Reykjanes Peninsula: Volcanoes, Blue Lagoon & Viking World Day Trip

Volcanoes, steaming earth and a surreal soak near Reykjavik

You’ll wander steaming volcanic fields near Reykjavik with a local guide, hear wild tales of trolls and Vikings, pause by a silent mountain lake, and end with an optional soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. This private day trip from Reykjavik includes transport and drop-off—just bring your curiosity (and maybe sturdy shoes).

What’s included

Your day covers transport from Reykjavik out to the Reykjanes Peninsula volcanoes in a comfortable Mercedes minivan with a professional local guide leading the way; all taxes and handling fees are taken care of, plus you'll get central drop-off back in town after exploring volcanic landscapes, fishing villages, Viking World (admission extra), and optionally relaxing at the Blue Lagoon if you decide to add it on.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

82 verified traveler reviews

Ratings come from travelers who booked this exact experience. We never edit or filter them.

Read all the reviews ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Reykjanes Peninsula volcano sites

• Travel from Reykjavik to volcano area
• Visit geothermal area with hot springs
• See mountain lake in volcanoes
• Stop at fishing town for breaks
• Tour Viking World museum
• Optional visit to Blue Lagoon

The Experience

I’d been curious about Iceland’s volcanoes ever since I saw those news clips with the glowing lava rivers. But standing there—half an hour from Reykjavik, wind tugging at my jacket—I realized nothing on TV gets close. The ground actually steamed under our feet and our guide, Halla, grinned as she pointed out where the earth split open just last year. The air smelled sharp, like hot stones and sulfur, which sounds weird but it kind of wakes you up. I kept thinking: this is what another planet must feel like.

We piled back into the minivan (Mercedes, super comfy seats) and drove past these black fields that looked like someone had poured tar over rolling hills. Halla told us stories about trolls living in the rocks—she swears her grandmother believed it—and then we stopped at this mountain lake that was so still it almost didn’t look real. I tried to skip a stone but just made a sad plop. There was a fishing town nearby where we grabbed coffee; the woman at the counter smiled when I tried to pronounce “takk fyrir” (I probably butchered it). She just laughed and handed me a cinnamon bun.

I didn’t expect to get so into Viking World, honestly. There’s this huge ship inside—a real one that sailed all the way to North America for Leif Eriksson’s anniversary. The wood smells old and sea-soaked if you lean close enough (I did). Admission’s extra but worth it if you’re even half into history or just want to see how small those cabins really were.

Some folks ended their day with a soak in the Blue Lagoon—milky blue water against black lava rocks. I went in too late for sunset colors but still floated there watching steam curl up around everyone’s faces. It was quiet except for some laughter drifting over from a group of friends nearby. Even now, I can almost feel that warmth on my skin again.

Top questions

How long does the Reykjanes Peninsula day trip take?

The tour lasts about one full day including travel time from Reykjavik.

Is entry to Viking World included?

No, admission to Viking World is around $20 USD and paid separately if you choose to enter.

Does this tour include pickup in Reykjavik?

Yes, central drop-off in Reykjavik is included after your tour.

Can children join this Reykjanes Peninsula tour?

The minimum age is 5 years old for this tour.

Is visiting the Blue Lagoon part of every tour?

The Blue Lagoon visit is optional; you can choose to add it during your day trip.

What should I wear for this volcano tour?

Wear weather-appropriate clothes and sturdy shoes as conditions can be unpredictable.

How many people can join this private day trip?

The Mercedes minivan fits up to 9 passengers comfortably.