





Reykholt sits ninety minutes east of Reykjavík along Route 359 in the Biskupstungur countryside. It is primarily known for its geothermal horticulture, where glasshouses grow tomatoes and herbs using hot spring water, and as a calm base between Gullfoss and the southern lowlands. Reykholt is worth visiting if you want to eat inside working greenhouses, soak in thermal pools, and stay central to Golden Circle sights. Look elsewhere if you want walkable historic quarters, urban nightlife, or coastal scenery.
Last updated 26 Oct 2026
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Reykholt is a compact horticultural hub strung along Route 359, defined by glowing glass greenhouses and quiet farming roads. Daily life runs on thermal water, soil, and the rhythm of greenhouse harvesting. It suits independent road trippers who want comfortable farm-to-table dining, easy access to South Iceland sights, and calm evenings far from tour bus congestion.
Start the morning eating warm tomato soup among the vines at Friðheimar, fifteen minutes before midday rush. Head north on Route 35 to see Gullfoss and Geysir in early afternoon light. Finish with langoustine and handmade truffles at Mika before soaking in the village pool. Select 1 Day above to see it.
Spend day two ten minutes south at Skálholt, touring the ancient episcopal church and crypt. Continue to Flúðir for an afternoon dip in the Secret Lagoon, then dine on greenhouse-grown Ethiopian dishes or grass-fed lamb at a quiet farmhouse bistro in the Tungufljót valley. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
A third day lets you raft the basalt gorge at Brúarhlöð or ride gaited horses across the Biskupstungur plains without glancing at the clock. Venture south toward the waterfalls along Route 1, returning to Reykholt's unhurried lanes for local draft beer under open skies.
Tour Friðheimar to see vine-ripened tomatoes grown under artificial suns with geothermal borehole heat, then sample fresh tomato soup and bread.
Order handmade langoustine pizza at Restaurant Mika, followed by house-crafted chocolates infused with Icelandic birch liqueur and sea salt.
Soak in the natural hot springs at Secret Lagoon in neighbouring Flúðir or the quiet geothermally heated community pool directly in the village.
Watch purebred Icelandic horses demonstrate the five gaits at local stud farms along Route 35 and book trail rides across volcanic turf.
Drive fifteen minutes north on Route 35 to watch Strokkur spout boiling groundwater sixty feet into the air every few minutes at the Geysir field.
Stand above the double cascade of Gullfoss where the glacial river Hvíta drops over rugged basalt terraces into a deep, misty canyon.
Follow quiet gravel tracks through the Tungufljót river valley, crossing birch copses and open sheep meadows with views of Mount Hekla.
Visit the historic wooden cathedral at Skálholt, seat of southern bishops since 1056, to view modern mosaics and the medieval crypt downstairs.
Stop at farm stands like Garðyrkjustöðin Kvistar for fresh berries, greenhouse cucumbers, and homemade tomato chutneys sold on the honour system.
Paddle through the glacial rapids of the Hvíta river canyon, departing from nearby bases in Brúarhlöð where basalt rock formations line the water.
Pick up fresh sourdough loaves, rye bread baked underground in thermal sand, and cinnamon rolls at local countryside bakeries and farm shops.
Step away from village streetlights into the dark Biskupstungur fields between September and April to watch the aurora over rural lowlands.