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Telegraph
27-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
The 10 best day trips from Reykjavik
Reykjavík is a vibrant destination in itself – but it's also an excellent jumping-off point for exploring some of Iceland's broader natural wonders. A diverse array of adventures are available from the capital, from established classics such as the Golden Circle to road trips along the south and west coasts to see jaw-dropping beaches, waterfalls, glaciers and lagoons, and closer-to-home options such as the Sky Lagoon spa, boat rides to spot whales and puffins, and enjoy nature walks around nearby islands. Almost all these trips can be self-driven or booked via a local tour company such as Reykjavik Excursions, Arctic Adventure, Troll and EastWest. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best day trips from Reykjavik. Find out more below or more inspiration, see our guides to the best hotels, restaurants, bars and things to do. Best for nature Golden Circle The most famous day trip available from the capital is still one of the best for first-time visitors. It covers three iconic sights: Thingvellir National Park, a rift valley located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates that's also the site of the world's first parliament (the Althingi); the Geysir geothermal area, with its bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers; and the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, one of the most powerful in Europe. Contact: Area: Southwest Iceland How to get there: You can join a tour with any of the mentioned operators but driving yourself means you'll get to enjoy more time hiking around Thingvellir (it's big) and enjoying a dip at the Secret Lagoon hot springs. Reykjanes Peninsula A 45- to 60-minute drive from the capital, the Reykjanes Peninsula is a geothermal wonderland that became famous recently with the eruptions of the Fagradalsfjall (2021) and Sundhnúkur (2023 to 2025) volcanoes. It's a safe area to visit though, with bubbling mud pools and fumaroles, pretty Kleifarvatn lake, and Iceland's oldest lighthouse at Reykjanesviti. It's also home to the Blue Lagoon in case you want to combine the trip with a luxurious dip. Contact: Area: Reykjanes How to get there: Take a tour with Arctic Adventures or enjoy a drive at your own pace. South Coast Iceland's southern coast is dotted with a string of memorable and highly photogenic sights. Many are conveniently located along, or just off, the Ring Road, with the only snag that – for a day trip – you'll be coming back along the same road. Highlights include Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black sand and basalt columns of Reynisfjara Beach and Sólheimajökull glacier. It's possible to go as far as Jökulsárlón but you won't be back for dinner, so plan on eating en route. Back to index Best for enjoying the coast Videy Island A lovely and easy trip for island and nature lovers. Just 20 minutes on a ferry from the harbour, Videy offers walking trails through grassy meadows and along cliff edges, lots of bird life, and public art in the shape of Yoko Ono's 'Imagine Peace Tower' and Richard Serra's 'Milestones', the latter a series of basalt stone sculptures scattered across the island. A small café serves drinks and light meals in summer. Heimaey A visit to Heimaey, the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) archipelago, is a pleasant, slower-paced affair. Famous for its volcano, Eldfell, which erupted dramatically in 1973 and whose summit can be safely hiked for panoramic views, the island is also home to the Eldheimar Museum, which tells the story of the island's full evacuation, as well as local wildlife – it's home to Iceland's largest puffin colony in summer – and stunning coastal scenery. The harbour has some lovely spots to eat. Contact: Area: Heimaey How to get there: Take a tour with or enjoy the two-hour drive from Reykjavík to Landeyjahöfn followed by a short (35-minute) ferry ride. Whale and puffin watching Being located right on the coast means that boat tours are easy to hop onto from Reykjavík. There are many options, many of them offering whale-watching tours, during which you might spot Minke whales (quite common, especially in summer), humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, puffin tours, or a mix. Contact: Area: Reykjavík Harbour How to get there: Most tours leave directly from Reykjavík's Old Harbour, just a short walk from the city centre, and take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the tour. They operate year-round, but whale sightings are more frequent between April to October and puffins between May and August. Back to index Best for families Raufarhólshellir Cave Located about 40 minutes from Reykjavík, this so-called 'lava tube' is one of the largest – around 1,300 meters – and most accessible in Iceland. It was formed by an eruption around 5,000 years ago, the flowing lava created a hollow tube as the surface hardened and the molten lava drained out. A guided tour leads visitors around 500 to 800 meters through the tunnel to show the striking lava stalactites and stalagmites. It's great fun for the kids, and the visitor centre has a café. Contact: Area: Keflavik/Reykjanes How to get there: You can join a group tour, or drive out here yourself. The venue also arranges private transfers. Snaefellsnes Peninsula Iceland's west coast often comes in second place to the lushly-landscaped south. But a trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is every bit as scenic, with an impressive procession of highlights north of the Reykholt Valley that includes seal-spotting at Ytri Tunga beach, the black sands of Djúpalónssandur, Svödufoss waterfall and stunning hikes at Hellnar and Arnarstapi. It's a long day's driving if you want to see the whole peninsula, so be sure to leave early. Contact: Area: West Iceland How to get there: You can join a tour to see many of the highlights, or drive it yourself. If you choose the latter and you have time, the route via Hvalfjordur fjord is the most scenic, though it will add some time. Back to index Best hot springs Sky Lagoon Technically within walking distance of the city centre, Reykjavík's Sky Lagoon feels like it could be a thousand miles away. More accessible, albeit smaller, than the more famous Blue Lagoon, it offers a boutique experience with a five-step ritual experience that includes a cold plunge, a light scrub and a spacious sauna with stunning sea views, and a naturally-heated lagoon that abuts the North Atlantic. A swim-up bar and restaurant make a half-day easy. Contact: Area: Kársnes How to get there: The Sky Lagoon is around four miles from the centre. You can walk it in around 90 minutes, hop on a tour or take public transport. Reykholt Valley The low-key village of Reykholt, nestled in a scenic valley in West Iceland, can be reached in around an hour and a half from Reykjavik. Often overlooked, it's rich in history, geothermal activity and gentle landscapes. As well as a museum dedicated to thirteenth-century historian, poet and politician Snorri Sturluson (situated on his former homestead, where you can also find the country's oldest hot pool), you can visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, and the splendid Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Contact: Area: Reykholt How to get there: You can usually visit the village and valley on longer tours to West Iceland. Local buses can take around three hours so for a day trip, a self-drive is best. Back to index How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Paul has been an Icelandophile since writing his 2003 music-themed travelogue, 'waking up in Iceland'. He has travelled all over the country during his numerous visits since, and loves nothing more than a dip in a local hot pool and a waffle at the timeless Mokka cafe.
Travel Daily News
08-05-2025
- Travel Daily News
Peculiar bucket list: Try these unusual tourist activities
Whether you're snorkeling between continents, camping with orcas, or learning to surf a city river, these unconventional tourism activities promise memories that are as unique as they are unforgettable. Unconventional tourism is on the rise, as more travelers seek experiences that go beyond the ordinary. While iconic landmarks and classic destinations will always have their place, there's a growing desire for adventures that are immersive, surprising, and deeply memorable. From sleeping in the wild to exploring hidden urban corners, here are ten of the best unconventional tourism activities everyone should desire to try at least once in their lifetime. But if you are on a look out for Tong its platform, check out GameZone. Play traditional Tongits go to unusual Tongits card game version available in GameZone casino platform. Visit GameZone online now! 1. Snorkeling Between Tectonic Plates in Iceland Imagine swimming in crystal-clear glacial water, suspended between two continents. In Thingvellir National Park near Reykjavik, Iceland, you can snorkel or scuba dive in the Silfra fissure, a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The water is so pure that visibility can reach over 100 meters, and the sensation of floating between continents is truly otherworldly. This adventure combines geology, natural beauty, and a sense of awe that few other experiences can match. 2. Camping with Orcas on Vancouver Island For wildlife lovers, few things compare to the thrill of waking up to the sight and sound of orcas surfacing just offshore. On Vancouver Island's Johnstone Strait, you can camp on remote beaches with ancient forests behind you and the Pacific Ocean in front. Here, over 200 resident orcas pass by each summer, offering an intimate and unforgettable wildlife experience. Fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to the possibility of spotting a pod of killer whales from your tent. 3. Mountain Biking to the Roof of the World in Tibet If you crave high-altitude adventure, consider mountain biking in Tibet. Cycle past ancient monasteries, remote villages, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas, including views of Mount Everest. The challenging climbs and exhilarating descents are matched only by the spiritual atmosphere and the warmth of the locals. This journey is not just a physical feat but a cultural immersion into one of the world's most mystical regions. 4. Surfing a River Wave in Munich Surfing in a landlocked city? In Munich, Germany, the Eisbach River creates a standing wave in the heart of the Englischer Garten, drawing surfers from around the world. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a curious beginner, riding the Eisbach Wave is a unique way to experience the city's vibrant urban culture. It's proof that adventure can be found even where you least expect it. 5. Climbing to Sky-High Monasteries in Greece The monasteries of Meteora, perched atop towering rock pillars in central Greece, are among the most spectacular sights in Europe. The Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) is especially challenging to reach, requiring a trek up steep stairs and a cable car ride across a dramatic chasm. The reward? Panoramic views, centuries-old spiritual history, and the quiet serenity of a place truly 'suspended in air.' This is a pilgrimage for both the body and the soul. 6. Forest Bathing in Japan The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a mindful way to reconnect with nature. Unlike hiking, forest bathing is about slowing down, being present, and absorbing the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest. In places like Tokyo's Akigawa Valley, you can lay beneath the trees, listen to birdsong, and let the stresses of modern life melt away. Science shows this practice can improve well-being, making it a must-try for those seeking relaxation and renewal. 7. Exploring Underground Quarries and Secret Caves Cities like Bordeaux, France, offer a subterranean world few tourists ever see. Venture into underground quarries where limestone was once extracted to build historic monuments, or explore secret caves that reveal a city's hidden history. These eerie, beautiful spaces offer a completely different perspective and a sense of adventure that's both mysterious and educational. 8. Kayaking Through a City at Night See a city from a new angle by kayaking its rivers or canals after dark. In Bordeaux, night-time kayak trips through the Port of the Moon let you paddle beneath illuminated bridges, learning about maritime history from local guides. The city's lights reflected on the water create a magical atmosphere, turning a simple paddle into an unforgettable urban adventure. 9. Participating in Local Foraging and Cooking Workshops Travel is about tasting as much as seeing. Join local foragers in places like Bordeaux's Parc aux Angéliques to hunt for edible wild plants, then learn to cook them in a traditional kitchen. These workshops connect you to local food heritage, deepen your appreciation for the environment, and offer a deliciously hands-on way to experience a new culture. 10. Attending Exotic Festivals and Cultural Immersions Sometimes the most unconventional adventures are found in the heart of a crowd. Attend unique festivals like India's Holi Festival, where you'll be showered in colored powders, or Nevada's Burning Man, a temporary city of art and radical self-expression in the desert. Participating in such events allows you to celebrate traditions, meet people from around the world, and create memories that last a lifetime. Why Choose Unconventional Tourism? Unconventional tourism isn't just about novelty; it's about deeper engagement. These activities invite you to step outside your comfort zone, learn new skills, and connect with people and places in ways that traditional sightseeing can't offer. Whether you're seeking adrenaline, tranquility, or cultural insight, these experiences challenge you to see the world through fresh eyes. Tips for Unconventional Travelers Do your research: Some activities require permits, guides, or special equipment. Respect local customs and environments: Unconventional doesn't mean inconsiderate. Always be mindful of your impact. Embrace the unknown: Flexibility and curiosity are your best companions on any unusual adventure. Share your stories: Inspire others by sharing your experiences and supporting sustainable, responsible tourism. Conclusion The world is full of extraordinary adventures waiting just beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're snorkeling between continents, camping with orcas, or learning to surf a city river, these unconventional tourism activities promise memories that are as unique as they are unforgettable. So next time you plan a trip, dare to desire something different-the world's most remarkable experiences are waiting for you off the beaten path.
