Top Iceland Outdoor Activities

If you’re looking for an experience in Iceland where you witness a rare natural wonder—this is the ideal option. The tour gives you access to somewhere that you wouldn’t be able to reach alone—an ice cave that sits underneath Katla Volcano. Travel with ease up to the ice cave in a Super Jeep. It’s a safe experience as you are given a helmet and crampons, and a guide leads the way so you don’t get lost.

This is the perfect way to explore Iceland’s incredible scenery and meet the Icelandic horse. Get out in the open air and ride an Icelandic horse from the stables in Vik to a picturesque black sand beach. No need to worry if you’ve never ridden a horse before—this experience is suitable for beginners and goes at a slow and calm pace. Note: riders must be ages 10 and older and cannot weigh more than 220 lbs (100kg).

Explore one of Iceland’s unique geological features during this small-group tour. Snorkel between the North American and European tectonic plates at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. This area is known as the Silfra Fissure and is home to a number of unique marine species as well as incredible shades of blue. All necessary snorkeling equipment is provided as well as GoPro photos taken during the excursion.

Get up close and personal with puffins on this eco-cruise from Reykjavik. With your local nature guide, step aboard a custom boat that lets you glide right up to Akurey Island's jagged shore to watch the seabirds in their natural habitat. Enjoy engaging commentary about the puffins' biology and behavior from your guide. Includes the use of binoculars for viewing birds and a multi-lingual audio guide app.

Take an unforgettable walk on pure ice on this guided glacier hike experience on Sólheimajökull in southern Iceland. Accompanied by a professional guide, set off from the foot of Sólheimajökull, a frozen tongue of solid ice, and thrill at the experience of walking across the frozen valley. Put on your crampons and discover natural ice formations, crevasses, shafts, and ridges as you benefit from the professional guide’s knowledge and support to ensure a safe, informative, and unforgettable experience.

Descend into an 8000-year-old underground lava cave by joining this 45-minute tour of Vatnshellir. With the safety of a helmet and flash light, you will follow the path of the lava flow to see the amazing colors and beautiful formations. Expect personalized attention as you admire the natural phenomena and learn about the volcanic eruption.

Have only limited time for sightseeing in Iceland? Enjoy a flexible way to explore one of the country's longest lava tunnels on this tour of Raufarhólshellir. Equipped with a helmet and headlamp, you'll see some of the tunnel’s most notable features, and will learn about the changing colors of the rock formations from a guide. This tour departs regularly, making it easy to slot into even the busiest sightseeing schedule.

This evening tour from Reykjavík vastly improves your chances of seeing the northern lights. Your guide uses live data and forecasts to take you to the best locations to potentially spot the lights. Tuck into traditional Icelandic pastries and hot chocolate while you wait, and take home photos of you taken during the evening.

Make the most of your time ashore with this carefully crafted excursion from the port of Ísafjörður — designed to showcase the untamed beauty and hidden gems of Iceland’s Westfjords. Unlike typical tours, this journey takes you off the beaten path to places most travelers never reach. We’ll pass through the charming fishing village of Bolungarvík and, weather permitting, visit one of Iceland’s most breathtaking viewpoints, perched high above the cliffs. Step back in time at traditional turf-roofed fisherman’s huts and experience how early Icelanders lived by the sea. The highlight is the majestic Dynjandi waterfall — considered by many to be Iceland’s most beautiful. Hidden deep in the fjords, it’s a true natural wonder rarely seen by visitors. This small-group tour offers a rare chance to discover the raw, authentic side of Iceland — far from the crowds and full of culture, history, and unforgettable views.

Delve deep into Iceland’s geothermal wilderness and discover breathtaking natural beauty without having to navigate unfamiliar roads on this full-day Landmannalaugar hiking tour from Reykjavik. Skip the hassle of deciphering a trail map and follow your certified hiking guide along rugged hiking trails through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Admire panoramic views over lava fields, glacial lakes, and towering peaks, and gain insight into the region’s complex geology. Head through the mighty Vondugil Canyon and climb the slopes of the Brennisteinsalda Volcano, where powerful geysers shoot hot steam into the air. Descend through the Grænagil Canyon to Mount Bláhnúkur, then take a dip in the soothing hot springs.

Discover one of the gems of southern Iceland on this glacier hike in Skaftafell National Park. Head from Skaftafell to the edge of the spectacular Vatnajokull glacier, then hike out through the glacier valley and up onto the ice. Follow your guide on a route past open crevasses and frozen ice-caves, and admire breathtaking views over the landscape beyond—an experience difficult to achieve on your own.

Do more than just admire Iceland's beloved horses during your stay in the country—take one for a spin on this horseback riding tour with transportation from Reykjavik. Atop a sturdy, sure-footed Icelandic horse, you’ll take a beautiful ride in the countryside just outside the city. This tour is suitable for beginners and experts alike.

Combine pre-booked admission tickets to the Perlan Museum’s Wonders of Iceland exhibition with a planetarium show, all thanks to this two-part, time-saving sightseeing package. Choose from a range of admission times throughout the day, make your own way to the Reykjavik museum, and explore immersive highlights like the world's first indoor ice cave. Then, watch a northern lights show in Iceland's only planetarium.

Witness the beauty of Dynjandi waterfall on this half-day group tour from Ísafjörður. Skip self-drive stress and travel by air-conditioned coach with guides who speak English and German. The tour includes a visit to an Icelandic farm with hot drinks and traditional cake. Enjoy scenic landscapes from your window on the return drive.

Both off-the-beaten-path and within the Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon hot springs live up to their evocative name. Tucked away in the small village of Fludir, the hot springs are not as popular as other nearby attractions, but offer unbeatable natural luxury and comfort, plus amenities such as changing rooms, a shower, and a bar and restaurant. Book your ticket in advance to ensure a smooth visit.

While many tours in Iceland make pit stops at glaciers, fewer take you over them and close enough to discover their otherworldly features. With this small-group tour, take an easy glacier hike to see ice formations, crevasses, and water cauldrons that you’d miss just stopping for a look.

Explore Iceland's Westman Islands and discover history, culture, and adorable wildlife on a guided tour. Settle into your seat on a minibus and ride over to Herjólfsdalur and Kaplagjóta to visit a small puffin colony. Walk down into the center of the Eldfell crater where the volcano once erupted. See the biggest puffin colony in the world at Stórhöfði then receive admission to Herjólfstown for an exclusive look at the first Viking family that settled on the islands.

The Skaftafell-Vatnajökull National Park is home to Europe’s largest glacier and the icy landscapes offer a dramatic backdrop for a hiking adventure. This guided glacier hike across Falljökull Glacier ensures a personalized experience, with a small group of up to 15 participants, and full instruction provided.

Witness the three wonders of the famous Iceland Golden Circle, without the hassle of driving, on a day trip from Reykjavik. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a guide and learn the history and geology of each site. See the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling pools and Strokkur waterspout at Geysir, and the incredible tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park.

Watching molten lava up close usually means a volcano and a lot of luck. A Lava Show recreates it indoors in Reykjavik, with a host pouring real molten lava in a controlled setting so there's something to see, whatever the weather. Book ahead to secure seats, or take the premium upgrade for balcony seating, drinks, and a lava keepsake.

Discover Iceland’s most iconic wildlife with a 2 hour whale and puffin tour from Húsavík on an RIB speedboat. Enjoy views of the Skjálfandi Bay as you skim along the coast, covering an expansive territory in the high-powered craft. Watch for massive blue whales and acrobatic humpbacks, and learn about life beneath the surface from your experienced guide. During the breeding season of mid-April through mid-August, visit ‘Puffin Island’ to find a thriving colony of brightly-colored birds before returning to Húsavík.

Indulge in a thrilling adventure on Sólheimajökull Glacier, featuring ice climbing and a guided hike across stunning icy terrain. With certified glacier guides, small group sizes, hotel pickup, and all gear provided, safely explore crevasses, ridges, and vibrant blue ice while scaling a frozen wall—no prior experience needed. Perfect for adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path, hands-on glacier experience in Iceland.

Get the chance to see marine mammals in the wild on this whale-watching cruise from Reykjavik—whales and dolphins are seen on more than 90% of tours in both summer and winter. With a local guide, cruise the coastal curve of Iceland to marvel at whales in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife as you listen to your guide's fun facts about the majestic creatures.