DISCOVER ICELAND: TOP ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS FOR EVERY TRAVELLER

When it comes to food, Iceland is known as a surprising and adventurous destination.

Perhaps the most famous is the divisive kæstur hákarl, or fermented shark. It’s made of Greenland shark that’s cured and left to dry. The taste is pretty unique!

Otherwise, Iceland has a rich culinary tradition, full of dishes that are different to what you likely eat at home. Icelandic hotdogs, smoked lamb’s head, and seafood are all Icelandic classics. Don’t forget to try them when you visit!

The cheapest months in Iceland are those in the shoulder seasons, namely spring and autumn. Visiting in March and April, or October and November, tend to offer better travel deals.

While you may see cheaper prices for hotels and tours, that’s not always the case. However, you are likely to see greater availability, and you may often feel like you have the attractions to yourself!

The winter months are the best time to see the northern lights. This is when the nights are longest and when the aurora borealis tends to be the brightest as a result.

However, you don’t need to come in the depths of winter—like December or January—to see them. Northern lights season typically runs from October through to April.

Travel is an opportunity to discover the unexpected and to see things you’ve never seen before. The beauty of it is that every journey is different, and you may well uncover places that few other people know about.

Join our sightseeing tours to get off the beaten track and make your own adventure. Who knows what you’ll discover!

Probably the most scenic drive in Iceland is the tour of the so-called “Ring Road”. This is Route 1, the circular road that runs around almost the entirety of Iceland. To drive from Reykjavík along this route is an unforgettable way to see the country.

You can enjoy the drive over a matter of days, a week, or even longer. However many days you have in Iceland, there are few better ways to spend them!

Your budget for Iceland will depend on your travel preferences and what you want to get up to. For example, you can spend anything between €30 and €500 a night for accommodation. And, depending on whether you want to hire a car, join a tour, or only do free activities, this will affect your budget too.

Something important to know is that you don’t have to bring any cash at all. Pretty much everywhere in Iceland accepts card payments, so don’t worry about getting Icelandic money in advance.

A visit to Iceland is a memorable and rewarding trip no matter how long you have to spend here.

If you have just a long weekend to spare, you can enjoy an action-packed few days seeing the best sights in and around Reykjavík. Or if you have a week—or even longer—you’ll have the time to take it easy and see the country at your leisure.

There’s always something more to do, so if you have the time, stay even longer still!

It’s not easy to call which is the single top attraction in Iceland. There are so many popular destinations to choose from!

Perhaps the most visited natural sites are those on the Golden Circle. This is a spectacular travel itinerary through Iceland’s most marvellous scenery and fascinating history.

There are three main destinations on the route. Gullfoss waterfall is a mighty waterfall with a torrent that thunders down from the Langjökull glacier. Then, Geysir amazes with its stunning bursts of water.

The third sight on the route is Þingvellir National Park, a vast landscape that was home to Iceland’s first parliament, many centuries ago.

Every month is a great month to go to Iceland. The best month for you will depend entirely on what you want to get up to.

For example, do you want to see the northern lights? In that case, the winter is your best option, when the nights are at their darkest. Prefer to go hiking in the highlands? Then the summer is a better idea, as the snows will have melted, allowing easier access.

Alternatively, if you prefer to come for cultural events, check out Iceland’s busy events calendar before travelling. For example, Christmas is a very special time, but festivals like Iceland Airwaves or the Reykjavík International Film Festival are incredible too.

Among the many things that Iceland is known for, the most famous are likely volcanoes, glaciers, and the northern lights.

Our country is known as the Land of Ice and Fire for a reason. Over a tenth of Iceland’s land surface is covered in ice, while there are over 30 active volcano systems too. The volcanoes include the famous Eyjafjallajökull, which halted international air travel for days back in 2010.

No winter visit to Iceland is complete without a hunt for the northern lights though. As Iceland is so far north (Reykjavík is the most northerly capital city in the world!), the aurora borealis is a regular occurrence throughout the colder season.

There are many popular tourist attractions in Iceland, including natural wonders, fascinating science museums, and cultural destinations.

Probably the single most popular attraction is the Blue Lagoon. Recognised as a completely unique spa destination, with famed therapeutic properties, it’s a must see for anyone visiting Iceland.

Check out more attractions on our sightseeing tours in Iceland.

The Reykjavík area is where you will find the most visitor attractions in Iceland. This is the capital city after all, with museums, galleries, and cultural treats. But it also sits in a region rich with natural beauty, dramatic sights, and geological treasures.

Firstly, the Reykjavík area is very close to the Golden Circle, the famed travel itinerary. But it’s also just a stone’s throw from the Reykjanes UNESCO geopark and the splendid Snæfellsnes peninsula.

The whole of the south coast is close by too. With waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glacial lagoons, it’s a region packed full of wonders.

Iceland has grown in popularity as a tourist destination over the past decade. While its exact ranking can vary based on different metrics, it's often recognized for its sustainable tourism practices and is among the top destinations for nature and adventure tourism globally.

Guided tours in Iceland are highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors. Not only do they provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and geology of the region, but they also ensure safe navigation through some of Iceland's challenging terrains. Additionally, local guides often know hidden gems and can enhance the overall experience.

Yes, Iceland is an adventurer's paradise. With its diverse landscapes that include volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, and waterfalls, it offers a plethora of adventure activities. Whether you're into hiking, glacier climbing, snowmobiling, ATV or Buggy driving across wild landscapes, or diving between tectonic plates, Iceland has it all!

Iceland, a land of stark contrasts and otherworldly landscapes, is home to some truly unique activities. Here are some of the most unusual things you can do:

1. ATV or Buggy Driving to Sólheimasandur Aeroplane Wreckage: Traverse the black sand beaches to visit the haunting remains of an abandoned airplane.
2. Snorkelling Between Tectonic Plates: At Silfra fissure, dive into cold, crystalline waters and float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It's not just any snorkelling experience – it's a journey between continents!
3. Snowmobiling on a Volcano: Glide across the icy surface of a glacier that sits atop a volcano. As you rev up the snowmobile, you're not just traversing ice; you're riding over volcanic fire waiting beneath.
4. Descent into a Glacial Crevasse: Experience the thrill of rappelling down into the depths of a glacial crevasse. This adventure isn't for the faint of heart, but the views within the blue-hued ice caverns are unparalleled.
5. Trekking Europe's Largest Wilderness: Venture across the highlands, which are often considered Europe's last true wilderness. This vast, uninhabited expanse offers trekkers a chance to truly disconnect and immerse in raw nature.
6. Embarking on a Glacial Expedition: For those seeking an extreme adventure, take on the challenge of a hard-core glacial expedition. Navigate crevasses, camp under the northern lights, and experience the power of nature firsthand.

Each of these activities is more than just an adventure; they are unique experiences that let you connect deeply with Iceland's distinctive landscapes and phenomena.

Indeed, fo, Iceland is a playground for those who thirst for adventurere are some exhilarating adventure tour options:

1. Buggy and ATV Tours: Navigate through the rugged terrains and lava fields, feeling the adrenaline rush as you explore off the beaten path.
2. Diving and Snorkeling: Experience the Silfra fissure, where you can dive or snorkel between two continental plates in crystal clear glacier water.
3. Horseback Riding: Roam the Icelandic landscapes on the back of the unique Icelandic horse, known for its special tölt gait.
4. Glacier Hiking: Trek across some of Europe's largest glaciers, like Vatnajökull, and marvel at the captivating blue ice formations.
5. Ice Climbing: Ascend frozen waterfalls or glacier fronts with picks and crampons, surrounded by breathtaking icy vistas.
6. Ice Caving: Explore stunning blue ice caves that form naturally in glaciers during the winter months.
7. Lava Caving: Delve into the underground wonders of Iceland by exploring caves formed by flowing lava.
8. Hiking and Multiday Trekking: Traverse through Iceland's diverse landscapes, from the geothermal wonders of Landmannalaugar to the lush valleys of Þórsmörk.
9. Glacier and Mountain Expeditions: Embark on multi-day journeys to some of Iceland's most remote glaciers and peaks.
10. Ziplining: Experience the thrill of soaring over canyons, rivers, or lava fields on ziplines.
11. Paragliding: Glide over the Icelandic landscapes, getting a bird's-eye view of its stunning topography.
12. Kayaking: Paddle through serene fjords or around dramatic icebergs in glacial lagoons.
13. Sailing: Sail around Iceland's rugged coastlines, spotting seabird colonies and occasionally whales.
14. Skiing: Enjoy backcountry skiing in the Westfjords or downhill skiing in areas like Akureyri, reveling in the untouched snowy landscapes.

With such an array of adventure tours, Iceland promises a fun-filled, action-packed experience for every kind of thrill-seeker.

Iceland's geologically young and dynamic terrain makes it ideal for adventure tourism. The country offers a unique blend of fiery volcanic activity and icy glacial expanses. Its remote fjords, vast lava fields, and rugged coastlines provide endless opportunities for exploration and thrill-seeking.

There are many hiking trails in Iceland, which all offer something different. While everyone might disagree on which one is the best, all these hiking areas promise an experience you’ll never forget.

Laugavegur is the most famous, offering multi-day and shorter trails across Iceland’s southern highlands. There's a good reason why it’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike!

Alternatively, the Vatnajökull National Park offers some incredible hikes, in an area known as the home of one of the largest glaciers in Europe. It’s so much more than that too, with Iceland’s highest mountain, lush nature, and breathtaking views.

The reality is, though, that wherever you go in Iceland, you’ll find some great hiking trails. Get your walking boots on and go exploring!

There is no charge to hike in Iceland. You can traverse any path or climb any hill without a guide, if you have the skills and experience to do so safely.

However, you should expect to pay a small fee if you want to camp or spend the night in an equipped mountain hut. Similarly, you should expect to pay for transport to and from the hiking areas.

At Icelandia, our hiking tours include transportation and accommodation costs, as well as an experienced guide and transport for any belongings you don’t want to carry yourself.

When hiking in Iceland, you should wear quality outdoor clothing, if you have it. We recommend breathable layers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, and sturdy walking boots. For the evenings, a hat, gloves, and warm socks are a good idea too.

Ultimately, your priority should be to stay warm and dry—even in the summer!

That depends how long you have to spare! With so much hiking on offer in Iceland, you could spend weeks linking up different trails and exploring the wilder parts of the country. In fact, many people do.

That said, if you’re looking for a single, memorable hiking experience, we recommend a multi-day route of about five days. This gives you the opportunity to get far off the beaten track and into some of Iceland’s remote areas.

Alternatively, you might be happy with just a day hike. We offer many of these experiences too.

Hiking to Fagradalsfjall can be safe for individuals who are reasonably fit and take necessary precautions. It's essential to be well-informed about the weather and current conditions, be adequately prepared, have the appropriate gear and clothing, and strictly adhere to guidelines.

Respecting closures, staying on designated trails, and avoiding hiking on solidified lava are also crucial for ensuring safety.

Hiking to Fagradalsfjall can be safe for individuals who are reasonably fit and take necessary precautions. It's essential to be well-informed about the weather and current conditions, be adequately prepared, have the appropriate gear and clothing, and strictly adhere to guidelines. Respecting closures, staying on designated trails, and avoiding hiking on solidified lava are also crucial for ensuring safety.

The accessibility of the volcano and its trails can fluctuate following each eruption and might even shift daily during active periods. Some trails can be quite extensive, reaching up to 20 km (approximately 12.4 miles), while others are shorter and more leisurely. It's crucial to obtain current information about any hiking trail in this region. Consult the safetravel.is website or join our Facebook group to discuss with locals about the latest conditions.

Ultimately, you will need to be reasonably fit to complete any hike in this area. You’ll also need sturdy boots, as you’ll be walking over rocky and unstable terrain. We discourage anyone from hiking here in the wintertime without local guidance.

The most famous hike in Iceland is probably the Laugavegur trail. Running from the lush oasis of Þórsmörk to the geothermal pools at Landmannalaugar, the route takes in some of the most magical, surprising, and downright awesome sights in the southern highlands.

It definitely deserves its fame. See multicoloured rhyolite hills and black-sand deserts, glaciers and canyons, and even a recently active volcano, Eyjafjallajökull.

Come and hike the Laugavegur trail for yourself. It’s an unforgettable experience.

The best season to hike in Iceland is the summer. This is when weather conditions are best and the snow has melted, allowing access to the remote parts of the highlands. At the same time, days are longer, giving you more hours of daylight in which to walk.

That’s not to say that you can’t join hiking tours in other parts of the year. You can. But routes might be more difficult and you may need experience on the snow.

Yes, you can see lava at Fagradalsfjall. The volcano erupted in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with each eruption lasting for a few weeks or months. Experts predict that Fagradalsfjall will continue its pattern of erupting on and off for the coming decades.

Depending on the timing of your visit, you might encounter an active eruption with flowing lava, or you might see recently solidified lava from past eruptions.

While witnessing active lava flows is undoubtedly mesmerising, exploring the freshly solidified lava fields is also a unique and awe-inspiring experience. There are guided tours available that specifically take visitors to these new and transforming landscapes.

The summer months—June, July, and August—are the best months to hike in Iceland. Travel is easier as most of the winter snows have melted and the terrain is a lot easier to walk on.

Of course, the weather is better too, giving you a better chance of clear skies, warmer temperatures, and long evenings of sunshine.

Iceland offers some of the world’s best hikes, crossing some of the world’s wildest landscapes. Every hike is a challenge in its own right, whether it involves long distance, steep ascents, or loose terrain.

On a hiking tour in Iceland, we offer routes of all levels of difficulty, to challenge every level of hiker.

The hike to the Fagradalsfjall volcano is a moderate route that requires sturdy shoes and a decent level of fitness. It covers 7 kilometres (4.4 miles) with an ascent of about 300 metres (990 feet).

The hike to the eruption site at Fagradalsfjall is 7 kilometres (4.4 miles) with an ascent of about 300 metres (990 feet). It’s also on loose ground, thanks to its location on a lava field.

While it can be a challenge, take it as slow as you need to and you’ll get there. It’s definitely worth the effort!

There are many opportunities for hiking in Iceland. From the world-famous Laugavegur trail to day routes in the country’s three national parks, you’ll be spoiled for choice. There’s a reason Iceland is known as an outdoor paradise!

That said, Iceland isn’t only about hiking. There’s a huge array of outdoor and adventure activities on offer, including diving, snowmobile riding, ice caving, wildlife watching, and more. They’re all different ways to see Iceland’s awesome landscape. It’s a place where there’s truly something for everyone.