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Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and is a small but colorful city. It has quirky cafes, an interesting art scene, and great shopping streets. It’s also the hub for international travel in Iceland. With Icelandair and other airlines offering affordable airfare to Reykjavik these days, travel to Iceland has never been so appealing.
Reykjavik is fantastic but to experience Iceland, one needs to get outside of the city. Luckily, Reykjavik is a great base for exploring Iceland’s stunning scenery. Many tours depart from the city but I recommend renting a car and traveling independently. Iceland’s roads are easy to navigate (except for winter) and many of the country’s highlights are just a few hours from the city. Continue reading for 6 easy day trips from Reykjavik, Iceland.
Six Easy Day Trips from Reykjavik:
1. Tour the Golden Circle
No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the Golden Circle. It’s easily accessible and is one of the best day trips from Reykjavik. The Golden Circle is a 300 km (190 mi) route that goes into the southern uplands and loops back to Reykjavik. Many of Iceland’s major sights are located along the drive, making it the most toured area of Iceland. Must-visit stops include:
Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area has been active for over 1,000 years and many bubbling hot springs and mud pits can be found here. It’s home to two very famous geysers, Geysir and Strokkur. Geysir is the first hot spring ever written about and has since given the name to hot springs everywhere. Although it is mostly dormant now, it is said to have reached heights of 170 m (560 ft). Strokkur is Iceland’s most active geyser and erupts about every 5 to 10 minutes. Water from Strokkur can erupt to heights reaching 40 m (130 ft). The area also has a visitor center, cafe, and shopping.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss is located just 10 minutes from the Geysir Geothermal Area and is a favorite among tourists. Gullfoss is made up of two separate drops totaling 32 m (104 feet). Its waters flow from the Hvita River and are strongest during the summer when there is melt-off from Iceland’s largest glacier, Langjokull. The falls are so powerful that you can feel and hear them roar.
Kerid Crater Lake
Kerid Crater Lake is located about 50 minutes southwest of Gullfoss. It is a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake and is a popular stop on the Golden Circle. It’s famous for its vivid colors and intact caldera. The lake’s surrounding volcanic rock is bright red and the soil’s rich mineral content produces eye-popping blue water. There is a trail that goes around the rim of the crater or a ladder can be taken down to the lake. The entrance fee is 400 ISK ($3 USD).
2. Thingvellir National Park & Silfra
Thingvellir National Park was the first of Iceland’s three national parks and is the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is technically the first stop on the Golden the Circle route but I have chosen to separate it as I feel it needs a whole day of its own.
The park’s geology is amazing. It’s situated directly between two tectonic plates. On one side you can see the North American continent and on the other side, the Eurasian. There are plenty of things to do in Thingvellir National Park. There are waterfalls to explore, beautiful hikes, fishing, and my personal favorite, Silfra. Silfra is a rift within Thingvellir Lake where one can snorkel/ dive between the two plates. It is the only place in the world where this is possible, making it an incredible bucket list experience.
Silfra is the clearest and bluest water you will ever have the opportunity to swim in. It’s also very cold with temperatures maintaining a fairly constant 2°C (36 °F). A drysuit is used to protect the body from the icy waters and you will need to visit with a guided tour.
3. Relax at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula. It has been included on Condé Nast Traveller’s list of the top 10 spas in the world and is Iceland’s most visited attraction. It’s a must on this list of day trips from Reykjavik. It’s open year-round and the water maintains a temperature of about 39°C (102°F), making it perfect for soaking. The man-made lagoon is rich in silica and sulfur which are known for their amazing effects on the skin. Be sure to try the silica mud mask.
The Blue Lagoon is a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik and just 15 minutes from Keflavik International Airport. It makes a great first or last stop on your trip. Pre-booking is required and there is an option of a comfort or premium package. I would choose the premium package only if you wish to dine at the onsite restaurant, Lava. This package includes a reservation and a glass of wine. Otherwise, I would stick with the comfort option. There is also a full spa on-site with services offered at an additional charge. Entry starts at 6,847 ISK ($53 USD).
4. Visit the Secret Lagoon
Secret Lagoon is a great alternative if the Blue Lagoon is not in your budget. It’s smaller in size but I found it to be much more relaxing. The pool was built in 1981, making it one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools. It was re-opened to the public in 2005 and has since gone under renovation. It now has a nice shower area and a small bar. I recommend a visit in the evening; it’s a great way to end a long day.
Secret Lagoon is located near the small village of Fludir and is situated next to a geothermal area. It’s a little over a one-hour drive from Reykjavik and is just off the Golden Circle route. A reservation is recommended, although not required. Entry is 3000 ISK ($23 USD).
5. Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula
The Reykjanes Peninsula is located near Keflavik International Airport and the Blue Lagoon. However, it’s often skipped over. It may be one of Iceland’s most underrated places. Its landscapes are beautiful. There are moss-covered lava fields, mud pools, and old fishing towns. It’s a great way to spend a day exploring off the beaten path. Some favorite stops are:
Grindavik Fishing Town
Grindavik is a fishing town on the south coast of the peninsula. It’s known for its lighthouse and old shipwrecks. The Hopsnes Lighthouse is a fun little stop. It was built in 1928 and is small in size but stands out because of its color. Its bright orange exterior pops against the dark lava fields. You’ll also stumble upon old ship skeletons in the area. There have been many shipwrecks in the area over the years. Some of the larger remains belong to the 103 Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson III GK-11, which was abandoned after the crew was rescued in 1988.
Gunnuhver Geothermal Area
Gunnuhver is a highly active geothermal area and is home to Iceland’s largest mud pool, which spans an area of 20 m (65 ft). The landscape is full of steam vents and hot springs with some reaching temperatures of 300° C (570° F). It’s different from other geothermal areas because the underground water here is seawater.
Horseback Riding
There are many Icelandic horses in the area and the gorgeous terrain makes it the perfect location for a ride. It’s a great way to get out and explore and see things that might not be accessible by car. I recommend arranging a tour in advance.
6. Drive the South Coast
Iceland’s South Coast is stunning and is best seen over a couple of days. However, a day trip from Reykjavik is doable if you get an early start. I recommend driving to Vik and choosing a few major sights to see along the way. The drive time from Reykjavik to Vik is about 2.5 hours without stops. The drive is easy and many stops are located right off the main road. Must-dos include:
Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls. It’s 62 m high (203 ft) and 25 m (82 ft) wide. Skogafoss is stunning and a series of steps will take you up the side of the falls to an observation platform. The incredible view from the top is well worth the climb. Just be prepared to get wet.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most beautiful and well-known black sand beaches. In 1991, it even appeared on a top ten list of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. Towering basalt columns are present along the coastline and the Reynisdrangar rock formations can be seen just off-shore.
Dyrholaey Peninsula
Dyrholaey is a small peninsula known for its incredible views of the south coast. A historic lighthouse sits on top of the hill and the recognizable Dyrholaey Arch can be seen below. Make sure you continue down the road to the beach.
Other stops between Reykjavik and Vik include Seljavallalaug Pool, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, and the Solheimasandur plane wreck.
Where to Stay in Reykjavik
Kex Hostel
Kex is a trendy hostel in downtown Reykjavik that used to be an old biscuit factory. The upscale hostel has a bar, lounge, and patio area. Some rooms even have a private bathroom and shower. It’s a great place to hang out whether you’re staying there or not.
Hotel Borg
Hotel Borg is located in the heart of the city and is Iceland’s first luxury hotel. The building is constructed in a beautiful art-deco style and has an award-winning restaurant on site.
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Fosshotel is a modern hotel chain with locations scattered throughout Iceland. The mid-range hotel is Iceland’s largest hotel. It’s located in Reyjavik’s business district and is just a short walk from the main shopping areas.
Have you been to Iceland? I’d love to hear about your favorite day trips from Reykjavik. If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. If you would like to learn more about Iceland’s South Coast, continue to my post, “Iceland’s Ring Road: 5-Day South Coast Itinerary“.
Kimmy says
Looks like such an amazing country!
Haylee says
Beautiful pictures! I’d love to get to Iceland, such amazing scenery from what i’ve seen in pictures. I’ve been tossing around Iceland, Canada and Norway for the Northern Lights!
#gltlove
Meghan says
Thank you! I haven’t been to Canada or Norway yet, but Iceland was amazing. So much to do there!
Debbie says
Iceland has so many incredible things to see that it must have been hard to choose which destination to go to. Thanks so much for all the tips! #gltlove
Meghan says
So much! We crammed as much in as we possibly could in a week. I want to go back and see the northern part of the country though :)
Marissa | Marissa's Teachable Moments says
I recently came across a flight deal to Iceland and I was on the fence. After reading this post, I’m thinking I should have booked the flight.
Meghan says
You should definitely go :) Check out WOW Air. They always have good deals. It’s a budget airline but I had a very pleasant experience flying with them.
Mayi says
Island is so in my bucket list, your post is making me want to go even more. I’ll park this for reference later.