Driving routes, distances and day-trip ideas nearby.
A ready week, day by day: highly rated places, lunches, tours and trips out of town. Ratings and opening hours come from Tripadvisor, distances are real driving distances.
An unhurried first day: the centre on foot, one landmark and a quiet dinner near where you're staying. Don't plan anything far — after travelling, getting your bearings matters more.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Hotel check-in is usually from 2pm — if you arrive earlier, most places will store your luggage.
The fullest day: two or three key places back to back. Start early — queues build by midday at the popular ones, and the light is better for photographs after lunch.
All day
A free day — the market, the waterfront, the next neighbourhood over.
Nights down to 9 °C — bring a warm layer, evenings are far cooler than days.
A day for what needs time and attention: museums, historic quarters, and lunch somewhere locals actually go.
Afternoon
Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
5.0· 160from €6,467
Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike — rated 5 from 160 reviews.
Many museums close on a Monday or Tuesday — check the opening hours before you set out.
Get beyond the city: the nearby towns and countryside are usually what stays with you. A rental car is the practical way — public transport on these routes is slow and infrequent.
All day
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is 6 km from Kopavogur, about 10m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in KopavogurA free day. Go back to wherever you wanted to linger, and add one or two places from the list you haven't reached.
Afternoon
Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
5.0· 111from €6,610
Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights — rated 5 from 111 reviews.
Carry some cash for markets and small cafés — cards are not taken everywhere.
A good day for a guided tour: a guide tells you what the signs don't, and takes the driving off your hands.
All day
Keflavik
Keflavik is 43 km from Kopavogur, about 38m by car. Leave in the morning so you're back before dark.
Book the car ahead: in season there is little left and the counter price is higher.
Rent a car in KopavogurA calm finish: a favourite spot once more, some shopping, a late lunch. Leave yourself room before the airport.
Afternoon
Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
5.0· 88from €325
Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour — rated 5 from 88 reviews.
Allow twice what the map says for the airport run — it is never the quiet hour when you need it.
Within a ~2.5h drive of Kopavogur.
Where you can drive from Kopavogur.
Tap a place for photos, opening hours and reviews
Top attractions
Restaurants and cafés
Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
€6,467
Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
€6,610
Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
€325
Reykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
€1,390
Exeter Hotel
from €297 / night
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
from €512 / night
Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection By Hilton
from €678 / night
Storm Hotel by Keahotels
from €247 / night
Source — Tripadvisor
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