Best Adventurous Things to Do in Reykjavik
THE 10 BEST Adventurous Things to Do in Reykjavik
Best Adventurous Things to Do in Reykjavik
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113 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Speciality Museums
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Speciality Museums
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Game & Entertainment Centres
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Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Nature & Wildlife Tours • Bus Tours
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Multi-day Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling
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Multi-day Tours • Sightseeing Tours
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Multi-day Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours
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Scuba & Snorkelling • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
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Multi-day Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
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Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours
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Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours
Helicopter Tours • Sightseeing Tours
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Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours
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Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours
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Multi-day Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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Nature & Wildlife Tours • Horseback Riding Tours
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Showing results 1-30 of 113
What travellers are saying
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia17 760 contributionsDriving the Iceland's Ring Road or Route Nr. 1 is the best adventure you can do on your own to fully admire this amazing island.
Like its name says likewise in many cities worldwide Ring Road runs all around, but instead around the city it goes all around the island.
Here, I will give future travelers some tips I gathered during my two months research for our trip, which perfectly matched with our experience on ground.
- The very first advice in order to do it is to rent a car,
- I strongly advise 'Blue Car Rental' or their subsidiary 'Zero Car'. They're a local car rental company and you've probably never heard about them like me. But, after I did from our hotel's email recommendation, I canceled my booking at a major car rental company and booked with them. I checked their online reviews and never have seen such ratings for a car rental (4,5 to 4,9). I totally agree and rated them likewise.
- When renting (with any company) choose 'Full protection' coverage (at Zero Car it is mandatory). Iceland is a very unique and specific country - volcano ash, gravels and driving on unpaved roads could damage your rental which leads to orbit charges in one of the world's most expensive countries if you don't purchase Full protection,
- We rented from 'Zero Car' for several reasons. Everything is online - full prepayment (don't worry, you can cancel any time if plans change). Full insurance included at a slightly lower price than at 'Blue Car' and best of all - NO wait time. You get emailed your key box code, go directly for the keys in a key locker and then straight to your car. We were in our car after 5 min, while at the 'Blue Car' counter was a 10+ people line.
- Plan AT LEAST six days for a Ring Road drive. While the 1.300 km (800 mi) length could be comfortably driven in two days, you'd be a fool doing that and seeing nothing. Plan your lodging approximately every 200-300 km in order to have enough time to explore the area of that day. Beware, some attractions (ice caves, glaciers walks,...) you CANNOT do on your own, but with a tour, so plan accordingly. Start your day early, before sunrise to get most of it, specially in autumn/winter.
- Obey speed limits - fines are high and there's absolutely no reason to drive fast. Likewise most of Europe in residential area is 30 km/h, through town is 50 km/h, but on open road (ONE lane only in both directions throughout entire island) is 90 km/h. I must emphasize I rarely reached that 90 km/h and let others bypass me, as the scenery all around is so spectacular you're missing much if you drive fast.
- Refuel often, don't fall below half a tank - in some areas gas stations are rare and beware you could be stuck somewhere due to snow or strong winds with your engine running for heating. Fuel is very expensive (around 2,20 Euros per liter) - 'Zero Car' gives you a token with car keys valid for a discount at 'Olis' gas stations to save some money,
- Decide beforehand if you'd like to drive further inland on F-roads (unpaved) in order to rent an appropriate car. In that case you must rent a 4x4 (heavy fines if you don't and drive there with a normal car) and extend your journey to 7-8 days. We didn't do that, but had a Kia sport wagon driving only the paved roads.
- Watch for wildlife on the road. Animals are mostly fenced just by the roadside and you can park and approach to pet them, they're very friendly and people used. However, we saw them crossing the road once and apart from car damage and trip ruin you could face a law suite from the animal owner. When parking along the road do that with caution parking with your entire vehicle aside the driving lane.
- Unusually, many car parks by nature attractions in the middle of nowhere ARE paying. There's a paying machine and you'll be fined if you don't pay parking no matter how silly it looks. Parking is also pretty expensive (mostly around 900 ISK, 7 Euros flat rate no matter you stay one hour or half a day). Luckily, all the natural attractions are free so this is the only expense.
- Restaurants are very expensive, so you might opt for self catering apartments to prepare your own food. 'Bonus' and 'Kronan' are two huge food store chains present in every bigger town to stock yourself. Beware, you cannot buy alcohol here (only 2% low alcohol beer). For real stuff you must find a liquor store ('Vinbudin" is widely present) and be prepared for skyrocket prices.
TIP: Buy alcohol when you land at Keflavik airport. There's a free shop at arrival (you pass through it). Still expensive, it is around 20% cheaper than elsewhere.
- Weather can change within minutes. Have layers of clothes to act accordingly - waterproof clothes are must, as well hiking boots, gloves,...
Please remember these are only my tips and advices to prepare you, not to scare you. Following them you'll have a terrific time in this amazing country. We had absolutely no problems and brought back lifetime memories.
Enjoy to the fullest the Land of Fire and Ice.Written 12 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - FrankWales, UK223 contributionsIf you want to know all things phallus then this is the place for you! A collection of various sized and shaped dongs plus a little cafe with dick shaped waffles and cock themed beersWritten 18 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- anotheraeolistNew York City, NY42 contributionsI think the fact that the museum is situated in a former underground public restroom tells you all you need to know about the vibes. The museum is quite small, obviously, but is jam-packed with the history of punk in Iceland and highlights the cultural impact Bjork and the Sugarcubes had on the music industry domestically and globally as well. I really enjoyed the tiny little museum and learned a lot. There are music samples you can listen to, as well as a leather jacket and drum set you can pose with. It will not take you longer than 30-60 minutes to complete the whole exhibition.Written 27 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sightseer200871480031 contributionVery interesting and informative photographer but also so much fun. My wife and I could not have been happier with anything. The costumes and props were excellent and the photographs turned out absolutely brilliant.
Many thanks Mink studiosWritten 17 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rory TLondon, UK519 contributionsA very beautiful hike that is very close to Reykjavik. It's only around 10 to 15 mins outside of the city centre. Different levels of hikes to choose from.Written 19 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Enne3 contributionsIf you like caves then you'll like this one. Crawling is expected. Keep up with the tour group. The landscape is a sight to see. Probably do not go to this cave when it is snowing.Written 15 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Maarten S6 contributionsThe most beautiful place I visited in Iceland
You need to have a real 4x4 to get there or take a scheduled bus. There are also super jeep trips available. I recommend taking an individual trip and spend some time hiking or stop where ever you like to enjoy the beautifull nature. There are camping places on a few spots.Written 22 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - fh_94Dundee, UK2 contributionsDid the lava tour on Feb 1st with my partner and we had the best time! I rode regularly when I was younger but only do it occasionally as an adult and my partner had only ridden twice ever, and we felt this tour catered well to both our levels. We were asked about our experience before being matched to our horses. My partner was given Harry Potter and unfortunately I can't remember my horse's name but she was very sweet and well natured. Two guides accompanied the tour and were excellent with talking less experienced participants through what to do, and took the time to tell us lots about their stables, the Icelandic horse breed and Iceland in general! It was also great of them to take the time to snap a few photos for everyone during the rest break. Despite the snow, rain and wind while we were out, this was the perfect way to take in the scenery. We would love to visit again in the future!Written 4 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Louise MZurich, Switzerland273 contributionsSnowboarding in Iceland has long been a dream of mine and it definitely is a special experience. I rented equipment directly at Blafjoll and had my board on in less than 15min after arriving. The area has one main lift and also not a lot of slopes but going down a volcano with full view of the sea doesn’t get old fast. The atmosphere on the slope is very relaxed, everybody is driving respectfully and in general you feel like you are part of a big Icelandic skiing family.Written 8 April 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Steven JonesLondon, UK161 contributionsThis was an amazing experience. Boris rocked, full of facts and fun and a great guide.
Crystal clear and tasty water. Everyone has to do this!Written 16 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Find Me Over ThereGlenville, NY175 contributionsGreat fun away from the typical tourist activities. Lots of help getting the right bow and how to do it. Always great to try something new, especially with big bow and arrows....Written 15 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Harun09486Reykjavik, Iceland1 contributionThank u very much for ritchie and our driver
We had such an excellent trip even though the weather was badWritten 18 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - jorge__azDublin, Ireland70 contributionsIt was a wonderful day with plenty of scenic views and full of adventure. The ice caves colours and the landscape around them are beyond words.
All the better thanks to our cheerful guide and driver, Vjeran. He gave a very comprehensive and interesting introduction about the geological history of the island, which helped put perspective to our whole trip to Iceland.
100% recommendable.Written 3 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Marj N3 contributionsMy son worked with Nordic Tours to arrange our trip to Iceland. They did a wonderful job. Our representative was Andri. He was very responsive to our questions, and since I am not able to walk distances, he planned accordingly. He found alternatives that would fit our needs. We're already talking about going back to Iceland in spring or summer, and when we do, Andri will be the first person we call.Written 16 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Phuntsok L1 contributionThat was awesome God bless you. Thank you so much. I appreciate that. See you next time. We are very enjoy you the best best of my life. Oh my gosh very good thanks so much. Will see you next next year.Written 29 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.