ICELAND'S BEST ACTIVITIES
ICELAND'S BEST ACTIVITIES
This Wild Soul - Alice
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In this Iceland Activity Guide I share the very best activities and operators in Iceland, so you can have the most memorable experiences possible, and make memories that last a lifetime! Because trust me they will... Iceland has to be one of the most unique and incredible places I have ever been ...and I used to think of myself as a warm weather traveller 😉
What are my qualifications for this destination guide? - I organised and led an adventure tour for a global travel company here last year & got 10/10 reviews - probably in large part down to the amazing activities and companies I used to make that trip epic for everyone. Read on to find out the exact activities and companies I recommend!
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❄️🌋 The land of fire and ice, Iceland is a totally unique and utterly epic destination. Having organised tours here for groups of global travellers, these are my TOP activity recommendations for an absolutely incredible time in Iceland, doing things you just can't do anywhere else!! 🔥
🔥 Hot Tip:
In Iceland weather and conditions are extremely changeable & it can get very windy & wet, there can be a snow blizzard out of nowhere, or a volcano can go off unexpectedly (as we found out last year while I was there). For this reason, I always book through Viator because they give you the flexibility to reserve now pay later, with an extremely generous cancelation policy (up until the day before in most cases). This means you can check the weather a few days ahead before confirming- extremely helpful. This deferred payment option also helps if you're booking for friends or a group and need to collect money in for the booking. Iceland is a very popular destination and activities tend to get booked up 1-4 weeks in advance so I recommend making reservations as early as possible, even if you're not 100% sure, you can always change your mind later!
⭐️ Click each of the activities below to read more. + scroll down within each, to find the link to the exact company I use, and specifically recommend for the activity.
Top Tours In Reykjavik:
Lava Show
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**This is a must see experience in Iceland** The Lava Show is an educational and fascinating 1 hour show where you see real lava heated up to the highest temperatures. Your host plays with the lava as they explain the ins and outs of how it's made, the properties and all about volcanos.
I personally recommend this as your first introduction to Iceland and a great way to kick off you travels. Opt to book it the evening of your arrival and go for dinner afterwards so you have plenty to talk about and feel excited for the rest of your stay.
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Sky Lagoon
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Head to Sky Lagoon and bathe in crystal clear geothermal mineral water for a truly magical end to the day. I personally suggest booking your time slot so it aligns with you being in the pool for sunset (perhaps arriving 30-45mins before), this will give you the most amazing experience with sunset views across the bay making it truly memorable.
Sky Lagoon features a swim in and out bar and their 7 step ritual takes it to the next level in relaxation and self care.
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FlyOver Iceland
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Fly over Iceland is a great activity if you have an hour to spare at the beginning or end of your trip or if you're staying for a few days in Reykjavik. You get to experience a birds eye view virtually flying over the truly stunning natural landscapes Iceland has to offer- unlike anywhere else in the world. Either let it inspire your adventures or cap them off in a grand finale.
It's a great activity for adults and children alike.
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The Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour
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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.
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Perlan Museum
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The Perlan Museum is a nature exploratorium featuring exhibits on Icelands unique biodiversity and landscape. It features the northern lights, volcanic activity, animals, water, ice (including an actual ice cave) cafe, bar and restaurant and observation deck with great views across Reykjavik. It's a great place to while away an afternoon or evening and learn more about the place you have come to visit.
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Top Tours outside Reykjavik:
Iceland Activities with options including transport from Reykjavik:
Katla Ice Cave
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**one of the top 5 things to do in Iceland**
Kalta Ice Cave is an awe inspiring set of ice formations on the Kötlujökull glacier. On this full-day tour, spin through the icy countryside by powerful 4x4 vehicle and visit the beautiful Dragon Glass Katla ice cave. With your guide to lead the way and round-trip travel from Reykjavik included, explore the cave and take in the mighty Skogafoss waterfall—considered among southern Iceland’s top natural attractions.
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Silfra Fissure - snorkle or dive between Tectonic Plates
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This is a bucket list experience - the only place on earth where you can snorkel between continental plates.
Experience Iceland’s incredible geology from underwater at Silfra, a fissure between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park. Don a dry suit and snorkel or scuba dive your way through ultra-clear waters, admiring the luminous plants and rocks as you embrace the uniqueness of this experience.
You can either choose to do this including a transfer from Reykjavik or meet on at the location and I've put links to both options.
If you have hired a car I suggest meeting on location and combining it with seeing Oxarafoss- a beautiful waterfall a short 15 walk from the Silfra fissure plates, and also driving to see Geysir and Gulfoss.
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Northern lights & Stargazing hunt!
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If you’re visiting Iceland in the winter months, a Northern Lights hunting tour is a must. This tour from Reykjavik ensures an unforgettable evening, as you combine a Northern Lights hunt, with a spectacular stargazing experience, and experience the magic of Iceland by night.
TOP TIP: Maximize your chances by going on this hunt only when activity and cloud forecasts are favourable. The sighting rate on this tour is high but spotting the elusive Aurora Borealis can never be guaranteed! I personally recommend reserving the night you'd like to do it now, for a night early ish in your trip (so you can re-arrange if you need to).
Next, download the "Hello Aurora App" -check the app a week before and re-arrange to a different night if necessary, recheck a couple of days before for the forecast and take a view -if you use the link below to book your tour on Viator you can cancel easily without charge until 24 hours before the activity is due to begin, which should be perfect for actually knowing whether you're in with a good chance!
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Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon
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***One of the top 5 things to do in Iceland*** Journey through the famous Golden Circle of Iceland. See the site of the first Icelandic parliament and the stunning Oxarafoss waterfall in Thingvellir National Park. Next, head to the geothermal area known for Geysirs and watch one erupt! After warming up by the Geysirs you'll head to the stunning Gullfoss waterfall- one of the most powerful and awe inspiring waterfalls in Iceland. Next stop a 3000 year old volcanic crater- Kerid, after which you journey through vast lava fields and cone volcanos in the Reykjanes Penninsular to the iconic Blue Lagoon where you enjoy 2 hours soaking away and relaxing in pure bliss.
Top top: This tour is for if you don't have your own car, if you have your own- drive to each location and check them out independently so you can go at your own pace.
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Glacier Hike & South Coast tour. - Sólheimajökull
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A trip to Iceland is not complete without a hike on one of the impressive glaciers. The are constantly shrinking, what you see now will be gone in a few years time and so there has never been a better time to enjoy them!
You'll join this expedition to the South Coast from Reykjavik. Starting with a hike on Sólheimajökull glacier then proceeding to make stops at the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall and majestic Skogafoss. After which you'll head to the mighty waves of the Atlantic Ocean at Reynisfjara beach, also known as Black Sand Beach - an absolutely stunning site to see and must do place to visit on your trip.
Top tip: Wear layers and pack waterproofs.
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Snæfellsnes
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West Iceland’s beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula boasts towering waterfalls, rugged cliff-faces, and spectacular coastal scenery, but its remote location makes access challenging and less touristy- and therefore that bit more enjoyable.
On this tour, you get to explore the peninsula with ease from your Reykjavik accommodation, take in stunning natural features including Mt. Kirkjufell and it's waterfall (Featured in Game of Thrones) and Djupalonssandur black-sand beach. Discover geological craters and lava fields, with a traditional meal in the Icelandic countryside included.
Included in the tour is a hassle-free pick up and drop off from your Reykjavik accommodation!
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Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
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Explore Raufarhólshellir, one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland. A lava tunnel is the fascinating cave system left behind by a previous volcanic eruption. The site shows were lava once oozed through the landscape.
With a helmet and headlamp, see some of the tunnel’s most interesting features and learn about the changing colors of the lava rock formations from a guide.
You can choose to meet at the entrance to the tunnel for those with a car or be transferred from Reykjavik.
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Iceland Activities - Meet on Location:
Helicopter Ride from Skaftafell
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***Bucket List Excursion*** One of the most magical things you can do in Iceland is take to the skies and see it's phenomenal landscapes from above. Icelands diverse nature means you're treated to a wide range of otherworldly natural patterns and landmarks, etched into the landscape and only to be witnessed from the skies.
Pickup is from Skaftafell and your ride will take you over iconic sites such as:
- Landmannalaugar, Vatnajokull Glacier (The largest glacier in Iceland & Europe), Grimsvotn volcanic erruption site, Lakagigar and more....!
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Vatnajokull Glacier Hike
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*** 1 of the top 5 things to do in Iceland*** Going on a glacier hike is a must do in Iceland and Vatnajokull is the biggest and most impressive glacier in Iceland, and one of the largest in the world. Glaciers are shrinking at an alarming rate across the world and Vatnajokull is no different, in just 30 years it has lost over 150 square miles to climate change. Now will never be a better time to go see it, because it won't be as grand as it was today ever again!
There are two tour options I recommend- a full day version with just 2-4 participants (highly recommend) or a small group version of up to 15people which is just 5 hours.
Being on the glacier itself you get to see and feel ice up close in it's impressive glory and learn facts about how it was formed and what's happening to it now climate change has had an impact. It's an exciting and educational experience and I personally LOVED it and so did everyone I know that's done it. This will absolutely be one of your trip highlights.
Top tip: Get there 30 minutes early to kit up, try and be ready to be in the first group that goes up so no one else is in front of you, this means you'll get incredible photos without other people and there will be no waiting to pass anyone else. Do: wear layers and take Waterproofs- Icelands weather can be changeable.
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Crystal Blue Ice Cave
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Capture gorgeous photos of one of Iceland's (and the world's) most remarkable phenomena: the blue ice caves of Vatnajökull National Park.
Exploring in a group no larger than 13, your guide will take you from Jökulsárlón to the cave in a rugged 4WD, where you'll get to explore the eerie underground landscapes. Choose between a range of departure times to suit your schedule and the daylight!
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Kayak Glacier Lagoon
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Go Kayaking through the etherial waters of Fjallsjökull and get up close with Vatnajökull glacier from a seals eye view without lots of tourists blocking the way and get get amazing photo opportunities. This is something few people do but makes for the most incredible magical experience- without motorised boats you glide across the peaceful waters, avoiding the crowds and navigating different icebergs big and small, whilst if you're lucky saying hi to a few seals!
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Adventure in Landmannalaugar & end with Hot Springs - Day Tour
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Explore beyond Reykjavik city limits and discover some of Iceland’s most spectacular scenery on this full-day trip to Landmannalaugar.
In the morning, meet your driver-guide in Reykjavik, hop aboard your shared vehicle, and head into the Highlands. Landmannalaugar is known for its colorful mountains, stunning hiking trails, and hot springs.
Spend active time in picturesque nature, and end the day with a relaxing soak.
Note this activity is: SUMMER only.
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Solheimajökull Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike
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Are you an adventurous soul? Take things one step further than a simple hike and explore one of Iceland’s mightiest natural sites of interest and gain insight into the country’s rich geology on this Sólheimajökull glacier tour. Harnessed up for safety, climb the vertical crevasse walls of the Sólheimajökull glacier with your guide and admire the spectacular scenery you find. Follow frozen routes over the mighty glacier, peer down into huge crevasses, and put your ice axes and crampons to good use on the icy terrain!
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The Perfect 3 Day Tour:
3 DAYS - Golden Circle - South Coast - Glacier Hike - Boat Tour Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
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If you don't want to hire a car but still want to venture out of Reykjavik and squeeze in as much as possible this is an excellent way to do it.
Relax and let this tour take you to see all the most famous and beautiful sites outside of Reykjavik.
Day 1: Adventure through Icelands classic Golden Circle inclduing Thingvellir National Park, Oxarafoss, Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall.
Day 2: Visit Black Beach, South Coast Waterfalls and enjoy an exciting Glacier Hike on Solheimajokull!
Day 3: Takes you further along the coast through Lava Fields to take a boat ride through the etherial awe inspiring Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach.
This is a perfect itinerary if you have 3 days but no car, it will save you booking lots of different tours and all the faff time of moving between tours. So if you want to do all of these things without your own car, this is the tour for you!
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Next:
Check out my top accommodation recommendations for Iceland:
My top Iceland tips, transport recommendations & helpful apps:
This Wild Soul - Alice
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Your ESSENTIAL Guide to Iceland - Where to stay and how to get around!
So you're off to Iceland, but what do you need to know before you go? In this Iceland destination guide I cover all the things you need to think about before you leave and any particular facts to be aware of. You also get my recommended list of apps and websites to help make your time there super smooth. It will help you check conditions for things like the Northern Lights or road conditions (which can be hazardous due to the weather and volcanic activity).
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This Wild Soul - Alice
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Hi, I'm Alice! I have a fondness for seeking out unique, once in a lifetime, once in a destination experiences. I've personally explored 32 countries to date. My favourite destinations so far have been Flores in Indonesia, Varanasi in India, Nyungwe in Rwanda and Chiapas State in Mexico -because they were all a little off the beaten path and totally magical!
I'm an experienced solo traveller and a small group travel leader! I love trying new things, connecting with locals, hiking through nature & seeing different cultures unique and quirky traditions! I work as a freelance Travel Coordinator for the global adventure travel company WeRoad ( https://www.weroad.co.uk/ ) leading small group adventure tours to worldwide destinations several times a year. If small group travel with fab vibes is your jam, you're welcome to use my discount code: INCOORLEAKEALI for 10% OFF ANY of their tours. If you prefer doing your own thing and customising your own bespoke trip, read on... because you're in safe hands with these guides!
I'm a thorough researcher and planning trips is my forte. I've taken great care over these resources, they also, where possible, empower locals I highly recommend and have personally worked with. This is invaluable because when you get on the ground the most useful thing in many of these destinations is contacts you can trust and are dependable!
When I'm not planning my next trip, I spend my days as a rowing coach and freelance artist/designer. You might also find me attempting to touch my toes at yoga, or learning to dance with fire poi! One of my favourite places on earth is actually Burning Man Festival and as you can imagine I have a joie de vivre nature and that's just what your trip will have if you choose my services!
So, if you want the best travel experience poss, search up my destination guides with confidence, purchase a custom itinerary or hop on a destination consultation with me, and I will thoroughly prep you for your best time ever! x
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