We offer various outdoor activities that can be organized as part of the travel program during your trip to Iceland. Lava plains, black sand deserts, central highlands with glaciers, green meadows in the lowlands off the coast, winding fjords, and quaint volcanoes make Iceland unique in various landscapes. They offer great potential for outdoor activities, whether you are traveling by car or on foot.
The combination of geothermal activity and glaciers means that Iceland has many waterfalls, lakes, and hot springs to enjoy all year round. The term "hot spring" is used for warm pools, human-built spas, natural geothermal lakes, or even geysers. In Iceland, it is popular for locals and visitors to spend time in the heated geothermal pools and spas abundant in Reykjavik and villages across the island. The most famous tourist resorts: Aside from the comfortable pools, you can find several locations scattered throughout the countryside, a cross between artificial pools and hot springs. The water in there may be completely natural, but the surrounding stones and concrete used for construction are made so that people can enjoy hot springs as a place to bathe. These hot springs are a little more difficult to reach and may have simple facilities only. Here is a list of few hot springs of this kind: And if you want to swim in secluded natural hot springs in the wild, you will also find many small places away from popular tourist routes. Some of which are difficult to access: Iceland also has hot springs, mostly natural, where you cannot bathe in for safety reasons because the water may be too hot, unstable, or cold. Hiking and trekking are popular in Iceland during the summer. One of the most popular hiking trails is Laugavegur, from Landmannalaugar to the Torsmork Valley (4 days / 52 km). Another popular route is Fimmvoruhals (10 hours / 26 km) from the Thorsmork valley to Skogar. In national parks and reserves, you will also find several marked hiking trails. Regardless of the length of the hike, always bring food, water, and warm clothing suitable for the changeable Icelandic weather. Trails can be uneven and sharp rocks, so prepare good-quality hiking boots in advance. It is also helpful to use hiking poles. The best time for hiking in Iceland is from June to August when the weather is relatively warm, but some highlands may be partially covered with snow. Hiking is not practiced from autumn to spring due to weather conditions and the inaccessibility of many places. Many other trails in Iceland can attract you preparing your hiking vacations and discover Icelandic diverse landscapes in several regions of the country: Iceland has many glaciers, the largest of them are Vatnajokull, Langjokull, Hofsjokull, and Mirdalsjokull. Hofsjokull is the most difficult to access as it is deep in Iceland, but others are fairly easy to reach. Most of the winter glacier hikes occur at Solheimajokull, the outlet of the Mirdalsjokull glacier, covering Katla volcano. Glaciers are constantly moving, crawling, and melting, creating incredible landscapes. Ice can also contain deep cracks and crevices that the snow can hide, so you are supposed to take a glacier hike with a dedicated guide only, who knows the area well and will lead you along a safe route. Walking on ice, ice climbing, snowmobiling, and taking a boat or kayak tour at the glacier lagoon is an exciting and unique experience. You can enjoy glacier adventures on day trips from Reykjavik to the Langjokull or Solheimajokull glaciers. Still, the trip to the Vatnajokull glacier will take at least two days with an overnight stay at the South Coast. Natural blue ice caves at Vatnajokull are allowed to visit from November to March. During the summertime, natural ice caves are getting dangerous due to the risk of collapsing. Ice cave tours are starting again when the ambient temperature drops down close to freezing. As the glaciers continue to move continuously, the ice caves used by local operators for tours can change from year to year. The artificial ice cave on the western side of the Langjokull Glacier is open all year round. Local operators from Husafell perform glacier excursions ( Into the Glacier)l. They can also arrange a transfer from/to Reykjavik. Snowsports, surprisingly, only recently started to be popular in Iceland. This is partly because most of Iceland's population lives in the southwestern corner of the country, where the climate is milder and snow does not always cover the land in winter. There are more cross-country skiing opportunities in the north of the island near Akureyri, although you will have to bring your equipment. Alpine skiing and snowboarding are the most popular winter sports, and the ski lifts at Blafjell mountain, 20 km from Reykjavik, is a great location for these activities. Iceland also has many places to go on a snowmobile tour. For snowmobiling on the east side of Langjokull Glacier, local operators pick you up from Gullfoss waterfall, one of the main points of the Golden Circle route, and take you to the glacier. They can also provide transfers from/to Reykjavik. Snowmobiling usually takes 1-2 hours, plus getting to base camp and returning to the departure point. Snowmobiling is also possible on the Myrdalsjokull glacier. Mirdalsjokull is the southernmost and fourth largest glacier in Iceland. The excursion starts at the base camp near Solheimakot. Vatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe. It covers many active volcanoes. Snowmobile tours in Vatnajokull are provided from March to October. The departure point is between the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and the town of Hofn, right next to the Ring Road. You can go snowmobiling in the north of Iceland from Akureyri. Instead of glaciers, travelers traverse the landscapes of Sulumirar, pastures at 500 m above sea level. The terrain at Sulumirar is slightly flatter and more open than its southern counterparts, making it more attractive to accelerate on a snowmobile. The famous Trollaskagi Peninsula (Troll´s Peninsula) is another ideal snowmobiling spot in Iceland. Better known for its ski runs, Trellaskagi is an impressive, challenging, and highland region between the Skagafjordur and Eyjafjordur fjords, with the nearby town of Dalvik. What better way to explore Icelandic landscapes than on horseback? Although most local horses are small in size, it would be wrong to call them ponies. Icelandic horses are strong, balanced animals that, in addition to walking, trotting, gallop and gallop, can move smoothly on uneven ground with the help of the sliding gait "tölt." The Icelandic horse has many wonderful qualities. It is said that the Vikings, when they settled in Iceland, brought only their best horses. Because Icelandic horses have not been blended with other breeds for thousands of years. They retained some of their qualities lost in other European breeds, such as the variety of colors and the distinctive tölt gait. Icelandic horses are usually short, stocky, very strong, and resilient because, for centuries, the law of "survival of the fittest" has been applied to Icelandic horses. They can keep warm in severe winters and remain without food for a long time. These strong and hardworking animals helped the Icelanders survive in Iceland; they were used for horse riding, transporting goods, and helping with hard work on the farm. Some say that if not for these amazing animals, the Vikings and then the Icelandic people would not have survived here in Iceland. Currently, horses are used for the autumn collection of livestock, as well as for entertainment purposes. The largest breeding centers are in the country's south, but horses can be rented from farms all over Iceland, from an hour-long horse ride to two-week hikes inland. Many local operators offer short horseback rides from their farm near Reykjavik and provide transfers from and to the city. Iceland, located at a latitude of approximately 64° north latitude, makes it a convenient spot for observing the northern lights. To fully observe the Northern Lights requires patience, luck, and the following conditions: The last two conditions can be verified by referring to the forecast of aurora and cloud cover. If the forecast of the northern lights can be found in a few days, it is advisable to check the presence of clouds and their position at the last moment because the weather forecast may change due to frequent winds. Luck is always important when it comes to nature, especially when it comes to the northern lights. When choosing the best Northern Lights viewing spots, it's worth considering your travel plans overall and considering where you will stay in Iceland. You have two options to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. The first one is to hunt them without leaving the city where you are staying; the second is to make a trip, at least half an hour, from the city in the direction of the area with minimal cloud cover. To see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik, it's best to find the darkest spot and wait for your eyes to adjust. One of the recommended places is the Grotte Lighthouse on the Sellarnarnes Peninsula in the northwestern part of the capital. Searching for the northern lights in urban areas has several distinct disadvantages. First, there is always more light in the city. Second, if the clouds block the glow, you will need to move to a different area outside the city. However, it should be noted that when the auroras are strong, they can be seen even with light pollution. The most common way to hunt for the northern lights is on a guided minibus tour. These tours run regularly from September to April when light is expected, and if canceled or unsuccessful, you will usually have another opportunity to try again for free. You can book northern lights sightings from Reykjavik, Akureyri, and East Iceland. Those looking for a more personal, immersive experience can opt for private tours from Reykjavik. On tour like this, you will have a smaller group and more opportunities to talk with your guide. You will also have the opportunity to get to places that cannot be reached by large buses. Iceland is one of the most popular photography destinations in the world. Everywhere you look, you will find objects worth capturing: incredible landscapes, unique wildlife, historical culture, charming people, and varied and constantly changing weather and lighting conditions. Iceland's geography makes landscape photography as simple as it is useful. The country has a huge number of different landscapes, which are often located close to each other. You can easily photograph the diverse and breathtaking views of the coastline, mountain ranges, volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, or geothermal springs in just one day. This is especially true when visiting the southern coast, the Snйfellsnes peninsula, and the north, especially in the Lake Myvatn area. The most accessible and useful for photographing wildlife are the numerous bird species that fly to Iceland in summer to nest. The most numerous and most beloved birds are puffins; they are also a symbol of Iceland. They are especially abundant in summer near the Latrabyarg cliffs in the Western Fjords. Another aspect of cultural photography in Iceland is architecture. In Reykjavik, you can see and photograph charming houses of different colors, covered with corrugated iron, as old as the city itself, and beautiful modern buildings like the Harpa Concert Hall and the famous Hallgrimskirkja Church. Reykjavik is not the only place with famous architectural monuments. Even the most remote villages have special places, especially churches, that create captivating plots. From mid-May to late July, there is no darkness at night, only twilight. And in the second half of June, the sun does not set in Iceland at all. This creates additional opportunities for day and night photography. But from September to April, the nights are dark enough to observe and photograph the northern lights. Of course, this natural phenomenon is difficult to guarantee. It would be best if you were in the darkest place with few clouds and good weather forecasts to watch the northern lights. Those looking to fully immerse themselves in Iceland's landscapes and cultural attractions, focusing on photography, should consider booking a photo tour. Some tours are for multiple locations during the day, while others can last up to one week in winter and up to two weeks in the summer season. Over the past two decades, Iceland has emerged as one of the best whale-watching destinations in Europe. Tours depart from Reykjavik and other locations throughout Iceland all year round. The long daylight hours in summer, combined with a mixture of cold and warm sea currents, make Iceland's waters rich in krill and fish that attract many whale species. The chances of seeing certain whale species on a whale watching trip onboard differ depending on the port of departure and the season. Below is a list of the most common species that can be found on whale watching tours in Iceland: Orcas or killer whales are the largest dolphin species in the world, they inhabit Iceland all year round, and in the summer months, they approach the coast. They are most commonly found in the herring-rich East Fjords, around the Snйfellsnes Peninsula, and along the South Coast. Killer whales can appear on any whale watching trip, but they are not as easy to find as other species because they do not stay in one place for long. While the aforementioned species are most common, they are not the only ones of over twenty whale species frequently found in Icelandic waters. ATVs and buggies for sightseeing only are relatively new options in Iceland, requiring minimal physical effort and creating an unforgettable experience for both adults and children. However, guests traveling by ATV or Buggy should be prepared for dusty, muddy, and bumpy adventures. These tours are available regardless of the season. Actual driving times can range from one hour to three hours, depending on the tour chosen, giving more than enough time for sightseeing and the pleasure of riding an ATV or buggy. One of the questions you may have is the best choice, a ride on an ATV or a buggy? Both types of vehicles have amazing speed characteristics. But there are differences; the buggy is like a passenger car with a built-in roll cage. The buggy allows the driver to sit directly on the seat, has a steering wheel and pedals to operate, just like in a car. The motor in a buggy is usually located at the back, not under the seat like an ATV. The ATV is more of a four-wheel motorcycle and has a lot of flotation. Two-seater ATVs have an extended seat to accommodate a passenger behind the driver. Two of the best ATV and buggy destinations in Iceland are the South Coast and the Reykjanes Peninsula. The south coast is known for its impressive coastlines, black sand beaches, many waterfalls, wilderness, and varied terrain. The most popular ATV and buggy tours on the south coast take place in the fields of Solheimasandur, known for their open space, and this is also the site of the DC3 plane crash in 1973. There are four types of caves in Iceland: lava caves, glacier caves, ice caves, and artificial caves. For any caving experience in Iceland, you will need a helmet, a headlamp, and warm and comfortable clothing. There are many tours to choose from, where local operators provide helmets, flashlights, and other necessary equipment. The most famous caves in Iceland today are the ice caves, but they are only accessible during the colder months, from November to March. Glaciers constantly move or crawl, so ice caves are not permanent and change in size and shape every year. Most glacier caves begin to form because of water flowing through or under a glacier or geothermal heat from volcanoes or hot springs under the ice. If you want to see a glacier cave in Iceland, most likely it will be in the Vatnajokull Glacier. This Ice Crystal cave can only be accessed with a guide, as the glacier caves are dangerous and constantly change their appearance. Although the cave's dimensions, both in height and width, change every year, visitors are guaranteed a view of blue ice with beautiful patterns of black sand and air bubbles. The departure point for tours to this cave Katla Glacial Cave, another natural glacier cave accessible all year round, is located near the Katla volcano. However, it is a much darker cave with predominantly black ice, although blue ice can also be seen in this cave. Several small caves together create a labyrinth of ice and water to explore. Into the Glacier - Artificial ice tunnel and caves located at about 1200 meters in Iceland's second-largest glacier, Langjokull. For getting to Klaki base camp, local operators provide transfers from Husafell or Reykjavik. The drive from Reykjavik to Husafell takes about 2 hours. The Into the Glacier tour lets you explore the world's largest artificial tunnel in ice and take in stunning views from the glacier. Other common caves in Iceland are lava tubes (or lava tunnels), cavities in lava flows formed during eruptions during the uneven cooling of lava flowing from the slopes of a volcano. Lava tubes can be up to 15 meters wide and can be found 1 to 15 meters below the surface. Moreover, the length of the lava tubes can be very long and reach several kilometers. Here are some of the most famous lava tubes in Iceland: Vatnshellir Cave is located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula at the foot of the Snaefellsjokull volcano and can only be entered with a local guide. To get into the cave, you need to go down a circular staircase, and only then will you find yourself in a cave about 200 meters long, very wide, and with a high ceiling. The excursion to the cave lasts about an hour. Raufarholeshellir Cave is a half-hour drive from Reykjavik and is the fourth-longest lava tube in the country. This is a very accessible cave; in some places, its width reaches 10-30 meters and height up to 10 meters. However, the ground in the cave is uneven, so be careful when walking. You can explore the cave with a local operator on a standard 1-hour tour with or without pick-up from Reykjavik. Vidgelmir Cave is located in western Iceland, near the Hraunfossar waterfall. You can combine the visit to this cave with a day trip along the Silver Circle route. The beauty of the Videlmir Cave lies in its large size and the colors inside the cave, which you can enjoy with the lighting system skillfully installed in specific locations. The length of the cave is about 1600 m, while the largest part of the cave is 16 m high and 17 m wide, making it the largest of its kind in Iceland. The Thrihnjukagigur cave or crater, east of the Blue Mountains in southwest Iceland, offers a unique exploration experience. Through the opening of the crater, you will enter a huge empty magma chamber, one of the most amazing natural phenomena of its kind. The local operator provides Inside the Volcano tours to Thrihnjukagigur with or without transfers from Reykjavik. Snorkeling or diving in Iceland is an unforgettable experience. When choosing which kind fits you best, keep in mind that snorkeling is available to almost everyone, and for diving, you are supposed to have a certificate and be experienced in dry suit diving. The most famous diving and snorkeling place in Iceland is the Silfra fissure. It is also called one of the top ten diving spots in the world. Silfra is located at the site of the Mid-Atlantic Rift in Thingvellir National Park. Two tectonic plates, North American and Eurasian, located at a distance of about 4 km, have formed volcanic fields between themselves. The plates move apart from each other by an average of 7 mm. every year, causing stress both underground and on the surface and resulting in incredibly changeable geology. Silfra gorge was formed due to earthquakes in the postglacial period and filled with crystal clear water from an open underground source fed by the Langjokul glacier. The glacial origin of the water and the small current determine the almost constant temperature in Silfra: 2–4 ° C regardless of the season. The Silfra Fissure ends off the coast of Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake. Daviðsga is wilder than Silfra, more hidden, and less hospitable. Further, there is the Davidsgja gorge in the lake itself, which is deeper and darker than Silfra; its depth reaches 116 meters. This mysterious gorge is popular with divers as well. In the north of Iceland, near Akureyri, there is a special diving spot: Strytan. The hot spring, located in the Eyjafjordur fjord at a depth of about 70 meters, releases hot water into the ocean for 11,000 years, forming limestone chimneys 55 meters high and 15 meters below the water surface. Here divers can explore flora and fauna formed and settled in these special conditions and even feel the hot water pouring from the Strytan. To dive here, guests must be at least experienced open water divers as currents can be strong, and a good level of buoyancy control is required to prevent contact with hot springs. For the avid diver, the sight of the sunken British oil tanker El Grillo, 45 meters below Seydisfjordur, will easily surpass all expectations. The tanker that sank during World War II in 1944 is a living example of few incidents in which fighting reached the Icelandic coast, even 700 kilometers away from the capital, Reykjavik. Litlaa (Small River) is a snorkeling only spot on the north coast due to its shallow depth of 7 meters. Litlaa is one of the few warm water diving spots in Iceland. Geothermal activity under the river bed heats the water to a pleasant 17°C and creates stunning visuals on the volcanic sands at the bottom. Gardur (Garden), Iceland's premier diving site, is about an hour's drive south of Reykjavik, right on the edge of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Garður is so named because a wide variety of marine life and algae await divers here. They also offer a truly striking sight of color underwater, as do individual sections of sandy desert and jutting corals. The fjords in Iceland offer a variety of kayaking opportunities. Kayaking is a unique way to admire the Icelandic landscape. Moreover, kayaks are often used on wilderness tours, allowing guests to get up close and personal with the hard-to-reach terrain. There are many places in Iceland to go for a kayaking tour. The easiest option for most travelers is to travel around Reykjavik. One such example is touring from the village of Stokkseyri in the south of Iceland, about forty minutes from the city. For those on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland, sea kayaking from Stykkisholmur is your best option. You can also opt for a kayaking tour from Grundarfjordur in the bay at the foot of mount Kirkjufell. On the south coast, kayaking tours take place in a small glacial lagoon at the foot of the Solheimajokull Glacier, the tongue of the much larger Myrdalsjokull Glacier. Many people remember Jokulsarlón when they mention the glacial lagoon. Without a doubt, this is the best option for Iceland's glacial lagoons. Local operators provide kayaking tours in the lagoon, where you will have the opportunity to sail between impressive icebergs and possibly see seals fishing in the lagoon. As another option, you can enjoy the boat tour in the glacier lagoon on a Zodiac or Amphibian boat. Another option is to go kayaking from the Westfjords, Iceland's most isolated region. These tours start in Isafjordur town. Rafting on glacial rivers is also popular in Iceland. River rafting is a great activity for the whole family or your group, as well as the opportunity to see Iceland's beautiful countryside as you go down one of its rivers. Rafting in Iceland is devoid of drama and danger compared to the more famous international destinations. However, Iceland's rivers require respect and experience; local operators always choose only the safest places for rafting. There are three rivers where you can go rafting; the Hvitá river in the south and two rivers in the north: the Austari-Jokulsa (also called the Eastern Glacial River) and the Vestari-Jokulsa (Western Glacial River), which flows next to glaciers feed all these rivers. Hvita originates from the mighty Langjokull glacier and the other two from Hofsjokull. Hvita has a grade 2 and flows near the Golden Circle route; it is the only option for river rafting in this part of the country. The river has relatively gentle slopes, transport accessibility from Reykjavik, and stunning natural scenery. All this makes the river popular for rafting in Iceland. Austari-Jokulsa river is suitable for those seeking trials. This is a grade 4 river, often referred to as the "Monster of the East", which offers many rapids, including rough waters, rocks, and requires high maneuverability. For this reason, river rafting requires a good level of fitness, and the minimum age is usually 18 years. For added safety, additional guides will accompany you on the tour. The Vestari-Jokulsá is a grade 2 river, which is ideal for beginners and seasoned professionals. Rafting smoothly along the river, you will discover many attractions. For example, steaming hot springs along the banks of the river and huge rocky gorges rise above the ground, creating magnificent canyons. As Iceland is surrounded by the richest fishing grounds in the North Atlantic, sea fishing has always been considered a profession, not a sport. However, the country's rivers and lakes are also rich in salmon and trout, attracting many fly anglers during the fishing season. Both fish are found in all major waters in the country, although it is believed that the best salmon are caught on the Laxa River in the northeast of Iceland and Ranga in the south. In winter, people drill holes in the ice and catch Arctic char. The best places for this are the Thingvallavatn and Myvatn lakes. And you are always supposed to have a fishing permit. Permits to fish char or trout are cheap and easy to obtain from local tourist offices and local accommodations, but salmon permits are expensive. They must be reserved in advance as there are restrictions on every river. The number of fish species, especially in lakes and rivers, is surprisingly small, but there is no shortage of individual quantity. Below are the species that you are most likely to catch while fishing at sea. Atlantic catfish is one of the most popular fish in Iceland. Only five freshwater fish species live and breed in rivers and lakes of Iceland, two of which are usually not eaten: Three-spined stickleback and eel. The other three: trout, Atlantic salmon, and arctic char, are abundant and are the main ingredients of many classic Icelandic meals. To catch trout that can be used as food, you should look for a sea trout that ascend the river in September. The Varma river is best suited for this. Although the trout continues to move inland during October, the sea trout fishing season only lasts from April to September. Salmon fishing is regulated from June to September and is possible throughout the country. Arctic char is the most common fish in Iceland and is found in most freshwater bodies of water. Arctic char prefers slower water and lower temperatures than trout. Dishes from this fish can be found in most restaurants as a classic national cuisine. A large number of birds, both migratory and permanent, nest in Iceland. The island is located on a major migration route and is home to around 300 bird species. According to experts, about 80 species regularly nest here, of which 40-50 species remain in Iceland for the winter or live all year round. For centuries, Icelanders have used bird eggs and bird meat to survive on the cold island. In Iceland, eggs are traditionally collected from sea cliffs and hunted for puffins and partridges. The locals have been collecting and using common eiderdown for centuries. Across the country, millions of seabirds nest on rocks by the sea, about 13 species, and about 7.5 million pairs. The Atlantic puffin is one of the most common species. The bird-watching season starts in spring and the best months for bird watching are May and June. About 6 million puffins arrive in Iceland during the summer. Lake Myvatn has more species of ducks than anywhere else in the world. Other birds popular with bird watchers include divers, eagles, partridges, common eiders, Arctic terns, arctic skuas, and numerous seabirds, waders, and passerines.
Most of the travelers who come to Iceland with the hopes of taking incredible pictures have probably piqued their interest from photographs taken by previous travelers. Many hope to recreate the photographs they have seen before, but in their style.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is one of Iceland's most densely populated regions and, without doubt, the best ATV and buggy destination in Iceland. The volcanic plateau of the peninsula has mystical vast fields with rocky cliffs, open valleys, and lava fields covered with the ubiquitous Icelandic moss. The peninsula, located just fifteen minutes from Reykjavik, is ideal for morning or afternoon excursions, allowing you to combine an ATV or buggy ride with other activities on the same day.