10 Things to Do Near Reykjavík

Just a short drive from Reykjavík, you’ll find breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and unforgettable adventures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for waterfalls, wildlife, or hot springs, there’s no shortage of things to do near Reykjavík.

Dive into this guide to find the best day trips and experiences from Reykjavík, or make the most of your visit by exploring them all on a multi-day tour from Reykjavík.

You might think you need to travel far from Reykjavík to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat. But there’s really no need.

Whale watching is one of the best things to do in downtown Reykjavík, with boat tours departing right from the Old Harbor. Within minutes, you’ll be surrounded by the vast North Atlantic and the incredible wildlife that calls it home.

There are plenty of day tours that include watching humpback whales breach the water with the city in the background, creating a dazzling mixture of nature and the city. This is your chance to get to know the whales of Iceland up close while still having enough time for other activities.

No list of things to do near Reykjavík would be complete without the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most iconic day trip route. Just a short drive from the capital, this loop takes you through 3 of the country’s most breathtaking natural and historical landmarks: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area.

If you want to experience this must-see route without the hassle of driving, you can book a Golden Circle tour from Reykjavík and enjoy all the highlights in one unforgettable day.

Þingvellir National Park is one of the most historic places you’ll find in Iceland. This is where the Icelandic parliament was founded in 930, making it one of the oldest in the world.

Nowadays, Þingvellir is renowned for its natural beauty, rugged lava fields, and glacial water-filled ravines. It’s also a UNESCO-listed heritage site and one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones. The towering lava rocks of Lögberg acted as the fortress around the Eyrie.

You’ll find Gullfoss or ‘Golden Falls’ only 10 minutes from Geysir. It runs through a glacier-carved gully and drops 2 stories down, creating the most awe-inspiring sight.

Its water changes colors seasonally and comes from Langjökull glacier, located a bit further north in the highlands.

You can enjoy the waterfall from 3 different viewing platforms. We recommend taking your time to explore all of them. The views are surely worth it!

See Gullfoss under the midnight sun on a summer tour of Iceland.

Around 35 minutes from Þingvellir is Geysir.

Geysir used to spout up into the air, higher than the tallest building in Iceland, and lasted for hours on end. Unfortunately, it’s become dormant, but his baby brother now holds the fort.

His name is Strokkur, and he sure knows how to put on a show. This water wonder goes off every 4–10 minutes with a jaw-dropping display that never fails to amaze. Witness Strokkur erupt on a Golden Circle tour.

If you’re looking for breathtaking things to do near Reykjavík, don’t miss a day trip to two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Both are located in South Iceland and showcase the raw natural power that makes the island so unforgettable.

Known as the waterfall you can walk behind, Seljalandsfoss offers one of the most unique viewpoints in Iceland. Its waters flow from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano, the same one that famously erupted in 2010 and made headlines around the world.

It’s one of the best waterfalls in Iceland and for good reason. The path that loops behind the curtain of water gives you a completely different perspective, especially at sunset.

You’ll find Seljalandsfoss about 1 hour and 25 minutes from the city, making it a perfect stop on a self-drive or guided tour of South Iceland.

Skógafoss is a powerful waterfall on the south coast of Iceland. It is featured in lots of TV shows and films, including Vikings, Thor, and Game of Thrones.

You can walk along a hiking trail up to the drop of the falls and enjoy the view from different angles and perspectives. This place is a stunning sight and simply a must-see while you’re in Iceland!

Both of these waterfalls are included in our South Coast Tour and are definitely a part of the best things to do and see on Iceland’s South Coast.

Set on the edge of Hvalfjörður fjord, Hvammsvík Hot Springs offers one of Iceland’s most tranquil geothermal escapes. It’s surrounded by mountains and the sea, and features eight natural pools that blend seamlessly with the tides. Visit on a solo Icelandic trip and soak in the wild beauty of nature itself.

Just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík, Hvammsvík feels worlds away from the city bustle. Between dips, you can enjoy sea views and spot seals swimming in the bay. Afterward, warm up at the cozy on-site bistro, where you can taste Icelandic delicacies.

If you want to soak in an Icelandic hot spring in winter, Hvammsvík will not disappoint. You might even catch the Northern Lights here if you’re lucky!

Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat or a refreshing end to a day of adventure, Hvammsvík offers both luxury and nature.

For a mix of hiking and hot spring bliss, Reykjadalur (Steam Valley) is an absolute must. This geothermal valley near Hveragerði invites you to walk through rolling hills and past bubbling mud pools. At the end of the trail, you can relax in a naturally warm river surrounded by misty green slopes.

Reykjadalur is about a 40-minute drive from Reykjavík, and the hike itself takes roughly an hour each way. You can reach it by public transport or through a private guided tour in Iceland. The trail is suitable for most fitness levels, and the views of steaming vents against green valleys are simply unforgettable. Without a doubt, it’s one of the top hot springs in Iceland.

Bring a towel, your swimsuit, and a sense of adventure. Reykjadalur is the perfect way to experience Iceland’s geothermal activity firsthand.

If you want to explore Iceland’s volcanic heart, head to Reykjanesfólkvangur, a vast nature reserve south of Reykjavík. This dramatic landscape is filled with craters, lava fields, and geothermal areas that reveal the Earth’s raw power.

Only 30 minutes from the capital, Reykjanesfólkvangur feels truly otherworldly. Wander across moss-covered lava, visit Lake Kleifarvatn, and see steam rising from Krýsuvík and Seltún geothermal areas.

For those fascinated by Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, exploring Reykjanesfólkvangur is one of the awesome things to do in Iceland. Join a bus tour in Iceland for a guided experience at this nature reserve.

A visit to the Blue Lagoon is one of the most iconic things to do near Reykjavík, and for good reason. Its milky-blue geothermal waters, surrounded by jet-black lava fields, create a dreamlike contrast found only in Iceland. People travel from around the world to soak in this soothing natural wonder.

The lagoon sits on the Reykjanes Peninsula and is just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík, making it an easy and luxurious day trip.

If you’d rather stay closer to the city, the Sky Lagoon offers a more urban take on the geothermal spa experience. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavík, it features an infinity-edge pool overlooking the North Atlantic and a seven-step spa ritual designed for total rejuvenation.

Whether you’re after a world-renowned wellness retreat or a modern Icelandic spa by the sea, both are incredible ways to relax after your adventures. You can experience Iceland’s best spas and hot springs on a self-drive tour and discover which suits your travel style best. To help you decide, check out Sky Lagoon vs Blue Lagoon – Which one should you visit?

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, you’re in luck! You’ll have the perfect conditions to spot the showstopping Northern Lights. With fewer daylight hours from October to March, it’s the best time to go Aurora hunting.

If you’re staying in Reykjavík, you might even catch a glimpse of the lights right from the city. But for the clearest view, venture just outside the capital, where there’s little to no light pollution.

To find the best lookout points, join a guided Northern Lights tour. They’re led by Aurora experts who know exactly where to take you and can share tips and insights.

Picture yourself sipping hot chocolate as green, pink, and purple hues dance across the Arctic sky; it’s a memory that will stay with you forever. To make your adventure complete, explore these winter vacation packages designed to help you chase the Aurora Borealis in Iceland in comfort and style.

Few experiences on Earth compare to descending into a dormant volcano—and at Thríhnúkagígur, you can do exactly that.

Just 30 minutes from Reykjavík, this extraordinary natural wonder lets you journey 120 m (400 ft) into a real magma chamber. The volcano last erupted around 4,000 years ago, and strict safety measures make the descent completely secure.

Thríhnúkagígur can only be visited on a guided Volcano tour. You’ll ride an open cable lift down into the vividly colored cavern below, where the walls glow in hues of red, yellow, and purple. It’s a breathtaking look inside the Earth’s fiery heart.

If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, descending into Thríhnúkagígur Volcano is a must. It’s an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and geology lovers alike.

For those who love adventure and geology, exploring the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel is one of the most fascinating things to do near Reykjavík. Just a 30-minute drive from the capital, this massive lava cave was formed over 5,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption.

If you don’t have a car, it’s easy to visit by joining a Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel tour that departs directly from Reykjavík. You’ll be provided with helmets and lights, so all you need to do is marvel at the underground wonder around you.

Prefer a broader experience? You can sit back and get a guided group tour of Iceland, which often includes a stop at this incredible cave along with other nearby attractions. And if you’re intrigued by Iceland’s natural contrasts, don’t miss Ice caves and lava caves in Iceland to discover more about these awe-inspiring formations.

With so many things to see around Reykjavík, it’s easy to forget there are tons of exciting experiences and cultural gems right here in the city. So make sure you give yourself plenty of time to discover them. Here are a few ideas for inspiration: 

Check out this roundup of top things to do in Reykjavík for more insider tips on what to see and do in Iceland’s capital.

If you're on the hunt for the best things to do close to Reykjavík, you’re in for a treat with all these amazing options just a short drive away.

Plus, staying at the same hotel in the city can make for a lot less hassle. It can also leave room for different cultural and nightlife experiences. After all, Reykjavík is a lively and colorful city.

On a multi-day trip with Iceland Tours, you’ll stay at the same hotel in Reykjavík for the length of your trip. Each day you’ll join a new and exciting excursion into the countryside. What’s more, you can customize your tour to your liking by adding extra nights and activities.

So what are you waiting for? Lock in your Iceland vacation today with just a 5% deposit.