From Ice caves and geothermal landscapes to incredible waterfalls and rich wildlife, Iceland offers its visitors some of the most exceptional once-in-the-lifetime adventures.
Iceland is one of the wildest countries in the world boasting a range of unique experiences and once-in-the-lifetime activities. Geysers, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, lava fields, hot water springs… the list is endless! In this article, we listed some of the most unique things to do in Iceland to help you prepare for an unforgettable trip.
Walking behind a waterfall
On the South Coast of Iceland, only 90 min drive from Reykjavik, can be found one of the most photographed waterfalls of the country: Seljalandsfoss. This beautiful waterfall is in fact very popular amongst tourists because of its impressive size but also its unique topography allowing visitors to walk behind the 60m drop of water and admire the landscape from every angle.
Depending on the time of the year, it is also a really great spot to watch the sunset directly from behind the waterfall stream. The perfect time to live this unique experience in Iceland is during April or May, when the alignment between the sun, waterfall and walking path is at its utmost.
While Seljalandsfoss can be visited all year long, be aware that during the winter months, the path that leads behind the water stream is often closed because of icy conditions. Yet, even covered in snow and ice, the waterfall remains a must-to visit!
To reach the waterfall, you can drive from the capital or join a tour. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is an easy day trip from Reykjavik but also one of the main stops on Road 1 whether you are touring the island or just going on a road trip along the south coast.
Info: There is a car park (ISK 1,000) and a few places to stay in the area. If you have a van or a tent, you can stay at the campsite only 500 m away. You can also stay at the hostel across the road or a more fancy hotel less than a kilometre down the road.
If you don’t have access to a car, there are a few guided day tours from Reykjavik that will stop at Seljalandsfoss and allow you enough time to walk behind the waterfall. These tours include a lot more than just the waterfall and take you to a few more unique spots along the south coast!
– From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip – €75 pp – 10 hours
– From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Trip – €130 – 14 hours
Tips! There are a few other waterfalls you can walk behind around Iceland – Seljalandsfoss is just the most popular. If you want to see another one with pretty much nobody else, drive to Skogar Museum (near Skogafoss waterfall – another incredible waterfall) and park on the far east side. Pay for your parking online and follow the trail. It will get you within 10-15 min to the waterfall Kvernufoss. A pure beauty!
kayaking on a glacier lagoon
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is found within the Vatnajökull National Park, at the bottom of the largest Ice Cap in Europe. Due to its location, this large clear blue lagoon is dotted with massive icebergs that broke down from the nearby glacier.
This is a truly unique landscape that you can witness from several viewpoints along the Lagoon’s shore. However, to best appreciate the size of the icebergs and make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we can only recommend joining a kayaking tour.
Unfortunately, guided day tours from Reykjavik do not offer this option in their itinerary due to the long drive which leaves little room for this activity. Alternatively, there are a few day tours that offer the Jokulsarlon Glacier Boat trip as part of their offering from Reykjavik. While the activity is obviously different, the boat is a lot more accessible to anyone and still gives you the opportunity to get closer to the icebergs.
Ideally, you will be travelling on your own for a few days along the ring road and will have enough time to factor in kayaking on the Lagoon.
During your visit, do not miss the nearby black sand beach (Diamond beach), where the icebergs after floating through the lagoon, end up being crushed by the Atlantic Ocean’s waves and pushed onto the shore. With the sun, the iceberg’s remains look like Diamonds!
Info: There are a few companies you can take a kayaking tour with at Jökulsárlón – check their website here: https://adventures.is/ – https://www.iceguide.is/ – http://icelandadventuretours.is
Alternatively, you can also join a kayaking tour on a glacier lake closer to Reykjavik. The Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon is in fact only 2h from Reykjavik. While the place is a little less spectacular than Jökulsárlón, it can be done as part of a day tour from the capital.
Seeing arctic foxes in Hornstrandir
by Suzanne from Meandering Wild
Beyond the amazing landscapes and adventure activities, Iceland has many wild birds and animals that can be seen as you travel around.
The only native mammal in Iceland is the Arctic fox which survives despite the harsh weather conditions and limited food supply. They come in two different colours – blue (brown) and white. Blue arctic foxes are much more common than white arctic foxes even in the winter months.
The foxes can be seen all over Iceland if you are lucky, but if you want to guarantee an encounter, heading to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords is the best place to go.
In the small town of Sudavik is an Arctic Fox Centre where there is lots of information about the foxes. They run a rehabilitation programme as well so there is sometimes a fox or cubs cared for before being released back into the wild.
However, heading out into the nature reserve and finding wild foxes is one of the most unique things to do in Iceland!
This can be done throughout the year. In the winter months, travel is difficult, but you will see the foxes in the snow, hunting along the shoreline. In the summer months, the foxes will be hunting seabirds along the cliffs to take back to their dens to feed the cubs. If you are very lucky you may even see young foxes playing in the summer meadows.
While it is possible to see foxes, having a guide will ensure that you are in the right place at the right time. Borea Adventures in Isafjordur runs trips across Hornstrandir and can help with finding the foxes and providing suitable guides for hiking to the more remote areas.
Info: the Arctic Fox Centre is open May 1st to October 31 from 9 am – Website
Looking for puffins
Puffins are small black and white birds with colourful beaks that migrate to Iceland in the summer to breed and feed.
Between the months of May and August, puffins colonies can be found nesting at the Krýsuvíkurbjarg cliffs, Westman island, Reynifjara beach, and a few other remote areas and islands near Reykjavik.
Puffins are very sensitive birds that look for remote and quiet areas where they won’t be disturbed by visitors or predators such as foxes. From Reykjavik, there are a few boat tours that allow you to get close to the cliffs such as this one and this one. You can also book a combo with whale watching.
Alternatively, you can drive to Dýrhólaey lighthouse and hike around the place to see the puffins returning from the sea with small anchovies in their beak. Make sure to stay on the path to not disturb the animals nesting and keep a safe distance from the cliffs as it can get very windy.
Info: If you don’t have a car, you can join a tour from Reykjavik to look for Puffin. This boat tour is about 1.5h long and will take you nearby the island of Akurey and Lundey. Although, my recommendation would be to take a half-a-day combo tour with Whale watching such as this one, so you get to see puffins and whales in one day! That would definitely be one of the most unusual experiences in Iceland.
going Whale watching
Humpback whales can be seen in Iceland all year long making the country one of the greatest destinations in Europe for whale watching. However, to increase your chances to experience these amazing cetaceans, you may prefer to travel between April and October when most of the migratory species head to Iceland’s coast to feed.
The main whales seen near the capital are Humpback and Minke (as well as some dolphin species). You can take a 2-hour whale-watching tour with experienced boat companies, directly from Reykjavik’s harbour.
Although, if you are looking to see larger marine mammals such as Fin whales, Blue whales, or even Orcas, you will need to first travel North to Husavik. This is one of the best places in Iceland to go whale watching and witness them feeding and breaching if you are in luck!
Info: From Reykjavik, you can choose between different two types of boats: large tourist boats (with a lot of space on the top deck to walk around) or RIB Speedboats (you can’t move around but you get a lot closer to the animals).
From Husavik, you can take a converted fishing boat, a speedboat or a traditional wooden sailing ship.
Hiking the geothermal of hveradalir
By Melinda from Mel On the Go
One of the top experiences in Iceland is well worth a detour off the ring road. A visit to Kerlingarfjöll mountain range and the geothermal of Hveradalir is an Iceland must.
This experience includes otherworldly scenery, smooth hiking, and burbling hot springs. The terrain is so unusual you’ll feel like you’re on a film set.
Hiking in the Hveradalir geothermal is relatively easy. It covers a large area and passes through bubbling hot springs, geysers, clay pits, and beautiful scenery. Wooden steps climb the mountains, and bridges cross many of the steam vents and pools, safely allowing for close examination and photos of these natural wonders.
The almost reddish-brown volcanic ash combines with the wooden steps and misty air to set a dreamy mood. It’s a place that’s wonderful to visit and hard to forget. Wear comfortable shoes and pack water so you can take your time and absorb the atmosphere.
To reach this stunning hike, you must leave the Ring Road, and for that you need 4WD. The F35 through the interior will take you to the amazing Kerlingarfjoll campsite, situated downhill from Hveradalir, the name of the geothermal area.
A huge benefit of its off-the-beaten-path location is that it is considerably less crowded than many of Iceland’s famous sites.
Stay overnight to prolong your experience in this magical part of Iceland. Nestled among the geothermal at Hveradalir are hot tubs you can soak in if you time it right.
photographing Northern Lights
Iceland is a great destination to see the Northern Lights in the winter because of its location close to the northern pole and the very short sunlight available between November and March.
There aren’t specific places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights. You just need to get away from any light pollution such as city lights, ensure the sky is clear of clouds, look North and be patient! If the solar activity is strong enough (above 3kp), you will have all your chances to live this incredible experience!
If you have access to a car, we can recommend heading north towards the Snæfellsnes peninsula, or driving to Þingvellir National Park. If the Northern lights are strong you will see them immediately! Just make sure to park safely, bring hot drinks and cover yourself with layers.
For those who may not feel safe driving at night in snowy Iceland, you can easily join a Northern lights tour from Reykjavik. They are usually led by experienced guides who can also give you photography tips and help you set up your camera.
Tips: book your tour at the beginning of your stay as most tour companies will let you join a second time for free if you don’t see the lights on the first attempt.
Crossing the Arctic Circle
by Annie from Into the Bold
If you’re in Iceland and want to cross the Arctic Circle, a trip to the small island of Grimsey is the perfect day trip!
While most of the country lies south of this invisible line, the Arctic Circle goes right through the middle of Grimsey. A trip to the island is the perfect opportunity to get off the beaten path, see a bit of wildlife, and have a totally unique experience!
The ferry to Grimsey departs from the main port in Dalvik all year round, but summer is definitely the best time to visit. The ferry ride is about three hours each way and you may see dolphins, whales, and many birds native to the area, including puffins!
During summer, the weather is warmest for exploring the island and sitting outside during the ferry ride to take in the scenery.
You’ll have four to five hours to explore the island before the ferry heads back to the mainland. Pack a lunch or plan to eat at the little restaurant on Grimsey. Because the island is sparsely populated, there aren’t many amenities available. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on the ferry as well. Also, because the island is so small, you won’t need a car to visit.
While on Grimsey, you can visit the spot that marks where the Arctic Circle crosses the island. It’s also a great place to spot puffins nesting in the rocks along the sea. There’s even a disc golf course if you want to play a quick round. If you want to spend the night, there is a guesthouse and campground on the island.
This unique Icelandic experience is worth a day of your itinerary! For a guide to planning your own trip to European destinations, check out this article.
Tip: Make sure to bring gloves and a waterproof jacket, even in Summer.
Info: You will need to book your tour online because the ticket office is often closed due to current restrictions.
swimming between continental plates
The Silfra Fissure is the only place in the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates!
Only 1-hour drive northeast of Reykjavik, within the Thingvellir National park, the Silfra Fissure is the result of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drifting apart. The crack is about 60m deep and there are even a few narrow spots where you can touch both plates at the same time.
You can choose to go diving or snorkelling but either way, you will be required to join a tour with a local guide since the area is protected and regulations are in place.
Info: You can drive to the National park and join a snorkelling or diving tour that you would have pre-booked online. For those without a car, it also exists day tours from Reykjavik to the Golden Circle that includes a Snorkelling session in their itinerary and price!
Expect the water temperature to be around 2 to 4°c (35 to 39 F) all year long. Though, because of this most creatures aren’t able to survive, making the Silfra water one of the purest and clearest in the world. Visibility can indeed reach up to 100m.
Most tours are organised from May to September.
Riding Icelandic horses
By Karen from Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Picturesque Icelandic horses dot the landscape throughout Iceland. These purebred horses are wonderful to photograph, but even more, fun to ride. Riding an Icelandic horse may be one of the top outdoor adventures in Iceland.
Even people with little experience with horses will be able to ride these trusty steeds. There are horseback riding stables all over Iceland. Pick one with good reviews and prepare to have a unique, classic Iceland experience. Tours can be 1 to 2 hours or multi-day overnights and are offered year-round.
When you arrive at the stable, you will start by getting to know your horse. These sweet horses are very sensitive so establishing a connection is important. Safety is emphasized so your guide will brief the group on tips to be relaxed while riding the horses.
The scenery on the trail ride is always outstanding. Depending on the location of the stable, you might ride through mountain valleys, geothermal features, or black sand beaches.
Icelandic horses are known for their smooth, 4-beat gait called the tolt. Experiencing the running walk of the tolt is a highlight of horseback riding in Iceland.
Info: Here are a few ideas for you!
– Horse Ride through Hafnarfjordur Countryside > All details here
– Ride an Icelandic horse through red lava fields > Price & Availability
– Go horseback riding in the morning and visit the golden circle in the afternoon > Info here
Visiting ice caves
By Paulina from UK Every Day
Exploring ice caves in Iceland is only possible during winter. When glaciers start melting, unique shapes of ice tunnels are created. You can’t see the same ice cave twice as they keep changing every year. Visiting ice caves in Iceland is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Vatnajökull, Falljökull or Breiðamerkurjökull are the best places to see ice caves. You can’t explore them on your own so make sure to book a tour before your trip to Iceland. During the hike to this natural phenomenon, you will require crampons and helmets that will be provided to you by the tour company.
For this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the best time to visit Iceland is between November and March. When the temperature rises, ice caves can collapse so it is really dangerous to explore them at other times of the year.
There are also a few man-made ice caves in Iceland that can be found for example in Langjokull. However, if you would like to see them in the largest glacier in Europe, visit Vatnajökull. Click here, to read our full article about exploring that National Park.
It covers 8% of Iceland where you can find many natural ice caves. This magical experience is absolutely one of the best that you can have in Iceland.
Info: You must hire a guide to visit the Ice cave. Because this is a very popular activity in the winter, we would recommend booking online before your trip. You can choose between visiting a real Ice Cave near Skaftafell (your own transport to the park) or taking a Jeep tour from Vik to Mýrdalsjökull Glacier below Katla volcano. Closer to Reykjavik, you can visit a man-made Ice cave and walk through the world’s largest ice tunnel: all details can be found here.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jen – Owner, writer & photographer – has lived for the past 10 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling long-term in Latin America, North America and Europe. She has visited more than 60 countries and set foot on every continent in the world!
>> Favourite countries: New Zealand, Bolivia, Iceland.
>> Wishlist: Svalbard, Japan, Botswana, Alaska.
>> Philosophy: “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
Jen is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife and outdoor activities. Her organisation and curiosity make her a great travel companion always looking for DIY and off-the-grid adventures. For more info, check out the About page.
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Wowza! I cannot get over all of the gorgeous creatures you’ve captured here. What a bucket-list experience this would be. I’ve always wanted to see an arctic fox in real life, so you’ve definitely inspired me to make the journey!
Your post was a pleasure to the eyes. Kayaking on the glacier, and visiting an ice cave are on my list now.
Wow! I’d love to do all of these activities! Especially the kayaking and visiting ice caves. How beautiful!
Kayaking around glaciers and seeing the puffins, whales, and foxes sound like a perfect trip to me! Thanks for sharing this awesome bucket list for Iceland 🙂
This is a great post, pinning it for later for the day I finally make it to Iceland!
Thanks for all the information. Definitely going to add to my bucket list.