TOP 10 DAY TOURS FROM REYKJAVIK!

1. REYKJAVIK FOOD WALK (#1 rated in Iceland)

If you’re a big-time foodie, or someone who is excited to get to know Reykjavik, it’s best hidden local restaurants and the very best of Icelandic food then the Reykjavik Food Walk is for you.

You will stroll through the city with a small group of fellow foodies and a local friend to 5-6 different restaurants, and delve into the delectable treasures of Icelandic cuisine. I promise you’ll be full by the end so this works as a perfect brunch or early dinner activity!

Of course, you’ll be spared from scarfing down the less appetizing stuff, like fermented shark and sheep’s head, but you can still try some during your visit if you’re feeling adventurous! The tour also accommodates all dietary restrictions, so everyone can join in on the fun! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, share experiences, and learn some interesting things about Iceland and Icelandic cooking!

What better way to get to know a place than through it’s delicious food?

Duration: 3-4 hours

Start: Afternoon/Evening

Minimum Age Limit: None

Secure your spot on the Reykjavik Food Walk here!

2. GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR (SMALL GROUP)

One of the “absolute must” tours for travellers in Iceland! The “Golden Circle” is the route that connects the most staple natural landmarks of Iceland; Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir, and the geothermal Geysir.

These infamous elements of Icelandic nature actually say a lot about the country’s history and development. Thingvellir, for example, is not only loved and renowned for its nature, but it’s also the place where the first Icelandic parliament was formed centuries ago in 930 (its name literally means “parliament plains”).

We really recommend this tour because the guides are always very entertaining and excited to share stories about Iceland–and there’s a very limited amount of people per tour! This makes the drive to each stop a lot more enjoyable, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your tour guide and your peers.

There’s also much more to see along the way than just the three main attractions, so it’ll be a long day well-spent! Check it out and explore the most popular places in Iceland!

Duration: 8-9 hours / Full day activity

Start: 8:30am

Minimum Age Limit: None

Pick Up from downtown area available

Get Your Golden Circle Tickets here!

3. SOUTH COAST TOUR

Travelling through the South Coast of Iceland is another activity that falls under the “must-do” section for travellers; it’s jam-packed with natural gems that you won’t want to miss if you only have a short visit! Like the Golden Circle tour, you can see everything there is to see on the South Coast in just one day. We adore this South Coast tour the most because it travels with a very small group of people, which we think is the best option for

lengthy excursions around Iceland. The guides on this tour are extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and will share so many interesting tales about Icelandic nature and folklore with you. Furthermore, the views on the South Coast of iceland are almost other-wordly. Reynisfjara, one of the stops on the tour, is considered to be the prime example of Icelandic black sand beaches. Enormous stacks of basalt rock stand proudly near the shoreline, said to have once been mighty trolls hauling in ships from the water. The beach emanates such a mystical aura, parts of it were even featured in Season 7 of Game of Thrones! If you’re a big fan, you’ll certainly feel transported into George R.R. Martin’s world when you arrive there.

Other parts of the tour include the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Svínafellsjökull glacier, and the small coastal town of Vik which covers the Katla volcano! You’ll see so much on this tour, you’ll be even more acquainted with the magical properties of Icelandic nature by the end.

Duration: 10-11 hours / Full day activity

Departure: Morning

Age Limit: None Pick Up/Drop Off Available

Secure your space on the South Coast Tour here!

4. WHALE WATCHING

Of course when you’re visiting Iceland, whale watching is the perfect way to become acquainted with the marine life surrounding this little island! You’ll be on a very comfortable boat with a large outside viewing deck while you revel in the salty sea air! Once your journey begins, your captain and guide will tell you all about the kinds of life that are native to Icelandic waters, and give you the best chance to see some creatures near the surface.

We recommend this Whale Watching tour because it departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, exceptionally close to the heart of downtown Reykjavik, and it’s run by super friendly professionals! Not to mention, it’s the safest and most efficient whale watching tour in Iceland, operated on the fastest and largest boats.

There’s even a delicious cafe located inside, so you can observe the ocean at your complete leisure. A super fun family activity for the day time, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy the ride!

Duration: 3-3.5 hours

Start: Morning/Afternoon

Minimum Age Limit: None

Pick Up/Drop Off Available

Learn more about the Whale Watching tour here!

5. HORSE RIDING TOUR

If you’re not familiar with Icelandic horses, well they’re pretty small! Not quite a pony, not quite a full horse–but they are so dang cute! They are a breed that was brought to Iceland

by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries, and have exclusively been developed here ever since. Today, they remain the only breed of horse in the country! On this horse riding tour, you’ll meet and learn all about the Icelandic horse with a specialized guide while you experience the peaceful and scenic Icelandic countryside. During your journey, you’ll witness the unique lava landscapes of Iceland, spot pseudocraters, and absorb more of the mountainous views that Iceland has to offer.

It’s a lovely experience for those who prefer to slow things down, and a great way to enjoy time with family and friends, too! We consider this the best horse riding tour in Iceland because there are always more guides than guests, so you never have to worry about asking for help, and the horses are always well taken care of. The place is also only minutes from downtown Reykjavik, so it won’t take too large a chunk out of your day for other activities!

Duration: 2.5 hours

Start: Morning/Afternoon

Age Limit: 12 years and older

Pick Up/Drop Off Available

Plan your Horse Riding Tour here!

6. ATV QUAD MOUNTAIN TOUR

There is plenty of magnificent nature just outside downtown Reykjavik, and what better way to take in all of the sights than on an ATV quad bike? It does sound a little daunting, but trust us, this tour is made for beginners–all you have to do is push a button and go! You’ll do quite a bit of off-roading in one of Iceland’s best natural playgrounds, and catch a breath-taking view of the mountains. Of course, an expertly trained guide will be accompanying you! Unlike other tours of Icelandic nature, this one finishes a lot quicker because there really isn’t much walking to be done! We think this option is a great fit for travellers looking to do sightseeing the non-traditional way. Plus, the whole tour takes place just 15 minutes from the heart of downtown Reykjavik, so you won’t have to travel too far to have an amazing, adrenaline-filled adventure! How many times do you get to say you rode an ATV around Iceland, anyway?!

Duration: 2-2.5 hours

Start: Morning/Afternoon

Age Limit: None, but you must have a driver’s license to sit behind the wheel

Pick Up/Drop Off Available

Book the ATV Quad Mountain Tour here!

7. GLACIER HIKE AND WATERFALL TOUR

While the name makes this tour sound pretty daring, it’s an experience worth the inevitable thrill! On this Glacier Hike and Waterfall tour, you’ll be trekking up the Solheimajökull glacier on the south coast of Iceland; a beauteous formation that has unfortunately been receding around 65m every year.

A chilly lagoon, and a few icebergs, have been left behind as a result of the glacier melting, and you’ll have the best view of them all from the top! You’ll be assisted by a certified glacier guide who will prepare you with all the gear and information you need to feel comfortable making your way over the glacier.

On this adventure, you'll also visit Skógafoss waterfall and Seljalandsfoss waterfall, another one of Iceland’s natural waterfalls (which you can actually walk behind), and absorb the crisp Icelandic air! You’ll really be taking a walk on the (Icelandic) wild side on this tour!

Duration: 11 hours / Full day activity

Departure: Morning

Age Limit: 14 years or older

Pick Up/Drop Off Available

Start Your Glacier Hike & Waterfall Adventure here!

8. GLACIER SNOWMOBILING TOUR

Okay, so it’s no secret that Iceland has its fair share of glaciers; in fact, glaciers take up about 11% of the country’s land area. However, glacier snowmobiling is probably one of the most fun and exciting things you can do while you’re in Iceland–and obviously a step up from glacier climbing! On this tour, you’ll be taken to Langjökull, the second largest glacier in Iceland, where you’ll glide down the best and most panoramic route! It’s a magnificent way to immerse yourself in Icelandic nature like you never have before. This tour is, of course, our favorite out of all the snowmobiling options available in Iceland. It’s perfect because the guides really do their part in entertaining and instructing, and they’re very approachable, too! You’ll feel right in your element while you’re adrenaline is pumping, and most importantly, you’ll feel safe! If you have the opportunity, absolutely add this tour to your Iceland trip checklist! You’ll make some awesome memories, and have a fun story to tell your friends back home!

Duration: 7-8 hours / Full day activity

Departure: Morning/Afternoon

Age Limit: 8 years (17 years old to drive solo)

Pick Up/Drop Off Available

Begin your Glacier Snowmobiling experience here!

9. SNORKELING IN SILFRA

For those of you that don’t really think of snorkeling when you think of Iceland…think again! Silfra is a small rift located right in Thingvellir National Park, and snorkeling there has become quite popular; often rated one of the top ten dives in the world! The most alluring thing about Silfra for travellers in Iceland is that it offers the rare opportunity to swim in between two continents! That’s right, the rift actually opened up between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates–who doesn’t want to be in two places at once?!

Not to mention, Silfra’s water is extremely clear, and practically untouched because it’s fed by the meltwater from Langjökull glacier. You’ll be able to see up to 100m down and bask in the vibrant colors that lay beneath the surface! We love this tour because, out of the few tour operators that offer this experience, we found that this one offers high quality diving guides, and a more personal atmosphere! You’ll have an easy time working one-on-one with your guide, who will ensure you’re comfortable, and having fun! Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime dive!

Duration: 5.5 hours

Departure: Morning

Age Limit: 12 years and older

Pick Up/Drop Off Available

Snag your tickets for the Snorkeling in Silfra tour here!

10. REYKJAVIK BEER TOUR

Beer lovers, this is the tour for you! You and a small group will be guided by a local expert to some of the best bars in downtown Reykjavik, and drink your way through Icelandic beer history! Did you know Iceland had a ban on beer for 74 years? You can imagine why we love it so much! During this tour, you’ll taste over 10 hand-picked, and deliciously crafted Icelandic brews while you kick back with good company! You tour guide will let you in on the details of Icelandic beer culture, and answer any of your pressing questions about Reykjavik and Iceland in general! You may even have the opportunity to try the traditional Icelandic schnapps known as Brennivin, also called Black Death (you’ll be a true viking if you survive it)! All drinks are included in the tour, along with some bar snacks to satisfy any late-night munchies, and options for non-beer drinkers, as well. This is a perfect introduction into Icelandic craft beer, and an excellent way to meet locals and other tourists! Perhaps we’ll take the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” and change it to, “When in Iceland…DRINK like the Icelanders do!”

Duration: 3-4 hours

Start: Evening (5:00pm)

Age Limit: 20 years and older

Get your fill of the Reykjavik Beer Tour here!