How do you decide which Iceland day tours are the best to take? I was excited about visiting the land of fire and ice, but when there are so many things to do, itβs difficult to narrow down. If youβre visiting for a few days, your hub will most likely be Reykjavik. Itβs central, close to the airport, and spot to see it all! Many excursions in Iceland will pick up or depart from the main city, making it the ideal starting point to plan your trip.
After visiting Iceland over 4 times for work, below are a list of Iceland day tours Iβve tried and recommend. Each one of these tours is perfect for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers.
Wake Up Reykjavik Food Tour
The Wake Up Reykjavik food tour was one of my highlights! As a solo traveler, itβs often difficult to meet people on a trip; therefore, this was the IDEAL first-day activity. This excursion ideally meets in Reykjavik at the Harpa Concert Hall main entrance, downtown. They all leave at multiple times throughout the day/evening, so this gives you some flexibility with your planning.
Showing up at the meeting point and seeing travelers with their significant others or families was a bit of a disappoint as a solo traveler; however, despite obviously being alone, there was DELICIOUS food, new friends, and many people ready to mingle regardless of who they were with!
Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Iceland Day Tour
Tour Company; Golden Circle trip offered by Your Day Tours!
During this Iceland day tour, youβll enjoy multiple stops along the infamous Golden Circle. The tour picks up from hotels and designated bus stops throughout Reykjavik, which makes it a convenient option. (For tips on where to stay, read my recommendations!)
Γingvellir; UNESCO site and home to stone walls and gorgeous landscapes. This is the closest you will ever be to two continents at the same time. The Eurasian and American tectonic plates separate about 2cm every year. (There is a cafe here and restrooms).
Gullfoss Waterfall; βMini Niagara Falls.β The walk to the waterfall is quite steep and slippery, so I suggest visiting the cafe before you make the trek down- I got a delicious apple pie and cappuccino, and thereβs also a huge gift store for on the way back!
The Great Geysir; There are 2 ways to get to the geyser locations. The simple way; Follow the arrow across the street, straight to the geysers. The hiking way; Walk straight by the playground and climb the Lupine-covered hills to the top.
Secret Lagoon; If you donβt pay ahead of time, and change your mind, the tour guides are very flexible! This was one of the highlights of the trip. It wasnβt overloaded with tourists and you can grab a beer or glass of wine to float around with. (Entrance is about $23.)
Golden Circle & FriΓ°heimar Tomato Farm Tour
Day tours in Iceland are an excellent way to off the beaten path locations like this one! A quick drive from Reykjavik to the Golden Circle makes this one of the most popular Iceland day tour routes! Picture imploding geysers, astounding waterfalls, and immaculate views. Many tour companies offer packages which include the Golden Circle and one or two other locations. Alternatively to the trip above, you can opt to visit the Circle and the infamous Fridheimer Tomato Farm.
Spend the beginning of your day exploring the other-worldly area that is the Golden Circle. Stroll past bubbling geysers and test try your bravery as you stand below a towering waterfall. The next stop on this tour will be the farm. Known for its focus on sustainability and and responsible tourism, Fridheimer is a a must visit year round. Wade by the hundreds of tomato vines, and sample the famous tomato-flavored beer or fresh tomato soup!
South Coast & ATV Adventure
Experience the power of the black sand beach as you cruise along its powerful shores. Your trip leaders will take you through some of the toughest terrain and flat lands. Wade through mountain lakes and up and down steep hills. Once youβve got the hang of your ride, youβll venture over to SΓ³lheimasandur beach. Youβre surrounded by a sea of black.
Admire the immense power of the waves as they crash around you. Here, youβll have some time to explore the mystery of the DC-3 plane wreck. Throughout this tour youβll be in awe of your surroundings. The streams, the inferior mountain ranges, and the surprising calmness of it al. On the way home, your driver will also stop at two of the most famous waterfalls; Seljalandsfoss and SkΓ³gafoss. (All gear is provided by the tour company, so just wear layers).
South Coast & Glacier Hike Iceland Day Tour
As far as Iceland day tours go, this one is well worth the money for what you get. You hit 4 major stops along the way (including a bucket list glacier hike), making this one of the best excursions to take from Reykjavik.
SkΓ³gafoss Waterfall; Stunning area. The van parks at the bottom, where there are restrooms, a stunning stream, and mountain views. If you have waterproof gear, you can go close to the fall. (Be careful, if itβs windy, you really do get wet!) If you climb the 370 steps to the top, youβll be glad you did! Youβll be stunned at the amazing views from the top (and the instagram-able shots you can get).
Vik Village; With time in between, take a short drive to Vik village! Home of the red-roofed church, cute cafeβs, and a black sand beach. Be sure to grab a sandwich and eat by the water! Making the trek up from where the bus stops to the church is tricky. Hidden by wildflower, the signs leading to the church are difficult to see. With only an hour, use your time wisely.
Reynisfjara Beach; The views here are distracting and the waves unpredictable. (Wear waterproof shoes and socks!) There are some stunning rock forms to see, black sand, and PUFFINS! Spotting puffin nests above the rocks is pretty easy and a must-see. (When I was looking, I backed into the freezing cold waterβ my waterproof hiking socks were a life-save here!) There are restrooms here where you can pay a couple coins to enter.
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