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Reykjavik might be the capital, but it’s the countryside just outside the city that leaves the deepest mark. The places to visit near Reykjavik will take you straight into Iceland’s raw natural landscape. You’ll come across black sand beaches, volcanic craters, glacier-fed rivers, and valleys where steam rises from the earth. Each place is different from the next. These day trips are ideal if you want to experience Iceland’s dramatic scenery without long drives or overnight plans. Most spots can be done on a self-drive, and you’ll find clear signposts, good roads, and parking close to the main attractions.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Reykjavik
Just outside Reykjavik, discover volcanic hills, hot springs, and coastal cliffs—these nearby spots offer nature, history, and unforgettable Icelandic beauty.
1. Þingvellir National Park
Photo: Sikeri / Wikimedia Commons
At Þingvellir, Iceland’s history and geology meet in a landscape shaped by shifting tectonic plates. Trails wind through lava fields and deep fissures, with clear glacial water flowing below viewing platforms. The Law Rock, where leaders once recited laws, stands as a powerful reminder of Iceland’s past. Wooden bridges cross still streams, while moss-covered stones and grassy plains line the path. Even in summer, the air stays cool. Quiet detours lead to peaceful spots, where only birds and flowing water break the silence.
Distance From Reykjavik: 43.9 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: N/A
Major Attractions: Silfra fissure snorkelling, Almannagjá rift valley, Öxarárfoss waterfall, historical Alþingi site
2. Gullfoss Waterfall
Photo: Francesco Ungaro / Pexels
Gullfoss is one of the most dramatic places to see near Reykjavik. Fed by the Hvítá River, which flows from the Langjökull glacier, it crashes into a deep canyon in two sharp drops. The first fall is wide and short, while the second plunges 20 metres into a narrow gorge. A lower path brings you close to the spray, and an upper trail offers sweeping canyon views. Rainbows are frequent in the mist, especially in early afternoons during late spring and summer, when water volume peaks.
Distance From Reykjavik: 116.2 km
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Major Attractions: Two-tiered waterfall, rainbow views on sunny days, scenic canyon edge walkway
3. Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area in Haukadalur is a steamy basin with bubbling vents, sulphur-stained earth, and rising steam you’ll see before even parking. While the original Great Geysir rarely erupts, nearby Strokkur shoots boiling water 20–30 metres high every 5–10 minutes. The walking path loops past hot springs, gurgling mud pools, and hissing vents. Some pools are glassy and still, others constantly boiling. Information boards explain each feature. The ground feels warm underfoot—even in cold weather—and Strokkur’s eruptions are worth circling back to again.
Distance From Reykjavik: 106.2 km
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Strokkur geyser eruptions, bubbling mud pools, geothermal landscape
4. Kerið Crater Lake
Photo: Alexander Grebenkov / Wikimedia Commons
Kerið volcanic crater features steep, sloping sides and a still, blue lake resting at the bottom. Formed when a cone volcano collapsed into itself, it’s a nearly perfect oval, 55 metres deep, with red volcanic rock and green moss around its rim. A walking path circles the top, offering sweeping views, while a staircase leads to the water’s edge. In summer, the lake glows aquamarine; in winter, it freezes still. The crater walls shift colours with the light, making Kerið a vibrant, easy-to-reach natural wonder.
Distance From Reykjavik: 68.4 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Cost: 450 KR / ₹4025
Major Attractions: Volcanic crater with vivid red slopes, aqua-blue lake, walking path around rim
5. Reykjanes Peninsula
Photo: Peter Holmboe / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Reykjanes is one of the rugged places to visit near Reykjavik, known for its cracked lava fields and raw volcanic beauty. The Bridge Between Continents lets you walk across the rift between tectonic plates, while Gunnuhver hot spring steams violently, filling the air with sulphur. The landscape shifts between rust-red hills, grey stone, and white mist. At the coast, Reykjanesviti lighthouse stands above crashing waves. Don’t miss the Seltún geothermal area, where boardwalks weave past boiling mud and rainbow-coloured earth. Take your time—each stop feels otherworldly.
Distance From Reykjavik: 45.6 km
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Bridge Between Continents, Seltún Geothermal Area, Gunnuhver hot springs, Reykjanesviti lighthouse
6. Hraunfossar And Barnafoss Waterfalls
Hraunfossar and Barnafoss sit quietly in West Iceland, shaped by glacier water flowing through ancient lava rock. Hraunfossar isn’t one waterfall but hundreds of thin streams pouring from a dark lava field into the Hvítá River, stretching over 900 metres in near silence. Just upriver, Barnafoss crashes through a narrow rock channel, loud and forceful. Footbridges offer close views of the blue glacial water below, framed by mossy cliffs. A flat, easy path links the two, with signs detailing their volcanic origins and local folklore.
Distance From Reykjavik: 125.5 km
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Lava field waterfalls, turquoise rapids of Barnafoss, forested walking paths
7. Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Photo: Maksim Romashkin / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Snæfellsnes is often called “Iceland in Miniature” for its mix of glaciers, lava fields, black sand beaches, fishing villages, and cliffs. At its heart is Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcano made famous by Journey to the Center of the Earth. Below it lies Djúpalónssandur, a black pebble beach with shipwreck remains and lifting stones. To the north, Kirkjufell rises beside a quiet fjord. Scenic roads loop past lava caves, seabird cliffs, and Arnarstapi’s rocky coast, making every stop along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula feel like a new discovery.
Distance From Reykjavik: 135.1 km
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Kirkjufell mountain, black sand beaches, Snæfellsjökull glacier, Djúpalónssandur beach
8. Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
Photo: Jakub Frys / Wikimedia Commons
Reykjadalur, or “Steam Valley,” is one of the most unique places to visit near Reykjavik, where you can soak in a naturally warm river. Starting from Hveragerði, the trail leads through grassy hills and geothermal vents, with steam rising and the scent of sulphur in the air. After a 3-kilometre hike, a wooden walkway lines the river’s best bathing stretch. Smooth stones and mixing currents create the perfect temperature. With no changing rooms—just dividers—most arrive ready. Even in cold weather, the steamy water stays wonderfully warm.
Distance From Reykjavik: 49.5 km
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Geothermal bathing in a natural stream, 3 km hike through steamy valleys
9. Blue Lagoon
Photo: Bryan Ledgard / Wikimedia Commons
The Blue Lagoon sits in a black lava field, where milky-blue, geothermally heated seawater winds between silica-coated rocks. Though man-made, it feels natural, with minerals like silica and algae giving the water its soft texture and distinct colour. A sleek spa complex leads to the lagoon, where swim-up bars, in-water masks, and quiet corners make it easy to linger. The water stays warm year-round, even in snow. Located near the airport, it’s a perfect first or last stop in Iceland. Pre-booking is essential as slots fill quickly.
Distance From Reykjavik: 49.5 km
Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM
Cost: 8990 KR / ₹80000
Major Attractions: Milky-blue geothermal waters, in-water bar, silica mud masks, spa services
10. Þorlákshöfn Black Sand Beach
Þorlákshöfn’s beach is quiet and windswept, with soft black sand shaped by ancient lava and strong coastal winds. Stretching along Iceland’s south coast, it feels raw and untouched, with no fences or marked paths. Surfers come for the steady swells, especially in late spring and early autumn. For others, it’s perfect for long walks with Atlantic views. Near the harbour, dramatic rock formations rise from the shore. On clear days, you might spot the Vestmannaeyjar Islands. It’s peaceful, open, and often completely empty—especially in the off-season.
Distance From Reykjavik: 51.7 km
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: Volcanic black sand coastline, sea stacks, peaceful walks, surfing spot for locals
You don’t need to leave southwest Iceland to see its most powerful landscapes. The places to visit near Reykjavik offer steaming lava fields, warm rivers, and crashing coastal cliffs—all within reach. These spots feel wild and unfiltered, with minimal paths and untouched views. If you’re based in the capital, these day trips let you step straight into nature. Plan your Iceland trip with TripXL and go beyond the city, effortlessly.
Cover Photo: Jussi Grönvall / Pexels
