Iceland has become a popular visitor destination over the last 10 years. Some tourists come for an extended holiday if they afford it. Many just come for a day or two as a stopover on a trip to North America, or for a long weekend. Whatever the reason people come there have been several ‘classic’ one days tours that have evolved around Reykjavik.
Reykjavik is clean and at the present time notoriously safe. Iceland as a country is praised as one of the safest in the world. The people are friendly and most everyone in the tourism sector speaks English. Nearly all menus and signs are posted in Icelandic and English.
Things to do in Reykjavik, Iceland
Of course, there is more than enough going on in Reykjavik itself for a whole day touring around. However, in general, travelling in and around Iceland is expensive. Read our blog covering Free Things to do in Reykjavik.
Reykjavik – Iceland’s capital and tourism hub. Surprisingly steeped in history and culture the city is small enough to explore by foot. There are lots of places to see many of which are free. Read our blog on Free Things to do in Reykjavik including visiting the Höfði House, Harpa Concert Hall or the Sun Voyager.
Classic Day Tours from Reykjavik
Golden Circle – An amazing day trip viewing some of the world’s most unique geological features – geysers, Atlantic ridge, enormous waterfall of Gullfoss, and walk round extinct volcanoes. Regardless of any other trip this is the must do one!
South Shore – See black sand beaches, ice bergs in freshwater lakes, walk on a glacier, view waterfalls reputed to hide pots of gold and see trolls out to sea off the southern coast.
Reykjanes Peninsular – This route has become harder with the recent eruptions around the Blue Lagoon and Grindavik.Reykjanes is the newest part of Iceland made up of lava fields that are only hundreds of years old. Fascinating coastal scenery and of course the world-famous Blue Lagoon (currently closed as it is close to the recent February 2024 eruption site and town of Grindavik).
Who are main tour operators?
There are a good number of reliable coach tour operators based in Reykjavik. Here are a few we have used.
GRAYLINE https://grayline.is/
SNÆLAND TRAVEL https://www.snaeland.is/
BusTravel Iceland https://bustravel.is/