8 Best Day Trips from Reykjavík to Add to Your 2025 Itinerary
Which day trips from Reykjavík should be on your itinerary? Reykjavík not only is the capital city, but the best place to use as your homebase for a trip to Iceland. While there is plenty to do in Reykjavík, there is much to see just outside of the city limits.
I’ve spent time in Reykjavík both in the summer and winter months, so I’ve put together a list of the best day trips from Reykjavík you should add to your itinerary.
My favorite 3 day trips from Reykjavik
✅ Katla Ice Cave & South Coast Tour
✅ Silfra Fissure Snorkel and Sky Lagoon
✅ Puffin and Volcano Tour to Westman Islands (Summer Only)
8 Best Day Trips from Reykjavík
1. Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon Tour
The most popular tour in Iceland! This tour is perfect if you’re only in Iceland for 48 hours or less since you get a little taste of everything. If you love the Blue Lagoon experience, you can always go again on your way back to the airport.
2. Hike the Katla Cave and Explore the South Coast
A trip to Iceland isn’t complete without seeing ice of course! This tour provides a full day that includes several waterfall stops in addition to the infamous Reynisfjara black beach.
During the summer months, you can see the puffins visiting the cliffs on the beach. I loved this tour because it maxed out at 20 people so it provided a more intimate experience
Shan’s Tip: When you get to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, be sure to walk the extra 10 minutes to Gljufrabui waterfall, my favorite waterfall on this tour!
3. Puffin and Volcano Tour to Westman Islands (Summer Only)
Warning: This tour sells out fast in the summer months since it is peak Puffin season. The tour company will pick up/drop off from Reykjavík and take you to the Islands for a full day of exploration.
4. Snowmobile & Golden Circle tour
Is visiting an Icelandic glacier on your bucket list? This tour includes both the classic Golden Circle tour and a 45 minute snowmobile ride to a glacier.
5. Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour
One of the most iconic photo locations in Iceland, Snæfellsnes Peninsula is an incredible sight to see. This tour is beautiful in the summer and winter months.
6. Silfra Fissure Snorkel & Sky Lagoon
The Silfra Fissure location is one of the top snorkel and scuba locations in the world. You’ll be snorkeling for 30-45 minutes and the water is stunning.
The Sky Lagoon is a perfect way to end a day in the cold water. There is a 7 step experience included with your admission including a sauna session.
The Sky Lagoon can also be visited without snorkeling at Silfra!
Shan’s Tip: Do not do this activity if you are a claustrophobic person. The gear you have to wear includes suction material around your neck and wrists that you’re wearing for at least 90 minutes.I would recommend doing this activity in the summer since the water is very cold.
7. Northern Lights with Hot Cocoa (Winter Only)
During the winter months you can sometimes see the Northern Lights just outside of the city limits. This is a perfect tour if you don’t have a car/know where to go.
8. Horseback Riding Tour in the Icelandic Mountains
Check off a bucket list item by riding with the Icelandic horses. There are a few different location options for the horseback riding tours. Here are my top three:
🐴 Horseback ride with the Golden Circle Tour
Need help finding a place to stay in Iceland? Check out my Reykjavík recommendations here.
Iceland FAQs
Is it worth visiting Iceland in the winter?
Iceland is a snow bunnies paradise! In addition to the Northern Lights with Hot Cocoa and the Snowmobile and Gold Coast tour, all of the tours listed above are available in the winter with the exception of those marked as summer only.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, the 8 best day tours from Reykjavík to add to your itinerary. Whether you explore an ice cave or snorkel in Silfra, you’re bound to have a fantastic experience.
Now it’s time to start planning your own adventure, Cheers!
