10 of the Best Weekend Getaways from Reykjavik

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula packs in sea cliffs, lava fields, black-sand beaches, and a glacier-topped volcano into a small area within an easy drive of Reykjavik. While most rush through in a day, there’s far more to see here than you could do in 24 hours, whether the sun sets or not. Base yourself in Stykkishólmur or Grundarfjörður for easy access to Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most recognizable mountains, and the nearby volcanic landscapes of Snæfellsjökull National Park.

Insider tip: You can join a guided excursion through the nearby lava cave to explore an ancient volcanic tunnel beneath the peninsula’s surface.

Just 45 minutes from the capital, Hveragerði is also within reach from Reykjavik, but its surroundings remain distinctly wild, with steaming valleys and geothermal mountains just beyond town. You can hike to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, a natural hot spring perfect for a soak. You’ll also find greenhouses, cozy cafés, and a growing number of restaurants, including the trendy Greenhouse food hall. With a full weekend, detour up into the Golden Circle, visit the local pool, and head south to Eyrarbakki, where blustery black-sand beaches meet the sea.

The South Coast is one of Iceland’s most famous regions—and for good reason. Here, dramatic waterfalls plunge from mossy cliffs, and black-sand beaches stretch beneath glacier-capped volcanoes that guard the highlands. Spend a weekend in Vik or the surrounding area, and you can hike trails, spend time at Reynisfjara black-sand beach, and join a glacier excursion on Mýrdalsjökull, all with the comfort of Vik’s excellent restaurants and boutique stays to return to each night.

Did you know?: The Katla Ice Cave on the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier is the only ice cave that can be visited year-round.

Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands—a volcanic archipelago south of the mainland—and makes for one of the best weekend trips from Reykjavik. Just a 45-minute ferry ride from the South Coast, here you can find towering sea cliffs, observe one of Iceland’s largest puffin colonies, and visit the Eldheimar Museum, which tells the story of the 1973 eruption of Eldfell that forced the entire island to evacuate. Heimaey also has an unexpectedly strong food scene, with several standout restaurants spotlighting local ingredients foraged from the island, plucked from the sea, and imported from South Iceland.

Five hours by road or just 45 minutes by plane, Akureyri is the hub of North Iceland and one of the top weekend destinations from Reykjavik. Tucked away on Iceland’s longest fjord, this walkable city pairs mountain views with a lively food and coffee scene. Head out on a whale-watching tour, hop a ferry to Hrísey Island, or simply relax in one of Iceland’s best swimming pools. Beyond the city, Goðafoss waterfall roars over basalt cliffs, while further afield, Lake Mývatn beckons.

Insider tip: Locals swear by the local ice cream from Brynja, the city’s oldest ice cream shop.

Tucked between three glaciers and reachable only by super Jeeps or public bus in summer, Þórsmörk is a true off-grid weekend escape from Reykjavik. This dramatic highland valley is cut with glacial rivers braided across black sand, dotted with mossy birchwood forests, and ringed by sharp ridgelines where waterfalls tumble down from the glaciers above. Spend your days hiking the many trails in the area, and at night, cozy up in a mountain hut, a private cabin, or a tent beneath the stars.

In the Western Region of Iceland, Húsafell makes a good base for a short break from Reykjavik. Hidden away at the end of a quiet inland road from Borgarnes, it rewards a longer stay with a decadent mix of icy adventure, rugged activities, and spa-like relaxation.

Ride a snowmobile on the glacier Langjökull; take a helicopter tour to an ice cave; explore Iceland’s largest lava cave, created from ancient eruptions; or soak in the luxurious yet rugged Canyon Baths, hidden within jagged cliffs. You can also take advantage of long and short hiking trails.

For travelers seeking otherworldly landscapes during a weekend tour from Reykjavik, Landmannalaugar delivers in spades. The rhyolite mountains here shift from green to gold to red, while obsidian lava fields and natural hot springs complete the scene. Landmannalaugar is remote and rugged, only accessible in summer by 4WD or public bus (the latter departs from Reykjavik). You’ll also need to either sleep in a tent or the mountain hut dorms, making this best for outdoorsy travelers who don’t mind roughing it for a weekend to explore some of Iceland’s best hiking trails.

The southeast corner of Iceland is glacier country, and it’s a place packed with adventure, hiking trails, and a surprisingly good number of nice hotels. Spend the weekend hiking with a guide on glaciers, kayaking past icebergs on Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and exploring the fringes of Vatnajökull National Park. Höfn is a great base for seafood and boutique hotels, while the area between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón is becoming increasingly dotted with stylish stays offering front-row glacier views. It’s a long drive, but the sheer scale and beauty on offer here make it worth the journey.

Tiny, car-free, and full of charm, Flatey Island is only accessible in summer, but this is a place worth timing your trip around. A ferry from Stykkishólmur takes you to this peaceful island, where colorful houses line the shore and birdlife abounds. There’s just one hotel and not much to “do”—which is exactly the point. This is a Reykjavik weekend destination for walking, reading, and soaking up the stillness.

Did you know?: Flatey Island is home to Iceland’s smallest library, with an offering of about 100 books available for residents to borrow.