Top East Iceland Half-day Tours

Discover one of Iceland's most-impressive natural wonders, without the hassle of car rental, on a tour to Stuðlagil canyon from Seyðisfjörður. Travel through idyllic countryside to reach this natural wonder, renowned for its sheer basalt columns standing up to 30 meters (98 feet) high and the stunning turquoise waters of the Jökulsá river. After marveling at Stuðlagil, head for the hidden gem that is Gufufoss waterfall, located in a secluded valley.

Ideal for those with limited time in east Iceland, this tour from Seyðisfjörður highlights both the region's wildlife and its natural beauty. Enjoy an up-close encounter with nesting Atlantic puffins, explore quaint Icelandic fishing villages, and witness the stark beauty of Gúfufoss waterfall. All in just half a day.

Our tour stands out because it’s led by local guides who bring East Iceland’s stories to life — sharing personal insights into the region’s history, culture, and everyday life that you won’t find in any guidebook. We take you beyond the typical sightseeing route, giving you ample time to explore Stuðlagil Canyon’s west side, where the best viewing platforms reveal the canyon’s incredible basalt formations. You’ll also experience the powerful beauty of Rjúkandi and Gufufoss waterfalls, carefully chosen stops that showcase the diversity of Iceland’s natural wonders. With authentic storytelling, and a genuine connection to the local community, this isn’t just a tour, it’s an immersive journey into the heart of East Iceland.

Slip into your thermal gear and experience the thrill of zipping across Europe’s biggest glacier on this snowmobiling adventure in Iceland. Follow your guide as you whizz over snow-covered landscapes, stop to take photographs, and feel your adrenaline rise. Drive your own snowmobile or double up with a friend. Along the way, receive driving guidance and environmental insights from your guide.

Bear witness to one of the world’s rarest natural phenomena: Iceland’s ethereal blue ice caves. Embark on a guided winter adventure in Vatnajökull National Park, departing from the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Ride a Super Jeep to the glacier, then hike inside one of the stunning ice caves.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Iceland's Skaftafell National Park on this extended glacier hiking tour, which allows more time on this glacier than most other tours. As you hike over the ice, past deep crevasses, pale moulins, and ice sculptures, and take in panoramic views over the park, your guide shares insights into glaciers, how they are formed and impacted by climate change. Includes all necessary safety gear.

Leave the standard tourist trails behind and step into a surreal world of deep blue canyons and frozen corridors. This is not your average glacier walk. The Crevasse Labyrinth is an exclusive route through the ice of Falljökull, where Europe’s largest glacier (Vatnajökull) spills down the mountainside. Led by certified glacier guides, you’ll navigate a maze of shimmering blue ice walls and jagged formations that most visitors only see from a distance. Towering blue ice walls and winding crevasses create a surreal, immersive experience. This tour combines the wonder of a glacier hike with the beauty of blue ice caves - accessible year-round and perfect for all experience levels. Whether you're a nature lover, first-time explorer, or photographer, safely discover Iceland’s icy heart up close. Don’t miss one of the most unforgettable and photo-worthy adventures in Iceland.

Experience the chilling beauty of Iceland’s glaciers on this small-group ice cave tour in Vatnajökull National Park. Meet your guide at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and travel by huge-wheeled super Jeep out to the glacier. With crampons, an ice axe, and other ice hiking equipment, make a 2.5-3.7-mile (4-6 km) trek across the glacier while exploring the mysterious crevices and ice caves of this sublime landscape.

Many glacier tours in Vatnajökull National Park require travelers to walk from the parking lot to the glacier terminus, eating into their time on the ice. On this tour, maximize your time on Falljökull glacier by traveling as near as possible in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Explore moulins, crevasses, and other formations in the company of an Association of Icelandic Mountain Guides-certified guide.

Making your way through the rural countryside of East Iceland, we travel along the beautiful valley of Jökuldalur and stop at the picturesque Rjúkandi Waterfall before continuing towards Stuðlagil Canyon. At Stuðlagil, we visit the west side of the canyon, where accessible walking trails and scenic viewing platforms offer spectacular panoramic views over one of Iceland’s most impressive basalt rock formations. From this side, you’ll enjoy breathtaking perspectives of the dramatic columns and the glacial river below — perfect for photography and experiencing the scale of the canyon. Please note that this tour does not include the hike down into the canyon on the east side. After taking in the stunning landscapes, we continue to the ever-relaxing Vök Baths, where you can soak in naturally heated geothermal pools floating on Lake Urriðavatn. The warm, mineral-rich waters provide the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Enjoy a safe and stress-free visit to Vatnajökull Glacier with this guided half-day tour. No need to worry if you’ve never been hiking near glaciers before, as a harness, crampons, and an ice axe are provided, and a teacher shows you how to use the gear. During the trip, visit Vatnajokull Glacier, and spend time exploring the icefall of Falljökull.

Iceland’s mighty glaciers boast some of the country’s most impressive scenery, but their isolated locations and icy terrain make exploring a challenge. On this beginner-level morning or afternoon hike, explore glacial landscapes around Falljökull with your guide. With safety equipment included, admire unrivaled views over the frozen wilderness.

Experience the authentic side of East Iceland on this scenic journey through the Eastfjords, designed especially for cruise passengers. Travel through remote valleys and dramatic landscapes, stopping at hidden waterfalls and visiting a local reindeer park to learn about these unique animals. Along the way, enjoy a special Local Surprise-a small, carefully selected moment that connects you with Icelandic culture and everyday life. The tour also includes a visit to one of the region’s most impressive natural sites, offering time to explore and take in the surrounding scenery. With a relaxed pace and a route shaped by local knowledge, this experience focuses on atmosphere, storytelling, and discovery-all while ensuring a timely return to your ship. - Explore the enchanting Stuðlagil Canyon, Rjúkandi and Gufu waterfall - Encounter Icelandic reindeer at a local reindeer park - Suitable for cruise passengers - Includes pickup/drop-off at Seyðisfjörður Cruise Port and professional guide

The Svínafellsjökull glacier is part of Europe’s largest glacier and the icy landscapes offer a dramatic backdrop for a hiking adventure. This morning or afternoon guided glacier hike in the Skaftafell-Vatnajökull National Park ensures a personalized experience, with a small group of up to eight participants, and full instruction provided.

Embark on a Scenic Journey from Seyðisfjörður Begin your Icelandic adventure as soon as you dock in Seyðisfjörður. This exclusive tour is tailored specifically for cruise passengers, ensuring you make the most of your time in East Iceland. We’ll pick you up directly from the port and set off towards the beautiful Jökuldalur Valley. This private tour is perfect for cruise passengers looking to explore one of Iceland’s lesser-known treasures without the crowds. With a knowledgeable guide, stunning landscapes, and the flexibility to tailor the experience to your group, this tour promises to be a highlight of your visit to Iceland. Book Now to secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure and make the most of your time in Seyðisfjörður!

Explore the stunning landscapes of East Iceland on this express puffin tour from Seyðisfjörður Port. Journey through breathtaking fjords to the enchanting village of Borgarfjörður Eystri, renowned for its rich wildlife and puffin colonies. Enjoy a 1-hour stop to observe puffins in their natural habitat at Hafnarhólmi, along with opportunities to spot other seabirds. This tour is ideal for cruise visitors or short-stay travelers eager to appreciate Iceland's natural beauty in just 4 hours. - Duration: Approximately 4 hours with morning and afternoon departures - Small group experience with comfortable minibus transport - Safe, easy access to prime puffin-watching locations - Cultural insights into the local ecology and folklore

Discover the stunning Stuðlagil Canyon on this private 6-hour tour from Seyðisfjörður, perfect for those seeking an intimate exploration of East Iceland's natural beauty. Begin your adventure right at the cruise terminal and travel through breathtaking highland roads with an expert local guide. Marvel at the towering basalt columns and the striking glacial-blue river at the canyon. Time permitting, we may also stop at the picturesque Rjúkandi Waterfall and the historic Möðrudalur Farm for a taste of local culture. Ideal for small groups of 1-16, this tour promises a personalized experience surrounded by Iceland's magnificent landscapes. - Private tour tailored for cruise guests, with stress-free pick-up and drop-off - Enjoy a short walk to panoramic views of the captivating canyon - Optional visits to Rjúkandi Waterfall and Möðrudalur Farm - Includes round-trip transport and bottled Icelandic water

Making our way through the rural countryside of East Iceland, we’ll travel along the picturesque Jökuldalur valley to our first stop, the Rjúkandi waterfall, where a short, accessible path leads to the falls—a perfect introduction to Iceland’s natural beauty. From there, we continue to Stuðlagil Canyon, home to one of the largest and most breathtaking basalt column formations in the country. This photogenic canyon is especially captivating in early summer, when the Jökulsá river runs a striking turquoise, shifting to a silvery-grey by August as the Hálslón reservoir at Kárahnjúkar releases overflow water. Optional add-ons include visits to Vök Baths or The Reindeer Park.

It’s not every day you get to climb a glacier, but this half-day experience provides you with everything to complete a thrilling hike on Iceland’s Skaftafell Glacier. Get fitted for your gear, which includes an ice axe, harness, and crampons, and listen to instructions from your guide who tailors the tour to the group’s skill level. Then it’s off to the ice-draped terrain to scale frozen walls under expert guidance.

Experience the stunning beauty of Vatnajokull National Park on a 5-hour Skaftafell glacier hike. Discover dramatic crevasses, striking blue ice ridges, and breathtaking glacier views while hiking on Europe's largest glacier. This immersive tour is designed for those seeking adventure, offering an intimate small group atmosphere led by a certified glacier guide. Enjoy approximately 3.5 hours on the ice, with a full safety briefing and all necessary gear included. Capture the captivating icefall of Falljokull and learn about the glacier's formation and history from your knowledgeable guide. - 5-hour glacier hike with 3.5 hours on the ice - Small group experience for personalized attention - All necessary gear provided, including crampons and ice axes - Learn from a certified glacier guide about Iceland's unique landscapes

This 5-hour shore excursion is designed exclusively for cruise passengers arriving in Seyðisfjörður, offering a rare opportunity to see puffins in their natural habitat—with no hiking required. Journey with us to the tiny village of Borgarfjörður Eystri (Bakkagerði), nestled in the colorful mountains of Iceland’s remote Eastfjords and home to one of the most accessible puffin colonies in the country. Departing from your ship, we travel through stunning fjords and over a scenic mountain pass toward Borgarfjörður, a place steeped in both natural beauty and elf folklore. At Hafnarhólmi, a specially built viewing platform lets you get incredibly close to thousands of puffins—perfect for photos and quiet observation. The area is also home to other seabirds. You’ll also explore the charming village of Bakkagerði and hear local tales of the elf queen who is said to reside in nearby Álfaborg (the Elf Rock). Time-permitting, we can stop for coffee and Icelandic treats at a cozy local café.

Scenic shore excursion from Seyðisfjörður to Stuðlagil Canyon, one of East Iceland’s most striking natural wonders. Travel through dramatic fjord and highland landscapes before arriving at a hidden canyon known for its towering basalt columns and vivid glacial river. The water color varies depending on weather conditions and river flow, shifting between bright turquoise and silty grey. A perfect short adventure for photography and nature lovers seeking Iceland’s raw geological beauty.

The south coast of Iceland is home to many dramatic natural attractions, from waterfalls to sloping glaciers. Visit two of the region’s waterfalls on this shared tour from Reykjavik, before going a step further by walking out onto Solheimajökull Glacier. Learn the basics of ice climbing before putting your skills to the test on ice walls and getting photos along the way.