There are so many cool things to see and do in Iceland that you might not be sure where to begin. Day tours are a great way to break it up into manageable chunks and see a little bit of everything. Iceland day tours are definitely the way to go as you explore our beautiful island blessed with nature. Not only are day tours in Iceland one of the best ways to get to know the country, they also give you the ability to switch up your itinerary if necessary.
Day tours in Iceland in summer are especially wonderful because you have so many hours of sunlight. The days are extremely long, which means you’ve got ample time for extra stops on Golden Circle day tours in Iceland and other places. Or if you’ve gone to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you’re able to linger a little longer at the Landbrotalaug hot pot.
Best Iceland Day Tours From Reykjavik
A natural starting point for your journey is a day tour from Reykjavik. It’s the port of call for all international visitors flying into Reykjavik, and the beginning of any Iceland trip. Some of the best Iceland day tours from Reykjavik are a Golden Circle tour, taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon, or visiting a hot spring like the ones in Reykjadalur Valley. These destinations are easily reachable by car, campervan, or motorhome and make for the perfect day out.
A Full-Day Golden Circle Tour in Iceland
If you’re looking for cheap day tours in Iceland, perhaps a day trip to our world-renowned Golden Circle is in order. Of all of the Iceland tours and day trips, this is one of my favorites. A full day Golden Circle tour in Iceland encompasses
þingvellir National Park, Strokkur and Geysir geysers at Haukadalur Valley, and Gullfoss waterfall. These three destinations are known as The Big Three, but they’re not all there is to see along this 250 km (155-mile) circuit.
Off-the-beaten-path destinations like Kerið Crater Lake, the Secret Lagoon, Langjökull glacier, and the Fontana thermal baths are some of your options. If you thought riding snowmobiles on a glacier was only for Vatnajökull, think again. Because these places are so out of way, they won’t be as crowded as other, more well-known sites. If you’re making a day out of your Golden Circle Tour, you’ll need something to eat. Stop by the restaurant at Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm farm for a gourmet lunch.
South of Iceland Full-Day Tour
Of Iceland’s abundant spectacular Jewels, many of them reside along the South Coast. It’s no wonder that this is the most frequented area of the country and the place where most travelers start their journey. In fact, many visitors who come here with a 5-day or 7-day itinerary only visit the South of Iceland. And they definitely do not leave disappointed.
If you’re doing a South of Iceland full-day tour, you’re going to drive between Reykjavik and the small seaside village of Vik. Along the way, there are plenty of stops and natural attractions for you to enjoy. First up are the pair of waterfalls which reside just off of Route 1, Iceland’s Ring Road. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is known as Iceland’s most beautiful and Skógafoss waterfall Is another stunner. There’s even a hiking trail to go to the top and enjoy the lookout point at Skógafoss.
After you’ve had your fill of these two gorgeous cascades, it’s time to head to the plane wreck site at Sólheimasandur black sand beach. This is a particularly haunting sight as all that remains from the 1973 Douglas DC-3 crash is the plane’s fuselage. The juxtaposition of the white body of the plane set against the black grains of sand makes for a dramatic image.
Lastly, Vik is the home of one of Iceland’s most beautiful black sand volcanic beaches. The dark hexagonal basalt columns and midnight-hued sand of Reynisfjara beach are a must-see. Beware the sneaker waves in the area; they’re known to come up quickly and some tourists have even lost their lives.
If you plan on exploring an ice cave or doing a glacier tour, Vik makes for a great base.
An Ice Cave in Iceland Day Tour
Another great option for a day trip are the activities in and around Vatnajökull National Park. Whether it’s a Super Jeep excursion or an ice cave Iceland day tour in a small group with a tour operator, there’s lots to do here. Landmannalaugar tours has an excursion to the secret ice cave that comes highly recommended. The 3-hour tour leaves from Vik.
While you’re in the area you should also consider visiting the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach. Jökulsárlón is a beautiful glacier lake filled with ghostly floating icebergs making their way out to sea. Not all of them complete the journey, however. Some wash up on the shore and make their home on Iceland’s Diamond Beach. The chunks of ice range in size from a textbook to a small sports utility vehicle.
Iceland Day Tours
When exploring our beautiful country, day tours in Iceland are definitely the way to go. They offer you the perfect chance to see the country’s most famous sights and focus on the things you’re most interested in. Whether it’s Golden Circle day tours in Iceland or an ice cave excursion, you’ll have an amazing time day-tripping.
And of course, not all outings have to be during the day. The Iceland Northern Lights are famous, and if you’re here during the right time of year, you should definitely try to see them. A Northern Lights hunt could be the perfect way to end your day out. You’ll want to check the aurora forecast on the Iceland Meteorological Office’s website as well as see what cloud cover looks like for the night. Be sure to get as far away from civilization as possible as you don’t want the effects of light pollution to interfere. The Aurora Borealis is best viewed on a dark, clear night with high aurora activity.