7 Amazing Day Trips from Reykjavík
7 Amazing Day Trips from Reykjavík You Can't Miss
So, you've planned a trip to Iceland and are wondering which day trips to take? First things first, don’t rush to rent a car or book accommodation that’s far from Reykjavík’s city centre. Reykjavík is the perfect base for exploring the island’s mesmerising landscapes. With well-organised day tours departing directly from hotels like Center Hotels, you can check off some bucket-list sights without the stress of driving yourself or planning travel routes.
Why Stay in Reykjavík and Take Day Tours?
Let’s be real, Iceland's roads can get wild, especially in winter. Instead of navigating icy road conditions and worrying about fuel stops, kick back in a comfy hotel in Reykjavík and let the tour guides handle the rest. Center Hotels even makes mornings easier with “grab & go” breakfasts for early departures. Picture the convenience of hot coffee, fresh sandwiches, fruit, yoghurt, and juice, which is perfect to power up before your day of sightseeing begins.
Most tours include hotel pickups or nearby bus stop meeting points, so if you’re travelling in the winter, all you have to do is bundle up and step outside.
Blue Lagoon Tours: Soak in Iceland’s Most Famous Spa
The Blue Lagoon is a natural haven for relaxation, just a short ride from Reykjavík, making it one of the easiest and most popular day trips to take. The steamy, mineral-rich blue waters sit in the middle of a lava field, and they’re world-famous for a reason. Whether you're after silky smooth skin or that classic Icelandic selfie with a mud mask, this spot delivers the perfect experience and photo op.
Why it’s a great tour option: The Blue Lagoon is less than an hour from Reykjavík Tour options include entrance tickets and transfers It’s an Ideal spot for a relaxing half-day or full-day trip Pair a visit to the Blue Lagoon with a Golden Circle tour if you’re short on time
Golden Circle: Waterfalls, Geysers, and Tectonic Plates
The Golden Circle is the classic Iceland day trip, and for good reason. This loop includes three main attractions: Þingvellir National Park, where you can stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the Geysir geothermal area, where you can watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, a double-drop stunner. Whether you're into geology or just Instagram-worthy spots, the Golden Circle is the ultimate full-day tour from Reykjavík.
Why it’s special: Round-trip tours are available daily Many stops offer café options and restrooms Combines history, nature, and epic views Longer Golden Circle tours can include stops like the Secret Lagoon
Northern Lights Tours: Chase the Aurora Borealis
Between September and April, the skies above Iceland come alive with swirling shades of green, red, and blue. However, here’s the thing: the Northern Lights are elusive. That’s where guided tours come in handy. Tour leaders will take you to the best viewing spots, far from city lights, based on real-time forecasts. Some tours even offer a second chance if you don’t see the lights on your first trip.
Why it’s a bucket list experience: Experts increase your odds of seeing the aurora No stress over road conditions at night Perfect for a magical night out from Reykjavík
South Coast: Black Sand Beaches and Glacial Views
Ready for black sand beaches, cliffs, and dreamy waterfalls? Then, a South Coast tour is your ticket to Icelandic beauty. Highlights include Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara Beach with its black sand and basalt columns, as well as stunning views of glaciers and volcanoes along the way. This is one of the most photogenic day trips from Reykjavík, and the mix of landscapes will blow your mind.
Why travellers should consider it: Includes multiple popular Icelandic sights in one full day No need to navigate long coastal roads yourself Great for nature lovers and photographers
Horseback Riding and Hot Spring Tour
How about something a little more unique? On this tour, you’ll ride an Icelandic horse (yes, they’re adorably small and super friendly) through the stunning countryside before relaxing in a hidden hot spring. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, all wrapped up in a scenic full-day escape.
Why it’s fun for the whole family: Icelandic horses are famously easy to ride Hot spring locations are less crowded than the Blue Lagoon Great combo for outdoor enthusiasts
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: A Mini Iceland in One Day
If you only have time for one big trip, consider this one. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” because it encompasses volcanoes, lava fields, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs all within a single stunning region. You’ll likely spot Snæfellsjökull glacier, dramatic sea stacks at Arnarstapi, fishing villages and otherworldly lava fields.
Why you should tour Snæfellsnes: A quieter, less-touristy region Incredible photo ops Feels like a full vacation in one day
Reykjavík Is the Smartest Home Base
From steamy hot springs to volcanic landscapes and starry-night auroras, Iceland delivers thrills in every direction. If you want even more inspiration for things to do from Reykjavík, you’ll find plenty of activities and tours that go beyond the classic day trips. And here's the kicker: you don’t need to drive across the island to see it all. Staying in Reykjavík and booking well-planned day tours is, hands down, the easiest, safest, and most enjoyable way to experience Iceland’s wonders. Plus, with the best hotels in Reykjavík offering central locations, early breakfast options, and nearby bus stops, you’re all set for adventure.
FAQ
Can you do day trips from Reykjavík without renting a car?
Most popular tours offer hotel pickups or have nearby meeting points from various pick ups stops in the city center - some of them are even right in front of Center Hotels. Get more info about these stops here.
Are Reykjavík day tours available year-round?
Yes, although some, like the northern lights tours, run only from fall to early spring.
Will I see black sand beaches on any of these tours?
Yes, the South Coast tour includes the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach.
Are northern lights tours weather dependent?
Yes, but many companies offer free rebooking if the conditions aren’t right.
Can I book these tours directly from Center Hotels?
You can certainly do so; be sure to visit our day tours page to book online or ask our hotel staff for assistance.