Iceland Experiences

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Explore Iceland's serene landscapes with kimkim's selection of preferred activities. You can unwind in the unique geothermal Vök Baths in the East Fjords with its exclusive floating pools or indulge in the healing waters of Reykjavik's Sky Lagoon, with its ocean views and invigorating body scrubs. If you're looking for an adventure, snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Silfra Fissure or observe puffins in their natural habitat at the secluded Ingólfshöfði Cape. Don't miss these activities and more in Reykjavík, Golden Circle, the South Coast, or the East Fjords for your next trip to Iceland.

Egilsstadir
The Geothermal Vök Baths
4.9
(18)
Small group
Set in East Iceland near the town of Egilsstaðir are the Vök Baths. If you're spending time in the East Fjords region, this hot spring is an excellent stopping point for a little rest and relaxation. Plus, it's unique compared to other thermal baths in the country, as the facility offers serene...
 Courtesy of Sky Lagoon
Reykjavík
Iceland Thermal Bath Experience
4.9
(12)
Self guided
Immerse yourself in Iceland's natural thermal baths at Sky Lagoon, a geothermal spa with an infinity pool that offers stunning ocean views and the chance to witness the mesmerizing northern lights. You can elevate your experience with a seven-step ritual that includes a refreshing cold bath and...
Jökulsárlón
Blue Ice Cave Tour
4.9
(14)
3 hours
·
Small group
Walking through the electric-blue ice cave of the Vatnajökull glacier is an experience you won't soon forget! The tour begins after meeting your expert and friendly guides at the parking lot of Jökulsárlón, about 2.5 hours east of Vik along the Ring Road. Your guide will take you by Jeep up the...
Grindavík
The Blue Lagoon
4.7
(62)
3 hours
·
Self guided
Imagine relaxing in a blend of seawater and geothermally heated water, rich in silica, minerals, and algae, all while surrounded by a lunar lava landscape. This experience is one of Iceland's most famous and a huge tourist draw. But although it attracts the masses, as soak in the Blue Lagoon is...
Golden Circle
Snorkel in the Silfra Fissure
4.7
(29)
5 hours
·
Small group
Immerse yourself in the clearest water in the world and float between two continents in the famous Silfra Fissure, a truly unforgettable experience. Silfra is a fissure created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates cutting through Iceland. The snorkeling area is...
South Coast
Puffin Watching at Ingólfshöfði Cape
5.0
(8)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Set just south of Hof—a small town along Iceland's South Coast via the famed Ring Road—is Ingólfshöfði Cape. The area is the perfect environment for nesting, attracting thousands of seabirds each year thanks to its isolation. Some of the birds that inhabit Ingólfshöfði include the common murre,...
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Hof
Jokulsarlon Glacier Kayaking Adventure
4.8
(13)
1.5 hours
·
Small group
Embark on an unforgettable adventure kayaking in the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, considered one of Iceland's natural wonders. Throughout this small group tour, you'll have the freedom to kayak at your own pace while basking in the sight of icebergs and friendly seals. The tour concludes with a...
Curtesy of Elding
Reykjavík
Whale Watching from Reykjavík
4.9
(7)
3 hours
·
Small group
Embark on a thrilling journey into Faxaflói bay with a skilled crew and trained naturalists to encounter the majestic whales of Reykjavík. Board from the Visitor Centre to a comfortable boat equipped with indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, a cafeteria, and warm coveralls for those who wish to...
Vík
Hike & Zipline Adventure in Vík
5.0
(3)
2 hours
·
Small group
Enjoy a thrilling experience as you zipline through forests and above canyons and waterfalls near the coastal town of Vík. This challenging, exciting, and safe adventure includes a scenic hike and four zipline rides. The zipline routes, called Little Rush, Gentle Giant, Leap of Faith, and Big...
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Vatnshellir Lava Cave Tour
4.5
(12)
1 hour
·
Small group
Dig deeper into Iceland's geologic history by touring the Vatnshellir Lava Cave on the southwestern end of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. A 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik will get you there, to the most visited cave in the country.The cave is an 8000-year-old lava tube created by a volcanic eruption...
Golden Circle
Horseback Riding in the Golden Circle
4.8
(4)
2.5 hours
·
Small group
Just outside Reykjavik is one of Iceland's most picturesque geothermal areas, filled with steaming streams, geysers, and rivers. Explore the area's unique and diverse scenery memorably while on horseback! After getting acquainted with your horse and equipment, you'll set off up a hill following...
Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
4.4
(26)
Small group
Bordering Iceland's vast Vatnajökull National Park is the famed Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, known for its incredible scenery, floating icebergs, and wildlife. The lagoon connects to two of Iceland's other glaciers, Breiðamerkurjökull and Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap. Eventually, the...
Golden Circle
Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
4.6
(5)
1 hour
·
Small group
Just about 30 minutes from Reykjavík is Iceland's famed LavaTunnel, known as Raufarhólshellir. The tunnel is a result of the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll Mountains about 5,200 years ago. Although you won't walk through its entirety, the tube stretches 4500 ft (1360 m),...
Golden Circle
Relax & Explore in the Fontana Geothermal Baths
4.5
(6)
Small group
Just about 50 miles (70 km) east of Reykjavik is the Fontana Geothermal Baths, an area offering steam baths, relaxing pools, saunas, and a picturesque lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It's the perfect place to combine a bit of adventure with some relaxation and pampering while in the Golden...
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Whale Watching in Ólafsvík
4.4
(7)
3.5 hours
·
Small group
Nowhere else in Iceland is there a better chance to see the ocean's top predators—sperm whales, pilot whales, and orcas—than along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula coastline. So, join a whale-watching tour from the town of Ólafsvík on the peninsula's northern side (about 2.5 hours from Reykjavik) and...
Northern Iceland
GeoSea Geothermal Baths near Húsavík
4.3
(6)
3 hours
·
Small group
Northern Iceland offers one of the country's newest and most modern thermal spas, the GeoSea Geothermal Baths. Near the town of Húsavík is this world-class geothermal bathing mecca, offering an experience that taps into the historical roots of a small fishing town. Locals have harnessed the...
Reykjavík
Inside the Þríhnúkagígur Volcano Tour
5.0
(1)
6 hours
·
Small group
Just about 20 miles (33 km) from Reykjavik sits the dormant Þríhnúkagígur Volcano, a unique natural phenomenon. Experience this wonder from the inside out with a moderate hike to the volcano's crater. You'll start with a scenic walk to the base of the volcano, passing through lava fields and...
Golden Circle
Langjökull Glacier Snowmobiling
4.3
(3)
4 hours
·
Small group
Snowmobiling in Iceland is a bucket list for many travelers, and you can enjoy the adventure atop Langjökull Glacier, just about 95 miles (150 km) northeast of Reykjavik. Join professional guides in the Icelandic Highlands, offering amazing views of the majestic glacier and its unique...
Skaftafell
Vatnajökull Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike
4.3
(4)
Small group
If you've ever wanted to scale a glacier, this is your chance! This ice climbing adventure takes you up a glacial wall on Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Set just north of Hof and about two hours from Vik, the activity takes you through the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. After learning the...
Reykjavík
Northern Lights Hunt in a Super Jeep
4.0
(6)
Small group
Hop aboard a Super Jeep (a special vehicle made specifically to navigate icy and off-road terrain like Iceland's) and enjoy a thrilling hunt for the Northern Lights. With a Super Jeep, you can ditch the crowds, tourist buses, and light pollution and get off-the-beaten-path to reach exclusive...
South Coast
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour
3.7
(3)
1.5 hours
·
Small group
Not far from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on Iceland's South Coast is another idyllic lagoon filled with massive icebergs: Fjallsárlón. Just northeast of Hof, the coastal hub of Vík is just a little over two hours from Fjallsárlón. After dressing in a wetsuit and receiving a safety lesson, your...
Northern Iceland
Mývatn Nature Baths
3.5
(2)
2 hours
·
Small group
Although Iceland's Blue Lagoon draws the crowds for its milky, blue hue, the popular thermal spa has a rival in the north: Mývatn Nature Baths. Set near Lake Mývatn and about a 1-hour drive from Akureyri, these natural hot springs feature a lagoon-like atmosphere with healing, mineral-rich waters...
The Cave People
Golden Circle
The Cave People Civilization Museum
3.0
(1)
0.5 hours
·
Although the phrase "cave people" might elicit images of the ice age, in Iceland, cave people refer to those who lived in homes built into the earth and rock. Even just 100 years ago, some islanders lived in these cave homes. At the museum, you can step back in time and experience it for...
Hof
Vatnajökull Glacier Hike
3.0
(1)
Small group
Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier, set in southern Iceland above the town of Hof along the country's famed Ring Road. Along with its numerous outlet glaciers, Vatnajökull covers over 2 million acres (8100 km2). Expert guides will help you get acquainted with your equipment, discover the...
Secret Lagoon
Soak in the Secret Lagoon
3.0
(1)
You'll find the Secret Lagoon about 1.5-hours east of Reykjavik, near the town of Flúðir. Known locally as Gamla Laugin, it's the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, established in 1891 at the Hverahólmi geothermal area. This region is a special place offering minerally rich, warm waters coming from...
Skógafoss
Reynisfjara Beach
South Coast Waterfalls & Beaches
Self guided
Iceland's scenic South Coast is home to many of the country's most famous attractions—and some offbeat ones! Enjoy a drive cruising along the Ring Road (Route 1) and stopping to view world-famous waterfalls and beaches while passing scenic glaciers and volcanoes along the way.Seljalandsfoss...
Northern lights over Kirkjufellsfoss
Reykjavík
The Northern Lights Center in Reykjavík
Self guided
Because of its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the best countries in the world to view the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon, known as Aurora Borealis, continues to fascinate visitors every winter when Iceland's limited daylight makes it even more common to witness the...
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall
1 hour
·
Self guided
Visit the Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, one of the most photographed scenes in Iceland, thanks to its beautiful backdrop featuring Kirkjufell Mountain. Set on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula near the town of Grundarfjörður, the waterfall is just about 2.5 hours from Reykjavik. A parking...
Golden Circle
Geysir Geothermal Area
1 hour
·
Self guided
You'll find the Geysir Geothermal Area in the popular region of the Golden Circle, just about 65 miles (106 km) east of Reykjavik. With bubbling mud pits, steam vents, and erupting geysers, the area is one of the most impressive geothermal zones in the country. Geysir was named for its own...
Northern Iceland
Seaside Horseback Riding near Húsavík
1.5 hours
·
Small group
Enjoy the scenery of coastal Húsavík in a unique way: atop Iceland's famed horses. As you ride along the sea, you'll enjoy a fantastic view over the Bay of Skjálfandi, known as the "World of Whales," thanks to the area's large population of these magnificent ocean creatures. Eventually, you'll...

Best Experiences in Iceland

Hikers in Landmannalaugar
Map of The Best Multi-Day Treks in Iceland
The Best Multi-Day Treks in Iceland

Iceland is a world-class hiking destination. Its colored mountains, green valleys, and windswept cliffs provide the perfect setting for epic multi-day hikes. Since most Icelanders live in and around Reykjavik, and most travelers stay close to the roads, the rest of the sparsely populated country offers plenty of room to roam. These multi-day treks cover some of the most beautiful places in Iceland.

Coast line in the East Fjords
Map of Best Short Hikes in Iceland of 4 Hours or Less
Best Short Hikes in Iceland of 4 Hours or Less

Iceland offers plenty of hikes of any length. Curious hikers who venture just 15 minutes from the highway are often generously rewarded with emerald-green hills, mountain streams, dramatic cliffs and--best yet--no noisy crowds or gargantuan tour buses. Here's a list of the best short hikes ranging from 1-8 miles, ideal for stops along road trips, and to leave the tour bus crowds behind even if you have limited time.

The Green Cliffs of Hornstrandir Nature Preserve (photo by Borea Adventures)
Map of Best Panoramic Hikes around Ísafjörður: Calm Fjords and Untouched Nature
Best Panoramic Hikes around Ísafjörður: Calm Fjords and Untouched Nature

Isafjordur is home to some of the best hiking areas in all of Iceland. Whether you’re looking for short hikes with jaw-dropping views, day trips to remote areas, or multi-day backpacking treks where you can camp out away from it all, the heart of the Westfjords has it all. Here are a few hikes to that will really make your time in the Westfjords memorable.

Whale watching is available all year round in Iceland
Top 12 Family Activities in Iceland

Iceland is a magical place for children - from horseback riding to volcanoes to whale watching, the options for families are endless. Family travel is easy and safe in Iceland where tour companies welcome children and hotels are family friendly. We've compiled a list of our top year-round activities for families with kids aged 5-16.

The Countryman's Bathing Pool at Landmannalaugar
Map of The Ultimate Guide to Iceland's Best Pools and Hot Springs
The Ultimate Guide to Iceland's Best Pools and Hot Springs

If you do one activity in Iceland, make sure it’s a hot spring. Swimming in hot springs or geothermal pools are a time-honored tradition among Icelanders, ever since the days of the sagas. Families, couples, and friends get together regularly to soak, play, and share the latest gossip or news in hot waters. Depending on where you are, hot springs range from natural hot pools carved from the rock, to man-made pools with carbonated thermic waters, to more typical swimming pools, heated with geothermal energy. While the Blue Lagoon can be a bit crowded for some people, this guide will show you the best-kept secrets awaiting you all over Iceland. So don’t forget to pack your swimsuit.

Six Great Day-Hikes in the Westfjords
Six Great Day-Hikes in the Westfjords

Home to a rugged landscape and trails for every type of hiker, the Westfjords region provides a perfect backdrop for exploring Iceland on foot. Marvel at geysers, have a picnic on the shores of a scenic bay, and take in the mountain peaks as you make your way through one of the country's most beautiful trekking areas.

Glymur falls, Iceland's tallest waterfall (photo by Chris McCarty)
Best Waterfall Hikes in Iceland

Iceland is home to many incredible waterfalls, with several just off the main tourist roads. While this makes for easy access, it also means lots of people crowding around all trying to take the same photo. With a little extra time, you can leave the crowds behind and hit the trail to explore some of Iceland’s hidden wonders on your own.

The colorful volcanic mountains at Landmannalaugar.
Map of Hiking in the Highlands: Iceland's Volcanic Trails
Hiking in the Highlands: Iceland's Volcanic Trails

Get off the beaten track and discover Iceland’s otherworldly volcanic landscape on a multi-day hike in the country’s less traveled Highlands region. Choose one of these 3 trekking itineraries and experience everything the storied Volcanic Trails have to offer: lava fields, mountains, and so much more.

Best Day Trips from Reykjavik
Map of Best Day Trips from Reykjavik
Best Day Trips from Reykjavik

Iceland’s capital is ideally situated only a couple of hours from some of the country’s most beautiful natural sights, and there's plenty to be seen in the span of a single day. Whether you drive the popular Golden Circle route or opt for the basalt columns and lava fields of the remote Snaefellsnes Peninsula, it won't take you long to feel far from the city.

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland
The Best Hot Springs Experiences in Iceland

Iceland's hot springs are world-famous, as many travelers flock to the country to soak in the hot and healing geothermal pools. You'll find hot springs in every corner of the country, including popular baths like The Blue Lagoon and Fontana near Reykjavík. Or, you can venture out of the west and visit unique pools like Vök Baths and GeoSea. If you want a true adventure, you'll also find baths that require hikes, like the scenic Seljavallalaug pool.

Best Day Hikes in Iceland
Map of Best Day Hikes in Iceland
Best Day Hikes in Iceland

In a wilderness as wild and dramatic as Iceland’s, you’re sure to find countless opportunities for long day hikes. Here's a list of the best day hikes, ideal for a day’s adventure from your road trip around the Ring Road, or from a base camp in the highlands.

Explore a turf house in Iceland
Best Local Experiences in Iceland

As a destination, Iceland is absolutely booming — and that means the list of crowded, tourist hotspots is getting longer and longer. If a more authentic take on this island country is what you're after, veer off the Ring Road. Skip the popular tourist attractions, and explore in all directions. Here are five of our favorites ways to get a deeper look into the Land of Fire and Ice.

The scenery of Northern Iceland
Best Things to Do in Northern Iceland

Northern Iceland is a special region offering unique experiences not experienced by those who only visit the country's southern and western portions. In the north, you'll find an idyllic stretch of the famed Ring Road, passing through places like Húsavík, Iceland's whale-watching capital. In addition, you'll discover less-crowded alternatives to the popular Blue Lagoon and can explore Askja, one of the country's wildest regions. But don't worry, the north also boasts waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and thermal baths!

Iceland's famed glacier lagoon
Top Winter Experiences in Iceland

Winter in Iceland offers many unique activities that you can't always experience in other seasons. Make the most out of the limited daylight with wintry adventures, such as kayaking amongst icebergs, exploring electric-blue ice caves, dogsledding with a pack of Huskies, snowmobiling atop glaciers, hiking in the snow, or tracking the country's wild reindeer population during their annual migration.

Akureyri at Night
Best Things to Do in Akureyri

Whether it’s summer or winter, Akureyri proudly reigns as Iceland's second city. It may be no larger than a small town, but the capital of Northern Iceland abounds with activity. From taking in the town's history to hiking north of the Arctic Circle, Akureyri has something for every traveler.

Iceland's colorful and historical towns
Top Cultural & Historical Experiences in Iceland

Iceland's culture is deeply rooted in its Nordic region, with a settlement period going back centuries to when the locals worshipped gods and goddesses and before the Vikings had even arrived. You can experience this history and culture throughout the country by visiting museums devoted to architecture and folklore or learning about the Vikings through interactive exhibitions. Discover Icelandic sea monsters, stop by the birthplace of Leif Eiriksson, catch the sunlight at the Arctic Henge sundial, observe traditional turf houses, and more.

The beautiful and powerful Skogafoss waterfall
Top Waterfall Experiences in Iceland

Iceland's scenic waterfalls are a huge draw to the country, as many are easily accessible and tower from impossible heights into scenic river canyons. The country's famed cascades are diverse, from Kirkjufellsfoss with its magnificent mountain backdrop to Seljalandsfoss with its impressive spray within a cave. You'll find waterfalls in every corner of the country, though some of the most popular include Skogafoss in the south and Godafoss in the north.

Volcanic eruption in Iceland
Top Volcano Experiences in Iceland

Many travelers visit Iceland for its unique terrain, volcanic activity, and geologic history. Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland has many volcanoes, with some covered in ice caps. You can hike atop an active volcano, walk across lava fields and steamy valleys, or visit lava tunnels and museums. Learn about the inner workings of Iceland's volcanoes and discover how they connect to the glaciers and mountains that surround them.

The beauty of Snæfellsnes
Best Thing to Do on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Just northwest of Reykjavik, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the perfect hub if you want to enjoy the unique natural beauty of Iceland. All within the same relatively small area, you can hike through a river gorge, gaze at Mt Kirkjufell and its idyllic waterfalls, go whale watching, search seacliffs for puffins, explore a lava cave, view glaciers, and more.

The scenic Golden Circle
Best Things to Do in the Golden Circle

Iceland's famed Golden Circle features some of the country's most beloved natural attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area (with the Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir), and the one-and-only Gullfoss Waterfall. Opt for a day trip or spend more time in the region, snorkeling between tectonic plates, hiking through geothermal valleys, rafting along white-capped rivers, soaking in hot springs, and more.

Reykjavik and its natural surroundings
Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, is an excellent hub for exploring some of the country's famed natural surroundings. From the city, discover wildlife like seal colonies and whale populations or explore inside and outside the active Geldingadalir volcano. Relax in thermal waters and thoroughly enjoy the vast and diverse Icelandic landscapes, all while returning to a vibrant and artsy city each night.

The surreal atmosphere of Iceland's glacial landscapes
Top Glacier Experiences in Iceland

With over 250 glaciers, Iceland's famed ice caps draw the crowds. You can enjoy various activities, including hiking across glaciers, exploring ice caves, snowmobiling atop volcanoes covered in ice, kayaking in glacial lagoons with icebergs, and boat tours. You can also visit the non-icy products of Iceland's glaciers, including its river canyons carved out by the receding ice long ago.

Experience the unique scenery of the Ring Road
Best Things to Do on the Ring Road

Route 1—known as Iceland's famed Ring Road—loops around the entire country, allowing you to see all the sights, east to west, north to south. A road trip along the Ring Road features some of Iceland's most popular destinations, like the Blue Lagoon, the canyons and glaciers of the South Coast, the famous Gulfoss waterfall, black-sand beaches, and geothermal areas. In addition, the route is packed with excursions like glacier hikes, river rafting, hiking, and (of course) soaking in hot springs.

Hiking in Landmannalaugar
Best Hiking Experiences in Iceland

As cliche as it sounds, Iceland is truly a hiker's paradise. Large swaths of the country (like Thórsmörk Valley and Landmannalaugar) are simply devoted to hiking. You can enjoy everything from multi-day hut-to-hut treks to short and scenic day hikes to colorful mountains, waterfalls, or glaciers. You can even hike atop active volcanic areas, such as Reykjadalur Valley and Geldingadalir Volcano.

Kayak in a glacier lagoon
Top Active Experiences in Iceland

Although Iceland offers a diverse range of activities to enjoy, its natural environment is one of its main draws—and with that comes a nearly endless assortment of active outdoor excursions. Experience kayaking through a glacial lagoon or hiking to the country's many waterfalls. Go ice climbing up one of the glaciers or ride horses along the coast. Snorkel between tectonic plates and zip line over river canyons. You can do all this and more in beautiful Iceland.

Enjoy the South Coast's brilliant waterfalls.
Best Things to Do on the South Coast

Iceland's famed South Coast hosts some of the country's most popular natural sites, including glaciers, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, sea stacks, volcanoes, and more. Some memorable experiences include walking behind the scenic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, getting up close with icebergs on Jökulsárlón and Sólheimajökulll Glacier lagoons, snowmobiling atop the icy abyss, observing the Reynisfjara rock formations, and exploring the country's geologic history at the interactive LAVA center.