8 2-Hour Experiences in Iceland, Compared

1.2-Hour Reykjavik Private Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Our pick

Start at a downtown Reykjavík hotel, hostel, restaurant or museum, then explore Harpa, the parliament area, City Hall, Lake Tjörnin and more with a private English-speaking guide. Hallgrímskirkja can be included if you prefer; its tower costs ISK 1,500 per person. The tour costs $471.65 for a group of up to 15.

“We had just one day in Reykjavik - this walking tour was perfect to give us a snapshot of the city. Jacob was great (a student studying for his advanced degree in history); being born and raised here had expansive knowledge of both the city and the country as a whole. A very knowledgeable and enjoyable experience, would highly recommend.”

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2.2 hour Round Trip in Vestmannaeyjar on a RIB Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $247

Join a captain and local guide for a two-hour RIB ride around Vestmannaeyjar. You’ll visit sea caves, Elephant Rock, and the outlying gannet island Súlnasker, with chances to spot puffins and other seabirds. Float suits and life jackets are supplied. The boat holds up to 12 people, and trips need at least six.

“Surreal experience touring all around Vestmannaeyjar on a RIB boat! Our captain and guide were both so excited and generous in sharing all of their knowledge about the island and various local traditions! Highly recommend booking this experience if you visit Vestmannaeyjar - truly unforgettable!”

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3.2-Hour Northern Lights by Boat with Backup Plan

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 58 reviews · 2 hours · from $82Best value

Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay for a two-hour, English-guided northern lights search. You’ll get warm overalls, an onboard café and a guide who explains the science and folklore. If cloud cover cancels the boat, a private Whales of Iceland visit includes a photo workshop, video, drink and another chance to sail.

“it was a wonderful informative evening, with a glimpse of lights.”

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4.2-Hour Imagine Peace Tower Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 44 reviews · 2 hours · from $134

Take a two-hour evening tour from Reykjavík’s old harbor to Viðey Island, including a 20-minute ferry ride and a guided walk to the Imagine Peace Tower. Your English-speaking guide shares the story of Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s peace project, with time for island sights and, if conditions cooperate, a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

“We had nine people on our tour and it offered much more than we expected. Ther was a very interesting video about whaling while we waited for our boat. On board enguide gave lots of information about the island. The Imagine Peace Tower was just stunning - we walked up a hill to see it from above and then to the tower itself. We were lucky enough to see the northern lights too. Then we had hot chocolate and visited a really sweet church. It felt very special that we were the only people on the island.”

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5.2 hours Private Horse Riding to Lake Hafravatn, Reykjavík – Mos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $210

Meet your guide at a Mosfellsbær stable, get matched with an Icelandic horse, and ride for about two to two and a half hours toward Lake Hafravatn and nearby fields and mountains. The private outing suits beginners and experienced riders, with instruction adjusted to your comfort and ability. Guides including Jonina, Linni, Linnea, and Anastasia have led rides, though your guide may vary.

“This was the highlight of my trip. I’ve been riding horses and competing for my entire life, however my boyfriend has never been on a horse before. This was the best experience for both of us. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and the horses were clearly very happy and extremely well taken care of. My boyfriend was very comfortable the whole time and the guide was amazing at showing him how to guide the horse , balance , etc. in addition, learning about the history of the landscape we were riding on was so fascinating! I will DEFINITELY be back here to ride again when I come back to Iceland.…”

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6.Stykkishólmur: 2-Hour Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 18 reviews · from $96

Set out from central Stykkishólmur with a local guide for two hours on Breiðafjörður Bay. Paddle to Landey, known for eiderdown harvesting, pass the wreck of the Thorgeir and thread between islands. Dry suits and kayak equipment are included. Wildlife, including white-tailed eagles, may appear, but sightings are not guaranteed.

“Really enjoyed our trip. Great guide and lots of interesting birds and shoreline. Though the weather was going to be a problem but it was fine especially since we were given nice dry suits to wear. Clear and patient explanations made it as enjoyable for those in my family with less experience as it was for those with lots of experience. Highly recommend”

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7.Black Sand Beach 2-Hour ATV Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $179

Ride an ATV from Þorlákshöfn across Iceland’s Black Sand Beach, with a guide leading you toward sea cliffs, rock formations, and the Ölfusá River mouth. The two-hour outing includes pickup from Reykjavík accommodations, warm riding gear, and tea, coffee, or water afterward. Guides speak English and Icelandic.

“fantastic guide, great scenery, overall a fun activity for the family”

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8.Private Blue Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik: 2 Hour Spa Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $550

Ride from your accommodation in greater Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi and bottled water. Comfort admission is included, and the outing takes about four hours overall, with a two-hour spa visit. Your English-speaking driver can share information about the area; pickup and return transport are provided.

“Although it is a very touristy place, you have to experience it while in Iceland. We had a private tour which included admission which made it very easy. Our driver gave us a lot of information about the area as well. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and would definitely recommend it.”

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