Top 10 Things to do in Iceland

The scenery in Iceland is incomparable. A trip to the land of ‘fire and ice’ is like stepping onto another planet dominated by glaciers, secret lagoons, waterfalls and geysers. On top of that, dynamic Reykjavik and small fishing villages offer up rich culture and culinary delights.

Wondering when is the best time to visit Iceland? Visit in the winter months and you’ll have short days and long nights that offer the best chances of seeing the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Meanwhile, summer brings with it near-continuous sun and warmer days to make snorkeling and diving possible. It’s also the best time to visit Iceland if you wish to see some of its numerous waterfalls cascading down the volcanic mountains as you make your way around the Ring Road.

But, regardless of when you visit, there’s no shortage of experiences and excursions that will give you a taste of the best Iceland has to offer. To help you make the most of your trip, here’s a list of the top 10 things to do in Iceland, straight from our experts! 

1. Chase the Northern Lights in Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places to view the magical natural phenomenon: Aurora Borealis, better known as the Northern Lights. While a visit between September to March will give you the best chance of seeing the night sky come alive, you’re not guaranteed to see it everywhere. 

On a Super Jeep excursion, your expert guide will take you far away from the crowds and light pollution, to experience the Aurora Borealis from deep in the countryside, greatly increasing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland.

2. Bathe in the geothermal Secret Lagoon

The Secret Lagoon in Iceland’s Golden Circle is the best place to relax and unwind after a busy day’s exploring. This man-made swimming pool has been open since 1891, making it Iceland’s oldest hot springs. The water stays at a warm 38-40° Celsius all year long, and the spouting geysers make The Secret Lagoon undoubtedly one of the best places in Iceland where you can enjoy the volcanic scenery in comfort. 

3. Snorkel or scuba diving in Silfra fissure 

The Silfra fissure is where the North American and European tectonic plates have been slowly drifting apart by 2cm each year, creating a sizable gap that offers the clearest freshwater and longest freshwater visibility on the planet. Snorkelling or scuba diving here is an incredible experience, so it’s no wonder it is on many Iceland bucket lists.

4. Discover the local fauna

A visit to Iceland allows you to get up close to some amazing species of wildlife. In Husavik, known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, you can ride out to sea on a boat and observe breaching minke and humpback whales in the summer months.

Summer is also the season to go puffin-spotting in the country. The Westmann Islands, located off the southern coast, boast the largest colony of Atlantic puffins in Iceland as well as thirty other bird species.

Depending on the season, you could enjoy riding a purebred Icelandic horse across the beautiful volcanic landscapes and lush green valleys. Several farms along the Golden Circle offer horseback tours with horses matched to your level of experience.

5. Eat langoustine at the Höfn Lobster Festival

Höfn is considered the lobster capital of Iceland. In late June every year, the small fishing village of only 1,500 inhabitants hosts a celebration in honour of the delightful delicacy. Here you can try Langoustine, also known as Norwegian Lobster, loved for its strong flavour and delicate texture. When your taste buds are satisfied, explore the nearby glaciers, caves and lagoons in Vatnajökull National Park. 

6. Hike on Sólheimajökull Glacier

In the south of the country lies the 8km long Sólheimajökull glacier, one of the most popular spots for glacier hiking thanks to its vast expanse and easy access. A guided excursion here will have you hiking on the glacier and into its natural ice caves using crampons and ice picks.

Round out the day with a visit to the Skógafoss waterfall with a drop of 60m or the spectacular Reynisfjara beach with its volcanic black sand which was used in the Hollywood blockbuster Noah, starring Russel Crowe. 

7. Travel to the Arctic Circle on Grimsey Island

Perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle is the small grassy island of Grimsey. This isolated island is worth a visit for bird lovers as over one million seabirds such as puffins, arctic terns and razorbills call the island home. Its extreme northern location limits the amount of light pollution, making Grimsey one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights in winter.

8. Learn about Icelandic Folklore in Borgarfjörður Eystri

The influence of the Scandinavian Vikings who first settled on Iceland can still be felt today. The best way to get to know more about their stories and legends is by taking an elfin-walk with an expert guide. You’ll get to visit the picturesque fjord of Borgarfjörður Eystri, which according to Viking lore is also home to elves or “hidden people”, who live in the many rocks and boulders in the area. One such rock, Kirkjusteinn, is believed to be a church for these elves. 

9. Kayak along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

A paddle along the coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in a kayak is certainly not dull. You may spot puffins gently soar above you or nestled into the cliff face. You’ll also paddle past a half-submerged shipwreck towards rocky Breiðafjöður bay where its charming lighthouse has kept watch over the bay for decades. The beautiful scenery, wildlife and wonderfully tranquil ambience are a must-do for adventurous nature lovers. 

10. The best things to do in Reykjavik are outside

Rounding out our list of the top 10 things to do in Iceland is a visit to Reykjavik, Iceland’s buzzing capital city. It may be small, but it’s packed with creative street art that shines a light on Iceland’s contemporary culture. Wander the colourful streets and check out the graffiti, murals, and even rooftop tags that adorn buildings around town. And don’t miss one of our favourite things to do in Reykjavik- the Wall Poetry project, a collaboration between Berlin’s Urban Nation art collective and the Iceland Airwaves music festival.

Book your Iceland bucket list trip

Ready to witness Iceland’s captivating landscape for yourself? Speak to our travel experts who will plan a custom itinerary with all the top 10 things to do in Iceland in 2022 and beyond. They can also inform you of the latest travel restrictions to Iceland and the best time to visit Iceland.