The Best Day Trip Itineraries from Reykjavik

Reykjavík is both Iceland’s capital and its best starting point for adventure. The city connects directly to the Ring Road, which circles the island. Roads are well-marked, and most tours offer hotel pickup.

From Reykjavík, you can reach the Golden Circle in under an hour. The South Coast and Reykjanes Peninsula are close, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies to the northwest. Even the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon can be done as a long day trip.

Between journeys, Reykjavík offers everything you need: good food, comfortable hotels, and lively culture. It’s the perfect place to rest and recharge between adventures.

Start Your Adventure from ODDSSON

A good base makes Reykjavík day trips easy and comfortable. ODDSSON Hotels provide practical stays with thoughtful features for travelers exploring Iceland.

ODDSSON Midtown has a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning, ideal before a full day out. The common areas offer space to plan or unwind, and the bar serves light soups and drinks in the evening.

ODDSSON Downtown sits in the city center, close to shops, cafés, and main attractions. Each room includes a kitchenette, and Brikk Bakery on the ground floor serves fresh pastries and coffee.

Both hotels offer free parking, self-check-in, luggage storage, and housekeeping upon request. With bus stops and tour pickup points nearby, day trips from Reykjavík are simple and convenient. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, the following Reykjavik day trips offer a perfect mix of nature and culture.

Golden Circle Tour (Iceland’s Classic Day Trip)

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous route, featuring Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

At Þingvellir, walk between the North American and Eurasian plates. Geysir has bubbling pools and Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes. Gullfoss is a two-tiered waterfall that roars through a canyon. Many travelers also add Kerið Crater, a red volcanic caldera filled with turquoise water.

The loop takes about six hours, though detours to nearby hot springs or waterfalls can fill a full day.

South Coast Adventures (Waterfalls and Black Sand Beaches)

The South Coast showcases Iceland’s wild beauty with waterfalls, glaciers, and black beaches that are easily accessible via tours from Reykjavík.

Stop at Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the water, and nearby Gljúfrabúi, hidden in a canyon. Continue to Skógafoss waterfall, a 60-metre-high curtain of mist, and Kvernufoss, a quieter waterfall close by.

Farther east, visit Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier with short guided hikes. End at Reynisfjara Beach, famous for its black sand, basalt columns, and views of the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Watch from a safe distance, as the waves are powerful.

If time allows, stop at Dyrhólaey or Vík before concluding your journey through the best of South Iceland.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula Scenic Trips (Iceland all-in-one)

Explore the scenic wonders of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in Miniature.” This peninsula offers some of the most scenic Iceland nature tours near Reykjavik. It combines mountains, beaches, and lava fields in one route. A round trip takes about 10 to 12 hours, perfect for unforgettable Iceland nature tours.

Begin at Ytri Tunga Beach, where seals rest on the rocks. Continue toward Snæfellsjökull Glacier, the volcano that inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Nearby, explore the Vatnshellir Cave beneath the glacier.

Along the coast, stop at Arnarstapi for dramatic sea cliffs and Djúpalónssandur for smooth black pebbles. Don’t miss Kirkjufell, Iceland’s most photographed mountain. Before heading back, visit Bjarnarhöfn’s Shark Museum, where you can learn about and taste traditional hákarl (fermented shark). 

Exploring the Reykjanes Peninsula (Geothermal Wonders and Coastal Views)

The Reykjanes Peninsula is known for its lunar-like lava fields and steaming vents. It offers a compact route filled with volcanic wonders and dramatic ocean views, perfect for adventurous half-day tours from Reykjavík.

Begin at the Bridge Between Continents, where you can walk across the rift between two tectonic plates. Nearby, the Stampar crater row and Brimketill lava pool show how the ocean and volcanoes shape this coast.

Stop at Gunnuhver, Iceland’s largest mud pool, then continue to Reykjanesviti Lighthouse for sweeping views. The fishing town of Grindavík makes a quiet stop before finishing at the Blue Lagoon, a relaxing geothermal spa.

A Full Day Trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

For a full-day adventure, head east to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. The 5-hour drive each way passes waterfalls, black plains, and glaciers before reaching floating icebergs and playful seals. Right across the lagoon is the Diamond Beach, which glitters with ice fragments scattered over black sand.

If time allows, book one of the best boat trips in Iceland among the icebergs. This is a long but unforgettable day trip from Reykjavík, so bring warm layers, snacks, and a camera.

Tips for Planning Your Reykjavík Day Trips

Planning ahead helps you make the most of your adventure. Keep these simple tips in mind before hitting the road.

• Check the weather and road conditions: Iceland’s weather can change quickly. Visit vedur.is and the road.is for updates.

• Mind the daylight: Summer offers endless daylight, while winter days are short but perfect for northern lights.

• Refuel often: Gas stations can be far apart outside Reykjavík, so fill up whenever you can.

• Download an offline map: Mobile service can drop in remote areas. Save your route on Google Maps or Maps.me.

• Know your parking options: Use the EasyPark or Parka apps to find and pay for parking easily.

• Join guided tours: They’re ideal if you prefer not to drive or want local insights from experts.

• Pack for all seasons: Bring layers, water, snacks, and a power bank. Weather and timing can surprise you.

• Start early: Many sights are less crowded in the morning. You’ll also have more daylight for stops.

Return to Comfort at ODDSSON Hotels

Reykjavík is the gateway to Iceland’s best sights. Each direction from the city offers something different, leading you to waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, or lava fields.

After a day on the road, coming back to ODDSSON Midtown or ODDSSON Downtown feels like home. Enjoy a comfortable bed, modern design, and easy access to the best things to do in Reykjavík, from museums to whale watching. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or exploring volcanoes, your Reykjavík day trips start and end in comfort at ODDSSON.