Reykjavik might be Iceland’s buzzing little capital, but the real star of the show? Everything just outside of it. Picture waterfalls you can walk behind, black sand beaches straight out of a dream, and hot springs so magical you’ll swear you’re in a spa commercial.
Whether you’re after volcano vibes, glacier views, or just soaking your travel-tired bones in steamy blue waters, Reykjavik is the perfect launchpad. Here’s your ultimate approved guide to the best day trips you can take:
Table of Contents
The Golden Circle: Iceland’s Greatest Hits
If you only have time for one adventure, make it the Golden Circle. It’s like Iceland’s highlight reel — dramatic, gorgeous, and a little bit mind-blowing.
Þingvellir National Park: Walk between two continents! (Seriously.) Even cooler? If you’re feeling extra brave, you can snorkel between the continents! This UNESCO World Heritage site sits right on the rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Expect rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and major “wow” moments.
Gullfoss Waterfall: Get ready to feel tiny (in the best way). Gullfoss is a thundering two-tier waterfall that’s basically the queen of Icelandic waterfalls.
Geysir Hot Springs Area: Watch in awe as Strokkur geyser blasts boiling water up to 100 feet into the air — and it does this every few minutes, so you won’t have to stand around awkwardly waiting.
Spa Day at Laugarvatn Fontana
Why not combine history and hot springs? After exploring the ancient rift valleys of Thingvellir, pop over to Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. It’s a dreamy spot for a steam bath or a dip in geothermal pools, with gorgeous lake views to top it all off.
Blue Lagoon: Soak in a Dream
Need a little R&R after all that sightseeing? Say hello to the Blue Lagoon, about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik. Picture yourself floating in warm, milky-blue waters, surrounded by black volcanic rock. It’s basically a sci-fi movie… but cozy.
(And yes, the Instagram photos will be amazing.)
South Coast: Waterfalls, Beaches, and Epic Vibes
The South Coast is where Iceland shows off a little.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: A waterfall you can walk behind. Pack a rain jacket and prepare for some next-level selfies.
Skógafoss Waterfall: Wide, majestic, and often graced by rainbows if you catch the light just right.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Otherworldly black sands, towering basalt columns, and wild Atlantic waves. Basically, Mother Nature flexing.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature
Short on time but want to see everything? Snæfellsnes is your spot. It’s got glaciers, lava fields, volcanic craters, adorable fishing villages, and the photogenic Kirkjufell Mountain (yes, the one from all the screensavers).
Bonus: Snæfellsjökull National Park is home to a glacier-capped volcano. Because why not?
Reykjanes Peninsula: Wild and Untamed
If you want to skip the crowds and feel like you’re exploring another planet, head to Reykjanes. It’s geothermal madness in the best way.
Krýsuvík Geothermal Area: Bubbling mud pots and steaming vents — it smells a little… earthy, but it’s crazy cool.
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse: The oldest lighthouse in Iceland, standing guard over some seriously rugged coastline.
Bridge Between Continents: Where else can you literally walk between two tectonic plates? (Add this to your brag list.)
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss: Waterfall Wonderland
Out west, you’ll find Hraunfossar, where clear blue streams pour out of a lava field like magic. Nearby, Barnafoss rushes dramatically through a narrow canyon. They’re close enough to visit together, and both will leave you staring in wonder.
Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip!
Our 8-Day Iceland Itinerary offers hotel and food recommendations for the entire Ring Road. Join us as we relive our 8-Day Ring Road Road Trip! We’ll give you a breakdown of what we did each day, share some advice from the road, and offer suggestions for other things to add to your itinerary.
Our trip includes:
- Snorkeling between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir
- Exploring the Katla Ice Cave
- Geothermal pools/spas like Blue Lagoon
- A visit to Diamond Beach
- Incredible hikes
- Countless waterfalls
- Whale watching
- And so much more!
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