21 AMAZING Tours in Reykjavik [December 2024!]

The untouched and unspoiled island of Iceland is a traveler’s dream. With active volcanoes, frozen glaciers, and cascading waterfalls, Iceland is an outdoor playground catering to all types of adventure.

It’s capital, Reykjavik, is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the wilderness of Iceland. And although Reykjavik has become increasingly popular with tourists over the last few decades, it remains a peaceful and tranquil place to visit.

But to really get a feel for the country, you’ll want to step outside Reykjavik to see the natural wonders it has to offer. A guided tour is the best way to experience Iceland. So we put together this list of must-see adventures and tours while you’re in Reykjavik!

#1 – Whale Watching Tour

• Dozens of sea creatures
• Over 95% sighting rate
• Cost: $$
• Duration of tour: 3-  4 hours

As your boat jets away from the coast of Reykjavik, you’ll be sailing through the Faxafloi Bay looking for majestic whales. But that’s not all you’ll see! Most tour groups also get glimpses of dolphins, porpoises, and a variety of sea birds.

In summer, there’s over a 95% rate of seeing whales! And with an experienced guide, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for.

 

#2 – Horse Riding Tour

• See glaciers and volcanoes
• Relaxed pace ride
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 2.5 hours

Experience Reykjavik’s glacier and volcanic landscape on horseback! Saddle atop a gentle, docile Icelandic horse as you embark on this one-of-a-kind scenic riding tour.

Head out to the Redhill region, and ride past colorful volcanic rocks and hills in this small group tour. This relaxed pace ride is great for riders of all skill level.

 

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#3 – ATV and Helicopter Tour

• Birds-eye-view of Reykjavik
• Thrilling for all ages
• Cost: $$$$
• Duration of tour: 5 hours

See Reykjavik from two very different perspectives! First, you’ll cruise through the mountains and countryside on an exhilarating quad ATV. No experience is necessary to enjoy this exciting adventure!

Next, you’ll be lifted high into the skies by a helicopter, to see some of the most dramatic views you can imagine. Your helicopter stops on top of a glacier for 20 minutes, so you can take photos and soak in the amazing atmosphere.

 

#4 – Full Day Game of Thrones Tour

• Game of Thrones filming locations
• Visit Þingvellir National Park
• Cost: $$
• Duration of tour: 8 hours

If you’re an avid Game of Thrones fan, then you cannot miss this tour in Reykjavik! On this tour, you’ll have the chance to visit locations where the actual TV show was filmed.

You’ll head to Þingvellir National Park, the setting for “the land north of the wall.” Besides admiring the scenery and wild horses (some of whom were in the show!), you’ll even encounter a  few Game of Thrones characters!

 

#5 – Northern Lights Jeep Tour

• Northern Lights hunt
• Photo souvenirs
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 4 hours

No trip to Reykjavik would be complete without marveling at the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis! On this tour, you’ll hop aboard a super jeep and hunt for the best view of the shimmering Northern Lights.

Your knowledgeable guide can not only tell you about the origins of this phenomenon, but they’ll also take professional photos, so you have a souvenir to take home. Trust us – you don’t want to miss out on witnessing the Northern Lights!

 

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#6 – Full Day Glacier Walking Tour

• Hike around Sólheimajökull glacier
• Visit two beautiful waterfalls
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 10 hours

Get in touch of nature as you embark on this peaceful walking tour of Iceland’s fourth largest glacier, Sólheimajökull. Your mountain guides will take you through breathtaking landscapes where you can see crystal ice fields and deep turquoise crevices.

On your way back to Reykjavik, you’ll stop at both Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. This tour is a great option if you want to see the amazing natural landscapes that Iceland has to offer!

 

#7 – Full Day Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing

• Trek Sólheimajökull glacier
• Try glacier ice climbing
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 10.5 hours

If you want to take your adrenaline up notch, then this glacier hike and ice climbing tour is for you! You’ll first start on a leisure glacier hike through Sólheimajökull with your guide, before arriving at an amazing, ice wall.

From there, you’ll try your hand at ice climbing! Fitted with ice axes, safety lines, and crampons, you’ll make your way up the beautiful, blue glacier walls for sweeping views.

 

#8 – ATV Midnight Sun Tour

• Hike in the middle of the night!
• ATV down the mountain
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 3 – 4 hours

Summer is one of the most amazing times to visit Reykjavik. In June and July, Iceland experiences a midnight sun, which means the country sees a full 24-hours of sunlight!

On this tour, you’ll climb up the Hafrafjall & Ulfarsfell Mountains to reach the peak by midnight – with the sun still brightly shining! Then you’ll cruise through the mountains on your ATV, making your way across the rugged landscape in style!

 

#9 – Reykjavik Food Tour

• Six stops with 12 samples
• Unique foods not found anywhere else
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 3 hours

You might not be super familiar with Icelandic cuisine, but you will be after this tour! This walking tour takes you to six different restaurants and cafes, where you’ll try famous Icelandic delicacies like Minke whale and fermented shark!

At the end of the tour, visit Reykjavik’s most famous restaurant – a hot dog stand! With a total of 12 different foods (and beer), you’ll definitely want to come hungry on this tour.

 

#10 – Reykjavik Beer Tour

• Four stops with over ten beer samples
• Visit Iceland’s first microbrewery
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 4 hours

If you’re looking for a tour that’s wild and fun, then the Reykjavik Beer Tour is for you! Visit four different locations as you drink your way through Iceland’s unique and historic beer history.

Over ten different beers and snacks are included, as well as shots of the traditional Icelandic “black death” schnapps. Hit up pubs, bars, and even visit Reykjavik’s first microbrewery!

 

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#11 – 2-Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula & Northern Lights Tour

• Explore the best of Iceland’s scenery
• Included hotel and breakfast
• Cost: $$$$
• Duration of tour: 2 days

Escape the city life and head west towards the untouched and unspoiled lands of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Your first day is action-packed and includes visits to fjords, geothermal baths, lava caves, and several beaches.

After spending a night on the peninsula, you’ll head to Kirkjufell mountain for amazing views of the nearby cascading waterfalls. This tour includes stops at dozens of Iceland’s most iconic attractions, and is great for those who want to see as much as they can!

 

#12 – Whales and Puffin Tour

• Puffin watching off the islands
• 3.5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 5 hours

Spot two of Iceland’s most adorable residents on this whale and puffin combo tour. First, you’ll travel by boat to the small cluster of islands off the Reykjavik coast, home to dozens of puffin habitats.

Then, you’ll board a whale watching boat for a 3.5-hour tour of Faxaflói Bay to spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Keep in mind that since these are two separate tours, you can do them on different days.

 

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#13 – Hot Spring Hiking Tour in Reykjadalur Valley

• Relax in a geothermal hot spring
• Marvel at Reykjadalur Valley and Mt. Hengill
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 7 hours

For a relaxing day in Iceland, head out to the Reykjadalur valley for some peace and quiet! The Reykjadalur Valley and Mt. Hengill are brimming with bubbling, hot springs, with some of the most mineral-rich waters around.

Start with a half day hike up the mountain before reaching the geothermal pools. Change into your swimsuit and jump in the hot springs for a tranquil, relaxing experience. You’ll definitely deserve it after the hike!

 

#14 – Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

• Explore the lava tubes and fields of Hafnarfjörður
• Ride a friendly, docile Icelandic horse
• Cost: $$
• Duration of tour: 2-4 hours

Gentle, Icelandic horses are everywhere on the island, and it’s easy to see why! These majestic creatures are amiable and ready for adventure.

This horse riding excursion starts in Hafnarfjörður and winds through the rugged lava fields of Iceland! For two hours, you’ll see some of the most stunning landscapes outside of Reykjavik while trotting through the countryside on horseback.

 

#15 – Northern Lights Luxury Yacht Tour

• See the Northern Lights without any surrounding lights
• Enjoy the onboard lounge and bar
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 2-3 hours

Experience Iceland like a VIP aboard a luxurious yacht as you sail for the Northern Lights! Cruising past Faxafloi Bay, you’ll be able to witness the Aurora Borealis in complete solitude away from the bustling lights of the city.

Besides seeing the Northern Lights, you can also relax in style inside the yacht. Dine in the lounge or have a drink at the bar to really make the most out of your cruise!

 

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#16 – Quad Bike Twin Peaks Tour

• Drive up to two different mountains
• More rugged than other ATV tours
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 3.5 hours

For a thrilling adventure in Icelandic wilderness, drive a fun an exciting four-wheel ATV! Cruise through rocky paths and gravel roads as you ascend to the top of Hafrafell and Úlfarsfell Mountains.

From the peak, you can enjoy sweeping views of the entire island. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to see a glimpse of Reykjanes Peninsula and Snæfellsjökull Glacier!

 

#17 – Thorsmörk & Eyjafjallajökull Day Tour

• Visit glaciers, volcanoes, mountains, and waterfalls
• Hotel pick-up included
• Cost: $$$$
• Duration of tour: 9 hours

This private tour takes you around two of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes, Thorsmörk & Eyjafjallajökull. As you leave Reykjavik, you’ll pass by mountains, waterfalls, and geothermal pools where you can stop to take photos or simply admire the views.

From there, you’ll hike through Gigjökull Glacier and Stakkaholtsgjá canyon while you admire the stunning mountains and volcanoes from afar.

 

#18 – Kayak Fishing Tour

• Kayak next to Mt. Kirkjufell
• Catch and release fish
• Cost: $$$
• Duration of tour: 2 hours

Kayak in the open waters of Iceland with the beautiful Mt. Kirkjufell as your backdrop. Once you’re settled, your guide will provide you with fishing poles and equipment before teaching you how to properly fish for cod and other sea life.

As this is a catch and release tour, you will need to toss them back into the ocean so they can live happily ever after!

 

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#19 – Reykjavik Sightseeing Tour

• See the best attractions in Reykjavik
• See where Gorbachev and Reagan ended the cold war
• Cost: $$
• Duration of tour: 3 hours

See all the iconic highlights of Reykjavik on this leisurely walking and driving tour of the city. Visit the famous 20th-century Hallgrímskirkja church, The Pearl on Oskjuhlid Hill, and even the top deck of Reykjavík City Hall.

Following the monument tour, you’ll head to the beautiful Laugardalur Valley, which is nestled next to the Elliðaár River.

 

#20 – Sea Fishing Gourmet Tour

• Catch and cook your own lunch!
• Puffin watching
• Cost: $$
• Duration of tour: 2.5 hours

Sail like a traditional Icelandic Fisherman as you fish for cod, haddock, rockfish and pollock off the Reykjavik harbor. On the water, you’ll also have the chance to spot other wildlife and sea life like wild puffins!

After a few hours at sea, you’ll return to the harbor to cook a meal with the fish you just caught. Learn how to grill your catch of the day, and whip up cooked potatoes with a homemade sauce.

 

#21 – Stand Up Paddleboard Tour

• Paddle through the tranquil Forgotten Fjord
• See Iceland’s tallest waterfall
• Cost: $$%
• Duration of tour: 6.5 hours

Test your balance as you paddle through the Hvalfjodur’s stunning Forgotten Fjord. Float past canyons, mountains, and even Glymur, the tallest waterfall in all of Iceland!

With your wetsuit, you won’t even feel the crisp fresh air or icy water beneath you. With 360 degrees of fantastic scenery, you won’t want to leave your paddle board!

 

FAQs

How do I book a Reykjavik tour?

Reykjavik tourism has exponentially grown over the last few years. For this reason, you should always book your tours in advance to make sure they don’t sell out. By looking on getyourguide.com, you can browse through dozens of Reykjavik tours and book your tour directly through the site.

How much do tours in Reykjavik Cost?

Reykjavik is not a cheap city, and many tours are more expensive than in other parts of the world. You can expect to pay at least 50 Euros per person for a group guided tour. Private, full day or multi-day tours will be more expensive.

How long do tours in Reykjavik last?

Because Iceland is a sprawling country, you need to take travel time into account. While most tours last around 3-4 hours, traveling to your destination might add an hour to your trip.

What should I pack?

Even in summer, the weather in Reykjavik can be cold, rainy, and windy. You should always travel with a rain shell, a warm jacket, and comfortable hiking boots. Since most tours take place outdoors, you want to be prepared for any of the elements!

 

Final Thoughts!

With unparalleled natural beauty, Reykjavik is one of those cities that will make your jaw drop from the second you step off the plane. With rugged mountains, thermal hot springs, and glowing glaciers, Iceland is a unique mix of landscapes that are sure to please any outdoor enthusiast.

However, we can only hope that Iceland remains unaffected by industrialization and commercialization. It’s captivating and diverse scenery is what makes this country so incredibly unique, and unlike anything you’ll see in the world.

So while you have the chance, you should visit the little slice of paradise that is Reykjavik. And who knows – you might never want to return!

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