The Best Day Trips From Reykjavik

Characterised by its milky blue waters, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. A mere 15-minute drive from Keflavik airport, the mineral-rich geothermal spa is the ultimate leisure experience where premium admission tickets include extras like silica or algae face mask and a complimentary drink. A bar is available inside the actual pool area where visitors can purchase a range of drinks from beer to wine. When hunger starts to kick in, head over to the lagoon’s fine-dining restaurant Lava or purchase snacks by the entrance of the spa.

You may be familiar with the Blue Lagoon, but have you heard of the Secret Lagoon? This secluded geothermal pool is the oldest lagoon in Iceland and unlike its famous counterpart, it has an intimate setting due to a moderate amount of visitors. Situated in the small village of Flúðir in southern Iceland and close to the Golden Circle, the hot spring also offers colourful views during colder months. If you’re lucky and are visiting during winter, you’ll be able to see the Northern Lights whilst relaxing in the 38-40C (100-104F) pool.

The eight-hour Golden Circle day tour gives you a taste of Iceland’s fiery and powerful nature. Starting off with the striking Geysir area, where active hot springs spout steaming water 30 metres (98 feet) into the air, the tour then takes you to the glacier river Hvítá where you’ll spot the Gullfoss waterfall – the impressive cascade that plunges 32 metres (105 feet) into a crevice. The tour then continues on to Þingvellir National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 – where you will find the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and then get to discover more of Iceland’s majestic wonders, like the volcanic crater at Lake Kerið.

Driving along the southern coast of Iceland with this 14-hour day tour, you will experience the kaleidoscopic colours of black sand beaches, crystalline glaciers and multi-coloured lava fields. Spot unusual views at Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice resembling sparkling diamonds can be found scattered along the black sand. Marvel at the dramatic landscape of the Glacier Lagoon, one of the largest glaciers in Europe, and admire the environment while riding a boat cruise through the area to see the lagoon up close.

Iceland is a treasure trove of myths and folklore, and a vast number of them originate from the southern coast with its dramatic landscape. The itinerary of this 10-hour road trip to southern Iceland is filled with glaciers and mountains, before arriving at the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. You will also experience the region’s nature with a stop in Vik, the country’s southernmost village just south of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

Start off your Northern Lights tour by visiting the Aurora Reykjavík Museum free of charge, where you can learn more about the colourful phenomena. After being picked up from the institution, your three-hour tour will take you to the countryside to avoid light pollution and give you a greater chance of spotting the dancing Aurora. The guided tour takes place in the winter when the lights are more visible, so be sure to dress warmly!

Starting off at the Ytri-Tunga farm, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour takes you around a few fishing villages like Grundarfjörður, Arnarstapi and Hellnar and the flaming Snæfellsjökull. Besides exploring the coastal region, you will have the chance to see the beautiful Kirkjufell mountain – known as the most photographed mountain in all of Iceland. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula allows you to experience the island’s diverse natural beauty in a single area ranging from sea cliffs and fjords to volcanoes and beaches.

Heading towards the small village of Reykholt, you’ll have the chance to hop into the Snorralaug Bathing Pool – a small hot spring that has been used by Icelanders since the 12th century. The area is dotted with hot springs, one being Deildartunguhver, which is the highest flowing hot spring in Europe. While on this glacier tour, you’ll also visit Hvalfjörður (“Whale Fjord”) where you will discover a glacier and a man-made ice cage situated in Langjökull, Europe’s second-largest glacier. While sitting in a customised monster truck, you’ll be able to take in the staggering views of icebergs as you learn about the effects that global warming has had on the area through a guide.

Iceland may not have been a part of Game of Thrones until the second season, but the popular TV show has contributed to the rise of tourists flocking to the island. Relive scenes and admire the landscape that was featured in the show on one of the many tours here by visiting locations like Þingvellir National Park and the Settlement-era lodge in Þjórsárdalur valley. Perfect for Game of Throne fans, the tour is also ideal for nature lovers who enjoy being outdoors, as you’ll explore Iceland’s beautiful scenery.

Located in southern Iceland, roughly two hours from Reykjavík, this 11-km-long glacier hike across Solheimajökull glacier is ideal for adventurers looking to explore Iceland through hiking. With the help of a certified glacier guide, you’ll walk on ice after receiving a quick safety lesson informing you of the dos and don’ts. During the hike, you’ll get great views of both Skogafoss waterfall and Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall originating from the ever-famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano glacier.

When visiting Þingvellir National Park, you will not only see where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, but you’ll also be able to snorkel between them on this dry-suit snorkelling tour. The two plates separate at a rate of roughly two centimetres (just under an inch) per year, leaving a rift that’s filled with the icy waters from the Langjökull glacier. You’ll be able to experience clear water 100 metres (330 feet) down at the Silfra rift.