Iceland is the ultimate trip for any nature enthusiast. When I spent a week in Iceland last June, I saw more stunning scenery in those few days than I had ever in my life. And I’ve been to some pretty rad places, Santorini, Hawaii, Japan, Utah, you name it. Out of all the countries I’ve visited thus far (35+), Iceland definitely wins for dramatic landscapes and out-of-this-world vistas.

If you’re looking for an easy, yet adventurous trip to Iceland, base yourself out of the capital city and sign up for a few of the day trips from Reykjavik listed below. Iceland day trips are super safe and easy, and absolutely wondrous if you don’t feel like driving yourself (especially useful in the snowy weather).

Reykjavik is such a fantastic capital city because there are so many things to do just outside of it! It’s amazing to me that only 10 minutes from Iceland’s capital you can find yourself deep in the heart of beautiful nature. So don’t be shy and definitely don’t spend all your time in Iceland’s capital – make sure to take a few day tours from Reykjavik in order to see all the beauty this country has to offer!

So if you’re planning a trip to Iceland soon, make sure you take a few of these day tours from Reykjavik! Most of these Reykjavik day trips can be done by either renting a car yourself or by booking yourself on a bus tour, which is not as horrible as that may seem. Bus tours ensure you see all that you can, with minimal planning on your part! By joining some group day trips from Reykjavik, you can easily see so much of the country without worrying about gas, snow, or icy roads. #winning!

So without further ado, here are some the most popular day trips from Reykjavik.

My Favorite Iceland Day Trips

1. Golden Circle

The Golden Circle consisting of Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss waterfall is a super easy day trip from Reykjavik! Not only will you see these amazing spots, but along the way, you’ll see lots of Icelandic horses, rivers, and otherworldly landscapes.

We like to throw in the Kerid Crater into the mix because it completes a circle, and this way you won’t have to drive back the same way that you came. The driving time for the entire trip is about 3 hours and you can spend anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour + on each stop. You can definitely head out of Reykjavik after breakfast, drive to all the stops on the Golden Circle, and come back for dinner.

You can hike, dive, and horseback ride at the Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. On the hike, you will see historical sites like an ancient assembly site and a gushing waterfall (you’ll notice a trend in Iceland – there are lots of waterfalls to be seen).

You can stay for a short while and admire the views at the lookout points and/or go for a short walk to get the feel of the park (about a 15 minute excursion), or you can basically spend an hour or two here exploring to your hearts content! Out of all the stops on the Golden Circle, this is the stop where you can spend the most time.

The Geysir is about an hour away (the longest stretch of driving) from Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. Don’t forget your raincoats! Especially on a windy day, you will undoubtedly get splashed and wet. Some geysers are more active than others, but don’t miss the most active one which erupts every few minutes or so. Just look out for the crowds of people and you know you’re waiting for the right one.

Gullfoss is only about a 10 minute drive from the Geysir, and it’s one of the most gorgeous waterfalls I have ever seen. There is also a restaurant and cafe there for any hungry mouths. If you want to eat out for lunch during your Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavik, this would be the place. Otherwise, we packed our lunch for this trip, and in Iceland in general to save money.

The final stop is the Kerid Crater. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Gullfoss and there is a gas station in between, if you need to fuel up or get some snacks. You can pay the entrance fee and walk around this crater lake, but you can also see it right where you park.

You can visit all these places by driving on your own, or by joining a tour.

Recommended Golden Circle tour here (the exact one I took). Read More About the Golden Circle.

Either way, you can’t leave Iceland without seeing this trifecta (4 if you include Kerid) of landmarks! – Henry and Andrew’s Guide

2. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is probably the image that pops into most people’s minds when they first think of Iceland – and for good reason! Just look at it below!

Visiting the Blue Lagoon is on everyone’s bucket list when planning a trip to Iceland.  Soaking in the milky blue waters is a wonderful way to de-stress and say goodbye to any worries you may have- all while keeping you warm in the weird Iceland weather and doing wonders for your skin!

The lagoon is spread out with enough room for everyone (especially now that they began limiting the number of people using it at once), and be sure to explore the different parts.  Swim up bar included!  You’ll find pots of silica mud to slather on your face and body in numerous parts of the lagoon – I slathered up twice!  Makes for super fun photo opps!

Timing is everything: Visit the lagoon later in the day if you can.  Most think that visiting the lagoon in the morning will result in less crowds- but if everyone thinks this way – the opposite will actually be the reality!  We visited around 5pm and found the Blue Lagoon to be surprisingly emptier than we initially thought!

And make sure to pre-book your visit: It’s actually mandatory to book in advance now.  I booked about a week and a half prior to visiting the Blue Lagoon, but I highly suggest you book as soon as you know your intended dates as there were slim pickings for me.

• If you’re coming to/from the airport, book here.
• If you need roundtrip transportation from Reykjavik, book here.

3. South Coast of Iceland

A day trip along Iceland’s south coast is a fantastic way to see a great many of Iceland’s most popular and well known attractions. From waterfalls to plane wrecks, cute fishing villages to vast black sand beaches. Iceland’s south coast has something for everyone.

Starting from Reykjavik, the first major highlight you’ll come to is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can actually walk behind. Don’t miss the hidden waterfall nearby, Gljúfrabúi, which many first timers to Iceland don’t realise is hidden in a canyon just a short walk away.

After Seljalandfoss, continue east along the 1. where you’ll come to Skogafoss, another one of Iceland’s impressive waterfalls. This one you can enjoy from close to the crashing base, or you can hike up to the top for impressive views. There’s also a museum near here, the Skogar museum, if you want to learn a bit about local history.

Next, return back on the 1 and continue east. If you feel like a bit of a walk, you can stop at the Sólheimasandur Parking area, and hike out to the beach here. As well as a gorgeous black sand beach, there’s a crashed DC-10 plane wreck on the beach here which is very photogenic.

Finally, the last eastwards stretch of the 1 will take you to the town of Vik. Just before Vik is the turn off to Reynisfjara Beach, where huge basalt columns meet the black sand beach. Another must-stop photo opportunity. Finally, you can press on to Vik, the most easterly stop on today’s tour, before turning back for Reykjavik.

On your way back to the city, you might want to take a detour to take in some of the cute fishing villages of the south coast – at Selfoss, head south to either Eyrarbakki or Stokkseyri. These are well worth the detour to explore, and you could even continue further west along the coast to Standakirkja if you wished, where there’s a lovely old church to photograph.

The trip along the south coast can be done in a number of ways. There are many tour operators offering day trips along the south coast from Reykjavik to choose from, which is recommended if you feel like having a more leisurely day without any necessary driving.

Recommended South Coast of Iceland Tour here.

Alternatively, you can always hire a car and do the trip at your own pace. If there are between 2 and 4 of you, this can be one of the most cost effective options, as you can split the rental and gas costs. – Finding the Universe

Lesser-Known Day Trips from Reykjavik

4. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Lagoon is by far one of the best places to visit in Iceland, and it is possible in as a day trip from Reykjavik! The lagoon is well-known for the icebergs slowing floating through it and out to sea. They come from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, and there can be more or less depending on the time of year you visit.

To reach Jokulsarlon you need to travel along the ring road eat of Reykjavik. Although Google maps might tell you that it takes 5 hours, you should definitely build in extra time to see the many sights along the way. Leave early in the morning so you can stop at Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss at the very least. Vik is a good halfway point to stop for something to eat or fuel up, since the towns and petrol stations will be fewer and further between after this.

If you travel in the summer you’ll have plenty of daylight to reach the glacier, where you’ll likely spend at least an hour marvelling at the icebergs in the lagoon and on the nearby beach, and taking plenty of photos. Just remember you have to drive 5 hours back again! In the winter, from as early as October, the journey will be much slower and the daylight less, and I’d actually recommend a stopover for the night.

The nearby Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a great option to allow you to visit at sunset or sunrise when the light over the lagoon is truly magical.

You can take the pressure off driving yourself by taking a day trip to Jokulsarlon from Reykjavik with a tour company. They’re also long at around 14 hours, but at least you can sit back on the bus and relax! Waterfall stops are usually included, as well as a stop at Vik.

Recommended Glacier Lagoon Tour here.

I truly can’t express how beautiful and tranquil the view of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is. It’s a once in a lifetime experience, especially since it changes every day, and even every hour! – Migrating Miss

5. Snorkeling at Silfra

Snorkeling Silfra is the absolute highlight of any trip to Iceland (and if you have your PADI license you can actually dive the fissure instead!)

Silfra is a crack between two tectonic plates, which is where you’ll be swimming! The plates in question are the North American and Eurasian plates and is located in the Þingvallavatn Lake in the Þingvellir National Park in Iceland. The National Park is only just outside of Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland and takes about an hour by minibus to get there.

Silfra has the most crystal clear and clean water you have ever seen – and you can actually drink it. Although there is barely any wildlife (fish) in the actual crack between the plates, the water is so ridiculously clear you can see for miles beneath you, looking at the rocks and wondering about their story. And because of this, you’ll see a dramatic display of blues and greens under the water.

Beware – it is freezing cold before you get in the water, and even colder when you get in, but this is a day trip from Reykjavik not to miss. And don’t fret, the tour companies give you waterproof dry suits and wet suits which completely cover your body so you don’t freeze to death. 

You can book the snorkel trip online with any of the tour operators who work in Iceland. They will usually pick you up from your hotel and take you right to a car park where you get dressed into your snorkel gear and hop in the water across the road. The whole trip takes a few hours, and if you go in the morning you can be back for lunch.

You need to try this trip! Where else in the world can you swim between two tectonic plates, while drinking the water you swim in? – Meldrums on the Move

6. Landmannalaugar

One of my favorite day trips from Reykjavik was to Landmannalaugar.  Landmannalauger is referred to as “The people’s pools” in the heart of Iceland’s southern Highlands. The area is at the edge of a lava field and looks out of this world. Perhaps that’s why a number of Hollywood films have chosen Landmannalauger for their unearthly settings; you might have even seen the spot in some movies!

To access Landmannalauger you must have a four-wheel drive vehicle or take a day tour from Reykjavik. If you decide to drive yourself, you’ll have to double check with your rental company if you are even allowed to drive there as many ban “F” roads. Many of these F roads run through the middle of the country and are not in great condition. We didn’t have a four-wheel drive vehicle so decided to go on a private tour from Reykjavik in order to access Landmannalauger.

I highly recommend a local guide since they know the roads and hot spots to see in this huge area. Plus it’s one place you don’t want to get stranded with a flat tire in – weather can be absolutely brutal and quite unpredictable to say the least! Best to go with someone who knows where they’re going.

This is also where you can drive or take a long hike up Mount Hekla. Hekla is a volcano long overdue for an eruption and has the most fabulous views. Again, this is something we would have either had to hike to or have a 4×4 with local knowledge.

I would suggest a whole day for a visit here as it takes about 1-2 hours from the capital to get to. Once there you’ll have the most amazing views. If you go in the off season you’ll have it all to yourself! Don’t forget a camera! – The World Pursuit

7. Reykjavik Whale Watching

Whale watching from the Reykjavik Old Harbour is a great experience to enjoy while in Iceland.  If you are staying in the old section of Reykjavik you can pretty much just take a walk down to the harbor. Whale watching is available all year long with the peak season being in the summer months. However, it’s pretty much guaranteed you will see either whales (Minke, Fin, Humpback, Sperm and more), dolphins, or porpoise’s anytime you go.    

There are several tour companies you can book with online or at the harbour.  I highly suggest you book in advance, as our tour was completely booked in February.  Iceland can be chilly on the water no matter what time of year and you will be out there for 2-3 hours; therefore, it is important to be prepared with proper clothing.  Overalls are provided too if you need them. Don’t forget your camera and extra batteries for all your photo opportunities.

You can choose from small speedier boats or larger vessels. The smaller boats have more speed which can be important if there are any sightings that are at a fair distance, they will of course get there faster. However, the draw back for these boats are you feel more of the movement. If you are not a regular boater this could be a problem for you. The larger boats move a little slower but can be a more comfortable ride.  

The tour boat we used, one of the larger boats, had sea sickness pills available to any who felt they could possibly become sick. I did not hesitate! The boats are comfortable with seating upstairs and downstairs. Food, drink and restrooms are also available.

It is not necessary to go out any further than a few miles, as the boat circles around and keeps in touch with other boats that may have spotted any whales.  We were not as fortunate to see any whales however we did see dolphins.

Even though we see dolphins all the time living in Florida, it was fun to see people from all over the world seeing them for their first time.  The dolphins put on a great show for everyone and seeing the children on board really enjoying them made this excursion even more special. – Travel by A Sherrie Affair

8. Snæfellsness Peninsula

The breathtaking Snæfellsness Peninsula lies outside of the heavily traveled Golden Circle and you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning scenery as it was meant to be experienced, without throngs of tourists. Below are 3 highlights of Snaefellsness that you shouldn’t miss out on, whether you decide to make the long drive yourself or take the easy way out (my preference) and book yourself on a tour.

The Snæfellsjökull National Park lies in the westernmost part of the Peninsula and was established in 2001 for the purpose of protecting the unique landscape. At the center of the park lies the Snæfellsjökull glacier, which sits on top of a volcano. Like most volcanoes in Iceland, it is still active with the last eruption occurring 1900 years ago.

The Snæfellsjökull glacier was also made famous in the Jules Verne novel “A Journey to the Center of the Universe” where it served as the starting point of the great journey. Admission to the park is free so there is no reason not to visit this breathtaking area and hike it to your heart’s content.

On the southern coast of the Peninsula you’ll find a majestic pair of volcanic pinnacles sticking out from the sea near the coastline named the Lóndrangar cliffs, one of the most recognizable and iconic features of the Peninsula. While you won’t be able to get to Lóndrangar, you can admire the Þúfubjarg cliffs, which are rich in bird life and are a good place to catch a rare glimpse of some puffins (if you get lucky).

With its cute and colorful houses, Stykkishólmur is one of the most beautiful towns in Iceland and is home to just over 1000 inhabitants. It’s also the largest town on the Peninsula and is the center of its trade and transportation. An absolute must see when visiting the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you may even recognize the city from “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” starring Ben Stiller.

Traveling by Car: From Reykjavik go north on Highway 1 (The Ring Road) until you reach Highway 54 and then head west towards the Peninsula. The drive should take 2.5 to 3 hours with mostly paved roads making for a pleasurable journey that can be done any time of year.

Other options: While taking the bus is possible, I wouldn’t suggest it. The parts of Snaefellsness Peninsula are quite far from each other. If you can’t rent a car or choose not to, I highly suggest reaching out to a local tour operator, who will take you to many of the hot spots on the Snaefellsness Peninsula and get you back to Reykjavik before the sun goes down. – Travel Geekery

9. Icelandic Horseback Riding

Reykjavik is never short on options for day trips but if you fancy seeing some amazing scenery, enjoying an active outdoor sport and making friends with some of the hairier locals, then giving Icelandic horse riding a go might just be for you! Icelandic horses are beautiful creatures and well worth getting to know, even if it’s just a stop at the side of the road in your campervan, but trying out a little equestrian adventure while you are in Iceland is worth every penny.

Depending on your abilities and how much time you have, there are a wide range of tour and trekking options. I personally opted for a half day trek in the beautiful Thingvellir National Park but full days options are easily achievable if you don’t mind an early morning.  

If you’ve never ridden before, Icelandic horses are a great place to start. Amazingly gentle and really quite small, you’ll feel much more comfortable on a nice slow trek through the beautiful landscape on these guys rather than a much bigger animal. That’s not to say that experienced riders should skip this option. If you’re a regular rider you’ll know horses have four standard gaits – well not these ones!

Icelandic horse riding adds the fun of a fifth gait known as a tölt, which is a unique quality of the breed and something I think every equestrian should experience. No matter what speed you choose to explore, seeing snow-capped mountains, volcanic lava fields or even Icelandic wildflower meadows by horseback is a truly one of a kind experience suitable for any type of traveller.

With most offering hotel pick-ups in Reykjavik, you can easily book from multiple tour operators as well as direct with a range of horse farms.

The options of location are pretty endless too with everything from spending a morning enjoying a gentle guided trek through the Icelandic wilderness with your new equine buddy to an afternoon splashing through the melt waters of glaciers in awe of how speedy these little horses can be. Just remember to ask about Icelandic horses and not ponies when organising a trip or you’ll have the locals chasing you! – the tinberry travels

10. Langjokull Glacier

An easy day trip from Reykjavik, Langjokull glacier is the second largest glacier in Iceland.   Langjokull is a scenic 2 hour drive north of Reykjavik, so you’ll have plenty of time for activities on the ice before you have to return.

There are plenty of activities to choose from on Langjokull; you can go snowmobiling, hiking and even skiing on this glacier.  You can undertake many of these activities elsewhere in Iceland, however Langjokull has a unique attraction – its man-made ice cave.

To reach Langjokull’s Ice Cave you can either take a tour and be picked up from your hotel in Reykjavik, or you can meet your guide on site, usually at Hotel Husafell.  From here you’ll be taken by coach to the edge of the glacier and transfer to a monster truck which drives you over the ice itself.

You’ll need to wrap up warm and wear sturdy shoes.  Once you’re in the cave you’ll put ice crampons over your shoes to stop you slipping.  You get to spend about an hour in the cave and the whole experience lasts about 3 hours.  

Inside the glacier you will be taken on a tour of five different rooms linked by tunnels.  One of the rooms is a chapel where you can even get married. The acoustics inside the chapel are incredible – if you’re lucky enough to get a guide who can sing you’ll hear them for yourself.  The color of the ice is a gorgeous blue and it’s interesting to hear about how the caves were built.

While going into natural ice caves might sound more exciting than a man-made cave, the natural caves can be dangerous as they’re usually either unstable or prone to flooding.  They are also only accessible at certain times of the year. The beauty of the man made cave at Langjokull is that it’s stable, safe and open all year round. You can even take small children inside.  So if you want to guarantee a visit inside a glacier, this is the day trip to take.

Please be aware that while you can drive to the glacier by yourself if you have a 4X4, you have to be with a guide to go on to the glacier itself.  Langjokull is full of cracks which can be extremely dangerous. – Kids and Compass

Heading to Iceland soon?! Do any of these day trips from Reykjavik interest you?!

TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY SOON? Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of SafetyWing when traveling abroad. Recently, I’ve been using SafetyWing since they cover pandemic-related claims (most travel insurance companies do not). Be sure to protect yourself from possible injury, lost baggage, travel delays, and theft before it happens. Learn more and Sign up here.

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The post Day Trips from Reykjavik: Iceland Day Trips You Can’t Miss appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Most people visiting Iceland decide on a road trip around the Ring Road, and while it’s definitely an option to consider, the fact that I was traveling solo and hence didn’t want to drive the country alone made me find other ways to see Iceland in one week.

With that being said, it’s more than possible to see OH SO MUCH of Iceland without renting a car/doing a long-distance road trip. And if you’re just beginning to venture into the world of solo travel, Iceland is a WONDERFUL place to begin, being one of the safest countries in the world and all.

→ All my female solo travel tips over here (useful for you men as well, but it’s catered towards women, just FYI).

I recently returned home from my first trip to Iceland, and can honestly say the country took me by surprise.  I had high high expectations to say the least – Iceland has become a trendy destination in the past few years – but would it live up to the hype? Why, yes. Yes it did. Easily.

Sure, I was expecting vivid landscapes and sweet-natured people, but wow.  Never in a million years did I imagine what my eyes saw in those 7 days in Iceland.  With the midnight sun glowing 22 hours of the day (I visited in June), I was definitely not short on daylight and made sure to take extra advantage of this.

Never in my life have I been more in awe of my surroundings.  I experienced more 360 degree unparalleled views in just one week in Iceland than ever before – and you don’t get many of those in a lifetime.  

AND GOOD NEWS: This may in fact be the easiest trip you ever plan, since all you really need to do is book a few tours (links below), airfare, and hotels, and your one week Iceland itinerary is basically complete.

General Tips for Visiting Iceland:

1) Iceland is very credit card friendly. If you’re going to exchange money, do as little as possible. We decided not to exchange any money at all and used our credit cards everywhere. Iceland is very credit card friendly. At the time of this publication (early 2018), the exchange rate is approximately 100 Icelandic Krona to 1USD. To make figuring out prices super easy, just move the decimal point two places to the left. For example, 780 krona = ~$7.80. Easy peasy.

2) Food is expensive. There’s no way around it. There are, however, a few iconic foods and places to eat that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. And while we’re talking about food, I made sure to try a few of Iceland’s famed eats, on the cheap of course. Check out what it really costs to travel throughout Iceland here.

3) Stock up on groceries at BONUS, an Icelandic budget grocery store. I bought a loaf of bread, some fillings (nutella, peanut butter, bananas) and a whole lot of snacks which kept me full for all of my lunches. I easily saved at least $20 a day by doing this. 

4) Pack appropriately. Just because you’re visiting Iceland during it’s summer months, don’t expect warm weather. The best thing is to dress in layers so you can easily adjust your clothing depending on the weather, which seems to change frequently everywhere in the country! When I visited in June, the temperature hovered between 55-65 degrees F, although it seemed a bit warmer some days in the sun, and a bit chillier in the wind and near the glaciers (obviously).

5) Book your tours in advance, especially if you’ll be traveling in prime winter months (December-February) or prime summer months (June-August). Tours sell out frequently, and although there are numerous companies to take you around, each are a bit different and offer different things. Do your research ahead of time. I’ll share exactly which tours I took below if you’d like to book the same ones I did (all highly recommended).

Golden Circle | Blue Lagoon with Transfers | Southern Iceland and Glacier Lagoon | Snaefellsness Peninsula

Iceland Planning Logistics

Where to Stay in Iceland

For the duration of my week in Iceland, I based myself out of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city and most populated area. If you’re hoping to take day trips to other areas of Iceland, staying in Reykjavik is your best option.

If you’re traveling solo and are looking for hostel accommodations, I highly recommend both Reykjavik Loft HI Hostel (where I stayed and absolutely loved it) and Kex Hostel and Bus Hostel (where numerous people I met in Iceland stayed and raved about). Note that hostels are much more pricey than other areas of Europe and the world in general, and I spent roughly $70 a night for one bed in a 6-bed female dorm.

There are a bunch of cute hotels in the area (including 101 Hotel, Apotek Hotel, and Canopy Reykjavik), but they will cost you at least double. If you’re traveling with others and are undecided between a hostel and hotel, be sure to figure out which is a lower cost per person, as hostels sell individual beds, and when booking a hotel room you can obviously share, lowering the cost of the room per person.

How to Get to Your Accommodation from the Airport

Everything in Reykjavik is walkable, so there’s no need to worry about transportation once you arrive in the city. I highly advise you take FlyBus to get from Keflavik Airport (where you’ll most likely be arriving in Iceland) to your hotel/hostel as private taxi’s will be way over priced. It’s possible to book this transfer at the airport, but I found it much easier to book my FlyBus ticket ahead of time.

Be sure to buy the ticket that takes you directly to your hotel (the other cheaper ticket will only take you to the Bus Terminal, which you’ll then need to figure out your own transportation to your hotel). BUY FLYBUS TICKETS HERE. And remember, you’ll need a ticket back to the airport after your week in Iceland is up.

WiFi and Staying Connected

Although you will most likely have wifi at your accommodation, it’s a good idea to bring along a pocket-sized personal WiFi hotspot, to keep you connected during your time in Iceland. WiFi hotspots are a cost effective option to ensure you can use GPS apps like Google Maps, check your emails, and catch up with friends and family while away.

With this portable device, you’ll have WiFi wherever you go (even if your phone doesn’t have service), unlimited internet (on up to five devices at a time!!!), and it’s fast and reliable. At less than $9 a day, this device can’t really be beat.

Note that some cell phone plans allow for international use, but many of these are costly. I once accidentally turned on my phone service for LESS THAN 2 MINUTES and got charged $150 by my phone carrier! I desperately wished I had a personal WiFi hotspot with me then!

Find more information and plan options here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED especially when you don’t speak the native language of the country you’re going.

And now what you’ve been waiting for: a full one week Iceland itinerary!

A Complete Seven Days in Iceland: The Ultimate Week in Iceland Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Reykjavik, Iceland’s Capital City

If you arrive in Iceland in the morning, or even mid-day (if it’s summer), you can see so many of Reykjavik’s highlights in only a few hours. My flight from Montreal arrived at 6am in the morning, so thankfully I had the WHOLE day to explore (despite ending up overly exhausted and falling asleep with my head on the table at Perlan → true story). A few things to check out and not miss in Reykjavik:

• Hallgrimskirkja: This is Iceland’s most famed cathedral, and you can climb to the top for fantastic 360degree views of the entire city.
• Perlan: A bit removed from the city center, but if you’re up for a half hour or so walk, it’s more than worth it! Make sure to hang out on the viewing platform on the 4th floor and grab a coffee/pastry at the cafe. The architecture is so cool!
• Explore the street art: Everywhere in the city you’ll find colorful murals and pieces of art just waiting to be discovered. I absolutely LOVED this aspect of Reykjavik! Also – don’t miss all the quirky doors! So much fun!
• Take a toilet selfie at Babalu: If you’re a star wars fan, head inside the bathroom. Yes, you read that right – the bathroom. The whole room is decorated with original star wars characters and big mirrors – you’ll see what I mean once you go in! Get a cheesecake to go as well!
• Harpa Concert Hall: If you only have time for 1-2 things during your time in Reykjavik, make the Harpa a top priority. This modern concert hall by the water is absolutely stunning, and if you don’t mind shelling out a bit of cash, I heard the one hour performance of “How to Become Icelandic in 60 Minutes” is roll on the floor hysterical. But even if you don’t want to book tickets to a show, you can walk around the Harpa free of charge.
• The Sun Voyager: An iconic steel boat sculpture besides the sea in Reykjavik, and not to be missed as well, even if it’s just for a quick photo.

Day 2: Southern Iceland and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

If you have less than 7 days in Iceland, I highly urge you to choose this tour over some of the others. Why?! Because each and every stop is absolutely stunning. Not only will you visit 2 spectacular rushing waterfalls, but you’ll also take a boat ride amongst glaciers – which happens to be one of the coolest things I’ve done in my life (along with a Jurassic Park helicopter ride in Hawaii and bobsledding on an Olympic track in Park City).

Note that many people opt for a tour of Southern Iceland without visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and while you’ll still see the waterfalls and charming town of Vik, you’ll miss out on the real attraction of today, being the glaciers themselves. Yes, it is a ridiculously long day, and can be a bit pricey, but thankfully if you book a tour you won’t be driving and can use the ample bus time to relax and stare out the window at the stunning landscapes passing you by.

Get a cheapie hot dog at the lunch stop to save a few krona and book yourself on a tour that includes the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – you won’t be disappointed.

Read more about my experience in southern Iceland and the Glacier Lagoon. | BOOK TOUR.

Day 3: Relax in Morning /Free walking tour – Blue Lagoon in afternoon/early evening

It wouldn’t be a proper 7 day Iceland itinerary without the inclusion of the Blue Lagoon, now would it?! Your best bet is to visit the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon/early evening (depending on daylight hours) as it’s not as crowded at this time. Most people visit the Blue Lagoon in the morning, but spend a few hours before the lagoon taking a free walking tour of Reykjavik and grabbing some lunch in Reykjavik. You’ll learn all about the history of Iceland and it’s general culture on this 2-hour comical tour.

I had a friend meet up with me in Iceland for two days and I’m glad I decided to visit the Blue Lagoon with her instead of going alone. While the area surrounding the lagoon was beautiful (take a few photos before you head inside the entrance), I suspect I would have gotten a bit bored chilling in the lagoon by myself (although we did meet a few people quite quickly who we hung out with for a while). It’s just always more fun to lather up and take silly silica selfies with a friend. Oh, and make sure you get a blueberry Skyr smoothie – the BEST!

A few things to keep in mind when booking entry tickets to the Blue Lagoon:

• There are different packages to choose from. We opted for the least expensive package, and I advise doing so if you don’t mind bringing your own towel and would rather save a few krona in lieu of robes and slippers.
• If you aren’t renting a car (which I did not do), you need to make sure you book shuttle tickets along with your entry tickets to the Blue Lagoon. These can be bought together here.

Read more about my experience at the Blue Lagoon. | BOOK TOUR and shuttle tickets.

Day 4: Golden Circle

As soon as I booked my flight to Iceland, I signed up for the “Premium Golden Circle Tour”. Sure, it’s a tad touristy, but yes, this route is popular for a reason! There’s a reason everyone and their mother raves about the Golden Circle. However, if you want an even better experience, I highly suggest you book the “Premium” tour as I did. Not only does it visit all the typical stops on the Golden Circle, but you’ll also get to see a bunch of others that most people don’t even know exist (like the crater below).

Rushing waterfalls, homemade ice cream (with accolades for the best ice cream in all of Iceland), shooting geysers, volcanic craters, and sweet, sweet Icelandic mini horses, what can be better?

I highly advise signing up for a tour to ensure you’ll see everything the route has to offer without any worry of getting back to Reykjavik for dinner time.  Plus, who wants to deal with the hassle of a car rental and drive anyways? Not I, that’s for sure, especially since I was traveling solo.

Read more about my experience on the Golden Circle. | BOOK TOUR.

Day 5: Snaefellsness Peninsula

Today’s day trip from Reykjavik was the one I had researched the least, and honestly wasn’t really sure what to expect. But OMG, you guys – it ended up being one of my favorite days of the entire trip. Completely underrated, and the quietest and most picturesque.

Commonly referred to as “Iceland in a Nutshell”, it really comprises a whole world of diversity, from its wildlife, beautiful yet very unique landscapes, and charming seaside towns.  It’s almost a miniature version of the island!

With black sand beaches, bird cliffs, waterfalls, spectacular mountains, and volcanic craters making up our stops for the day, I was completely in awe with all the nature I was witnessing. So many differing landscapes in such a small section of the country, each one more epic than the last. This is an exquisite, unspoilt area of natural beauty – let’s keep it that way!  Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you have clearly blown me away in the best way possible.

Read more about my experience on the Snaefellsness Peninsula. | BOOK TOUR.

Day 6: CHOICE DAY

On day 6 of your 7 days in Iceland, you’re undoubtedly going to be quite drained and tired. It’s hard work seeing so much natural beauty day after day, wink wink. Use this last full day on your Iceland itinerary to relax a bit or choose to plan another epic adventure day – my top recommendations of additional activities below.

Some ideas of how to spend your last day during your one week in Iceland:

Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: Leaving from Reykjavik’s old harbor, you’ll sail in style on the Andrea, the largest whale-watching ship in Iceland, complete with cafe and a panoramic deck offering 360-degree views of the ocean! In the summer, you can also join an express tour on a faster express whale watching boat. The waters off Reykjavik are rich with aquatic life. Most commonly spotted creatures are minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises – and even humpback whales. BOOK TICKETS

Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure: Snorkeling in the Silfra fissure is a unique and exotic underwater experience. Frequently rated as one of the world’s top 10 dive sites, Silfra offers up to 100 m (300 ft) of underwater visibility. Beware, the waters are absolutely freezing, but they’ll provide you with the necessary clothing to bare the frigid glacier temperatures.

Although the chilly waters are too cold to support much in the way of marine life, Iceland’s Silfra crack runs down between the American and European continental plates and offers amazing underwater views – the most dynamic and beautiful greens and blues you’ll ever see. I’m so upset I missed out on this during my week in Iceland, and I’ll be sure to put it on the Iceland itinerary for my next trip. BOOK TICKETS

Secret Lagoon Transfer and Entrance: Want another relaxing day on your 7 day Iceland itinerary? Head to the Secret Lagoon, one of Iceland’s hidden treasures and frequented by locals and tourists alike. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Iceland as you drive through the countryside to Flúðir.

The natural, crystal-clear lagoon is one of the oldest natural geothermal pools in Iceland. Marvel at the spectacle of one of the surrounding hot springs erupting every few minutes. Take a relaxing bath in the hot water of the “Secret Lagoon” and enjoy its comfortable temperature of between 36-40°C. BOOK TICKETS

Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields: Horse lover? After getting a glimpse of these beauties on our Golden Circle Tour, I so wish I had signed up for this 2-hour horse riding excursion. On this tour, you’ll ride through lava fields and along beautiful green hillsides, while looking for different rock formations in the lava while experiencing the special gait of these horses.

The Íshestar Stables is unique in Iceland with facilities as good as they get. It’s set in beautiful surroundings just outside the town of Hafnarfjörður, about 10 minutes drive from Reykjavík, with hotel pickups available and different time options. BOOK TICKETS

Day 7: Wander Reykjavik | Head to Airport

Your one week in Iceland has come to an end, so make one last stop at Braud & Co Bakery for a croissant and pack up! Depending on what time your flight home leaves, wander Reykjavik one last time and check off any bucket-list worthy things to do in the city that you may have missed on your first day.

And don’t forget to buy tickets to the airport ahead of time to save yourself some last-minute hassle.

Feel free to share this 7 day Iceland itinerary with a friend, and get started planning your trip! Have you been to the country before?! What things on your Iceland itinerary were your favorite?!

TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY SOON? Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of SafetyWing when traveling abroad. Recently, I’ve been using SafetyWing since they cover pandemic-related claims (most travel insurance companies do not). Be sure to protect yourself from possible injury, lost baggage, travel delays, and theft before it happens. Learn more and Sign up here.

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While most people come to Iceland with the Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle in mind, I urge you to look beyond the typical attractions and venture a bit further than the norm.  Sure, a day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is not unheard of, but it’s not anyone’s first choice when time is limited – although it should be.

Completely underrated in my book.

I was more in awe during my day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula than during any other part of the country I visited – and that’s saying a lot considering how much I fell in love with the Glacier Lagoon and Southern Iceland’s waterfalls!

Considering I had never even heard of this peninsula before, and couldn’t (and still can’t) properly say it’s name, I’ll give you a bit of information about this stunning area on the western side of Iceland.

Commonly referred to as “Iceland in a Nutshell”, it really comprises a whole world of diversity, from its wildlife, beautiful yet very unique landscapes, and charming seaside towns.  It’s almost a miniature version of the island – with black sand beaches, bird cliffs, waterfalls, spectacular mountains, and volcanic craters.

Although it’s quite large at 90km long, you’ll really be able to see so much on just a day trip to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.  Highly recommended, and then some.  Wild beauty at it’s core.

While it’s possible to go at this day trip alone, I prefer to join a tour when traveling solo, so hopping on this tour was my best bet!

Similar tours below:

Stops on A Day Trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

1. Seal Colony at Black Sand Beach near Ytri-Tunga Farm

Being the first stop of the day, I was admittedly still a bit tired after the long journey to this side of Iceland, but instantly perked up when we saw our first seal popping its little head up out of the water.  We walked along the shores, binoculars in hand by some, keeping an eye out for the infamous seal colony of the area.

And little did we know, we were visiting during prime seal-spotting time (June-July), which was evident by how many seals we saw playing in the water!  At first I wished we had a bit longer to wander here, but as you’ll see by the remarkable stops coming ahead, this was just the beginning of excitement.

2. Arnarstapi Fishing Village

The next stop brought us to the small fishing village of Arnarstapi, which was more picturesque than I could ever have imagined. Sorry in advance for all the photos – I had an exceptionally hard time picking my favorites! With columnar basalt and cliff formations, one of Iceland’s most beautiful natural harbors, and lush greenery growing everywhere in sight, Arnarstapi was breathtaking from every possible angle.

I was amazed at the green moss growing on the rock formations, the white Snæfellsjökull glacier peeking out in the background, and the small houses nearby, which undoubtedly painted the perfect picture.  I spent about an hour walking through the extraordinary landscape, stopping every minute or so to photograph some other beauty.  And I honestly could have taken 1,000+ photos of the area – it was just that stunning (confession – I took over 200 in just under an hour….).

We saw dozens and dozens of birds hanging out on the cliffs, staining the columns white (with poop I imagine, although I definitely could be wrong…)

Although Arnarstapi used to be a vibrant fishing village, it’s nowadays one of the most popular sights to visit on the peninsula.  Don’t miss Gatklettur “Arch Rock”, Bárður Snæfellsás statue, and the precipitous shoreline towards the small village of Hellnar.

3. Ancient fishing village of Hellnar

After overloading my camera with photos at Arnarstapi, we drove a few moments to the lovely ancient fishing village of Hellnar.  The option of eating in a nearby restaurant was on the table, but I decided to eat the sandwich I managed to throw together that morning overlooking Hellnar’s waters and high sea cliffs instead.  Why waste time in a stuffy restaurant full of tourists when I had the option to eat outside in the cool breeze?

This cute little village blew me away as well, and I meandered around for about an hour or so, walking on a path to some sweet compact cottages and a church after walking down to the water.

Times have drastically changed at Hellnar – which used to be a fishing village dating back to 1560, with farms, lodgings for the seasonal workers, and fish-related structures.  Nowadays you’ll find a hotel, a restaurant and a very popular café, Fjöruhúsið café, down by the sea.

Read Next: A Week in Iceland: Full Itinerary (No Car Necessary)

4. Vatnshellir Lava Cave

To my surprise, the day trip to Snæfellsnes also included a tour of Vatnshellir, an extraordinary subterranean lava cave.  We geared up, helmets and all, and started our descent.

After (carefully) climbing down the winding staircase, we entered into a world of stalactites, stalagmites, and strange lava formations.  And thankfully we were give flashlights because this place was dark!  Our guide even had us shut our flashlights off at one instance, close our eyes, and open them up again – only to find the purest darkness around, absolutely nothing in sight!  

While descending down into the cave was in fact a bit eerie, the rest of the caving was very easy, and particularly short lasting what felt around 20 minutes or so.  I can safely say that exploring the lava cave is suitable for everyone, no matter your age or fitness level (you just gotta be able to walk up and down a few flights of stairs).  However, it’s not hard to disappear into the darkness so make sure you stay with the group!

It did get quite chilly down in the cave – we were 35 meters (115 feet) below surface after all – so make sure you bundle up since the temperature hovers right around the freezing point!

5) Djúpalónssandur Black Pebbled Beach

After returning back to the surface, we were off to yet another black beach – this time with black pebbles in lieu of sand!  But first – we had to get there, which was an adventure in and of itself!  We passed an area of huge lava formations, many more than double my height!  

You’ll notice a particular rock here with a hole in it, called Gatklettur, and if you look through it, you can see the Snæfellsjökull glacier.

We passed a few turquoise and green colored lakes, a portion of beach with iron pieces from a British shipwreck in 1948 (which are kept here in memory of the brave fishermen who lost their lives), and then finally reached those beautiful black pebbles.

It’s quite clear why it’s also known as Black Lava Pearl Beach, as the beach was entirely made up of small and smooth black pebbles (called Djúpalónsperlur or “Pearls of Djúpalón).  With huge monolithic rocks in the water and smooth pebbles beneath our feet, I could have stared at this scene for hours.  

Look out for the lifting stones in order to test your success as a sailor (which they did way back when) – I didn’t even bother trying as there were full grown men having difficulty!

6) Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss

We finally reached Kirkjufell, our last official stop of the day (minus bathroom breaks and all…), and boy, did this mountain exceed it’s high expectations.  Kirkjufell, towering the landscape at 1519 feet (463 meters), has been used as backdrops in both Game of Thrones and Secret Life of Walter Mitty – so if it looks familiar, that may be why!

Being very symmetrical and shaped much like a pyramid, the mountain is very photogenic, especially with the waterfalls showcased in the foreground! The combination of the multiple waterfalls against the towering mountain is nothing short of spectacular. It’s even referred to as the most beautiful mountain in all of Iceland by some!  No wonder it’s one of the most photographed locations in the country!

I wish we could have visited Grundarfjörður fishing village for a bit, as it looked quite cute and overly colorful as seen from the top of Kirkjufellsfoss.  I’ll add that to my list of must-see’s in Iceland for my next visit!

Book your Snæfellsnes Peninsula below!

So many differing landscapes in such a small section of the country, each one more epic than the last. This is an exquisite, unspoilt area of natural beauty – let’s keep it that way!  Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you have clearly blown me away in the best way possible.

Heading to Iceland soon? You’ll want to read these other posts:

Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Top Tips Before You Go

7 Days in Iceland: A Full Iceland Itinerary (No Car Necessary!)

Day Trips from Reykjavik: Get Into Nature and Outta the City

Stops on the Golden Circle: A Must-Do Day Trip from Reykjavik

Disclaimer: I was a (very enthusiastic) guest of Extreme Iceland, but all gasps and overloading of memory cards was all on me, as are my (obvious) very high opinions of the tour and area of Iceland!

The post Things to do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula: My Favorite Day Trip in Iceland appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

As soon as I booked my flight to Iceland, I signed up for a Premium Golden Circle Tour. Sure, it’s a tad touristy, but yes, this route is popular for a reason!

What is the Golden Circle anyways?

No, it’s not some shiny Icelandic treasure, but if you’re a nature lover like myself, it’s even better than any glistening object a troll in Iceland will give you.  Bubbling geysers, majestic waterfalls, long-haired sweet-natured horses who crave attention…. Oh and there’s top-notch ice cream too.  That should get anyone’s heart beating pretty fast. Ice cream lover over here, if you haven’t noticed.

The Golden Circle in Iceland is a popular tourist sightseeing route that covers roughly 300 km (185 miles) in a big loop from Reykjavik.  There are many beautiful landmarks along the route which can be seen in a short period of time.  Depending on how many of the stops you make and how long you spend at each stop – the loop can easily be completed in a day.  I highly advise signing up for a tour to ensure you’ll see everything the route has to offer without any worry of getting back to Reykjavik for dinner time.  Plus, who wants to deal with the hassle of a car rental and drive anyways?

Stops on the Golden Circle Route

1) Þingvellir National Park

No matter what tour you decide to take, you’ll definitely be making a pit stop at Þingvellir National Park, known for its geological wonders and unique Icelandic history.  It’s here at Þingvellir that connects all the major events in the founding of the Icelandic commonwealth, with the oldest existing parliament in the world first assembling here in 930 AD.  It’s recently been accepted on the UNESCO World Heritage list because of this!

Plus, it’s evidently considered the best place on earth (yes, Earth!) to view the North Atlantic divergent ridge (where the North Atlantic and Eurasian tectonic plates collide), so yeah, you kinda gotta go.  The plates are slowing moving apart at around 3cm per year, ultimately meaning the continents are being brought closer together.  Future Pangea party, anyone?!

Many people choose to snorkel between the tectonic plates at Silfra, which is something I definitely want to do next time.  The girls in my hostel said the colors beneath the surface were absolutely unbelieveable. Learn more about snorkeling in Silfra here.

And yes, of course there’s a waterfall here, because it is in fact Iceland we’re talking about! Waterfalls everywhere!  But don’t get all your marbles up in a jar over this stop – there’s plenty more to see.

2) Efstidalur Farm

Hungry?  You better be!  If you sign up for a similar tour as I was on, you’ll be rewarded with two large scoops of homemade cow-milk ice cream.  And from one ice cream obsessor to another – the ice cream was honestly some of the best I’ve ever had.  Yes, it was that good.  Makes sense that Efstidalur is known for the best ice cream in all of Iceland.

We also tried homemade skyr, cheeses, and other tasty farm-to-table food products in the sweetest rustic chic farmhouse with views of the cows below!  The farm has been owned by the same family since 1850 (!!!) with a heavy focus on cattle farming and horse breeding.  They have recently expanded with a full service restaurant and bed and breakfast on property. Definitely worth the stop in my opinion.

3) Geysir and Strokkur

Lots of bubbling pools to check out here, along with the two famous geysers Geysir and Strokkur.  Strokkur is the only one still active today, which erupts every 5-8 minutes or so, sometimes even more (meaning you’ll see it shoot out it’s steaming hot water multiple times)!  I got an absolute rush standing right alongside the geyser waiting for the enormous boiling blue bubble to erupt! If you can imagine, it’s quite a site!

There are numerous others to check out in the geothermal area, although they remain dormant these days – still impressive nonetheless.

And get this – the English word “geyser” is actually derived from this exact geysir here in Iceland!

The area is quite smelly, so be prepared!! When standing close to the geysers, you’ll get random whiffs of rotten egg smells – that’s the sulphur!  What’s cooler than watching a hot spring spout steaming water up to 60 feet in the air without any mechanical support?  That’s science for ya! Don’t miss this unique geological phenomenon.

4) Gullfoss Waterfall

Deemed the most beautiful of all 30,000 waterfalls in Iceland (yes, that’s a fact – told you the waterfalls are plentiful around here), it’s a definite must-stop on any Golden Circle tour.

Absolutely iconic with it’s elegant and majestic form, with mounds of mist everywhere around it.  Don’t miss the narrow path which provides close-up views of the massive, two-tiered waterfall below.  Just remember to put your hood up – it gets rather wet up close!

We dubbed this waterfall the pizza pie of all falls – just look at it, totally looks just like a pizza to me!  Or maybe I was just craving some NYC pizza… you be the judge! It looks like a pizza, amiright?!  

5) Feeding Icelandic Horses

Another highlight of the tour for me, and our guide was super sweet to find us a safe spot to interact and feed these guys!

Icelandic horses are everywhere, and their small petite size makes them just so super cute!  Just don’t call them ponies – they are full-grown adult horses.  And their manes – my gosh!  They’ve got more beautiful hair than I do!

6) Faxi Waterfall

A short and sweet spot, but I’ll never say no to a stunning waterfall.  If you couldn’t tell by now, Iceland is just full of them. No complaints from this girl!  Kind of like a mini Gulfoss, but with lots less mist since you’re farther away from the actual falls.  And way less tourists, too!

7) Kerið Crater Lake

The final stop on our Premium Golden Circle Tour with BusTravel, and a striking one at best!  Kerið is a crater lake filled with milky blue-green water against a black and deep red sloped terrain.  

It’s actually believed to be a collapsed magma chamber resulting from a volcanic eruption occurring more than 6,000 years ago!  Walk around the rim of the crater above for the best views!

Reasons to Take an Organized Tour

• Gas is expensive in Iceland at about $2 USD per liter ($7.50 per gallon).  With the cost of a rental car and the high gas prices, you might be surprised that you won’t really be saving much money by driving the route yourself.  Plus, if you can’t drive a manual car, you may be forced to take a tour anyways – as there is a shortage of automatic cars in Iceland.
• You’ll see it all in a day, guaranteed.  Yes, you’ll have a specific amount of time at each stop, but if you’re like me, this may be a good thing.  If I was given an indefinite amount of time, I’d spend hours perfecting photographs and exploring every nook and cranny.  With limited time in Iceland, this just wasn’t possible for me.
• You’ll learn an awful lot of information about Iceland from your guide.  I learned all about the Icelandic language, history, discovery of Iceland (it’s actually pretty interesting… Vikings and all!), wildlife, farming, etc.

• You won’t need to drive!  This means you can stare out the window at the otherworldly Icelandic landscapes without fear of any car incidents.  If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, I highly advise you to book a tour as road conditions will be highly unpredictable. 

Traveling To Iceland Soon? Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of SafetyWing when traveling abroad. Be sure to protect yourself from possible injury and theft before it happens. Learn more and Sign up here.

Disclaimer: I was a guest of BusTravel Iceland, but all opinions and starry googly eyes while on the tour are mine! Plus, mini horses and ice cream – what could go wrong?!

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Soaking in the milky blue waters is a wonderful way to de-stress and say goodbye to any worries you may have- all while keeping you warm in the weird weird Iceland weather and doing wonders for your skin!

This geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, and I finally had the chance to visit on my trip to Iceland a few weeks ago.  Plus, once you see photos of the spa on either Pinterest or Instagram, you’ll be adding it to your Iceland bucket list as well.  I can promise you that!

And even better, in the dead of winter (or on a particularly chilly Iceland spring/summer day), no one will say no to escaping the freezing elements by soaking in some warm geothermal waters – bathwater temps at that.  Fine by me!

What to Expect at the Blue Lagoon

To start with, I found the whole process unexplainably easy and had zero problems whatsoever. Just book in advance. 

You’ll hopefully have either rented a car or booked transportation and entry in advance (do that here), and will be dropped off at the main entrance of the lagoon.  If you’ve come directly from the airport (or are in route to the airport) with luggage, you’ll need to store those in lockers before entering the Blue Lagoon for a nominal fee of about $5 (500 krona) or so.

Once showing your confirmation/ticket at the counter (which you need to book in advance – again do so here), you’ll receive a wristband that allows access to the lagoon, your locker, and will be used for any purchases you make during your stay.  Sidenote: I highly recommend you try a Skyr smoothie – absolutely delicious!

Before you enter the lagoon you’ll need to shower sans bathing suit – aka naked – (but they now have private showers for any of you self-conscious ones out there – myself included).  Once you’ve got your suit back on, you’re all ready for the warm waters of the lagoon.

The lagoon is spread out with enough room for everyone (especially now that they began limiting the number of people using it at once), and be sure to explore the different parts.  Swim up bar included!  You’ll find pots of silica mud to slather on your face and body in numerous parts of the lagoon – I slathered up twice!  Makes for super fun photo opps

I was honestly so amazed at how efficient and streamlined the entire process was!  America has definitely got to catch up with the times.

Top Tips for the Blue Lagoon

Pre-book: It’s actually mandatory to book in advance now.  I booked about a week and a half prior to visiting the Blue Lagoon, but I highly suggest you book as soon as you know your intended dates.  I met a bunch of people at Loft Hostel (where I stayed and HIGHLY recommend) and during tours who had waited too long and were stuck with undesired times or were unable to go at all.  Others had to adjust their plans (move a pre-scheduled tour around) in order to make the slots available at the Blue Lagoon work.

My advice: book ASAP, even if it’s a few weeks/months out.  You don’t want a stress-reducing activity to suddenly turn stressful for no reason!

Book a combo ticket with return transportation to and from the Blue Lagoon– like this one here.  The spa is located in a lava field in Grindavík near Keflavik International Airport in southwestern Iceland, which is about 45 minutes away from Reykjavik.  And unless you are renting a car, you’ll need a way to get there.  Many companies offer special deals when you book transportation and your entry fee to the Blue Lagoon together, so you might as well use this to your advantage.

• If you’re coming to/from the airport, book here.
• If you need roundtrip transportation from Reykjavik, book here.

Timing is everything: Visit the lagoon later in the day if you can.  Most think that visiting the lagoon will result in less crowds- but if everyone thinks this way – the opposite will actually be the reality!  We visited around 5pm and found the Blue Lagoon to be surprisingly emptier than we initially thought!

Don’t get your hair wet. While some say that the lagoon water doesn’t alter the condition of your hair, others strongly advise you to not let a drop of water touch your hair.  I used caution and plopped my hair up in a high bun and didn’t have to worry one bit.  If you do end up getting your hair wet, make sure to use the conditioner in the showers as they are known to be extra hydrating and revitalizing.

Bring your own towel, bathing suit, and flip flops.  Unless you opt for the Comfort Package or higher, you won’t be provided a towel free of charge.  Plan ahead and bring your own to avoid paying $5 (500 krona) to rent a towel.

Get a skyr smoothie! Skyr is basically the unofficial food of Iceland, and a blueberry or strawberry smoothie is the perfect way to decompress and enjoy a yummy treat at the lagoon!

I highly recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon after a flight, but I honestly wouldn’t suggest visiting the spa right before taking a long flight.  While the lagoon was absolutely refreshing and I loved soaking in the warm silky water, it left my skin feeling a bit sticky (even after washing in the shower right after), and I definitely couldn’t bare to feel all icky on a long flight.

Take advantage of the free silica mud masks.  So much fun! And as I noted above, such fun photos! Slimey, gooey, drippy fun.  Just make sure to protect whatever camera you do decide to take in with you.  We opted to bring our GoPros in, and I saw others sporting their iPhones in protective waterpoof cases.  I was super brave and brought my new mirrorless camera in the lagoon – you have to bet I held that thing well above the water and was extra protective of it. Selfies are way more fun when your face is covered in gooey silica.

Have you been to the Blue Lagoon before?  Is it on your bucket list?

Disclaimer: I am part of Tinggly’s ambassador program, and was gifted this experience.  All opinions and silly silica selfies are my own.  It’s an absolute must-do in Iceland, and I wouldn’t miss it!

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