Last Updated: October 2, 2023

Hallo, velkomin il Island! 

Welcome to Iceland, the land of fire and Ice.  And while there definitely exists an innumerable amount of things to do in Iceland, we hope that this list will get you started on your incredible adventure.  Did you know there are more sheep than humans in Iceland?  Yep, that is one of those weird facts about this epic island country that I love!

Another one of my favorite things about Iceland, is that I truly believe it to be a year-round destination.  Visit in the summer and experience endless hours of sunlight – exploring whenever you want. Frolicking under the midnight sun and hiking to thermal springs at any time of day. Or venture out during the winter to catch a etherial glimpse of the aurora borealis.

When you’re not gazing up at the sky (or one of the hundreds of waterfalls) be sure soak up the minerals in one of the many geothermal hot springs scattered throughout this country – it is of of our top rated thing to do in Iceland.

Get ready and buckle up for the best 25 things to do in Iceland.

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The Best Things to do in Iceland

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND – DAY TRIPS FROM REYKJAVIK

If you only have a few days for your adventure to Iceland,  then you will want to base yourself in Reykjavik and explore from there.  You can see and do a lot using Reykjavik as a central base for your trip to Iceland, so here are some of my top things to do in Iceland from Reykjavik.

The Golden Circle

No trip to Iceland would be complete without a Golden Circle Experience. Explore the Golden Circle and take a one-hour snowmobile tour on an active full-day tour from Reykjavik. Travel in a sturdy specially designed Jeep that can access terrain that regular cars cannot handle. Your experienced driver and guide takes you deep into Thingvellir National Park to see the powerful Strokkur Geyser and magnificent Gullfoss Falls. Go off road over rough terrain to reach the Langjokull glacier where you enjoy a thrilling 1-hour snowmobile experience on the glacier.

BOOK YOUR GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR

Blue Lagoon

Possibly the most iconic setting in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is at the top of everyones’ bucket list for things to do in Iceland. Don’t risk the chance of tickets selling out, and instead, guarantee your spot by pre-booking an entry ticket. This flexible experience allows you to choose from Comfort or Premium packages, and add-on transfers if required. Once you get to the Blue Lagoon, spend hours relaxing in the mineral-rich geothermal water pools.

BOOK YOUR BLUE LAGOON EXPERIENCE

Hike To Reykjadalur Hot River

This was one of my absolutely favorite things I did on my first trip to Iceland! It’s a pretty strenuous hike in the winter, but getting the thermal spring all to yourself is definitely worth it!  In the summer its an easy 45-minute hike, but the winter snow and wind make it a bit more challenging.  After the hike, there is a long and winding hot river for you to slip into and warm up before hiking back to the car park.

LINK TO REYKJADALUR TRAILHEAD

Ready to turn your Iceland dreams into reality? Let our team of well traveled professionals craft your bespoke Icelandic expedition. Click here to submit an inquiry and start planning your curated adventure trip to Iceland.

Whale Watching

See Reykjavik from a different perspective and observe local wildlife during this whale-watching cruise from the Old Harbor. Board a spacious yacht, featuring panoramic viewing windows, and sail through Faxalfoi Bay. While you sail, keep your eyes peeled for cetaceans in the water including minke, humpback, and sometimes even killer whales. If you don’t see any wildlife on your tour, receive a ticket for another day.  Wildlife sightings are always one of the ultimate wins on a trip to Iceland

BOOK YOUR WHALE WATCHING YOUR

Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula

The Reykjanes Peninsula is an easy place to self-explore. in Iceland. I’ve got a Google List of my favorite spots on the map for your visit!

REYKJANES PENINSULA

Northern Lights Hunting Excursion

Watching the Northern Lights is top of the bucket list for many visitors to Iceland and this evening tour from Reykjavík maximizes your chances of catching nature’s dazzling light show. Venture out into the countryside after dark, stop at remote viewpoints according to the Aurora forecast, and tuck into Icelandic pastries and hot chocolate as you wait for the Lights to make an appearance.

BOOK YOUR NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPERIENCE 

Sky Lagoon In Reykjavik

You’ve definitely heard of the Blue Lagoon, but have you heard of the Sky Lagoon? If you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate during your time in Iceland, then book a spot at Sky Lagoon. With this tour, not only do you get admission to the lagoon but you can enjoy a 7-step spa ritual that is sure to awaken your senses. Step inside the geothermal pool that is set at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and soak away your stress.

BOOK IN THE SKY LAGOON

Icelandic Horse Riding Tour

Get close to nature in the way of old Icelanders on this horseback riding experience from Reykjavik, dependent on transfer option. Hop on a small, sturdy, Icelandic horse, a breed originally brought here by the Vikings, and enjoy a relaxing ride through lava-laden scenery past mountains, lakes, and moors. Your ride is matched to your ability and led by an instructor. Hot drinks, riding equipment, and guidance is included.

BOOK YOUR HORSE RIDING TOUR HERE

Reykjavik Food Tour

Finding authentic places to eat can be tricky in an unfamiliar place. Take the guesswork out of your visit to Reykjavík on this guided walking tour that takes you to a multitude of eateries around the capital, including the city’s oldest restaurant and a much-loved hot dog stand. In a small group of no more than 12, learn about Iceland’s culinary history and traditions as you sample such dishes as Icelandic meat soup, skyr, and lobster soup.

BOOK YOUR REYKJAVIK FOOD TOUR

Silfra Snorkeling Tour

Iceland is one of the only places in the world where you can touch two continents at once.  Silfra is one of the world’s most dramatic snorkeling sites—it’s a glacier meltwater-filled rift formed by the drift of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. This tour makes snorkeling the rift as easy as possible by including a guide, dry suit and snorkeling equipment, and Silfra entrance fees. After you’ve snorkeled, you’re offered hot chocolate and cookies.

BOOK YOUR SILFRA SNORKELING EXPERIENCE 

Iceland South Coast Tour

Marvel at some of Iceland’s most scenic waterfalls and glaciers along its south coast during this 12-hour small-group adventure from Reykjavik. Travel with no more than 19 guests as you visit the well-known torrents at Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and then explore lesser-known waterfalls like Kvernufoss and Irafoss. You’ll also take a hike on Solheimajokull glacier and check out Reynisfjara Beach.

BOOK YOUR SOUTH COAST TOUR 

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND – TOURS FROM VÍK

Ice Cave Under Katla

Mýrdalsjökull glacier is one of the most famous glaciers in Iceland, as it pours into Sólheimajökull, and from there, the Kötlujökull originates. Kötlujökull is named after the Icelandic Volcano Katla and is home to some of Iceland’s most impressive natural ice caves. We will come to a stop right at the roots of Kötlujökull glacier and the view that greets you is otherworldly, layers and layers of different colored ice making beautiful stripes in the glacier and at one point an opening in the glacier and that’s where you are going in. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the glacier, the ice cave and the area around it making the tour educating and exciting all at once.

BOOK YOUR ICE CAVE TOUR

Snowmobiling on Mýrdalsjökull Glacier

Ride with us to the top of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, an icecap covering one of Iceland‘s largest mountains, Mt. Katla. The glacier adventure provides stunning photo opportunities to remind you of the beautiful, wild and pure Iceland. We provide you with the special clothing and all the equipment needed for the trip so you can enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. 

BOOK YOUR SNOWMOBILE TOUR

ATV Tour with DC3 Plane Visit

ATV/Quad biking is a great way to explore the raw black sandy beaches on the south coast.After a fun ride on the black beach, we stop at a plane wreck to adore the amazing view up to Mýrdalsjökull glacier and along the big black coast all the way to Dyrhólaey, the southernmost part of Iceland. This tour can also be a day trip from Reykjavik!

BOOK YOUR ATV TOUR

Sólheimajökull Glacier Hike

This is such a rewarding experience in Iceland!  Not only do you get to experience a glacier and the blue ice, but you learn about the changing environment and the effects it has had on Iceland.

BOOK YOUR GLACIER HIKE HERE

MORE ON THE BLOG ABOUT ICELAND….

ONE WEEK ICELAND ITINERARY

ICELAND TRAVEL TIPS

NORTHERN LIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS IN ICELAND

BLUE LAGOON ICELAND TRAVEL TIPS

GLACIER HIKING IN ICELAND TRAVEL TIPS

SHOP MY TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

DO YOU HAVE TRAVEL INSURANCE?

If 2020-2022 taught us anything…it’s that the world can change in an instant.  We don’t know what tomorrow holds, so be sure to protect your trip with CANCEL FOR ANY REASON Travel Insurance.  Travel Insured is the only company I use for both myself and my clients!

GET A TRAVEL INSURED QUOTE HERE

*This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.  Why affiliate links?  They help keep this blog running and a free resource for you to use!