From the northern coast, you can get magnificent views of the mountainous Westfjords across the sea. Sign up for our newsletter today Not only is the north a little less busy than the south and west, but it boasts a vast range of spectacular natural sights to enjoy. This 2-day trip offers the best of both worlds, and if traveling in winter, this 3-day tour is a great option. Available spots can be hard to come by if you try to make a last-minute reservation. While the area around the lakes is rocky but verdant, you can find dramatic contrasts just a short drive away at the barren, seething geothermal area of Namaskard Pass. Currency: From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip 10 hours; Pickup available; Likely to sell out Booked 23 times yesterday 4.7 (3,411 reviews) From. If you have enough time after visiting the crater, you could return to the capital via the Golden Circle route, which takes you past many of Icelands most beautiful sights. You can also have glimpses of the glaciers Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull to your left before reaching the first destinations. Youll then spot the unmissable Seljalandsfoss, a 197-feet tall (60 meters) waterfall that descends in a narrow cascade before a gaping cavern. Get the very best of Wanderlustby signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers. This rumor spread far and wide, to the extent that thousands gathered around it on the predicted doomsday date, accompanied by television crews from around the world, including CNN. Its difficult to imagine not paying a visit to Geysir: the 10,000-year-old boiling geyser of south-west Iceland. By Paige McClanahan. I think he expected pickled rams testicles and putrid shark but he had this amazing meal. Bring your birdwatching binoculars or check your tour provides them. It offers visits to the South Coast, ice caves, Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The famous Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by perfectly formed hexagonal-shaped rock columns, is also located here. Many of the locations can be found not far from Route 1, or the Ring Road, so finding them is not hard. If you arent keen on the bus option (which is the cheapest way to see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik), there are also several companies offering Northern Lights cruises by boat from Reykjavik which is a more premium alternative. Most day tours last between 6 to 10 hours, with some shorter options available for activities like whale watching or visiting the Blue Lagoon. You can also take a similar trip in a minibus or with a private driver for a more personal experience. The Golden Circle is the countrys most popular sightseeing route and a great choice for those who find the Westfjords too remote or visit in the winter. You can visit the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park. Head out to see the South Coast or Golden Circle during the day and return to your accommodation in Reykjavik in the evening. But overall I think tourism is a good thing if its managed properly, and we have long-term sustainable plans. In July 2017, Eliza Reid and her husband celebrated their wedding anniversary with a romantic dinner in Reykjavik, Iceland. Although the crystal blue ice caves are only open from November to March, there are other ice caves you can visit at different times of the year. Travel + Leisure found airfares as low as $594 roundtrip between Detroit and Iceland on Icelandair for travel in August 2023, and as low as $537 for roundtrips in September 2023. Not one. Some operators offer tours where you only wear wetsuits. If you have an interest in getting to know Icelandic cuisine specifically, you can. You can see Icelands second largest (at 935km2) and perhaps most popular ice cap, Langjkull, in a day trip from the capital. | Check this out! 10 Best Iceland Tours & Trips from Reykjavik - TourRadar 21,990 Trips to check out:Iceland Travel offer numerous tours of Gullfoss. In July 2017, Eliza Reid and her husband celebrated their wedding anniversary with a romantic dinner in Reykjavik, Iceland. I spoke to several people at my hotel who had a fantastic day out snowmobiling. Its definitely one of the best winter day tour options in Iceland if you are looking for adrenaline-filled adventure. Its even harder to find any as accessible as the ones at the Vatnajokull glacier. WebPopular day trips from Reykjavik include the great Golden Circle, the dramatic South Coast, the fascinating Snaefellsnes peninsula, the famous Blue Lagoon, and various whale WebExplorer Land of the Northern Lights - 5 days 133 reviews "This was the perfect way to see Southern Iceland. Youll have plenty of time to plumb the depths of this phenomenon and take some incredible photographs. Eliza Reid, a former U.N. tourism ambassador and the wife of President Gudni Johannesson, welcomes her countrys many visitors, and has a few suggestions on safety, respect and how to meet locals. But their uniqueness, beauty, and ever-increasing popularity make it simply unfitting for them to be placed any lower. Check out our tour selection to see more about duration and pick-up possibilities. Trips to check out: Day trips are offered by Arctic Adventures, Viator and Reykjavik Excursions. In this article, you'll find out what the best tours are in winter ISK Its only 45 minutes away from Reykjavik by car, so you can drive yourself on a self-drive adventure, or opt for an easy bus trip with or without a tour guide. Travel + Leisure found airfares as low as $594 roundtrip between Detroit and Iceland on Icelandair for travel in August 2023, and as low as $537 for roundtrips in 22,900 Alternatively, you could take a day tour to the Kjolur Highland Road, which runs right through the Highlands, the geothermal baths of Hveravellir, and the dramatic mountains of Kerlingarfjoll. However, the spring within Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park is unbelievably beautiful, and every year thousands of visitors brace themselves for the cold and take the plunge. The tour into the volcano is one of the top tours in Iceland and is very popular. Here you can swim in the warm waters of the Viti explosion crater, surrounded by some fantastic scenery. When was Guide to Iceland founded and why? However, they all share the same vivid electric blue colors with gleaming white. From the top of the glacier, kitted out in full snowsuits that the company provides, you descend into the glacier itself via a series of man-made ice caves that even include a small ice church. Hikers seeking a multi-day trek in a more remote part of the Highlands could head to the eastern town of Egilsstadir, and from there, embark on a 4-day journey under the shadow of the mighty Vatnajokull Glacier. Secrets of the Sprakkar: Icelands Extraordinary Women and How They Are Changing the World,. Thats because its easily reached from Reykjavik, its not too difficult to ascend, and it has magnificent views of the south of the country. What makes Silfra so clear is that the water comes from the Langjokull glacier. This region has beautiful waterfalls, a spectacular coastline, glacier-capped volcanoes, stretches of black sands, geological marvels, and islands adding to its beauty. The Laugavegur trail connects these areas through the country's interior, is Iceland's best-known multi-day hiking route, and is a fantastic way to explore the region. There are a number of tours to pick from, but Extreme Icelands is one of them best. I did that for sure, and a lot of other people did, too. Trips to consider: Drive yourself with help from a map fromGuide To Icelandand there's a Puffin Express Cruise via Viator. Icelandic folklore says these basalt pillars are frozen trolls caught in sunlight as they attempted to drag a ship to shore. Each ice cave in Iceland is different in size, shape, and formation. First, the inevitable pre-flight stress/post-flight exhaustion can get in the way of the relaxing experience that the Blue lagoon should be. Finally, youll reach what is referred to as 'the Crown Jewel of Iceland's Nature,' the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Seeing a glacier like this might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make the most of it. Wetsuit gloves and hoods allow the water in, but this water quickly heats up and forms a protective layer due to neoprenes insulating properties. If youre really lucky, youll get the full neon green Northern Lights shebang while youre there. Instead, the way these tours operate is that you drive out from Reykjavik in the dark, heading for the countryside where theres no light pollution, and drive around between a few known viewing spots until you either see the Northern Lights or give up and head back to Reykjavik. This ice cave tour is perfect if youre on an Iceland road trip. In the bigger cities in Europe, you see challenges with accommodation and affordable housing and making larger communities livable for residents. Webday tours from reykjavik. Akureyri is the largest town in this part of the country. The tour departs daily year-round, with free pickup from your Reykjavik location. This means that, in a single day, you can enjoy three incredible and vastly different experiences you'll never forget. On this tour you will explore the world famous Golden Circle & get to know the unique Icelandic horse. The tectonic plates separating two continents meeting up (Shutterstock). There are only a handful of countries on the globe where you can reliably witness this phenomenon. 15 to 99 year olds. In clear weather, you may be able to see the volcanic archipelago of the Westman Islands jutting out to sea on your right. 26 Best Day Trips From Reykjavik Worth The Effort - Iceland Trippers 19,490 As so many sights in Iceland are best reached by car, a lot of people opt to drive to the Blue Lagoon. Country Region. I think we were lucky with a small group of 6 so didn't have to wait a lot for people throughout the day. I spent a week in Iceland alone in, Read More The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Iceland for 2023Continue. This route will take you along the 37 and 36 back to the capital. Fortunately, there are so many great trips to choose from. This will take you directly to Haukadalur. Another option if you dont have a car is to take a sightseeing tour to the beach. Skgafoss waterfall in all its natural glory, Iceland (Shutterstock). A cave within it marks the spot where protagonist Jon Snow consummated his relationship with his lover Ygritte in one of show's most romantic scenes. Watching the rays of vivid color descend from a night sky lit only by a canopy of stars and swirl and dance as if conducted by an ethereal force is a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring experience. Icelandair Just Launched a Direct Flight to Reykjavik From - Travel Marcel was great at explaining the history of Iceland and creating some good vibes for us with the viking music to set the scene. Enter dates Filters Day Trips Traveller favourites Good for avoiding crowds Experiences taking safety measures English German French Basking in the healing geothermal waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths is among the best things to do when touring Icelands northern region. The most affordable option is to book a tour on an amphibious boat that will take you right amongst the icebergs. This tour is only available in the summer months, so book well in advance. If you're traveling to Iceland between May and September, look out for puffins, which nest among the rocks in the thousands and have little fear of people. but Blue Lagoon day tour packages are the easiest, and often the cheapest, way to organise your visit as the Blue Lagoon. The Golden Circle is Icelands biggest attraction and thousands of people come through here every day. The country may not be an obvious snorkeling and diving destination, mainly where the water is not geothermally heated. This tour also includes an exploration of the South Coast. Iceland Is a Magnet for Tourists. And thats the kind of stuff we remember on our trips. 11 Hours. On these amazing and exciting tours in Reykjavik, you will explore local food, the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon Geothermal spas, the breathtaking Northern lights, outdoor We hope you found some travel inspiration from our guide to the top 10 best tours of Iceland. Yes, the number of tourists increased and the percentage increase has been huge, but a lot of that has to do with seasonality. Its a postcard-perfect Icelandic village with colourful houses, on the coastline. If youre traveling in winter, there may still be some options to see Landmannalaguar. The major Iceland day tour operators include Grayline, Reykjavik Excursions, Arctic Adventures, and Reykjavik Sightseeing. Enjoy a relaxing visit to the Blue lagoon after seeing some of Icelands most famous sights. 6 Pros + Cons, 11 Super Cool Things to Do in Torremolinos in 2023, The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Iceland for 2023, 3 reasons to (and not to) travel Iceland in winter, What to know about booking day tours in Reykjavik, The Wrap: Best Iceland Day Trips From Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon tour (transport + entry) click here, Northern Lights tour with Reykjavik Excursions, Northern Lights cruises by boat from Reykjavik, 2 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary + Travel Guide for 2023, Ultimate 7 day Northern Thailand itinerary (+ 5/10 day options), Sleeping in a pod at Mexico City Airport: IzZzleep Capsule Hotel [2023 Review + Guide], Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at, Book train tickets and buy cheap multi-trip passes from, Travel super cheaply across 28 countries with, Save on attractions with a city pass from, Sort your Euros and other currencies with a. Click here to compare prices for all the Golden Circe tours on Get Your Guide (one of the 60+ tours is sure to suit you). Usually, once a volcano goes dormant, the magma either cools to solid rock or drains away, causing the peak to collapse. As explained, this cave has existed for thousands of years and is structurally sound, making the excursion perfectly safe. It was once prophesied that aliens would land on the Snaefellsjokull on November 5th, 1993. Reykjanes Peninsula Reykjanes Peninsula is an often-forgotten place close to Reykjavik, but its definitely worth visiting. If youre a family traveling with younger children, this excursion takes you to the human-made ice tunnel carved into the Langjokull glacier. By Kate S. Last updated on March 2, 2023 Day tours are by far the easiest way to see Iceland. Taking a guided tour around the Golden Circle is an option that is popular with a lot of people, as it enables you to see many of Icelands most incredible natural sights in just one day. At one hour 45 minutes, its a bit of a drive from Reykjavik. And you just think: This is a small country. To witness this in a way thats not offered anywhere else on earth, look no further than the Thrihnukagigur Volcano Tour. Once the elevator reaches the bottom, you'll have the opportunity to walk around the base, shining your flashlight around the magnificent space around you. The most common and affordable northern lights tour is a bus excursion, which will take you into the nature around Reykjavik for your aurora hunt. Technically called glacier caves (as ice cave is the definition of any cave with permanent ice), they can only be found in a few places worldwide. Generally, its seen as part of the famed Golden Circle of attractions. ). Jkulsrln Glacier Lagoon is one of the most amazing natural wonders of Iceland. REYKJAVIK: GATEWAY TO INCREDIBLE NATURE & ADVENTURE. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. There are endless excursions from Reykjavik that take this route because the capital city is the ideal starting point. In the early 19th century, there were plans to dam the Hvita river that empties into the Gullfoss waterfall. June 1, 2023, 5:00 a.m. Departs daily year-round with pickup from your Reykjavik hotel around 10 am. By Terri Mapes Updated on 05/19/19 From the northern coast, you could combine the Golden Circle tour with lava caving to witness Iceland above and below the earth. If youre wondering when is the best time to visit Iceland, read these 3 reasons to (and not to) travel Iceland in winter. A self-drive 7-day vacation package is a great alternative if you would rather not drive yourself. 8,590 Trips to consider: Search for tour by date on Iceland Travel. Those who like to keep active will find this kayaking trip very enjoyable. To get to Grmsey, you can use the air and ferry connections from Iceland's mainland. Like the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, It's somewhat of a microcosm of Iceland.