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Best Tours to Book When Staying in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the gateway to Iceland’s most stunning landscapes and experiences. And staying at ODDSSON Hotels places you in the ideal spot to explore them all. From waterfalls to Northern Lights, you can join many day tours from Reykjavík right from your hotel doorstep.

Why Reykjavík Is the Perfect Base for Tours

Reykjavík is small, walkable, and well-connected to Iceland’s major attractions. Most Reykjavík guided tours start with convenient pick-ups from central landmarks, bus stops, or hotels. You can enjoy city life in the evening and be in wild nature within an hour’s drive the next morning.

Whether you want to visit waterfalls or hot springs, Reykjavík offers easy access to Iceland’s highlights without long drives. It’s also perfect for travelers who prefer returning to city comfort after a long day of adventure.

Staying at ODDSSON for Easy Tour Access

Staying at ODDSSON Hotels makes exploring Iceland simple and stress-free. Both Midtown and Downtown locations are close to main bus stops and tour pick-up points. So, you can step out and start your day without long transfers. Some operators even meet guests right at the hotel.

ODDSSON Midtown offers daily breakfast and quick access to Route 1, ideal for tours that head beyond the city. ODDSSON Downtown places you in Reykjavík’s lively center, close to restaurants, shops, and the waterfront. Whichever you choose, ODDSSON Hotels provide a comfortable base and an effortless start to every Icelandic adventure.

Golden Circle Tours: A Must-Do Iceland Experience

The Golden Circle is the most popular day tour from Reykjavík, offering a perfect introduction to Iceland’s natural beauty. This half- or full-day tour, depending on the number of stops and detours, includes three iconic stops.

At Þingvellir, you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. At Geysir, the star attraction is Strokkur, erupting every few minutes in a burst of steam and water. The route ends at Gullfoss, a powerful double waterfall that crashes into a deep canyon. Many Reykjavík guided tours also stop at Kerið Crater, a vivid volcanic caldera filled with turquoise water.

geysir in iceland

South Coast Adventures: Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches, and Glaciers

Iceland’s South Coast is dramatic and full of contrasts. You’ll see Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two of the country’s most photographed waterfalls. Then, walk along Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach near Vík, known for its basalt cliffs and roaring waves.

On clear days, you might spot Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010. Some tours include a guided glacier walk on Sólheimajökull, where you can experience the ice up close. Longer trips travel farther east to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs drift quietly through vivid blue water. Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where those same icebergs wash ashore and sparkle against the black sands.

reynisfjara black sand beach

Whale Watching Tours from Reykjavík Harbor

From Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, you can set out on one of the best boat trips in Iceland — a whale watching tour that runs year-round. The waters of Faxaflói Bay are home to minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and countless seabirds.

You can choose a large, comfortable cruise or a smaller RIB boat for a faster, more intimate experience. Summer tours take place under the midnight sun, while winter trips may include glimpses of the Northern Lights. Many boats have indoor seating and warm drinks, making this one of Reykjavík’s most accessible wildlife experiences.

Northern Lights Tours for an Unforgettable Night

From September to April, Iceland’s skies often come alive with the aurora borealis. Joining a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík gives you the best chance to see them. Guides use weather and aurora forecasts to find the clearest skies away from city lights.

Choose from bus tours, boat trips, or super jeep adventures that reach remote viewing spots. Each offers a unique experience, from cozy comfort to rugged exploration. Even if the lights don’t appear, many operators offer free rebooking, giving you another chance to witness this unforgettable display.

northern lights in iceland tour from reykjavik

Day Tours to Iceland’s Geothermal Wonders

Iceland’s geothermal energy shapes much of its landscape. And day tours from Reykjavík let you experience its warmth and color up close. Popular stops include the Sky Lagoon, a modern oceanfront spa, and the Secret Lagoon, Iceland’s oldest natural hot spring. Many tours also visit Reykjadalur Valley, where you can bathe in a warm river. Or the famous Blue Lagoon for a soothing finale.

On the Reykjanes Peninsula, geothermal energy shapes every landscape. Gunnuhver Hot Springs sends up constant steam, while Brimketill overlooks waves crashing into lava cliffs. Nearby, Krýsuvík and Seltún bubble with mud pots and sulfur vents. At Hveragerði Geothermal Park, visitors can see boiling springs up close and even bake bread using natural heat.

Tips for Booking Day Tours from Reykjavík

With so many day tour options from Reykjavík, a bit of planning goes a long way. Whether you book online or through your hotel, these Iceland tour booking tips will help you enjoy your trip better:

  • Book in advance: Many popular Reykjavík guided tours fill up quickly, especially in summer.

  • Schedule key tours early in your trip: For Northern Lights or whale watching, early bookings give you time to rebook if there are no sightings.

  • Choose trusted operators: Look for licensed companies with good reviews and experienced guides.

  • Check what’s included: Some tours cover entry fees, meals, or gear; others don’t, so review details before booking.

  • Dress for any weather: Layer clothing, wear waterproof outerwear, and bring sturdy shoes.

  • Stay flexible: Nature sets the schedule here, but most operators offer rebooking or refunds.

  • Stay central: Accommodations near pick-up points, like ODDSSON Hotels, make early departures easier.

Explore Iceland’s Best Tours While Staying at ODDSSON

Staying at ODDSSON puts you close to Reykjavík’s main tour departure points, making it easy to explore Iceland’s best sights. From the Golden Circle and South Coast to whale watching, Northern Lights, and hot springs, everything is within easy reach. Whether you stay at ODDSSON Midtown or Downtown, you’ll have a comfortable base and the perfect starting point for your Reykjavik guided tours.

Book your stay, join day tours from Reykjavík, and discover Iceland one unforgettable day at a time.