Top 5 Reykjavik Day Trips: Tours, Hot Springs, and Adventures
Reykjavik, the chill capital of Iceland, is a seriously great starting point for tons of amazing day trips. It’s almost like stepping into a storybook setting, and that is with opportunities for grand explorations just a stone’s throw away. If you find yourself with Reykjavik as your home base, it might be cool to think about taking some trips to the surrounding stunners. So, let’s get you prepped with five unreal day trips that show off Iceland’s varied beauty. From steaming hot springs to mighty glaciers and crashing waterfalls, we will, very likely, uncover something for everyone!
1. The Golden Circle: Iceland’s Iconic Route
The Golden Circle, you know, it’s perhaps Iceland’s most talked about tourist route, and with absolutely decent reason! It basically squeezes three unreal locations into one easily doable day trip. Thingvellir National Park is just up first. Is that cool? This spot, it’s very important, geographically and historically, seeing as it’s precisely where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet and, just, Iceland’s parliament was started here way, way back in 930 AD. Then there is the mighty Geysir geothermal area, so expect to catch Strokkur erupting, shooting boiling water super high into the air every few minutes. And finally, just prepare yourself for Gullfoss waterfall. Its power will definitely drop your jaw as the water tumbles ferociously down two tiers into a really rugged canyon. If that’s all there is.
The Golden Circle is a very doable trip on your own if you think about renting a vehicle. Anyway, a number of guided tours also leave from Reykjavik. This might be a relaxing option if you like that kind of thing, since somebody else takes over all the logistics and it lets you seriously soak in the sights. Is that ok? Many tours bundle in additional experiences too it’s almost like, a dip in the Secret Lagoon (a low-key hot spring) or maybe, an adventurous snowmobile ride. Golden Circle Tour Full Review and Details
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2. South Coast Wonders: Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches
Heading south from Reykjavik reveals Iceland’s very, very dramatic coastline. Expect a day filled with dark lava fields, seriously powerful waterfalls, and the unreal Atlantic Ocean crashing into the black sand beaches. Two waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, are a must-see. What if? You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss for an especially awesome experience, but definitely, just prepare to possibly get wet! Skógafoss is too amazing, it’s almost worth climbing the staircase right by its side for unreal views. Just don’t wear anything nice! Further along the coast, so you hit Reynisfjara black sand beach, known for its basalt columns and the sea stacks of Reynisdrangar jutting out of the ocean. Basically, this spot is breathtaking but definitely keep a very close eye on the waves – they’re well known for sneakily pulling folks out to sea!
A drive to the South Coast is fairly easy by yourself. Is that really surprising? Yet, the organized tours may pack even more in, such as, a glacier hike on Sólheimajökull or a visit to the charming town of Vík. A certified glacier guide basically ensures a safe and informative hike, so they teach you how to use your gear properly. All in all, an exploration like this offers some crazy unique perspectives, right? You probably shouldn’t underestimate the allure. South Coast Iceland Tour Full Review and Details
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3. The Blue Lagoon: A Geothermal Spa Day
If you need pure relaxation then that’s something The Blue Lagoon may deliver for you. Right? Basically it is a geothermal spa that lies about 50 minutes away from Reykjavik. Is that clear? It might just be one of Iceland’s most recognized attractions, and for absolutely super good reason! It gives some rejuvenating waters rich in minerals, wrapped by really surreal lava fields. Like, what isn’t there to enjoy? Very, very take advantage of the silica mud masks they give you at the swim-up bars, it could leave your skin feelin’ great! Entry tends to be by time slot, that and booking well in advance would be, I feel, a really very good idea to save yourself the hassle of missing out.
A bus basically connects Reykjavik to The Blue Lagoon super often, making it a completely painless trip. The Lagoon offers a variety of packages, that is to say, everything from the standard entry to more that include massages, dining, and access to exclusive lounges. Is that something you like? So, treat yourself to that pampered relaxation, but yeah, so book early. Very easy! And it’s going to, hopefully, take a bit of weight off you, right? Blue Lagoon Iceland Full Review and Details
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4. Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, so, is north of Reykjavik and can give you a crazy diverse landscape. This one’s sometimes dubbed “Iceland in Miniature” ’cause, almost, it’s packed with a ton of all Iceland’s top hits: there are these basalt columns, lava fields, those kinda black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, plus, obviously, the Snæfellsjökull glacier-topped volcano itself (very iconic, right?). Little towns, such as, Arnarstapi and Hellnar, provide pretty coastal views and you’ll probably get some photo opps. In the mood for some cave exploring? Then take a tour down into Vatnshellir Cave. Its geologic formations underground may be totally mind-blowing. Yes indeed!
It’s kind of a longer drive to Snæfellsnes, therefore you know, if you go yourself plan for around two- or three-hour travel time just each way from Reykjavik. Are you good with that? Tours can save on that driving stress, giving time for each spot, not to mention expert knowledge on the area’s geology, folk tales and the local stories. You should seriously prepare to be very surprised by its awesome range. Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour Full Review and Details
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5. Þórsmörk Valley: Hiker’s Paradise
Þórsmörk Valley is, so, nestled in the highlands and presents some really striking natural beauty if you’re ok with just the rugged scene. Basically, it’s known as a hiker’s paradise. It lies cradled right by some, honestly awesome, glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull to boot! Expect lush greenery (so unexpected here, right?), some winding rivers and the canyons waiting there. It could be a super fun change of pace.
Trips to Þórsmörk usually involve driving on rivers. Yep. That’s absolutely correct! Which means you kinda want a specially equipped super jeep or, even better, jump onto an organized tour. The super jeep tours deal with the river crossings easily, allowing for you just to soak up everything there, that and with zero white-knuckle driving issues. A good choice, arguably! You probably would be very wise to consider a visit to Þórsmörk if some serious hiking amid truly jaw-dropping surroundings is just what you are hoping for! Þórsmörk Valley Tour Full Review and Details
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