, often referred to as "Iceland in Miniature."

Animal lovers will appreciate a whale-watching tour departing from Reykjavik's harbor, where you can spot majestic humpback whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat. 

In winter, the chance to witness the elusive northern lights, a celestial spectacle, is a must-consider excursion.

In Reykjavik itself, you can immerse yourself in Icelandic culture by visiting the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church , exploring the vibrant streets of Laugavegur for shopping and dining, or delving into the nation's history at the National Museum of Iceland. 

Don't forget to sample Icelandic cuisine at local restaurants, where you can savor delicacies like fermented shark, Icelandic lamb, and skyr, a traditional yogurt-like treat.

In conclusion, Reykjavik offers a perfect balance of city and nature, with an array of exciting day trips and local activities that cater to diverse interests, making it a fantastic starting point for an Icelandic adventure.  

Frequently asked questions

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BEST DAY TRIPS FROM REYKJAVIK IN WINTER

EPIC WINTER DAY TRIPS FROM REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

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Are you wondering about the best day trips from Reykjavik in winter ?  While Iceland in summer is also breathtaking, winter is a different world. Besides the short days (which wasn’t always easy on me, to be honest, though), Iceland in winter was just beyond magical.

When I visited Iceland in the winter months, I based myself in Reykjavik and did quite a few day trips which I am happy to share with you. I did not rent a car because of the weather conditions. Instead, I just booked day tours from Reykjavik. And I must say, that was a smart decision. 

Booking tours in Iceland is easy – canceling is as easy as rescheduling is (I had to reschedule a few times due to weather conditions). 

So, this post is about my favorite Reykjavik winter day trips, but you´ll also find some other tips for your trip.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it  here .

FAQ: REYKJAVIK DAY TRIPS

Here are some travel tips for your winter day trips from Reykjavik.

WHAT TO PACK FOR DAY TRIPS FROM REYKJAVIK

Reykjavik day trips are a lot of fun. But make sure to bring a neck pillow and download some music or audiobooks on your phone you can enjoy . Because when you look out the window, you won’t see much except some darkness. However, once you arrive at the destination, there normally is daylight, and you should be fine exploring the places.

Though Iceland in winter is not as cold as many think, it is still important to dress warmly. Or better to dress in layers.

• A warm, waterproof jacket should be one of the first items you think to pack. Avoid choosing a bulky jacket that takes up a lot of space. This can make you feel uncomfortable when you have layers underneath. Instead, opt for a lightweight trench raincoat that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. 
• A knitted beanie is a perfect solution for keeping the warmth in while you venture out. A hat will keep you toasty warm wherever you are.
• A pair of gloves can do wonders for your mobility and comfort. When selecting your options, it’s worth investing in a pair that can dry quickly and are touch-screen compatible.
• A warm scarf and/or turtleneck sweater are key items for keeping your neck covered. A turtleneck sweater is perfect as a garment to wear underneath your jacket, while the scarf can be removed easily. 
• Leggings  are an essential item to pack as you can dress them up or down. You can even wear them underneath your denim as an extra layer of warmth. 
• When it comes to packing socks for your Iceland trip – the thicker, the better. The chances are that you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors in the snow, and you’ll want your feet to be warm and cozy. 
• My favorite winter clothes are thermals .  A quality set of thermals is your key to enjoying the winter weather in Iceland. You have to wear them on a cold day to believe what a wonderful invention it is!
• Make sure you have a trusty pair of waterproof shoes . You’ll want your shoes to be as versatile as possible. Snowshoes allow you to enjoy a variety of activities while keeping your feet warm and dry. 
• I bought my crampons in Iceland. They are traction devices you attach to your shoes so you can walk even on ice. If you want to walk and see places from different angles, you will need crampons. They were a lifesaver, and while I fell many times on my first day, I didn’t fall after I got them (and only got to see other people falling). 
• Since you will sit on the bus for quite a while, I highly suggest getting yourself a neck pillow so you can sleep/relax on the bus.
• Check out my post on “ What to wear in Iceland in winter ” for more tips.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN WINTER IN REYKJAVIK

There are basically two ways to do day tours from Reykjavik . 1) Doing guided tours and/or 2) renting a car.

In Iceland, it is better not to rely on public transport or think about using taxis/ubers (uber and taxis are just extremely expensive).

Renting a car in Iceland and doing Reykjavik day trips is possible – even in the winter. The tours to South Iceland are quite easy to access via car. However, please keep in mind that the conditions can still be bad and even dangerous – especially if you are not used to driving in extreme winter conditions. I had done a lot of research before my winter trip to Iceland and decided against renting a car (which I then did during my summer Iceland trip).

I personally thought, driving in the winter was just too dangerous for me.

So, I did guided tours. All the tours I did from Reykjavik were easy via guided tours – sure, I had less flexibility but also meant much less stress.

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR REYKJAVIK IN WINTER

So, now, without further ado, here are my favorite winter day trips.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

If you ask me about my FAVORITE day trip from Reykjavik in winter, then this will be my answer: Snæfellsnes.  Snæfellsnes has earned the nickname ‘Iceland in Miniature’ because it’s home to many of the country’s classic sights and attractions. It’s a narrow peninsula in the North Atlantic Ocean, filled with spectacular scenery.

You’ll find gorges, waterfalls , lava fields, and black sand beaches. Along with the ancient and famous Snæfellsjökull volcano and a myriad of quaint Icelandic villages. Here you have everything. You’ll even come across some golden sand beaches – a rare sight in Iceland.

The area is gorgeous during Iceland’s frigid winters . Freshly fallen snow blankets the dramatic landscapes, while the sunsets are long and beautiful.

A typical day trip to Snæfellsnes Peninsula includes stops at a few charming fishing villages, such as Arnarstapi and Grundarfjordur . And often, visitors will stop to admire Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beaches.

  A visit to Kirkjufell is also a popular choice . This 463-meter tall mountain is said to be the most photographed in the country, thanks to its striking and unique shape. It’s a particularly beautiful sight when capped with fresh winter snowfall.

Along the way, you’ll be able to take in stunning views of the surrounding fjords, cliffs, and lava fields. Making this a magical Icelandic day trip.

TIP: I was one of the very few in my group who was able to walk all the way to the waterfall. It was so icy and other people slipped before they even got there…Thanks to my crampons , I could carefully walk around and see more than most others.

➡️ BOOK TOURS FOR SNAFELLSNES PENINSULA

Hraunfossar waterfall, deildartunguhver, lava cave & thermal pools.

So, when I planned a trip to the Hraunfossar Waterfalls, the original tour I had booked got canceled and instead, I was offered this tour – and looking back, it was the best that could have happened because that day was one of my highlights in Iceland. So, depending on what tour you book you could see all the places in one day.

Hraunfossar

Hraunfossar is a stunning waterfall a couple of hours’ drive northeast of Reykjavik. And it’s surrounded by a selection of other amazing attractions.

A trip to the falls can comfortably be combined with stops at the Húsafell thermal pools, the Deildartunguhver hot spring, and the Lava Tunnel – Raufarholshellir.

The Hraunfossar is more like a series of smaller falls than one large one. The water flowing over them is glacial melt, pouring into the Hvita River. It’s a picturesque scene, and the striking azure of the water looks spectacular against the stark, black volcanic rock. In winter, the surrounding greenery turns to crisp white. 

Though it is not the most popular place – and surely not one of the most famous and most popular day trips – I loved it. Every second of it (at least when I had daylight). This is more of an Iceland off-the-beaten-path day trip in winter.

Thermal Pools and Hot Tubs of Húsafell

Nearby, you’ll find the outdoor thermal pools and hot tubs of Húsafell. Here, you can escape the winter chills by soaking in the wonderful, naturally heated waters.

There are different tours offered – and most of my group decided on something else for this part of the day. So, I had all the pools there for myself. Seriously, no one was there in the wintertime (that, of course, isn’t guaranteed though).

Viðgelmir Lava

Then, head over to The Cave Vidgelmir  which is the fourth-longest lava tube in Iceland.    Viðgelmir is the largest lava tube in Iceland at 1585 meters (5200 feet) long. This lava cave is just 15 minutes away –

The cave is the chance to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption – you can walk the path that flowed an eruption more than 5,000 years ago. And the guided tour will allow you to learn about volcanic eruptions and their effect on the environment. Though this part wasn’t my highlight it was interesting because it was completely different from the rest of the day.

Depending on the exact itinerary, you might add another stop on that day.

Deildartunguhver

En route back to Reykjavik, you can stop at Deildartunguhver, which is considered to be Europe’s most powerful hot spring . It pumps out 97°C water at a rate of 180 liters/second and provides heating to a pair of Icelandic towns. 

Wooden walkways lead you around the springs and through the rising steam. This stop normally will be short – but it again shows how stunning the country is.

If you find this tour or a similar tour – go for it. It is a beautiful, lesser-known day trip from Reykjavik in winter even though it was breathtaking.

BOOKING TOURS IN WESTERN ICELAND

➡️  Here is some good and bad news: The initial tour I booked is available again. It looks absolutely amazing – however, it is not the same tour I did. The thermal pool is different. Check out that amazing tour from Reykjavik here.

Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon

The Golden Circle is a sightseeing route that is deserving of its name. It’s among the most popular things to do in Iceland and easily one of the best day trips from Reykjavik. It’s basically a route that leads between 3 of Iceland’s most celebrated attractions , with some stunning scenery along the way. 

From Reykjavik, it winds east toward Thingvellir National Park, before continuing on to the Geysir Geothermal Area . And, finally, arriving at the Gullfoss Waterfall before completing the loop by heading back to Reykjavik.

The journey is roughly 230km in length, and can easily be done in one day from Reykjavik.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a stunning area that has earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The park combines spectacular natural scenery with a rich history. Its geography is unique, and it was the site where Iceland’s civilization began.

The next stop, Geysir, is a hot spring area . It’s home to roughly a dozen geysers that blast hot water and steam high into the air . In fact, this site is where the term ‘geyser’ originated. And it’s a classic Iceland experience and since they erupt every few minutes you will see its eruption.

Gullfoss Waterfall

The next stop, Gullfoss, is a roaring waterfall that’s a sight to behold.

Though this is a very touristy tour, I think, it is a must in winter. You can’t visit Reykjavik and skip the Golden Circle in winter. Also, these tours are offered very often and the chances they might get canceled are very low.

Secret Lagoon

Some tours make some additional stops en route – I joined the one with the Secret Lagoon. After a wintery day of exploring, indulge in the gorgeous thermal pool at Secret Lagoon – the oldest of its kind in Iceland. I have to admit that I am not the biggest pool person though it was an interesting experience. Alternatively, you can choose a tour without an additional stop or other stops.

BOOK TOURS FOR GOLDEN CIRCLE

• ➡️ This amazing  Golden Circle Tour includes a stop at the Secret Lagoon + Kerid Crater .
• ➡️  Check out this Golden Circle Tour that also includes a trip to Kerid Crater.
• ➡️  This is the classic Golden Circle Tour without any additional stops.

Let´s continue with a few more recommendations for day trips from Reykjavik in winter.

The South of Iceland

The area surrounding the southern coast of Iceland is a beautiful region that boasts a range of spectacular attractions. I guess, that the South of Iceland is almost as popular as the Golden Circle.

Most of these tours are easily accessible from Reykjavik. On a day trip here, you can head to the ocean to see the black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs of the south coast.

While you’re there, pay a visit to Vik, the most southerly village in Iceland. It’s quaint and gorgeous, set to the backdrop of rugged coastal cliffs and rock formations.

Skógafoss Waterfalls

There are also some spectacular waterfalls in the area. The amazing Skógafoss Falls are a popular sight, with a wide torrent of water pouring over a 60-meter cliff.

The Seljalandsfoss falls are equally impressive, but they also allow you to step into a cave behind the cascade of water – if it is not too icy. The raw power of the falls and the spray that rises make for quite an exhilarating experience!

Sólheimajökull Glacier

Another popular stop is the Sólheimajökull glacier, where you can explore a frozen wonderland made of white and blue ice. 

While touring the south of Iceland, you’ll undoubtedly pass a range of stunning mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and glaciers. So keep your eyes peeled. As mentioned, the South of Iceland is one of the most visited areas, and tours from Reykjavik are extremely popular. It gets busy.

BOOK TOURS FOR THE SOUTH OF ICELAND

➡️  This tour is a perfect choice for discovering the main sights of South Iceland.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is easily one of the most popular attractions in Iceland . It’s a naturally heated, geothermal lagoon, that’s renowned for its striking blue color – giving the attraction its name.

4 out of 5 tourists to Iceland flock to soak in the wonderfully warm waters that are filled with a range of minerals. And it’s just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, making it a crime to miss out on it. The blue water stands out perfectly against the dark volcanic rock that surrounds it. And the steam rising up from the surface just adds to the charm, making it a stunning scene and an otherworldly experience.

Winter is actually the best time to visit the lagoon, as that’s when it’s least crowded. The contrast of being in the silky, warm water with the icy winter conditions around you is an incredible experience, too. And you might even be fortunate enough to see the northern lights while you’re swimming if you go after dark (I didn’t but you might be one of the very few lucky people).

The lagoon even contains a swim-up bar area where you can get your fill of drinks right from the water. All guests can make use of the silica mud masks that are included in the ticket price.

Just a side note: I did not see any real effect – after I spent time at the Dead Sea in Jordan my skin really glowed but here…not so much. I enjoyed my time at the Blue Lagoon but it was NOT The highlight of my trip. Often, it is fully booked several weeks in advance so you need to book early. 

• Prices are high – and the crowds are there, so keep that in mind when you plan your Iceland itinerary.
• CHECK OUT PRICES FOR TOURS TO BLUE LAGOON FROM REYKJAVIK

BOOKING TOURS FOR THE BLUE LAGOON

• ➡️  If you are looking for a tour to the Blue Lagoon, including transfer, check out this trip to the Blue Lagoon.
• ➡️  In case you will need just the entrance tickets for the Blue Lagoon, click here.

CONCLUSION: EASY DAY TRIPS FROM REYKJAVIK IN THE WINTER MONTHS

Iceland in winter is stunning – and while Reykjavik is a great city to explore, I highly recommend booking yourself a few day trips and discovering more of Iceland. 

And since I am not a fan of driving in the winter months (at least in a country like Iceland) a road trip was not an option and doing different day trips from Reykjavik in winter is the best way to explore the country. 

Stay safe and enjoy!

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12 Hand-Picked Day Trips from Reykjavik in Winter

Iceland in winter has a lot to offer, from awe-inspiring Northern Lights tours to thrilling glacier hikes and relaxing hot spring retreats. 

You can find something different to do every day even if you spent a month here! Well, not many of us are lucky enough to be able to spend all this time in Iceland, so if you have a week or less, you’d need to find the best things to do around here. 

Moreover, Iceland is extremely different in the winter in comparison to summer. And there are different things you can do in every season! 

Here are 12 amazing ideas for day trips from Reykjavik which you can take in winter specifically. Hopefully this list makes it easier to choose what places you find most interesting and narrow down your itinerary.

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12 Best Day Тrips from Reykjavik in Winter

1. go on a hunt for the northern lights.

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, I’m sure there’s one thing on your list you want to check off at any cost . Let me guess – seeing the Northern lights! Especially if you’ve never seen them before (like I hadn’t), it’s probably the most magical thing you can experience in this part of the world.

What’s specific about the Aurora Borealis is that they usually come very late in the evening when it gets very dark.  The good news is that you can book this organised “Northern Lights hunt” tour where they check the forecast for where the lights are most likely to be visible and take you straight there! And the best part about this exact tour is that, if you don’t see them on the first try, you can rebook on the next tour without any additional costs!

For this reason I recommend booking this tour as early as possible on your Reykjavik itinerary, so you have at least a few more evenings here when you could potentially reschedule. And even if you can’t make it this time, your ticket to this tour will allow you to rebook whenever in the next 3 years!

2. Take a full day trip to the South of Iceland

One of the must-sees in Iceland is the Southern coast with its incredible waterfalls, black sand beaches and more. It’s no coincidence that it’s the first place we visited during our 7-day trip in Iceland . 

You can rent a car and easily reach all the main spots on the South Coast:

• Seljalandsfoss
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Vík í Mýrdal
• And a few more

Alternatively, if you’re not planning on renting a car here ( I don’t blame you, this was the most expensive rent-a-car we’ve ever had! ), there’s an organised South Coast Day Trip from Reykjavik which you can book without having to plan anything further.

You will be picked up from Reykjavik and will be visiting these places and some more. Just make sure you pack some snacks and drinks!

3. Visit the famous Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular places in Iceland – even though it’s manmade, it provides a wonderful opportunity to relax and bathe in hot waters while being outdoors. We got to visit it on the last day  of our trip to Iceland and it was the perfect ending to this adventure. 

The lagoon is located less than an hour drive from Reykjavik and is easily accessible if you have a car. You must book your entry ticket way in advance because spots are limited. You also have to choose your day and hour of visit, and you need to go there at this hour! 

If you don’t have a car, you could also book this tour which includes bus transportation and admission tickets . 

4. Discover the Sky Lagoon and enjoy some Spa Rituals

The Sky Lagoon is a geothermal lagoon, located very close to Reykjavik. I’d say it’s a ‘rival’ to the popular Blue Lagoon, and for some it’s even better!

The Sky Lagoon is definitely cheaper to visit and it offers some amazing views. Another plus is that it’s usually not as crowded as the Blue Lagoon. 

5. Discover the iconic Golden Circle on a full day tour

The Golden Circle is one of the most iconic and visited places in Iceland. In fact, it’s part of every single Iceland itinerary I’ve come across. It would be a shame to miss it. 

On this Golden Circle Full Day Tour you’ll be picked up from Reykjavik and taken on a full day trip to the Golden Circle, where you’ll be able to see Geysir area, Gullfoss Waterfall, Þingvellir National Park where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates literally meet. You’ll also visit the volcanic crater at Lake Kerið. 

We loved the Golden Circle, especially the geysers, where you can see one of them erupting every few minutes. Absolutely spectacular! 

6. See a bit of everything – Waterfalls, Black Beach and Glacier Hike

If you want to see as much of Iceland’s natural wonders in one day – this is the trip for you. 

On this organised full day trip you’ll get to visit a bit of everything. You’ll see the iconic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the glacier volcano of Eyjafjallajökull, with an optional hike on the Solheimajokul glacier, three wonderful waterfalls – Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Glufrabui and more. 

This trip includes a hotel pick up and drop off, transfer with a minibus and a visit to all of these places. 

7. Snorkeling or diving at Silfra

One of the most unique experiences you can have in Iceland is snorkeling (or diving) between the American and European continental plates. This is the only place in the world where the two tectonic plates are so close together!

If you’re wondering what the water temperature is – between 2 and 4C all year round! It’s very cold, but guided tours provide you with a thick wetsuit so you don’t feel it as much. 

This Silfra Snorkeling experience provides an organised transfer from and to Reykjavik, all the equipment you’ll need, a guide that will be with you the whole time, and underwater photos, so you can capture this moment forever!

8. Go on a Whale Watching Cruise

While whale watching is mostly a summer activity, there are still some organised cruises in the winter as well! And the best part is that they’re usually with a reduced price.

This Whale Warching cruise offers transfer from Reykjavik and an around 3-hour trip to look for whales in their natural habitat. 

If it so happens that you don’t see any whales, you’ll be offered to get on another cruise free of charge (similar to the Northern Lights tour – you can’t really control nature, so nothing is guaranteed). 

9. Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Mt. Kirkjufell

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called the little Iceland. Why? Because it literally has a bit of every natural wonder Iceland has to offer. And I believe this is a must-visit place during your trip to Iceland! 

You can easily reach Snaefellsnes Peninsula by car, as it’s not very far from Reykjavik. Our top recommendations, which we also share in our 7-day Iceland itinerary , are Mt. Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss – a beautiful mountain with a waterfall in front (also Game of Thrones was filmed here); the waterfall Bjarnarfoss; Búðakirkja – The Black Church; Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge; Hellnar View Point & Fishing town; Lóndrangar; Djúpalónssandur (a black sand beach) and Ytri Tunga, where you could spot some seals in their natural habitat. 

If you’re not planning on renting a car, there are also some organised bus trips to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, like this one . 

It offers a transfer from Reykjavik and you get to see almost all the places mentioned above. The tour also has 4.7 out of 5 stars from reviews!

10. Hike the Litla Hrút Volcano (with a Geologist)

Are you curious to learn about the volcanic activity in Iceland? You can go on a guided hike to the newly erupting Litla Hrút volcano from Reykjavík with a geologist/volcanologist and learn about the evolving lava field and volcanic history. 

In essence, you’ll see the creation of new land, explore rock formations, and enjoy panoramic views from the crater viewpoint. 

This Litla Hrút Volcano day trip includes a transfer from Reykjavik, hike for 4 hours at the Fagradalsfjall Volcano and be accompanied by a geologist throughout the whole time. 

11. Visit the Katla Ice Cave 

Visiting an Ice Cave in Iceland is only possible during the winter season – during the rest of the year it gets too warm and the ice starts to melt, making them unsafe or just full of water. 

There are quite a few options for visiting ice caves, but I strongly recommend doing it with a guide. If you don’t take my word for it, the Icelandic Civil Protection is strongly advising to not visit glaciers on your own. 

This tour is an easy day trip from Reykjavik where you get to visit the beautiful Kötlujökull Glacier and go into a natural ice cave. The tour also includes transfer, professional guide, crampons for walking on ice and a Super Jeep ride. 

12. Experience Red Lava Horse Riding

We’re ending this list with a lovely horse riding tour through natural volcanic terrain . 

After being picked up from your Reykjavik accommodation, you’ll be transported to the tour starting point, where you’ll meet your horses. Alternatively, you can meet directly at the stables if you have your own transportation.

The tour, spanning 5-7 kilometers based on rider experience, is suitable for both beginners and more experienced riders. Ride along a beautiful path through the Redhills, or for experienced groups, by Rauðarvatn. 

You can enjoy 1.5-2 hours of horseback riding, with rain clothing provided if needed, and complimentary tea and coffee for your comfort. At the tour’s end, you’ll be returned to the stables or your Reykjavik accommodation.

Lyubomira is the creator and author behind Bulgarian On The Go. With a background in journalism and experience in the field of tourism and marketing, her mission is to show travellers many beautiful places they might have never thought of visiting or even knew existed.

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Iceland Mag

5 fantastic winter day trips from Reykjavík

By Staff | Dec 10 2015

Gullfoss in winter  The majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area are among Iceland‘s most popular tourist hot spots. Photo/Vilhelm 

One does not have to travel far to experience the true beauty of Icelandic nature. There are plenty of enjoyable day trips on offer from Reykjavík – from the classic Golden Circle, to more adventurous tours such as glacier hiking.

Gullfoss. Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson

1. The Golden Circle The majestic Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area, located a short hour and a half-long drive from Reykjavík, are among Iceland‘s most popular tourist hot spots. When you first approach Gullfoss the crevice is obscured from view, so it is as if the waterfall falls into the Earth, and not into Hvítá river. Geysir, as the name suggests, is a geyser. The name ‘geyser’ in English, actually derives from the Icelandic word Geysir. The geyser you will see erupt into the sky is, however, not the famous Geysir, but one called Strokkur. It erupts every few minutes to heights of up to 30 meters (98 feet).

2. Dogsledding in Iceland Dogsledding Iceland has offered dogsledding tours since 1998. These tours give visitors a chance to experience Icelandic nature in a completely unique way. A short break half way through the ride will give visitors a chance to interact with the dogs and really take in the scenery.  

Reykjanes. Photo/4x4

3. 4x4 tour around Reykjanes peninsula These exhilarating quad bike tours take guests through rugged lava fields, the black sands of the Krýsuvík region, and up mountains where you’ll be able to enjoy amazing panoramic views over the Blue Lagoon and other fantastic Reykjanes landmarks.  

4. Northern Light tours A number of tour operators offers special Northern Light tours. The companies check the weather forecast before deciding where to hunt for the natural phenomena. However, as the lights can only be viewed when the skies are clear, the tour operators reserve the right to cancel due to bad weather conditions. In such cases, customers are offered a refund or a second tour free of charge. Distance from Reykjavík: Depends on weather conditions.

Hvannadalshnjúkur peak . Photo/Vilhelm Gunnarsson

5. Glacier hikes Glacier Guides offer a thrilling trip to Iceland‘s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. The tour covers a lot of ground, including a glacier hike on Falljökull glacier, one of Vatnajökull‘s many outlet glaciers, and a boat ride on the famous Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon where you’ll experience the huge, floating ice bergs up close. 

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DAY TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK

REYKJAVIK: GATEWAY TO INCREDIBLE NATURE & ADVENTURE

FOR SCENIC VIEWS, THE ELUSIVE NORTHERN LIGHTS AND UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE - ICELAND HAS IT ALL!

View all day tours from Reykjavik

See & Experience the most famous Icelandic sights!

Tour the Golden Circle in all its glory and see the Strokkur hot spring erupt at the original Geysir. Stand next to Gullfoss waterfall, the roaring queen of Icelandic Waterfalls and walk in the footsteps of the Vikings in Þingvellir National Park.

Explore the South Coast with its endless black beaches, towering volcanoes and rugged glaciers. Walk behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and hike up to the incredible Skógar Waterfall. Strap on crampons and step onto the glacier ice of Sólheimajökull with an expert guide.

Find these and other great tours in our selection of guided day tours from Reykjavík. Selected tours offer seats with a touch screen tablet complete with our unique "In Bus Audio Guide", and a USB charger.

GOLDEN CIRCLE & SKY LAGOON (Admission incl.)

Visit Iceland´s newest geothermal wonder after experiencing the Golden Circle.

ISK 22,490 10,5 Hours

SOUTH COAST, DIAMOND BEACH & JOKULSARLON TOUR

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most amazing natural wonders of Iceland. Experience a day full of glaciers, icebergs and waterfalls at Iceland´s jewel.

ISK 23,990 14 Hours

GOLDEN CIRCLE AND BLUE LAGOON (admission incl.)

Enjoy a relaxing visit to the Blue lagoon after seeing some of Iceland’s most famous sights.

ISK 30,490 13 Hours

South Coast, Diamond Beach & Glacier Lagoon

Guided tour of the Icelandic south coast, with stops at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

ISK 24,580 14 Hours

GOLDEN CIRCLE CLASSIC

Visit Iceland´s most popular natural attractions including Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, expertly guided in 10 different languages!

ISK 10,490 7,5 Hours

SOUTH COAST CLASSIC

Experience the wonderful volcanic southern coastline of Iceland with its thundering waterfalls, endless black sand beaches and glacier coated volcanoes, available in 10 different languages!

ISK 13,990 10,5 Hours

GOLDEN CIRCLE AND GLACIER

Explore the Golden Circle and then drive a snowmobile on the second biggest glacier in Iceland.

ISK 34,990 11,5 Hours

SOUTH COAST AND GLACIER TOUR

Hike on a rugged glacier and explore the amazing cracks in the ice, visit two stunning and iconic waterfalls as well as Reynisfjara black sand beach.

ISK 24,990 11 Hours

NORTHERN LIGHTS AND STARGAZING

Guided in 10 languages. Search for the rare and elusive northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in the skies around Reykjavík on this all time winter bestseller!

ISK 7,590 3 Hours

THE BLUE LAGOON & NORTHERN LIGHTS (Admission incl.)

Enjoy a relaxing visit to the Blue lagoon and then head out into the night to search for Northern Lights.

ISK 26,990 10 Hours

OUR MOST POPULAR DAY TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK!

kr 34,990 11,5 Hours

GOLDEN CIRCLE AND HORSES

On this tour you will explore the world famous Golden Circle & get to know the unique Icelandic horse.

kr 23,490 11 Hours

GOLDEN CIRCLE AND NORTHERN LIGHTS

Iceland's most popular natural wonders in one day. Find the dancing northern lights after a joyful Golden Circle tour.

kr 15,490 10,5 Hours

SOUTH COAST AND NORTHERN LIGHTS

Follow the North Atlantic coastline from Reykjavík into the south coast wonderland and become a Northern Light Hunter.

kr 20,990 13 Hours

Iceland Day Tours: Explore the Wonders of Reykjavik and Beyond

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure in Iceland? Look no further than our selection of Iceland day tours! From the famous Golden Circle to the breathtaking South Coast, we offer a range of guided tours that will take you to the most iconic sights and natural wonders in and around Reykjavik. With our state-of-the-art amenities, including in-bus audio guides and USB chargers, we ensure that your journey is not only informative but also convenient and comfortable.

The Golden Circle: A Journey Through Iceland's Natural Marvels

The Golden Circle is a must-visit destination for every traveler in Iceland. This 300-kilometer route takes you to three incredible attractions: the Geysir geothermal area, the Gullfoss waterfall, and the Þingvellir National Park.

Geysir Geothermal Area: Witness Nature's Fury

At the Geysir geothermal area, you'll have the opportunity to see the Strokkur hot spring in action. This impressive natural wonder erupts every few minutes, shooting boiling water high up into the air. The sight of this powerful display of nature's forces is truly awe-inspiring.

Gullfoss Waterfall: The Roaring Queen of Icelandic Waterfalls

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer power and beauty of the Gullfoss waterfall. As one of Iceland's most iconic landmarks, it cascades down in two stages, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Stand next to the edge of the waterfall and feel the mist on your face as you admire its majestic grandeur.

Þingvellir National Park: Where History and Nature Converge

Step into the footsteps of the Vikings as you explore Þingvellir National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a place of historical significance but also a natural wonder. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes, walk through the Almannagjá fissure, and learn about the historic events that took place here.

The South Coast: A Scenic Journey of Black Beaches, Volcanoes, and Glaciers

If you're craving for more natural beauty, our South Coast day tours will take you on a breathtaking journey. From black sand beaches to towering volcanoes and rugged glaciers, this region is a paradise for nature lovers.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: Walk Behind the Cascades

Prepare to get up close and personal with nature at the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Unlike many other waterfalls, you can actually walk behind the cascades and experience the thundering water from a unique perspective. Don't forget to bring your raincoat, as you might get wet from the mist!

Skógar Waterfall: A Picture-Perfect Setting

Another majestic waterfall awaits you at Skógar. With its 60-meter drop and stunning surroundings, it's no wonder that this waterfall is a favorite among photographers. Capture the beauty of the cascades and the lush greenery that surrounds it.

Sólheimajökull Glacier: Step onto the Ice

For the ultimate adventure, strap on crampons and join our expert guides as you step onto the glacier ice of Sólheimajökull. Learn about the fascinating formations and features of glaciers while marveling at the icy landscapes. This is an experience like no other.

Discover More with Our Guided Day Tours from Reykjavik

In addition to the Golden Circle and the South Coast, we offer a variety of other guided day tours from Reykjavik that allow you to explore even more of Iceland's wonders. Whether you want to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, visit the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, or immerse yourself in the mystical world of the Northern Lights, we have the perfect tour for you.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: A Land of Magic and Mystery

Embark on a journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often referred to as "Iceland in Miniature." This region is known for its diverse landscapes, including dramatic coastlines, lava fields, and the iconic Snæfellsjökull volcano. Explore charming fishing villages, visit the famous Kirkjufell mountain, and feel the magic of this enchanting place.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: A Frozen Wonderland

Witness the stunning beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs float peacefully in the crystal-clear water. Take a boat tour and get up close to the majestic ice formations or simply sit on the shore and listen to the sounds of cracking ice. This is a truly magical experience that will leave you in awe.

Northern Lights: Chase the Aurora Borealis

If you're lucky enough to visit Iceland during the winter months, don't miss the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Join our expert guides as they take you to the best spots to see this natural phenomenon. Dance with the colorful lights in the sky and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Ultimate Convenience: In-Bus Audio Guides and USB Chargers

To enhance your experience during our day tours, we offer in-bus audio guides and USB chargers. With our touch screen tablets, you can learn about the history, geology, and culture of each destination at your own pace. Stay connected with our USB chargers and never worry about running out of battery on your devices.

Book Your Iceland Day Tour Today

Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore the wonders of Iceland with our guided day tours from Reykjavik. Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, we have the perfect tour for you. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and the thrill of discovery. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with us and create memories that will last forever.

Best day trips from Reykjavik: whales, fjords and waterfalls

Mar 2, 2022 • 5 min read

From the southwest corner of Iceland, you have easy access to some of the country's most iconic sights © Creative Family / Shutterstock

Back in the day, when Iceland’s founding fathers decided to make Reykjavík the nation's capital, they were in fact doing future visitors a massive favor: the southwestern corner is an excellent base for exploring many of the country's most iconic sights, from glacial caves to steaming lagoons.

Here are four of the best day trips from Reykjavík , accessible year-round. 

The Golden Circle

Why go? The route loops three iconic sights: Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss

The famous Golden Circle  is a 250km (155-mile) route covering two continents – yes, continents! The first stop on the itinerary is  Þingvellir National Park , which marks the tectonic plate boundaries for Europe and North America, pulling apart the landscape with canyons and cracks. But there's an added layer of history that makes this Unesco World Heritage site all the more unique: Iceland’s parliament, Althingi, was founded at Þingvellir in the year 930 CE. 

Geysir has been Iceland’s world-famous natural phenomenon since the invention of printed illustrations. It also served as an inspiration for the English language: the word geyser  – a periodically spouting hot spring – draws from this Geysir with a capital G.  To the surprise of many, the old Geysir has long since retired; today the spouting icon of Iceland is instead the neighboring Strokkur , erupting every 10 minutes, give or take. 

A 15-minute drive from Geysir is the waterfall Gullfoss , cascading down a powerful glacial river. The name means "golden waterfall," and on a sunny day we can guarantee an impressive rainbow. Guests need to walk about 500m (.3 miles) from the parking lot for a close – and wet – view of this Icelandic landmark. 

A final tip: The Icelandic Tourism Board operates  digital counters  monitoring traffic to major sights by the hour, an excellent tool for travelers seeking to avoid big crowds at Gullfoss and Geysir. 

Choosing a Golden Circle route from Reykjavík 

The shortest version of the Golden Circle goes via Laugarvatn. Longer day tours take a wider loop around southern Iceland by extending to Flúðir and Selfoss. Side attractions include the 6500-year-old explosion crater Kerið and the geothermal lagoon at Gamla Laugin .  

Langjökull Glacier

Why go? For snowmobile tours and the ice tunnel 

Iceland’s second-largest glacier is open for visitors – literally. The glacier has a door the shape and size of a massive drill, leading some 500m (.3 miles) into the ice cap. Completed in 2015, this human-made tunnel is operated by the company Into the Glacier and only accessible via super-Jeep. Because the natural ice caves at the foot of a glacier break down when temperatures rise in the spring, the tunnel is located on top of the ice cap for year-round accessibility. 

Langjökull has spectacular snowmobile routes, with mountains peeking from the ice cap and snow-topped hills bound to get the adrenaline flowing. But most amazing is the endless desolation drivers experience by crossing at high speeds without landmarks. Excursions last about an hour and are operated by Mountaineers of Iceland and Arctic Adventures . 

How to get from Reykjavík to Langjökull 

Tours from Reykjavík take at least 10 hours altogether. Roads to the foot of the glacier are only accessible by large trucks, but with a rental car it is possible to arrange a pickup where the tarmac ends. For visits to Into the Glacier that means driving to Húsafell to the west; snowmobile tours operate on the southern side near Gullfoss Waterfall. 

Blue Lagoon

Why go? To soak in a unique bath resort 

When you think of Iceland, no doubt one of the first things that comes to mind is the Blue Lagoon . Walking out in a fluffy white bathrobe to milky-blue water surrounded by lava is the epitome of relaxation and luxury. Conveniently located 20 minutes from the airport, there's a reason it's the most visited tourist destination on the island.

The lagoon has health benefits too. Silica in the water causes the blue-green color, but it also creates a soft white mud on the lagoon’s floor that can help with skin conditions, including psoriasis. 

Prices vary depending on the time of day, ranging from €60 to €100 (US$68 to $113), and require an advance reservation. Towels are provided, and guests must shower before entering.  

How to get from Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon 

Upon booking a ticket online, guests can pay additional €48 ($54) for transportation between either Keflavík Airport or downtown Reykjavík. Multiple bus operators in Reykjavík also offer scheduled tours. 

Hvalfjörður 

Why go? For pristine hiking paths  

A long, zigzag drive down Hvalfjörður used to be an inevitable part of leaving Reykjavík to the west. But on a sunny day in 1998, the underwater Hvalfjörður Tunnel shortened the Ring Road by an hour, and the branch-shaped, history-laden Whale Fjord became a quiet detour.

One of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, Glymur , welcomes those still taking the long way around the fjord – but you'll have to go on foot. Prepare for a multi-hour trek, with some rewarding views over Hvalfjörður. The path is a 7km (3-mile) loop starting in Botnsdalur at the fjord’s bottom. The route is only 400m (1312ft) in elevation but still moderately difficult with two steep hills.

It's not ideal for young children or the inexperienced – hikers need to cross a river stream, either barefoot or wearing proper footwear, and those taking the entire loop will cross a second stream close to the waterfall. Budget at least three hours. A shorter, one-hour hike goes to the Þvottahellir Cave.

How to get to Hvalfjörður

A rental car is the best way to visit Hvalfjörður. The tunnel is designed to be the default choice for drivers, so it's easy to miss the turn – watch out for the sign pointing to Route 47.

The context: Hvalfjörður’s violent history

Hvalfjörður is historically known for two deadly industries: whaling and warfare. Allied forces in WWII guarded the fjord’s narrow mouth like an entrance to a fortress and based naval operations at the bottom. The largest preserved settlement of army barracks is by the main road at Miðsandur farm; the  War & Peace Museum  tells the story.

Just nearby is a whaling station, where massive baleen whales have been dragged on land and sliced up over the years. The factory has been idle since 2018 but is not officially shut.

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Savvy Travel Advice

Visiting Iceland in Winter: Top 18 Winter Activities in Iceland

Last updated: April 17, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 41 Comments

Visiting Iceland in winter can be a wonderful experience as there are fewer people, beautiful winter landscapes, and chances to see the Northern Lights! There are also a number of fun winter activities to do like skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and joining in on holiday celebrations.

Although some attractions in Iceland close or become inaccessible during the winter, many of Iceland’s most famous spots are still easy to visit, including the Golden Circle, waterfalls, Blue Lagoon, glaciers, black sand beaches, museums, ice caves, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

This post focuses on the best things to do in Iceland during the winter, and we cover everything from heli-skiing to holiday celebrations to Northern Lights tours! We provide information on how to do them independently (when possible) for those who want to rent a car and drive themselves.

We also provide information on how to book winter day tours for those who want to base themselves in Reykjavík and take guided experiences.  

Table of Contents:

How to Travel Around Iceland in Winter

One of the first things you should decide when planning your winter trip to Iceland is how you want to get around the country. The two most popular ways to get around Iceland are by taking a bus tour or by renting a car, but you can also hire a private driver guide or take the public bus. Biking and hiking are not recommended as a way to get around Iceland during the winter months unless you are traveling short distances.

The local public  bus system can get you to all the main cities and towns in Iceland and although not the quickest, it is the best budget option. Buses may not stop at all the attractions you may want to visit so check the routes and schedules to decide if this is a good fit for you.

Note that the Iceland hop-on hop-off buses , with the exception of the hop-on hop-off Reykjavík city sightseeing buses (run daily, year-round), do not run in the winter months.

If you want to travel independently by car, you can rent a car from either of Iceland’s main airports or downtown Reykjavík. In the winter, we’d recommend something with 4-wheel drive and winter tires. We recommend comparing Iceland  rental car prices online here to find the best deal.

If you’d like to travel independently, but would rather have someone else make all the arrangements, you can also  book a  self-drive trip in Iceland  where all the bookings are made for you (e.g., rental car, hotels), but you still travel independently and drive yourself. See our prior post with  Iceland planning tips   to help you decide what option might work best for you.

If you plan to drive, check out our Iceland winter driving tips and advice . Be sure to  check road  and  weather conditions before you set out each day, and I’d also take a look and bookmark the Iceland SafeTravel website .

Here is our recommended 1 week Iceland road trip itinerary , which may be a handy reference for planning your winter trip.

Day Trip Tours from Reykjavík

Many people base themselves in Reykjavík, and then set out in day trips to explore Iceland. This is particularly a good option in the winter months for those who don’t want to drive themselves and want to return to the same hotel or apartment each evening. Day trips can take you to all of the most popular highlights of Iceland, and we’d recommend focusing on western and southern Iceland.

On our trips to Iceland, we’ve used a number of tour operators and booking portals. These include  Iceland Travel ,  Get Your Guide , Guide to Iceland , and Viator . You can see some of our favourite day trips from Reyjkavik here .

Guided Multi-Day Tours

If you are planning to join a multi-day tour, there are a number of operators (most based in Reykjavík) to choose from that can provide longer tours from overnight trips to 2 week tours. Itineraries often include, or include the option to add-on, many of the recommended winter activities covered in this post.

Although this article is geared towards those who are either planning to take day trips or drive themselves, this post can help give you some ideas for the types of activity options and destinations you want to look for in a tour itinerary. When searching for multi-day tours, we’d recommend choosing an escorted tour that is particularly designed for winter such as this 4 day tour .

You can see this curated list of some of the best guided tours of Iceland that range from 2 days to 12 days. It includes tours appropriate for all seasons, including many winter tours.

Top 18 Winter Activities in Iceland 

Now onto our list of recommend top winter activities in Iceland! If you are visiting Iceland in winter, there are limitations as some activities are not available and certain attractions are inaccessible; however, there are also fun things to do in Iceland that you can only do during the winter months.

Our list focuses only on things that you can do in Iceland during the winter months. For each winter activity, we discuss information for both travelers who plan to travel independently by car and for those who want to travel via guided day trips with a base in Reykjavík.

These winter activities are listed in no particular order: 

1. Hunting for the Northern Lights 

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, then you are probably hoping to see the Northern Lights, or the aurora borealis , during your trip. This spectacular natural light show can fill the sky with varying hues of green and red, and can be a magical event to experience. The Northern Lights can be seen from autumn to spring, with the best chance being during the evenings of the winter months. 

Northern Lights By Car

In order to see the Northern Lights you need a combination of several things: high levels of solar activity, darkness (you can only see them at night), clear or partly clear skies, and an absence of light pollution.

Some of these elements you can’t control (e.g., solar activity, cloud cover) so seeing them is partially down to nature and luck. But you can control where you are and if you have a car, you can head to sparsely populated areas where there is little light pollution, clear to mostly clear skies, and the weather forecast shows a chance of the aurora.

Check the aurora forecasts for the best days and times to see them by using online websites, apps, or asking at your hotel (hotel desk staff often post the daily aurora forecasts and many hotels offer a wake-up service if there is activity).

We used the  Icelandic Meteorological Office Aurora Forecast  to monitor activity during our trip as it is probably the best one to use in Iceland, and also got on the list at most of our hotels for the aurora wake-up service.

It can be tricky to get good photos of the Northern Lights. But here is a guide about how to photograph the Northern Lights and includes tips for different types of cameras and smartphones.

Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavík

If you are only going to do one tour while in Iceland in winter, we’d recommend booking a Northern Lights tour. We’d also recommending doing this as a tour rather than trying to hunt for them yourself. Tour operators know where to go to find the darkest spots, know how to interpret the meteorological data, know where they can park, and usually only operate if there’s a chance of seeing them.

Tours are canceled same day if there is no chance of seeing the Northern Lights, and most companies offer a free rescheduling for the following day if the trip is canceled or if you go but don’t see the Northern Lights. Be sure to check the tour conditions so you understand what happens if your tour is cancelled or you don’t see the Northern Lights. 

Northern Lights tours are very popular throughout the winter months, and there are a number of variations available depending on your preferences, including group bus tours like this one and this one , a private tour , and a super jeep tour .

Some Northern Lights tours also include additional experiences like meals, thermal baths, glacier walks, or Super Jeep tours. For example, this tour includes a geothermal bath visit, dinner, and Northern Lights viewing. Or this full day tour includes a classic Golden Circle tour during the day and then Northern Lights hunting in the evening.

All tours include transportation, driver, and guide, and the majority depart from Reykjavík. 

2. Skiing and Snowboarding in Iceland

If you enjoy skiing and are looking for a lesser known European destination, Iceland is a good bet. It is not nearly as well-known or popular as many spots in Europe so the resorts aren’t hugely crowded, and there are almost no trees to accidentally hit!

The resorts are much smaller here, but opportunities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and off-trail skiing. There are also unique opportunities like skiing down to the Ocean, Cat skiing (reaching tops of mountain by snowcat) and even  heli-skiing  in a couple of locations in Iceland. Most ski resorts have runs that cater to both newbies and more experienced skiers.

Although the ski season in Iceland can extend from mid-November to May, most resorts open in December and close by the end of April. However, for the best skiing (and chance of good snow) I’d go in February or March, especially if you are a downhill skier or snowboarder. Because of limited winter hours, almost all ski resorts have lights on their main slopes which allow for night skiing.

If planning to ski or snowboard, check out our ski holiday packing list for a list of things you probably want to pack.

Iceland Ski Trip by Car

You can actually design an entire itinerary around skiing in Iceland as you’ll find ski opportunities in the north, west, south, and east of Iceland! When choosing where to ski, I’d base it on where you plan to travel in Iceland, past ski experience, and the current snow and trail conditions. Just note that driving in the northern and eastern parts of Iceland in winter can be more difficult than in the south and west.  

In western Iceland, there are two Reykjavík area ski slopes . There is Bláfjöll ski resort, which is the largest and most visited ski resort in Iceland, and Skálafell ski resort. Then in the Westfjords you have  Dalirnir near Ísafjörður. In the east, you have a couple of options Stafdalur  and Oddsskarð . Then in the far northwest you have  Tindastóll near Sauðárkrókur.

For those who are visiting Iceland primarily for skiing or snowboarding, I’d recommend basing yourself in northeastern Iceland. Akureyri or nearby would be a good base for the several ski resorts in the area. These include  Hlíðarfjall which is considered Iceland’s premier ski destination and also sits at the highest elevation. It offers pistes that range from beginner level to difficult, cross-country trails, a ski rental shop, and a ski school. 

If you’re planning to spend more than a couple of days skiing in Iceland, I’d invest in the local Ski Pass which allows you to ski at 5 ski resorts in northern Iceland over 5 days so you can try out all the local slopes and save money on day fees.

Heli-skiing is where you are taken to the top of a mountain by a helicopter and then you can ski down. If that sounds like fun you can book a heli-skiing trip on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula (part of the northeast) with Arctic Heli Skiing or Viking Heli Skiing . In some cases you can ski all the way to the ocean.

Note that heli-skiing season usually starts later and runs later than regular skiing at the resorts, often February to June. If heli-skiing is a bit too scary or pricey for your tastes, you can also do cat skiing in northern Iceland with companies such Kaldbaksferðir , where you are taken to the top of the mountain by a snowcat to ski, sled, or snowboard down.

Skiing Tours

You can find a few ski tours in Iceland, including day tours and a multi-day tour, on offer from local operators. However, there are few ski or snowboard oriented tours available in Iceland so the best option for most people is going to be to arrange their own trip. 

We’d recommend booking a taxi or other private transport to and from the ski resorts of your choice. The closest to Reykjavík, which can easily be done as a day trip, is the Bláfjöll ski resort 25 minutes drive from Reykjavík. Bláfjöll is the largest and probably the most popular ski resort in Iceland. It offers family friendly slopes, gear rental, and ski lessons (on weekends).

There is also Skálafell ski resort, which is also about a 25 minute drive from Reykjavík, but it is a much smaller resort than Bláfjöll. You can also fly or take the public bus to Akureyri and hit about a half dozen ski resorts within day tripping distance. 

In deciding on a ski resort, I would base your decision on your location, amount of time, your skill level, and how much you want to ski. If you are short on time or want the most convenient option, I’d visit the ski resorts within driving distance of Reykjavík. If you want to ski a lot, I’d head to Akureyri where there is the highest concentration of skiing opportunities. For the most variety in ski slopes, I’d head to Hlíðarfjall in northern Iceland or Bláfjöll if you are day tripping from Reykjavík.

At most resorts in Iceland you should be able to rent any skiing or snowboarding gear you need (although always best to bring your own ski boots if you own them) but do check ahead.

3.  Celebrating Christmas or New Years in Iceland

Visiting Iceland in winter means you might be around for one of the holiday celebrations that take place at this time of year. Christmas celebrations in Iceland start on December 12th and intensify until December 23rd, Þorláksmessa (St. Þorlákur’s Day), when it is traditional to eat fermented skate (skata) and potatoes and is a big shopping day for many Icelanders.

Around the Christmas season, you can enjoy the holidays lights and decorations, Christmas markets, Christmas carols and concerts, and learning about Icelandic Christmas traditions. Christmas itself is celebrated on December 24th, and it’s traditionally a family affair spent at home. For more of a party atmosphere, you’ll want to be in Iceland for New Years Eve, when it’s traditional to attend a bonfire and set off fireworks. The “end” of Christmas on January 6th (Twelfth Night) is also usually marked with fireworks and bonfires.

Icelandic Holidays By Car

The best place to be for the holidays is probably Reykjavík as there you’ll find the most people, most events, and largest public celebrations. If you are wanting to do some Christmas shopping, you’ll also find the largest number of stores here, and some stores and restaurants stay open on holidays (although many do close). I’d check out local websites or newspapers, or talk to your hotel staff or locals to find out what holiday events will be happening during your visit. 

Another idea if you want to get out of Reykjavík is to head to northern Iceland and visit the Lake Mývatn area. This is the home of the 13 Yule Lads  which are a huge part of the Icelandic Christmas story. The celebrations begin on December 12th and there are a series of family-friendly events in the area leading up to Christmas which include music concerts, buffet holiday meals, family craft workshops, handicraft markets, and an annual bath with the Yule Lads! Akureyri is a good place to base in the north during the holidays.

Icelandic Holiday Tours from Reykjavík

If you are visiting around Christmas, I’d check for Christmas related tours that are being offered. For example this  4 night Christmas tour  includes 4 nights lodging, a 3 day coach tour including the Golden Circle and South Coast, a trip to the Blue Lagoon, a Christmas meal, and a Christmas themed walk. If you are looking to visit both Reykjavík and northern Iceland, I’d check out tours to Akureyri as well.

On New Years Eve you can take a Fireworks Cruise to see the fireworks from the water and celebrate the New Year, or you can take a bonfire tour to experience a number of the traditional local bonfires around the city.

4. Exploring the Wonders of the Golden Circle 

One of the most popular year-round day trips from Reykjavík is to explore the “Golden Circle”, which includes a number of Iceland’s most popular landmarks. These include the mighty 2-tiered Gullfoss waterfall , the bubbling pools and geysers of the Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park .

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and contains some of the most important historic, geological, and religious spots in Iceland. It also contains Games of Thrones filming locations !

Golden Circle Self Drive

Driving the Golden Circle makes for a great day out from Reykjavík as you can see some of Iceland’s spectacular natural geological features plus learn a bit about Iceland’s cultural history. If you are driving from Reykjavík, it is about a 40 minute drive to Thingvellir National Park, then 53 minutes further to Geysir, and then 10 minutes further to Gullfoss waterfall.

The route is well-marked and signed. Without stops it takes about 3.5 hours to drive the route round-trip with return back to Reykjavík; however, with stops I’d suggest at least 6 to 7 hours.

In additional to those 3 main stops, you can also consider going snorkeling or  diving at Þingvellir National Park (only if you have certified diving experience), stopping in at the greenhouses at Friðheimar where you can see a geothermal greenhouse and have lunch with food grown there, tasting the locally made ice cream at the  Efstidalur farm  restaurant, or going for a soak at a geothermal bath such as  Fontana Geothermal Baths  or the Secret Lagoon . 

If you are planning to drive the Golden Circle, see our complete guide to driving the Golden Circle .

Golden Circle Tours from Reykjavík

All Iceland tour companies offer Golden Circle day trips from Reykjavík as this is the most popular day trip from the city. If you are looking for a nice day out with stops at all three of the main sites along the Golden Circle, we recommend checking out a Golden Circle tour, such as this classic tour or this popular tour which also includes a stop at Kerid Crater. You can also arrange  a private tour .

If you also want to do the Blue Lagoon, there are a number of tours that include the Blue Lagoon with the Golden Circle, such as  this one .

5. Exploring Ice Caves & Glaciers 

Winter is the perfect time to explore an ice cave, a glacier, or an ice tunnel in Iceland. Tours allow you to actually get inside beautiful ice caves and tunnels so you can see their beautiful blue colors and learn about the formation of glaciers. You can also take tours that allow you to hike or snowmobile on top of glaciers. Iceland has a lot of glaciers and they cover about 11% of Iceland’s surface.

Note that in Icelandic, jökull means glacier or piece of ice. So if you see a word ending in jökull, it is probably the name of a glacier.

Ice Caves & Glaciers Day Trips By Car

Trying to explore an ice cave or tunnel, hike onto a glacier, or drive onto a glacier on your own can be incredibly dangerous if you don’t have the necessary knowledge and equipment. This can be particularly dangerous in the winter when snow can disguise cracks and crevasses in the ice.

We highly recommend only doing these things with a trained guide and proper equipment. There are many private guides and group tours available that can help you safely examine these spots.

If you are not wanting to join a bus tour from Reykjavík, you can drive to the location on your own and join a local tour or guide near the ice cave or glacier. This a great option for those who want to join activities during a road trip around Iceland.

Some ice cave tours offered in the winter include an ice crystal cave tour which departs from Reykjavík, an exploration of ice caves around Vatnajökull glacier with pick-up from Jokulsarlon  Glacier Lagoon (southern Iceland), this ice cave and glacier tour from Gullfoss , and the Into the Glacier tour from Reykjavík.

For glacier exploration we’d recommend checking out this Golden Circle and Langjokull Glacier snowmobile tour from Reykjavik, this hike of Vatnajökull glacier from Skaftafell National Park, or a hike and ice climbing at Solheimajökull glacier . 

If you want to combine some ice cave exploring with a glacier hike, this 4 hour tour from Skaftafell National Park includes both a glacier hike and ice cave tour of Vatnajökull glacier.

Glacier and Ice Cave Day Trips from Reykjavík

All the following tours depart from Reykjavík. If you’d rather depart from another location, see tours listed in the section above. Note that these tours range from low physical activity to needing to be fairly physical strenuous so be sure to read the guidelines and recommendations to find a tour that is a good fit for you.

Ice Caves Tours

There are a number of ice caves in Iceland, and from Reykjavík, we’d recommend this day tour of the   Katla Volcano ice cave .

If you are able to do an overnight trip, we recommend this small group tour which includes an ice cave tour, exploration of the South Shore, a visit to the glacier lagoon, and a Northern Lights hunt.

Ice Tunnel Tours

The Langjökull ice tunnel was made by a group of scientists and engineers on top of  Langjökull glacier , the second largest ice cap in Europe. The 1,800 ft. long ice tunnel and caves are the world’s first and largest man-made ice tunnel, and allows visitors to see the inside of a glacier.

We’d recommend checking out are this tour of the ice tunnel which includes a trip onto the glacier via a ride in a 8-wheel monster truck.

Glacier Tours 

If you are wanting to walk, snowmobile, or take a super jeep tour on top of a glacier, you’ll find there are several options for glacier day trips from Reykjavík. Most of these also include other activities along the South Coast.

Some tours to consider are this Golden Circle drive plus snowmobiling on a glacier, and this Golden Circle tour plus a glacier drive in a jeep , 

6. Enjoying the Glacier Lagoon and South Coast

Another popular drive in Iceland, and for good reason, is the trip along the south coast between Reykjavík and the Glacier Lagoon. This southeastern area of Iceland is home to multiple spectacular waterfalls, a huge expanse of lava field, black sand beaches, glaciers, and a lagoon filled with tiny icebergs. The main attractions in this area are accessible year-round, although may become temporarily inaccessible (e.g., due to a blocked, flooded, or closed road) during or following a storm.

Glacier Lagoon By Car

It is about 230 miles (372 km) from Reykjavík to the  Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon , and it takes about 4.5 hours to drive without stops. Once you get out of Reykjavík, you’ll mostly just follow Route 1 , which is the National Road of Iceland, and forms the famous Ring Road. Highlights along this route include views of the glacier topped volcano  Eyjafjallajökull  (well-known for its 2010 eruption), Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, Reynishverfi’s black sand beach, the village of Vík, and  Vatnajökull National Park .

For a return day trip with stops at all the listed highlights and meals, I would plan on at least 11 or 12 hours. Be sure to check weather forecast and road alerts before setting out.

Driving all the way to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a long drive from Reykjavík, and if you factor in all the stops, it is a long day out. If possible, we’d recommend overnighting here and heading back in the morning so you have more time to explore and don’t have to worry about driving late at night. The eastern part of Iceland also has low levels of light pollution so chances of seeing the Northern Lights are good if there is activity and clear skies.

If you do stay overnight in this area, we’d recommend staying in Kirkjubæjarklaustur or Vík. Around Kirkjubæjarklaustur, you may want to check out  Hotel Klaustur ,   Hotel Geirland ,  Hotel Laki , and the  Eldhraun Guest House . Around Vík, you can check out  Hotel Vik ,  Hotel Katla Hofdabrekka ,  Grand Guesthouse Gardakot ,  Guesthouse Steig , and the  Volcano Hotel .

Glacier Lagoon Tours from Reykjavík

If driving for over 9 hours round trip in potentially bad winter weather doesn’t sound fun, you can take an escorted tour instead and leave the driving up to someone else. We recommend doing this as an overnight tour so you can spend more time exploring, but if you only have the time for a day trip and need to return to Reykjavík the same day, we’d recommend this  Glacier Lagoon and South Shore tour . 

If you are able to do an overnight tour to the South Shore and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, we recommend this small group tour which includes an ice cave tour, exploration of the South Shore, a visit to the glacier lagoon, and a Northern Lights hunt. 

7. Whale Watching

One of the reasons many people travel to Iceland is to see some of its local wildlife, and this includes whales. Iceland is one of the best whale watching destinations in Europe with over 20 whale species found in its waters. A whale watching tour can get you up close to these massive sea mammals, as well as a variety of other sea wildlife.

The main sea animals you are likely to see on a boat tour are the humpback whale, minke whale, fin whale, orca, white-beaked dolphin, and the harbor porpoise. Note that the best time to see whales in Iceland is during the summer months, but you still have a chance to see some species year-round. In fact, winter is the best time to see certain whales such as the Grundarfjördur orcas (killer whales).

If you are interested in the whales around Iceland, you might want to visit the Whales of Iceland exhibition in Reykjavík. It is located near the harbor where most of the whale watching tours leave. The museum provides an immersive learning experience and includes over 20 life-sized models of whales that have been found in Icelandic waters.

Whale Watching Tours

You could get lucky to spot a whale from shore, but your best chance to see one is to join a whale watching tour. The two main departure points in Iceland for whale watching tours are Reykjavík and Húsavík in northern Iceland.

Chances of seeing whales are high from both areas, and Húsavík has been nicknamed the whale watching capital of Europe. In the winter we’d recommend joining a tour in Reykjavík for convenience and the fact that many tour operators don’t operate during the winter in Húsavík.

In Reykjavík, most whale watching tours depart from the Old Harbor, and you can either book a tour in advance or head to Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and book one directly with one of the tour company kiosks at the harbor. Tours generally last between 2 to 4 hours.

This  whale watching tour is a popular one that leaves from the Harbor. Another company that offers well-reviewed whale watching tours are Elding which also operates the Whale Watching Centre . For instance, they offer this 3 hour tour that also includes access to the Whale Watching Centre. They report a 95% success rate of seeing dolphins in the summer months and 80% in the winter months.

NOTE: If you are also interested in seeing seabirds, winter is not a great time to travel to Iceland as there are few sea birds around. Spring and Summer are the best times of years to view sea birds. 

8. Snorkeling & Diving

Snorkeling in winter? No, we’re not completely mad. You can snorkel year round in Iceland, but you’re not going to be heading out to sea or spotting a lot of marine life.  Instead, the snorkeling trip takes place in the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park. This is the site of a submerged crack between the two continental plates that run across Iceland, and the water here is incredibly clear with great visibility.

Being able to snorkel between the Eurasia and North American continental plates is a snorkeling experience like no other!

Snorkeling Trip by Car

The national park does not have any official guides or operators for snorkeling tours or equipment rentals, but there are several companies offering snorkeling tours and gear for those wanting to snorkel at Silfra. There are a number of tours for snorkeling that meet on site at the park like this one . 

As noted earlier you can also dive at two submerged rifts, Silfra and Davíðsgjá, but this is only for experienced divers and you’ll need dry suit certification as well as apply for a dive permit. Or you can join a guided dive (if you have the certification) with an approved operator such as this one . Find out more about diving in the Thingvellir National Park here .

Unless you have dived here before, you’ll probably want to have a guide, and for Silfra we’d recommend doing a guided dive such as this one .

If you are looking for other dives elsewhere in the country we’d recommend checking out this dive company based in Iceland. There are other spots you can dive in Iceland other than Silfra and a local guide can help you explore lesser known sites. For a local dive rental shop you can also check out HAF Sport .

Snorkeling Day Trip Tours from Reykjavík

There are a number of Silfra snorkeling tours that depart from Reykjavík. The tour we suggest with Iceland Travel is the snorkeling plus cave tour   which includes both snorkeling at Silfra plus the opportunity to explore a lava cave with pickup and drop off in Reykjavík. The tour price also  includes all the gear you’ll need, including a full dry suit that will keep you warm and dry even in freezing temperatures. 

9. Exploring the Highlights of Lake Mývatn

Northern Iceland gets far fewer visitors in winter than the rest of Iceland. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do here! Located near the town of Akureyri, volcanic Lake Mývatn  is home to a number of natural wonders such as craters, mud pools, massive waterfalls, and geothermal caves.

It is also a popular birding area, although most species are only here in the Spring and Summer months. Akureyri is also a great place to celebrate Christmas.

Lake Mývatn By Car

Making the effort to come up to northern Iceland is definitely rewarding, but bear in mind that winter weather can make for a challenging driving experience. Public buses or domestic flights are also options.

Highlights around Lake Mývatn include the Goðafoss Waterfall, Hverfjall crater, the pseudocraters of Skutustadagigar, lava pillars of Dimmuborgir, the Krafla volcano, and hot springs. You’ll definitely want to overnight in the area as there is plenty to explore and you’ll find a number of lodging options in Akureyri . 

Lake Mývatn Day Trip Tours

For a day trip from Reykjavík to Lake Mývatn, we’d recommend taking a look at this tour , which includes domestic flights and stops at Goðafoss Waterfall, the pseudocraters of Skutustadagigar, the lava pillars of Dimmuborgir, Reykjahlid village, the Krafla volcano, and Mývatn Nature baths. 

If you are searching for Game of Thrones locations in Iceland , this Mývatn tour from Akureyri  includes most of the popular filming locations. plus a soak in the Mývatn Nature baths. 

10. Horseback Riding

Icelandic horses are beautiful creatures, with long shaggy coats that help them withstand the tough Icelandic wintry conditions. They are very photogenic (they even made our Iceland photography guide ) and are unique in that they are one of a few horse breeds where a number of the horses have five distinct gaits.

You are likely to see an Icelandic horse during your trip without much effort as there are many farms with horses around the country, and you can even find a few at the Family Park & Zoo in Reykjavík. But if you want to get really up close, you can interact and ride Icelandic horses by visiting a farm and booking a horseback riding tour.

Icelandic Horseback Riding Tours by Car

There are over a dozen horse farms and riding facilities offering guided horse rides in Iceland, and I’d search in the area of the country you plan to visit. The highest concentration of farms offering riding is within an hour or two driving distance of Reykjavík, but you’ll find them scattered all over the country. At most places, you need to book your riding activity in advance. 

Some places to consider include  Laxnes Horse Farm near Mosfellsbær (just 15 minute drive north of Reykjavík), Íshestar Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður (about 30 minutes south of Reykjavík, book a tour here ), and Langhus Farm in northern Iceland. 

You can also join guided tours or rent horses to ride (for more experienced riders) at Sólhestar (services around Reykjavík and south Iceland, book a tour here ).

Horses aren’t the only big mammals in Iceland, and if you looking for something a bit more wild consider reindeer trekking. If you’re interested in reindeer, then head to eastern Iceland, where you can join an experienced guide on a Reindeer Safari to track down these beautiful animals.

Icelandic Horseback Riding Tours from Reykjavik

There are also a number of tours you can take that focus on Icelandic horseback riding. From Reykjavík you can take a Horseback Riding Lava Tour , which visits the lava fields around either Mt Helgafell or Lake Hvaleyrarvatn. This tour is suitable for riders of any experience level. Some of the tours available at  Laxnes Horse Farm include pick up and drop off in Reykjavík. 

More experienced riders looking for a longer tour might prefer the Horseback Riding Viking Tour , which also departs from Reykjavík. This is a longer experience with both a morning and afternoon ride, and is for intermediate to experienced riders only.

You can see more tours here .

11. Appreciating the Museums & Cultural Attractions of Iceland

Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital city and also the cultural heart of Iceland. Here you’ll find many of the country’s best museums, parks, art, and cultural attractions, and most are open to visitors year-round. But you can also find some interesting cultural spots in other parts of the country, often ones that document a local history, industry, tradition, or saga.

Some of the biggest themes we noted after visiting a number of the country’s museums are art, local history, Icelandic sagas , maritime and fishing culture, and preserved buildings. Spending a few hours visiting some of the country’s museums is a great way to spend a winter afternoon, especially if the weather is not at its best.

Iceland Museums By Car

Reykjavík is easy to explore by foot, car, or public transportation, and many of the city’s top attractions are within walking distance of each other.  Some of the museums and cultural attractions you may want to visit in the capital are the  National Museum of Iceland ,  Hallgrímskirkja Church ,  The Settlement Exhibition ,  Reykjavík Family Park , Perlan Museum ,  Saga Museum ,  Árbaer Open Air Museum , and a number of art museums . Just about all attractions are open year-round in Reykjavík; however, many have reduced winter hours and are likely to be closed on holidays.

Outside of Reykjavík, a car makes it easy to reach all the country’s major museums and cultural attractions. It is easy to mix natural sites with cultural sites on an Iceland road trip itinerary .

The most notable historical attraction is probably  Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park  which is a site of historical, geological, and religious importance because it was the place of the first church, the site of the first parliament in Europe (the Alþingi general assembly), and has a number of notable geological features.

I’d also recommend the folk museum  Skógasafn in the town of Skógar, which is open-air museum complex plus two museums along the South Coast with over 15,000 artifacts and 6 historical buildings. 

Other museums and cultural attractions (many related to the country’s fishing culture and history) include: the  Whale Museum , Lava Centre ,  Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum , the Norwegian House , the  Icelandic Settlement Centre ,  Borgarnes Museum , and the Herring Era Museum . Note that most of these have reduced winter hours and some may open by appointment only in the winter months, so do check the attractions’ website or call ahead.

Iceland Museum tours

Since most of the country’s top museums and cultural attractions (see list above to get you started) are located in and around Reykjavík, we recommend that you are better off exploring on your own on foot or via public transportation.  For museums outside of Reykjavík, I’d book a private tour or join a group tour that goes to the specific museum(s) you are interested in visiting. 

If Thingvellir National Park is on your list, this one is easy as almost all Golden Circle day tours stop here.

12. Visiting the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a region in western Iceland known for its dramatic landscapes, and is accessible year-round. A couple of hours drive north of Reykjavík , this beautiful part of the country is home to a huge glacier as well as waterfalls, beaches, fishing villages, caves, and a glacier. It makes for a very interesting day trip from Reykjavík at any time of the year. 

The most known attraction on the peninsula is the glacier-topped mountain Snæfellsjökull as it was featured in Jules Verne’s  Journey to the Center of the Earth  as an entry point to get to the center of the earth. 

Snæfellsnes Peninsula Drive

The  Snæfellsnes Peninsula makes for a great day trip, and it takes about 2 hours to get from Reykjavík to the eastern side of the peninsula. After leaving Reykjavík, you’ll need to decide to take the undersea tunnel at Hvalfjordur (small fee, can save about 30 minutes) or you can follow along 47, a coastal road.  Once you get there, you can start by exploring either the southern or northern part of the peninsula and then loop around. There are few roads on the peninsula so the route is easy to follow once you get there.

If you start in the north, it is about a 2 hour and 10 minute drive to Stykkishólmur which is the largest town on the peninsula, and then you can head west along the northern part of the peninsula stopping at your choice of places of interest.

Some of the highlights include the town of Stykkishólmur,  Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum ,  Snæfellsjökull National Park , the beautiful Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall, the coastal area between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, Djúpalónssandur’s   black-pebbled beach, and the cute wooden church known as Búðakirkja.

Glacier treks, snowmobiling trips, and cave tours are popular activities that can be booked at Snæfellsjökull from local companies (book any activities in advance). You can also book a winter  whale watching tour here th at leaves from Stykkishólmur – see tour details  here .

If you driving this as a day trip and wanted to see all the main highlights, it would be at least a 7 hour road trip round-trip from Reykjavík. However, with stops, I’d recommend at least 9 to 10 hours. Given the limited daylight hours in winter, you’ll want to leave in the morning and you won’t be back in Reykjavík until after dark.

Although this makes a great full day tip, if you have your own car and time, we’d recommend doing it as an overnight trip so you don’t have to rush. The peninsula is also a great place to see the Northern Lights.  If you do decide to overnight on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, some lodging options to consider:  Fosshotel Stykkishólmur  (Stykkishólmur),  Our Home Apartments  (Stykkishólmur),  Hotel Egilsen  (Stykkishólmur),  Old Post Office Guest House  (Grundarfjordur),  Fosshotel Hellnar  (Hellnar),  Arnarstapi Guesthouse  (near Arnarstapi), Guesthouse Hof  (near Budir), and  Hotel Budir  (Budir).

Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tours from Reykjavík

If you’d rather join a tour and not have to worry about the driving, there are several tours that run in the winter from Reykjavík. These include this popular 11 hour tour , and this 12 hour premium small group tour .

These each offer slightly different experiences and price points, so check them both out to be sure you pick the right tour for you. Each tour include stops at the main highlights on the peninsula, and the main differences are the tour length (10 to 13 hours) and group sizes.

13. Snowmobiling & Other Fun Snow Activities

For most of the winter in Iceland, you can pretty much be guaranteed that you’ll find snow somewhere in Iceland. Snow generally starts falling around November and can last as long as late May or early June, but late December to the end of March are going to be the prime time to visit for snow activities.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding (already covered above), you’ll find opportunities to go ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, ice climbing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, and ice fishing. Or if those options sound exhausting (or too expensive), you can just head outside and build some snowmen or make snow angels.

Snowmobiling & Snow Activities by Car

It is easy to stop off for some fun in the snow if you are traveling in Iceland during the winter. The highland mountain roads will be closed throughout the winter to regular vehicles (including 4X4s) but many of these areas can still be explored on guided tours with snowmobiles, snowcats, or SuperJeeps. 

If you are coming to Iceland primarily for winter sports or snow activities, I’d recommend checking out offered multi-day treks or highly active winter trips with professional local guides that include activities like long-distance snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, hikes on glaciers, and skiing. However, if you are just looking to try out a winter activity or two on your trip, I’d just book a couple of tours to add onto your Iceland winter road trip .

If you need to rent winter gear while in Iceland (e.g., camping and climbing gear, ice axes, crampons, avalanche safety gear, emergency kits), I’d check out  Everest  in Reykjavík.

If you book a tour, most companies will outfit you with the necessary equipment, but I’d advise bringing along a good pair of waterproof hiking boots, warm layers, gloves, a hat, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof pants if you plan to spend much time in the snow. I would definitely buy and bring along any winter clothing you are going to need on your trip as buying winter clothing in Iceland can be very expensive. 

Note that if you are looking for a sled or sledge to go sledding then you will struggle to find one as it is not a popular activity in Iceland and there are no groomed tracks for tobogganing. So you may want to make your own sled (e.g., buy a plastic trash can lid) and find some snow-covered hills to enjoy. But if you want a real sledding experience, I’d book a Snowcat mountain tour with  Kaldbaksferðir  (located in northern Iceland near Akureyri) and then go sledding down the mountain with one of their own tough-built sleds that were designed to endure the ride down the mountain. 

For those looking to go ice skating, there is normally an outdoor public ice skating ring in Reykjavík over the holidays. There are also indoor ice skating rinks such as the  Reykjavík Skating Hall   and  Egilshöllin  in Reykjavík and The Skate Club in Akureyri. Ice climbers may want to head to Skaftafell, Sólheimajökull, or the icefalls in Kaldakinn, and can join ice climbing tours such as this one .

You’ll find plenty of snowmobiling and snowshoeing opportunities near glaciers and at higher elevations where there is more snow. For snowshoeing, you can go on your own or join a snowshoe day trip such as this introductory one  near Snæfellsjökull National Park and several snowshoe day trips offered by Wide Open . There are a variety of snowmobiling trips available, such as this one which includes the Golden Circle,  and this one   on Mýrdalsjökull glacier which includes Iceland’s southern coast.

For more unusual winter experiences, you can join a dog sledding tour , or go ice fishing on Lake Langavatn.

Snow Activities & Snowmobiling Tours from Reykjavík

Depending on what you are interested in, there are still a lot of winter activities you can do by day tripping from Reykjavík. First, ice skating can be done in the city itself at one of the indoor rinks or at the public outdoor rink that is often open in the winter.

For snowmobiling, there are a lot of tours, but since the best snowmobiling opportunities are 2 to 4 hours away, I’d recommend doing this as part of a longer day trip to make the most of your time. For example, you can go snowmobiling in addition to a Golden Circle SuperJeep tour  or combine a snowmobile tour with a thermal bath visit .

Other snow activities that you can join from Reykjavík include this  ice climbing tour .

14. Winter Hiking 

Iceland is a great country to go hiking, and it has a number of very popular hiking trails. The issue is that the majority of the most popular trails are located in the Highlands and are inaccessible in winter due to snow and ice. However, there are a number of scenic Lowland trails for those wanting to get a taste of hiking in Iceland! Winter hiking opportunities can be found throughout the country, and include inland trails, coastal trails, and even a number of smaller mountains. 

Note that if really want to hike in Iceland’s Highlands area, I’d strongly advise coming in summer or early autumn to hike the popular trails like Laugavegur and  Fimmvorduhals. Attempting to hike these trails in winter is considered unsafe unless you have proper winter mountaineering experience

Hiking Independently With Car

Obviously you need to be prepared for all kinds of winter weather, which can include rain, snow, and hail. Never underestimate the Icelandic weather as it can change rapidly, and it has gotten the better of many hikers. Bring warm layers, waterproof outer layers, good waterproof hiking boots, hat and gloves, and a waterproof hiking bag. 

If you plan to do longer hikes, you’ll also want to get needed navigational gear (e.g., compass, maps), winter weather gear (e.g., crampons, ice axe), safety gear (e.g., rent an emergency beacon), and medical emergency supplies (e.g., first aid kit, emergency blanket). For hiking and climbing gear, check out outdoor and camping supply stores such as  Everest  in Reykjavík.

Before attempting any hike on your own, be sure to learn as much about the hike and trail conditions so you are prepared. Also, be sure to check for weather and safety alerts on the Iceland SafeTravel website , which is run by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. If you plan to go out hiking on your own, you can input your travel plan, contact information, and medical info on the website. You can also rent an emergency beacon at several locations in Iceland so that local search & rescue teams can located you quickly if necessary. 

If you are just looking for some nature hikes near (or even in) the capital (you can even find many trees!), I’d check out the  Heiðmörk nature reserve , Elliðaárdalur , and for an easy central hill hike  Öskjuhlíð .

If you are looking for something a bit more challenging, consider some of the smaller mountains near Reykjavík, most of which take between two and six hours to hike up and down. These include Mt. Mosfell, Mt. Helgafell, Mt. Keilir, and Mt.  Úlfarsfell. Mt. Esjan can also be a possibility if the weather conditions are good (not recommended to go past the Steinn as can be difficult and slippery even in summer!). Note that public buses can take you near the trailheads for many of these hikes.

There are also some lovely coastal, lava field, and hill hikes on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that are safe to do year round in good weather conditions. Obviously there are hundreds of other winter hikes in Iceland you could do depending on which part of Iceland you are in, and I’d just consult with local people and check weather conditions for good and safe hikes as you travel. The safety and feasibility of most hiking trails is going to depend entirely on the weather.

If you are looking for more long-distance winter hiking, technical climbing, or mountaineering, I’d highly advise joining a tour or hiring a private local guide. They know where the best places to go are, the gear that is necessary, and what is and is not safe to attempt. I’d check out offerings from companies like Mountain Guides  and  Summit Guides , and if you don’t see what you are looking for, I’d contact them and see if they can help or recommend a local guide.

Connect with local hikers and hiking groups and they can let you know what places they’d recommend (and which they recommend avoiding) in the winter.

Hiking Tours  from Reykjavík

As noted above, there are actually a lot of easy to medium difficulty hikes located near Reykjavík which include local nature and recreation areas as well as smaller mountains. Most of these can actually be reached by taking the public bus or you could take a taxi to the trailhead.

If you are planning on one of the mountains, just be sure to check weather conditions and trail information before setting out.

For those looking for a day trip, you could take a tour like this one that includes a hike along the scenic trail into Reykjadalur and a hot spring stop or this one that includes a hike in the  Thórsmörk (Þórsmörk) Natural Reserve .  For those who are more fit, you can also join a private tour to summit  Snæfellsjökull with Summit Guides .

15. Taking Part in the Winter Festivals

If you are not visiting during Christmas or New Years, you can still catch some of the other fun winter holidays and festivals in Finland. For example there is  Þorrablót (Thorrablot) which is a mid-winter Icelandic festival which includes ancient Norse traditions and feasting on traditional Icelandic foods.

There is also the Winter Lights Festival in Reykjavík each winter that focuses on celebrating the increasing sun light (after a few months of darkness) and Icelandic culture. Before Lent, there are a number of food-related holidays such as Bolludagur (Bun Day) where it is common to eat cream buns or Sprengidagur (Shrove Tuesday) where it is traditional to eat a big meal with lots of salted meat (lamb being the popular choice). 

Other fun winter festivals in Iceland include the Reykjavík Food & Fun Festival ,  Design March , and the Annual Icelandic Beer Festival. 

Winter Festival Tours

You won’t find many tours for these, as the festivals are probably best enjoyed on your own. The best place to enjoy most of these festivals is in Reykjavík, and they can easily be explored on foot, by car, or by local public transportation. Check the festival website or local papers for the events happening during your visit.

16. Tasting the Local Food & Drink

If you are excited to try out local foods, you definitely need to get yourself on a food tour while you’re in Iceland! Icelandic food is not all about  hákarl (fermented shark, a national dish) and there are also delicious seafood and lamb dishes, flat breads, geothermally grown vegetables, and much more to try. Also check the dates for the annual Food and Fun festival , which is the country’s largest food festival that takes place each winter in Reykjavík.  

Food Tour Day Trips by Car

In terms of food, Iceland is known for a lot of things from shark and lamb to langoustine and salt to fresh berries and skyr .

There are so many things you might want to include on a self-drive food tour such as hot dogs in Reykjavík, vegetables grown at one of the countries geothermal greenhouses (some have attached cafés or restaurants), langoustine soup in Stokkseyri, hákarl at the Shark Museum , fresh skyr or ice cream from Efstidalur II , rye bread from a geothermal bakery at Fontana , and plokkfiskur (a mashed fish soup) which is a traditional staple that can be found at restaurants around the country. You can also purchase a lot of local food products to take home such as sea salt, berry jams, meat jerky, and herbal teas.

To get a sense of the wide range of food from traditional home cooking to the latest innovative  dishes, you’ll want to stop at some of the  farm to table restaurants that dot the countryside as well as the more refined restaurants of Reykjavík.

Note that several restaurants in Reykjavík offer a traditional Icelandic food menu if you are looking for more adventurous Iceland food items (e.g., fermented shark, sheep’s head, whale, horse).  If you are in Reykjavík, you can read some reviews online and put together your own walking tour of some of the best sounding food stops in the city. That way you can burn off some calories in between stops!

Food Tours from Reykjavík

If you are looking for a guided food tour, one excellent option is the Golden Circle food tour , which includes the classic Golden Circle day tour stops plus visits to a local farm, meals, and lots of tastings of local products throughout the day.

In Reykjavik, you might want to try this food walking tour to try some of the cities specialities. If you’d prefer to learn the art of Icelandic cooking, you can also take a cooking class in Reykjavík . This includes a hands on cooking experience, followed by a three-course meal.

It’s not all food either. Iceland has a burgeoning craft beer scene, and you can pair food and beer together on the excellent Beer and Booze tour, which includes ten different beers!

17. Mountain Safaris

Looking for a fun way to enjoy the mountains during the winter without having to hike, ski, or don snowshoes?  Consider heading out on an ATV, a mountain buggy, or even getting a great view of the mountains from above in a helicopter.

Mountain Safari Tours 

I don’t know of any places renting quad bikes or mountain buggies in Iceland, so you’ll probably need to join a tour if you want to do one of these activities. Several companies offer ATV rides, for example you can take a scenic quad biking  tour from Reykjavík. Or if you’d rather see Iceland from above, you can do a helicopter tour which includes the mountainous areas around Reyjkavik!

18. Relaxing in Hot Springs

There is nothing quite like slipping into one of Iceland’s geothermally heated hot springs or swimming pools in the cold winter months! Most hot springs and public pools in Iceland are open year round, so it is easy to add a hot spring to your itinerary.

These range from the world famous Blue Lagoon to the local public baths to lesser known springs away from Reykjavík. Treating yourself to at least one is a must when visiting Iceland in winter!

Iceland’s Hot Springs by Car

Many people want to go to the Blue Lagoon , which given its popularity, we totally understand and it is about a 23 minute car ride from Keflavik airport or a 45 minute drive from downtown Reykjavík. If you want to go to the Blue Lagoon, you must pre-book a timed appointment. See our Blue Lagoon guide for lots of tips for visiting.

If you are looking for a nice alternative to the Blue Lagoon we’d recommend checking out spots like the Secret Lagoon or  Myvatn Nature baths . Both are popular and scenic but less crowded and less expensive than the Blue Lagoon. Of course there are hundreds of geothermal hot springs, swimming pools, and spas in Iceland and here is a good list if you are wanting to visit a number of them on a road trip.

If you are looking for a local experience, I’d join locals at one of the public swimming pools, which generally include a geothermally heated large lap pool, hot tubs of varying temperatures, and a kiddie pool. You’ll find over a dozen of these in Reykjavík alone, plus one in about every Icelandic town of any size. Most popular with locals before and after typical work hours, we found our visits very relaxed in the afternoon. If you are planning to hit the lesser known spots and pubic pools, you’ll want to bring your own towel and any gear as these will not be provided and may not be available to rent or buy on site.

Note that you should never just jump into an unknown hot spring or pool you come across while hiking as some are hot enough to boil an egg, and the water temperature can change rapidly in some spots!

Iceland Hot Spring Tours

The Blue Lagoon can be booked as an easy day trip from Reykjavík with regular shuttle bus departures from the airport and downtown. You can book your Blue Lagoon time slot online here (must have a pre-booked time to visit) and then book a corresponding transfer. You can  book a shuttle here .

You can also book day tours from Reykjavík that include a stop at a thermal bath or swimming pool along with a day of other activities. For the Blue Lagoon, we recommend checking out this list of tours that include a number of day trips to the Blue Lagoon, such as this day tour that includes stops at the main Golden Circle sites, Kerid Crater, and the Blue Lagoon.

If you are looking for a less busy alternative to the Blue Lagoon, there are many tours from Reykjavík that include alternative hot springs as well. For example, geothermal bath stops can be combined with Golden Circle tours (such as this tour ), a  Super Jeep tour of the southern highlands, or while searching for the northern lights . This jam-packed full day tour includes the classic Golden Circle Tour, a stop at a geothermal pool, and lunch at a local Icelandic food stop!

So there are our favorite things to do in Iceland in winter! As you can see, there’s plenty to do in Iceland in winter, so don’t let the shorter days and colder weather put you off.

For more information and advice on planning your trip to Iceland we’d recommend checking out our Iceland trip planning tips , our recommended  7 day winter Iceland itinerary , our guide to 3 days in Iceland , our Iceland winter driving tips , our winter Iceland packing list , and photography highlights guide. Iceland can be an expensive destination and we recommend checking out our tips for traveling to Iceland on a budget . 

Have you visited Iceland in winter, or would you like to? Which of these winter activities would you like to do? Let us know in the comments below!

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John Post author

December 27, 2023 at 7:17 pm

What time is most of the limited sunlight in the winter

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

December 27, 2023 at 7:54 pm

Normally the sun rises in the morning and sets in the late afternoon or early evening during the winter in Iceland. This obviously changes a lot each month and the time changes a little each day. December has the shortest days and then they get longer as the winter goes on. So for example if traveling in January, on January 20th, the sunrise is 10:43am and sunset is 4:34pm, but you would still be able to see for a period before and after this during the twilight period. But it does get dark early during the winter so you do want to take the limited sunlight and day lenths into account when planning your travels, particularly for outdoor activities (also good to note if you want to avoid driving in the dark).

Hope that helps and do let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Iceland!

Best, Jessica

December 27, 2023 at 7:16 pm

Are there visitor sites set up to view the volcano? We are traveling in a few weeks to Iceland for a few days.

December 27, 2023 at 7:43 pm

The latest volcanic eruption at Sundhnúkagígar started on December 18th and as an update on December 21st said “there is no discernible volcanic activity in the eruption fissures”.

The latest from the tourism website is that he eruption is best viewed online with a live feed on the media sites mbl.is and ruv.is or from viewing sites from the towns of Reykjanesbær and Vogar. The best way to see it is probably from a helicopter and I think a couple of companies are doing helicopters tours that go over this volcanic site.

But currently there is really nothing to see based on recent live coverage and the area around there is not deemed safe to actually visit that area. the Met office notes that there is still a lot of seismic activity and there could be new fissures opening or another eruptions in the coming days/weeks. So you can check the live footage once in Iceland to see if there is anything to see (and currently viewing areas if any), but if there is another eruption you can normally view it from fairly far away but it will depend on what happens between now and your trip. But as of now, I don’t think there is much to see online or at the viewing sites.

But luckily for travelers, the eruption at Sundhnúkagígar has not interfered with air traffic or most travel plans for visitors except for the closure of roads around the village of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon area. Currently the Blue Lagoon is closed but it may open in a few days, so will likely reopen by the time of your trip if there is no furter eruptions and it is deemed safe. If it is closed during your visit and you want another geothermal spa in that are, you might want to book tickets for the Sky Lagoon .

Hope that helps! Jessica

January 14, 2024 at 5:37 pm

UPDATE: As of January 14th, there was another volcanic eruption near Hagafell mountain and there is currently seismic activity and lava flow in the area. The Blue Lagoon has closed again out of caution for at least a few days and sadly lava is now flowing into the village of Grindavik, causing destruction there. Be sure to check latest updates once your trip starts.

lindsey rim Post author

March 9, 2020 at 1:55 pm

For being such a small country, both geographically and in terms of population size, Iceland has an incredible amount of activities that no visitor should miss! Fortunately, the country’s size also lends itself to being fairly navigable in a short amount of time, even with some essential activities requiring getting out into the wild.

March 10, 2020 at 10:51 am

Hi Lindsey, Indeed, it does pack a lot of punch, especially with natural attractions like waterfalls, beaches, glaciers, geysers, etc. It also has a lot of great activity options and museums and cultural activities. In just the 7 days you can see a lot in a relatively short amount of time because Iceland is fairly compact and lots of things are just off the main highway. If you are planning your trip, just let us know and happy to answer any questions.

Noon Post author

January 8, 2020 at 7:18 am

Love this and love how you write! Will be visiting in Feb – can’t wait!

January 8, 2020 at 10:02 am

Hi Noon, Glad you are enjoying our Iceland articles, and just let us know if you have any questions as you prepare for your trip! Happy travels, Jessica

Leonardo Pissinali Post author

September 10, 2019 at 1:37 am

Nice site with tips of things to do in Iceland

Laurence Post author

September 11, 2019 at 9:55 am

Glad you enjoyed it Leonardo. Wishing you a great trip to Iceland, Jessica

James Post author

April 21, 2019 at 3:03 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica. I love those winter activities in Iceland. It seems both of you are professional. I read many your blogs I really love the way you share your own experiences. My friends and i will keep this blog to be a guide to visit Iceland. Now, I already prepare a jacket for winter – I can say I’m ready for winter trip. Thanks for your sharing.

April 21, 2019 at 3:06 am

Hi James, Sounds like you are already getting prepared for next winter in Iceland! Just let us know if you have any questions and for winter gear, you can see our winter packing list to help with that as well. Best, Jessica

Lauren Post author

March 7, 2019 at 9:47 am

I wasn’t quite brave enough to visit Iceland in winter, but it looks like a spectacular place no matter what season. I love all your ideas of what to do when winter hits! Snowmobiling across Iceland’s landscape would be truly incredible.

March 8, 2019 at 5:46 am

Hi Lauren, Glad you enjoyed reading about our winter adventures in Iceland. Yes, you do need to brave the cold and weather in Iceland in winter, but it is a lot of fun and there are some beautiful winter landscapes then. Best, Jessica

Jon Post author

October 23, 2018 at 11:56 pm

I live in Iceland! You note so many of the wonderful thing to do here in winter, but not just a good place in winter. Reykjavik and Iceland are filled with lots of things to do such as museums like the beautiful attractions like great outdoors, day trips, Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, eco tourism, volcanoes, mountains, lakes, glaciers, rivers, caves, black beaches and so much more.

October 26, 2018 at 3:39 am

Hi Jon, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Yes, there are so many things to do in Winter in Iceland but also lots to do the rest of the year as well! A beautiful country 😉 Best, Jessica

Stella Gough Post author

September 1, 2018 at 4:02 am

Nice and informative article on things to do in winter in Iceland. So many activities! Thanks for sharing it.

September 1, 2018 at 5:21 am

Hi Stella, Glad you enjoy the article and do let us know if you have any questions about winter activities while planning your trip to Iceland in winter! Best, Jessica

Laura Lynch Post author

January 4, 2018 at 1:31 am

We visited Iceland a few years ago for our first time in the winter. I thought it was going to be impossible to get around to all the awesome things, but it wasn’t. We did come across a blizzard or two and a few road closures, but it didn’t stop us from having a fantastic time.

January 4, 2018 at 10:58 am

Hi Laura, Thanks for sharing your experience driving in Iceland in winter! Yes, the weather can be tricky for driving which is why a guided tour can be a great option for those who do not wish to drive, particularly in the winter months. Glad you still had a fantastic time! Best, Jessica

Kelly Dunning Post author

January 3, 2018 at 12:26 pm

Iceland has been on my bucket list for a long time, but I had always thought that I should visit it in summer. However, after reading this I am considering visiting during winter. I think celebrating Christmas and New Years there would be so magical. I would love to take one of the Golden Circle Tours that you mentioned and to visit the ice caves. Whale watching would also be an incredible experience. I see you tasted the fermented shark – what was it like?

January 3, 2018 at 5:30 pm

Hi Kelly, It is a difficult choice whether to visit Iceland in the summer or winter as both have their pros and cons. If you have the chance, I’d do both, maybe the summer first and then return in the winter to focus on the winter activities and holidays. Whale watching in general is best in summer but as noted there are a pod of orcas that have been spotted the last several years only in winter which would be amazing to see (we sadly have not)! Yes, the fermented shark is an acquired taste and to be blunt I thought it was disgusting. On first bite it was OK, and then the taste grew and got much worse! It smells a bit like ammonia as well. However, there was an Icelandic man in the museum who was eating the samples like they were candy so to each their own! Most Icelandic people I think rarely eat shark but for some it is a delicacy. Best, Jessica

Jessica Post author

January 2, 2018 at 9:21 pm

Wow, this was a really helpful and comprehensive post! I had no idea skiing was a thing in Iceland and I definitely didn’t know snorkeling was! I am going to Sweden in search of the Northern Lights in a couple weeks and I am going to use some of your Iceland tips! I think they will translate well! Thanks!

January 3, 2018 at 9:51 am

Hi Jessica, Yes, I don’t think a lot of people know about all the things you can do in Iceland in winter (or other times of the year). Iceland is not really seen as a skiing destination yet by most but there are definitely a lot of opportunities. Snorkeling is year-round and the water stays about the same temp, and is always cold but still. Enjoy your trip to Sweden and I agree, many of these tips should indeed transfer. We also have a winter guide to Finland that may be even more similar in terms of activities! Best, Jessica

Yasha Post author

January 1, 2018 at 1:21 pm

Wow – what a lot of recommendations for things to do in Iceland in winter. There is only one problem – it’s so cold in winter… Ice tunnels, ice caves and glaciers look lovely, but you do look like you need many layers of clothing to visit them. Your photos are just amazing and I admit to being very tempted by the sights, the food and the experiences you outline in this post. It looks as if it is a truly unique place – no wonder it’s one of the most popular destinations at the moment.

January 3, 2018 at 12:10 pm

Hi Yasha, Yes, there are loads of things to do in Iceland during winter! It is actually not as cold as you might think, nothing compared to our visits to places like Canada and Finland. The ice caves and tunnels stay about the same temperature year-round so many of them you can visit them year-round (weather dependent of course) and the temperatures vary only by a few degrees year round! You do need to bring warm winter clothing, but we did not need to bring any special winter clothing that we did not already own from living in Scotland 😉 Definitely cold if you are from a warm weather location but not as cold as most people imagine I think. Hope you get a chance to visit Iceland!! Best, Jessica

Marcelle Post author

December 30, 2017 at 1:22 pm

It’s so funny, these two horses, the one with the white mane and grey fur and the fox red one, look like my horses. It’s a dream of mine to visit Iceland in winter time and of course, at least with a day tour on Icelandic horses. I’d love to see the Northern Light, too. It must be like a fairytale come true!

December 30, 2017 at 3:03 pm

Hi Marcelle, Yes, those horses are beautiful so you are lucky to have horses that look like them! There are many farms in Iceland offers tours and horse rides of various durations so that would be a great thing to do when you visit Iceland. Icelandic horse tours are offered year round but come between November and March for best chances to see the Northern Lights! Best, Jessica

Eric Gamble Post author

December 28, 2017 at 1:21 pm

I went to Iceland several years ago at the beginning of March and the end of their winter and absolutely loved it. I went hiking (via car rental) throughout the entire southern part. The only thing I wish I had done was those cave tubes you guys did. How amazing was that?

I loved all the waterfalls, rock formations, and several geothermal pools that are out there. I think if I get a chance to return, I would love to go back in Summer to see it not blanketed in white to see all the beautiful colors hidden beneath the snow!

December 30, 2017 at 1:23 pm

Hi Eric, Sounds like you had a great time and yes the ice tunnels or caves are great places to explore on your next trip. If you enjoy hiking, the best time is definitely the summer when more of the trails would be accessible and you get to see the colors. Hope you get a chance to return!! Best, Jessica

Edoardo Post author

December 27, 2017 at 4:01 am

Dear Laurence and Jessica Norah, thank you for posting your blog post about Iceland winter trips. I always desired to visit Iceland as an independent traveler, and sharing your experience helped me a lot to understand better how to organize myself. The inspirational experience you did are very interesting, so I think I will do something of similar. All the best and happy new year 🙂

December 27, 2017 at 7:11 am

Hi Edoardo, Glad you found our Iceland winter activities post helpful! You might also like our 7 day Iceland itinerary and our Iceland planning posts! Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your own trip to Iceland. Wishing you a wonderful New Year as well!

Happy travels, Jessica

Divya V Post author

December 27, 2017 at 2:00 am

Iceland has been on my winter bucket list for a while now, I hope I take a trip here next year :D. I would wholly watch the northern lights 🙂 and I have heard so much about the Ice Caves! So many great things to do in Iceland in winter time!

December 27, 2017 at 7:08 am

Hi Divya, Hope you get a chance to get to Iceland in 2018! The Northern Lights and ice caves are both definitely worth seeing, but there are also a lot of other things to do in Iceland to keep you busy 😉 Jessica

Leigh Post author

December 23, 2017 at 1:48 pm

I spent 1 night in Reykjavik this summer on a layover, and my next trip will definitely be a winter trip! I only had time for a food tour and the Blue Lagoon, but there is obviously so much to see, and the Northern Lights are a big draw for me!

December 27, 2017 at 7:14 am

Hi Leigh, Yes, 1 night is definitely not very much time to see much of Iceland but glad you got to see a couple of things. Seeing Iceland in winter is definitely becoming more popular but there are a lot of advantages of visiting in summer too (especially if you like hiking, mountains, seabirds, etc.). Hope you get a chance to return! Best, Jessica

Medha Post author

December 22, 2017 at 10:53 pm

Thank you for this comprehensive guide on all the activities possible in Iceland in winter. I am planning my trip in October next year mostly because I want to see the Northen Lights but I struggled in my decision to visit during summer vs winter because I want to make sure I am able to do all the activities and visit all the places. It seems from your guide above that almost all the good stuff is still doable and accessible during winter so I guess it’s not that bad to travel in October 🙂

December 23, 2017 at 8:22 am

Hi Medha, Glad the article was helpful! Yes, like most destinations with seasonal weather, there are going to be trade-offs and different experiences available no matter when you visit. I think most people visit during the summer on a first trip and then maybe come back for winter. We are planning to do it the other way around. But no matter when you go, you can still see many of the main spots in Iceland, although in winter we recommend focusing on the west and south (the area most people visit on a first trip to Iceland any time of the year).

In October, which is autumn, you’ll probably be there too early for some of the winter activities that require a lot of snow like skiing, snowshoeing, & dog sledding but you’ll be able to explore ice caves & ice tunnels, go ice skating, and go snowmobiling during that time of year. Northern Lights can certainly be seen in October (I’d recommend later in October for more dark hours) but it always just depends on the solar activity and weather! During the autumn months, Iceland has its annual international film festival and indie music festival if either of those are of interest. No matter when you visit, I am sure you’ll have fun and best of luck on seeing the Northern Lights!

Seana Turner Post author

December 20, 2017 at 11:43 am

I have to admit I am not much of a cold weather person, but those ice tunnels are pretty cool. I don’t think you could talk me into snorkeling, even with a dry suit, but I would love seeing those horses and the thermal baths. I’m sure the geysers are also amazing, as I loved being in Yellowstone and watching them. Reindeer trekking also sounds fun. I’ve never thought about going to Iceland before, but maybe… it looks more fun in these photos than I would have imagined!

December 20, 2017 at 1:58 pm

Hi Seana! Yes, not everyone is a cold weather travel person. Iceland is not as cold as some may imagine, even in winter, but it is still cold. I agree with you on the snorkeling/diving though! There is a lot to do in Iceland in the winter, but if you want to avoid the cold weather, I’d recommend visiting Iceland in the late Spring to early autumn. There is even more to do then and there are greater opportunities for hiking and spotting wildlife. We loved our winter trip earlier this year, and are tentatively planning to return again next year in late Spring or early Summer! Best, Jessica

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ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

16 best Iceland day tours (from Reykjavik): Landscapes, Northern lights, wildlife…

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Planning to visit Iceland? Don’t want to drive? That’s fine, there are many Iceland day tours available to you. The thing is to find the right ones for you in a sea of proposals. So here is my own selection of destinations for the best day trips from Reykjavik: to see the scenery, to get off the beaten path, to see the Northern lights or wildlife… Those Iceland Excursions should be memorable! 

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:

• Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
• Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
• Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal

My top 5 Iceland Day Tours from Reykjavik – Quick overview

If you don’t want to read the whole article and have only a few day to spend in Reykjavik and visit Iceland, below is my selection of 5 excursions worth joining:

• Visiting the Lagoon of Jokulsarlon – it is a long drive but the scenery is fascinating and the icebergs are fantastics – Check out program and book
• Exploring the Snaefellsnes peninsula , often referred to as the Iceland in Miniature – in one day you will see a lot of what makes Iceland fascinating- Check out program and book
• Go hiking in Landmannalaugar, in the Central Highlands – there are no words to describe the landscapes (Summer only)  – Check out program and book
• Chase the Northern lights – go out during night time for a chance to see the Aurora borealis dancing – Check out options
• From May to mid August, if wildlife is you thing, observe the puffins on the coasts of Iceland – Check out program and book

More details and other suggestions after the general info.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

My favorite hotels in Reykjavik center are:

• Luxury:  Black Pearl Apartment Hotel
• Charm:  Reykjavik Konsulat
• Boutique:  Vintage Hotel
• Mid-range:  City Center Hotel
• Apartments:  Rey Apartments
• Guesthouse:  Reykjavik Treasure B&B
• For families:  Odinsve Hotel Apartments

Or see all my suggestions in my article: Where to stay in Reykjavik: best hotels

Iceland Excursions – Pros and Cons

Why choose to visit iceland via day tours from reykjavik.

I know this website is a lot about Road Tripping by yourself to discover the country. I love that way of traveling.

But I am also a fan of organized tours (as long as they are small group tours). I think this is a great worry-free alternative:

• To enjoy the scenery – on an excursion you can just sit back and capture memories, especially with the ever changing magnificent landscapes of Iceland
• To avoid driving  – not everyones enjoy driving… or has a license! Plus, especially in Winter, the Icelandic roads can be tricky. An organized day tour is worry-free
• To learn more –  Most guides are passionate about their country and will be happy to share their knowledge, stories and answer all your questions 
• Not to lose time – If you have only a couple of days…

However you have to be conscious of the limitations:

• You can’t stop whenever you want – although with small group tours there is often more flexibility
• You can’t change plans and stay somewhere if you like a place
• There are sometimes long legs of trip stuck on the minibus

Why Iceland is great for Guided day Tours

Iceland and its capital city Reykjavik are great for excursions because:

• there is a lot to see within a few hours drive
• Reykjavik is not too big, so it does not take hours to collect everyone and get out of the city
• Every 5 minutes you want to say WOW as you see the scenery
• Reykjavik is a charming city to establish your base – see the best rated accommodations

Best Iceland Day Tours for SCENERY

Let’s start with the Iceland day trips from Reykjavik that take you to the most beautiful scenery in the South of the country.

1. Jokulsarlon Day Trip – long one day tour from Reykjavik

• About the day trip

A Jokulsarlon Day Trip From Reykjavik will take you along the beautiful landscapes of the South Coast with black sand beaches, waterfalls and glacier all the way to the Famous Jokulsarlon. One of the best tours in Iceland.

Jokulsarlon is a glacial lagoon where icebergs detach from the glacier and float by you towards the sea via a channel. Some are white, other blue and other are even black. It is fun to just sit there and imagine shapes (I think I saw the titanic thinking lol!)

Across the road, you can walk to Jokulsarlon beach aka Diamond Beach where some icebergs are pushed back on the black sand beach and you can walk right up to them.

• Self Drive Option

Easy Drive on Road 1 but long – Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon: 4h30 – 370km

• Guided Tour Suggestion

In Summer, the days are long, so after enjoying the icebergs, on the return trip you can stop at the 2 main waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Not many minibus options for this tour. Probably because of the length of the trip and the fact that there are less stops. Please don’t complain about the length of the drive. You are warned. But it is worth it! Tour Length: 14 hours in summer

Check out program and book

• You can sit on any side of the bus as you will come back via the same road.
• However I have  a preference for the Land side of the bus rather than the sea side
• Note: If you are heading to the South Coast of Iceland, considering the driving time you have 2 options. The one that skip most of the first part to head to Jokulsarlon Lagoon or the one that focusses on the first part and stops at Vik. I am sorry to say that you can’t do both on a one day trip, too much to see and too much driving…

2. South Coast Excursion from Reykjavik

See some of the highlights of the first half of the Icelandic South Coast. During the whole drive, the scenery will be breathtaking. And you will stop at: Seljalandsfoss – the waterfall does not look like much from the front but once you walk behind it, it reveals its magical beauty. Loved it! Skogafoss – the 60m waterfall is quite impressive with this straight curtain-like drop. You can get really close at its foot or walk to the platform (500 steps) Reynisfjara – The Ultimate Iceland black sand beach with its sea stacks and interesting geological formations

Easy Drive on road 1- Reykjavik to Vik: 2h15 – 180km

This Iceland Day tour on a comfortable Minibus will have you hit all those wonderful locations. Tour Length: 9 hours Check out program and book

3. Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Tour Iceland

The Snaefellsnes peninsula is often called ‘Iceland in Miniature’ because many of the geological and landscapes features that make Iceland famous are gathered here at a smaller scale: You have iconic waterfalls at Kirkjufell where the mountains behind seem to emit energy that makes the landscape so beautiful (I know I am sounding crazy now, but this location ha something special!) You have a glacier called Snaefellsjokull – have fun pronouncing it Crazy cliffs of lava rock with arches and pinacles And fjords, small volcanoes…

Good drive – not difficult – Reykjavik to Grundarfjordur on the North Coast of the Peninsula: 2h15 – 170km

A great program for this Iceland Day tour on a comfortable Minibus. With a small group you will be able to see a lot and not waste time. Tour Length: 12 hours

4. Iceland Golden Circle Tours

This is a classic. Not my favorite locations in Iceland but still quite impressive. The Golden Circle tours is done around 3 main stops: Thingvellir National park (a Unesco world heritage site) – with its historical importance and geological significance. You will long fault lines evidence of the movement of the tectonic plates Haukadalur , home of Geysir. However the geyser that you will see erupt every 5 to 8 minutes is called Strokkur. A lot of fun. The Geothermal area also displays fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. Gullfoss , an impressive giant 2 step waterfall. 32m in height, its water is raging in Summer when the glaciers melt

Good drive – not difficult – Reykjavik to Gullfoss: 1h30 – 110km

A minibus tour for a more personalized experience of the most famous Iceland Day Tour. Tour Length: 8 hours Check out program and book

5. Helicopter flight from Reykjavik

The best way to admire the landscapes if often from the sky. I love flying in an helicopter. Sadly I could not fit it in my itinerary. But I was lucky that my flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri was on a clear day, and I could see a little bit of what you could experience with such a tour. The elegant shapes of the fjords, the volcanos and the massive side of the glaciers!!!!

It is quite a budget, but your eyes will sparkle for years I think! Flight time: from 30min to 1h 

Learn more and Book

Need to rent a car in Iceland?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Best Day Trips from Reykjavik – ACTIVE & ORIGINAL

6. snorkeling in the silfra fissure.

In the Thingvellir National Park (on the Golden circle) are giant fault lines, evidence that the Eurasian and American tectonic plates are moving away. Some of those fissure are filled with water. The most famous is the Silfra Fissure where you can snorkel or dive. After that experience, people report about the clarity of the water and the peacefulness of the place. 

All the equipment is provided with drysuits to keep you warm. Tour Length: Half a day

Learn more and book

If you are on a self drive tour of the Golden Circle, you can book only the Snorkeling experience  without pick-up in Reykjavik.

7. Horse Riding in a Lava Field

Icelandic is also famous for its breed of horses . They are small, with straight profile and wide forehead. Their double coat protect them well against the cold. Apparently even their blood is significantly different.

So if you love riding horses, this is an experience not to be missed. Especially as you will be doing so in quite a surreal landscapes (not the one in my photo of horses below)

Pick up from Reykjavik. 1h30 to 2h riding excursion – Tour Length: Half a day Learn more and Book

8. Snowmobile on a Glacier

Love winter sports? Well even in Summer you can enjoy the large glaciers of Iceland. There is lots of space to enjoy a thrill ride on the snowmobiles. So you could almost feel alone on the Antarctic. This activity takes places on different glacier. For example, Langjökull is the second largest glacier in Europe.

On the way to the glacier admire the famous Gullfoss and see the geyser erupt at Haukadalur. Once at the base camp, learn how to safely operate your snowmobile Enjoy a 1hour ride on the vast expanse of white land Tour Length: 8h

Learn details and book

9. Sea Fishing

Love fishing? Have fun sea fishing in the Icelandic waters with amazing views of the Fjords.

All equipment provided. You can even barbecue your catch right on the boat! Tour length: Half a day

10. Hiking in Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is one of the most praised landscapes in Iceland. Located in the central highlands, it can only be reached by 4 wheel drive or hiking on the famous Lauvegur trail. In this valley the colorful mountains look surreal, especially if you watch them soaking in the natural hot springs.

Book your pick up from Reykjavik on top of the tour. Once there, you ca enjoy a guided 4h hike to make the most of your time in this unique landscape. At then relax your muscles in one of the natural hot pools. Full day tour.

11. Off Road Fun in Thorsmork

Reaching Thorsmork is quite a 4WD adventure. The isolated valley is cut from the rest by rivers. Those can be powerful when the ice is melting and the crossing becomes quite a thrill. I trusted my driver but it was still a little bit scary! At the end the Thorsmork landscapes is different from the rest of Iceland with a greener area where you can hike. Thorsmork is the “Valley of the Gods”.

On the way enjoy a stop at Seljalandsfoss and the tongue of the glacier with the crazy name (you know the one with the volcano that erupted blocking all air traffic in Europe!)

Tour Length: 10 hours

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Reykjavik NORTHERN LIGHTS Tours

And here come the Northern Lights.

The dream of many travelers coming to Iceland.

If you are coming in June/July, I am sorry but you have to forget it, not enough night time to get a chance to see them.

To see great Northern Lights you need a combination of:

• Dark night (no moon, being away from source lights)
• High magnetic activity

And then you have to chase them… If there is cloud you can drive further if it is possible to see them somewhere else. This is why doing a tour with expert Night Lights chasers is a good idea.

3 options for you. Don’t be alarm by ratings on those tours, this is always the case for all companies. People are disappointed not seeing the lights and chasing, stopping, waiting in the cold… for sometimes just seeing a faint glimpse.

But this is the reality. I did not see much on my stay but the little I saw was already great 🙂

The classic option of a Reykjavik Northern Lights tour is by bus. You check all the day the forecast, you get picked up, you pray for a clear sky… and with some luck you can admire the dance of colors. If you do not see the Northern Lights then you get another tour for free

Check out option

13. By Boat

A more original option is to chase them by boat. If you don’t get seasick… If you do not see the Northern Lights then you get another tour for free.

Check out options

14. Off Road

With a very small group and a better vehicle, the driver can really take out off the roads to find them. And you won’t waster time waiting for your turn to get out of the bus.

Check this one out

• Bring really warm clothes, hat and gloves
• Think positive

Iceland Day Trips to see WILDLIFE

In season, you can also enjoy wildlife day tours from Reykjavik to see whales or puffins. But remember that those are wild animals, and it cannot be guaranteed that you see whales.

15. Whale Watching

Best times to see whales in Iceland is from April to September.

Your chances will be lower during other months.

Tour Length: 3 hours on boat

CHECK PROGRAM & PRICE

• Bring warm clothing to feel comfortable outside on the boat

16. Puffin Tours

Puffins are amazing little creature. Their colors are vibrant. Don’t forget your binoculars!!!! (check out my guide to choosing binoculars )

1 hour boat tour

Best period is form May to Mid-August.

Summer Iceland Overnight Tours from Reykjavik

Want the chance to see even more?

If you want to spend less time on the road and more time at the attractions, consider doing and Iceland overnight trip from Reykjavik or an Iceland Multiday tour.

Suggestions:

• South Coast 2 day trip

With a South Coast 2 day trip, you can cover a lot with most of the main stops: waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier and Jokulsarlon lagoon (you are saving 4h30 of driving each day by staying overnight) Check out your options

• 3 day Iceland short break

For example for an overview of many different Icelandic scenery and activities, check out this 3 day tour from Reykjavik covering the Golden Circle, Glacier hiking, Skogafoss and finishing with a relaxing time at the Blue Lagoon Check out your options

WINTER  – Iceland Guided Tours

The scenic tours.

• The Scenic Tours listed above are also available in Winter since those roads are cleared. And waterfalls might be partially frozen 
• You can also snorkel in the Silfra fissure in Winter
• However Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork will not be available.

The Ice Cave

The extra interest of visiting Iceland in Winter is to visit an Ice Cave . You know the ones from the crazy pictures:

But be aware that very different types of caves are marketed as “ice caves”. Some do not have this depth and colors, and one is even a man made tunnel… One of the best ones is the Crystal Ice Cave… but it is far, close to Jokulsarlon. 

Caves vary every year, depending in the movements of the glaciers. See options

Staying in Reykjavik – Accommodations

So staying in Reykjavik and taking day trips from there is a great option! You can check my article about  Iceland accommodations  to find suggestions about where to stay. I really enjoyed my charming B&B called  Reykjavik Treasure !

Other great accommodation options in Reykjavik

• HOSTEL – The  Reykjavik City Hostel  has a good rating inside Reykjavik
• CHEAPER – the other option is to stay slightly outside, for example in the  Farm Akurhot Guesthouse – Check for availability and price
• DESIGN – If you like modern design, have a look at the  41- Townhouse hotel !
• APARTMENT – An apartment if you want to stay several days and cook. For example  check Availability and prices for Odinsvé Hotel Apartments
• FAMILY – Have a look at the Old Charm Reykavik Apartments . They have 2 and 3 bedrooms apartments and a decor with a lot of character.  Check availability and latest prices.
• LUXURY – Head downtown in large smart apartments at the  Black Pearl –  Check availability an Prices  
• LUXURY – or get slightly out of the tourist way at  Embassy House , a full house superbly decorated that can host up to 10 people –  Check Availability and price
• or the Choose among the  Best Rated Accommodations in Reykjavik

Where to stay in Iceland?

My favorites:

• Reykjavik , capital city:   see best rated accommodations  – or  my article on where to stay
• Selfoss , between Golden Circle and South Coast: see best rated accommodations
• Vik,  near waterfalls and glaciers:  see best rated accommodations
• Höfn , gateway to the East fjords:  see best rated accommodations
• Egilsstadir , between fjords and North Iceland:  see best rated accommodations
• Reykjahlid , for the wonders of Lake Myvatn:  see best rated accommodations
• Akureyri , capital of the North:  see best rated accommodations
• Grundarfjordur , on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula:  see best rated accommodations

Considering a road trip instead? Check out my eBooks that make planning a trip fun and easy:

Plan your dream trip to Iceland with my guides!

• 8 easy-to-plan maps
• 100+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates 
• Useful planning tips
• 130+ large photos 

• 2 easy-to-plan maps
• 30 stops, 10 detours
• 70+ large photos 

Want to see more of ICELAND?

PREVIOUS: 

BEST WATERFALLS IN ICELAND

NEXT: 

Fascinating Lava Fields in Iceland

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Reader Interactions

June 15, 2017 at 1:37 PM

Great Information about Iceland. I didn’t visit yet. After going through your blog, I will definitely visit at Iceland and experience all the different tours.

June 15, 2017 at 5:45 PM

Thanks for your comment Nitin. Glad you go inspired!

November 16, 2017 at 8:14 AM

Loved reading about your trip. It has given me ideas of what to do there and how I need to plan my trip.

July 3, 2018 at 12:31 PM

Hello, I arrive Saturday 1 September 2018 at 8am on Holland America Cruise Ship and would be interested to know if there is a group tour I can be included in that is going to Langjokull ice cave and snowmobile and other places of interest en-route. Please inform me of itinerary and price etc. (Sunday I intend taking the Golden Circle Tour.) Regards Theresa

July 3, 2018 at 1:52 PM

Hi Theresa I am sorry but I am not a travel agent. I still had a look and all I can find are tours departing earlier than your arrival. Since it is an 11h day tour. Your only option would be to hire a Superjeep private tour but that will be quite a budget. I wish you wonderful travels!

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Golden Circle Day Tripper with Northern Lights

The perfect customizable winter escape

Want to see Iceland’s winter highlights, but without having to drive yourself? On this 4-day tour, you’ll base yourself in Reykjavík and see something new every day.

Start with the classic Golden Circle tour, which includes the Strokkur geyser and epic Gullfoss waterfall. In the evening, you have the chance to spot the Northern Lights on an aurora-hunting excursion.

Spend the next day in Reykjavík or join an optional tour to the south coast, where you can see more incredible waterfalls. You could also opt for an awesome winter adventure with Into the Glacier!

On this tour you will...

Relax and let  someone else do the driving

Stay in Reykjavík and join new excursions every day

Get the chance to  hunt down the Northern Lights

Tour the  Golden Circle  and visit a working greenhouse

Choose your own  active winter adventure

Dive into the city’s  culture  and  food scene in the evenings

Top attractions

Geysir and Strokkur

Þingvellir National Park

Downtown Reykjavík

Seljalandsfoss

Snæfellsjökull Glacier & National Park

Why book a multi-day trip with Iceland Tours?

Start your tour on the date that suits you

Stay at the same place in Reykjavík for your whole trip

Travel on comfortable buses with free Wi-Fi

Effortlessly customize your trip with extra activities

24/7 emergency helpline in Iceland

Secure your booking with just a 5% deposit

Your 4-day bus itinerary

Day 1 – welcome to iceland.

Transfer from Keflavík International Airport to your hotel in Reykjavík (included).

Welcome to Reykjavík, and to Iceland! Depending on what time your flight lands, you might have time to stretch your legs and explore the city center.

Check out the local museums, galleries, and shops. Or recharge in a hot tub at one of the local pools. This evening, an exciting adventure awaits.

In the evening

Spend the night on a magical Northern Lights hunt! Included with your package is a large group bus tour to a dark-skied location that’s perfect for spotting the lights.

You also have the option to upgrade to a small group excursion for a more intimate experience, or even a trip via super jeep or boat if you’re feeling adventurous!

Good to know: The Northern Lights (also called the Aurora Borealis) are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed, even with clear skies. The tour may be canceled if weather conditions are unfavorable, but you’ll have the chance to join the same or a similar excursion for free later in your trip.

Included experiences, upgrade options & extra activities

Northern Lights Guided Bus Tour

Northern Lights Small Group Tour

Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour

Northern Lights by Boat

Arrival/Departure via Blue Lagoon

FlyOver Iceland

Perlan Museum Wonders of Iceland & Northern Lights Show

Day 2 – The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle needs little introduction: it is home to some of the most stunning and famous sights in Iceland. You will see the hot spring Strokkur shoot a column of water up to 30 meters (98 feet) into the air every 4-8 minutes. It is a thrilling experience that never gets old. 

You will stop to admire the magnificent Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, created where the river Hvítá tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 meters (105 feet) deep. This tour also includes the historical and geological wonder, Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year.

Included with your package is a visit to the idyllic Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation center. Here you and your group will learn about the magic behind growing delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes and cucumbers with the aid of the geothermal heat that Iceland has in abundance.

Alternatively, you can upgrade to a different adventure on this day. All experiences include a Golden Circle tour, so you won’t miss out on this classic touring route.

Day 3 – Free day in Reykjavík or optional day tour

Today you have the choice of your own adventure. You could spend the day visiting the capital. Reykjavík offers a wide range of sights to visit and lots of activities to enjoy. Walk around to immerse yourself in the culture, visit one of the numerous museums, go shopping, or have a taste of the local cuisine at one of the many delicious restaurants and cafés.

Or you have the possibility to choose between one of our best-selling optional day tours. Please note there is time for only one tour per day.

Day 4 – Departure

Transfer from Reykjavík to Keflavík International Airport (included).

Depending on your departure time, you might be able to fit in a stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport if you have not already made the visit. That way, you’ll be relaxed and rejuvenated before your flight.

If you add this stop, you’ll be picked up at your hotel and dropped off at the Blue Lagoon, where there are luggage storage facilities for a fee.

Good to know: Most airlines require you to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your departure, so bear this in mind when booking. The drive to the airport takes around 20 minutes. Pre-booking is required for the Blue Lagoon stop.

What’s included?

Budget, Comfort, or Quality accommodation every night

Continental breakfast every day

Airport transfer

Northern Lights guided bus tour

Golden Circle & Friðheimar guided bus tour

24/7 emergency helpline when you’re in Iceland

VAT, taxes & service fees

Flights to Iceland

Food & drink, unless otherwise stated

Attraction entrance fees, unless otherwise stated

Personal travel insurance

Accommodation

FAQs about our multi-day trips

How does an iceland multi-day trip work.

Throughout your multi-day trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll be based in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavík or Akureyri the capital of the North. From here, you can join guided tours into the surrounding countryside to soak up the mind-blowing scenery. Your package will include at least one day trip, and depending on the length of your tour package you can opt to add more.

It’s worth bearing in mind that you won’t have the same guide throughout your trip. In fact, on each escorted group day trip from Reykjavík or Akureyri, you’ll get to meet a new guide and new fellow travelers.

What’s more, spending each night in the same accommodation means you don’t need to worry about unpacking and repacking during your trip. It also gives you the chance to experience more of the city’s restaurants, food halls, and bars. And you’ll have time to browse the local shops and visiting the city’s attractions.

How many people will there be on a multi-day trip?

When you opt for a multi-day package, you won’t be traveling with the same guide and group throughout your trip. This means that number of fellow travelers you meet on your guided excursions will vary depending on the activity.

For instance, if you’re going on an ice cave tour, your group could include a just a handful people. Meanwhile, a tour of the Golden Circle by bus will often be a larger group as you’ll likely be traveling by coach. And you’ll find evening Northern Lights tours are usually by coach too, although you have the option to upgrade to a small group, super jeep, or boat tour.

What are the buses like on a multi-day trip?

Depending on the excursion, your bus could be either a minibus or coach. Most buses will have free onboard Wi-Fi and charging points for your phone. Larger buses also have overhead compartments for stowing your bag and jacket.

It’s good to know that although there’s no restroom on the bus, your guide will make sure to include regular breaks throughout the journey.

Do multi-day trips include airport transfers to Reykjavík?

Yes, all of these multi-day trips include airport transfers by bus from Keflavík International Airport to Reykjavík on arrival and departure.

What meals are included in a multi-day trip package?

On each morning of your trip, you’ll get a tasty continental breakfast at your accommodation. In most places, this is served buffet-style in a communal dining room.

With most packages, lunch and dinner are not included so you’re free to choose from all of the options available. In Reykjavík and Akureyri, you’ll be spoiled for choice when deciding where to eat.

Some festive packages include special meals. Check the ‘What’s included?’ section for the individual package to find out exactly what you’ll get.

If your package features longer day tours, you’ll find that the guide will factor in lunch and restroom stops. But it’s still good to come prepared by packing a few snacks and plenty of water. And if you prefer, you could bring a picnic lunch rather than eat out.

Can I customize my multi-day trip?

Absolutely! You can customize your package by:

• Picking your level of accommodation (Budget, Comfort, or Quality)
• Extending your stay with extra nights in Reykjavík at the start or end of your trip
• Adding optional activities, such as a food tour or glacier hike

Don’t take our word for it

See what hundreds of fellow travelers have to say about their trips with Iceland Tours.

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9 Sensational Self-Drive Day Trips From Reykjavík

• Post last modified: January 19, 2024
• Post category: Day trips / Iceland

Iceland is a beautiful place to explore! And road trips in Iceland are the best way to explore all that Iceland has to offer. Sure the Ring Road is the pinnacle of Iceland road trips, but not everyone has the time or energy to drive around all of Iceland staying in a different hotel each night. So if a long road trip is not your style, we’ve put together some of the best day trips from Reykjavík. This way, you can stay in Reykjavík each night and explore some of the best destinations in southern Iceland by day.  

Stuff In This Post

Why Take A Day Trip From Reykjavík?

Taking day trips from Reykjavík is also a great way to explore Iceland in the winter. However, roads in Iceland frequently close in the winter due to hazardous conditions. So staying in Reykjavík gives you the greatest access to safe and open roads.  

Also, basing yourself in Reykjavík and taking day trips is the best option for exploring Iceland if you only have a few days. Iceland has done an excellent job creating a tourist hub via the extended layover. So if you want to stop over for a few days on a transatlantic flight, these day trips from Reykjavík will be your gateway to Iceland.

However, if you choose to base yourself in town and take day trips from Reykjavík each day, these will be long days. You’ll spend a good chunk of time driving each day. But the inconvenience of extra drive time each day maybe outweighed for you by the connivence of staying in the same place each night.  

While we love the self-driving option, all of these days trips from Reykjavík can be booked as part of a tour. There are so many tours that leave from Reykjavík and go to all of these destinations. Additionally, if you’re visiting in the winter, you may want to go with guided tours simply to avoid driving in winter weather.

As you’re planning your Iceland vacation , remember that while Reykjavík is the capital city and we think you should definitely spend a day or two there , there isn’t much to to. The best thing to do is take one of these day trips from Reykjavík!

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Golden Circle Road Trip

This is by far the most popular day trip from Reykjavík! A journey around the Golden Circle route will take you to Thingvellir (more on that below), Gullfoss waterfall (a massive waterfall), and a geothermal area complete with a regularly erupting geyser. Since the Golden Circle is such a popular tourist route, you’ll also find plenty of farm to table restaurants and geothermal soaking areas on the route.  

Want to see the full Golden Circle road trip? Check out our post here.

Highlights of the golden circle:.

• Geyser Geothermal area

Reykjadalur Hot Springs Hike

If you want to spend a beautiful day hiking through the valley, surrounded by rolling Icelandic hills and then bathing in this picturesque place, Reykjadalur Hot Springs is the place. This is our favorite hot springs in Iceland and is well worth the 2.5 hours of hiking you’ll have to do to visit it.

Interested in visiting the Silfra Fissure? Check out our post here for what to expect.

Highlights of reykjadalur hot springs:.

• Hot springs for viewing
• Hot springs for bathing
• Beautiful hiking

Thingvellir National Park and the Silfra Fissure

If you don’t have time for a full day trip around the Golden Circle, consider just visiting Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir National Park is the first National Park created in Iceland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

A few unique things make this park a great place to visit. First, it is the site of the first Icelandic parliament. Plaques along a boardwalk will take you on a self guided tour of these important sites. Second, Thingvellir is the site where you can actually see the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates separating. So you can see the river and cliffs created from this tectonic action. You can even snorkel in between the two plates. The Silfra Fissure snorkeling or scuba diving tours leave from Reykjavík or you can save money and meet the tour at Thingvellir ( by booking from our link, we’ll earn a commission at no extra cost to you ). Lastly, Thingvellir is home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, Öxaráfoss.

Highlights of Thingvellir:

• Öxaráfoss (waterfall)
• Silfra Fissure (tectonic plates meeting up in a river)
• Ancient Parliament (old rocks)

Skógafoss And The Waterfall Way Hike

Skógafoss’ Waterfall Way Hike is one of the most beautiful day hikes in southern Iceland. This easy half day hike is located a few hours from Reykjavík and it makes for a perfect day trip. This day trip is for the more adventurous and is one of the less popular areas to visit. (Probably because of the hiking you have to do;) )

However, for those willing to go on this relatively easy hike, you’ll be rewarded with waterfall after waterfall. About two dozen of them if you complete the whole hike!

Read all about what to expect on the Skógafoss Hike in our post here.

Highlights of skógafoss:.

• Skógafoss (waterfall)
• Beautiful Green Hills and Cliffs
• Lots of Waterfalls

Iceland’s South Coast

If you want to visit Iceland’s South Coast and see all of the top tourist destinations, you can easily do that with a full day drive complete with many jaw dropping sights. While many people may say you can drive all the way to Jökulsárlón Lagoon , we think the farthest you should drive in a day is to Vík. Driving beyond Vík is a stretch and you won’t have time to enjoy the stops.  

On the way to Vík, you’ll be able to visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss , two of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland. You’ll also be able to see the black sand beaches and basalt columns at Reynisfjara.  

For a full like of things to do on Iceland’s Southern coast, click here for our post.

Highlights of iceland’s south coast:.

• Seljalandsfoss (waterfall)
• Seljavallalaug swimming pool
• Reynisfjara Beach

Reykjanes Peninsula

The Reykjanes Peninsula one of the popular day trips from Reykjavík because it is home to the Blue Lagoon. This peninsula is located under an hour southeast of Reykjavík. You can spend a full day here with a little hiking and a little relaxing. It’s a well balanced day! The main attractions on the Reykjanes Peninsula are all geothermal in nature, from geothermal bathing pools to brand new volcanic lava fields, and a bridge between two tectonic plates, this is a great day trip for rock nerds like us.

Read all about our visit to the Blue Lagoon here.

Highlights of the reykjanes peninsula:.

• Blue Lagoon (bathing hot spring)
• Reykjadalur Hot Springs (bathing hot spring)
• Active Volcano (semi-dormant in 2022)

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Just a few hours west of Reykjavík is the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula . This area of Iceland was made famous in Game of Thrones when Krikjufell mountain was used as a backdrop. However, there is so much more than Krikjufell to see on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. In addition to Krikjufell, you’ll find black sand and black stone beaches, towering cliffs, beautiful caverns, underground lava tubes and charming seaside villages.  

For more information on a full day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, check out our post here.

Hightlights of snaefellsnes peninsula:.

• Gatklettur (hike in cavern)
• Lóndrangar roack formations (big rock on a beach)
• Vatnshellir Cave tour (inactive volcano tubes)

Glymur Waterfall

The hike to Glymur is a 7 km hike. This is a perfect half day trip from Reykjavík! It takes a bit more than an hour to get to the trail head and the hike takes 3-4 hours. This fun hike will take you over a well worn but not well maintained path into the hills to see Iceland’s second tallest waterfall.

Highlights of Glymur:

• Glymur waterfall

Barnafoss & Hraunfossar

Hraunfossar is our second favorite waterfall in all of Iceland. Because it is clearly made by a wizard. There is no river above the waterfall. Instead, the water is flowing from the underground rivers that run through the lava fields. So what you see is a waterfall coming out of a cliff. Pure Icelandic magic! A short hike up river and you can see the more traditional, yet still impressive, Barnafoss.  

Highlight of Barnafoss & Hraunfossar:

Guided tours from reykjavík.

In addition to all of the self-drive day trips from Reykjavík, there are two worth mentioning that you’ll need to do with a guide.

First, puffin and whale watching is one of the best things to do in Iceland. While we went puffin spotting in the north, you can do combo puffin/whale spotting tours outside of Reykjavík, some of which even leave from the docks in town.  

Lastly, my favorite thing we did in Iceland was hike on a glacier. While it’s not realistic to drive all the way to Vatnajökull National Park and back in a day, there are plenty of glacier tours operating out of Reykjavík. These tours typically take you to the closer Langjökull glacier, though some will drive you all the way to Vatnajökull glacier with a 14 hour tour. If we were going to choose one of these tours, we’d pick a Langjökull glacier tour that combines with a visit to Landmannalaugar, a beautiful section of the Icelandic Highlands.  

Tips for Day Trips from Reykjavík

You can take these day trips via public transport or a guided tour. However, we think that renting a car and driving yourself around is the best way to explore these destinations and explore Iceland! We rented our car at the airport and made sure to stay at a place with free parking in Reykjavík.

For more info on driving in Iceland, check out our post here.

The roads along these routes are beautiful. However, they are not populated. So make sure to stock up on snacks or picnic lunches in town. This includes packing plenty of water as water bottle refill stations are non-existent.  

If you’re driving a tiny car that is fuel efficient, like we were, you’ll be able to do each road trip on a single tank of gas. Which is great, because gas in Iceland is shockingly expensive to American’s like us.  

We really enjoyed getting out of town and experiencing the wild nature that Iceland offers. We think all of these day trips from Reykjavík are great ways to immerse yourself in the land of fire and ice. Choose one or choose them all to create your own Iceland itinerary all from the hub of the capital. If you have any questions about any of the day trips from Reykjavík, please leave them in the comments section below and we’d be happy to help.

This Post Has 2 Comments

Absolutely loved your post, this is extremely helpful. I could really use your advice if possible. My wife and I are extremely outdoorsy and will be in Iceland, staying in Reykjavík because of remote work for 6 full days. One will be spent at Blue Lagoon, but the rest are wide open. We need to be back between 4-5pm each day except for one day where we have absolutely no time restraints.

With all that info, I’d love to hear which of these day trips you’d recommend we take?

Thank you so much!

I think you could do the golden circle in two days-instead of the traditional one. There is a longer hike to Reykjadalur hot springs which was one of our favorite stops in all of Iceland – it’s a very wild outdoorsy type experience (there’s a link above if you’re curious). You could do this and the Southern part of the golden circle in one day. Then visit Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir in one day, preferably a weekday as these are busy stops but still amazing. One day in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Iceland in miniature with tons of outdoor stops. I would actually do a day in either Reykjavik exploring – it’s not the best big town but it’s still fun to wander. OR if your want another outdoorsy day, I would suggest a guided tour of a glacier or Landmannalaugar, you could even find a tour with both. However, these require a tour as logistics driving there/getting on a glacier require a guide.

On the day with no time restraints, I would for sure drive the southern coast to Vik and back. This will be a long day but with the extended sunlight and amazing stops, this is totally worth it in our opinion. This was the most “Iceland” part of Iceland – moody, wild and green. This road trip is the way we imagined Iceland before visiting.

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