A visit to Iceland sometimes means a street journey across the Ring Street with lengthy days of driving and switching accommodations each evening. Nonetheless, if you’re solely spending per week or much less in Iceland, it’s potential to base your self within the capital metropolis and nonetheless discover a great deal of Iceland by doing day journeys from Reykjavik.
It’s best to do that in the summertime when you may have numerous daylight during which to discover. Nonetheless, it does additionally make sense to keep in Reykjavik if you go to in the course of the winter after which guide day excursions to let another person do the driving. Touring to areas just like the West Fjords and driving the Ring Street in Northern Iceland can get very tough within the winter when roads are closed attributable to climate.
In case you do select to remain the whole time in Reykjavik and take day journeys, simply perceive that it will imply lengthy, full days of exploring — leaving early within the morning and returning within the night or late at evening. You’ve a selection of both reserving a rental automotive and self-driving or reserving a guided tour with a pick-up in Reykjavik for the preferred day journeys.
I nonetheless advocate placing collectively an Iceland itinerary that strikes round on a street journey so that you’ve extra time to squeeze in enjoyable actions and see extra of the nation, however I actually perceive that it’s simpler to discover a lodge in Reykjavik and keep in the identical place for the whole journey with out unpacking and repacking on daily basis or coping with the problem of discovering appropriate lodging alongside the route.
Day Journeys from Reykjavik
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Earlier than heading out of Reykjavik for a day journey, you should definitely decide up some snacks on the native Bonus or Krónan and pack a refillable water bottle. Discovering locations to cease to eat could be restricted alongside the route. Additionally, fuel up the automotive if you see an N1 or different service station — these are additionally nice spots to hit the restroom and seize a chew to eat.
You make additionally need to test https://street.is if the climate is iffy to verify there aren’t any street closures. (See my different Iceland journey ideas for more information.)
Understand that if you happen to would like to take a guided day tour slightly than self-drive, I might extremely advocate my associate Hidden Iceland. In case you guide a scheduled small group tour with Hidden Iceland, you’ll obtain 10% if you use promo code WE3TRAVEL. They provide group excursions to many of those locations and may present non-public excursions.
Now, let’s check out one of the best day journeys from Reykjavik:
1. Snaefellsnes Peninsula
It took me three journeys to get there however Snaefellsnes is certainly one of my favourite areas in Iceland and it makes an incredible day journey. Situated simply two hours west of Reykjavik, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula doesn’t entice the identical variety of large bus excursions that you simply discover within the Golden Circle or the South Coast.
I wrote an entire submit concerning the high 9 points of interest on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to see on a day journey from Reykjavik if you wish to see extra particulars. Most Snaefellsnes day excursions will head counterclockwise, beginning in Stykkishólmur. Nonetheless, an effective way to keep away from crowds is to go to the southern facet of the peninsula first and finish in Stykkishólmur earlier than returning again to Reykjavik.
One other advantage of touring on this path is that you could organize to see Kirkjufell round sundown (relying on the time of 12 months after all) and be part of the road of photographers with their tripods in search of that iconic photograph. It additionally leaves you to have dinner in Stykkishólmur at Sjávarpakkhúsid, which is a terrific native seafood restaurant that serves up a tremendous seafood stew or mussels.
A couple of of the must-do stops on a Snaefellsnes day journey embody:
- Budakirkja black church in Búdir for its putting structure and scenic location on the coast, the place you too can stroll all the way down to the seashore or hike alongside the coast
- Raudfeldsgja gorge is a slim canyon within the cliff wall that you could hike into for a really cool and distinctive expertise. Raudfeldsgja will not be included in most excursions of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, however it’s properly definitely worth the cease if you’re self-driving or taking a non-public tour.
- The beautiful Arnarstapi cliffs and land bridge are to not be missed. You’ll be able to have lunch right here on the fish and chips meals truck or get pleasure from a lunch buffet on the Arnarstapi Restaurant and Bar. After lunch, comply with the trail out to a big stone big after which flip left to stroll alongside the dramatic cliffs till you get to a fishing village. Or, flip left and hike alongside the cliffs as much as Hellnar.
- Lóndranga is the place you’ll be able to see a towering volcanic plug and the place the lava has flowed into the ocean, creating fairly stunning landscapes. This generally is a fast 30-minute cease if all you do is stroll as much as the overlook and take some pictures. Nonetheless, give yourselves at the very least an hour if you wish to comply with the trail alongside the cliffs.
- Djúpalónssandur black sand seashore is a good place for pictures with dramatic rock formations that distinction with the black sand and pebble seashore.
- Saxholl is a volcanic crater left by a volcanic eruption 3,000 years in the past. Be ready to climb some stairs to check out the crater from the highest.
- Snaefellsjökull is the volcano with the Snaefellsjökull glacier on high that dominates the panorama as you loop across the Snaefellsnes peninsula and the Nationwide Park. This impressed Jules Verne’s Journey to the Middle of the Earth.
- Kirkjufell can also be known as Arrow Mountain attributable to its form and is that iconic picture that individuals affiliate with Snaefellsnes. Kirkjufell additionally made an look in Recreation of Thrones. It would be best to arrive properly earlier than sundown to get a parking spot and stroll over to see Kirkufellsfoss waterfall.
- End within the small, charming city of Stykkishólmur for dinner.
It actually makes for a protracted day journey, however it may be accomplished with a late return to Reykjavik. The panorama is beautiful and also you get a style of the essence of Iceland — volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and a beautiful shoreline.
You’ll be able to take a Snaefellsnes Peninsula group tour with Hidden Iceland and obtain 10% off with promo code WE3TRAVEL.
2. West Iceland
In case you keep over within the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, it’s simple so as to add on a day in West Iceland, however you too can go to this space from a house base in Reykjavik. You’ll simply cowl a little bit of the identical street as you probably did heading into Snaefellsnes.
It would be best to get an early begin and head north towards Borgarnes and Reykholt. Your final vacation spot shall be Langjokull Glacier, Iceland’s second-largest glacier. If you’re touring within the winter, you should definitely test street circumstances earlier than leaving your lodge.
Alongside the best way, you’ll be able to cease on the Krauma geothermal spa and the Deildartunguhver sizzling spring. One other standard spot is the Haafell Goat Farm (name forward to make an appointment.) Cease by the Icelandic Goat Centre to fulfill the endangered species of goats, in addition to horses, sheep, Icelandic chickens, silkie chickens, canines, and cats.
One other 15-Half-hour will carry you to the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Watch your time as you will want to verify to fulfill your reservation for the Into the Glacier tour. This tour will take you out onto the glacier and right into a man-made tunnel within the ice. In contrast to ice cave excursions, that are solely potential within the winter months, you’ll be able to go to Into the Glacier year-round.
Make sure to have lunch on the Husafell Bistro, or make a reservation at Lodge Husafell, earlier than departing in your tour.
On the return drive to Reykjavik, you’ll be able to cease on the Grábrók Crater. Right here you’ll be able to climb alongside the edges of three volcanic craters and try the remnant of Viking settlements. Your remaining cease could be the Glanni Waterfall, set within the Nordura River.
3. Golden Circle
The well-known Golden Circle is without doubt one of the hottest Reykjavik day journeys. Whereas this space is a brief drive from Reykjavik, it would be best to give your self a full day to discover
A Golden Circle tour sometimes travels clockwise by these pure wonders, so if you’re self-driving an incredible choice to keep away from the large bus excursions is to comply with this loop counter-clockwise, within the following order.
Your first cease shall be on the Kerid Crater for a brief hike alongside the higher rim of the caldera. Icelandic musician Björk as soon as carried out from a platform on the lake on this crater.
As you drive in the direction of Flúðir, plan a cease on the Farmer’s Bistro, the place they not solely serve scrumptious meals however you too can learn the way Icelanders harness geothermal power to develop fruit and greens year-round.
If you wish to go to a pure sizzling spring, take a dip within the Secret Lagoon, positioned in Flúðir. Reservations aren’t normally required within the mornings, however they’re within the afternoon when the buses are likely to arrive.
Proceed on to the two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall, certainly one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. There are two falls and a number of viewing areas, so it would be best to take a while to discover and revel in them. Chances are high that if the solar is out, additionally, you will see a rainbow!
Simply down the street is the Geysir Geothermal space. That is house to effervescent mud pots and steaming sizzling springs, together with the unique “Geysir” (the place we get the English phrase geyser.) It doesn’t take lengthy to see the lively Strokkur geyser erupt, because it does each 4 to 10 minutes. It begins with an enormous blue bubble of water that explodes into the air. It isn’t as tall or dramatic as one thing like Outdated Devoted in Yellowstone, however the truth that you will get so near see the stress constructing earlier than it erupts and really feel the nice and cozy mist in your face makes it extra thrilling.
It’s also possible to cease right here for lunch on the Geysir Bistro or seize some home made ice cream on the Efstidalur dairy farm, positioned halfway between Geysir and Thingvellir Nationwide park.
Your remaining cease of the day shall be Thingvellir Nationwide Park (additionally written as Þingvellir Nationwide Park.) Moreover being a pure marvel, this UNESCO World Heritage website can also be the sight the place the world’s longest repeatedly run parliament was based and nonetheless operating 1,000 years later.
Thingvellir lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic ridge. You’ll be able to clearly see the rift and the way the motion of the tectonic plates pulls the island aside, roughly 2.5 cm yearly. If you’re adventurous, you’ll be able to even snorkel between the tectonic plates in Silfra.
From Thingvellir, you’ll be able to full your Golden Circle route and simply return to Reykjavik for the evening.
Take a Golden Circle Platinum tour with Hidden Iceland and save 10% with promo code WE3TRAVEL.
4. Iceland’s South Coast
A day journey to Southern Iceland is without doubt one of the most stunning drives you’ll expertise — masking beautiful waterfalls, beautiful inexperienced cliffs, rolling lava fields, and black sand seashores. You will note loads of Icelandic horses and fields dotted with sheep alongside your drive.
Begin off on the Lava Centre to find out about Icelandic volcanoes and geology. Alternatively, you’ll be able to finish your day on the Icelandic Lava Present in Vík.
Then you can begin to discover a number of the prettiest waterfalls in Iceland (you should definitely pack your rain gear.) First up shall be Seljalandsfoss waterfall. You will note the waterfall as you make your method alongside the Ring Street however attending to stroll proper as much as the bottom of the falls, after which truly stroll behind the waterfall is a do n’t-miss expertise!
Whereas all of the bus excursions cease right here, not as many proceed a brief distance down the cliff face to Gljúfrarbúi, the place you hike right into a slim canyon to search out this not-so-secret waterfall.
Thirty minutes additional down the street, you’ll come to Skogafoss waterfall in Skogar. You’ll be able to stroll to the foot of the falls or climb a staircase to see the falls from above. That is truly my favourite waterfall on Iceland’s South Coast.
After exploring the waterfalls, proceed alongside Rt 1 to Rt 218 to Dyrhólaey, a promontory the place puffins nest in the summertime and a stone sea arch.
One other standard cease alongside the south coast is Reynisfjara seashore. A rock collapse in August 2019 closed a big portion of this seashore, however a lot continues to be accessible so you’ll be able to stroll on the black sand seashore and see the well-known sea stacks and basalt columns.
I might sometimes advocate ending up at the present time journey from Reykjavik in Vík, the place you’ll be able to discover the city, have one thing to eat, stroll alongside the beautiful black sand seashore, and see dramatic sea stack rock formations.
I do know that some folks will go all the best way to Diamond Seaside and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on a day journey from Reykjavik however I’ve accomplished it, and I don’t advocate it. It’s an 18-hour day and a ton of driving. When you’ve got per week to spend in Iceland, I might break this journey up into two days and keep in a single day close to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Then you should have time to take a boat trip within the lagoon to see the icebergs in the summertime months or in winter months, take a guided tour of an ice cave.
Guide a South Coast Fireplace & Ice Tour with Hidden Iceland and save 10% with promo code WE3TRAVEL.
5. Reykjanes Peninsula
The Keflavik Worldwide Airport is positioned on the Reykjanes Peninsula (pronounced (pronounced Reyk-ee-ness), which makes it an ideal place to discover on the day that you simply arrive or depart Iceland. It’s also possible to break it up throughout each days, taking the arrival day to go to the Blue Lagoon for a couple of hours, certainly one of Iceland’s hottest points of interest (even when I didn’t like it.) Then you’ll be able to go to the opposite points of interest earlier than you depart.
I’ve outlined how you can go to the Reykjanes Peninsula on a day journey, however a couple of of the highlights embody:
- Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel takes you into the earth to see the remnants of an historical volcanic eruption
- Seltun geothermal space – this space options mud pots and sizzling springs which are simply accessible from the car parking zone alongside a boardwalk
- Lake Kleifarvatn – the lake is without doubt one of the deepest in Iceland and the biggest on the Reykjanes peninsula. It’s a stunning spot to {photograph} due to the volcanic panorama and lava fields surrounding the lake. There’s even a perception {that a} “Loch Ness Monster-like” big worm and a medium-sized whale reside within the lake.
- Gunnuhver geothermal space – this geothermal space options effervescent mud swimming pools and steaming fissures. The biggest function is the Gunnuhver mud pot. Legend has it that this was named for a ghost who attacked folks and shook the homes, which an area reverend was in a position to do away with by forcing her into the mud pot.
- The bridge between two continents – right here you’ll be able to cross the 60-foot-long bridge that connects the North American and Eurasian continental plates or stroll by the sandy soil of the Alfagja rift valley between two continents.
- The Reykjanes and Gardur lighthouses
- Geldingadalur volcano lava subject – this website has been dormant because the fall of 2021 so you’ll be able to’t presently see lively lava flows however you’ll be able to nonetheless see the most recent lava fields in Iceland
Different factors of curiosity that you simply would possibly need to cease at in your option to the airport or as a part of a day journey from Reykjavik are the Viking World Museum or the Icelandic Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame.
You’ll be able to take a gaggle tour of the Reykjanes Peninsula together with the lava tunnel and lava subject with Hidden Iceland. Save 10 p.c with promo code WE3TRAVEL.
6. Capital Area
Fortunately day journeys from Reykjavik don’t all the time must contain hours and hours of driving. There are a selection of enjoyable actions within the Capital Area that you could mix right into a day journey. Initially, there may be loads to do in Reykjavik itself, together with the lava, ice, and Northern Lights reveals at Perlan, the Saga Museum, Hallsgrimkirkja church, procuring, the Whales of Iceland Museum, and Harpa live performance corridor.
From the Outdated Harbour in Reykjavik, you too can get pleasure from an Categorical whale-watching tour or a puffin cruise if you’re visiting in the course of the summer time.
If you’re up for an tour, head to the city of Mosfellsbaer for lunch on the Mosfells Bakery. After lunch, it’s time to get soiled with a buggy journey (use promo code WE3TRAVEL to save lots of 10%) You’ll strap right into a two-seat buggy and drive over the rugged panorama by the slopes of Esja Mountain; climbing hills, operating by river beds, and way more.
If that isn’t your cup of tea, you too can guide a session at certainly one of Iceland’s latest sizzling springs, the scenic Sky Lagoon on the outskirts of Reykjavik.
Within the winter, at evening you’ll be able to take an tour from Reykjavik to get into the countryside with the hope of seeing the Northern Lights. Guide a small group Northern Lights tour right here!
7. Glacier Mountaineering
If you’re visiting the Land of Ice and Fireplace, it would be best to rise up near the ice portion of the nation. A smart way to do that year-round is by taking a glacier hike in Iceland. There are two essential locations to go glacier mountaineering in Iceland: Sólheimajökull glacier in south Iceland or Vatnajökull glacier close to Skaftafell. Since Sólheimajökull is simply a two-hour drive from Reykjavik, this makes a significantly better selection as a day journey from Reykjavik.
Sólheimajökull is a part of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, which covers the caldera of the volcano Katla, certainly one of Iceland’s greatest volcanoes. In your glacier hike you’ll move crevasses, sinkholes with waterfalls, and ice ridges, plus have an opportunity to drink contemporary glacial water!
Guide a glacier hike tour!
BONUS: Different Day Excursions from Reykjavik
There are lots of distinctive issues to do in Iceland which are inside driving distance from Reykjavik. A few of these can solely be accomplished as a part of a guided tour. A couple of that we’ve got accomplished and beloved embody:
Superjeep tour
Þórsmärk Valley, also called Thorsmark, is a large valley in South Iceland named after Thor, the Viking God of Thunder. Lots has thundered on this valley, which is framed on three sides by glaciers ( Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull) and has seen its share of volcanic eruptions.
If you wish to get off the crushed path of the Ring Street and see a few of Iceland’s untouched inside, an Iceland tremendous jeep tour into Thorsmark is the best way to go as you’ll be able to’t entry this space by normal rental automotive. On this tour you’ll ford rivers and go deep into Iceland’s glacial inside for a very thrilling journey.
Guide a Tremendous Jeep tour of Thorsmark with Hidden Iceland and save 10 p.c with promo code WE3TRAVEL.
ATV Tour
From the South Coast, you’ll be able to take an ATV tour onto a Black Sand Seaside to see the well-known aircraft wreck. You’ll cross small streams and rivers to the black sand seashore close to Dyrhólaey after which proceed to to the DC-3 aircraft wreck earlier than looping again to house base. It is a nice journey for adults and youths, particularly in case you have some expertise off-roading.
Guide an ATV Tour with Hidden Iceland and save 10 p.c with promo code WE3TRAVEL
Be taught Extra about Visiting Iceland
If you’re visiting Iceland, don’t miss a number of the different articles I’ve written primarily based on my three journeys to Iceland and the 20+ journeys I’ve deliberate for others. And don’t neglect, if you happen to guide a scheduled group tour with Hidden Iceland, you’ll obtain 10% if you use promo code WE3TRAVEL.
The place to Keep in Reykjavik
I’ve written a whole submit about family-friendly accommodations in Reykjavik, however you too can seek for availability in Reykjavik utilizing the map beneath:
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