7 Best Day Trips from Reykjavik for Couples

Westman Islands

Why Go

Westman Islands is Iceland’s secret with its rich history, unique landscape, and heartwarming and welcoming inhabitants. The islands will quickly enchant you and you won’t want to leave!

The Westman Islands are a 45–50-minute ferry ride away from the mainland and a fantastic place to explore for couples as a day trip. The nature, history, landscape, and stories about the locals almost make it feel like you’re not even in Iceland anymore.

How to Get There

The best way to get to the Westman Islands is by ferry, which departs from the harbor in Landeyjahöfn, southern Iceland.

If your starting point is Reykjavik and you want to enjoy the day at Westman Islands, you must wake up early because the harbor is about two hours’ drive from the capital.

The ferry service to the Westman Islands sails multiple times daily, so you don’t need to worry about it. The first ferry departs at 8:15 a.m., and the last from the islands back to the harbor leaves at 7:30 p.m.

Price: A single adult ticket costs 2400isk. You can also discover the island by car. The price for the vehicle (1-5m long) is 3600isk one way.

Tips To Visiting

• The main Heimaey Island isn’t that big, and everything is within walking distance from the harbor, so you don’t have to bring a car, especially if you are only visiting for one day.

Landmannalaugar

Why Go

Landmannalaugar is one of the most magical places in the world. It offers endless views of nothing and everything at the same time. Getting there may be challenging, but it is a worthy place in Iceland.

The colorful, rainbow mountains of Landmannalaugar make for a super romantic day trip from Reykjavik for couples. The solitary beauty of Landmannalaugar will capture every romantic soul’s heart.

Moreover, the best Landmannalaugar hikes can easily compete with some of the world’s top treks! So take your beloved one and give it a go! You can take a guided hike of Landmannalauger if you prefer not to go alone.

How To Get There

Landmannalaugar is located deep in the Icelandic Highlands. A 4×4 car is necessary because you must cross many rivers, drive through endless lava fields, and travel on gravel roads.

From Reykjavik, follow Road 1 and take the exit onto Road 26 as you get into Hella. Follow Road 26 all the way down until you take the exit west onto F 225, leading you to Landmannalaugar.

You can make it in one day since the distance between Reykjavik and our final destination is acceptable. However, if you prefer to avoid driving or renting a car, you can choose one-day organized tours, starting from Reykjavik.

Tips to Visiting

• Bus: Book your bus tickets in advance. Buses can sell out, so it is best to reserve your seat.
• The People’s Pool is a naturally occurring hot spring next to the Laugahraun lava field. Year-round temperatures remain a toasty 36 to 40°C.

Laugahraun lava field – hike through a field of solidified lava. This is Landmannalaugar’s most popular day hike. It’s easy to do and great for all ages—the duration is 4.3km round trip.

Kerlingarfjöll

Why Go

Kerlingarfjöll is part of an active volcanic system and is home to one of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal areas. But what truly makes this area impressive is its almost unreal look and feel.

The Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Range was created by a volcanic eruption about 10,000 years ago. Before that, the area had been entirely covered by glaciers from the last Ice Age. In 2017, the 367-square-kilometre Kerlingarfjöll area was declared a protected nature reserve.

Today, this extraordinary site is famous for hiking in the summer and snowmobiling or snowshoeing in the winter. Kerlingarfjöll is an amazing place to go for every adventurous couple!

How To Get There

The easiest way to reach Kerlingarfjöll is to simply self-drive. Kerlingarfjöll is located in the central Highlands of Iceland, and you can only drive there if you have a 4×4. This can be a 4×4 car or a 4×4 camper van, but you can not drive here with a regular car.

The last 5 km stretch will lead you straight towards the Hveradalir Geothermal Area, which is hugely rocky. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that, at times, my head nearly bumped the car’s ceiling when driving up and down that last road.

Tips To Visiting

• Before driving into the Highlands, make sure to fill up on gas cause there aren’t any gas stations.
• The area also lacks restaurants or grocery stores, so stock up on enough food and drinks for your trip to the Highlands!
• While Kerlingarfjöll is one of the top places in the Icelandic Highlands, be sure to go and see also the others! Thorsmork or Thakgil are just a few mesmerising examples.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle includes three unique locations: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss waterfall. It’s a must-see day trip from Reykjavik for every first-time visiting couple!

Why go

The Golden Circle is a spectacular introduction to Icelandic wonders, geysers, waterfalls, and basically a taste of everything Iceland has to offer, all within a short distance.

We recommend visiting the famous Golden Circle to see “as much as possible” on a one-day trip. Also, the benefit of this place is that you can visit this place all year round; no 4×4 car is required.

How To Get There

It is approximately 250 km out and back to Reykjavik. The best way to enjoy the places without crowds is to start early in the morning—or go for a “midnight adventure”—during the long summer nights, waiting until most tourists sleep. This can be done between 15 June and 10 July.

Tips To Visiting

• Drive another way to avoid the crowds. Many people, but especially bus tours, start the tour clockwise.
• For animal lovers, we recommend stopping at Slakki Petting Zoo. You can pet puppies, kittens, rabbits, foxes, and more here. What makes this Zoo special? They have only baby animals!
• You could also visit a Friðheimar, a geothermal greenhouse, or a natural hot water spa. (The oldest one is Secret Lagoon)

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Why go

If you do not have time to do a Ring Road around Iceland, The Snæfellsnes Peninsula could be a good alternative.

Couples arriving from Reykjavik can enjoy in one day everything the country offers in one area: volcanic craters, lava fields, a glacier, waterfalls, fjords, hot springs, black and golden sand beaches, lush meadows, and cute fishing villages with colorful wooden houses.

How To Get There

Here we go again—if you want to make it in a day trip from Reykjavik to Snaefellsnes, be ready to wake up early to enjoy another beautiful day in Iceland!

Reaching this beautiful peninsula is only about two hours drive from Reykjavik, but many “must-see” spots are all along the way. We have chosen the best ones for you! Also, it depends on the weather. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula used to be very rainy and windy, however after every rain there is a rainbow! 🙂

Tips To Visiting

Here are the places you cannot miss!

• Ytri Tunga – the beach of seals!
• Búðakirkja –  the iconic tiny church, which you’ve probably seen somewhere in the magazine or website of Iceland
• Bjarnarfoss – another breathtaking waterfall
• Arnastapi  – a small village literally on the cliffs. If the weather is nice, go for a small hike on a lava field. It takes approx 45min one way, and you reach a tiny coffeehouse called Fjöruhúsið café, where you can enjoy coffee with a fantastic view of one of the fabulous cliffs.
• Djúpalónssandur Beach (deep lagoon sand)
• Saxhóll Crater
• Hellissandur is a small village with paintings of art, a good stop for lunch.
• Kirkjufellsfossar – famous view of a waterfall with the hill in the background
• Gerðuberg Cliffs – Dramatic cliffs formed from black lava-rock columns, some reaching 14 m. in height

Skógafoss Waterfall

Why Go

Skogafoss, meaning “forest waterfall,” is a natural wonder that attracts visitors worldwide, couples being no exception. This massive waterfall, with a 60-metre gushing water flow, is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland.

Also, this place will take the hearts of photographers. One of Skogafoss’s signature characteristics is its ability to produce a beautiful single or double rainbow when the sun reflects off its constant, powerful spray.

A mighty waterfall, visiting Skogafoss is an incredible experience. Standing next to the falls, many visitors say it makes them feel relatively insignificant, causing them to reflect on the Earth’s stunning beauty and all its wonders.

How To Get There

Skogafoss is conveniently located close to Route 1 (the Ring Road). From Reykjavik, take Route 1 and continue on the road until you see signs pointing to Skógafoss. Then turn left, and you’ll reach a free parking lot. The waterfall is visible from the road, so you can’t miss it!

Tips To Visiting

• Don’t forget to take waterproof gear since you will be walking under the waterfall!

• Skogafoss was the filming location for several Hollywood movies, including Thor: The Dark World from Marvel Studios and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

• After visiting Skogafoss, stop by the village of Skógar, home to a small population of just 25 people. Here, you can see the folk museum, home to the famous Þrasi treasure ring, and a large wooden ferry boat. You can also travel further up the Skoga River to see many other impressive waterfalls.

Whale Watching & Blue Lagoon

Why Go

We have combined these two activities in one day to enjoy Iceland’s water element to the fullest. Couples loving water and seeking a bit of adventure as well as relaxation will definitely look forward to this day trip.

Also, the contrast of Icelandic nature—you will start your day on a boat, wearing waterproof winter overalls while watching whales and swimming in the icy ocean. In the second part of the day, you will unfreeze and relax in the Blue Lagoon—the water is heated naturally. Isn’t this island a magic place?

How To Get There

To go whale watching, you can choose from several companies in the harbor in the center of Reykjavik. The tour usually takes around 3 hours. Make sure to book tour tickets at least the day before!

The Blue Lagoon is about 45 minutes’ drive from Reykjavik.

Tips To Visiting

Enjoy your Blue Lagoon and all its health benefits. Blue Lagoon algae catalyze collagen production and diminish collagen degradation. Blue Lagoon minerals are renowned for their hydrating and revitalizing abilities. The flagship items of Blue Lagoon skin care—Silica Mud Mask and Bath Salt—were created to treat psoriasis.

Final Thoughts

Reykjavik offers couples an array of stunning day trips that cater to diverse tastes and desires. While I loved spending three days in Reykjavik, it was nice to get out of the city and explore more of Iceland. Whether you and your partner seek adventure, tranquility, or cultural immersion, these seven enchanting excursions provide unforgettable experiences just a short drive from the city. From the mesmerizing Golden Circle to the serene beauty of the Blue Lagoon, each destination promises to deepen your connection with Iceland’s natural wonders and with each other. So, pack your sense of adventure and romance, and set out to explore the magic that awaits beyond Reykjavik’s vibrant streets