Day Trips from Reykjavik

With some of the most incredible scenery to be found anywhere on the planet, Reykjavík is a unique place where nature seems to remain untouched. If you are thinking of visiting the capital of Iceland you should be aware that this is not just any holiday destination, it is truly something else.

There are many things to see and do in Reykjavík, from the popular Golden Circle hikes, views of the amazing Northern Lights, whale watching, adventure tourism experiences, and more. Believe me you won't regret it, Reykjavik is one of those destinations that will win you over and stay with you forever.

Enjoy a visit to the incredible Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will see waterfalls, towering lakes and glaciers, as well as the exact point where the tectonic plates split, creating a truly amazing landscape that is well worth a visit.

Some of these tours offer pick-up from your accommodation, although you may also have to go to a meeting point. During the 7-hour tour you will travel in a minibus with your expert guide through different areas of the Golden Circle.

This 300-kilometre route has some of Iceland's most breathtaking views, places full of charm and natural beauty.

With this type of tour you will be able to see the first and original geyser, called Geysir, after which the others were named. It is located in the area of Haukadalur, a place of great geothermal wealth, everything here will seem to be boiling. Visiting the great Geysir from Reykjavík is one of the most popular excursions for travellers.

You can also visit the Golden Waterfall (Gullfoss), one of the most charming places in the Icelandic capital.

Note that the tour does not usually include lunch, so you'll need to bring something to eat, as much of the tour takes place in the wilderness and there aren't many options for shopping afterwards.

Useful information:

• Price: from 55 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 7 hours.
• Pros: You will get to see some of Reykjavik's must-see sights.
• Cons: The itinerary is closed and may not be suitable for young children as it takes all day.

Among the most popular tours in Iceland are those in search of the awe-inspiring northern lights.

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see this phenomenon in the sky. Those who have had the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights agree that it is one of nature's great wonders.

You will depart from your accommodation or agreed pick-up point with your guide on a night-time adventure in a minibus or van. As this is an unpredictable natural phenomenon, the destination of the tour is decided the same day according to the weather forecast.

Although the tour guides know the best time to see the Northern Lights, it is important to know that it is impossible to guarantee that you will be able to see them, precisely because it is a natural phenomenon.

Often, in the event that it cannot be seen, the guides will reconvene the group for the following night, subject to availability.

Don't hesitate, taking a tour to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik is one of the best things to do in Iceland.

Useful information:

• Price: from 43 euros per person.
• Duration: 3 to 5 hours.
• Pros: You will be able to witness one of nature's most wonderful spectacles.
• Cons: The Northern Lights are unpredictable, so there is a possibility that you may not be able to see them clearly. Sometimes, however, the guides offer to repeat the experience the following day.

This 8-hour tour takes in some of the most iconic sights of the Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park with its natural wonders, Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur and its famous Geysir, Haukadalsvegur and the Secret Lagoon, or Blue Lagoon.

This type of tour is for small groups on board a minibus. Your guide will tell you all about the history of Iceland and the places you visit, as well as the region' s Viking past and its most chilling details.

What sets this tour apart from others that also visit the Golden Circle is the entrance to the Secret Lagoon or Blue Lagoon. This is a natural pool of thermal waters, an incredible place to take a warm bath in the middle of nature. This is one of the oldest hot springs in Iceland and one of the best places to leave any stress behind.

You will see the snow-capped mountains just metres from where you stand and the steam from the waters of the lagoon rising into the sky. An incredible and surreal experience, as the blue of the water contrasts with the white that surrounds it. Taking this tour to see the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik is truly a must.

The tour does not usually include lunch, so you will need to bring some snacks to eat along the way.

Useful information:

• Price: from 127 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 8 hours.
• Pros: A breathtaking experience to get to know the blue lagoon, one of Iceland's jewels.
• Cons: The itinerary is closed.

On the South Coast tours from Reykjavík you can enjoy some of Iceland's most charming natural sights. After leaving the capital, the tour will allow you to see wonders such as the Skógafoss waterfalls, the Eyjafjallajökull volcano or the black sandy beaches of Reynisfjara, all aboard a comfortable minibus.

Iceland is full of majestic corners. You can stop to take amazing pictures of landscapes that don't look like they belong on this planet, such as the Sólheimajökul glacier or the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which you can walk through... if you dare.

They also usually include a visit to the picturesque village of Vik Vik, where you can take some pictures of the Trolls on the beach, huge basalt formations very popular with tourists.

The tour includes a stop for lunch at a restaurant located on the beach of Reynisfjara. Lunch is not usually included, although travellers are usually treated to typical Icelandic snacks.

Useful information:

• Price: from 98 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 10 hours.
• Pros: An excellent tour of some of Iceland's best sites.
• Cons: The length of the tour may not be suitable for young children.

If you are planning to visit Reykjavik with children, this is one of the tours that I recommend, as it lasts only 3 hours. This duration is perfect so that the little ones don't get tired and can watch the whale show just a few metres from the boat.

The whale watching tour in Reykjavik harbour is one of the most popular excursions of all, since, although there are many places where you can see whales, here the cetaceans come close enough to almost touch the boat. An unparalleled experience to feel immersed in nature.

In addition to different varieties of whales, dolphins and some birds can also be seen on this type of excursion.

Useful information:

• Price: from 76 euros per person.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Pros: This is a unique experience where you can live the adventure of having these creatures just a few metres away.
• Cons: It may happen that the whales do not let themselves be seen. In such cases, don't worry, the crew usually offers a second trip the following day completely free of charge.

Another type of tour that also goes to the south coast of Iceland is to Lake Jökulsárlón.

During the tour you can see the most imposing views of the country's largest active volcano, Oraefajokull. You will marvel at the incredible views of Skaftafell in Vatnajokull National Park.

This is one of the most comprehensive and longest tours, lasting approximately 14 hours. You will be able to visit the black sand Diamond Beach, with its large chunks of ice melting in the sun, from which the beach gets its name.

You can also enjoy Iceland's most majestic glacier, Vatnajokull and the Jökulsárlón lagoon.

This guided tour will also allow you to learn all about the history of the country. Many of these tours can pick you up from your accommodation and you will then depart in a heated, air-conditioned minibus with wifi, along Iceland's beautiful roads. Lunch is not usually included, so you should consider taking something to eat.

Useful information:

• Price: from 136 euros per person.
• Duration: on average 14 hours.
• Pros: This is one of the most complete excursions you can do.
• Cons: It can be a bit long.

If you have an adventurous spirit you can't miss a horseback riding tour in Reykjavík, one of the most exciting experiences you can have.

In the 2 hours that this tour lasts you will ride through some of the most wonderful landscapes of Iceland, you will see lakes and mountains, snowy landscapes, all mounted on a typical Icelandic horse, which are calm and relaxed spirit.

Definitely one of the experiences that you should live in your trip to Iceland. The experience of riding in these incomparable landscapes will leave an indelible mark on you.

Useful information:

• Price: from 95 euros per person.
• Duration: 2 hours (4 hours if you want the transfer from the capital).
• For: it is an adventure that brings you closer to nature than any other.
• Against: not recommended for children under 8 years old.

Enjoy an 11-hour excursion to the west of Iceland, riding through the majestic and hypnotic lava fields in a comfortable minibus. You will feel like you are on another planet with the volcanic rock and its curious shapes.

The lava fields of Berserkjahraun are 4000 years old and are among the most famous landscapes in Iceland.

You can take amazing pictures in Arnarstapi, a small fishing village full of charm. You will see cliffs, amazing rock formations and the black sandy beaches of Djúpalónssandur, all of which are full of stories about Vikings and sailors.

You can also see the beautiful Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, a place of great beauty where you can't help but feel like you are in the middle of the purest nature. Here it seems that man has not yet arrived.

Useful information:

• Price: from 110 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 11 hours.
• Pros: This is an excursion where you will be able to enjoy the lava fields like no other.
• Cons: It may be a little too long to do with children.

A great experience to enjoy Iceland's snowy landscapes to the fullest. From Reykjavík you will be taken in a comfortable coach to some of the most representative places of the region.

This is one of the best recommended excursions to do in winter in Reykjavík. You will see the imposing Langjökull glacier, the Thingvellir National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal area where the famous Geysir, the first and most important geyser in the world, is located.

But the main attraction of this excursion is that you can spend a whole hour on board a snowmobile touring the Langjökull glacier at full speed. A unique adventure to experience alone, with friends or with the family.

Useful information:

• Price: from 210 Euros per person
• Duration: about 10 hours
• Plus: you will be able to enjoy the snowy landscapes on a snowmobile.
• Cons: The snowmobile ride may leave you wanting more.

Do you want to climb two of Iceland's most important mountains on a 4-wheel ATV? On this exciting guided tour you can experience the adrenaline rush of feeling part of these incredible lunar landscapes on earth.

At full speed you will be able to ride through iconic places of the country, such as Lake Hafravatn, all the charm of the Reykjanes Peninsula and the beautiful Blue Mountains from high above. As you go, your guide will tell you all about each of the places you see.

This experience, as well as the Reykjavik snowmobile tour, invites you to immerse yourself in adventure and feel like an explorer, all in some of the most wonderful places you can imagine.

Information of interest:

• Price: from 123 euros per person.
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes.
• For: an experience full of excitement and adrenaline.
• Against: not recommended for young children.

Booking a tour is very easy, but it is always best to book online.

This way you can choose from the many options available and read reviews from other travellers who have already been on a tour, so you can be sure that you are booking a tour with a reputable, high quality company. On the other hand, if you book a tour on the street you may have a bad experience.

Whether you are interested in the best food tours in Reykjavik or more adrenaline-filled options, such as the amazing helicopter tours, you will find on the internet everything you need to have an unforgettable trip.

Each tour has a different duration according to what you intend to visit, generally ranging from 2 or 3 hours to 14 hours. Ideal for each traveller to choose the option they like best.

Depending on the tour you choose, you will get to see some of Iceland's most incredible sights, from the Blue Lagoon, Geysir and the geothermal area, to glaciers, snow-capped peaks and more. There are truly so many options this amazing country has to offer.

Remember that Iceland has low temperatures all year round, so it is always advisable to bring a coat when hiking, especially if you are going to visit outdoor places where the low temperatures are felt much more.

I also recommend that you take some waterproof footwear, the terrain is often uneven and often snowy or icy, so keeping your feet dry and warm is of great importance.

Prices depend on the number of hours and the type of tour you decide to book, but generally range from 76 to 136 Euros. As you can see there are options for all budgets.

It is highly recommended to take a tour from Reykjavík because there are many attractions on the island, so taking a tour will allow you to see in detail some of the natural beauties of this beautiful country.

By taking a guided tour you are guaranteed to see some of the most important places in Iceland, and there are some areas that cannot be visited on your own or, at least, would be more expensive and time-consuming.

In addition, the guides will tell you about the country's history and past, its culture and some interesting facts. It is always better to take a guided tour.