6 Best Lagoon Day Trips from Reykjavik

During your stay in Reykjavík you should escape from the city for at least one day and explore the surrounding area. You will discover many natural regions with an atmosphere and beauty unique in the world, which are often seen daily by groups of visitors who have adopted the Icelandic capital as their tourist destination.

So, if during your visit you don't know what to see and do in Reykjavík, I recommend you include in your itinerary a visit to the popular Blue Lagoon to relax in its hot springs. Similarly, there are many excursions to the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón and Sólheimajökull, the hidden lagoon in the Golden Circle and the hot springs of Mývatn. All of them with tours that will allow you to experience the true natural beauty of Iceland.

On your visit to Reykjavík, you can't miss the opportunity to join an excursion to the legendary Jökulsárlón Lagoon, considered the largest glacier in Europe.

There you will find a breathtaking icy landscape and calm blue waters with icebergs. The tour to this region is an activity that you can do whether you have little time on your itinerary or several days to spare.

Day trip

If you are only interested in seeing Jökulsárlón Lagoon, then a day trip from Reykjavík is for you. Transport is usually by minibus or bus that takes you from your hotel door to Skaftafell National Park, where the real adventure begins.

To get to the lagoon, you will first pass the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you will see its amazing waterfall. Afterwards, you will see the canyon formation of the Fjadrargljufur River and arrive at the village of Vík í Mýrdal.

There, the guide usually gives you some free time for lunch before you go to the central point of the tour. This is the Jökulsárlón glacier, whose beauty will mesmerise you from the very first moment with its huge icebergs and marine fauna.

Two-day tour

The two-day South Coast tour from Reykjavik starts with a stop at Vik village, which is framed by impressive rock formations and its famous black sand beach.

The next stop on the tour is Jökulsárlón, home to the impressive glacial lagoon and floating icebergs. There, you will have some free time to explore at your own pace and take pictures of this magical frozen landscape.

Afterwards, the guide leads the group to the accommodation site, which is located right at the foot of the Vatnajökull National Park. Everyone will be able to eat, drink and rest.

The next day, before returning to Reykjavík, you will visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. You will also enjoy a 60-metre high waterfall.

Three-day tour

This three-day tour from Reykjavík to the glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón will take you to several popular tourist destinations on the South Coast.

You will see beautiful waterfalls, geysers, lakes, volcanoes, geothermal areas and more. All this in the company of a professional guide, who will help you discover the place. In addition, you will spend two nights in a cabin in Thingvellir National Park.

The adventure begins with the Golden Circle route, which usually takes you to the following points:

• Geysir Strokkur, located in the Haukadalur Valley.
• Gullfoss waterfalls, which cascade over the Hvitá River and the volcanic crater Kerid, considered one of the youngest in Iceland at approximately 3000 years old.
• Reynisfjara Diamond Beach, with a beautiful contrast of crystal clear water and deep black sand.
• Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, where you can explore on foot and navigate its icy waters while gazing at a series of floating icebergs. And, if you're lucky, you'll see some seals swimming.
• Solheimajokull Glacier, a natural monument that you will walk around with ice axes, crampons and other safety equipment provided by your guide. You will see the huge crevasses of the glacier and a beautiful panoramic view.

Interesting details

• Price: from 141 euros per person.
• Duration: 1, 2 or 3 days.
• Means of transport: comfortable bus or minibus.

During your stay in the Icelandic capital, don't hesitate to join a tour to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavík to relax in its hot springs.

You can also combine this destination with a trip to the Golden Circle to see a beautiful waterfall, craters and an active geyser.

If you don't have much time in your itinerary, but want a relaxing and unforgettable experience, you can opt for a quick visit to the Blue Lagoon. You'll be immersed in steaming milky blue hot springs and observe the stunning natural scenery. All this while enjoying a natural seaweed mask, sipping a delicious cocktail and taking some pictures to remember.

Alternatively, if you want to turn this midday experience into a full day activity, then you can combine it with an excursion to the Golden Circle.

If this is the case, you will visit Thingvellir National Park to hike the trail to the legendary Gullfoss waterfall. The itinerary then continues to Strokkur Geyser and the iconic crater lake of Kerið.

Afterwards, you will be taken by minivan to the Blue Lagoon. There, your guide will give you free time to relax in the geothermal pools before returning to the city.

Interesting details

• Price: from about 60 euros per person.
• Duration: 5 to 11 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transport: normally an air-conditioned minivan is used.

Visiting the Sólheimajökull glacial lago on is an experience not to be missed during your trip to Reykjavík.

With this excursion you will be able to contemplate a unique icy landscape and discover some of the natural monuments hidden on the South Coast of Iceland. For this purpose, you will have several excursions at your disposal, which can vary in terms of duration, route and complementary activities.

Half-day kayaking trip to Sólheimajökull

If you are a kayaking enthusiast you will be interested in a trip to the Sólheimajökull glacial lagoon from Reykjavík to paddle the crystal clear, calm waters while enjoying a privileged view of the region.

This is a simple tour, but will give you a unique perspective of the mighty glacier and a close-up view of a number of icebergs found there.

This is one of the excursions and getaways from Reykjavik for which you will only need half a day, so it is ideal if you want to return to the city and have time for other activities.

For example, go shopping, take part in food tours of Reykjavik or even book an excursion to see the Northern Lights.

Day trip

to Sólheimajökull Lake with additional destinations

This is a day trip that will not only take you to Sólheimajökull Lake. You will also discover other attractive destinations: waterfalls, a black sand beach and sea pillars.

In addition, your guide will tell you about some of Iceland's Viking history and help you to enjoy some of the best views of the region.

The adventure begins with a hike behind the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and then you will walk along the glacier tongue of Solheimajokull, while marvelling at the breathtaking panoramic views.

Afterwards, you will be able to see the volcanic sands of the famous black sand beach, walk along the cliffs of Reynisdrangar and finish at the Skógafoss waterfall.

Sólheimajökull two-day photo tour

This two-day experience will allow you to take pictures of the most attractive scenery at Sólheimajökull Lagoon.

You will find unique perspectives of the huge glacier, the blue waters and the anchored icebergs. You will also get good visual compositions at the Diamond Beach and the Vestrahorn ice cave, which is located in the Vatnajökull National Park. All this in the company of a professional photographer.

In addition, during the months of September to March, you will have the opportunity to take amazing pictures of the Northern Lights all along the southern coast. Therefore, this tour is a good option if you don't know what to do in Reykjavík in winter.

Interesting details

• Price: from 131 euros per person.
• Duration: half day, 1 or 2 days (depending on the type of tour).
• Means of transport: minivan or bus.

This tour to visit the Mývatn thermal lagoon usually includes some additional activities. This way you will not only soak in one of Iceland's best hot springs in Reykjavík, but also explore the Godafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn and the Dimmuborgir lava formations.

You leave Reykjavík by bus which takes the group to the port Akureyri, where you will board a cruise ship, which will make several stops at the promised destinations:

• Godafoss waterfall, where for approximately 15 minutes you can marvel at the panorama.
• Lake Myvatn with a beautiful natural area that you will be able to walk slowly in the company of your guide. You will see natural steam springs, Dimmuborgir lava formations, a series of mud pools. You will also see the Grotcaja cave, which is part of the continental divide between Eurasia and America.
• Mývatn thermal lake, which is a man-made reservoir with 3.5 million litres of water from the outcrop of Lake Mývatn. Today, these immense natural baths are one of Iceland's great tourist attractions, where you can relax, eat and admire the scenery.

After completing the itinerary, return to the harbour and then back to ¡ Reykjavík.

Details of interest

• Price: from 191 euros per person.
• Duration: 6 hours (approx.)
• Means of transport: comfortable bus and cruise ship.
• Advantages of this option: not only will you relax in the lagoon of natural waters, but you will also explore several interesting destinations in one excursion.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is common that entrance fees to the activities of this excursion must be paid separately.

If you don't know what to do in Reykjavík, you might be interested in a trip to the Golden Circle and, of course, its Secret Lagoon.

This is a famous natural spa where you can enjoy the steaming, calm waters, which maintain a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. You can soak, relax and admire the beautiful scenery.

Also, with this tour you have the opportunity to discover some natural destinations around the lagoon:

• Thingvellir National Park, this is a place with great geological importance, due to the fact that the tectonic fault of Eurasia and America is located here. You will enjoy amazing views.
• Haukadalur Valley with the "Strokkur" geyser, which emits a huge column of steam every 14 minutes and the "Geysir", with emissions every 5 minutes.
• Gullfoss waterfall, with an impressive waterfall that splits into two waterfalls over the canyon of the Hvítá river.

At the end of this tour of the Secret Lagoon of the Golden Circle, you will board a bus and return to the city with your guide. You will arrive in time to continue with the activities on your itinerary.

For example, join one of the best walking tours in Reykjavík and see the streets from a night-time perspective.

Interesting details

• Price: from 105 euros per person.
• Duration: 9.5 hours, including transfer time to and from Reykjavík.
• Means of transport: comfortable, air-conditioned bus.
• Advantages of this option: this is a low-difficulty tour, so it can be done by people of any age.
• Disadvantages of this option: this tour does not usually include hotel pick-up.

The Fjallsárlón Glacial Lago on tour from Reykjavík is a recommended option if you have little time in your itinerary, but don't want to leave Iceland without exploring some of its natural areas.

You will sail through the calm waters of this lagoon and be amazed by the imposing glacier ice wall behind it.

The activity starts with a bus ride from Reykjavík to the lagoon's car park. Afterwards, there is a short ten-minute walk before boarding a zodiac boat with the guide who accompanies you from the city. But first, you must put on the safety equipment required for this type of excursion.

Once inside the Fjallsárlón lagoon you can enjoy the icy landscape and, if you wish, take lots of photographs. In the distance you can see a breathtaking view of the Öræfajökull volcano and the Vatnajökull glacier.

You will also sail past numerous floating icebergs, where you can see the different shades of blue, which vary daily depending on the intensity of the natural light. Afterwards, you will return to the mainland and board the bus to Reykjavík.

Interesting details

• Price: from 120 euros per person.
• Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
• Means of transport: bus and zodiac boat.
• Advantages of this option: you will get to know important natural monuments of Iceland without spending a full day.
• Disadvantages of this option: this activity is not suitable for children under 8 years old.

Lagoon tours from Reykjavík offer you amazing natural scenery that is unique in the world. You will experience an icy atmosphere and, thanks to the high volcanic level of the region, enjoy steaming geothermal pools in which you can immerse yourself.

You will also visit the calm crystal clear waters of the lagoons with amazing icebergs floating in them, imposing glaciers formed millions of years ago and geysers.

In addition, during these tours you will enjoy privileged panoramic views of the Öræfajökull volcano, the Gullfoss waterfall or the black sand of Playa Diamante, among others.

If you're visiting Reykjavík, you've probably decided to escape the city to see the main lagoons and natural heritage hidden in Iceland. If so, there are a few basic tips to keep in mind:

• Plan your excursion according to what you want to see. For example, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland from Reykjavík is from September to March. But if you want to visit the glacial lagoon and see the midnight sun, it will have to be between May and August.
• Choose the tour that suits you best. Remember that lagoon tours from Reykjavík vary in length (from six hours to over two days) and purpose (diving in the natural pools, taking professional photographs, kayaking, following a route to see Iceland's natural wonders, etc.).
• Dress warmly, as the lagoons are located in icy natural areas.
• Wear comfortablehiking shoes, which will allow you to move around safely and walk a long, uneven trail for hours without chafing or tiring your feet.
• Carry an extra set of clothes even though it's a short trek, because you don't know what might come up and you may need to change clothes.
• Protect your photographyequipment and mobile phone with waterproof cases. This way, you won't have to worry about unexpected precipitation.