Iceland is one of my favorite places to visit. Between the short flight from NYC and the convenience of it’s tourism infrastructure, it makes for the perfect trip for new and experienced travelers alike!
Iceland’s capitol city Reykjavik is the perfect starting point for a plethora of adventures out in the country.
With Iceland’s tourism being very nature and adventure forward, you can of course drive yourself to many of the popular locations. However, I would recommend traveling with a professional- especially in the winter time as the weather can change very quickly! I once saw the weather go from blustery to white-out snow in 15 minutes- not something I would have had a fun time driving through.
With that in mind, these are some of my favorite day trips out of Reykjavik!
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Reykjavik Food Walk – Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
One of my favorite ways to experience a new country is to eat the food! This tour allows visitors to sample the local Icelandic food while exploring the city.
Reykjavik is a pretty expensive city, and this is a great way of sampling a lot of the local cuisine- plus you get to go all over the city! You almost get a bonus city tour- albeit with a food forward focus.
Cost: $144
Time: 3 hours (approximately)
Size: 14 person max
Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
The Golden Circle tour is the ultimate Iceland roadtrip that simply can’t be missed. This iconic route includes stops at Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and the Great Geysir (plus a bonus stop at Strokkur geysir, which erupts more regularly)
Gullfoss, or the “Golden Falls” is one of Iceland’s most beloved waterfalls and lends its name to the Golden Circle route.
Þingvellir National Park is known for its historic and geological significance. Traditionally the site of Iceland’s annual parliament, Alþing, this National Park is located in the rift valley that marks the divide between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
With only five major geyser fields on Earth, it’s always exciting to get to visit one. This visit was particularly exciting for me because the Great Geysir, though erupting with gradually decreasing frequency is actually where the word “geyser” comes from!
Cost: $85.04
Time: 7 hours (approximately)
Size: 100 person max
Northern Lights Small Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos
Okay, let’s be real- if you’re in Iceland, you’re at least going to TRY to see the Northern Lights.
Since Iceland is located so far north, auroras can typically be seen between September and April- mostly because it’s so dark out during these months! Lucky visitors can and have seen the Northern Lights year round, though it’s definitely more of a winter phenomenon.
I like this tour because it gives you a decent amount of time to hunt the lights and it starts relatively late. The Northern Lights are most common between 11pm-2am. The hot chocolate helps, but definitely make sure to layer up! It’s cold out there!
Cost: $150 (on sale!)
Time: 4 hours (approximately)
Size: 19 person max
Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
This was one of my favorite tours from my own trip to Iceland!
This tour includes stops at Skogafoss, Solheimajokull Glacier, and the Instagram famous Seljalandsfoss, as well as Vik and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara Beach.
I’ve been to a few black sand beaches in my time but this is one of the darkest I’ve ever seen! Its a really stunning location- just make sure to keep one eye on those waves at all times.
You might even see some puffins in the summertime!
Cost: $137.01
Time: 10 hours (approximately)
Size: 19 person max
Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full Day Tour from Reykjavik
This tour is underrated! While most visitors make sure to visit the Golden Circle and the Black Sand Beaches, most neglect the Snaefellsnes Peninsula which I think is equally stunning.
Cost: $144
Time: 11 hours (approximately)
Size: 55 person max
Silfra: Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates
One of, if not THE most unique thing to do in Iceland is to swim between tectonic plates. This the only place on earth with this opportunity! It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This tour provides a guide, dry suit, snorkeling equipment, plus park entrance fees.
Now, I haven’t personally gone on this tour, but I know people who have and it was their absolute favorite experience in the country. It does get a bit cold, obviously, but hot chocolate and heated changing rooms are provided. I promise it’s worth it!
Cost: $154
Time: 2.5 hours (approximately)
Size: 6 person max
Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour
If you’re a horse person, you simply have to go for an Icelandic horse ride! Icelandic horses are most well known for their unique gait, the tölt, which is a quick four-beat gait that is both comfortable and ground-covering.
This tour offers 90-120 minute long rides through the spectacular Icelandic landscape. Helmets, boots, rain gear and warm gear are provided if necessary- and with Icelandic weather you’ll probably need at least some of the gear! Plus, this lets you save space in your luggage since you don’t have to pack your own gear.
Pickups from Reykjavik are provided if needed.
I took a similar tour on my last visit to Iceland and can’t recommend it enough.
Cost: $150
Time: 2 hours (approximately)
Size: 30 person max
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