26 Things to Expect When Flying For The First Time, Unwind in Style: 10 Best Resorts In Arizona. Thingvellir National Park lies atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This luxury spa is famous for its . Many reputable companies provide guided hiking tours at Myrdalsjokulla so travelers can easily explore the glacier. Myrdalsjokull has accessible trails with minimal experience required, making it a great place for hikers of all levels. For the full list of places to visit, plus tips to have the best experience, read our post, More Information for Your Trip to Iceland, Read all of our articles about Iceland in our. It is here that a giant fissure marks the spot where the Eurasian and North Atlantic tectonic plates are pulling apart. Compact and comfortable for up to 2 travellers with very little luggage. The Blue Lagoon is another popular destination, and for good reason its relaxing waters and beautiful setting are perfect for a day of relaxation. You can take a short, 2-hour flight from Icelands capital to the largest of the 18 Danish-owned islands, Streymoy. Hvtrvatn is a beautiful lake on Icelands south coast, and its one of the best day trips from Reykjavik. This volcanic crater is located in the Krafla area of north Iceland, and its well worth the visit. Your best bet to see the Northern Lights is to take a tour with an experienced guide. Skogafoss Trail | Best Day Trips from Reykjavk. See Related: What Affects Flight Prices? The powerful waterfall is fed by the Seljalands River and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Aside from the main landmarks, we'd recommend you sample some of the local cuisines, join in with the local nightlife or check some of the fascinating local museums and art galleries. The canyon is home to a number of hiking trails, as well as a number of other outdoor activities. On a trip to Iceland's South Coast, you'll journey through mountains, glaciers, rolling hills, stunning waterfalls, and even the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. Hiking Time: 2 - 5 hours ; Time from Reykjavik: 3 hours ; Difficulty: Easy (rolling . The glacier has a door the shape and size of a massive drill, leading some 500m (.3 miles) into the ice cap. You can easily have a short helicopter visit to Reykjavik, which may even help to plan the best way to spend your time in Iceland. You can swim in the lake, go hiking or horseback riding in the surrounding area, or even take a boat tour. Smoky Bay implies an early confusion, at least linguistically, between the rising water vapour that emits from the geothermal hot springs so prevalent in Iceland, and smoke. Chris VR / TripSavvy. The park is home to some of Icelands most stunning landscapes and a great place to learn about the countrys history and culture. This day trip from Reykjavk needs to be done from mid-June through early September, when the roads are open. I want to share my impressions of everything we've experienced, so I've structured my review in a few categories, lest I forget something. If youre looking for a truly magical experience, Gullfoss is definitely worth a visit. Free cancellation. Home Upcoming Trips Reservations Join Mailing List Pickup Locations COVID-19 Safe Travel Procedures Past Trips ArriveCAN Information About Us Contact Us Login . Please note that not all locations offer quality level accommodation. PRO TRAVEL TIP: Since this is one of Icelands most popular experiences, expect big crowds between 10 am and 6 pm. Very close to the best attractions at each location. The baths are located in a beautiful setting, and the waters are said to have healing properties. Kerid Crater is a famous Icelandic picture-postcard landmark, often considered a highlight of Golden Circle travels. Customize the tour options to suit you. Definitely one of the most popular Reykjavik day trips that first-timers to Iceland will want to take is the classic Golden Circle route (not to be confused with Iceland's popular Ring Road).This special sightseeing loop takes visitors to three major natural landmarks; Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and the Gullfoss waterfall, one . Thingvellir National Park is both a historical and natural wonder in Iceland. Strokkur, on the other hand, is highly active and will spout a jet of boiling water up to over 66 ft (20 m) roughly every 4-8 minutes. Driving only these three is actually a golden line, not really a circle, but there are plenty of hidden gems and little detours that can make this day an even richer experience and fill it with a few micro-adventures on the way. If you have a feel of adventure about you then a day journey from Reykjavik to Jkulsrln Glacier Lagoon is the high-quality decision you'll make all vacation. Breakfast is included. Here are several highly rated tours. Once you reach the top, youll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding lava fields. Even with the volcano and the Blue Lagoon usually stealing the show, there are still plenty of landmarks and sights to fill up a full days road trip on Reykjanes. When you think of Iceland, no doubt one of the first things that comes to mind is the Blue Lagoon. Learn more . And who knows you may fall in love with this beautiful country. The three highlights that create this circle are ingvellir national park, Geysir (the geyser) and Gullfoss waterfall. Blue Lagoon | Best Day Trips from Reykjavk. I think such attractions are good waypoints, especially on days when you have to drive longer. 150-180 minutes. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal reservoir that is world-renowned for its beautiful blue and milk blue colors. Here are four of the best day trips from Reykjavk, accessible year-round. Once you arrive at Hvtrvatn, there are plenty of things to do. Youll be glad you did. Read our Privacy Policy. Select starting location Select date range However, whale sightings are possible throughout the year, so most whale-watching tours operate all year round. Summary Note: This post contains affiliate links. One-way, it takes 3 hours and 15 minutes to drive to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavk. One of Icelands tallest waterfalls, Glymur, welcomes those still taking the long way around the fjord but you'll have to go on foot. At the same time, for the only email that I have sent you, the response was very late, much too late to be of any use to us. There are many galleries, museums, art displays, architectural sites and historical places in Reykjavik where you can learn more about the culture of Iceland. If you have a sense of adventure about you then a day trip from Reykjavik to Jkulsrln Glacier Lagoon is the best decision you'll make all vacation. Walking Tours. A small 2WD vehicle such as Toyota Aygo or similar, fit for basic travelling in everyday conditions. At Langjkull glacier in west Iceland, you can tour a man-made ice tunnel. As is, we still had a lot of fun and a gorgeous view. Park in the large parking lot (free) and enjoy the view of the mighty Skgafoss. Explore Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, where incredible natural attractions will be at your fingertips. Find day trips to take today or this coming . Once there, you can explore the worlds second-largest ice cap, visit Inuit villages, or go dog sledding. If youre interested in Icelandic history, Hvtrvatn is also the site of a Viking age settlement. Required fields are marked *. The company offers a variety of day trips, as well as other activities and tours. Avoid the tourist traps, and dive right into the authentic local food scene by going on this food lovers tour in Reykjavik. Excellent 2.5 Hour Horse Riding Tour of the Volcanic Raudholar Countryside & Transfer from Reykjavik, Immersive 8 Day Summer Self Drive Tour of Icelands West & South Coasts with Waterfalls & Glaciers, Epic 7 Day Summer Vacation Package with the Inside the Volcano Tour & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, guided walking tour of Reykjavik landmarks, explore the city on a double-decker bus tour. Here you can take the opportunity to bathe in tranquil azure waters amid a lava field. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Jkulsrln Glacier is the most important glacier in Europe and is sincerely breathtaking to take a look at. The hotels were all really nice as we had hoped and all the prepaid tours worked out perfectly. After going past Skaftafell we started analyzing it 2-3 days in advance and then creating our own. We of course understand that Iceland is a large country and some days are just dedicated to the drive. The journey, however, hosts plenty of spectacles to take in as you travel, such as mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, more waterfalls, and even lava fields you'll not want to miss. Seeing it from the air is a as soon as in an entire life revel in! However, this is a great spot to go glacier hiking in Iceland. From mastering the local etiquette and staying safe to the perfect free drink you can't miss, here's everything the locals in Reykjavik want you to know. Puffin watching tours in Iceland are a great way to see these adorable little birds up close and in their natural habitat. Geysir Geothermal Area is a small area where you can see bubbling hot springs, steaming sulphur vents, and Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every few minutes. First of all yay! The lagoon includes a changing room, showers, and a small cafe. The car in itself was amazing and easy to drive. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Reykanes Peninsula are good options. If you plan to visit Iceland between the fall and spring months, you can catch the Northern Lights in action. ingvellir National Park So if you have a car and a few hours to kill, look no further. Book the best day trips from Reykjavik, Iceland directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. New article about Northern Lights photography in M, Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands, cant-miss stops along Icelands Golden Circle, South route with a walk on the Slheimajkull glacier, the transfer from the airport to the city center, Iceland Golden Circle Tours and Driving Tips, Whale Watching in Iceland The Best Whale Watching Tours in Iceland, 10 Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland (Reykjavik). Kirkjufell is the most recognizable landmark on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, attracting photographers and Game of Thrones fans. 1. You can fly from Icelands capital city to Greenlands capital city Nuuk in just under 3 hours. All Rights Reserved, 30 Best Iceland Waterfalls + Map To Find Them. There was a single ferry at noon that day, we were following our itinerary, so there should have been a spot for us there. Although the city is brimming with hotels, hostels and guesthouses, they are often fully booked, especially at peak times. She took her time with us and made sure that I was able to make it to the top of the glacier. Theres plenty to choose from, including bus tours, helicopter tours, and so much more. It's not ideal for young children or the inexperienced hikers need to cross a river stream, either barefoot or wearing proper footwear, and those taking the entire loop will cross a second stream close to the waterfall. If you are a hiker, we also have a hiking guide with 10 epic day hikes to do in Iceland. Reykjanes Peninsula Reykjanes Peninsula is an often-forgotten place close to Reykjavik, but it's definitely worth visiting. It's a short distance from the airport, and Reykjanes Peninsula offers an excellent half-day journey from Reykjavik. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Agawa Canyon 3-Day Fall Colours Bus/Train Package, Customer Reviews & Comments of Past Tours. One of the best parts of hiking the Waterfall Way is that when you have had your fill of waterfalls, simply turn around and walk back to your car. Once you arrive in Reykjavik and check into your accommodation, you can start exploring the northernmost capital of the world. The driver must be of 21 years of age or above. Fortunately, there are so many great trips to choose from. No highland capabilities. Mvatn Nature Baths is a great place to relax and rejuvenate. The lagoon has health benefits too. The factory has been idle since 2018 but is not officially shut. Here are essential things to know about Iceland,including driving tips, sample costs, SIM cards, when to visit, and more. This date is thus considered to be the citys founding. Iceland is a small island country, but pair that with amazing landscapes youre in store for several great day tours or excursions. Silfra is one of the worlds most unusual places to go snorkeling, and its only accessible to Icelanders. This majestic experience is well worth it, despite having to wake up early to make the full-day excursion work. Departure from Reykjavik: 11:00. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a hidden gem located on Icelands southern coast. Legend has it that Inglfur Arnarson, a Norwegian fleeing the tyranny of King Harald, chose his landing spot by flinging his two high seat pillars from his boat, then following them to shorewith the pillars finally taking their rightful place on each side of the chieftains high-seat, where he would sit within the household. Guide to Iceland will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. Our tour guide Christina was wonderful. From hiking to whale watching, experience the wildness of Iceland's Westfjords with these top things to do. Kirkjufjara Beach is the place to visit for an overnight stay in Iceland. The Langjokull experience is one that you wont soon forget! Snaefellsnes Peninsula is called Iceland in miniature, since it contains a sampling of many of Icelands natural wonders: black and white sand beaches, a volcano, a glacier, lava fields, mountains, waterfalls, and craters. For more information, read our Essential Guide to Landmannalaugar and How to Spend One Day in Landmannalaugar. Travel insurance is a low cost way to ensure your travel plans go smooth no matter what's thrown at it. After a 10-20 min drive you'll reach a sign listed Hrafnhlar to the left (easily missed). Longer day tours take a wider loop around southern Iceland by extending to Flir and Selfoss. You can enjoy unlimited data with the Wi-Fi device, which can be connected to up to 10 devices at once. 25 different ways to spend one week in Europe. It's your final day in Iceland. Tudor, The trip was wonderful. You can also take a guided hike of Glymur waterfall from Reykjavk. The Geysir Geothermal Area is also a convenient stopover if you plan on continuing your journey around Iceland its just a few hours drive from Reykjavik, making it the perfect place to break up the journey. 2023 holiday destinations where your money will go further. We would highly recommend including Hotel Latrabjarg in all itineraries that go through that area. Here is a list of our upcoming tours. SOUTH COAST OF ICELAND: The south coast is filled with some of the top sights in Iceland. Outfitted with crampons and an ice pick, you will explore crevasses, walk on the crunchy blue ice, and take lots of photos. Once in Evora, it's far a short walk into town. If you like history and want a private tour of a day trip conducted by a tour company, youre in good hands. We were very happy with the selection. Oxararfoss | Best Day Trips from Reykjavk. Both I and my wife were very happy with the specs, handling, and everything else. What are the best day trips from Reykjavik, Iceland? Visitors can also purchase souvenirs at the Secret Lagoon shop. If youre looking for something a bit more luxurious, there are plenty of hotels in Reykjavik that will suit your needs. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. In this post, we list 10 of the best day trips from Reykjavk. There are a number of different trails you can consider, but the Landmannalaugar Loop, which covers about four kilometres, allows you see a lot in a short amount of time. Some people say it is an overrated experience, but we really enjoyed our visit here, from start to finish. This quiet, beautiful hike just might be one your highlights on a quick visit to Iceland. There are plenty of activities for every day tripper, weekend warrior, and adventure seeker to enjoy. However, it remains a popular spot for young photographers, as there are no obstructions to block the stunning views. Golden Circle tours are one of the most popular tourist activities in Reykjavik. For those on a tight budget, multiple hostels in the city center offer affordable accommodations. It almost seems that the Ring Road circumnavigating the island was designed to help travelers move every day from one place to another and make plentiful stops along the way to appreciate the endless number of natural sights.. Not until we finished our 2-week Iceland itinerary did we realize . In order to capture the widest selection of properties and the best price, use Booking.com as they have the cheapest rates for guesthouses, hotels, luxury condos, B&Bs and so much more. Make the most of your time in Iceland with Lonely Planets range of travel guides. There are informational signs at the trailhead; you can even see some of the lava that formed the crater. Hotels It also appears that water changes colors according to seasons and sunlight and often freezes. Today, there is some scepticism as to whether or not Inglfur actually landed at the exact spot specified in the Book of Settlements. Due to this development, the town was granted an official charter in 1786 after the Danish abolished their trade monopoly. However, even in winter, the park is a stunning place to explore just be sure to dress warmly! During this time, other industries such as fisheries and shipbuilding also began to make more of an economic impact. Why go? It takes around 45 minutes to drive from Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Just make sure you bring a heavy-duty jacket and be prepared for any weather. In other areas, such as the Westfjords, Latrabjarg, or Snaefellsnes, we returned to the itinerary, but always used Google Maps as well, to find interesting attractions nearby. Iceland is the perfect place to see these gentle giants. The park is home to Icelands largest glacier, Vatnajkull, as well as a wide variety of other landscapes, including waterfalls and volcanoes. City walking tours may last 2-3 hours, while longer excursions like glacier hikes or day trips to nearby attractions may last 8-10 hours. From autumn through spring, the Northern Lights dance across the sky in Iceland. RING ROAD ITINERARY: With 7 to 10 days, you can drive the entire Ring Road and experience the highlights of Iceland. The hotels were, by and large, very nice. So whether youre interested in history or nature, ingvellir National Park will surely have something for you. Additionally, Reynisfjara Beach is nearby and offers the classic black sand beach and jagged coastline formations that are iconic of Iceland. Make sure you arrive in Iceland before noon to do this trip. With the notes that I've mentioned above, we are very likely to recommend Guide to Iceland to our friends and family for our next vacation, and look forward to visiting Iceland and working with you again. One example is Klaustur, which is 70km east of Vik and scheduled for day 3. 3495. Breakfast is included. Seljalandsfoss is renowned for its beauty and is a must-see for anyone visiting Iceland. This is a day to keep your camera prepped at the ready as you journey through a diverse and wild landscape of some of the most spectacular attractions in Iceland. Those who visit Reykjavk today will discover a modern European capital that balances contemporary Nordic architecture with historic and traditional buildings. Rovaniemi Winter Weekend Break from 1,150pp for three nights, B&B, including return . The first stop on the itinerary isingvellir National Park, which marks the tectonic plate boundaries for Europe and North America, pulling apart the landscape with canyons and cracks. Fagradalsfjall volcano our most recent volcano, currently not erupting but still steamy. The thermal baths are amazing and I would recommend including more of them in your itineraries going forward. With access to exclusive mistake fares delivered straight to your inbox, you'll be packing your bags and jetting off on your next adventure before you know it. The two day glacier hike trip was the best. Walking out in a fluffy white bathrobe to milky-blue water surrounded by lava is the epitome of relaxation and luxury. Read all of our articles about Iceland in our Iceland Travel Guide. Short Trips.Lifelong Memories! Your email address will not be published. However, if you would like to re-order this trip by taking the Golden Circle tour on your first day, you are free to customize as you please. It also served as an inspiration for the English language: the word geyser a periodically spouting hot spring draws from this Geysir with a capital G. To the surprise of many, the old Geysir has long since retired; today the spouting icon of Iceland is instead the neighboring Strokkur, erupting every 10 minutes, give or take. If youre looking for a day trip from Reykjavik that will take you to a place with stunning views, Vti Crater is a great option. You can visit the beautiful town of Vik, enjoy the view of Dyrhlaey Arch, hike to Kvernufoss waterfall, and see Gljfrabi waterfall. Landmannalaugar | Best Day Trips from Reykjavk. A final tip: The Icelandic Tourism Board operatesdigital countersmonitoring traffic to major sights by the hour, an excellent tool for travelers seeking to avoid big crowds at Gullfoss and Geysir. The Golden Circle is one of the most popular day trips from Reykjavk. It is a 300 km (186 mile) loop that connects three of Iceland's most popular spots: Gullfoss, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Thingvellir National Park. Ontario weekend getaways are great for locals and visitors alike because there is so much to do and see that everyone is bound to discover something new. On this 4-hour tour of Slheimajkull glacier, learn how to go ice climbing. Greenland is a day trip from Reykjavik. There is an onsite restaurant as well as a gift shop if you want to take home mud masks or face creams as a souvenir. Related to that, not having the ferryboat booked in advance was difficult to understand. A visit here is free. Geysir Hot Springs is a top destination for travelers looking to add variety to their trip. The Blue Lagoon currently does not permit other companies to sell ticketing, so there are no planned trips to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik. This tour is offered all year with a minimum age of 12 years. The itinerary was well thought out for the most part, and we stuck to it on most days. Most puffin-watching tours leave Reykjavik, although a few options depart from other nearby towns and cities. Selhella 5, 221 Hafnarfjrur, Iceland See Related: How To Book Flights With Longer Layovers. LFTANES ADVENTURE. As the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik is usually where visitors to this island set up their home base. Your email address will not be published. ingvellir National Park is also home to a number of hiking trails, making it the perfect place to explore the Icelandic countryside. But if you want to add variety to your trip, there are plenty of great day trips. You will spend each night in Reykjavik accommodation. Iceland's 14 best things to do are magical experiences, The 15 places you don't want to miss in Iceland, Iceland: everything you need to know to stay safe, be respectful and travel green, The 6 best road trip destinations in the world, The 14 best things to do in Iceland in 2023, The 11 best free things to do in Reykjavk, Shower before going to the pool and other tips every Reykjavik local wants you to know, Summer 2022: Lonely Planet travel experts offer incredible tips, insight and inspiration for your summer travel plans, How to choose an epic hike on any continent in the world, The 15 best things to do in the Westfjords: waterfalls, witchcraft, and all out wilderness, Brexit is bringing major changes for British travelers heading to Europe in 2021, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. For the itinerary, my suggestion would be to add some smaller points of attractions along the way, as many are available right on the side of the road or a small distance from Route 1. You will spend 4 hours in your car, driving 240 km round-trip, without detours. We chose a 4x4 automatic model and got a 2022 Toyota Rav 4. It is recommended to check with the tour operator for their policies before making a reservation. Hi! SHORT DAY TOUR. You can choose from a variety of activities, ranging from, One can easily take a day tour from Reykjavik exploring the, There's a variety of sightseeing tours available in Reykjavik for you to try. Soaking in the warm water of the Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland. Depending on where youre visiting from, you may need to apply for a visa to visit Iceland. Reykjavik Tours Covering everything from horse riding tours and whale watching excursions to sightseeing trips and ATV rides, Reykjavik tours allow for in-depth visits to the most iconic landmarks and attractions of Iceland's charming capital, as well as the city's gorgeous surrounding countryside. 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We are happy to tailor make an itinerary upon your wishes. Geothermal hot springs, lava fields, and unique hiking trails attract adventurous travelers all summer long. There are a couple of days that only include visits to small coastal villages and not much else. If, however, you have an early flight home, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead. For full details on how to do this, read our post on Glymur Waterfall. If youre planning a trip, you must find somewhere to stay while visiting Reykjavik. Book your Silfra tour today. PRO TRAVEL TIP: The best time to hike to Glymur Waterfall is from June through September, when there is no snow on the ground and the log is in place for the first river crossing. This is the start of the epic Fimmvruhls day hike, a hike that continues over volcanic terrain into the unique, dramatic landscapes of Thorsmork. Age requirement for each level can be found below. Try their tomato soup too! This was not communicated beforehand, either by Guide to Iceland or by MyCar. The largest preserved settlement of army barracks is by the main road at Misandur farm; theWar & Peace Museumtells the story. Secret Lagoon is a natural geothermal pool located south coast of Iceland, about a 1.5-hour drive from Reykjavik. So if you want to add variety to your trip, check out these great options for day trips from Reykjavik. When it comes to seeing whales in Iceland, the best time is April through September, when whale populations are at their peak. This area has mainly been flying under the radar until recently, when our latest volcano Fagradalsfjall decided to put on a show for the world with its eruption starting in March 2021. Iceland is one of the best countries in the world that is calling out to be explored on a road trip. The length of tours can vary depending on the type of tour and the company offering it. Completed in 2015, this human-made tunnel is operated by the company Into the Glacier and only accessible via super-Jeep. One could spend a week exploring just this part of the south coast and not run out of new things to discover, but if you are going for one day only, its good to focus on the highlights. A rental car is the best way to visit Hvalfjrur. Reykjavik is a truly mesmerising little capital on its own with its great museums, cozy cafes, nordic vibes and colorful culture. Witness the three wonders of the famous Iceland Golden Circle on this day trip from Reykjavik.