Iceland is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and if you’re planning your trip, it may be hard to know where to start. While some people rent a car, camper, or motorhome and drive around the island, not everyone takes this route right away. Perhaps you just want to spend some time exploring the area close to Reykjavik to get acclimated or before your flight home. Iceland day tours are the perfect way to dip your toe into Icelandic tourism and start sampling the mind-blowing highlights that await you. Here are some of the different options for day tours in Iceland.
Best Iceland Day Tours from Reykjavik
While it is possible to do day tours in other places on the island, like the Diamond Circle, I think those warrant multiple days. Additionally, all international visitors fly into Reykjavik, so it’s the most likely starting point for a day trip. It’s smart to take day tours from Reykjavik because there’s quite a lot to see close to Iceland’s capital. It’s also a good way to have a home base so that you don’t feel like you’re living out of a suitcase. or constantly on the move. Or if you’ve rented a camper, you know where you’ll be laying your head at night.
A Full-Day Golden Circle Tour in Iceland
The most popular day tour from Reykjavik is probably the Golden Circle tour. This 250 km (150-mile) circuit encompasses þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the geysers in Haukadalur Geothermal Valley among other places. Thingvellir has both historical and geological significance to Iceland. It’s not only home to the country’s and the world’s first Parliament, but you’ll also find the Silfra Fissure here. This meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is quite the sight to behold.
The Earth is literally ripping apart and some of the openings are large enough that they’ve actually filled with water. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, strap on some flippers, a wetsuit, and a breathing tank to go scuba diving in the cerulean waters of the Silfra Fissure.
There’s also the stops on the Golden Circle which are off the beaten path. Places like the Secret Lagoon, Kerid Crater, or Langjökull glacier are also great places to visit.
Iceland Day Tours: Waterfalls Along the South Coast
Of course, no trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to one of the country’s spectacular waterfalls. You’ll find to particularly gorgeous ones along Iceland’s South Coast just off the Ring Road. Seljalandsfoss waterfall bears the nickname “The Beauty” thanks to its reputation as Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. An equally striking cascade is Skógafoss waterfall, which is further east along Route 1 heading towards Vík. Skógafoss has a hiking trail that lets you trek up to the top and enjoy amazing views from the lookout point.
Reykjavik Day Trip to the Blue Lagoon
And not every outing in Iceland has to be about hiking a waterfall or another semi-strenuous activity. It’s entirely possible to dedicate an entire day to chilling out and practicing the underrated art of relaxation. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa about 40 minutes away from Reykjavik by car. It has a milky blue turquoise shade thanks to the high amount of silica and other minerals. Its healing waters have been used as a treatment for psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions.
Vík and Iceland’s Black Sand Beach
The seaside village of Vík may not have a huge population. But what it lacks in numbers it makes up for in otherworldly natural landscapes. The volcanic black sand beach at Reynisfjara is known not only for the midnight-hued grains of sand. There are also the dark hexagonal basalt columns close to the shore. Be wary of the sneaker waves at this beach as they can be a bit dangerous.
It’s a 2.5 hour drive to get to Vík, so if you’re thinking of this option, I’d recommend a South of Iceland full-day tour. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to stop for lunch at one of Vík’s best restaurants. You can make a really nice day out of it.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This is another option that’s on the longer side for a one-day excursion. If you can break it up into two days, I would recommend doing that. Snæfellsnes peninsula is frequently called Iceland in Miniature because it possesses many of the natural attractions the island is so famous for. From the Snaefellsjökull glacier to Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, this part of western Iceland possesses some stunning scenery. There are also the Vatnshellir lava caves, the secret Landbrotalaug hidden hot pot, Eldborg Crater, and more.
Further Afield
Visiting an ice cave or doing a glacier tour or Super Jeep tour in a small group are some of the most requested day tours. These are really cool activities and I completely get why people want to do them. They’re a bit far from Reykjavik, however. If you want to take part in these activities, I suggest using Vík as your base as it’s close to Vatnajökull National Park. The same is true for visiting an area like Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which is on the southeast side of the island.
Find a reputable tour operator like Landmannalaugar tours to take you on your journey. These types of companies have fully licensed guides, which are required if you’re going to be trekking a glacier. Many of these companies also offer Northern Lights excursions if you’re here during Aurora Borealis season.
Day Tours in Iceland
With a car rental, camper or motorhome in Iceland, you’re ready to hit the road. Taking a one-day excursion is one of the best ways to explore all the country has to offer. So take a look to see what interests you most and start planning your trip. Regardless of how long you stay, prepare to be awed by Iceland.
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