Top Iceland Outdoor Activities

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 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.

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.

Explore the volcano Eldfell and the coast of Heimaey Island on this small group ATV tour. YOur guide will show you all around the island and show you all it has to offer. You’ll visit Prestvik beach and hear the story of how the islands were founded. You’ll also have some spectacular views. Each ATV can seat two, and are not difficult to drive. But each driver must hold a driver’s licence.

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.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind Icelandic experience—and get up close and personal to real volcanic lava—during this show in Reykjavik. Book tickets in advance to secure your seats, or upgrade for a premium experience that includes balcony seats, drinks, and a lava gift. Whichever you select, watch as your host handles real molten lava in a controlled environment for a safe but lively encounter.

The Vatnajökull glacier is widely considered the jewel in Skaftafell National Park’s crown, but the icy terrain holds hidden dangers. On this ice-caving tour, hike around and beneath the Vatnajökull glacier with your certified guide, and explore millions of years of natural geology. With crampons and safety equipment included, enjoy uninterrupted views over the icy landscapes for which Iceland is famous.

The Vatnajökull glacier ranks among Iceland’s top natural attractions, but exploring the icy terrain without a guide is dangerous. On this half-day tour, delve into the Skaftafell National Park with a certified guide and discover a world of ice formations and deep crevasses. With all the necessary safety equipment included, enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.

Riding an Icelandic horse is a must-do while in Iceland and this tour makes it easy to do, even while you're based in Reykjavik. Get out of the city and enjoy nature on a relaxing ride through lava-laden scenery past mountains, lakes, and moors that is tailored to your experience level.

Cruise through snow and ice on Langjökull, one of Iceland’s largest glaciers, on this guided tour. Take a ride in a 4x4 monster ice truck and enjoy the Icelandic scenery on the ride to the glacier. Then, suit up in the provided gear, learn how to drive the snowmobile, and follow your guide as you speed through ice and snowfields.

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.

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.

Sometimes whale watching cruises on huge boats make it hard to be able to actually see the ocean life unless you board first and claim the best spots. This whale watching tour from Husavik is on board an RIB boat limited to just 12 passengers, so you’re never in competition for the best vantage points. Plus, its easy to stay warm and safe with an included warm suit and life jacket.

Reykjavik is a fascinating city, but knowing where to go and what not to miss isn’t always obvious to first time visitors. On this small-group walking tour, you'll get familiar with the streets of the city—and discover many of its most important landmarks and attractions—all while your guide shares hidden stories and secrets many visitors miss

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.

Experience the dazzling natural landscapes of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, on this 3-hour ice caving adventure from Glacier Lagoon. Venture off the beaten track in the Vatnajökull National Park and enjoy the rare opportunity to explore inside a naturally formed ice cave. With new caves forming each year, your experience is guaranteed to be unique, so be sure to bring your camera!

Check off many of Iceland's most dramatic sights in a single day—without the logistical hassles—on this full-day, small-group tour from Reykjavik. Journey through the rugged countryside aboard a powerful Super Jeep; explore the Katla Ice Cave; hike the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier; and admire the mighty Skógafoss waterfall and other South Coast natural wonders. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

One of Iceland’s most famous natural sites, Mt. Kirkjufell is busy with visitors all day-long. This small-group tour gives you the chance to experience it without the crowds at possibly the most magical time of day: during the midnight sun. As you paddle over the still water under the glow of the midnight sun, you’ll make stops at various locations to take photos, spot wildlife or just soak up the view.

Watch for nimble humpbacks and massive blue whales on this whale watching adventure from Húsavík on a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Enjoy stunning views of the Skjálfandi Bay and Vík mountains as you explore the coastline, a thriving pilgrimage place for marine mammals in the summer season. Learn about Iceland’s wildlife and culture with live commentary from your experienced guide.

Embark on a thrilling off-road adventure to witness the majestic Katla ice cave from Vik. Venture in a 4WD vehicle across rocky terrains until you reach the magnificent Mýrdalsjökull glacier—the fourth largest ice cap in Iceland. Then, strap on the provided caving equipment and follow your guide to uncover the blue formations hidden beneath the glacier’s surface. You’ll have ample time to contemplate and photograph the majestic ice tunnels.

Chase the magic of Iceland’s Northern Lights with an adventure that captivates from start to finish. Departing from Reykjavik, you’ll journey with a lively group and an expert driver dedicated to finding the aurora’s breathtaking glow. While waiting for the lights to appear, step back in time—handle authentic Viking weapons, snap playful photos, and enjoy plenty of delicious hot cocoa to keep you warm. Best of all, the experience doesn’t end if the aurora remains elusive: you’re welcome to join the tour again, as many times as it takes, until you witness nature’s greatest light show. Entertainment, excitement, and unforgettable memories are always guaranteed—no matter the forecast.

The northern lights draw hopeful travelers from across the world to Iceland, but knowing how to boost your chances of the best sightings requires skill, practice, and a bit of luck. On this northern lights bus tour, enjoy round-trip travel from your Reykjavik hotel and head out into the Icelandic countryside with your experienced guide.

The black lava sands of South Iceland are wonderful to look at, but this quad biking tour offers a deeper sensory connection with the landscape. Beginning close to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, head down to the black lava sands fields, which derive from the dormant volcano Katla, then continue along the coast to the famed aircraft wreck, onto the Jökulsá river and up to the foot of the mountain.