10 Things to See and Do Near Reykjavík

Just a short drive from the capital city, you'll find glaciers, moss-covered lava fields, and volcanoes. Each one is more breathtaking than the last.

Some say that traveling around Iceland feels like exploring a few different planets, and we couldn’t agree more! With so many top things to do near Reykjavík, you can easily pack several unforgettable sights into a single day trip.

Dive into this guide to uncover the best experiences near the capital. 

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 boat tours take off right from the Old Harbor in downtown Reykjavík. You’ll be in the midst of it all in less than an hour!

Watch humpbacks breaching the water with the Harpa concert hall in the background, creating the most 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.

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most popular day tours and a must-see while you’re here. Travel this iconic route, and you’ll discover 3 of the country’s top attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area.

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.

During that time, the Vikings met here yearly to make laws and settle disputes. This event was their most significant gathering, and you can find detailed records in the writings from the period.

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’ about 1½ hours outside the capital. It runs through a glacier-carved gully and drops 2 stories down, creating the most awe-inspiring sight.

Its water, which changes colors seasonally, comes from the 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!

Many people don’t know this, but this Geysir is the namesake of all the geysers in the world. It is Iceland’s geological pride and joy and undoubtedly a token of the island.

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.

South Iceland is studded with majestic waterfalls. Two of the most striking, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, are just a short drive from the capital.

Seljalandsfoss, AKA the ‘waterfall you can walk behind’, was first made world-famous after appearing on The Amazing Race.

Its water flows from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier volcano, which made headlines in 2010 when an unexpected eruption stopped all air traffic. Its massive smoke pillar clouded the view, and no one could fly over the country.

Thankfully, the world quickly forgave Iceland. Now, the waterfall and its feeding glacier volcano are some of the most sought-after attractions near Reykjavík.

You’ll find Seljalandsfoss about 1 hour and 25 minutes outside the city.

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

Legend says that there is hidden treasure behind it, guarded by the forces of the falls. Whether you believe it or not, one thing’s for sure – no one should go looking for it.

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!

Vík, the capital of central South Iceland, sits in the Mýrdalur valley, between the Katla volcano and Reynisfjara black sand beach. This coastal town is surrounded by stunning natural attractions like the ‘Yoda Cave’ and Dyrhólaey rock arch.

You’ll find it’s a place full of great views and rich culture! The Lava Show in Vík is a unique experience, the local restaurants serve up delicious food, and the walk down to the black sand beach is a must.

Just a couple minutes' drive from Vík, you’ll come across one of Iceland’s most famous beaches. Reynisfjara is a place of mystery, natural beauty, and dramatic views. Taking a deep breath while standing on the black volcanic sand is a feeling you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Explore the hidden gems inside the basalt caves, but keep a safe distance from the powerful waves, as they can quickly creep up and consume the shore.

Another cool feature you’ll notice is the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Legend has it that these sharp pillars are actually 2 trolls turned to stone by the sun.

Stay well ashore to keep safe and enjoy the views!

If you’re up for an adventure, take an ice cave tour from Vík. This isn’t just any cave – it's tucked under the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier, right above the Katla volcano.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet as you walk through its icy blue tunnels. Plus, the journey to the cave is a thrill in itself! You'll ride in a super jeep specially built for the rugged terrain.

If you’ve seen a photo of Iceland, chances are it’s been of the Blue Lagoon. Its combination of milky blue natural waters and surrounding jet-black lava fields is only found in Iceland. People travel from all over the world to see it.

The lagoon is located on the Reykjanes peninsula, named after the geothermal area on which it sits. Reykur means smoke, so it’s quite literally called the ‘Smokey Peninsula’.

You'll have plenty to indulge in here. Treat yourself to some R&R with soothing spa treatments, in-water massages, or a visit to the facial mask bar. Then, enjoy a drink from the swim-up bar and grab a bite at one of the world-class restaurants. 

If you’d rather not venture outside Reykjavík for a geothermal spa, check out the Sky Lagoon instead.

You’ll find it on the edge of Kársnes harbor, just 15 minutes outside the city center. Here, you can unwind at an infinity-edge pool overlooking the North Atlantic ocean and enjoy luxurious spa treatments. 

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 based in Reykjavík, you could spot the lights right here in the capital. But for the best chance, head a bit further out into the countryside where there’s less 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.

Imagine sipping hot chocolate while green and pink hues light up the sky. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Friðheimar sits in the Flúðir area, one of Iceland’s most geothermally active regions. The locals know how to harness this earthly strength to grow vegetables and bathe in hot springs all year round. 

The farm's main focus is geothermally-grown tomatoes, but they’ve also tested the waters with cucumbers and herbs.

Before you visit, make sure to book a table at the charming restaurant located inside one of the greenhouses. It’s the perfect spot to savor all their fresh produce and delicious tomato-based dishes – truly a unique experience!

There are few places in the world where you can witness ice caves and lava caves. In Iceland, you can do both!

If you’re curious about the fiery side of the island, a visit to Raufarhólshellir lava cave is a must. This massive tunnel was formed over 5,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption, and walking through it feels like stepping back in time.

You’ll find it’s only a 30-minute drive from the city. But you can easily visit Raufarhólshellir, even if you don’t have a car, by joining a guided day tour that leaves right from downtown Reykjavík.

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.