Driving in Iceland in April: 10 Places To Visit Within an Hour’s Drive of Reykjavik
April’s weather can be varied – and changes frequently – so we’ve been thinking about where you might drive if you didn’t want to stray too far from Reykjavik. Whether you're visiting in spring or autumn, driving in Iceland comes with its own set of challenges and rewards, making it essential to plan your route based on the season.
Fortunately, there are a multitude of places that are an hour or less by car from the Icelandic capital, meaning you can make up your mind at the last minute when you see what the weather has in store. From suburban visitor attractions to accessible parts of the countryside, here are some of our favorite destinations that you can reach in 60 minutes or less in your rental car from the city’s Old Harbour.
Arbær Open Air Museum
Arbær Open Air Museum is located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, which means that getting here without a car, though possible, can be a time-consuming process. This delightful museum comprises a collection of historic buildings that have been rescued from their original locations to preserve them in this lovely setting. You’ll begin in a spacious square and stroll around the museum’s lanes and paths to see farm buildings, former homes, and churches. Each has a fascinating story and guided tours mean that you’ll piece together the past as you learn about each of the buildings you pass. It’s possible to step inside some of them which helps give you an idea of how people would have used them in times past.
Perlan
One of Reykjavik’s most iconic structures has been turned into a fascinating museum that conveys the multi-faceted story of the country’s unique landscapes. It’s an immersive experience: step inside an artificial ice cave that helps you imagine what it might feel like to be deep within a glacier, or enjoy the augmented reality experience that brings the abundant birdlife of Látrabjarg in the Westfjords to within a short drive of the city centre. Exhibits about Iceland’s glaciers and volcanoes inform but also entertain, while the Áróra show in its planetarium provides the opportunity to witness the spectacle of the Northern Lights for those who haven’t been blessed with clear skies during their stay. The view over Reykjavik is extraordinary from up here on top of Öskjuhlíð hill, so map out its landmarks in your head to help you navigate your way around the Icelandic capital during the rest of your stay.
Hellisgerði
Iceland has a curious relationship with elves. Though it’s hard to find someone who has met a member of the Huldufólk community, many will tell you that they don’t believe in their existence. Drive out to the town of Hafnarfjordur, where in the gardens of many homes you’ll see miniature versions of the main house to serve as a dwelling for the elves. It’s also a must to wander over to Hellisgerði, an enchanting park close to the center of town.
Here, some say that the hidden folk live amongst the moss-covered rocks, shrubs, and trees. Listen carefully and you might hear the faint sound of a song coming from a tucked away nook, or the flap of laundry as it’s removed from the flat surfaces of stones. Sign up for an elf-themed walk to get the most out of your visit.
Heiðmörk
This delightful nature reserve is an easy drive from the city center of Reykjavik but a world away. Rangers have planted 26 species of tree here and they attract an estimated sixty or so types of birds. It’s a tricky place to get to by public transport, so your rental car will be very useful. When you get here, park up and take a walk on one of its marked trails.
On the edge of Heiðmörk, you’ll encounter the Rauðhólar (the name means red hills) which are what’s left of a group of pseudo craters in the Elliðaárhraun lava field. Perhaps nose around the Búrfell crater or to the top of Mount Helgafell to take in the view. Alternatively, book a horse riding tour or plan to spend some time fishing – Heiðmörk is home to three lakes.
Raufarhólshellir
This visitor attraction is often dubbed, quite simply, The Lava Tunnel. It’s one of the longest lava tubes in the country. Follow Route 1 eastwards and shortly before you reach Hveragerði turn off and follow the 39 south. Access to the lava tube is strictly with a guide. Stepping inside gives you the chance to see how volcanic eruptions leave long-lasting landforms – this one was the result of lava flows that were part of the Leitahraun eruption that affected landscapes to the east of the Bláfjöll mountains about 5200 years ago. If it’s been a cold winter, ice sculptures can still be seen at the entrance in April.
The Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa is located midway between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport at the heart of the Reykjanes peninsula. This iconic landmark was originally the innovative answer to what could be done about the wastewater that was being produced by the nearby geothermal power plant. It was noticed that instead of draining away, the water was collecting to form a lake. The silica-rich sediment was creating an impermeable seal over the land. Fast forward more than three decades and it remains one of the country’s most popular visitor destinations and that same silica-rich sediment forms the basis of its signature facial mask.
Þingvellir National Park
Drivers can reach Þingvellir National Park in an hour from the Icelandic capital so it’s hardly that it’s the focus of day trips for so many travellers. This historic place was the site of Iceland’s first parliament, the Althing, which met here for centuries before eventually relocating to Reykjavik. It’s a scenic drive as you turn inland from Route 1, through unspoiled countryside and, in April, you’ll enjoy views of snow-capped mountains beyond the road.
Once there, park up and take a stroll through the steep-sided Almannagjá Gorge, which opens up onto views of a river plain and the Icelandic Prime Minister’s official summer house, called the Thingvallarbær. Continue down the slope following signs for Öxarárfoss waterfall, which is tucked away in a side valley and accessed via wooden boardwalks.
Seltún-Krýsuvík and Hveragerði Geothermal Areas
Geologically speaking, Reykjanes is one of Iceland’s newest areas as those following the continued volcanic activity that commenced with the 2021 eruption of Mount Fagradalsfjall will attest. The area also has a couple of geothermal areas, the closest of which is the Seltún-Krýsuvík Geothermal Area. Here, steam rises from the ground.
Hot springs and fumaroles bubble and hiss, leaving mineral deposits on the underlying rock. Their presence is an indication that nature hasn’t finished with this part of Iceland yet, and it’s an interesting place to visit as a result. Travel in the opposite direction and Hveragerði is a similar experience. If the weather’s fine, seize the opportunity to hike along a scenic trail through the Reykjadalur Valley, home to a warm water river in which it's generally safe to bathe.
Hvammsvik Hot Springs
If you’re keen to experience a more rustic geothermal bath without sacrificing luxury, then Hvammsvik Hot Springs makes a great day out from Reykjavik. The place sits in a secluded spot at the head of Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord) as the main road cuts off the lengthy loop around the water’s edge by means of a tunnel. But those who take the road to this modern spa in April will be treated to a gorgeous view. The various hot pots are littered over a black sand beach and as you soak in the warmth of this naturally-heated water you’ll enjoy a view of the fjord and the mountains that flank it. In April, there’s often still snow and ice over the high ground, but you’ll be toasty and warm down at the water’s edge.
