The 7 Best Day Trips from Reykjavík

Around 60% of Iceland’s population live in Reykjavík, so it’s a fab place to soak up Icelandic creativity, the famously friendly locals’ welcoming nature, and a once-prohibited nightlife (beer was banned until 1989). But it’s a microscopic picture of Iceland’s landscape. You could spend a few days pootling Reykjavík’s high-tech museums, coffee shops, quirky art galleries, and pretty waterfront, and we recommend that you do, but most of Iceland’s magic is outside the capital.

1. Sólheimajökull Glacier

Reykjavík to Sólheimajökull Glacier: 2 hours 30 minutes 

Step into a National Geographic shot with a trip to Sólheimajökull, one of Iceland’s most unique glaciers. Volcanic ash streaks through the blue-hued ice and the sheet of thick glacier stretches out for 11+ kilometres – an eye-popping, surreal scene. It’s also one of the most accessible glaciers – especially from Reykjavík – and can be tackled by anyone with a basic fitness level. 

While you could technically visit the glacier without a guide, we don’t recommend doing that. Glaciers are dynamic, shifting organisms, and can be dangerous. Guides keep you safe and informed, and ensure you get the most out of your trip to Sólheimajökull. Guides also provide you with the necessary gear, like crampons and helmets. 

The South Coast and Glacier Hike tour with Holiday Tours is one of the best out there, with knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides who are passionate about the glacier and Iceland’s landscape in general. They also offer a meet-on-location tour, so you can drive yourself and just meet the guide at the glacier for a safe, educational, and truly incredible bucket-list experience.

2. Whale Watching

It’s hard to believe that you can hop on a boat in Iceland’s capital and spot whales within 9 miles of the harbour, but thanks to the ocean currents, plankton food supply, and long daylight hours in summer, you can. Whales swim in these waters, mainly in Faxaflói Bay, all year, but summer (April to October) is the best time to spot migratory whales. Humpback whale sightings are common, and their playful and inquisitive nature means they can come pretty close. 

Most whale-watching trips from Reykjavík start from the picturesque harbour, just a five-minute walk from the city centre. After your boat trip, when you’re all amped up from seeing huge mammals in their natural habitat, there’s a handful of bars, restaurants, and fish and chip spots at the harbour. 

3. Snæfellsjökull National Park

Reykjavík to Snæfellsjökull National Park: 2 hours 50 minutes

Located on the western tip of Snæfellsness Peninsula, Snæfellsjökull National Park is a fast track to experiencing Iceland’s colossal natural beauty. It’s nicknamed Iceland in Miniature, squeezing a mix of the country’s natural wonders into a small geographical area: ink-black sand beaches, basalt formations, lava fields, mountains, waterfalls, a volcano, a glacier, and more. It’s wonderfully quiet, with few tourists and plenty of wide open, expansive space. 

You can drive to the park yourself, but taking a guided tour is a fantastic way to learn more about the national park. And it’s quite a long drive from Reykjavík, so on the way back, you can relax and switch off after a packed day. We love this one. Not only does it tick off the big hitters – such as Kirkjufell Mountain, the cone-shaped peak featured in Game of Thrones – but it also takes adventurers through an 8,000-year-old lava cave. 

4. Vík

Reykjavík to Vík: 2 hours 30 minutes

This remote seafront village might look sweet, but it’s the home of hardcore dwellers who must battle the elements daily. But for visitors, the extreme weather conditions are just an insight into life in Vík, and as the most southerly village in Iceland, it’s a fascinating place. 

There’s a handful of restaurants to refuel after the drive, and the walk up to the 1929 church, Reyniskirkja, is rewarded with stunning views. The main charm of Vík is its remoteness, but there is a lot to do around the village too. The Dyrhólaey viewpoint is a must-see, where you’re treated to eye-popping views of the crashing ocean, geological formations, and if you’re lucky and visit during summer, puffins. 

You could make several stops on the gorgeous 2-hour-and-30-minute drive from Reykjavík, including Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. It’s also a 10-minute drive to the famous Reynisfjara Beach, a volcanic black stretch of sand with iconic stacks of basalt columns. And – you’ll come to realise this is a common phrase in Iceland – it was a Game of Thrones filming location!

5. Golden Circle

Reykjavík to the Golden Circle: It’s a 1-hour drive to Thingvellir National Park, the most popular first stop on the Golden Circle.

Just one hour from Iceland’s capital, you’ll find some of the country’s most impressive geological formations and geothermal activity. Enter: The Golden Circle, a much-loved driving route that ticks off a few of Iceland’s big hitters. The name is a combination of the circular route and Gullfoss Falls, a key stop on the Golden Circle. 

There’s lots of talk about whether it’s worth taking a guided tour of the Golden Circle or if it’s better to drive yourself. We’ve covered this (and much more) in our guide to visiting the Golden Circle.  

6. Thórsmörk

Reykjavík to Thórsmörk: 1 hour 50 minutes

Located in the southern Icelandic highlands, Thórsmörk offers something different – a little wilder – than most of the coastal areas near Reykjavík. The nature reserve is a hotspot for hiking with scenery so otherworldly stunning that it’s almost godly – Thórsmörk is named after the Norse god, Thor, after all. The totally unspoilt, uncrowded area is a joy to explore, you’ll feel like you’re seeing something truly extraordinary.

Several multi-day tours start in Thórsmörk but, for a day trip, we recommend scaling Valahnúkur. The hike is short but tough – it takes around 90 minutes to summit the mountain – with spectacular views out to the river, mountains, glaciers, and lava fields. The Stakkholtsgja Canyon is another beautiful 90-minute hike – there’s a real Bilbo Baggins’ adventure feel to this magical route. 

Some buses go to Thórsmörk during the high season, but renting a car is easier. Nordic Car Rental is a favourite of ours for their fleet of reliable, high-spec SUVs. Find prices here. 

7. Borgarfjörður 

Reykjavík to Borgarfjörður: 1 hour 10 minutes

Despite being just over an hour from Reykjavík, Borgarfjörður offers the kind of peacefulness that you might want from Iceland. With ties to the ancient Icelandic Sagas, the fjord is steeped in folklore and mystery. The land of lore also delivers natural splendour, with cascading waterfalls, snow-crusted peaks, hot springs, and very few people. Iceland’s subterranean heating system is in full show-off mode here – the mist-shrouded Deildartunguhver Hot Springs is the most powerful in Europe, heating the nearby towns and villages. Visit Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls too – you can walk between them – and admire the natural phenomena of icy blue water streaming from lava fields.