Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by Suzy McCullough
When visiting Iceland many people choose to stay in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Hiring a car isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and when there are so many great excursions starting from Reykjavik why not let someone else do the driving? Choosing from them can be a hard task. Plus not all tours run in the winter.
We have put together our selection of great tours from Reykjavik Iceland, in the wintertime. The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to check in advance that your tour will be running. It is also incredibly cold in Iceland in the winter. If it’s windy the wind chill factor can make it even colder so wrap up well. Layers are a good idea, especially as it may be hot on the bus. Recommended things to bring are listed for each tour (just follow the link to view).
A lot of these tours last all day so please make sure you pack food and drinks if none are included. Please check each tour link for cancellation policies both by yourself and/or the tour company.
Northern Lights Bus Tour From Reykjavik
Includes – Evening trip to see the Aurora Borealis – Transportation- Professional guide -Stops to take photos – Entry to the Aurora Museum (on the day of the tour only) – Free entry to another tour if the Northern Lights do not appear. Suitable for ages 8+
About – You will embark on an evening trip to see the Nothern Lights. Your guide will give you fascinating facts as you search to see the lights first-hand. You will head for wherever meteorologists have predicted the lights will be at their best. Seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed.
Meeting Point at Bus Stop 12.
Tour Duration – 4 hours
Golden Circle Full Day Tour with Kerid Crater
Includes – Tour – Guide – Transportation by air-conditioned bus – Pickup and drop off (if option selected). Suitable for ages 2+.
About – See the best of southwest Iceland on an 8-hour Golden Circle tour by bus from Reykjavik. Visit the spectacular Geysir area and the cascades of Gullfoss Waterfall. Plus you will discover where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet in Pingvellier National Park. You will also see the volcanic crater of Kerid.
Meeting Point at Bus Stop 12 plus 18 other drop-off locations.
Tour Duration – 8.5 hours
South of Iceland Full-Day Trip
Includes – Pickup and drop off (if option selected) – Guided tour. Suitable for ages 2+.
About – Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour from Reykjavik. You will travel to the gorgeous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. At the waterfall at Seljalandsfoss you can walk behind the cascades and feel the spray on your face (this gets very muddy in winter). You will also visit the glacier snout of Sólheimajökull to see an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull. Admire the ever-changing feat of nature up close. Then, look at the basalt sea stacks at Reynisfjara, Iceland’s southernmost village just south of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, before returning to Reykjavik.
Meeting Point at Bus Stop 12.
Tour Duration – 10 hours
Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour
Includes – Round-trip transportation, Super Jeep Ride, Guide, Visit to a natural Ice Cave and Crampons for Walking on Ice. The locations vary by season. Please follow the link for further information.
Suitable for ages 6+.
About – Discover southern Iceland’s unique ice caves on a guided tour from Reykjavik. You will experience breathtaking views and jump on a Super Jeep to head down a rural road. At Myrdalsjokull Glacier you will hike across it to reach Kötlujökull Glacier with provided crampons. Explore the frigid blue and black ice cave and admire its interior with your experienced guide. Head back to the minivan for the return drive to Reykjavik.
Meeting Point – please contact the tour operator. This is an 11-hour tour from Reykjavik or a 3-hour tour from Vik.
Tour Duration – 11 hours
Golden Circle and Glacier Snowmobile Tour
Includes – In-bus audio guide in 10 languages, Pickup in Reykjavik if option selected – live tour guide – admission fees – snowmobile ride, equipment for the snowmobile ride. Suitable from the age of 8 – Only adults can drive.
About – Explore the Golden Circle and learn fascinating information from your audio guide. You will travel aboard a custom-made super truck that can drive across the rough, snowy terrain thanks to its enormous tires. You will visit Pingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall. Plus you will ride on the ice fields of Lagjokull Glacier on a snowmobile tour. This is one of the biggest glaciers in the world.
Meeting Point from Reykjavik Terminal plus 46 drop-off locations.
Tour Duration – 11 hours
Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Korkjufell Day Trip
Includes – Hotel pickup and drop-off – Transportation by air-conditioned bus – Driver – Guide – WiFi onboard.
Suitable for ages 2+.
About – Visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula including the Berserkjahraun lava fields, Snaefellsjokull volcano and Kirkjufell Mountain. You will learn about local legends and see a seal colony. Kirkjufell is known for its role on the “Game of Thrones” TV show and for being the most photographed mountain in Iceland. You will venture into the uninhabited settlement of Djupalonssandur and the fishing village of Arnastapi where you will see the beautifully eroded cliffs and the sculpture of Barour Snaefellsas. Your tour will finish at Budakirkja, the Black Church and the nearby seal colony.
Meeting Point Check your booking for the current pickup location in Reykjavik.
Tour Duration – 11 hours
Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise
Includes – Northern Lights hunting cruise – Double Observation Deck – Guides – Free WiFi.
Suitable for all ages.
About – Hunt for the Northern Lights on a sightseeing cruise from Reykjavik. Set off for quieter waters and escape the city light pollution. Gaze into the stars above you and wait for a glimpse of the bright green dancing around in the darkness. Viewings are not guaranteed. If the Northern Lights aren’t visible it is possible to reschedule for free with the tour operator.
Meeting Point Choose to make your way to the old harbour or get picked up from your hotel in Reykjavik.
Tour Duration – 2 hours
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Includes – Transportation by Bus – Expert Local Guide – WiFi onboard the bus – Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon boat ride (if option selected and if available as the water is frozen for some/most of the winter)
Suitable for all ages
About – Witness the mighty Hvannadalshnjúkur mountain and black sand desert that sprawls between Skaftafell National Park and the lagoon. Stop at Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you can walk behind the cascades. Continue to Skogafoss waterfall and then onto Jökulsárlón Lagoon where you can stroll along the shores of the lake. There is 1,000-1,500-year-old ice that floats silently on the water and you can add on a boat tour (subject to whether the water is frozen or not). You will also stop at Black Diamond Beach and admire the black sand that is speckled with clumps of ice.
Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.
Tour Duration – 14 hours
Red Lava Horse Riding Tour
Includes – Pick up from hotels in Reykjavik – Horseback riding – Instructor – Coffee – Wet-Weather clothing – Winter Jumpsuits – Free Parking at the location.
Suitable for ages 10+.
About – Soak up the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the red lava fields of Iceland on this horseback tour. You will be driven to the starting point where you will meet your horses. The tour will be between 5-7 km depending on the experience of the riders. This tour is suitable for beginners and those with more experience.
Meeting Point Pick-up from hotels in Reykjavik.
Tour Duration – 2.5 hours
Reykjavik Sightseeing Walking Tour With a Viking
Includes – Expert Guide. Suitable for all ages.
About – Meet up at Ingolfstorg Square in the centre of Reykjavik for a walking tour of the city. Your guide will be your friend in the city. This family-friendly tour brings the history of Iceland to life with interesting stories and Icelandic mythology. You will visit all of the famous landmarks in the city centre such as Harpa Concert Hall. Hallgrimskirkja Church and the Reykjavik Pond. Your guide will show you their favourite place to eat, drink and visit plus insider information. You will walk around 4kms and there will be no more than 12 people on a tour at a time.
Meeting Point – Ingolfstorg Square, Reykjavik centre
Tour Duration – 2 hours.
Looking for further reading? We have a number of posts that you may find useful
40 Best Things to Do in Iceland With Kids
Reykjavik Airport to City Transfers Iceland
Golden Circle Iceland | One Day Self Drive Ultimate Itinerary
Things to do in Reykjavik Iceland with kids in one day
The Lava Tunnel Iceland | Review of the Standard tour
Hotel Ranga Iceland Review Best Hotel Northern Lights
South Iceland Top Points of Interest | One Day Itinerary
