Iceland always seemed like a distant land we might never visit. It turns out it’s not that far from the U.S. or northern Europe. And once we arrive, we find 9 fun things to do in Iceland that are pretty easy to arrange and navigate using Reykjavik as a base. We stick with south Iceland, both for convenience and a plethora of sights that can be experienced on a short trip.

Iceland might seem remote, but Reykjavik is a just a 5-hour flight from Boston. Maybe more surprising, thanks to the Earth’s curvature, is that Seattle is only 7 1/2 hours away. Make that 3 hours if you are flying from London or even Copenhagen. Once we settle into the city, we are ready to explore.

1. Wander through downtown Reykjavik

This capital city might be Iceland’s largest, but counts fewer than 150,000 residents. The downtown is very walkable and highly recommended for your first day. Almost no chain stores or restaurants here, making the boutiques, eateries, and bars on the main street, Laugavegur, a unique visit. The old harbor is just minutes away. So is the Harpa Concert Hall, worth seeing for its award-winning architecture.

2. Hallgrimskirkja church

A slight detour has you walking on “rainbow street” with Iceland’s largest church resting at the end. Being a Lutheran church, the interior, while impressive, is not ornate. At 74.5 meters (244 feet) tall, the structure can be seen throughout the city. Most important about that height is the ability to take an elevator (small fee) up to the eighth floor for magnificent panoramic views of Reykjavik.

3. Kerid Volcano Crater

No trip to Iceland would be complete without the legendary Golden Circle tour. The loop that can be done in one day from Reykjavik comes in many varieties. They all feature geological and natural wonders. Some are big bus tours (not for us). Some include a long soak in a hot springs lagoon (again, not our preference). The “Goldilocks” answer we recommend is the small group tour from the highly rated Troll.

We start our day with a prompt 9am minibus pickup near our hotel. We are joined by about 10 others for the one-hour drive to Kerid Volcano Crater. This 6,500-year-old crater, not included in many tours, is a must see for us. We are able to hike the entire rim, with beautiful views of the caldera, now an aquamarine lake. An unspoiled and uncrowded start to our summer day.

4. Gullfoss waterfalls

We have seen some impressive waterfalls, especially Iguazu Falls from Brazil. Gullfoss has to be in the top 5. The melting water from Iceland’s second-largest glacier cascades into a narrow, yet immense canyon, creating gullfoss (literally “golden falls’). The wide pathways along and above the falls offer superb views. We only wish we have more than a half hour to spend here.

5. Geyser geothermal area

Our third stop on the Golden Circle is the land of geysers. Having been to Yellowstone, we have low expectations that are soon exceeded. This is home to the original “geysir,” giving all others in the world that name. Today, a geyser called Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting hot water up some 35 meters (115 feet). We are able to stand incredibly close for photos and videos.

6. Bruarfoss waterfalls

Troll next drives us to another picturesque landscape known as “Iceland’s bluest waterfall.” Much different from the immensely powerful Gullfoss or falls known for their single high drop, Bruarfoss is a long flow of bright blue water cascading over lava rocks. A narrow bridge provides memorable views in both directions.

7. Thingvellir National Park

This unique natural wonder is a result of shifting tectonic plates. Here you can actually walk on a path between the continents of North America and Europe. The park is huge though, and a Golden Circle tour provides just a snapshot of the things to do here. Those who stay longer can hike and even snorkel through the fissure. For us, the conclusion of our tour here is a little underwhelming compared to other highlights of our 8-hour day.

8. Westman Islands puffins

The summer days are long in Iceland, sometimes nearly 24 hours. So, are you ready for a long day? A small group tour from Reykjavik to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) will be a fun-filled 12+ hours, but worth it. Be ready for a 2-hour drive and 45-minute ferry each way. There are alternatives, such as renting a car. I visit by luxury cruise ship!

If you are there on your own, be sure to take the small group tour from Ebbi, owner of Eylatours, right near the pier. He leads three 2-hour tours each day in the summer season. Ebbi performs exhilarating mountain acrobatics (Sprangan), takes you for a walk on the fascinating volcano (Eldfell) that engulfed part of the city now below it, and much more. But the unforgettable highlight is the largest puffin colony in the world, near Storhofoi. As the video above attests, these adorable critters guard their burrows during the summer, and you will watch hundreds up close. No binoculars needed.

9. Take a road trip

Iceland is not that large, and with generally better weather in the summer, a road trip can be another fun part of the journey. I visit Djupivogur by cruise ship, but the drive there from Reykjavik is less than 7 hours along some spectacular coastline.

The quaint town of Djupivogur is home to Audun’s Stone and Mineral Museum. Once just a hobby, Audun’s collection grew so large he had to open a museum to house it. Watch the video above for an interesting perspective on the hidden dimensions of what at first look like everyday rocks.

Staying closer to Reykjavik, a tour to include Renisfjara Black Sand Beach and a walk behind the majestic 60-meter drop Seljalandsfoss waterfalls can fill another day. Next time for us.

What’s missing?

A short article on 9 fun summer things to do in Iceland is, by design, missing 99 other things. What about the Northern Lights? Well, they are there, but you need darkness to see them, and it doesn’t get dark in the summer! Come back closer to winter for the best viewing opportunity. What about the famous Blue Lagoon? If soaking in a summer-crowded hot pool is on your bucket list, then include it in your Golden Circle tour or take a bus there from the city or airport. Not on our list.

Things to remember

This article focusses on things that are accessible from Reykjavik on a short stay, such as a long weekend. There is a lot more of Iceland to see with more time. Also, this is one of those places where they say, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.” Even if your day starts sunny and warm, prepare for rainy and cold. And like most islands (I’m talking about you, Hawaii), Iceland is expensive. A taxi from the airport to the city could cost as much as $200. Plan accordingly.

Where to stay

You won’t find an international luxury brand here. After much research, I choose the Reykjavik Saga Hotel via booking.com, and it does not disappoint. Excellent location for walking the city, modern rooms, friendly staff, and delicious buffet breakfast.

Do you have any questions or suggestions to help others? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.