Exciting Things to Do in Reykjavik for Thrill Seekers
THE 10 BEST Extreme Activities & Thrilling Things to Do in Reykjavik
Exciting Things to Do in Reykjavik for Thrill Seekers
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What travelers are saying
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia19,452 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 November 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Susan V2 contributionsSo worth the time and money invested. We've loved the Disney Soarin' experience and wanted to see Iceland from this unique bird's-eye perspective (especially the interior areas we wouldn't see on our Ring Road travels). The geography and cinematography were breathtaking!Written September 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rory TLondon, UK529 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 September 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Adele CVancouver Island, Canada5 contributionsWe had such a great time exploring our Viking roots. Totally enjoyable experience. Getting dressed up, and feeling the characters develop. We both something inside neither of us knew we had. Thank you so much for the professionalism, knowledge and tact exhibited. Highlight of our time in Reyjkavik.Written September 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VilleHelsinki, Finland15 contributionsWe visited the cave all by ourselves. The place is close to Reykjavik, and there is a small car park two minutes away from the cave. The path to the cave is very clear and simple. Getting in the cave is easy — but that is only where the adventure starts...
The cave does not look or feel like a tourist attraction, it is very close to its natural state. There are (very) few chain fences to protect some of the most fragile geological formations, and there is a (small and confusing) map on the wall near the entrance.
There are two recommended pieces of equipment: a good flashlight and a helmet. We had neither of those, only smartphone flashlights and no helmets. We learned that the recommendations are there for a reason...
The cave is a large one, it is almost a kilometer long. The entrance is somewhere in the middle of the cave, and there do not seem to be any decent maps of the cave available. In most places, it is possible to walk upright or almost upright (I am 6'1"/185 cm) but in some places all fours is the way to go. There are a lot of sharp corners where you may end up damaging the valuable geological formations by your forehead or back.
While there is a map on the wall, it does not necessarily help much. The entrance (and more importantly the exit) is slightly hidden in the wall of the tunnel. There are also some branches and forks, so it is possible to get lost in the tunnel. (Been there, done that, and the feeling is not the most pleasant one, as there may not be other people nearby.)
The tunnel itself is quite pleasant in its atmosphere. In the typical Icelandic summer weather (fog, rain, wind, +10 °C/50 °F) the tunnel felt calm and warm.
The lava tunnel itself is one of the most impressive natural formations I have visited. Definitely worth a visit if you happen to like caves and tunnels. You can feel like a speleologist in a safe environment, and you can visit the cave on your own.
Full five stars for that. But be wiser than us; take a good flashlight (3 W or more LED), spare batteries (powerbank, spare flashlight), and preferably a helmet (or a thick beanie or be very careful). If you want to be extra cautious, tell someone where you are going, there is no mobile network coverage in the cave.When you explore the cave, progress slowly and always look back to see how it looks from the other direction.
If you are claustrophobic, don't come too far from the exit (or stay in the fresh air). Kids (at least some kids) will love the cave, but as there are a lot of tight places in this playground, keep them near. I would not take kids under maybe five years of age into the cave.
(And, if all this sounds too frightening or complicated, book a group visit with a professional guide.)Written July 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - john e1 contributionKonrad was an amazing tour guide and really helped me snorkel! The water was extremely clear and I loved it because it was beautifulWritten October 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- belbachmannSt. Catharines, Canada5 contributions5 Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula And South Iceland Tour
Spent last week in Iceland with AA, first on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Gudjon and then the South Coast with Aron, both of whom made us feel safe and welcome.
We visited astonishing and spectacular sites, and a few unexpected ones, including sighting whales in the bay at Reynisfjara black sand beach.
Gudjon's storytelling was always fascinating, through traditional tales and current happenings. He needs to release his own recordings on learning to love Iceland. It was a smaller more intimate group and there was time while travelling for some great conversations and thought-provoking questions. Highly entertaining.
Aron, with a full van of people of many backgrounds, ages and abilities, wrangled everyone safely through the scheduled stops without any drama or angst, balancing all those different personalities and requirements and kept us all smiling. That's takes a special knack.
Both guides were aware and attentive to our questions and needs, especially appreciated as I, at 75, have a mobility issue. Gudjon and Aron were mindful that my limitations were considered while still giving everyone else the full experiences they deserved. I didn't need to feel guilty about holding any one back, and I didn't miss anything either!
The accommodations were comfy and the breakfasts plentiful and nourishing. We were fortunate with the weather (though no Northern Lights unfortunately) but we had a terrific experience overall.
Isabel and Janice, sisters from Ontario CanadaWritten September 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kent W2 contributionsHad an incredible experience with our family group of 17 ages 17-70 with Stefan and troll expeditions!! Stefan was an amazing guide and took time to explain all about the glacier, the caves and allowed us the time to take tons of photos. He even guided grandma carefully through the ice caves to make sure she wouldn’t slip and fall. Such an amazing experience and adventure!! Thank you for helping us create a memory that will last forever.Written August 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Theresa LBrisbane, Australia3 contributionsThank you Asgeir for an amazing tour. We experienced wonderful glaciers, waterfalls, views we will never forget. We had the opportunity to climb through a glacier ice cave, watch icebergs flow through an ice lagoon to the sea, walk through a waterfall. Had the opportunity to meet new people from a variety of countries and experience some unforgettable momentsWritten September 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- wrj1874Ankeny, Iowa13 contributionsWhat a great service!! We rented hiking boots for our family of five (2 adults and 3 teens). The boots were sturdy and comfortable - extremely useful for our excursions around Iceland. Highly recommend checking them out. Would definitely use them again.Written March 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nena G3 contributionsAmazingly friendly place! Wether you're traveling alone or with friends you'll definitely find interesting and chatty locals here as well as good drinks and entertainment. They always post their weekly program on Facebook.Written July 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michelle S1 contributionWe did the Buggy Tour. Our guide Bjarki did an amazing job. He explained how to drive the Buggy at the beginning of the tour. Then we drove to the glacier, black beach, canyon and back to the base. At each stop Bjarki gave us really interesting facts about our surroundings.
We were lucky to have great weather and a smaller group.
Would definetly recommend to go on the Buggy Tour if you have the chance!Written September 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Storyteller7338053 contributionsI went outside my comfort zone to go inside the volcano, but I am so happy I did it. It is amazing inside it. We had a very good guide and the lamb soup afterwards was very good as well. Just a very good day!Written October 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jasipenSan Diego, CA52 contributionsI love escape rooms and did the “Dollhouse” which was challenging but winnable!
Truly the staff really made the experience for use especially THELMA. Huge shout out to her! She was so kind, explained everything well and willing to help us no matter the question.
Definitely recommend for a good time !Written July 23, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - gjsliveAlfred, NY5 contributionsOur tour of Iceland included a well-curated and well-paced series of remarkable sights, great adventures, great food, and great fun!! The Hidden Iceland team (Nina, Scott) worked hard to craft our itinerary and assure our enjoyment…considering and resolving so many details. All of the hospitality and service providers were a pleasure. Our guide, Robert, was a highlight of our trip. His personality and expertise were a perfect fit for our group. All through our adventures, Robert enthusiastically shared his knowledge about the lava fields, the flora, the glaciers, seismic and
volcanic activity, the flow of the rivers, the geothermal and hydroelectric systems, the industry, the history, the weather, and more. As I mentioned, we started with a great itinerary. However, along the way, Robert added stops that he knew would enhance our experience. We also appreciate that Robert captured many wonderful moments for us in photographs and videos. Thank you for your help in creating this wonder-full adventure.Written October 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
