Top things to do in Iceland: from glaciers to hot springs

Regardless of which category you fall into, its must-see sights and hidden gems await. That Icelandia’s diverse range of tours make it a market leader is obvious as soon as you start browsing things to do on its website. Before you do, take a look at our roundup of the top things to do in Iceland; from glaciers to hot springs, there’s sure to be something with your name on it.

Our dramatic scenery means that its beaches, glacial lagoons and waterfalls are among the things to see in Iceland. With time on their hands, travellers might choose to loop the ring road and appreciate the changing natural landscapes as they travel through lava fields, alongside fjords and over mountain passes.

Yet even if you’ve only planned a few days’ stay in Reykjavik, there’s no reason why you can’t get a flavour for some of these extraordinary places by choosing from our selection of South Coast tours . The dreamy iceberg-strewn lagoon of Jökulsárlón, verdant Þórsmörk valley and notorious Reynisfjara black sand beach are just a click away.

Another manageable option for those based in the capital region is a day trip to Snæfellsnes. This captivating peninsula is sometimes described as Iceland in a nutshell and with good reason: here you can climb a mountain glacier, stroll on secluded beaches and encounter wildlife such as seals. Our comprehensive tour packages up the region’s unmissable highlights; all you need to do is show up and let us do the rest.

Iceland has a number of sightseeing routes within with a variety of natural wonders and visitor attractions can be combined. In North Iceland, for instance, you can follow the Diamond Circle or Arctic Coast Way. West Iceland has the Silver Circle. On our tour you’ll visit the biggest hot spring in Europe and scenic waterfalls. There’s also the option to add on Krauma geothermal baths.

The Golden Circle is the most popular and also most conveniently situated in relation to Reykjavik. It’s no surprise, therefore, that a visit is one of the top things to do in Iceland. Icelandia operates a range of tours which showcase the three highlights of the route: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall. Our basic tour can be combined with a host of other activities such as snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier . Snorkelling at Silfra Fissure is also possible.

Abundant geothermal energy means that hot springs litter the countryside. From rustic hot pots to luxury spas, soaking in the naturally occurring hot water is a must for any Iceland bucket list. You can even hike along a geothermal valley to take a restorative dip in a warm water stream. Many travellers treat themselves to at least one trip to a luxury geothermal lagoon. You might even wish to visit more than one as each has its own distinct character.

In the Land of Fire and Ice, no itinerary is complete without experiencing Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and glaciers. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step into a lava tunnel then our Raufarhólshellir tour is for you. Seize the chance to walk through part of a volcanic system just 30 minutes from the capital.

If you’re interested in learning more about the recent volcanic activity on the Reykjanes peninsula, then consider our Volcanic Wonders tour which calls in at Grindavik, the fishing village impacted by the eruption. Since Mount Fagradalsfjall unexpectedly burst into life in 2021, this part of Iceland has captivated the world with its lava flows; some of the redesigned landscape makes the ideal destination for a hike.

Prefer your volcano shrouded in ice? Select one of our glacier hikes or ice cave tours that get you right to the heart of some of Iceland’s most striking landscapes. Strap on your crampons and tighten up your helmets for what’s likely to be one of the most amazing hikes of your life as you follow our expert guide up onto the crevassed surface of the glacier. Ice climbing takes this to the extreme if you’re fit enough to ramp things up a notch.

In winter, the country’s ice caves are sufficiently stable that people can venture safely inside. These glittering caverns with their translucent blue walls and ceilings are jaw-droppingly beautiful – sure to be a highlight of any visit at that time of year. Summer meltwater transforms their shapes and sizes, meaning no two experiences are the same.

Slow down the pace with a glacier kayak tour . Full instruction and all equipment is provided and before long you’ll be exploring beautiful Sólheimajökull Glacier Lagoon at a leisurely pace. As you slip silently through the water, your low position on this sit-on-top kayak will emphasise the scale and majesty of this tongue of ice and the lake that has formed in front of it.

One of the top things to do in Iceland involves its four-legged residents. Icelandic horses are as gentle as they are sturdy, making them the ideal choice for novices who’ve never ridden before. Carefully managed legislation has ensured that these magnificent horses are pure breeds, capable of a unique fifth gait known as the tölt – flying pace. It’s useful to know that excursions on horseback can easily be combined with other tours such as Golden Circle sightseeing.

When you’re planning what to do in Iceland, don’t overlook its charming capital city. Reykjavik’s compact centre is jam-packed with things to do and there’s easily enough to keep you occupied for a few days. Reykjavik also makes the ideal base for getting out into the countryside as the widest range of tours departs from here. But don’t be in too much of a hurry to leave – there are also plenty of city tours from which to choose.

When it comes to Iceland attractions, Reykjavik has a tempting range of museums and landmarks. Opting to ride the city’s Hop on, Hop off bus makes light work of getting around as it connects many of the capital’s most visited locales. 24 and 48 hour passes are available. Through attractions such as LAVA Show to Perlan, it’s possible to experience Iceland’s incredible natural wonders without leaving Reykjavik.

Guided walks are another way of getting to know Reykjavik. Themed walks showcase various aspects of the city’s culture and heritage, such as its food, history, art and architecture. Seasonal walks also offer an insight into local traditions, such as our New Year bonfires tour and our popular Christmas walk.

Don’t forget the ocean too: Reykjavik’s also the ideal place to embark on a whale watching tour . Boats depart year-round from the Old Harbour, conveniently located a short walk from other downtown attractions. As with any wildlife-oriented activity, sightings aren’t guaranteed but you’ll have a good chance of seeing species such as humpback whales relatively close to shore.

• Summer or winter – when’s the best time to come to Iceland?

Both summer and winter trips to Iceland have merit and it comes down to how you want to spend your time. In summer, the ample daylight means you’ll have more time to sightsee and get acquainted with Iceland’s fabulous landscapes. But though the weather might be more challenging, the waterfalls, glaciers and beaches of the Icelandic coast and countryside don’t shut for the winter, so it’s possible to come outside peak season without missing out.

Probably the best thing to do in Iceland in winter is a tour to hunt for the aurora borealis. The opportunity to admire the Northern Lights is on many an Iceland bucket list and with good reason: the sight of these ethereal green and purple arcs, ribbons and curtains as they dance across the sky is utterly magical. Improve your chances of a sighting by first signing up for our tour to Northern Lights Basecamp where you’ll learn how to interpret the data forecasts in a dark spot on the Reykjanes peninsula.

• Tours versus self-drive

It’s a question commonly asked by visitors to Iceland – can you get around and do everything without a car? The answer really depends on how you plan to spend your time. If you’re keen to seek out hidden gems and solitude, then you might prefer the flexibility that comes with hiring your own car.

That said, it’s perfectly possible to see and do a huge variety of things without your own wheels. In fact, it’s often better, as you can soak up the landscape views through the bus window instead of needing to focus on the road. Our thoughtfully curated sightseeing tours are well-balanced and allow sufficient time at each stop to enable you to appreciate the different landscapes.

Many quintessentially Icelandic activities, including glacier hikes and ice cave tours, can only be done with a guide for safety reasons. As you’ll therefore need to book a tour anyway, you may as well make life easy for yourself and package up the transfer as well. Browse the wide selection of things to do on our website and you’ll see there’s more than enough to fill multiple vacations.

• Balance activities with sightseeing

To fully understand Iceland’s appeal, we recommend that you balance sightseeing with activities. Doing as well as seeing means that you’ll create lasting memories and, most importantly, have a lot of fun. Fortunately, Iceland is the ideal place to do just that and many of our sightseeing tours can be supplemented with add-on activities to help you create that perfect blend of things to do.

While we take care of the logistics, you’ll have free rein as to the kind of activities you can select. Whether its adventurous activities that have you screaming with joy or something a little more low-key, Iceland’s stellar scenery – glaciers, mountains, beaches and much more – provides the incredible backdrop. Intersperse your sightseeing with at least one activity each day to maximise your time in this wonderful country.

• Incorporating downtime

One mistake many travellers make when putting together their Iceland itinerary is to try and cram too much in. Unless you are here on a short layover, you’ll benefit from a little downtime to help you appreciate the places you’ve seen and absorb the experience. Rushing from place to place simply to tick off the selfie box isn’t going to create a memorable vacation.

Instead, concentrate on visiting fewer Iceland attractions but stay a little longer in each place. Take a leisurely hike into a beautiful canyon or along an unspoilt beach, pausing for a picnic if the weather permits. Sleep in after a late night Northern Lights hunt. Relax in a geothermal lagoon or sip a coffee in a charming Reykjavik café as you socialise with friends and family.

However you choose to spend your time in the country, Iceland will be here when you return. Using Icelandia’s picks for the best Iceland attractions, it’s straightforward to create the itinerary for your visit. As you select from the array of things to do, consider this just one of many trips you’ll make to Iceland. Once you figure out just how much there is to see and do, remember that it’s totally acceptable to leave some of it for next time.