Things to do in Iceland
Elding Whale Watching Reykjavik11 optionsBlue Lagoon Tours17 optionsGlacier Walks11 optionsDay Trips from Reykjavik18 optionsHorse Riding Reykjavik15 optionsFood Tour Reykjavik21 optionsIce Cave Tour from Reykjavik18 optionsReykjavik Airport Transfer14 optionsSnowmobile Reykjavik11 optionsAkureyri Northern Lights Tour5 optionsReykjavik Walking Tour44 optionsSecret Lagoon Tours11 options
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Reykjavik: Glacier Hike & Ice Cave with Jokulsarlon & South CoastYou get two full days covering the South Coast's main draws — two major waterfalls, a glacier hike with an ice cave, Jokulsarlon's floating icebergs, and two black sand beaches — without arranging transport, equipment rental or timing yourself. Hotel pickup and breakfast are included, and you sleep one night in a central hotel positioned for northern lights viewing if conditions allow.Is it for me?Right for travelers with two days in Reykjavik who want the South Coast's main attractions — waterfalls, glacier, ice cave, lagoon and black sand beaches — without arranging transport or equipment. Expect a full schedule both days with early starts and several hours of hiking, which is what fits all five major stops into the timeframe.
Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier: 2-Hour Ice Hike & CramponsYou hike 4–6 km across Breiðamerkurjökull glacier with a guide who explains how the ice formed and is changing. Crampons, helmet, and harness are provided and fitted before you start. The walk takes about 2 hours on medium terrain; you'll see blue ice, crevasses, and volcanic ash depending on daily conditions. All gear is included, and you return to the Glacier Lagoon by early afternoon.Is it for me?Book this if you want to walk on a real glacier without arranging transport, gear, or timing yourself — the guide handles safety and navigation, and the fixed meeting times mean you know exactly when to show up and when you'll be back.
Glacier hiking Skaftafell: Falljökull expedition with cramponsA 5-hour glacier hiking expedition from Skaftafell National Park onto Falljökull, a glacial outlet of Vatnajökull, where you walk on ice with crampons under professional guidance. The guide teaches you how to move safely on glacial surfaces, and you spend roughly three and a half hours on the ice exploring deep crevasses, moulins and formations unique to this icefall. Moderate fitness required; minimum age 14.Is it for me?This expedition is for anyone with moderate fitness who wants to walk on ice itself rather than view a glacier from a distance — the guide handles safety and technique, so you focus on the landscape and the movement across it.
Puffin Watching & Gufufoss Waterfall Tour from SeyðisfjörðurA 5-hour puffin and waterfall tour from Seyðisfjörður visits Hafnarhólmi, one of the world's largest Atlantic puffin colonies, then explores the turf-walled Lindarbakki house and Gufufoss waterfall in the remote coastal village of Borgarfjörður-Eystri. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, live English guide, and all fees; children are welcome from age 2.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want to see puffins and waterfalls without arranging transport or entry separately—the vehicle, guide, and all fees are locked in, so you step off the boat in Seyðisfjörður and the day unfolds on schedule.
South Coast Day Trip: Reynisfjara Beach & WaterfallsA 10-hour guided tour of Iceland's South Coast from Reykjavik in a small group (max 18 travelers) with a certified English-speaking guide, minibus transport, and visits to Reynisfjara Beach, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Sólheimajökull Glacier. Pickup and drop-off from authorized points in Reykjavik are included. Children from age 6 can join; the tour suits all fitness levels.Is it for me?Most South Coast tours run on a fixed schedule that rushes the stops; this one holds the same four landmarks but keeps the group under 18 so the guide can linger where the light or the moment asks for it. The minibus and certified guide mean you're not navigating the route yourself or timing the waterfalls around crowds — the day is arranged so you can stand still and look.
Skaftafell: Falljökull Glacier Trek with Certified GuideYou hike eight kilometers across Falljökull glacier with a certified guide who explains the ice formations and history as you walk. All safety gear, crampons, and 4x4 transport from Skaftafell are included. The group stays small, and the moderate pace suits anyone with decent fitness and proper footwear — boots can be rented on-site.Is it for me?Right for travelers with moderate fitness who want to walk on an actual glacier with a certified guide handling safety and navigation. Plan for a full day out and uneven terrain — that's what makes reaching the blue-ice sections possible.
Jokulsarlon Ice Cave Tour: Blue Ice on VatnajökullYou meet your guide at Jökulsárlón's parking lot, get fitted with spikes and a helmet, then ride a 4x4 to the glacier base. From there you hike up to whichever blue ice formation—cave, tunnel, or canyon—the guide has assessed as safest and most impressive that morning. The route changes daily, the hike covers up to 5.5 kilometers over 2.5–4 hours, and you're in a small group with a certified local guide. If weather closes the caves, you either do a glacier hike instead or get your money back.Is it for me?Right for travelers with moderate fitness who want to walk on Vatnajökull's actual ice without needing climbing skills or booking a private guide. The route changes daily based on safety and conditions, so each tour is different—expect flexibility and authentic glacier features, not a fixed itinerary.
Fagradalsfjall Volcano Hike & Reykjanes Peninsula TourThis 9-hour tour from Reykjavik combines a moderate hike through the mossy lava fields around Fagradalsfjall—where a 2023 eruption reshaped the landscape—with a drive around the Reykjanes Peninsula to see the Bridge Between Continents, Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, Gunnuhver Hot Springs and Lake Kleifarvatn. A professional guide leads the group and handles the route; pickup is included from Bus Stop 12 or designated locations. The hike difficulty is moderate, and children are welcome from age 12.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want to combine a hike through active volcanic terrain with a full circuit of the Reykjanes Peninsula's geothermal and geological landmarks in a single day—the guide's knowledge and the fixed itinerary mean the day holds together even when the hike runs long, and you do not have to piece together separate transport to each stop.
Langjokull Glacier Monster Truck Tour from GullfossThis 4-hour glacier tour departs from Gullfoss Waterfall and boards you onto a massive Monster Sleipnir Truck that climbs onto Langjokull Glacier, Iceland's second-largest. A local guide leads the journey, sharing stories about glaciers and Nordic mythology as the truck navigates the highland terrain. On the glacier, you choose to sled down snowy slopes or play golf on the ice, then warm up at a pop-up cafe with hot cocoa, coffee, tea, Icelandic pastries and pure glacier water. The tour ends back at Gullfoss.Is it for me?Book this if you're comfortable in a shared group setting; choose the Golden Circle version instead if you prefer departing directly from Reykjavik rather than meeting elsewhere.
Reykjavik: South Coast Glacier Hike & Jokulsarlon Boat TourYou hike on blue ice with crampons and an ice axe, float among icebergs in a boat at Jokulsarlon, and see Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach without arranging any of it yourself. The tour picks you up from your Reykjavik hotel, includes breakfast, overnight accommodation on the South Coast, and returns you to the city on the evening of day two. Luggage storage in central Reykjavik is free if you book it in advance.Is it for me?Book this if you want the South Coast's main sights and both a glacier hike and a boat tour without arranging transport, timing, or accommodation yourself—the fixed two-day schedule is what fits all of it in and gets you back to Reykjavik by evening.
Skaftafell Glacier Hike: 3km Falljökull walk on VatnajökullYou're picked up at Skaftafell and driven to the foot of Falljökull glacier, where a certified guide outfits you with crampons, ice axe, and harness. The hike covers roughly three kilometers across the ice, with stops to learn about the glacier's structure and how Vatnajökull is evolving. All specialized gear is included, and the whole experience takes one morning or afternoon, returning you to Skaftafell by early afternoon.Is it for me?Right for families and first-time glacier walkers who want to walk on ice without arranging transport or gear—the small group and certified guide handle the logistics and safety so you focus on the experience. Expect about three kilometers of walking on uneven terrain with crampons; that's what makes the hike accessible to most fitness levels.
Sky Lagoon Reykjavik: Geothermal Spa & Private TransferYou're picked up from your Reykjavik hotel and driven to Sky Lagoon, where you move through seven bathing stations—hot pools, cold plunges, steam, sauna—following an Icelandic wellness tradition. Towels are provided, and you choose between private or shared changing facilities. You soak with views of the North Atlantic, possibly under the Northern Lights or a winter sunset, then the driver brings you back to your accommodation. The whole experience takes a few hours, and you handle none of the logistics.Is it for me?Book this if you want to experience Iceland's geothermal bathing culture without renting a car or arranging your own transport—the private transfer and included ritual make it a complete experience that starts and ends at your hotel.
Blue Lagoon Reykjavik: Geothermal Spa & Airport TransferYou're picked up from Reykjavik or Keflavik Airport and driven to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, where you soak in mineral-rich outdoor hot water with a towel, locker and facial mask included. The lagoon stays open until 10pm, so you choose your entry time. Your return transfer is scheduled in advance, so you know when to get out of the water and head back.Is it for me?Book this if you're landing in Reykjavik and want to soak before a road trip, or if you've been driving and need to warm up without arranging separate transport and entry — the transfer handles both directions, so you only need to show up and choose your time.
Akureyri Whale Watching RIB Boat: 2-Hour Express TourYou board a small, fast RIB boat with 11 other travelers and a guide who knows where the whales are. Two hours searching Eyjafjörður fjord, standing in your seat, soaked and cold and alert. All safety gear included, plus a whale guarantee: no sighting means a free return on the classic tour. Pick your departure time when you book.Is it for me?Book this if you want a real chance at close whale sightings and don't mind getting cold and wet in a fast, open boat—the speed and small group size are what make the closer encounters possible.
Whale watching tour Húsavík: Family-run, 30 yearsA whale watching tour from Húsavík, Iceland's whale-watching capital, aboard the boat Moby Dick with a live English-speaking guide. The family-run operation has spent over 30 years learning these waters and follows the Icelandic Code of Conduct for Responsible Whale Watching. The three-hour tour crosses Skjálfandi Bay toward the Kinnarfjöll mountain range, where humpback and minke whales are common sightings; blue, fin and killer whales appear less often, and white-beaked dolphins sometimes join the trip. Life jackets and floatation overalls are provided, and you get a 20% discount at the Whale Museum by showing your boarding pass.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want to watch whales without arranging transport or worrying about safety gear—the boat leaves on a set schedule, everything you need is provided, and the crew has decades of experience reading these waters and the animals in them.
Langjökull Ice Cave Tour from Húsafell: Inside the GlacierThis 4-hour tour takes you onto Langjökull glacier in a specially modified monster truck, then into the largest man-made ice tunnel in the world carved into the ice itself. You'll see crevasses and ice formations lit from behind, learn about Iceland's geology and glacial history from a live English-speaking guide, and return with all necessary equipment provided. The tour runs year-round in both summer and winter conditions, though winter departures include transfer from Reykjavík while summer does not.Is it for me?Book this tour if you want to step inside a glacier rather than view it from a distance—the tunnel access and guided ice walk are what make this different from a standard glacier viewing. Winter departures work best if you're based in Reykjavík and want transport included; summer tours suit travelers who can reach Húsafell on their own or prefer to add transport as an optional extra.
Reykjavik: South Coast Waterfalls, Glacier Hike & Jokulsarlon BoatYou get two full days covering Iceland's most famous South Coast stops without arranging transport, accommodation or equipment yourself. Day one includes three major waterfalls and a glacier hike with all safety gear provided. Day two is a boat tour among icebergs at Jökulsárlón and time on Diamond Beach. Hotel pickup from Reykjavik and breakfast both days are included.Is it for me?A good fit if you want Iceland's South Coast highlights in two days without renting a car or booking separate transport, accommodation and activities—the fixed itinerary and included pickup mean you just show up at your hotel in the morning. Expect an early start, full days of driving and hiking, and weather that changes fast; bring waterproof clothes and be ready to move between stops.
Husky Sledding Reykjavik: Greenlandic Sled Dogs South CoastHusky sledding on Iceland's South Coast near Mosfellsbær combines a 30-minute sled or cart ride with Greenlandic Arctic dogs, photo breaks and an experienced musher's guidance. The tour runs year-round on snow or dry land depending on conditions, and pickup from Reykjavik is optional. Children from age 6 are welcome; weight and BMI limits apply, and you'll need warm, waterproof clothing and either a rental car or the transfer option.Is it for me?Book the transfer option if you want to skip the rental car and let someone else handle the drive from Reykjavik; book without transfer if you're comfortable driving and want to explore the South Coast on your own schedule. Either way, the sled guarantee option locks in a snow ride regardless of conditions, while the standard option adapts to whatever the weather brings.
Akureyri: Goðafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon Geothermal BathYou're driven from Akureyri to Goðafoss Waterfall with a stop at a heritage turfhouse museum, then finish with a soak in the Forest Lagoon geothermal bath. Entry fees, towel and WiFi are included; the tour takes about six hours with thirty minutes of travel between each stop. Book this if you want North Iceland's essentials without arranging transport or timing the stops yourself.Is it for me?Book this if you're docking in Akureyri or staying nearby and want North Iceland's main sights in one morning or afternoon without arranging a rental car — the fixed stops and included entry fees mean you're not coordinating logistics between three separate places.
Reykjavik: Silfra Snorkeling Private Group & Underwater PhotosYou snorkel in a private group of up to six between tectonic plates in Iceland's clearest water, choosing between a drysuit or wetsuit for 30–40 minutes in 2–4 degree glacial water. Entry fees, equipment, undergarments, and underwater photos are included, plus hot chocolate after. The guide meets you on location and handles the logistics so you just show up ready to swim.Is it for me?Right for swimmers who want to experience Silfra's 100-meter visibility and the tectonic plates without arranging transport or worrying about entry logistics — the private guide and small group size mean you move at your own pace and get photos without hunting for a camera operator.
