Iceland is an ideal destination for adventure, offering a variety of ways to explore its glaciers, lava fields, and northern lights. Activity tours go beyond sightseeing, allowing you to experience the landscape up close. But these tours aren’t just about the scenery—they also highlight the history and nature that shape Iceland.
Every glacier, volcanic plain, and trail has a story to tell. Whether you're snowmobiling across Langjokull or riding an Icelandic horse along historic paths, each experience offers a deeper connection to the land. With tours available year-round, you can find one that suits your interests and makes the most of your time in Iceland.
What Are Activity Tours in Iceland?
Activity tours in Iceland are guided experiences that let travelers actively engage with the country’s dramatic landscapes and natural wonders. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, these excursions involve outdoor activities such as glacier hiking, snowmobiling, ATV riding, ice cave exploration, and river rafting.
Since Iceland's terrain varies by season, summer tours often feature hiking, horseback riding, and rafting. Meanwhile, winter opens opportunities for northern lights hunting, ice climbing, and snow-based adventures.
Activity tours can be either short-day trips or multi-day adventures that include accommodation and transport. They offer an exciting way to experience Iceland beyond just observing its beauty.
Best Activity Tours in Iceland
Here are three of the best activity tours in Iceland you can enjoy in a day, each blending stunning landscapes with thrilling outdoor adventures.
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Beginner-Friendly Glacier Walk in Skaftafell
This two-hour guided hike takes you onto an outlet of Vatnajokull Glacier, offering a close-up look at blue ice formations, crevasses, and ridges. No experience is needed, making it a great choice for first-time glacier explorers. Expert guides provide all necessary gear, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice.
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Horseback Riding Tour near Reykjavik
Ride an Icelandic horse through lava fields and rolling hills just outside Reykjavik. Known for their smooth “tolt” gait, these horses offer a comfortable ride for both beginners and experienced riders. Optional pickup from Reykjavik makes it a convenient way to experience Iceland’s nature and heritage.
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Golden Circle & Snowmobiling Tour from Reykjavik
Explore Iceland’s top sights along the Golden Circle, including the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Get the chance to take an exhilarating snowmobile ride across the expansive Langjokull glacier. This tour offers a fun and thrilling way to experience Iceland’s natural beauty.
Best Multi-Day Activity Tours in Iceland
Find three of the most popular multi-day activity tours in Iceland below. Explore Iceland's stunning landscapes through guided multi-day tours that make it easy to experience the country’s top attractions.
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3-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour
This tour covers the Golden Circle and South Coast, with stops at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and Reynisfjara, before heading to Vatnajkull Glacier for an ice cave exploration. You'll also have an excellent chance to see the northern lights, especially during the 2025 solar maximum, when auroras are expected to be stronger and more frequent.
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8-Day Ring Road Tour with Top Activities
Perfect for those wanting to see all of Iceland, this guided tour circles the country, stopping at waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and coastal villages. Activities include a glacier hike, whale watching, and optional ice caving. Accommodation and breakfast are included, making it an easy way to explore without the hassle of planning.
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4-Day South Coast & Golden Circle Adventure
This activity tour includes the Golden Circle, South Coast, glacier hiking, and snowmobiling. You’ll visit top attractions like Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir, plus enjoy an optional Blue Lagoon visit. With accommodation, transport, and guided activities included, it’s a hassle-free way to explore Iceland’s best sights.
Best Places To Visit on Activity Tours in Iceland
Listed below are the best places to visit on activity tours in Iceland. Explore glaciers, geothermal hot spots, volcanic wonders, and unique wildlife as you experience the country’s diverse beauty up close.
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Golden Circle and South Coast: A hub for glacier hiking, ice caving, and waterfall excursions. This region features highlights like Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
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Reykjanes Peninsula: Perfect for ATV tours, lava cave explorations, and geothermal sightseeing. This volcanic region, shaped by recent eruptions, features steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the famous Blue Lagoon.
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North Iceland: A top destination for horseback riding, whale watching, and geothermal baths. Husavik is the whale-watching capital, and Myvatn offers unique volcanic landscapes.
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Westfjords and Highlands: Ideal for remote adventure tours, off-the-grid hiking, and natural hot springs. This region is less crowded, making it perfect for exploring untouched nature.
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Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Known as Iceland in Miniature, this area offers glacier hikes, cave tours, black sand beaches, lava fields, and coastal adventures around Snaefellsjokull National Park.
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East Iceland and the East Fjords: A great location for scenic hiking, wildlife watching, and boat tours. This region is home to reindeer herds, dramatic fjords, and stunning waterfalls.
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Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar): Famous for puffin watching, RIB boat tours, and volcanic hikes. This archipelago offers a mix of wildlife encounters and geological wonders.
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Askja: A remote wilderness perfect for off-road 4x4 adventures, crater hikes, and geothermal exploration, with stunning views of Viti Crater Lake, Askja Caldera, lava fields, and rugged mountain landscapes.
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Thorsmork and Landmannalaugar: A paradise for super jeep tours, highland trekking, and river crossings, featuring colorful rhyolite mountains, deep valleys, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Why Choose Activity Tours in Iceland?
Activity tours in Iceland make exploring the country’s landscapes easier and more enjoyable. With expert guides leading the way, you can safely visit glaciers, volcanoes, and remote areas that might be challenging to access on your own.
Iceland’s adventure scene is also expanding with new attractions. Opening in May 2025, Arbodin (The River Baths) in the Golden Circle will provide a relaxing geothermal spa experience—perfect after a day of exploring.
Additionally, Iceland has introduced The Volcanic Way, a 435-mile (700-kilometer) scenic route that takes travelers through the country’s active volcanic zones in the south and the Reykjanes Peninsula. This new route offers easier access to volcanic craters and untouched wilderness, creating even more opportunities for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Many Iceland activity packages handle the logistics—transport, gear, and accommodations—so you can fully enjoy the adventure. Glacier hikes, ATV rides across lava fields, and northern lights excursions are just a few of the ways these tours let you explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes up close.
