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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With a variety of fun and unique outdoor and indoor activities, your kids will love Iceland just as much as you will. Where else can kids take a dip in a natural hot spring, explore a Viking village, and go ice-skating on the same day?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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