Reykjavik Travelers Recommend

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the elusive Northern Lights. To help you catch a glimpse of this natural display of swirling colors in the sky this winter, we've gathered insider tips and our top guided experiences. See below for your options.

When to Go

The prime time to see the Northern Lights near Reykjavik is from September to March. You need pure darkness and cloudless skies to get the best views, but beware—the clearest nights are often the coldest. Make sure you dress accordingly.

Where to Go

Reykjavik is a perfect starting point for seeing the Northern Lights. Since the city isn't too big and doesn't create much light pollution, you don't have to travel very far to find complete darkness, which creates the perfect backdrop for this natural light show.

How to Go

Whether you travel by super jeep into the mountains, take a cruise on Faxaflói Bay, or combine your Northern Lights trip with whale watching or a visit to the Blue Lagoon, there are plenty of options to hunt down this mystical natural light show near Reykjavik.

Iceland's Golden Circle route is the ultimate day trip destination from Reykjavik—although not too far from the city, the route features some of the country’s must-see geysers and waterfalls. Here’s how to tour the Golden Circle from Reykjavik.

Guided Tours

Tours leave Reykjavik regularly, with guides on hand to lead travelers directly to the route's key sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Thingvellir National Park, widely considered home to Iceland's most impressive natural attractions. Travel by road or take to the skies by helicopter with a guide, and discover famous Golden Circle staples such as Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal pools and Strokkur waterspout at Geysir, and the tectonic rift in the Thingvellir National Park.

Combo Tours

Combo tours are an ideal way to double up on the adventure, and squeeze more into your time in Iceland. Choose a tour that takes you around the Golden Circle's top spots and also includes a trip to the Hvítá River for a white-water rafting adventure; to the Blue Lagoon or Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths for a soak; or to Langjokull Glacier for some winter sports.

Things to Know

• Express Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik run at about eight hours, and more comprehensive combo tours can be upwards of 11, so prepare for a full day.
• From Reykjavik, the furthest point on the Golden Circle tour is the Gulfoss waterfall. This natural landmark lies 67 miles (109 km) away from the city—a drive of about 1.5 hours.
• Iceland's otherworldy landscapes come with unpredictable weather and rugged terrain, so pack accordingly. At a minimum in winter, you’ll need a fleece layer, a warm, waterproof coat, thermals, and a hat and scarf, plus warm socks and gloves. In summer, wear thinner layers that can be easily removed and packed away if the sun comes out. And don’t forget hiking boots for the trekking trails or swimwear for the thermal baths.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Reykjavik, with almost 24 hours of daylight, mild weather, and a busy schedule of open-air entertainment. To make the most of your trip, see below for our top picks of what to see and do in Reykjavik this summer.

• Admire natural wonders such as Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geyser, the Secret Lagoon, and the Haukadalur lava fields on a full-day Golden Circle tour.

• Trek through Vatnajökull National Park, around the Landmannalaugar mountains, or into the heart of Thrihnukagigur volcano.

• Take a dip in one of Reykjavik’s open-air, heated swimming pools or bathe in the steamy Blue Lagoon hot springs.

• Soar over Reykjavik on a helicopter tour and touch down on the peak of Mt. Esja.

• Mount up for a horseback riding tour and admire Iceland’s volcanic landscapes from the back of an Icelandic horse.

• Experience the magic of the midnight sun on an evening whale watching cruise from Reykjavik and spot humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural environment.

• Get your adrenaline pumping as you snorkel through the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park and explore the Gjábakkahellir lava cave.

• Discover the natural wonders of Iceland’s southern coast including the black-sand beach of Vik, the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, and Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

The Golden Circle route and the Blue Lagoon are considered among Iceland’s top attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. Here are a few ways to visit them both in the same day and make the most of your time in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Highlights

• Tick off two of Iceland's top activities in one convenient tour package

• Single-day options are available, as well as more extensive multi-day tours that take you to other parts of Iceland as well

• Travelers looking for outdoor adventure can choose a hiking tour to tackle the terrain on foot

• Combo tours typically include pickup and drop-off at your Reykjavik hotel, plus round-trip transport to your destinations

Things to Know

• Bring clothing layers for all weather. During the cold winter months, you'll need a fleece layer, a warm waterproof coat, and a hat and scarf, plus warm socks and gloves. In summer, wear thinner layers that can be easily removed and packed away, plus sun protection. Don't forget swimwear for the Blue Lagoon thermal bath.
• Most combo day tours available from Reykjavik last between 7 and 10 hours.
• From Reykjavik, the furthest point on the Golden Circle tour is the Gulfoss waterfall. This natural landmark lies 67 miles (109 km) away from the city—a drive of about 1.5 hours. 
• From Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is a 29-mile (47-km) drive.

A 2-day trip to Reykjavik offers the chance to fully explore the cosmopolitan capital of Iceland and also get a taste of the wild landscapes that are just a short distance away. From historic landmarks to natural wonders, here’s how to spend two days in Reykjavik.

Day 1: The City and Its Natural Wonders

**Morning:**Spend your first hours in Reykjavik getting your bearings and doing some sightseeing. Walking and biking tours are greats way to familiarize yourself with the city and hit the highlights, while coach and hop-on hop-off bus tours cover more ground in less time with the chance to customize your stops.

**Afternoon:**Get out on the water on a whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. If visiting in summer, you can combine whale watching with a cruise to Akurey to see its puffin colony. If you’d rather stay on land, consider Blue Lagoon tickets or a horseback riding tour close to Reykjavik—hotel transfers are generally included.

**Night:**Summer offers extended daylight hours so you can take an evening tour of the Golden Circle, which brings the benefit of smaller crowds at the attractions. In winter, you can choose from a coach, boat, or Super Jeep tour for a northern lights hunt. 

Day 2: Into the Countryside

**Morning:**You can spend the whole day exploring the Golden Circle on a private or group tour that includes an activity such as snowmobiling on a glacier or a visit to the Secret Lagoon. Some longer full-day options also take in Iceland’s south coast or Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Alternatively, take a shorter morning or afternoon tour that focuses on Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

**Afternoon:**A helicopter tour is a great way to get a sense of Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. Tours typically depart from Reykjavik’s downtown airport and offer sightseeing over Thingvellir National Park and Eyjafjallajokull glacier.

**Night:**Reykjavik is famed for its lively nightlife. Beer- and food-themed tours offer a taste of local drink and food culture as well as insight into the best spots to spend the rest of your evening after you leave your tour guide.

With three days in Reykjavik, you have plenty of time to soak up the city’s atmosphere, see the historic sights, and journey into the surrounding countryside to see some of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions. Here are a few ideas for how to spend three days in Reykjavik.

Day 1: Explore the City’s Sights and Lights

Walking tours are an enjoyable way to explore Reykjavik and get your bearings, thanks to the city’s compact size and the close proximity of attractions such as Hallgrimskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall. Alternatively, hop-on hop-off bus tours allow you to set your own itinerary with 24-hour tickets, so you can spend the whole day exploring at your leisure.

In winter, you’re likely to be able to see the northern lights. To maximize your chances, leave the city on an aurora borealis night tour. It’s a good idea to schedule this for the first night of your trip as, if you do not see the aurora that night, some tours offer a complimentary second tour the following night. If visiting outside winter, book an evening visit to the Blue Lagoon instead.

Day 2: Head into the Country

Traversing the Golden Circle is a must-do. The route, which is easily accessible from Reykjavik, is made up of three main attractions: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Most guided Golden Circle tours take a full day, with some including additional excursions, such as snowmobiling on a glacier or visiting the Secret Lagoon.

Iceland’s south coast is another popular day-trip destination. Visit on a full-day private or group tour to see Seljalandsfoss waterfall (which you can walk behind) and the black-sand beach and basalt columns of Reynisfjara.

Day 3: Meet Iceland’s Animal Inhabitants

The Icelandic horse is famed for its hardiness, charming looks, and uniquely smooth gait, called tölt. You’ll likely see some as you travel the countryside, but for a closer experience, book a horseback riding tour. These typically include transportation from Reykjavik to a countryside farm and continue into scenic surroundings of mountains and lava fields.

If you prefer to watch animals from afar, join a whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, offered year-round but with the most frequent sightings from April through October. In summer, some cruises include visits to nearby Akurey to see its puffin colony. Whale watching and horseback riding can even be combined with one full-day tour.

The world’s northernmost capital may be far-flung, but Reykjavik is both full off and close to some one-of-a-kind attractions. As well as being the departure point for tours of the wild Icelandic countryside, the city has its own unique appeal. Reykjavik boasts colorful houses, ultra-modern architecture, art galleries, creative cuisine, and wild nightlife. Although its small size means you can see a lot in a short time, you’ll want to plan ahead to ensure you make the most of it.  

From exploring the city sightseeing to whale and puffin watching to spotting the Northern Lights and discovering waterfalls, glittering glaciers, and black-sand beaches, this list reveal the experiences that you can't miss in the Icelandic capital. 

Reykjavik, the far-flung yet surprisingly cosmopolitan capital of Iceland, is filled with more attractions than its compactness might suggest. And its small size means you can see a lot in a single day, from historic landmarks and Viking influences to mountains and geysers. Here are a few ways to spend one day in Reykjavik.

Morning: Take in the City’s Sights

Reykjavik is a highly walkable city, making an on-foot tour an enjoyable way to see the sights. Most walking tours comprehensively cover the main landmarks, such as Hallgrimskirkja Church and Harpa Concert Hall, with enlightening commentary. To get just outside the city center, opt for a bike tour or book round-trip transport from the Blue Lagoon. Private or group minibus tours, on the other hand, cover even more ground in less time, while hop-on hop-off bus tours have the added benefit of allowing you to set your own itinerary and pace.

Afternoon: Experience Otherworldly Landscapes

Although it’s impossible to see all of Iceland in one day, you can still see some of Iceland’s famed geysers, hot springs, and lava fields from the air. Helicopter tours leave from Reykjavik’s domestic airport (conveniently located downtown) and typically fly to Thingvellir National Park and Thorisjokull glacier, or to Eyjafjallajokull glacier and Katla volcano. Some helicopter tours focus on Iceland’s geothermal landscapes while others allow for mountain summit landings. If you’d rather stay on the ground, off-road quad biking tours can give you a taste of the wilderness in a short time.

Night: Marvel at Iceland’s Night Sky

If traveling in summer, long daylight hours mean you can fit in more activities. Take advantage of the midnight sun to get out of the city on an evening Golden Circle tour that departs from Reykjavik and travels to Thingvellir, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Winter, on the other hand, brings the aurora borealis. You have several options for northern lights tours: travel by coach, boat, or Super Jeep. Most tours head out into the countryside and away from light pollution, and some offer a free second chance if you don’t see the aurora that night.

Compact, colorful, and charming, Reykjavik is full of kid-friendly fun. From learning about Vikings and petting Icelandic horses to spotting whales and chasing the Northern Lights, this list details some of the best things for families to do in Iceland’s capital.

• Explore the city at your own pace on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour that hits all the major sights.
• Meet adorable Icelandic horses and ride through the countryside.
• Dress up like a Viking and hear dramatic tales about the history of Iceland at the Saga Museum.
• Meet farm animals and costumed guides at Árbær Open Air Museum.
• View life-size models of whales at Whales of Iceland and then head out onto the water with a combo museum and whale-watching package. Or, go puffin-spotting.
• Search for the magical Northern Lights and hear some of the Icelandic myths associated with them on an evening tour. Toasting marshmallows arounf the campfire is a family favorite.

Iceland is a nation filled with diverse landscapes, breathtaking scenery—and active volcanoes. Few excursions offer visitors the opportunity to take in all the unique natural sights like a guided volcano tour from Reykjavik and Iceland’s south coast, which offers some of the most stunning views the country has to offer.

Highlights

• Descend into Thrihnukagigur, one of Iceland’s most impressive dormant volcanoes, and spend a few hours exploring its subterranean interior.

• Hike through Thorsmork Valley and enjoy incredible views of the rocky craters and cooling lava fields of the Fimmvorduhals volcano.

• Take a “super jeep” tour around the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which brought European air travel to a halt when it erupted in 2010.

• Marvel at the magical waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and go for a stroll along the black-sand beach of the popular Reynisfjara beach.

• Go for a short glacier walk on the 700-year-old Solheimajokull glacier.

• Get a bird’s-eye view of the Eyjafjallajokull glacier, Thorsmork ridge, and Katla volcano on a two-hour helicopter tour.

• Join a small-group tour to climb to the top of the Hekla volcano.

Thanks to its compact size, Reykjavik is easy to navigate without a vehicle (and given the high cost of car rental in Iceland, you’re better off without one). From public transit and bus tours to simply walking, here’s how to get around the Icelandic capital.

Walking, Biking, and Segway Tours

The majority of Reykjavik’s top attractions are within a short distance of one another, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike. Walking tours are popular and typically cover the main sights or focus on a certain theme, such as Viking history or culinary heritage. Alternatively, cover more ground in less time by booking a bicycle or Segway tour.

Hop-On-Hop-Off-Bus Tours

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new city is with a hop-on hop-off tour. You can travel around Reykjavik in an open-top, double-decker bus, opting to stay on board for the whole route or get off at any stop that interests you, explore at your own pace, and then reboard and continue on. Bonus: Tickets are good for 24 hours.

Buses

Many visitors to Reykjavik make use of the private buses that travel between downtown Reykjavik and Keflavík International Airport. Straetó, the country's public bus system, also comes in handy for getting around the city and traveling to nearby towns, such as Mossfellsbær and Kópavogur—Reykjavik City Card holders ride free within the city. If you’re planning to travel much farther afield, however, you’ll save time and effort by joining a tour or renting a car.

Fall is the perfect shoulder season in Reykjavik: The landscape is vibrant with color, and the darkness and chill of winter have yet to arrive. During your autumnal stay, plan a wide-ranging itinerary that blends trips into nature with cultural excursions and culinary adventures—here’s how to make the most of a fall visit to the Icelandic capital.

• Enjoy the fresh, crisp air and vibrant fall colors when you go on a horseback riding tour.
• Indulge in a soothing soak in one of the region’s natural thermal springs.
• See the mighty Gullfoss waterfall before it freezes over during a Golden Circle day trip.
• Sample delicious traditional Icelandic cuisine on a tour of Reykjavik’s best restaurants.
• Embark on a whale-watching tour to see these giants of the deep during their autumn migrations.
• Tour Reykjavik’s major landmarks from the cozy comfort of a minibus.
• Admire volcanoes, lava beaches, and waterfalls juxtaposed with an autumnal color palette during a visit to Snaefellsnes National Park.
• Embark on a sea-fishing adventure, and barbecue your catch onboard.
• Head indoors and discover Reykjavik’s highlight museums, from the Reykjavik Museum of Photography to the Reykjavik Maritime Museum.
• Plan a fun and festive night out with a wine-bar excursion or pub crawl.

With its dreamy landscapes and cozy bars, Reykjavik is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. Plus, its consistently chilly temperatures demand that you get cozy with your sweetheart. Here are a few ways to get romantic in Iceland’s capital.

Hunt the Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights is a spectacular experience that’s best shared with a loved one. Bundle up and head out into the countryside or onto the water to increase your chances of seeing the natural phenomenon. During summer, you can chase the midnight sun instead in an ATV for two.

Take a Dip in the Secret Lagoon

Avoid the crowds of the Blue Lagoon at Secret Lagoon, a much more intimate hot spring experience in the village of Flúðir, east of Reykjavik. The steamy waters are naturally heated to between 100–104˚F (38–40˚C).

Ride into the Countryside

Soak up the otherworldly landscapes surrounding Reykjavik by riding through the countryside on an Icelandic horse. You’ll ride past mountains and lakes, and get the opportunity to pet this unique breed of stead.

Dine at a Top Restaurant

Round off a day in Reykjavik with a romantic meal for two at one of the city’s best restaurants, such as Kopar, famed for its Icelandic specialties. You can even combine dinner with a Northern Lights cruise.

Plants are making a verdant reappearance, sunlight is returning, and crowds have yet to arrive: Spring is one of the prettiest and most tranquil times to visit Iceland. Take advantage of the warming days on a national park day trip, and make the most of Reykjavik’s cultural plenty, too. Here’s how to plan your spring getaway.

• Admire a spectacular late-night northern lights show before summer’s midnight sun arrives.
• Plan a pampering spa trip to the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.
• Treat yourself to a spring-cleaning wardrobe refresh when you go for a shopping tour of the city.
• Take advantage of the longer days with a walking tour of Reykjavik’s major landmarks.
• Head out on a Golden Circle tour to see Gullfoss waterfall’s raging, glacier-fed rapids.
• Enjoy green and blossoming meadows during an Icelandic horseback-riding excursion.
• Learn all about seasonal Icelandic cuisine during a hands-on cooking class.
• See Iceland’s nature in all its glory with a trip to the wild and rugged Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
• Enjoy an unconventional way to discover the springtime scenery with a Game of Thrones–themed day trip.
• Head to the South Coast and see some of Iceland’s most spectacular landscapes when you embark on a boat tour of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

With its vast glaciers, steamy hot springs, and towering volcanic peaks, Iceland’s unique landscapes could have been lifted from the pages of a fantasy novel, and the most spectacular views are from high above. Here are your options for Reykjavik helicopter tours.

Highlights

• Fly to the 3,000-foot (914-meter) mountaintop of Mount Esja on a 40-minute helicopter tour and marvel at the views on a summit landing.

• Take a thrilling Reykjavik helicopter flight along the Reykjanes Peninsula and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Seltun lava fields as well as Graenavatn and Kleifarvatn lakes.

• Soar over the volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and valleys of Iceland’s south coast, the Vatnajokull National Park, or the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon.

• Take in the highlights of the Golden Circle sightseeing route from the air, and see the Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geyser, and Gullfoss waterfall.

• Spend two hours flightseeing Eyjafjallajokull Glacier, Thorsmork ridge, and Iceland’s Blue Mountains.

Reykjavik is a famously expensive city, where a beer in a bar might set you back as much as a meal in another city. With careful planning, though, you don’t have to spend a fortune on sightseeing. Here are our tips for saving money in the Icelandic capital.

Book a Super Saver

For those who want to do as much as possible, it pays to book a Super Saver, which combines two best-selling activities—such as whale watching and a northern lights hunt—into one tour at a discounted price.

Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Compact Reykjavik is a highly walkable city, but some of its most popular attractions, such as the Laugardalur Valley, are spread out. To save on transportation, a hop-on hop-off tour carries you all around the city and to farther-flung sights for just one price, plus you can enjoy the benefit of onboard commentary to learn about the city's attractions as you go. 

Choose a Tour That Includes Lunch or Tastings

Instead of booking a regular walking tour, choose one that includes food tastings to save on the cost of meals. Some experiences, such as cooking classes and history-themed walking tours, even include a full lunch. And, rather than spending too much money on beer, book a pub crawl or brewery tour that includes drinks. 

Buy an Attractions Pass

Save on admission fees and other costs by purchasing a multiattraction City Card. Valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, these passes include entry to top attractions, use of the public bus, and discounts at restaurants.

The black-sand beaches, sea cliffs, and fjords of the Icelandic coastline host a diverse cast of creatures, from dolphins and whales to throngs of orange-billed puffins. Here’s what you need to know about Reykjavik-based RIB (rigid inflatable boat) cruises, which allow you to get close to coastal wildlife during exhilarating high-speed tours.

Highlights

• Admire the Reykjavik skyline and spot noteworthy landmarks, such as Harpa Concert Hall and the Sólfar (Sun Voyager) sculpture, from the water.

• Cruise through Faxaflói Bay, stopping at Lundey Island or Akurey Island to see nesting birds during a puffin tour.

• Scan the water for sightings of surfacing minke and humpback whales.

• Enjoy the excitement of whizzing across the water at high speed.

• Learn about the behavioral patterns of seabirds, such as auks and gannets, from your guide.

Things to Know

• Most RIB tours depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. 

• Puffins are most visible during the breeding season, May to August. You can spot whales and dolphins in Iceland year-round, but more species are present during the summer months.

• Speedboats generally accommodate small groups of 15 people or fewer, guaranteeing an intimate experience. 

• Most RIB tours provide warm waterproof overalls and life jackets.

• Many whale-watching tours offer complimentary tickets for another speedboat cruise if you don’t spot any whales the first time around.

• RIB speedboat tours typically last one to two hours. 

• Boat engines can be switched off so as not to alarm wildlife and to allow you to appreciate the sounds of nature. 

As its completely surrounded by the ocean, Iceland has fresh seafood in abundance. But that’s not all to tempt your tastebuds in the world’s northernmost capital. From street eats and local dining to high-end cuisine, here are a few foods and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Fish is a mainstay in Icelandic cuisine, with cod, salmon, and haddock being most common. Try them grilled, fried, or in plokkfiskur, a type of fish stew. Lamb is another favorite, as evidenced by the many sheep you’ll see in the surrounding countryside. Only-in-Iceland dishes you should taste include skyr —a thick, creamy dairy product similar to yogurt which is eaten alone or as a dessert topping—and fermented shark, though that’s really only eaten by tourists nowadays.

Though it’s not traditional Icelandic food, the iconic Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur has been serving hot dogs to Icelanders and tourists for more than 60 years. These dogs are made from a blend of beef, lamb and pork, and are best-ordered eina með öllu (with everything), namely fried onions, brown mustard, and creamy remoulade.

Must-Do Experiences

• Hit the streets on a food walking tour that visits a variety of Reykjavik eateries—from restaurants to food trucks—and sample a selection of traditional dishes and street food.
• Combine a food tour with craft beer tastings at a hip bar in the Old Harbor district.
• Get exclusive insight into local Reykjavik life by having a private dinner in the home of a local artist. As you dine on traditional Icelandic dishes, you’ll learn all about the city’s creative scene.