Must do in Iceland – For The Adventurer

There are countless "must-do in Iceland" articles online. While most are decent, they often cater to tourists and seem designed primarily to sell products or services. However, not everyone is seeking the same type of experience. At tour2iceland.com, we've decided to compile a series of tailored "must-do lists." Whether you're a first-time visitor to the country, planning to stay just in Reykjavík, searching for adventures, or returning for the umpteenth time, we have something for you. Additionally, we couldn’t resist sharing our personal favourite: a list of what locals love.

Other articles in this series:

For The Adventurer

Here are our recommended activities for those travelling to Iceland with an adventurous streak and a desire to stay active during their visit. These options are tailored for energetic travellers looking to immerse themselves in Iceland's stunning natural landscapes through dynamic and exciting activities. Whether it's hiking through rugged terrain, exploring glaciers, or diving in crystal-clear fissures, our selection is designed to keep you moving and engaged with the raw beauty of Iceland.

1. Glacier Snowmobiling

Glacier snowmobiling in Iceland is an exhilarating adventure that takes you across some of the most majestic and otherworldly landscapes on Earth. Tours typically operate on Iceland's largest glaciers, such as Langjökull and Vatnajökull, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience the raw and rugged beauty of these ancient ice giants. Suitable for all experience levels, these tours provide all necessary equipment and guidance. The activity not only offers an adrenaline rush but also showcases spectacular views of crevasses, ice formations, and the vast, untouched snowfields of Iceland’s highlands.

2. Snorkelling in Silfra

Silfra is located in the fissure at Þingvellir National Park

Another thing we highly recommend is going Snorkelling in Silfra. Silfra is located in Þingvellir National Park, and snorkelling there offers a chance to explore a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The water in Silfra is some of the clearest in the world, with visibility exceeding 100 meters, allowing snorkellers to vividly see the stunning underwater landscape of deep blues and vibrant greens. The water, filtered through underground lava for decades, is incredibly pure and cold, typically around 2-4°C (35-39°F). This remarkable adventure gives participants not just a chance to swim in pristine waters, but also to literally float between two continents.

3. Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing

Glacier hiking and ice climbing in Iceland is great! Participants can explore prominent glaciers like Vatnajökull, the largest in Europe, and Sólheimajökull, a more easily reachable glacier near the south coast. These activities allow you to traverse the crevasses, moulins, and ice formations with the help of experienced guides and specialized gear such as ice axes and crampons. Glacier hiking provides a chance to witness the dramatic changes in Iceland's glaciers first-hand, while ice climbing challenges you to ascend frozen walls, offering both physical exertion and exhilarating rewards. These experiences not only highlight the beauty of Iceland’s frozen landscapes but also bring you closer to understanding the natural forces that shape them.

4. Ice Caving

Ice caving offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning blue ice caves that form naturally in the glaciers during the winter months. These caves are most commonly found in Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, providing an awe-inspiring glimpse into the heart of ancient ice. The experience involves walking through tunnels and chambers of translucent blue ice, beautifully sculpted by seasonal meltwater. The fleeting nature of these caves, which can change shape or disappear from season to season, makes ice caving a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

5. Hike to Glymur Waterfall

Hiking to Glymur, Iceland's second tallest waterfall, is a rewarding adventure for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and a moderate challenge. Located in the Hvalfjörður fjord just an hour's drive from Reykjavik, the hike to Glymur involves navigating through a scenic landscape that includes river crossings, walking through a small cave, and climbing steep trails. The trail culminates at the spectacular waterfall, which plunges 198 meters into a narrow canyon, creating a dramatic and picturesque setting. The hike is approximately 3 to 4 hours round trip and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

6. Hike in Hornstrandir

Located in the remote Westfjords, Hornstrandir offers one of the most pristine wilderness experiences in Europe. This area, accessible only by boat, is known for its rugged beauty, spectacular cliffs, and abundant wildlife, including Arctic foxes that roam freely. The region is entirely uninhabited, with no roads or permanent settlements, providing a true back-to-nature adventure. Hikes can range from day trips to multi-day treks through diverse landscapes of steep mountainsides, lush valleys, and spectacular seaside views. The isolation and untouched nature of Hornstrandir make it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure off the beaten track. But it also means we do not recommend a trip there without expert guidance.

7. Super Jeep Tour

A Super Jeep tour is an exhilarating way to explore the rugged and raw landscapes that make the island unique. These specially modified vehicles, equipped to handle rough terrain and river crossings, allow access to Iceland's more remote and inaccessible areas. Popular destinations for Super Jeep tours include the highlands, the glaciers, Þórsmörk valley, and the black sand beaches of the South Coast. These tours offer an adventurous ride through volcanic landscapes and across glacier-fed rivers, providing a thrilling and memorable experience.

8. White Water Rafting

White water rafting is an exhilarating adventure. The rivers, fed by glacial melt and spring snow run-off, provide varied levels of difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The most popular rivers for rafting are the Hvítá River in the south, known for its exhilarating rapids and the famous Gullfoss waterfall, and the East Glacial River (Jökulsá Austari) in the north, renowned for its challenging rapids and stunning canyon views. Rafting not only provides a thrilling ride but also offers a unique perspective on Iceland’s landscapes, making it a completely different way to view the country.

9. Caving

Caving in Iceland offers a fascinating glimpse into the volcanic island's underground world. Visitors can explore an array of lava tubes, caves formed by flowing lava beneath the hardened surface of a volcanic eruption, such as the popular Raufarhólshellir and Víðgelmir caves. These caves feature stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock formations, all set against the backdrop of Iceland’s rugged volcanic landscape. Guided tours provide insights into the geological history and the processes that shaped these subterranean environments, making caving a must-do for those interested in adventure and geology.

10. Inside the Volcano

Inside the Volcano is a unique tour in Iceland that offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the inside of a dormant volcano. The Þríhnúkagígur volcano, which last erupted over 4,000 years ago, is the centrepiece of this adventure. Participants are lowered 120 meters into the magma chamber via an open cable lift, a journey that leads them into a vast and colourful cavity. The walls of the chamber are stained with mineral deposits, creating a surreal, vibrant display. This tour not only provides a thrilling adventure but also offers a rare glimpse into the heart of a volcano, making it an unforgettable experience for those intrigued by nature's geological wonders.

11. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in Iceland is a fantastic way to explore the country's breathtaking landscape and getting to know this unique breed of animals. The Icelandic horse, a breed known for its small size, sturdiness, friendly demeanour, and unique tölt gait, provides a comfortable ride through diverse terrains. Popular riding tours take you across lava fields, along lush countryside, over mountains, and near beautiful coastlines, offering spectacular views inaccessible by car. These excursions can vary in duration from a few hours to multi-day adventures. Riding an Icelandic horse is an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of Iceland in a traditionally immersive way.

12. ATV / Buggy

ATV and buggy tours provide an adrenaline-pumping way to explore the rugged terrain and stunning landscapes of this volcanic island. These tours allow you to drive off-road vehicles across black sand beaches, through mountain paths, and over lava fields, offering both thrilling rides and spectacular scenic views. Common destinations include the Reykjanes Peninsula and the areas around the Golden Circle, where you can experience waterfalls, geothermal areas, and remote wilderness. Suitable for adventure seekers looking for excitement beyond typical tours, ATV and buggy excursions offer a unique perspective on Iceland’s diverse environments, combining adventure with the natural beauty of the outdoors.