Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland and a gateway to the rest of this small island nation! The city is an exciting hub of culture and history, and is packed with museums, art galleries and meeting places!
For a relatively small capital city, it has an abundance of fun things to see and do! But don’t just spend all your time in the city, Reykjavik is surrounded by beautiful landscapes just waiting to be explored and experienced!
From here it is possible to take any number of Reykjavik tours to experience the beauty of the surrounding areas. Let’s get started on your Icelandic adventure, which includes everything from volcanoes to glaciers to hot springs to Northern Lights!
• The 21 Best Tours in Reykjavik •
#1 – Golden Circle Tour Iceland
- $$
- 8 hours
- Visit Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall
- Three significant Icelandic sites in one trip!
This is the number one tour when visiting Iceland! The Golden Circle consists of three spectacular and unique locations in southwest Iceland – Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has historical, cultural and geological significance. The Geysir Geothermal Area is home to famous hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles, while Gullfoss is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland!
Reykjavik is great! Reykjavik’s hostels are great too!
#2 – Drive a Buggy Through the Mountains
- $$$$
- 7 hours
- Drive to the Blue Mountains
- See the Hengill mountain range
The Reykjadalur full day buggy tour provides you with the unique opportunity to explore the mountains in a single or double-seater buggy! You’ll get the opportunity to drive deep into the mystical landscapes of the Hengill mountain range, Þúsund vatna leiðir, the Blue Mountains and Vífilsfell Mountain.
The tour lasts around 7 hours round trip. Along the way, you’ll visit a power plant that generates Reykjavik’s electricity, and get to bathe in a natural spring!
Reykjavik is spectacular! Especially since you can take day trips to see the whole region!
#3 – Admire the Beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- $$$
- 11 hours
- See the spectacular mountains and volcanic craters of Kirkjufell and Ljósufjöll
- Discover the charming fishing villages of Grundarfjordur, Arnarstapi and Hellnar
Get back to nature in the amazing landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a day trip from Reykjavik. Marvel at the lunar landscapes and volcanic vistas as you head towards the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Be prepared to experience unexplained energy flows from the mystical scenery, said to be the “Center of the Earth!” See volcanic craters and lava fields, discover hidden coves and bizarre rock formations, and listen to local legends and folk stories!
Then, enjoy a home-cooked early evening meal and time to chat at a local horse ranch.
Iceland is beautiful! These are the best places to visit in all of Iceland!
#4 – Reykjavik Whale Watching Tour
- $$$
- 3 hours
- Sail from Reykjavik on Iceland’s largest whale-watching ship
- See some of Iceland’s fantastic marine wildlife
Get up close to Iceland’s majestic large marine mammals from the comfort of a luxury yacht! This boat tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, heading out along the coast and around the small islands in Faxaflói Bay.
Minke whales, humpback whales, and other cetaceans are commonly spotted in the waters around Reykjavik, and there is always a chance of seeing killer whales! The attentive crew will be on hand with warm blankets and even seasickness tablets if needed.
Arriving late? Find the best hostels near Reykjavik AIRPORT for a worry-free arrival!
#5 – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik
- $$$
- 14 hours
- See the icebergs of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Walk behind the cascades of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (weather permitting)
No Iceland itinerary would be complete without visiting the largest and deepest glacial lagoon in Iceland! This tour takes you to some amazing icy landscapes!
Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the ice-berg littered Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and see the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Check out the amazing ice formations at Diamond Beach and be treated to a scrumptious dinner in Iceland’s southernmost village of Vik!
Editor’s Note: You can have a great time in Iceland staying at one of the top party hostels!
#6 – Northern Lights Mystery Tour
- $$
- 4 hours
- Admire nature’s own spectacular light show – the magnificent Northern Lights!
- Watch as the lights dance across the sky in dramatic shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes
A visit to Reykjavik would not be complete without taking a chance to see the mysterious Northern Lights! This spectacular natural display can be witnessed at any time from the onset of the autumn darkness to the light nights of spring.
On a clear night, you may be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights swirling in a wild and carefree dance across the sky in dramatic shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes.
Still debating what to pack? Here is the ultimate packing list for Iceland.
#7 – Take a Tour of the South Coast
- $$$
- 10 hours
- Visit the glacier snout of Sólheimajökull
- Marvel at a unique landscape of rivers waterfalls and glacial mountains
Take an incredible trip around Iceland’s southern coast and witness some of the most beautiful scenery this country has to offer! Iceland’s south coast is a wonderland of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, rolling hills, dramatic coastline and rural villages.
On this tour, you’ll get to stop and admire all that this landscape has to offer and enjoy some free time in the charming coastal village of Vik!
#8 – Hike Up Europe’s Largest Glacier
- $$$
- 3 hours
- Hike around the stunning outlet glacier of Vatnajökull
- See the epic mountains of Skaftafell National Park
For something more thrilling, whip up the courage to hike up Europe’s largest glacier! Vatnajökull is an outlet glacier, a slow-moving mass of impacted ice interlaced with internal tunnels, moulins and crevasses.
You’ll get the rare chance to see deep into the glacier and admire its deep blue heart. The hike takes place in the dramatic landscape of Skaftafell National Park, a breathtaking wilderness of lush vegetation and snow-capped peaks!
#9 – Go Horseback Riding in the Lava Fields
- $$$
- 2-4 hours
- Enjoy beautiful surroundings of lava fields and rolling hills on horseback
- Make use of some of the best riding facilities in Iceland
Equestrian lovers, here’s your chance to treat yourself to a fantastic horse riding adventure through the lava lands of Iceland! Take in the beautiful scenery and unique rock formations while riding on horses with a special gait, known as tölt.
The stables are located a mere 10-minute drive from Reykjavik, near the quaint town of Hafnarfjörður. Safety equipment and weather protection outfitswill be provided, so you can enjoy an amazing Iceland excursion!
#10 – Go Puffin Spotting
- $$$
- 1 hour
- Explore Faxaflói Bay and get amazing sightings of puffins and other seabirds
- Cruise around the sea cliffs and islands to admire the nesting birds
Get up-close views of Iceland’s beautiful puffins with this charming boat tour! The boat gives you amazing access to view these quirky seabirds as they nest, fly and dive around their coastal habitat.
On this bird watching tour you’ll head out into the scenic Faxaflói Bay and to two islands covered in small hills and slopes where the birds nest. As well as puffins you can expect to see northern fulmars, gulls, Arctic terns, and black guillemots.
#11 – Go Deep Sea Fishing!
- $$$
- 5 hours
- Enjoy a trip out to sea and cast your line for a catch of a lifetime!
- Keep your catch or barbecue it right on board
Iceland’s seas are teeming with cold-water fish that are highly sought after for their deliciously tasting meat! Here’s your chance to have a fun adventure on the water, and hook some cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish or pollock. Let the family relax on board as you bring in their next meal!
This is a tour perfect for fishing enthusiasts, and is an opportunity you don’t want to pass up!
#12 – Take a Blue Lagoon Tour
- $
- 45 minutes
- Experience the Blue Lagoon, one of 25 Wonders of the World
- Travel with ease with the official transport partner of the Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most iconic sites, and this transport will provide you with easy access to this famous attraction! Enjoy hassle-free transport to and from the world-renowned natural geothermal spa, which contains the outdoor lagoon.
The transfer from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon includes a free bus connection to your hotel, guesthouse, or nearest bus stop.
#13 – Enter a Volcanic Tunnel
- $$$
- 3 hours
- Explore the magnificent Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel
- Marvel at the range of colors in the lava tube
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to explore an ancient volcano, here’s your chance! On this tour, you’ll get to explore the Raufarhólshellir lava tube and walk in the path of lava flow from the eruption of Leitahraun that took place approximately 5,200 years ago!
Experience a sensory adventure as you discover the fantastic range of colors in the tunnel wall caused by different mineral types in the rock!
#14 – Discover the Colorful Landscape of Landmannalaugar
- $$$
- 11-16 hours
- Drive by the base of Mt. Hekla and see Iceland’s most active volcano
- See the rhyolite mountains of Iceland’s Highlands and the black lava field of Laugahraun
This tour around the Icelandic countryside is a feast for the senses! You’ll be wowed by a range of wonderful landscapes and get a sense of the powerful forces of nature when visiting the pearl of Iceland’s highlands, Landmannalaugar!
Along the journey you’ll drive past Mount Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano. Take a relaxing bath in the geothermal waters, see colorful rhyolite mountains, and marvel at the black expanse of the Laugahraun lava field!
#15 – Go on a Silfra Snorkeling Tour
- $$$
- 2-4 hours
- Snorkel at the Silfra Lava Fissure, one of the world’s top-10 dive sites!
- Swim over the divide between the American and European continental plates
If you’re up for an aquatic adventure and don’t mind the cold, then don a dry-suit and go snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure! Located in the heart of Thingvellir National Park and listed as a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, the fissure divides the American and European continents.
The water comes from ice-melt off a glacier and has amazing visibility of up to 300-feet! It’s no wonder that this is one of the world’s best dive sites!
#16 – Take a Helicopter Tour of the Countryside
- $$$$
- 1 hour
- Enjoy a 50-minute to 60-minute helicopter flight over Iceland’s most scenic areas
- Soar over geothermal power plants and bubbling hot springs
There’s no better way to take in the beauty of the Icelandic landscape than from the air! Enjoy a helicopter flight over geothermal springs, colorful mountain ranges, power plants, lava fields and craters!
The tour includes a quick whip around Reykjavik for an aerial view of the city.. You’ll also get a chance to look down into a volcanic crater!
#17 – Explore Inside a Glacier
- $$$$
- 10 hours
- See ice caves dug into a glacier, one of Iceland’s coolest attractions!
- Witness the highest flowing hot springs of Europe at Deildartunguhver
If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a glacier looks like, here’s your chance! Visit the man-made ice caves dug into the Langjökull glacier, which has quickly become a top Icelandic attraction!
As you journey through the blue ice corridors, you’ll see the highest flowing hot springs in Europe as well as the Hraunfossar waterfall that flows down through the lava fields.
#18 – Take a Game of Thrones Tour
- $$$
- 8 hours
- Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Meet “characters” from the popular television series
Take in Iceland’s breathtaking scenery that was used during the filming of the gripping television series ‘Game of Thrones.’ Visit the dramatic gorge at Þingvellir, which you may recognize as “north of the Wall,” and the stomping ground of White Walkers.
Soak up the raw, dramatic atmosphere that set the scene for the show’s plot. Explore Þjorsárdalur and the settlement-era Viking Lodge, the location of the greatest massacre and most elaborate scene in GOT!
Game of Thrones fans, this tour is for you!
#19 – See the City by Minibus
- $$
- 3 hours
- A comprehensive tour of Iceland’s history, culture, and scenery
- Marvel at the stunning panoramic views at the restaurant Perlan
Visit Reykjavik’s key sights and learn all about Iceland’s culture. Explore ancient churches and old towns, then let your guide show you the best panoramic views of the city!
Journey to visit the presidential residence at Bessastaðir and the town of Hafnarfjörður, where you will learn how the local tribes lived together in harmony. During this capital city tour, you’ll experience the best of Reykjavik while being driven around in a comfortable minibus!
#20 – Enjoy a Walking Reykjavik Food Tour
- $$$
- 4 hours
- Taste the cuisine of Iceland on a food-themed Reykjavik walking tour
- Sample 13 different dishes from six unique venues
Feeling hungry? Wondering what the locals eat? Want to try out some new dishes? Then this tour is perfect for you! For 4 hours you’ll get to walk around the city and taste a great variety of Icelandic food!
During the course of the walking tour, you’ll discover what foods every Icelander grew up eating, try some delicious Icelandic lamb soup, and even learn of some secret hangouts known only to locals.
#21 – Learn About the City’s Mythical Creatures
- $$
- 5 hours
- Visit 2 of the oldest graveyards in Reykjavik
- See an Elfstone in the city center
Icelandic folklore is filled with tales of mythical beings, supernatural happenings, and mysteries! This fun walking tour reveals the city’s darker side with entertaining tales of elves, trolls and ghosts!
A visit to two old graveyards will send chills down your spine! On the route, you’ll discover the magical Tjörnin Pond and experience Icelandic storytelling at its finest! These myths and legends are not for the faint-hearted!
FAQs
We get asked many questions about what it’s like to visit Iceland’s capital city, and what to expect. To help you better prepare for your trip we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions below!
How do I book a Reykjavik tour?
There are many tour providers offering tickets and tours of Reykjavik, but our favorite has to be getyourguide.com! This online platform has an extensive list of tours available and makes booking your Iceland tours easy and convenient!
What should I pack for a tour in Reykjavik?
We recommend packing a warm jacket for your travels to Reykjavik. Even though the summer temperatures can be mild and balmy, the wind around the coast can still be chilly. You may also want to pack some sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare reflecting off of the ice and water.
How much money do tours in Reykjavik typically cost?
The cost of tours in Reykjavik depends on the length of the tour and tour inclusions. Tours cost between USD $22.00 – USD $600.00, with group tours being slightly cheaper, and private tours being a little more expensive.
How much time do tours in Reykjavik last?
The length of Reykjavik, Iceland tours generally depends on what is included, and where the tour takes you. The shorter tours are usually more localized, taking place at one location in the city, while tours from Reykjavik that leave the city for the countryside can take up to a full day.
Conclusion
There you have it folks, the best 21 tours in Reykjavik, Iceland! As you can see, there is a wide range of attractions and activities to choose from, with options to suit every type of traveler!
By booking a tour of Reykjavik you’ll be able to experience the aspects of this fascinating city that interest you most. These hassle-free tour options will allow you to fully relax and enjoy your Icelantic vacation!
We think these tours are absolutely brilliant but don’t just take our word for them, get out there and try some tours for yourself!
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