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Discovering Activity Tours in Iceland
Iceland is an ideal destination for activities and adventure, offering a variety of ways to explore its glaciers, lava fields, and northern lights. Activities in Iceland 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 plenty of activities in Iceland available year-round, finding one that suits your interests is not only easy but also an exciting experience!
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 in Iceland 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 five of the best activity tours in Iceland that combine breathtaking landscapes with exciting outdoor experiences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 for Activities in Iceland
Iceland’s diverse landscapes offer endless adventure. Here are the best places to explore on an activity tour in Iceland.
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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 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.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of activity tours in Iceland?
For a well-rounded experience, multi-day Iceland activity packages combine top activities into one trip. This allows you to explore the country’s diverse landscapes through different adventures.
What are the best activity tours in Iceland?
Another top-rated activity tour is ice climbing and hiking on the Vatnajokull glacier. More than 100 adventurers rated the experience 4.8 out of 5 stars. Alternatively, this multi-day northern lights winter tour in Iceland is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 35 travelers. The tour incorporates sightseeing with northern lights hunting and snowmobiling.
What are the most popular activity tours in Iceland for first-time visitors?
For a hands-on experience, the beginner-friendly glacier walk in Skaftafell lets you explore the Vatnajokull Glacier up close. Guided by experts, you'll walk across blue ice, deep crevasses, and rugged ridges. In winter, a northern lights ATV tour is a must. These tours take you to dark, open areas for the best chance to see the auroras light up the sky.
Are there any family-friendly activity tours in Iceland?
For a mix of sightseeing and adventure, the Golden Circle day tour with snowmobiling is a top pick. Families get to visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall, then ride snowmobiles on Langjokull Glacier before exploring a stunning ice cave. Other fun options include whale watching, lava cave tours, and northern lights trips.
What are the cheapest activity tours in Iceland?
Another affordable activity tour in Iceland is this easy and accessible Solheimajokull glacier hike. This activity typically costs around 120 USD.
The third-cheapest activity tour in Iceland is this 3-hour glacier hike on Falljokull glacier with a certified guide, which costs about 106 USD. This tour offers a chance to explore stunning ice formations while learning about the glacier’s ever-changing landscape.
Are activity tours in Iceland worth it?
Are activity tours in Iceland suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Do I need to have prior experience or skills to participate in certain activities?
Some tours, like ice climbing or long-distance hikes, may require a good level of fitness, but prior experience is rarely needed. Tour operators ensure safety and enjoyment by offering guidance and gear so you can take part confidently, regardless of skill level.
Do activity tours in Iceland offer the equipment you need for the activities?
For example, glacier hikes typically provide crampons, helmets, and ice axes, while ATV and snowmobiling tours may include overalls, helmets, and gloves. Since Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, always check the tour details to see what’s provided and if you need to bring anything extra.
Can I bring my own equipment for certain activities, such as hiking or diving?
What should I wear for an activity tour in Iceland?
Many tours provide gear like crampons for glacier hikes or helmets for ATVs, but check in advance. Bring gloves, a hat, and a buff or scarf to protect against the wind. Even in summer, a rain jacket is a must, as showers are common.
In winter, extra insulation is key. A down jacket, thermal leggings, and thick socks help in freezing temperatures, especially on northern lights or snowmobiling tours. Dressing right ensures you stay warm, dry, and ready for adventure.
What is the best time of year for activity tours in Iceland?
On the other hand, winter (October to April) is perfect for ice cave tours, snowmobiling, and northern lights hunting, with Iceland’s landscapes covered in snow and ice. There are year-round tours like glacier hikes, geothermal hot spring visits, and ATV adventures that offer incredible experiences anytime you visit.
Do activity tours in Iceland offer hotel pick-up and drop-off?
However, please note that not all tours offer this service. Some require travelers to meet at a designated location, such as a tour office or bus terminal. If your tour includes pick-up, you’ll typically be dropped off at the same location after the tour. Always check the tour details before booking to confirm if hotel pick-up and drop-off are available.
When do activity tours in Iceland usually start?
Some activity tours, like the four-day tour on Iceland’s South Coast with glacier hiking, have flexible starting times. This means they can be adjusted to fit your plans. This is convenient if you arrive in Iceland and go straight onto the tour.
How long is the average activity tour in Iceland?
Is lunch usually included in an activity tour in Iceland?
Some tours offer a full meal, while others may include snacks or hot drinks. If lunch isn’t included, there may be stops at local cafes or restaurants, or you can bring a packed meal to keep you fueled for the adventure.
Do I need travel insurance for activity tours in Iceland?
Are activity tours in Iceland canceled in bad weather conditions?
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