Best Day Trips from Reykjavík, Iceland: 21 Incredible Places to Visit

Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, is becoming more and more popular as a travel destination. This is thanks to its good infrastructure and all the amazing places nearby that are easy to visit.

In Reykjavík, you’ll find everything you need for a great stay: good hotels, tasty restaurants, shops, and a cozy vibe to relax and recharge before heading out to explore the Icelandic countryside. It’s a perfect base if you want to take day trips around Iceland without having to change your accommodation every night.

In this article, I’ve collected some of the best day trips from Reykjavík, places you can easily reach in one day. You’ll find 21 amazing spots, all within just a few hours’ drive from the capital. They’re perfect for short adventures and easy to fit into your travel plans.

To make it simple to follow, I’ve divided the 21 places into 5 categories based on their location. This way, you can even combine a few stops into one full-day trip.

First, I’ll give you a quick list of the 21 best places. After that, we’ll look at some common questions travelers ask before visiting Reykjavík or planning a trip to Iceland. And finally, you’ll find a detailed guide to all 21 day trip destinations, with everything you need to know before you go.

Map of the best day trip destinations from Reykjavík

What you need to know for a day trip from Reykjavík

Let me answer a few common questions about day trips from Reykjavík:

What is the best day trip from Reykjavík?

I can only share my personal opinion. For me, the Golden Circle offers the most unique experience out of all the options. On a day trip around the Golden Circle, you can see some truly special places like geysers, a volcanic crater lake, hot springs, and several impressive waterfalls and lakes.

Another trip I really recommend is a day tour to Southeast Iceland. There, you’ll also find one-of-a-kind sights, like the famous black sand beaches and some of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.

How far can you travel from Reykjavík in one day?

Since transportation in Iceland is quite limited and the driving pace is slower than what many tourists might be used to, I recommend not planning more than 300–400 km of driving per day.

Even this distance usually means 5 to 6 hours on the road, and you’ll still want to leave time to actually enjoy the sights along the way.

Do you need a rental car for day trips from Reykjavík?

Of course, renting a car has both pros and cons, and the final decision is up to you.

In my opinion, renting a car in Iceland is the best way to explore the country. That’s what we always did during our trips, and it gave us the most freedom to discover the island at our own pace.

Car rental in Iceland is definitely expensive, but without a car, it’s much harder and less flexible to reach the countryside and more remote places.

If you plan to visit more remote areas like the Highlands, you’ll need a high-clearance AWD or 4×4 vehicle. These areas are only reachable by driving on so-called F-roads: gravel roads that can be rough and difficult to drive. That’s why I only recommend going there if you have the right vehicle, and you’re an experienced driver.

If you don’t want to drive in Iceland, that’s totally understandable. The good news is that you can book guided tours to almost every destination. There are also many organized day trips available where experienced local guides will take you to the best sights, so you can just relax and enjoy the journey.

Guided tour or self-drive?

As always, it depends on your travel style.

I personally prefer self-drive, and as I mentioned earlier, this is how we usually travel in Iceland. It gives you more flexibility with your schedule, the places you visit, where you stop to eat or take a break, and how long you stay at each attraction.

If you decide to go for self-drive, I recommend booking your rental car through Rentalcars.com. It’s easy to use and compares different companies in one place.

But if you’d rather not drive in Iceland, that’s totally fine too. You can book guided tours to most popular destinations. This takes the pressure off and lets you relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about directions or road conditions.

The downside is that guided tours are usually less flexible, and you’ll need to follow the group’s schedule.

If you choose this option, I recommend using Getyourguide.com to book your day trips. It’s reliable and offers lots of great day tours.

Now, after the general questions, let’s move on to the list of the 21 best places I think are worth visiting from Reykjavík:

Best Day Trips from Reykjavík: 21 Amazing Places to Visit

Here is my list of the best day trip destinations from Reykjavík.

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve divided the 21 places into 5 regions to make the list easier to follow. Each of these areas is within a few hours’ drive from Reykjavík and includes some of the top spots I personally recommend visiting.

For each place, you’ll find how far it is from Reykjavík, how long it takes to drive there, and a short description to help you decide if it’s right for your trip.

Near Reykjavík and on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Let’s start with the places that are just a short drive from Reykjavík:

Sky Lagoon

Distance from Reykjavík: 6 km (about 4 miles), 10 minutes by car

The Sky Lagoon is one of Iceland’s newest geothermal spas, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re staying in Reykjavík. It’s a perfect place to relax for a few hours, either before or after your adventures around the countryside.

The entrance fee is quite high, but the experience is truly special. You can enjoy the beautiful infinity pool surrounded by black basalt rocks, soak in the warm Icelandic thermal water, and even stand under a small waterfall.

Sky Lagoon also offers a unique seven-step ritual, inspired by traditional Icelandic bathing culture. It includes a sauna, a cold mist room, a salt scrub, and a refreshing Icelandic elixir drink.

If you want to unwind close to the capital, Sky Lagoon is an excellent choice.

Volcano tour on Reykjanes Peninsula

Distance from Reykjavík: 44 km (about 27 miles), 40 minutes by car

In recent years, volcanic eruptions have become quite regular on the Reykjanes Peninsula. We visited Iceland twice since 2021, and both times we had the chance to see an active, erupting volcano – an unforgettable experience.

That’s why I definitely recommend adding this to your Iceland itinerary. Whether it’s an ongoing eruption or a volcano that erupted recently, it’s worth seeing with your own eyes.

The best place to view these volcanic areas is near Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon. Several driving and hiking routes start along Road 43, and they take you closer to the eruption sites. You can either hike on your own or join a guided tour, depending on your preference and comfort level.

While driving on Road 43, you can also see the new lava fields that have formed over the past few years. In fact, lava has flowed across the road multiple times, so new sections and detours have been built to keep the area accessible.

And if you’re looking for a unique souvenir, this is also a great spot to collect small pieces of lava rock to take home.

Seltún Geothermal Area

Distance from Reykjavík: 35 km (about 22 miles), 40 minutes by car

Seltún Geothermal Area is a smaller, less-known spot on the Reykjanes Peninsula, located on Route 42. It’s a true hidden gem that’s definitely worth a short stop.

There’s a small parking area, and from there you can take a short walk around the geothermal field. As you walk, you’ll see bubbling hot pools and streams, with the smell of sulfur in the air. The whole area is surrounded by golden-brown and green hills, giving it a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

From the higher points, you’ll also get a great view of the nearby Gígvatnsvatn lake, which adds even more to the experience.

So if you have an extra 1–2 hours while exploring the peninsula, don’t skip this spot.

Blue Lagoon

Distance from Reykjavík: 49 km (about 30 miles), 50 minutes by car

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, and it’s a must-visit if you’re traveling to the country.

What makes it special is the milky-blue water, which is man-made and rich in minerals that are known to be good for the skin. The warm, blue water is surrounded by black lava field, creating a truly unique and beautiful setting.

The Blue Lagoon offers a full spa experience, including mud masks, a sauna, steam rooms, and excellent options for dining and even staying overnight.

So if you want to relax for a few hours in a one-of-a-kind Icelandic setting, the Blue Lagoon is the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

Around the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a popular day trip route not far from Reykjavík, so you can easily visit several of these places or even all of them in one day.

Thingvellir National Park

Distance from Reykjavík: 47 km (about 29 miles), 45 minutes by car

Thingvellir National Park is Iceland’s oldest and most famous national park, located not far from Reykjavík. It’s a great first stop when exploring the Golden Circle.

Park your car at P1, enjoy the view from the Hakið viewpoint, then take a walk between the two tectonic plates: the Eurasian and North American plates. Don’t miss the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall along the way.

Thingvellir is perfect for a short hike and a couple of hours of exploring, before continuing your journey to the next stops on the Golden Circle route.

Brúarárfoss

Distance from Reykjavík: 93 km (about 58 miles), 1 hour 30 minutes by car

Brúarárfoss, also known as Brúarfoss, is not one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, but personally, I think it’s one of the most beautiful.

It’s easy to visit while exploring the Golden Circle. You just need to take a short turn from Road 37 and drive a few kilometers on a gravel road. There is a parking area where, like at most waterfalls in Iceland, you’ll need to pay a small parking fee, but there’s no entrance ticket.

From the parking lot, it’s a short walk to the waterfall. As I mentioned, I think it’s a truly stunning spot and definitely worth the visit.

Geysir Geothermal Area

Distance from Reykjavík: 106 km (about 66 miles), 1 hour 40 minutes by car

The Geysir Geothermal Area is another important stop on the Golden Circle, and in my opinion, maybe even the most unique. It’s one of those places that you really shouldn’t miss on a trip to Iceland.

There are several geysers in the area, but the most famous one is Strokkur. It erupts every few minutes, sometimes even twice in a row, shooting hot water up to 30 meters into the air. So if you visit, you’re almost guaranteed to see a geyser in action.

Not far from Strokkur is Geysir, the geyser that gave all others their name. It can erupt as high as 70 meters, but it’s very rare and unpredictable, so it’s unlikely you’ll catch it in action.

It’s worth walking around the area to see the small bubbling lakes and other mini-geysers. You can easily spend an hour or two here just exploring.

There are also a few restaurants and cafés near the parking area, great for a lunch break, as well as some souvenir shops. Just keep in mind that these shops often seem a bit more expensive than the ones in Reykjavík.

Because of Strokkur, this stop is an absolute must-see and a classic part of any Iceland trip.

Gullfoss

Distance from Reykjavík: 125 km (about 78 miles), 1 hour 50 minutes by car

Gullfoss (the word “foss” means waterfall in Icelandic) is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland, located not far from the geysers.

The wide Hvítá River flows into the first drop of the waterfall, falling 11 meters, then almost immediately drops another 21 meters into a narrow canyon. The result is a powerful and dramatic view that’s hard to forget.

If you’re doing the Golden Circle, it’s definitely worth taking some time to stop here and enjoy the view.

Kerið Crater

Distance from Reykjavík: 69 km (about 43 miles), 1 hour by car

Kerid is a volcanic crater lake located right next to Road 35. It’s several thousand years old, and while there are other crater lakes in Iceland, this one is the most popular and the easiest to visit.

There’s a free parking area just off the main road, and after paying a small entrance fee, you can walk around the edge of the crater. The view of the lake and the surrounding landscape is beautiful from every angle.

It’s worth stopping here for 30 to 60 minutes while driving the Golden Circle, as it’s truly a unique place to see.

Reykjadalur Thermal Bathing Pools

Distance from Reykjavík: 48 km (about 30 miles), 45 minutes by car

The Reykjadalur Thermal Bathing Pools are one of Iceland’s hidden natural treasures, located near the town of Hveragerði.

You can drive up to the Reykjadalur Café, where you’ll find a parking area. From there, you’ll need to continue on foot. The hike to the hot river takes about one hour one way, and it’s an easy to moderate trail. At the end, you’ll reach a beautiful area with natural hot pools where you can relax and bathe right in the warm river.

Technically, it’s possible to include this spot in a Golden Circle trip, but keep in mind that the hike and bathing can take several hours. So I’d only recommend adding it if you have plenty of time in your day.

But if you’re looking to try something unique in Iceland and you enjoy hiking and natural hot springs, this is definitely a place worth visiting.

Visiting the Highlands

If you’re looking for something more special and off the beaten path, you might want to plan a day trip to the Highlands.

Just keep in mind that for this kind of trip, you’ll need an AWD vehicle, so don’t forget to rent one that’s suitable for rough roads.

If you decide to explore the Highlands from Reykjavík, here are the places I recommend visiting:

Gjáin Valley

Distance from Reykjavík: 128 km (about 80 miles), 2 hours by car

Gjáin is a small, hidden valley in South Iceland. It features small waterfalls, clear ponds, and volcanic rock formations. The Rauðá River runs through the valley, with the beautiful Gjárfoss waterfall along the way.

If you’re heading to the Highlands, it’s worth stopping here for a short visit. You can reach the area via Road 327.

Háifoss

Distance from Reykjavík: 142 km (about 88 miles), 2 hours 10 minutes by car

Háifoss is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, and a great stop if you’re driving towards the Highlands. Right next to it is Grannifoss, another tall and beautiful waterfall, so you get two amazing views in one place.

There’s a parking area along Road 332, and from there it’s only a short walk to the viewpoint where you can see both waterfalls.

Landmannalaugar

Distance from Reykjavík: 196 km (about 122 miles), 3 hours by car

This is one of the farthest and most difficult places to reach on my list. Deep in the Highlands, after 3 hours of driving, river crossings, and amazing stops along the way, you’ll arrive at one of Iceland’s most famous hiking destinations: Landmannalaugar.

While you could easily spend a few days exploring the area and trying out different trails, even a one-day trip here is full of exciting views and experiences.

If you’re only visiting for a day, I highly recommend the Mount Bláhnúkur (Blue Peak) hiking trail. It offers one of the most breathtaking views in the area. The trail is about 6.1 km (3.8 miles) and is moderate in difficulty, so it’s doable in just a few hours.

If you don’t want to drive in the Highlands yourself, don’t worry, there are many guided tours available to Landmannalaugar, so you can still enjoy this amazing place without having to handle the tough roads.

On a South Coast trip

The south coast of Iceland is full of amazing sights: stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and rich local wildlife and plant life. It’s definitely a region you shouldn’t miss, whether you’re doing a day trip from Reykjavík or driving the full Ring Road around Iceland.

Here are the places I personally recommend visiting on a day trip from Reykjavík:

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

Distance from Reykjavík: 128 km (about 80 miles), 2 hours by car

About a two-hour drive from the capital, you’ll find one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, the Seljalandsfoss. You can already spot it from Road 1, and it’s just a short drive from the main road to the paid parking area. From there, it’s a quick walk to the falls.

Seljalandsfoss is around 60 meters tall, and its water comes from a volcanic glacier. What makes this waterfall special is that you can actually walk all the way behind it, seeing it from a full circle. Just be sure to wear waterproof clothing, as the mist can get you pretty wet.

If you have a bit more time, there’s another beautiful waterfall just a 10-minute easy walk from Seljalandsfoss. It’s called Gljúfrabúi, and it’s definitely worth a visit too.

Skógafoss

Distance from Reykjavík: 155 km (about 96 miles), 2 hours 20 minutes by car

Another famous waterfall along the south coast is Skógafoss, which is also about 60 meters tall and incredibly impressive. You can see it clearly from Road 1, and it’s very easy to access.

What makes this waterfall special is the staircase of about 400 steps that takes you all the way to the top, where you get a beautiful view from above. If you keep walking past the stairs, you’ll find a hiking path with several smaller waterfalls, like Hestavaðsfoss.

I recommend spending around an hour here if you have time. Just be prepared for large crowds during the busy season, which can make photography a bit challenging.

Dyrhólaey

Distance from Reykjavík: 178 km (about 111 miles), 2 hours 40 minutes by car

Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula on Iceland’s south coast that I’d recommend as an optional stop if you have more time in the area.

You can reach it by car via Road 218, and there are two main parking areas where you can start walking to explore different parts of the peninsula.

Along the coastline, you’ll find great photo spots with unique rock formations, black sand beaches, and the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse. If you’re lucky, you might also see puffins, Iceland’s famous little seabirds, especially during nesting season.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Distance from Reykjavík: 187 km (about 116 miles), 2 hours 45 minutes by car

Reynisfjara is Iceland’s most famous black sand beach, and I definitely recommend adding it to your list if you’re planning a trip to Iceland.

You can reach it by taking a short detour off the Ring Road (Road 1) via Road 215. At the end of the road, you’ll find two paid parking areas. I suggest trying the one closer to the beach, although it can be tricky to find a spot during busy hours. Right next to the parking area is the Black Beach Restaurant, where we had a really tasty lamb soup.

Reynisfjara isn’t a huge area, so about one to one and a half hours is usually enough, even if you plan to take photos — though the crowds can sometimes make that a bit challenging. Be sure to pay attention to warning signs around the beach, as the waves here can be unexpectedly strong and dangerous.

In summer, this is also one of the best places to spot puffins, which nest high up in the basalt cliffs.

All in all, I’d say Reynisfjara is a must-see if you’re exploring South Iceland.

Vík í Mýrdal

Distance from Reykjavík: 186 km (about 115 miles), 2 hours 45 minutes by car

Vík í Mýrdal is the main town in South Iceland and a great place to stop, whether for sightseeing, a good meal, shopping, or even an overnight stay.

One of the town’s main landmarks is Víkurkirkja, a small church located on a hillside. On a clear day, it offers a beautiful view of the town and the ocean. You can also visit the Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach, another scenic black sand beach right by the town.

If you’re up for something unique (and don’t mind the price), you can check out the Lava Show, where real molten lava is poured in front of you. Right next to it, I recommend The Soup Company, a great spot for a tasty meal.

Vík í Mýrdal isn’t on this list because of its sights alone, but more for its location and good infrastructure, which make it an important stop while traveling in Iceland.

Exploring West Iceland

I recommend visiting West Iceland if you’re looking for parts of the island that are less touristy and less crowded.

In this area, there are three places I would highlight that could be great additions to your itinerary:

Barnafoss and Hraunfossar

Distance from Reykjavík: 126 km (about 78 miles), 1 hour 50 minutes by car

Barnafoss and Hraunfossar are two stunning waterfalls located near Road 518 on the way to Húsafell. They’re a bit further from Reykjavík, but they’re perfect for those looking for hidden gems, have extra time, or can include them as a bonus stop during a Snæfellsnes Peninsula trip.

You can park at the Hraunfossar Parking lot, where Hraunfossar is visible almost immediately. Barnafoss is just a very short walk away, making both falls easy to enjoy in a quick visit.

Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss

Distance from Reykjavík: 180 km (about 112 miles), 2 hours 30 minutes by car

Kirkjufell Mountain and the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall are among Iceland’s most iconic and photographed spots, you’ve probably seen pictures of them online. Kirkjufell is a uniquely shaped mountain, often described as a “hat-shaped” peak, which makes it a favorite for photographers.

This location is ideal for a day trip from Reykjavík, especially if you plan to visit other places on the list along the way. You can reach Kirkjufell by taking the Ring Road (Road 1) and then turning onto Road 54, which has been paved in recent years (it wasn’t always like this). Along the way, you can see several small waterfalls and a really stunning scenery.

When you arrive at Kirkjufell, you can park in the paid lot next to Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. The waterfall is just a short walk from the parking area and is the perfect spot for photos with the mountain in the background.

If you have enough time in Iceland, visiting Kirkjufell is definitely worth the trip, even though it’s a bit farther away. It’s one of the country’s most important and beautiful attractions.

Arnarstapi

Distance from Reykjavík: 194 km (about 121 miles), 2 hours 40 minutes by car

Arnarstapi is a small village on the southern side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. I’d mention it as an optional stop if you’re already exploring the area, since it fits easily into a one-day itinerary with other nearby sights.

The most scenic part of Arnarstapi is its coastline. You can park near the Bárður Snæfellsás statue, then explore the coastline on foot. Be sure to check out the Arnarstapi Cliff Viewpoint, the Gatklettur rock arch (which is very photogenic), the Músagjá rock arch, and the Arnarstapi Lighthouse. You’ll also likely hear and see the noisy seagulls nesting along the cliffs.

If you have more time in the area, it’s worth spending an hour or two here. It’s a peaceful, less touristy place where you can enjoy the raw beauty of the Icelandic coastline.

So these were my top 21 recommended day trip destinations from Reykjavík.

I tried to make the list as diverse and exciting as possible to cover a wide range of interests. You’ve seen a mix of small towns, beaches, waterfalls, geysers, crater lakes, hiking spots, and much more, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

I hope these 21 places gave you enough inspiration to make your next Iceland trip even more memorable.

If you feel like you need more information, check out my other articles about Iceland.

And if you’re already planning your trip: go ahead, book your flight, rent a car, find your accommodation… and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Iceland!