Day Trips from Reykjavik: Which Ones Are Actually Worth It?

We’ve visited Iceland multiple times over the years, and on most of those trips we’ve based ourselves in Reykjavik for at least a few days. It’s a brilliant base for exploring, and you can see an astonishing amount of the country on day trips from the capital, whether you hire a car or book a tour.

But here’s the thing: not every day trip from Reykjavik is equally worth your time. Some are genuinely unmissable. Others sound fantastic on paper but involve so much driving that you barely get to enjoy what you came to see. And a few have become so popular that the experience can feel more like queuing than exploring.

So rather than just listing every possible day trip, I want to be honest about which ones I’d actually recommend, which are best done on a tour versus self-driving, and how to plan your time based on how many days you have.

A quick note on logistics: most of these trips can be done either with a hire car or on a guided tour. For car hire in Iceland, we recommend checking prices on Northbound, who focus exclusively on Iceland and let you compare across providers (including the Iceland-specific insurance options you’ll want). For tours, we recommend booking through GetYourGuide, where we’ve had consistently good experiences across multiple trips.

For further planning, we’ve also put together detailed 3 day, 5 day and 7 day Iceland itineraries, our tips for planning a trip to Iceland, and a guide to our favourite photography locations in Iceland. If you’d prefer a longer guided trip, see our guide to the best multi-day guided tours of Iceland.

And don’t forget to spend some time in Reykjavik itself. The city has plenty to offer, from the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church to excellent museums and an increasingly impressive food scene. A Reykjavik food tour is a great way to spend a half day getting to know the city while trying things like fermented shark, Icelandic lamb, and local craft beer. If you plan on visiting several of the city’s museums and attractions, a Reykjavik City Card offers good value and includes free public transport on city buses.

Right, let’s get into it. Here are the best day trips from Reykjavik, organised by how much time they take and whether you need a car or a tour.

Which Day Trips to Prioritise Based on Your Time

If you only have time for one or two day trips, here’s how I’d prioritise:

One day trip only: The Golden Circle. It’s the classic for a reason, and you can easily self-drive it or join a tour.

Two day trips: Add the South Coast (to Vik). The waterfalls and black sand beach are some of Iceland’s most iconic sights.

Three to four day trips: Add the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (ideally a full day) and either a whale/puffin watching trip from the harbour or a visit to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.

Five or more days: You can comfortably add Glymur Waterfall, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and seasonal experiences like Northern Lights (winter) or a Landmannalaugar super jeep tour (summer). With this much time, you might also consider our 5 day itinerary which takes you beyond Reykjavik as a base.

At a glance, what’s available when: The Golden Circle, South Coast, Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, Reykjanes Peninsula, Glymur, Reykjadalur, and whale watching run year-round (though whale sighting rates are higher in summer).

Puffin watching and the Westman Islands are best from late April to mid-August. Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork are summer only (roughly June to September), when the highland roads are open. Northern Lights tours and natural ice cave tours are winter only (roughly September to April). The “Into the Glacier” experience on Langjökull runs year-round.

 

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is the most popular day trip from Reykjavik, and I have to be honest: it’s popular for good reason. In a single loop of around 240km, you visit three of Iceland’s most impressive natural attractions, and you can comfortably do it in five to seven, although we’d recommend adding some of the optional stops like Brúarfoss and taking a bit more time.

The three main stops are Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates), the Geysir geothermal area (home to the original “geyser” that gave the English word its name), and Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls.

For a full breakdown of the route, stops, and tips, see our complete guide to visiting the Golden Circle.

Self-drive or tour? This is one of the easiest day trips to self-drive. The roads are excellent and well-signed, and having your own car means you can add stops like Brúarfoss waterfall (a gorgeous blue waterfall with a short walk from its official car park, 750 ISK parking via the Parka app), the Kerið volcanic crater (600 ISK entry), or lunch at Friðheimar tomato farm.

Parking costs: Thingvellir charges 1,000 ISK (valid all day across all park car parks, payable via machines or the checkit.is app). Geysir charges 1,000 ISK (Parka app). Gullfoss is free.

If you’d prefer a tour, there are plenty of options on GetYourGuide, including tours that combine the Golden Circle with the Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon. You can also add snorkelling in the Silfra fissure at Thingvellir, which is one of the more unique things you can do in Iceland (a dry suit keeps you warm in the near-freezing water).

Photography tip: At Gullfoss, the viewing platform on the upper path gives you the best angle for capturing the full scale of the falls. In winter, the surrounding ice formations are spectacular. At Geysir, use burst mode or a fast shutter speed to catch Strokkur mid-eruption. It goes off every five to ten minutes, so you’ll get multiple chances.

My honest take: Do this trip. Yes, it’s the most touristy day trip from Reykjavik, and Geysir in particular gets very busy. But the sights are genuinely impressive, and if you self-drive you can get ahead of the tour buses by starting early.

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you’ll recognise Thingvellir National Park as a filming location (it stood in for several scenes including the pass to the Eyrie). For more filming locations across Iceland, see our guide to Game of Thrones filming locations in Iceland.

 

The South Coast

Iceland’s South Coast is home to some of the country’s most iconic sights, and I’d put this as my second-favourite day trip from Reykjavik after the Golden Circle.

The highlights you can comfortably reach in a day include Seljalandsfoss (the waterfall you can walk behind, so bring a waterproof jacket, you will get soaked), Skogafoss (equally spectacular and with a staircase that climbs to a viewpoint above), and the extraordinary black sand beach at Reynisfjara near the town of Vik.

A safety note on Reynisfjara: The beach experienced significant erosion and a landslide in February 2026, dramatically reshaping parts of the coastline. It’s still open to visitors, but the landscape looks quite different from older photos. More importantly, the sneaker waves here are genuinely dangerous and people have died. Stay well back from the waterline and check current conditions on SafeTravel.is before visiting.

Self-drive or tour? Both work well. Self-driving gives you more flexibility on timing, and the road (Route 1) is straightforward. Going all the way to Vik and back is around five hours of driving each way without stops, so start early. If you want to continue beyond Vik to the glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón, that really needs two days. It’s too much driving for a comfortable day trip.

Parking costs: Seljalandsfoss is 1,000 ISK (machines or checkit.is). Skogafoss is 1,000 ISK (Parka app). Reynisfjara is 750 to 1,000 ISK (Parka app). Dyrhólaey viewpoint is 750 ISK (Parka app).

For a guided tour, this South Coast tour on GetYourGuide covers the main highlights in about 10 hours.

Photography tip: At Seljalandsfoss, you can walk behind the waterfall for a dramatic perspective, so bring a lens cloth and some way go keep your camera dry because the spray is relentless, especially if it’s windy. At Skogafoss, climb the staircase on the right side for a powerful shot looking down into the spray with the river stretching out below. Get to Reynisfjara in the afternoon when the light hits the basalt columns at a low angle.

My honest take: The waterfalls alone make this trip worthwhile, and Reynisfjara is unlike any beach you’ll have seen before. If your time is limited, focus on the stretch from Seljalandsfoss to Vik rather than trying to reach the glacier lagoon in a day.

 

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called “Iceland in miniature” because it packs glaciers, volcanic craters, black sand beaches, sea cliffs, and one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains into a relatively compact area about two hours northwest of Reykjavik.

We did the peninsula as an overnight rather than a day trip, and I’d recommend that if you can manage it. As a day trip, you’re looking at a very long day (at least 10 to 12 hours) and you’ll need to be selective about stops. The essentials are Kirkjufell mountain and its waterfall, the black beach at Djúpalónssandur, the village of Arnarstapi with its dramatic sea cliffs, and the 19th century black church at Búðir. If you have time, Ytri-Tunga beach is a lovely spot for seal watching.

Self-drive or tour? You can self-drive this on normal roads (no 4×4 needed), but a tour is actually not a bad choice here because the driving is long and the peninsula itself is a loop with a lot of stops. Having someone else drive means you don’t miss the scenery.

On GetYourGuide, there are several good Snaefellsnes tour options: this 11-hour bus tour, this smaller group minibus tour, and this option which includes a home-cooked meal at a local horse farm.

Photography tip: Kirkjufell with its waterfall in the foreground is the classic shot. In winter you might catch Northern Lights behind the mountain, which is spectacular, although you’d have to be out here when it’s dark obviously. The black church at Búðir is particularly striking against fresh snow or in the golden hour light just before sunset.

My honest take: This is a fantastic trip but it’s a long one. If you have fewer than four days in Iceland, I’d prioritise the Golden Circle and South Coast first and come back for Snaefellsnes on a longer trip.

 

Glymur Waterfall

Glymur is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls and one of the best short hikes you can do as a day trip from Reykjavik. It’s only about an hour’s drive from the city, and the hike itself takes roughly three to four hours round trip.

I’ve done this hike in both summer and winter, and the contrast is striking. In winter I had the trail essentially to myself, walking through a gorgeous snowy landscape, completely silent, and absolutely freezing. In summer it was busier but equally beautiful, though I got absolutely soaked by rain (Iceland, right?). Both versions were well worth the effort.

The hike involves some scrambling and a river crossing (there’s a log bridge), so it’s not suitable for very young children or anyone with mobility issues. Wear proper hiking boots and layers.

Self-drive or tour? Self-drive is the way to go here. Drive to the car park at the Botnsá river and follow the marked trail. There are no parking fees at the trailhead.

Photography tip: The viewpoint at the top of the trail gives you a fantastic angle looking down the falls into the canyon below. A wide-angle lens works best. In winter, the frozen sections of the waterfall add real drama to the shot.

My honest take: If you enjoy hiking and want to see something impressive without the crowds that gather at the Golden Circle waterfalls, Glymur is excellent. It’s close to Reykjavik, the hike is rewarding without being punishing, and the waterfall itself is spectacular.

 

Hot River Hike

One of our favourite half-day trips from Reykjavik is the hike to Reykjadalur, a geothermally heated river where you can actually bathe in warm water flowing through a mountain valley. The trailhead is at Hveragerði, about 45 minutes’ drive southeast of Reykjavik, and the hike to the river is around 3km each way.

We really enjoyed this hike. The trail passes through a landscape of steaming vents and bubbling mud before opening out into the valley where the warm river flows. Bathing in a natural hot river surrounded by green hills is a uniquely Icelandic experience and far more memorable than any spa.

A word of caution, though: don’t underestimate this hike. The round trip takes around two and a half to three hours, and the trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. The weather at Hveragerði can change quickly, so bring proper layers and waterproofs even if it looks fine when you set off. We’ve been caught out by Iceland’s weather more than once, and as you can see from our photos, it was pretty misty and cloudy when we visited, which was in the middle of summer!

One other thing to note, while there are some privacy screens where you can get changed, this isn’t what you could describe as a high-end spa experience. So you might need a loved one to hold a towel to preserve your dignity!

Self-drive or tour? Self-drive is easiest. Parking at the trailhead costs 200 ISK for the first hour and 250 ISK per hour after that, payable via the Easy Park app.

Photography tip: The steaming vents along the first section of the trail make for atmospheric shots, especially in cooler weather when the steam is thicker. For the river itself, a slightly elevated angle from the hillside above gives you the best view of the valley.

My honest take: If you enjoy hiking and want a thermal bath experience that feels genuinely wild rather than commercial, this is the one. It’s close to Reykjavik, it’s free to bathe (you just pay for parking), and it’s one of those experiences you’ll remember long after the trip.

The Reykjanes Peninsula

The Reykjanes Peninsula is the closest day trip from Reykjavik and one that many visitors overlook because they’re racing to the Golden Circle or South Coast. That’s a shame, because this volcanic landscape is fascinating and there’s enough here for a solid half-day or full-day trip.

Highlights include the Bridge Between Continents (where you can stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates), the dramatic coastline around Reykjanestá lighthouse, the eerie landscape of Gunnuhver hot springs, and the beautiful lake at Kleifarvatn. We’ve visited most of these sights and they’re genuinely impressive.

The peninsula has also been the site of significant volcanic activity in recent years, with eruptions in the Sundhnúkur crater row between 2023 and 2025. Some tours visit the eruption sites, though accessibility depends on current conditions. The town of Grindavík was heavily affected. Check SafeTravel.is for the latest.

Self-drive or tour? Self-drive works perfectly here. The roads are good and the peninsula is compact. You can combine it with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, which is in the same area.

Photography tip: The Gunnuhver hot springs area is great for moody, atmospheric shots, especially on an overcast day when the steam really shows. Kleifarvatn lake is photogenic from the roadside viewpoint, particularly with clouds reflected in the dark water.

My honest take: This is a great option if you’ve already done the Golden Circle and South Coast and want something different, or if you have a half-day to fill. The lunar landscape is unlike anything else near Reykjavik.

 

Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and Thermal Baths

A soak in geothermally heated water is one of the quintessential Iceland experiences, and you have several options as a day trip from Reykjavik.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the most famous, and despite its popularity it’s still a fantastic experience. The huge outdoor lagoon is a stunning blue colour, there are swim-up bars (the smoothies are excellent), and the silica mud mask is oddly satisfying. We’d recommend the Comfort level ticket as it includes a towel and a drink, which is convenient.

Important note: The Blue Lagoon is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which has experienced volcanic eruptions in the Sundhnúkur crater row between 2023 and 2025. The lagoon has operated throughout with occasional temporary closures during active eruptions. Check the Blue Lagoon website for current status before booking.

Pre-booking is required. You can book tickets online here, and arrange transport from Reykjavik if you don’t have a car.

Sky Lagoon

A more recent addition to Iceland’s thermal bath scene, the Sky Lagoon is much closer to Reykjavik city centre and offers a beautiful hot spring experience on the edge of the ocean. The 7-step spa ritual is excellent, and because it’s newer it tends to feel a bit less hectic than the Blue Lagoon. You can book tickets for the Sky Lagoon here, or with transport included here.

Photography tip: If you’re bringing a camera to the Blue Lagoon, be careful with the steam and mineral-rich water. A waterproof phone case or action camera is safer than your main camera body in this environment.

City Pools

If you’re on a tight budget but still want to experience Iceland’s geothermal waters, visit one of the city pools in Reykjavik. They use the same geothermally heated water as the lagoons and cost a fraction of the price. If you have a Reykjavik City Card, the city pools are free.

My honest take: I’d do one thermal bath experience during your trip. If money isn’t a concern, the Blue Lagoon is still worth the hype. If you want something more relaxed and closer to the city, the Sky Lagoon is excellent. If you’re watching your budget, the city pools are brilliant and much more of a local experience.

 

Northern Lights (Late August to April)

If you’re visiting Iceland outside of the summer months, a Northern Lights tour should be on your list. I won’t call it a day trip since you’ll be out at night, but it’s one of the most popular activities from Reykjavik and well worth the late evening.

Taking a guided tour gives you the best chance of seeing the aurora, as local guides know the best spots away from light pollution and can adjust based on weather and aurora forecasts. Most tours also include a free retry ticket if no lights are seen on your night, so book early in your trip to give yourself backup dates.

Options range from budget-friendly coach tours to more intimate small group experiences. A good starting point is this well-reviewed bus tour with hot chocolate, or for a more personal experience, this premium small group minibus tour.

Photography tip: You’ll need a tripod (or at least a stable surface), a wide-angle lens, and manual exposure settings. Start with ISO 1600, f/2.8, and a 10 to 15 second exposure, then adjust from there. A remote shutter release or your camera’s timer avoids shake. Most Northern Lights tour guides are happy to help with camera settings, and some even include professional photos.

If you’re planning to photograph the aurora, have a read through our guide to how to photograph the Northern Lights, which covers tips for all types of cameras.

I should add that despite multiple trips to Iceland and various attempts, we have never been able to see a good display here due to the weather not co-operating. We have been lucky enough to see them in other locations around the world, but not Iceland. So please don’t be too disappointed if you don’t get to see them on your visit, it’s far from guaranteed!

 

Landmannalaugar

We did a super jeep tour to Landmannalaugar and it was one of the highlights of our time in Iceland. This otherworldly landscape of colourful rhyolite mountains, steaming hillsides, and bubbling mud pots sits in the Icelandic Highlands, accessed across vast ash-covered plains.

The drive alone is an experience, especially in a super jeep, which handles the rough highland roads and river crossings that make this area tricky to reach. Once there, you can hike through a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. The main hiking loop takes around 60 to 90 minutes, though there are longer options if you have the time.

Dress in layers and bring proper waterproof, windproof clothing. We visited in June and got snowed on. See our Iceland packing list for tips. Don’t forget your swimming clothes either, as there are free natural hot pools at Landmannalaugar where you can soak after the hike.

Self-drive or tour? Tour, strongly recommended. The roads are F-roads (highland roads) that require a proper 4×4, and there are multiple river crossings. No car insurance in Iceland covers river crossing damage, so the financial risk of self-driving is high. A super jeep tour to Landmannalaugar is the way to go.

Season: Summer only (roughly June to September), when the highland roads are open.

Photography tip: The colourful rhyolite mountains are incredibly photogenic and look almost unreal in photos. The colours are most vivid in good light, so hope for some sunshine (which I did not have!). A wide-angle lens captures the sweeping landscapes best, though a telephoto is useful for compressing the layers of colourful ridges. The scale here can be hard to judge, so including people in your shots for scale can really help. As you’re riding in a vehicle, weight is less of an issue, so bring the gear you think you might need.

My honest take: If you enjoy hiking and want to see something that feels genuinely remote and wild, this is the trip. The super jeep experience is great fun, and Landmannalaugar is unlike anywhere else in Iceland.

 

Thorsmork (Þórsmörk)

Thorsmork, or the Valley of Thor, is one of Iceland’s most popular hiking destinations. It’s a beautiful green valley sheltered by the glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull and Myrdalsjokull, and reaching it requires crossing more than ten rivers, which makes it an adventure in itself.

Self-drive or tour? Take a tour. The river crossings are serious, no hire car insurance covers this kind of driving, and the costs of damaging a rental on these routes would be eye-watering. There are dedicated super jeep tours and highland buses that run here in summer.

Season: Summer only. This is also the starting point for the famous Laugavegur multi-day trek to Landmannalaugar, which is one of the most popular hikes in Iceland.

My honest take: If hiking is your thing and you have the time, Thorsmork is exceptional. But for most visitors on a shorter trip, the more accessible day trips (Golden Circle, South Coast) should come first.

 

Ice Caves and Glacier Experiences

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, a natural ice cave tour should be near the top of your list. These form inside and underneath glaciers, and the incredible blue hues of the ice make for an unforgettable experience. I haven’t done a natural ice cave tour personally, but they consistently rank as one of the most popular winter activities in Iceland and the photos speak for themselves.

There are ice cave tours available from Reykjavik on GetYourGuide, including this Katla ice cave tour and this combined South Coast and ice cave trip. There are also tours departing from other locations you might find yourself, like this one from Skaftafell.

This is absolutely a trip that needs to be done as a guided tour. Glaciers are dangerous, and you want to be with an expert.

There’s also the “Into the Glacier” experience on Langjökull glacier, which involves driving across Europe’s second largest glacier on a massive 8-wheel former NATO truck and then walking through a man-made ice tunnel. We did this and it was fun, though I’d recommend prioritising a natural ice cave tour if you have to choose between the two. The natural formations are more impressive. The Into the Glacier tour from Reykjavik also includes stops at the Hraunfossar waterfalls and Deildartunguhver hot spring area.

If you’re not visiting in winter, you can get an idea of what an ice cave is like at the Perlan in Reykjavik. Their Wonders of Iceland exhibition includes a recreation of an ice cave using real ice. It’s not the same as the real thing, but it’s well done.

 

Whale Watching and Puffin Watching

You can do both whale and puffin watching on trips that depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, making these easy half-day activities that don’t require a car or a full day.

We’ve taken multiple puffin trips around Iceland, including this hour-long puffin trip from Reykjavik which takes you out to the small islands where puffins nest. We saw loads of them. Puffin season runs from roughly late April to mid-August, so timing matters.

For whale watching, there are options ranging from larger boats to faster RIB speedboats. This whale watching tour on the Andrea (Iceland’s largest whale watching vessel) is well-reviewed and includes a free retry ticket if no whales are spotted. For something more adventurous, this RIB speedboat tour gets you closer to the wildlife and is an experience in itself.

If you want to do both, this combo whale and puffin tour combines the two into a half-day experience.

Photography tip: For puffin watching, a telephoto or long zoom lens makes a huge difference (200mm minimum, ideally 300mm or more). For whale watching, a faster shutter speed (1/1000 or higher) helps capture breaches. On both boats, dress warmly and keep your camera accessible rather than buried in a bag.

I should mention that if you’re heading to Húsavík in the north of Iceland on a longer trip, the whale watching there is considered the best in the country. That’s where we went whale watching and we had a blast. But for a day trip from Reykjavik, the Old Harbour tours are convenient, and the sighting rates are good.

For more on where and when to see puffins across Iceland, see Jess’s detailed guide to puffins in Iceland.

 

Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

The Westman Islands are an archipelago off Iceland’s south coast, and they’re one of my favourite places to visit in the country. We took the ferry from Landeyjahöfn (about a two-hour drive southeast of Reykjavik), and then spent time on the main island of Heimaey exploring the volcanic landscape and taking a boat trip around the islands.

The boat trip was a highlight. You cruise past dramatic sea cliffs, sea caves, and in summer, enormous puffin colonies. This is one of the best places in Iceland to see puffins up close, as the Westman Islands host one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in the world.

We overnighted on the islands, and I’d recommend that if you can. But a very long day trip from Reykjavik is technically possible: drive to Landeyjahöfn (about two hours), take the 35-minute ferry, explore the island, and return the same day. Start very early.

Self-drive or tour? Self-drive to the ferry terminal, then explore on foot or rent a car on the island. Book the ferry in advance in summer as it fills up.

Photography tip: The boat trip around the islands offers great sea cliff compositions. A zoom lens helps for capturing puffins on the clifftops from the water. On land, the view from the top of Eldfell volcano looking down over Heimaey town and the harbour is one of the most photogenic panoramas in Iceland.

My honest take: If you have four or more days and you’re interested in puffins or volcanic history (the 1973 eruption that nearly destroyed the town is fascinating), the Westman Islands are well worth the effort. For shorter trips, there’s plenty to see closer to Reykjavik.

 

Visit Volcanic Eruption Sites

Iceland is the land of fire and ice, and volcanic eruptions are a regular occurrence. The Reykjanes Peninsula (see above) has been particularly active in recent years, with multiple eruptions in the Sundhnúkur crater row between 2023 and 2025. Some of these eruptions have been dramatic, including lava flows that threatened the town of Grindavík.

When conditions allow, guided tours visit the eruption sites. These typically involve hiking on uneven ground, so you’ll need proper footwear and layers. The landscape changes with each eruption, so what you see depends on when you visit.

Check SafeTravel.is for current volcanic activity and any exclusion zones. Tour availability depends on conditions, and operators will cancel if it’s not safe.

My honest take: If volcanic activity is happening and tours are running during your visit, it’s a unique experience. But it’s not something you can count on being available, and conditions change rapidly.

 

Practical Tips for Day Trips from Reykjavik

Getting Connected

You’ll want mobile data for navigation and checking road conditions. We recommend picking up an eSIM before your trip. We use Airalo, which has Iceland-specific data plans that activate instantly on your phone. Much easier than buying a physical SIM card at the airport.

Parking and Payment

Most popular attractions in Iceland now charge for parking, typically 750 to 1,000 ISK per stop. The Parka app covers most sites and is essential, so download it before your trip. A few locations (Thingvellir, Seljalandsfoss) use machines or the checkit.is app instead. All accept contactless card payments. I’ve listed specific parking costs under each day trip above.

Driving Costs

As of January 2026, Iceland has a per-kilometre road tax of 6.95 ISK/km, which car rental companies add to your final bill. On the plus side, fuel prices have dropped to roughly 185 to 230 ISK per litre. Budget around 15,000 to 25,000 ISK per day for car hire depending on vehicle type and season.

What to Wear

Iceland weather changes fast. Dress in layers, bring a waterproof jacket, and wear proper walking shoes for any trip involving hiking. Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly and rain can appear without warning. For a full rundown, see our Iceland packing list.

Booking in Advance

For popular tours (Northern Lights, ice caves, Blue Lagoon), book well in advance, especially in summer and around holidays. For self-drive day trips, just make sure your car is booked. Many readers have asked whether you can book tours after arriving in Iceland, and the answer is yes, but the most popular ones often sell out days in advance.

Solar Eclipse: August 2026

On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will be visible from Iceland, including from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This is a rare event and is expected to drive very high demand for accommodation and tours in summer 2026. If you’re planning a visit around this time, book as far in advance as possible.

 

Where to Stay in Reykjavik

Since you’ll be basing yourself in Reykjavik for your day trips, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to come back to at the end of long days. Here are some options we can recommend across different budgets.

For a well-equipped larger hotel, the Hotel Reykjavík Grand is a reliable choice with a good breakfast buffet and convenient location for tour pickups. We’ve stayed here on multiple trips.

The Berjaya Reykjavik Natura (formerly the Icelandair Hotel Natura) is close to the domestic airport and has a relaxed feel. It’s also a common pickup point for guided tours. We overnighted here once before heading out on our ring road adventure.

For those watching the budget, Guesthouse Galtafell is close to the city centre, has a lot of character (the building dates from 1916), and is significantly more affordable than the larger hotels. We’ve also stayed here and it was very comfortable.

For a hostel option, KEX Hostel is centrally located, has a great bar and restaurant, and offers both dorms and private rooms.

See more lodging options in Reykjavik on Booking.com here. We recommend Booking.com as they have everything from hostels to hotels to apartments, competitive pricing, and usually a solid cancellation policy.

 

When to Visit Iceland

Iceland is a year-round destination, but the time of year affects what you can do.

Summer (June to August) brings long days (near 24-hour daylight in June), warmer temperatures, and access to everything. The highland roads open, puffins are nesting, and all day trips are available. It’s also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Book accommodation and popular tours three to six months in advance.

Winter (November to March) is quieter and generally cheaper. You get the Northern Lights, ice cave tours, and a very different atmosphere. But daylight is limited (as little as four to five hours in December), some roads may close due to weather, and tours like Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork aren’t available. You’ll need to plan your packing list carefully.

Shoulder season (April-May and September-October) can be excellent. Fewer crowds than summer, still decent daylight, and you might catch the Northern Lights in the early or late parts of this window. September in particular can be beautiful.

Special note for 2026: A total solar eclipse will be visible from Iceland on 12 August 2026. Expect extremely high demand and book early if you’re planning a summer 2026 trip.

 

Further Reading for Your Iceland Trip

We have a lot more Iceland content to help you plan. Here are the most useful guides:

For detailed itineraries: our 3 day stopover itinerary, 5 day itinerary, and Ring Road road trip itinerary. Jess has also written a 7 day winter Iceland itinerary.

For practical planning: our Iceland planning guide, Iceland packing list, and driving tips for Iceland.

For photography: our favourite photography locations in Iceland and cold weather photography tips.

For specific attractions: our Golden Circle guide, Game of Thrones filming locations, finding the Iceland plane crash, and photographing the Northern Lights.

And on Independent Travel Cats: Jess has written about where to see puffins in Iceland, visiting the Blue Lagoon, and visiting Iceland on a budget.

For real-time weather and conditions: the Icelandic Met Office and SafeTravel.is.

And that finishes up our guide to the best day trips you can take from Reykjavik! We think this includes some of Iceland’s best day trips, and we hope you enjoyed it. Is Iceland on your list? Do you have a favourite day trip from Reykjavik you want to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do day trips from Reykjavik without a car?

Yes. Most of the popular day trips (Golden Circle, South Coast, Snaefellsnes, Northern Lights, whale watching, Blue Lagoon) are available as guided tours departing from Reykjavik. You’ll have less flexibility than with a hire car, but you can still see the highlights. The main trips that genuinely need a car are Glymur Waterfall and the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Do I need a 4×4 for day trips from Reykjavik?

For most day trips, no. A standard 2WD car handles the Golden Circle, South Coast (to Vik), Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Reykjanes Peninsula, and Glymur Waterfall just fine. You only need a 4×4 for highland F-roads leading to Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork, and we’d strongly recommend taking a tour to those anyway because of the river crossings.

How many days should I spend in Reykjavik for day trips?

Three to four days gives you a good selection. With three days, you can do the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and either a lagoon visit or whale watching. Four days adds the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Glymur Waterfall. Five or more days lets you include seasonal experiences and less common trips like the Westman Islands or Landmannalaugar.

Can I visit the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon as a day trip from Reykjavik?

Technically yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The glacier lagoon is about five hours of driving each way from Reykjavik, which makes for an extremely long and tiring day. You’ll barely have time to enjoy it. It’s better included as part of a multi-day trip along the South Coast. See our 5 day itinerary for how to work it in comfortably.

Is the Blue Lagoon still open with the volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula?

The Blue Lagoon has continued to operate during the Sundhnúkur eruptions (2023-2025), though it has occasionally closed temporarily during active phases. Check the Blue Lagoon’s official website for current status before booking. The Sky Lagoon, which is closer to Reykjavik city centre, is an excellent alternative and is unaffected by the volcanic activity.

When is the best time to visit Iceland for day trips?

Summer (June to August) gives you the most options, the longest daylight, and the best weather. Winter offers Northern Lights and ice caves but fewer daylight hours and some road restrictions. The shoulder months of May and September offer a good compromise. Note that a total solar eclipse will be visible from Iceland on 12 August 2026.