Best tours in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is a city rich in history and mythology, set in a wonderful natural environment. Northern lights, whale and seabird watching, volcanic landscapes on foot or horseback, lava tunnels or relaxing in a thermal pool are just some of the wonders you can see and do in Reykjavik.

In Reykjavik you can also discover the iconic buildings, history, mythology, culture and gastronomic delights that make Reykjavik unique in the world. In addition, there are many excursions and trips from Reykjavik to different parts of the island, so it is the best place to start getting to know Iceland. Of course, the weather is a bit unpredictable, so always make sure you pack warm and waterproof clothing.

If you're interested in seeing the main sights of Reykjavik, taking a bus that takes you everywhere and gives you the freedom to spend as much time as you want at each place is an excellent idea. Especially if you've just arrived in the city and haven't decided whether to hire a car yet.

The bus runs around Reykjavik and stops at the various sights where you can get off to see them and then get back on the bus to visit the next one. The bus runs every 1 hour in summer and every 45 minutes in winter.

You can hop on and off as many times as you like, over the course of a day or two, depending on the tour you choose. Throughout the tour you will also have access to information about the places you visit in 8 languages, using the headphones available.

Bus tours of Reykjavík involve large groups of people and can start at the place of interest closest to your hotel or place of accommodation.

However, you have until 16.15 hours to get on and off the bus. You should also note that entrance fees to the sites are not included.

The sites of interest that the bus passes are usually:

• Harpa, Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre.
• Museums: Reykjavík Maritime Museum, Whales of Iceland, National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik Art Museum Kjarvalsstaðir.
• The essential Hallgrímskirkja Church. Evangelical Lutheran tradition. It can be seen from any part of the city and has an incredible view of the surrounding area. At 74 metres high, it is the tallest building in Iceland.
• Lækjargata, a street in the centre where you will see old houses, the government house, shops, restaurants and Laekjartorg Square, among others.
• Laugavegur, one of the oldest and liveliest streets in the city.
• Perlan, a futuristic revolving museum and restaurant with an incredible view of the city.
• Marc O'Polo Shopping Center.
• Laugardalur, a green space in the city to enjoy the open air and thermal baths.
• Skarfabakki Harbour cruise terminal.
• Hofdi House, a house of historical interest related to the end of the Cold War.

Details of interest

• Price: Around 28 EUR.
• Duration: The bus runs every 45 minutes, from 9am to 4pm.
• Means of transport: Bus.
• Advantages of this option: You will see the main sights of Reykjavik, in a comfortable bus with a good view, protected from rain or inclement weather.
• Disadvantages of this option: The bus runs at set times, so you may have to wait to board the bus after visiting each site of interest.

This is one of the best tours to see the must-see attractions of Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, as you will have the opportunity to visit the city's iconic buildings and its history, as well as travel along Iceland's most famous route, commonly known as the Golden Circle.

This is a full day tour in a comfortable vehicle accompanied by a specialised guide, starting in the morning. The guide will provide you with information about all the places you visit, whether historical, mythological, cultural or geographical. Children can also participate in this tour.

Part 1: The Reykjavík Tour

The first part of the tour consists of a tour of the main buildings of Reykjavik, which have historical, cultural and mythological significance. The tour includes visits to:

• Hofdi House is a mansion of historical importance, as this is where Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev met in 1986. The meeting is considered the beginning of the end of the Cold War.
• Harpa Reykjavik is an important concert and conference hall in Iceland that has also received many awards for its architecture, such as Gramophone Magazine's Best Concert Hall in 2010.
• Bessastadir is not only the current residence of the President of Iceland, but a site of historical importance, built in 1791. It is believed to be where the first Icelanders settled.
• In Reykjavik's city hall, located on the shores of Lake Tjörnin, there is a huge 3D map of Iceland on the floor. The design of the building is inspired by Reykjavik's contrast between city and nature.
• As for the Alþingishúsið, Reykjavik's parliament, it is a landmark building that was built in 1880-81, featuring dolerite stone. On the first floor are reliefs of the four guardians of Iceland: a dragon, a vulture, a giant and a bull, mythological figures that also appear on the country's coat of arms.
• Finally, Hallgrímskirkja Church is one of Iceland's most important churches, built in 1948. Its impressive façade is inspired by the lava formations so characteristic of Iceland.

Part 2: The Golden Circle Tour

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland's most popular routes. It is 300 km long, and allows you to see unmissable natural sites such as Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Strokkur geysers, and the "golden waterfall" of Gullfoss.

This tour is famous for its volcanoes, geothermal areas, lakes, waterfalls and everything else that makes the island of "fire and ice" memorable, all within easy reach of the city of Reykjavik.

• Thingvellir National Park: Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the Öxarárfoss waterfall with its striking black rocks, Lake Thingvallavatn, and numerous fissures, such as Silfra and Almannagjá. Silfra Fissure is considered one of the most incredible snorkelling experiences in Reykjavik, which involves swimming between two continental landmasses.

• Geysir and Strokkur Geysers: Geysir, located in the Haukadalur Valley, is the first geyser to be discovered and the one that gave its name to the others. However, the best known is Strokkur, as it is one of the most active geysers.

• The golden waterfall of Gullfoss.

Interesting details

• Price: Around 100 EUR.
• Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
• Means of transport: Air-conditioned vehicle with Wi Fi.
• Advantages of this option: It allows you to see the highlights of the city of Reykjavik and the Golden Circle in one day.
• Disadvantages of this option: Does not include drinks or meals.
• Recommendations: Wear comfortable clothes and footwear; and a mackintosh. Entrance to some buildings may not be included.

If you go to Reykjavik in winter, you can't leave without seeing the Northern Lights, one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles.

In Reykjavik, you may even be lucky enough to see them from your hotel, but ideally you should see them in a place where there are no artificial lights. That's why it's a good idea to book a tour, as the guides know where and when the northern lights are best and will tell you all about them.

You can do the tour to see the northern lights in Reykjavik by land or by sea. Both are very interesting.

Depending on the means of transport you choose, you can go with a small group of people, as in the case of the 4x4, or go with a larger group, if you go by bus or cruise ship. Prices, of course, vary. Some tours include a snack or dinner somewhere or, if you opt for the cruise, you can have dinner on the spot.

It's a great activity for the whole family. Just be aware that the Northern Lights are most frequent around midnight and you should be prepared for the cold.

Also, no tour can guarantee that the Northern Lights will be seen, so it's best to choose a tour that offers to take you another day in case they don't appear.

Details of interest

• Price: Between 60 and 90 EUR, depending on the means of transport.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Means of transport: Bus, 4x4 or cruise.
• Advantages of this option: You will see the Northern Lights far away from the lights of Reykjavik, in a beautiful natural environment.
• Disadvantages of this option: The Northern Lights are unpredictable, so some tours offer a complimentary tour if the Northern Lights do not appear. Be sure to dress warmly.

If you're in Reykjavik in the right months, seeing the whales up close is a wonderful sight. Whale watching tours in Reykjavik are usually in the morning or evening, and also when the sun begins to set.

You can take a tour with lots of people on a cruise ship or, if you prefer more privacy and are up for it, you can take a speed boat. Most tours offer overalls for the cold and a complimentary tour in case you don't get to see any whales.

Whale watching usually takes place in Faxafloí Bay and the tour departs from Reykjavik's old harbour. In the bay you can see humpback whales, Minke whales, sperm whales, blue whales, pilot whales, and also white-sided dolphins and killer whales, depending on the time of year you take the tour.

The best time to see whales in Reykjavik is in summer (June to August), although a few months earlier, in April and May, and a few months later, in September and October, it is also possible to see whales.

Interesting details

• Price: Around 75 EUR for a cruise, 125 EUR for a small boat.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Means of transport: Cruise or fast boat.
• Advantages of this option: Best way to see whales, birds and other marine life.
• Disadvantages of this option: Whale watching is not guaranteed but, if it is included in the tour, you can try another day. Drinks and meals are not included.

If you are a lover of birds or wildlife in general, sign up for a tour to see the home of puffins and other seabirds. You'll also see Arctic terns and black guillemots.

This is a boat tour that you can do if you're short on time, as it lasts about an hour.

You can do it in the morning or afternoon, usually in groups of a few people, and accompanied by a guide who will tell you about the different species of birds and their habits. The boat will take you from Reykjavik to Skarfabakki harbour, where one of the largest puffin colonies is located. It is one of the most interesting things to see and do with children in Reykjavik.

Puffins appear on Iceland's coasts during their breeding season, which is in spring. At that time of year, you will see thousands. These birds are some of the most beautiful and curious animals in Iceland. It is striking to see them carrying more than 10 fish in their striking black, orange and yellow beaks.

Details of interest

• Price: Around 45 EUR.
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
• Means of transport: Fast boat.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to see the curious puffins and other seabirds up close, while learning about their habits.
• Disadvantages of this option: Can only be done in spring.

It is definitely a great plan to take one of the best food tours in Reykjavik, a city with a unique culinary art. There is nothing better than an expert guide to take you to the best restaurants in the city to taste the delicacies that can only be found in Iceland.

This tour is done in small groups and on foot, through the area around Ingolfur Square in the old town. Many people report that the tastings are plentiful, but it depends on your appetite.

They usually take place close to dinner time. The expert guide will not only talk about local dishes, but also about history, traditions and local legends.

Dishes include fermented shark, seafood soup, Icelandic hot dog, lamb soup, Ryebread ice cream and other traditional sweets.

These food tours also usually include a drink at the end, with or without alcohol, and a visit to a Reykjavik flea market.

Interesting details

• Price: Around 100 EUR.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Means of transport: On foot.
• Advantages of this option: It is the ideal way to taste typical Icelandic dishes and learn about its history and traditions. Tastings are included in the price of the tour.
• Disadvantages of this option: It is advisable to consult before booking this tour if you have any dietary restrictions.

Just 30 minutes from Reykjavik you can visit the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel, Iceland's fourth largest lava tunnel. Inside the tunnel you can see lava formations that were produced after the eruption of a volcano 5200 years ago. Inside the cave there is a walkway and platforms, so it is very easy to walk through.

The tour includes safety features, such as a helmet with a torch to see better inside the tunnel. It is usually done during the day, and children over 3 years old can go.

You can do it in groups of up to 30 people or book a more private tour. On this tour you will not only learn about the cave, but also about volcanism in general, as it is a tour guided by a knowledgeable person.

The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel is located in the village of Hveragerði. It is 1360 metres long, 330 metres wide and 10 metres high. It makes a difference whether you see it in winter or summer, as it also has ice stalactites in winter.

Interesting details

• Price: Around 87 EUR for a 1 hour tour.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Means of transport: Cruise or speed boat.
• Advantages of this option: You will learn about volcanoes in one of Iceland's most incredible lava formations.
• Disadvantages of this option: May be cancelled due to bad weather. However, companies will reschedule the tour or refund the money.