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Best Summer Tours & Packages in Iceland

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10-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Top Attractions & Snaefellsnes

Amazing 5-Day Summer Vacation Package in Iceland with Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Golden Circle

Unforgettable 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of West & South Iceland with the Golden Circle

Unforgettable 6-Day Summer Vacation Package with Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Small Group 8-Day Guided Summer Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & Snaefellsnes

10-Day Guided Tour Package of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with Reykjavik

Best 1-week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road of Iceland & Golden Circle

Customizable 7 Day Summer Holiday Vacation Package of Icelandic Wonders

Epic 14 Day Self Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & the Westfjords

7-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

Scenic 4-Day Summer Vacation Package in Iceland with the Golden Circle

One Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of Iceland’s West & South Coasts with Waterfalls & Glaciers

6-Day Self-Drive Holiday in Iceland with the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Iceland Full Circle 10-Day Self Drive Tour

Amazing 2-Week Summer Self-Drive Tour with Hot Springs & the Golden Circle

Epic 7-Day Summer Vacation Package with the Inside the Volcano Tour & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Extraordinary 12-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with National Parks

Stunning 9-Day Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland & Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Scenic 4-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour with Iceland's Golden Circle & Vik

8-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road with the South Coast In-Depth

Action-Packed 8-Day Summer Vacation Package in Iceland with a Guided Tour of the Complete Ring Road

9-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland with a Focus on the South Coast

8-Day Summer Vacation Package Tour of the Best Attractions in Iceland

Express 6-Day Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Vacation Packages in Iceland

Self drive tours in iceland, tour calendar, nature tours in iceland, adventure tours in iceland, cheap bus tours in iceland, top tour destinations in iceland, verified customer reviews.

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Garrett M Wood

So glad I booked this Self-Drive Tour with Guide to Iceland. They quickly helped me with last-minute changes prior to our trip and we didn't have any issues with our bookings during the trip, we just had to show up and enjoy ourselves. It made the whole process so much less stressful and I will definitely be booking with them in the future. Also, this tour hit a lot, if not all of the primary tourist destinations. There is a good bit of driving, but honestly, Iceland is so beautiful my husband and I didn't mind at all. Thank you, Guide To Iceland!

Anna- Alicia

Really loved this! The cost is similar to booking hotels &tours yourself, but it's so helpful to have knowledgeable people book and organise things. I loved receiving our itineraries and any adjustments that needed to be made were relatively quick. My constructive feedback; I wish there had been some context on what to expect when actually waiting at the bus stops for tours; big groups of people and different buses showing up was pretty intimating the first couple times. This tour schedule is pretty intense, you leave Reykjavik before shops open and return after they close. If you take the Snaefellness option (which you should! It's really cool!) I recommend also taking an extra day break between it and your 2 day South coast to enjoy the city and not spend all week in a bus. Guide to Iceland was able to quickly send us a quote and book us an extra night and it was great. Would recommend and totally do it again!

Adriana Angelova

Amazing! I had multi day tour. First day was Reykjavik excursions - big bus, the guy was very old and struggling to remember what he started talking on the first place, didn’t enjoy. But , wow , next days with Hadrian and Troll expeditions were the best! I learned so much about Islandic history, government state and even pop music! She found my lost sunglasses too. Best tour guide ever! Can’t thank her enough for great experience in Iceland!

Susan Mehringer

Great tour! The guide was very entertaining and knowledgeable. He kept us safe on a really treacherous driving day

Summer travel in Iceland

Iceland is a country of beautiful extremes, and the summer is no exception. Although temperatures remain mild rather than hot, the all-night sun casts a bewitching glow over the mossy landscapes and rugged coastlines, and wildlife fills the green lowlands.

Stunning locations that are inaccessible during winter become exciting destinations to visit as part of our all-accommodating summer packages.

There is a unique quality to the summer sunlight which has earned Iceland its reputation as a photographer’s dream. With the ‘golden hour’ extending over several hours and sunsets that can stretch on through the evening, it’s important sometimes to remember to put down your camera, take a breath, and simply enjoy the fantastic scenery and natural wonders around you.

Although your tour is in the middle of summer, you can still experience Iceland’s icy wonders by going on a glacial hike or taking a snowmobile ride across the ice caps.

If you are not feeling quite so adventurous, many packages are more conducive to comfortable sightseeing with guided tours and drivers who make sure that you’re never far from a warm and relaxing environment. Whatever your preference, there will be a summer package suitable for you.

Bear in mind that Iceland is not the limit. We also offer packages that include visits to our neighbor Greenland for an authentic summertime Arctic experience. Both Iceland and Greenland are home to a fantastic wealth of wildlife.

Notably, the summer months herald the arrival of puffins, flocking to Icelandic shores to nest alongside gannets, guillemots, and an abundance of arctic terns.

Although our winter is dark and icy, when summer comes to Iceland, it is something to behold. You can genuinely feel the warmth of the midnight sun in the plants, animals, and the attitude of the people. Come feel summer inside and out and book a summer package today.

Frequently asked questions

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Top things to do in Iceland

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Explore an Ice Cave

Visit a Live Volcano

Find the Northern Lights

Visit the Blue Lagoon

Go on a Road Trip

Do the Golden Circle

See the Glacier Lagoon

South Coast Tours

Iceland Tour & Vacation Packages

Greenland’s the icy one; Iceland’s the green one. But remember this: they don’t call part of it the Golden Circle for nothing.

Calling all nature lovers, adventure seekers and fearless travelers. Iceland may be cold, but that’s the point—you’ll get to see all the glaciers, geysers and geothermal wonders you can handle. Discover a land of natural color: hues of azure at the  Blue Lagoon  and the icy Jokulsarlon, shades of green on the rolling hills framing Skogafoss and the striking black sand beaches that hug the coast. Not to mention the magical aurora borealis  that dance across the sky! From uncovering Viking tales and bathing in steamy springs to cruising past icebergs and exploring quirky farm towns,  Iceland  is island life like no other.

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Iceland at a glance, capital city.

Reykjavik (population approximately 123,000)

Approximately 372,520

(GMT) Monrovia, Reykjavik

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Iceland

Culture and customs.

Similar to many other parts of Europe , Iceland has rules in place to help preserve its culture and geographic isolation is also a factor in developing and preserving the country’s cultural qualities. Independence, self-sufficiency and a strong work ethic – traits that allowed this northern island to flourish in challenging conditions – continue to be highly valued today.

Icelandic culture and customs are full of myths and legends, many with a connection to Christian and pagan values. Folk tales of elves, gnomes, fairies and trolls still circulate, and whether or not the locals continue telling these to unlock the secrets of the past, or simply in jest, they’re definitely worth listening to. But when news outlets report on road plans being changed to avoid disrupting an elfin church, it’s easy to believe that this unusual country and its magical landscapes are a product of what lies ‘hidden’ in its mysterious depths.

Today, Iceland is a highly modern and progressive society. It is consistently rated as having the smallest gender pay gap and strong LGBTQIA+ rights representation in the parliament and media. It’s also one of the greenest countries in the world, with almost all energy coming from renewable resources such as hydropower and geothermal.

Read more about Iceland's History and Folklore

History and government

Pre-modern history.

This island nation was settled by Vikings in the ninth century, with much of the early literature recognizing Norse sailor Ingolfur Arnason as the first settler of Iceland, founding Reykjavik in AD874 along with his wife and brother. Icelanders remain proud to this day of their Viking heritage. The Icelandic language, for example, is so similar to the Old Norse spoken during Viking times that Icelanders can still read and understand the original Icelandic sagas.

A book of settlements titled Landnamabok, compiled in the 12th century, documents the names and other details of nearly 400 original settlers of Iceland who arrived in the ninth and tenth centuries. The document tells of a Norse Viking called Floki who sailed to Iceland for fishing and farming, however, due to his livestock not surviving in the conditions, had to return to his home in Norway. After heading up a mountain and looking over a fjord full of sea ice, he named this land Iceland.

In AD930, an Icelandic General Assembly was established and was deemed a Christian settlement less than a century later. Settlers and slaves brought to Iceland by Scandinavians were of Irish and Norse descent, and although some still debate which communities influenced the identity we now know to be Icelandic, the first distinctive text documenting ‘Icelandic-ness’ is said to be a rule book of sorts – the First Grammatical Treatise.

20th century and today

After long periods under Norwegian and Danish rule, Iceland was recognized as a sovereign state in 1918. On 17 June 1944, Iceland became an independent republic. It has a multi-party parliamentary system and a written constitution. The parliament is still called Althingi after its medieval General Assembly.

Many of Iceland’s major industries stem from its location and surrounding natural resources. Tourism aside, fishing and seafood products make up much of the country’s exports and employ a majority of the workforce along with agriculture and farming. Recent investment in greenhouses and geothermal energy has seen Iceland become increasingly self-sufficient, growing products that usually do not fare well in icy climates, such as potatoes, tomatoes and potted plants. Other food is imported along with many consumer goods.

Eating and drinking

Flanked by the ocean and inhabited by almost twice the amount of sheep as humans, Iceland understandably boasts a cuisine dominated by seafood and local lamb.

The country’s diet relies on plenty of potatoes and lamb, but seafood trumps all – sourced fresh year-round from the waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic and prepared in a variety of ways. Be sure to try Hardfiskur – a salty fish jerky, best enjoyed buttered.

Sheep and cows are free-range and fed chemical-free diets, making lamb and dairy products exceptionally good here. One of the best ways to enjoy the produce on offer is to warm yourself up from the inside out with a hearty meat soup: a mixture of lamb, root vegetables, herbs, and rice.

Skyr, a popular yogurt that is technically a cheese, is also a must-try in all its variety of flavors. Eat it like the locals do at any time of the day – for breakfast, as a snack, as a dipping sauce, in drink form (called drykkur), or as a dessert topping.

Surprisingly, hot dogs are Iceland’s most iconic fast food. Widely available, a hot dog is probably the cheapest meal you’ll have in Iceland. Order one with all the toppings – sweet mustard, ketchup, raw onions, deep-fried onions, and aioli.

Rye bread (also known as rugbraud) and butter is a common side to most meals in Iceland, but the preferred way of cooking the loaves are quite unique. Traditionally, the bread is buried near a natural hot spring, sprinkled with sugar, and left to gently steam for up to 24 hours. The end result is dense, cake-like bread that has a slightly sweet taste. Enjoy it with a traditional Icelandic soup, smoked lamb, or, of course, fish.

Name a food and chances are Icelanders have tried to add licorice to it. Black licorice is beloved by locals and found in a wide range of desserts and candy bars. During your time here, head to Valdis in Reykjavik to test out a cone filled with salted black licorice ice cream. Even if the weather’s cold, the ice cream joints will be open!

The weird and wacky

Icelanders have a reputation for serving up some of the most unusual food in the world – boiled sheep’s head, fermented shark known as harkarl, ram testicles and smoked puffin to name a few. Although the country’s isolation and harsh winters once meant these foods were eaten out of necessity, today most of these ‘delicacies’ are only prepared to shock tourists. Try if you dare, but we suggest sticking to the common foods that locals eat.

Alcohol can be expensive in Iceland and is best bought at the duty-free shop. Although forms of prohibition existed until 1989, alcohol is now widely available all over the country in state-run liquor stores. If you’re feeling brave, try the local brew, Brennivin – a potent, traditional caraway-flavored schnapps nicknamed ‘black death’.

Read more about what to eat in Iceland

Read more about what to drink in Iceland

Iceland travel highlights

1. explore reykjavik.

Iceland's capital city is totally beguiling, surrounded by volcanic peaks and boasting a vibrant art and nightlife scene. Browse the city’s galleries, explore the colorful street art, dine on fresh lox (traditionally cured salmon),   or cycle to the striking cathedral of Hallgrimskirkja – trying to say that after a tipple or two of Brennivin (Iceland's signature spirit) might be tricky! Get stuck into Icelandic culture on our 6 day Northern Lights Escape .

2. Discover the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is the holy trinity of southern Iceland. This 186-mile (300 km) route is brimming with natural wonders that showcase why so many travelers fall under Iceland's spell. Marvel at the layered cascades of Gullfoss Waterfall, explore the dramatic rift valley in Thingvellir National Park and witness the unpredictable eruptions in Geysir Geothermal Area. Marvel at breathtaking natural landscapes on our 5 day Iceland Express tour.

3. Cruise along Jokulsarlon

It's impossible not to be amazed by the sheer size and beauty of Jokulsarlon, Iceland’s famous glacial lagoon. Enjoy a boat tour along the icy waters where you'll cruise past towering glaciers and witness icebergs of all shapes, sizes and shades of blue drifting into the Atlantic Ocean. Cool down on our 8 day Iceland Discovery tour.

4. Experience life in Akureyri

Soak up the charm of this northern port city – the second-largest city in Iceland. Better described as a big town with lots of character, you'll be won over by its quaint turf homes, rich history and folklore, and the imposing Mount Súlur that looms over the town. Akureyri is also an ideal Northern Lights viewing location between September and April. Explore the streets of Akureyri on our 9 day Premium Iceland tour.

5. Be wowed by Westfjords

Venture off course to the unspoiled, untamed reaches of the Westfjords – without the big crowds. This is a land where mountains meet the sea most dramatically, where waterfalls tumble down into the inky fjords and puffins live along the towering cliffs. If you’re lucky and conditions allow, we might cruise along Látrabjarg (Europe’s largest bird cliff) to see puffins, razorbills, guillemots and more. Adventure through the Westfjords on our 14 day East Greenland and Iceland Northern Lights tour.

6. Bathe in the Blue Lagoon

There's no need to worry about being cold all the time in Iceland when you can slip into the famous Blue Lagoon just out of Reykjavik. Surrounded by black volcanic rock, a soak in the mineral-rich, milk-blue waters of this geothermal spa is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a big day of walking. 

Geography and environment

Iceland possesses some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders and unique landscapes. From active volcanoes to vast ice fields, bubbling hot springs and enormous glaciers, these dramatic contrasts have earned Iceland the nickname of the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’.

Many of these geological features are products of geographical location – on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates intersect and their movements away from each other create volcanic activity. The country is covered by moss-carpeted lava fields, soaring fjords, incredible waterfalls and dramatic geysers, all of which add to Iceland’s otherworldly look.

The country is also the perfect spot to see the Northern Lights. From September to March, you’ll have the best chance to view this spectacular natural light show when the skies are clear and auroral activity is high. But don’t let that stop you from visiting in other seasons – Iceland’s natural wonders are truly year-round attractions.

Top 4 natural phenomena of Iceland

1. Northern Lights

The Northern Hemisphere's Aurora Borealis has captivated and intrigued travelers for years. Any winter tour of Iceland absolutely must include a chance to see the Northern Lights. This natural light display that runs along magnetic fields often brings hypnotic green, yellow and red shades to the night sky in Iceland from September to March. As one of nature's most magnificent triumphs, this is one unforgettable spectacle.

2. Gullfoss

Otherwise known as Golden Falls, this spectacular three-tiered waterfall drops suddenly into a deep cavern. The falls are surrounded by lush, green countryside, and the rainbows created by the mist and spray provide brilliant photo opportunities.

3. Lake Myvatn

This part of northern Iceland was born from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and continues to be shaped by volcanic activity to this day. The combination of strange lava formations, thermal caves and a sprawling lake dotted with craters and rising rocks makes for an eerie yet beautiful landscape.

4. Jokulsarlon

Literally translating to ‘glacial river lagoon’, this monumental glacier lake is the largest in Iceland. Featuring a parade of large and small blue icebergs floating on and under the pure, icy water, this lagoon is so beautiful that it has been used as a backdrop for Hollywood films, a set for reality television shows and in a starring role on a postage stamp!

Iceland is notorious for being an expensive destination. Travelling on a budget here is difficult but can be done. Head to Bonus – Iceland’s discount grocery store – so you can cook rather than eat out for each meal. The duty-free store at Keflavik International Airport is the best place to pick up a bottle of Icelandic alcohol such as Brennivin liquor, Reyka vodka or Viking Gold beer for a fraction of the price you’d find elsewhere. It’s also a good idea to travel as a group, as operators can get better rates than a single traveler at hotels and restaurants, plus they know all the local hotspots.

If you’d like to take home Icelandic local specialties, Reykjavik is the best place to shop. Some of the country’s coolest retailers can be found on Laugavegur, one of the oldest shopping streets. Here you can browse clothing from quirky local designers alongside traditional lambswool sweaters, as well as tourist shops selling plastic Viking hats and puffin magnets. For smaller boutiques selling local art, head to Skolavordustigur.

Festival and events

Despite the long and dark winters, Icelanders are among the happiest people in the world. Why? One reason is that they understand the importance of getting together and having a good time, even if it’s pitch black outside. There are many celebrations to join in on throughout the year, but here are a few to look out for:

Winter Lights Festival

Every year, buildings around Reykjavik light up at night to celebrate both the winter world and the growing light after a long period of darkness. The Winter Lights Festival uses many public buildings and all major museums and thermal pools to illuminate the city with lighting designs and art installations as a way to get people thawed out after a long winter.

This annual mid-winter feast in January or February is one of Iceland’s oldest festivals, dating back to Viking days. Fearless eaters can find restaurants in Reykjavik offering special Thorrablot dinners of boiled sheep’s head, rotten shark’s meat, and cured ram testicles. If you can, try to snag an invitation to a local’s house, where celebrations tend to be more festive and involve lots of singing, dancing, and drinking.

Viking Festival

Modern-day Vikings in traditional garb flock to Hafnarfjorour each June for a festival Leif Erikson would approve of. Swordfights, archery, axe throwing, a traditional market, concerts, and a proper Viking feast are all part of the festivities.

National Day

1944 marks the year that Iceland became a republic after an overwhelming majority of the citizens voted for independence. The deciding referendum took place between May 20 and 23 that year; however, Iceland’s National day is celebrated on June 17th – the birthday of the man who originally led the movement in the late 19th century, Jon Sigurdsson. There are parades all around the country, usually with brass bands and marching horses. Music food, fireworks, and street parties – you get it, they’re a patriotic bunch.

Dalvik Fiskidagurinn Mikli (The Great Fish Day)

Each August, the northern fishing village of Dalvik invites you to a free, all-you-can-eat fish and seafood buffet – held for no reason other than to get people together over a delicious meal. You might come for the free food, but you’ll stay for the company.

Read more about festivals in Iceland

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Iceland adventure, check out these books:

• Independent People   – Halldor Laxness
• Jar City   – Arnaldur Indridason
• The Little Book of Tourists in Iceland   – Alda Sigmundsdottir
• Waking Up in Iceland   – Paul Sullivan
• The Tricking of Freya   – Christina Sunley
• Viking Age Iceland   – Jesse L Bycock
• The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman   – Nancy Marie Brown
• Burial Rites   – Hannah Kent
• The Book of Settlements: Landnamabok   – Herman Palsson (trans.)

Discover more about visiting Iceland from our travel experts in our Complete Guide to Iceland.

Similar destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from a variety of locations around Iceland. The options below may be of interest:

Tours to Reykjavik 

Northern Lights Tours

Iceland or Greenland

Iceland travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Deciding what you want to see in Iceland will give you a better idea of when is the best time to travel. Wanting to get active around the countryside and see waterfalls and wildlife? The warmer spring and summer months are probably ideal. Prefer to soak in the geothermal lagoons and get a chance to see the Northern Lights? Well, likely the cooler months – with their longer nights – are best for you.

Spring and summer are considered optimal times to visit Iceland if green landscapes and balmy days are your thing. The early spring months bring warmer days, while summer offers long daylight hours with only short nights. In the summer season, July and August are the warmest months and the busiest time for tourists.

In September, tourism tends to slow down as the weather becomes unpredictable and the countryside is usually less accessible. However, there are plenty of attractions for the off-peak traveler, including the beauty of fall colors and, of course, the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

As you might expect, winters in Iceland can be challenging. During late December there are about four-and-a-half hours of daylight and it's often cloudy. In January, there are on average three sunny days in Reykjavík, with temperatures hovering around freezing point, often with chilling winds.

Do I need a visa to travel to Iceland?

Iceland is a member of the Schengen Convention, which means that if you travel to an EU member country or countries, like Iceland, for a total of less than 90 days, a visa is not required. Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, the UK and other member countries of the EU and Schengen area are included under this arrangement. Other countries do require a visa to visit Iceland, including citizens of South Africa.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your country of origin. Check the Essential Trip Information section of your tour itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in Iceland?

Tipping isn't expected in Iceland. Hotels, restaurants and cafes already include a service fee and consumption taxes (VAT) in the bill, so tipping extra isn't necessary. However, feel free to leave a small amount if your experience has been particularly good, especially for assistance provided by drivers, tour leaders or service workers.

What is the internet access like in Iceland?

Travelers will be able to access the internet in cybercafes and at wi-fi hotspots in Iceland's cities and large towns. Rural and remote areas may have less internet access, so be prepared when traveling away from the city.

Most accommodation and eateries in Iceland offer wi-fi access, which is usually free to use with a code. If you wish to stay connected for the majority of your trip, it may be wise to purchase a prepaid SIM card with a data package.

Many Icelandic libraries and tourist information offices have shared computers for public internet access if you are without a device to connect to wi-fi. Sometimes a small fee is charged for this service.

Can I use my cell phone while in Iceland?

Travelers can use their cell phones in Iceland's main cities and towns, though remote and isolated areas may have inferior cell reception.

If you wish to stay connected for the majority of your trip, it may be wise to purchase a prepaid SIM card for the duration of your journey. This will likely be the cheapest way to use your phone in Iceland.

For EU citizens, depending on who you have your phone plan with, you may be able to use your current SIM in Iceland – your service provider will be able to provide more details.

Global roaming can also be activated, but check with your service provider to find out about any fees you may incur, as sometimes this can be expensive.

What are the toilets like in Iceland?

Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in Iceland.

In terms of public toilets, Reykjavik and other major towns and cities have some, but along highways and at many tourist destinations – especially campgrounds and natural attractions – there is a lack of facilities. Expect to pay a small fee when visiting public toilets and, in busy months, expect queues in main tourist areas.

There have been recent occurrences of tourists resorting to other means in remote places and near tourist sites. We recommend being prepared and talking to your group leader if you have any concerns.

What will it cost for a…?

Iceland's unit of currency is the krona. Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

• Hotdog = ISK 400-600
• Glass of beer = ISK 1,100-1,500
• Simple lunch at a cafe = ISK 2,100-3.700
• Dinner in a restaurant = ISK 2.600-4.200

Can I drink the water in Iceland?

Tap water is considered safe to drink in Iceland unless marked otherwise. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Iceland?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Iceland and are used frequently by locals to pay for just about anything. Paying with a credit card at shops, guesthouses, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and on taxi rides shouldn't present a problem. Iceland is almost a cashless society, so cards are the best option; however, a lot of payments will require your four-digit PIN, so be sure to know this before you leave home.

What is ATM access like in Iceland?

ATMs are usually easy to find in Iceland's cities and villages and generally accept most foreign cards.

What public holidays are celebrated in Iceland?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• Mar/Apr: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday*
• 1 May: Labur Day
• May/Jun: Ascension Day*
• May/Jun: Whit Sunday and Whit Monday*
• 17 Jun: National Day
• First Monday in August Commerce Day*
• 24 Dec: Christmas Eve
• 25 Dec: Christmas Day
• 26 Dec: Boxing Day
• 31 Dec: New Year's Eve

*Please note, Iceland public holidays may vary.

What is the weather like in Iceland?

Iceland’s temperatures are cool and do vary throughout the year. In winter months, minimum temperatures plummet to below freezing. In Reykjavik, summer temperatures average at around 52°F, while winter maximums are approximately 32°F. Rainfall is quite consistent throughout the year; between 25–50 mm per month, with most days experiencing some rainfall.

Is it safe to travel to Iceland?

Iceland is a very safe country to travel to and is one of the safest countries in the world.

Is Iceland safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

The people of Iceland have an open and accepting attitude to LGBTQIA+ communities, and Iceland is considered one of the world’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries. Since 2006, same-sex couples have had equal access to adoption and IVF, and in 2010 the Icelandic Parliament made a unanimous decision to define marriage as between two individuals. As might be expected in a small country, however, the gay scene is quite low-key, even in Reykjavik.

In 2012, more legislation was passed to formalize the name and identity-changing process for the needs of trans and genderqueer individuals. There is still a way to go to achieve full equality, but Iceland is, in many regards, leading the way globally.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel and reading more about the LGBTQIA+ culture in Iceland .

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

Is Iceland accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Because of its remote location and size, Iceland can prove difficult when it comes to accessibility for individuals with mobility issues. Some of the main sights, such as the Blue Lagoon, are wheelchair accessible, but many of the natural attractions have unpaved paths and unsteady terrain. Iceland has a dedicated information center,  Thekkingarmidstod Sjalfsbjorg , that provides up-to-date information on accessibility and accessible facilities in Iceland, as well as other related information.

If you do live with a visual, hearing, or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you, and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in Iceland

In summer, Iceland experiences cool but mild weather throughout the country, with maximum temperatures averaging around 55°F. It’s still important, however, to pack some warm clothing at this time, as temperatures at night can drop quite dramatically. In winter, some days barely reach over 32°F, so preparing for this is crucial. It can be wet and windy, and roads may be iced over, so thermal gear, a waterproof jacket and pants and sturdy walking boots are all highly recommended.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How will I be traveling around Iceland?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport – which usually have less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are much more fun.

Depending on what trip you're on in Iceland, you may find yourself traveling by:

All-terrain Unimog

To see all of Iceland, you’ll need some heavy-duty transport. This super-sized van will take you on glacier visits to admire these almighty ice caps up close.

Amphibian boat

Part truck, part boat, all adventure ­– cruise the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon in a small group aboard one of these vessels, on land and lake.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Win a trip to Iceland

The Best Summer Tours in Iceland

• Lára Borg Lárusdóttir
• March 7, 2024

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The Icelandic landscape is vastly diverse, showcasing natural contrasts in every area of the country. These diverse landscapes can be seen with variations, including Iceland’s glacial wonders, volcanic plains and lava fields, forests, rivers, cliffsides, and geothermal treasures. Therefore finding the best summer tours in Iceland can be done with ease.

Visiting Iceland in the summer months can be a vastly different experience from when visiting during the winter. Nonetheless, many tours can be experienced both during the summer and the winter, such as visiting the Golden Circle or bathing in the Blue Lagoon.

To fully appreciate the variations and contrasts that Icelandic nature has to offer, we recommend that visitors embark on one or more of the many available tours of Iceland. In this guide, we will go over the best summer tours in Iceland, which allow travellers to witness Iceland’s extraordinary beauty in the 24-hour daylight of the summer months.

Explore Iceland in the Summer by Hiking

Iceland offers an abundance of hiking trails and treks throughout the country, where hikers are often captivated by dramatic landscapes and untouched wilderness. There are a lot of different hiking variations available in Iceland, so whether you are looking for a short day-hike or a longer multiple-day hike, you have found the ideal spot for your hiking experience. 

Day-Hikes in Iceland 

In Iceland, a great variety of day hikes are available, both in the vicinity of Reykjavík and all around the country. Many popular day-hikes are the Esjan and Úlfarsfell mountains, both located in or just outside Reykjavík. Hiking either Esja or Úlfarsfell mountain takes about 2-3 hours, depending on how many stops are taken along the way.

Another popular day hike is in Reykjadalur valley, located close to Hveragerði town, about 50 km [31 mil] from Reykjavík city. The path takes hikers to a hot spring, making it a perfect two-in-one activity. 

Multi-Day Hikes in Iceland

Laugavegur trail.

In addition to the many day hikes in Iceland, many multi-day hikes are available for hikers to explore. One of Iceland’s most famous multi-day hikes is the Laugavegur trail in the southern highlands. Hikers usually trek in 3-4 days, which is about 52 km [32 mil] and is generally considered challenging. The trek takes you through lava fields, black sand deserts, geothermal springs, glaciers, lakes, rivers, and forests, making it a perfectly diverse and contrasting hike. The best times to visit the trek are from June through September.

Fimmvörðuháls Trail

Another popular hike is the Fimmvörðuháls trail, which is also located in the southern highlands of Iceland. The trail is 23.8 km [14.8 mil] and is a challenging one. It takes an average of 8 hours to complete, which can be done in a day but is quite common to split over a couple of days. The area is famous for birding and camping, making it ideal to explore wildlife and encounter other people while hiking.

Hornstrandir Trail

Located in the Westfjords in Iceland is the Hornstrandir trek, which is about 86 km [53 mils] long but can be split into shorter trails. The trek lets hikers experience breathtaking views where the landscapes of the Westfjords are one of Iceland’s most unique and dramatic ones. The area is quite remote, where you can expect to see untouched wilderness and experience various weather conditions. Due to the area’s remoteness, no infrastructure is in place for backpackers, so bringing enough food, water, clothing and gear to the hike is essential.

Glacier Hikes in Iceland

Iceland offers many glacier hikes where hikers can experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey and enjoy the astonishing views of Icelandic glaciers. Though it might sound like it, these tours are meant not only for winter but can be enjoyed all year round. Glacier tours can be embarked on at any of the many glaciers of Iceland, for instance, the Sólheimajökull glacier or the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier. 

Find more information about the available glacier tours here . 

Water activities in Iceland

Snorkel or dive between two continents at silfra fissure.

Snorkelling or diving in Silfra offers a unique and captivating experience by taking participants on a journey between two continents, making it one of the best summer tours in Iceland. Silfra is located at Iceland’s national park Þingvellir, a fissure between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. By diving into the crystal-clear glacial water, you can expect to see stunning underwater landscapes with visibility exceeding about 100 metres [328ft].

Explore the available tours to Silfra here . 

Kayak and paddle tours in Iceland

Whether you are looking for a calm evening paddle tour, a breathtaking kayaking tour through the Icelandic glacier water or a thrilling river ride, there are many options to choose from. One of Iceland’s most popular kayaking tours is the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon tour, which takes participants to a breathtaking view of the ice caps and the dome of ice that rises above it. During the summer, it can also be a great option to enjoy a night of paddling under the midnight sun and watch how it never sets. 

See more information about the kayak and paddle tours available here . 

Get the Perfect Catch in an Icelandic Fishing Tour

Embarking on a fishing tour in the summer in Iceland promises an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement, natural beauty, and the thrill of reeling in a catch amidst stunning landscapes.

As the long days of summer bathe the island in golden sunlight, fishermen and enthusiasts flock to Iceland’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters in pursuit of the perfect catch. For those that want to get the taste of fishing in Iceland, many tours are offered that are both informative, fun and hands-on.

The Sea Angling Tour sets off from Reykjavík Harbour out to the fishing areas of Faxaflói bay, where the experienced crew are able to spot fish in a blink of an eye. 

The Private Fishing Tour offers participants exclusive fishing trips in both a river and a lake, equipped with all fishing gear. The tours can be set up with short notice and can be specialised to fit all needs participants might have. 

The Whales and Sea Angling Tour combines exploring the majestic whales of Iceland with the fishing experience. So whether participants are experienced fishermen or simply want to relax, enjoy the landscape with a fishing rod on their hand, the tour is a perfect option. 

Embarking on a fishing tour in Iceland is a perfect opportunity to connect with nature, get insight and knowledge of fishing in Iceland and have some fun meanwhile. 

See available fishing tours here . 

Wakeboarding and Waterskiing tours 

Wakeboarding and waterskiing tours can be a great option to enjoy some fun while exploring the surrounding landscape. However, you must be quick as the boat goes fast. Western Iceland offers the perfect conditions for combining the two as it has one of the most breathtaking views of Iceland and plenty of water to go about. Whether you are a premier league professional, or a courageous beginner, the wakeboards and water skis will welcome you. 

See some of the wakeboarding and waterskiing tours of western Iceland here . 

Visit Iceland’s famous Golden Circle

The well-known Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s must-visit and most-visited tourist destinations. The journey takes travellers through some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders by stopping in three destinations: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area. 

Þingvellir National Park

The journey’s first stop is Þingvellir National Park, a natural marvel and historical site in southwestern Iceland. Its historical status comes from the general assembly, or Alþingi, being established there around the year 930, which continued to convene until 1798. The national park is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites and offers visitors a unique experience of standing on the continental divide between North America and Eurasia. 

Geysir Geothermal Area

After visiting Þingvellir, the second stop of the journey is the Geysir geothermal area. The area is home to the famous Geysir and its more active counterpart, Strokkur, which typically erupts every 6-10 minutes. Strokkur’s usual height goes up to about 15-20 metres. However, it occasionally erupts up to 40 metres high. The surrounding area is vibrant and full of unique colours and landscapes, making this part of the journey remarkable. Close by the erupting geysers and bubbling mud pots are Hotel Geysir, where you can enjoy the beautiful view from the privacy of your room. 

Gullfoss Waterfall

The final destination of the journey, completing the Golden Circle, is Gullfoss waterfall. The majestic and powerful waterfall derives from the Hvítá River and plunges into a deep canyon. The name Gullfoss means golden waterfall, and the golden-toned mist that can be seen above the water a lot of the time gave the waterfall its name. 

Many choose to finish the tour at one of Iceland’s geothermal baths, Fontana . Fontana is located by Laugarvatn Lake, where visitors can relax in the warm water and even go for a dip in the lake. 

See many of the available Golden Circle tours here . 

Experience the Icelandic Midnight Sun 

The Icelandic midnight sun is a phenomenon that fascinates locals and visitors worldwide. In the summer months, from approximately May to August, the days are incredibly bright, but in the month of June, the sun can be visible nearly 24 hours a day. That is a result of Iceland’s high latitude, where the earth’s axis tilts towards the sun for six months during the summer, and therefore, the country gets to bask in the glow of the midnight sun periodically. 

The longest day of the year in Iceland, the summer solstice, takes place between June 20 and 22 and is often celebrated, for example, with the music festival Secret Solstice Iceland. 

In summary, visitors can enjoy the unique and breathtaking sight of the midnight sun in Iceland during the summer and cross that off their bucket list. 

For booking a midnight sun tour, see more information here . 

See the Majestic Whales of Iceland on a Whale Watching Tour

The large and captivating creatures we call whales can be found all around the island of Iceland. In Iceland’s surrounding ocean, multiple species of whales can be found, such as the Humpback Whale, Killer Whale, Blue Whale and many more. Each species has different characteristics and behaviours, which can be fascinating to explore. 

By embarking on a whale-watching voyage, you can experience the beauty of the wildlife and view the majestic ocean creatures just off the coast of Reykjavík. 

See available whale-watching tours here . 

Ride into the Sunset on an Icelandic Horse 

Even though you might not be able to ride into the sunset with the never-setting Icelandic summer sun, you can still enjoy horseback riding on a majestic Icelandic horse. 

To some, the Icelandic horse might seem relatively small. However, the Icelandic horse is a very elegant and beautiful creature with a lively temperament. 

Riding an Icelandic horse in the summertime can be a very entertaining experience where you can learn more about the horses whilst enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding area. 

See available horseback riding tours here . 

Ride in the Icelandic nature on an ATV

There are more ways to ride in Icelandic nature than on a horse, as you can get the adrenaline flowing in an ATV or a quad tour. 

There are multiple types of ATV or quad tours, and you can choose from riding in a lava field, on a black sand beach, taking a midnight sun tour, or other. You can even combine the tour with other tours, such as visiting the Golden Circle, visiting the Blue Lagoon or going caving, and therefore getting a full Icelandic experience. 

See the available ATV or quad tours here .

Summer tours in Iceland summary

The best summer tours in Iceland are diverse and offer varied experiences such as hikes, wildlife exploring, thrilling rafting or calming midnight sun watching. Moreover, the experiences all have a common thread of enjoying the captivating Icelandic landscapes showcasing the country’s geological diversity in a compact space. To make the most of your summer in Iceland, we recommend taking any of the tours mentioned above and experiencing the treasures Iceland has to offer! 

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Summer in Iceland: How Best to Enjoy It

6 minute read

By Ragnheiður Harpa Haraldsdóttir

29 May 2019

People often say that driving around Iceland feels like traveling between different continents. Some even go as far as saying that Iceland looks and feels like several different planets. However true that might be, it is safe to say that the diversity of Iceland’s landscapes is simply unparalleled.

• Explore these summer trips to Iceland .

Iceland is the place where glaciers meet pitch black volcanic sand beaches and moss-covered lava fields run into colorful fishing villages. The south coast is flat, decorated with ice caps and volcanoes, but the Westfjords are steeply carved in narrow fjords.

The Eastfjords are home to the only free roaming reindeers in Iceland, and the north is the mecca of the Icelandic horse. Moreover, Reykjavík is the only settlement that really counts as a city and is home to over two-thirds of the Icelandic population. Reykjavík is the center of culture, a foodie paradise, and a place of great architectural beauty.

You will definitely need your time to explore Iceland especially because the seasons (of which there are really only two in Iceland: summer and winter) can dramatically shape your experience. There are a lot of activities linked with either season and many must-sees that only appear at a certain time. To help you figure out the best summer activities in Iceland, we’ve prepared a little blog for you.

Fun facts about summer in Iceland

• Summer is the time puffins flock to Iceland, turning Iceland into the biggest puffin colony in Europe
• Summer is the best time for road trips, especially the famous Ring Road route !
• There are natural hot springs scattered around Iceland, ideal for you to bathe in
• The sun doesn’t completely set during the summer months in Iceland, giving you time during the night and day to explore!
• You will need sunscreen and sunglasses! Iceland is located so close to the Arctic, making the sun’s rays much stronger than most countries.
• The Icelandic horse loses its winter coat and looks completely different in summer from its shaggy winter look
• Reykjavík and almost every village in Iceland hosts its own summer festival

How is the weather in summer in Iceland?

Although the temps in Iceland are unlikely to drop to tropical or subtropical temps, it can get very sunny and quite pleasant in the summer months. On a really warm summer day, the peaks can reach around 20–25°C (68–77°F), but on average they are closer to 10–15°C (50–59°F). The Eastfjords are known for better weather than for example the capital and in the north: the midnight sun entertains its people with an even longer lasting daylight.

Conclusion:

• Bring sunglasses and sunscreen
• You might even want to pack some t-shirts and shorts
• But, it can still rain so a water-resistant or waterproof coat will go a long way

When planning your visit to Iceland, you should definitely look up the weather for the month of your stay. It can really make the packing all that easier!  

What to wear in summer in Iceland

This question is hard to answer without an itinerary. If you are spending most of your time glacier hiking you will need to bring another wardrobe than the person planning on staying in swimming pools. Still, there is a set list of basics most will be happy to have brought.

• Thermals and or/long-johns
• Long-sleeved shirt(s)
• Thick sweater for evenings and chillier overcast days
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes with a good tread

10 things to do during an Icelandic summer

1. Go on a road trip

If there ever was a prime time to get behind the wheel, it would be summer in Iceland. So load up that playlist and have a new country surprise you. If you want to do a day trip, maybe to explore the Golden Circle , or perhaps you are looking for a two week vacation around the country, the road trip options are endless.

Summer is the easiest and safest time to travel around Iceland on your own and our self-drive itineraries make sure you don’t miss out on any of the best stops.

Pro tip: To make the most of the daylight, enjoy during the day and drive in the evening. You’ll cover so much more ground!

2. Visit a glacier

During summer, the top layer of snow melts away and what awaits you are the stunning colors of glacial ice. Take a day tour from the city or meet up on your road trip around Iceland. Just make sure you book your guided tour in advance. The glaciers are a popular destination!

3. Bathe in a swimming pool or hot spring

Since the time of the Vikings, Icelanders have enjoyed bathing in natural pools and rivers. This natural warm water is provided by the bubbling magma underground. These days, it is essential to Iceland’s culture and pretty much any visit.

Whether you are the type to go fully nude in a natural setting, or you are the type that wants great facilities when changing into your suit, Iceland has the thing for you. If the village has a minimum population of 100, there will be a community pool.

Furthermore, can you easily find a warm-temperature hot spring to bathe in most parts of the country. Put hot pools in Iceland on your bucket list!

4. Get an Icelandic hot dog or two

When you ask ‘what food should I try in Iceland?’, an Icelandic hot dog is likely to be the answer. It is quick, filling, cheap, and delicious and it can be bought at almost any gas station or food stall.

The standard toppings are ketchup, deep-fried onion, raw onions, Icelandic mustard, and remoulade (Iceland’s version of the special mayo/relish based sauce). Ask for ‘one with everything’ to get those toppings together!

5. Go hiking in Icelandic nature

Summer is the time to explore Iceland’s highlands. During winter they can’t be reached without guides and monster trucks, but in summer they are accessible by most 4×4 vehicles. Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk are some of the more popular areas with gorgeous landscapes, mountain views, and unique charms.

For the more experienced hikers, trails like the 4-day and 6-day Laugavegur are supreme!

6. Catch a local festival

Nearly all villages in Iceland hold a festival in June , July or August . Mark the month you will be visiting and find out the festivals at that time. Some of the best ones are the Fishfest in Dalvík, the Lobsterfest in Höfn, the Swamp Soccer tournament in Ísafjörður, Ein með öllu in Akureyri, and LungA Art Fest in Seyðisfjörður. Reykjavík’s summer festivals, including Gay Pride and Culture Night, are numerous, so plan ahead!

7. Visit the Westfjords

The Westfjords are unfortunately not located off the Ring Road which often results in travelers missing out on the experience. It does, however, also make the locations less crowded and some say it feels like Iceland before it was discovered.

In winter, the Westfjords can be a bit difficult to reach, but in summer the road conditions are much better. Make sure the Westfjords, sometimes nicknamed the Bestfjords, are on your bucket list. They are so worth it!

8. Join a whale watching tour

Summer is when you catch the most variety in whale species here in Iceland. If you have the time to travel north, the record sighting 9 different species of whales in one tour! That tour was near at Dalvík, close to Akureyri.

These majestic creatures frolic in the Atlantic Ocean and can at times, jump out of the water creating a private show. The humpbacks are huge show-offs but the minke whale is more subtle. The blue whale is majestic but the killer whales are very impressive. We could go on and on but the truth of the matter is, you simply need to meet them!

9. See the adorable puffins

In May, these supremely cute birds flock over to our island for mating and nesting, giving us a couple of months to enjoy them. They have become somewhat of a token animal for Iceland and people travel from afar to see them in their natural habitat. As soon as you see one, you will understand why.

10. Make the most of the midnight sun

Icelanders pay the price of darkness in winter for the most magical summers, with daylight around the clock. This phenomenon known as the midnight sun is something everyone has to experience. Stay up, watch the sun touch the horizon only to come back up and the beautiful colors it leaves in the sky. You will never want to leave this moment.

• Related: Midnight sun in Iceland – Your guide .

Can I see the Northern Lights in summer in Iceland?

This is probably the only downside to the midnight sun. It gets so bright that the Northern Lights can’t be seen, even though they might be there. Picture a white pencil drawing on white paper. The marks are still there just not visible. We need the dark winter skies to set the right backdrop for the elusive lights to be visible. Until winter, we will bask in the endless sunlight!

About the author

Ragnheiður is a nature lover first and foremost, having studied anthropology and media at university. She also loves sharing her passion about her home country, Iceland, with everyone she meets. You’ll often find her traveling the Icelandic countryside, especially the Westfjords and south coast, although her hometown is Reykjavík. Her interests include Icelandic food and drink, plants and wildlife, and cultural traditions.

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Summer Tours in Iceland

Come enjoy milder weather and more daylight hours on an Iceland summer vacation. Make the most of longer days to discover as much of Iceland as possible on a tour arranged by the local travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

50 tours available

Prices per adult based on bookings for two

• 4x4 Highland tours
• Midnight sun tours
• Winter tours
• Family trips
• Honeymoon & romance

Sorry, we found no tours matching your criteria.

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Scenic South Iceland

Geysers, volcanoes & glacier lagoon.

Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark

Best of Scandinavia & Iceland

Train, cruise & minibus, best of scandinavia - norway cruise & iceland, the nordic countries classic, train, cruise & self-drive, natural wonders of iceland, iceland full circle classic, south & west iceland classic, the best of south & west iceland, south iceland at leisure, highlights of the ring road.

Iceland Complete Classic

Iceland ring road express, the islands of fire & ice - iceland & greenland, the natural wonders of iceland - private.

1599766 ISK

Complete Iceland

Iceland full circle & the westfjords.

1166521 ISK

1049869 ISK

Best of South Iceland

Golden circle, south coast & blue lagoon, romance around iceland, iceland full circle at leisure, iceland road trip, iceland grand tour, iceland complete express, 4x4 highland adventure in the south, best of south & north iceland, golden circle, south coast & mývatn, golden circle classic, golden circle & blue lagoon, classic south coast, active iceland, snowmobiling, ice tunnel & golden circle, golden circle express, golden circle & south coast, highlights of iceland in luxury.

1293652 ISK

Highlights of North & West Iceland

Highlights of westfjords & west iceland, highlights of westfjords, north & west iceland, iceland ultimate adventure, land of the midnight sun - private 4x4 tour, south & west iceland at leisure, south iceland & into the glacier, south iceland classic, south iceland express, scenic south iceland - private, highlights of the ring road - private.

1043480 ISK

South Iceland at Leisure - Private

1013560 ISK

South & West Iceland Classic - Private

1208962 ISK

Golden Circle & South Coast - Summer - Private

Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia

The Nordic Countries Complete

Iceland luxury adventure - summer, glaciers, geysir & blue lagoon retreat.

1123330 ISK

Iceland Luxury Escape - Summer

Best of south iceland & blue lagoon retreat.

1638870 ISK

Iceland Ring Road in Luxury - Summer

2712070 ISK

Iceland Luxury Escape at Leisure - Summer

2434168 ISK

Iceland Luxury Adventure at Leisure - Summer

1695917 ISK

Wonders of the Westfjords

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ABOUT YOUR ICELAND SUMMER VACATION

Discover Iceland in the summer months and you can take advantage of longer days to visit more of the country’s top attractions. Choose from self-drive or guided tours, and experience Iceland in a way that suits you. When you book Iceland summer holiday packages with Nordic Visitor, you get:

• An authentic travel experience organised by an established and trusted agency • A dedicated travel consultant who will arrange your tour • All relevant bookings for your chosen package • A detailed online personal itinerary and travel guide • Quality accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 emergency phone support for peace of mind

Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your summer tour. Simply follow these steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

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Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

You are in good hands

During your trip you have access to our 24/7 helpline should anything unexpected arise. Unforeseen weather or event? No problem. Your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will handle it, reworking your itinerary as necessary while keeping you safe and informed.

Trusted local travel experts

Established in Reykjavík in 2002, Nordic Visitor is a leading travel agency with a true passion for Iceland. Our local travel consultants all have in-depth knowledge of the locations and activities you'll want on your itinerary. They will use their expertise to create a tour that’s perfect for you.

Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Stress-free experience

Nordic Visitor will arrange everything on your behalf so you can relax and get excited about your trip to Iceland. You’ll have a dedicated travel expert who will provide you with a comprehensive itinerary. We’ll also be on hand throughout your trip should you need us at any point.

Customisable tour options

Everyone’s travel wish list is different, so we are happy to tailor your tour. These summer packages already include recommended tours and routes for your time in Iceland, but we can always customise your itinerary according to your preferences. Just ask us to add extra nights, activities or destinations.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

ICELAND SUMMER TOUR REVIEWS

Discover what our fantastic clients liked about their summer tour of Iceland.

Mary United States

I highly recommend Nordic Visitor for people travelling to Iceland. Zachary and then Bonnie did a wonderful job of... read more

I highly recommend Nordic Visitor for people travelling to Iceland. Zachary and then Bonnie did a wonderful job of handling arrangements and communications. We loved the itinerary notes and recommendations. Hotels were great, especially some of the out-of-the-way ones. Iceland was wonderful. The people were so welcoming. The scenery was always spectacular, every single day!

Dean United States

Everything was well-organised and went off without a hitch. The private guide was amazing. He could not have been... read more

Everything was well-organised and went off without a hitch. The private guide was amazing. He could not have been better. I highly recommend him to anyone considering a private guide as an option. He's extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area. He knew all of the best places to go and was entertaining and delightful as well. Accommodation was all spectacular.

YOUR ICELAND SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Summer in Iceland has so many delights in store for you. Picture yourself on an Iceland summer vacation, the long daylight hours stretching ahead of you. Soon, you could:

• Visit the Golden Circle to see Gullfoss waterfall , Geysir geothermal area and Þingvellir National Park
• Go on a thrilling whale watching tour from Reykjavík or Húsavík
• Admire the view at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with its floating icebergs
• Venture into the highlands to hike through the dramatic landscapes of Landmannalaugar
• See a lava field, volcano and crater in the same day at Snæfellsjökull National Park
• Head to Iceland’s largest national park, Vatnajökull , and marvel at its rich geological diversity
• Embark on guided glacier hikes in the pristine Skaftafell Nature Reserve
• Drive around the Ring Road to reach Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall in North Iceland
• Soak in the warm geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon

ADVICE ABOUT ICELAND IN SUMMER

Get ready for your summer tour of Iceland with these practical travel guides.

Climate & weather conditions

How icy is Iceland? You might be surprised

What to pack

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all types of weather

Time & Daylight

When to expect sunrises, sunsets, northern lights and the midnight sun

Driving in Iceland

Are you prepared for your road trip? Learn the rules of the road and more here

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ICELAND SUMMER TOURS

If you’ve got questions about what it’s like to visit Iceland in summer, we’ve got the answers. Read on for expert advice regarding Iceland summer holiday packages, encompassing practical advice and insider tips.

Alternatively, learn about our booking terms , have a look at our general FAQs , or find out about our flexible  Book With Confidence travel plan.

1. IS ICELAND SAFE?

Iceland has been one of the best success stories in terms of handling the Covid-19 outbreak. The government has implemented a rigorous policy of tracing, testing and isolating. Because of this, Iceland has had one of the lowest number of coronavirus cases in Europe.

You can keep on top of our  travel updates  for Iceland and our other Northern European destinations to find out if you are eligible to visit. Additionally, discover what to expect on your trip with our  travel safety advice  and plan your trip with confidence thanks to our  flexible booking terms . 

2. WHEN IS SUMMER IN ICELAND? WHAT MONTHS?

Iceland's summer season covers the months of April , May ,  June , July ,  August  and September . 'First day of summer' is an official  public holiday in Iceland , held on the first Thursday after 18 April.

The spell from June to August is the most popular time to visit Iceland, with mildest temperatures and longer daylight hours. It can still get chilly in Iceland at this time of year though, so be prepared for all weather!

Top tip : if you can get the vacation time, we recommend visiting Iceland in the 'shoulder season' around April and September. You will still enjoy more daylight hours during your stay, but you also benefit from better rates for accommodation. What's more, with fewer visitors during these months, you can enjoy attractions and activities with fewer crowds.

3. SHOULD I VISIT ICELAND IN SUMMER OR WINTER?

Iceland’s summer and winter seasons both have their own special appeal. You can decide which season to visit by thinking about the sort of activities you want to do and where you’d like to go.

If having more daylight hours and milder temperatures is important to you, we highly recommend coming to Iceland in summer. You’d also be able to explore the highlands and other destinations that are inaccessible in winter due to road closures.

If you want to chase the northern lights and see Iceland’s landscapes sprinkled with snow, then we suggest you visit Iceland in winter . You could also enjoy wintry activities like ice caving and soaking up the festive atmosphere at Christmas and New Year.

Alternatively, you could enjoy Iceland travel in the shoulder season: April to May and September. These quieter periods still offer you long daylight hours and reasonably mild weather.

Iceland is the sort of place travellers love to return to. So after your first trip, you could always come back to experience the Land of Fire and Ice at a different time of year! Or perhaps even combine Iceland and Greenland for one truly unforgettable summer getaway. 

Explore these classic Iceland holidays  for top recommended itineraries, or get more advice on the best time to visit Iceland on our experts’ blog.

4. WHAT’S THE TEMPERATURE IN ICELAND IN SUMMER?

In summer in Iceland, the average temperature is 11°C (52°F). However, on really warm days the temperature can reach 20°C (68°F). The highest recorded temperature in August in Iceland was 28°C (82°F), in 2017.

Find out more about the climate and weather in Iceland on our travel guide.

5. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO VISIT ICELAND IN SUMMER?

Summer is when Iceland really comes to life, as colourful wildflowers brighten up the countryside and daylight lingers long into the night. You can go along to vibrant music festivals, experience cultural events, and celebrate the summer solstice.

When you explore Iceland in summer, you are more likely to enjoy the best weather of the year. The average temperature is 11°C (52°F) and, although it’s unlikely to ever get hot in Iceland, it can climb up to 20°C (68°F). Of course, Iceland’s climate is changeable so you should prepare for all weather.

As it’s unlikely to be icy in the summer, you can generally expect good driving conditions at this time of year. Plus, Iceland’s F-roads tend to be open in the summer months. That means you can visit those harder-to-reach destinations like the highlands, which is a haven for hiking in the great outdoors.

Another great thing about Iceland in summer is that there are more activities to choose from and you have plenty of daylight hours to enjoy them.

You can pack in a lot of driving and stop at many different attractions on the same day. That’s because the sun rises early and sets late, so you have lots of time to explore.

6. HOW MANY HOURS OF DAYLIGHT ARE THERE IN ICELAND IN SUMMER?

The days are long in Iceland in summer, ranging between 15 and 21 hours. Visit in mid-June, when the summer solstice takes place, and you’ll experience the longest days of the year with 21 daylight hours. This phenomenon is called the “midnight sun” as it doesn’t really get dark during this period.

In July the daylight hours gradually go down as the month progresses, from over 20 hours to 18 hours. If you’re in Iceland in August, daylight decreases from 18 hours, at the start of the month, to just under 15 hours, at the end of August.

These long daylight hours are good news for you as a visitor because it means you can see more of Iceland in one day. You can find precise sunrise and sunset times on our guide to time and daylight in Iceland.

7. WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND IN SUMMER?

Summer is a great time to visit Iceland because it gives you so many activity options. Here are the best things to do in Iceland in summer :

• Hike in national parks and over glaciers
• Marvel at waterfalls up close
• Join wildlife safaris to see puffins and whales
• Ride an Icelandic horse
• Take a 4x4 ride into the highlands
• Drive around the Golden Circle
• Discover glacier lagoons by boat
• Relax in hot springs and pools
• Walk on lava fields and black sand beaches
• Go along to music festivals and cultural events

Summer is also a great time to explore the country's hidden gems. Find out what off-the-beaten-path things you can do in Iceland on our experts' blog.

8. CAN I SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN SUMMER?

It is very unlikely you’ll see the northern lights, also called the aurora borealis, in summer because the night skies are too light to distinguish them. If watching the northern lights in Iceland is on your wish list, you should plan a winter trip.

To view the northern lights, you ideally need a clear dark sky over a location away from light pollution. Visit between October and April , when the nights are darker and longer compared to the summer months.

Discover the best times and places to see the aurora borealis in Iceland on our blog.

9. CAN I CUSTOMISE MY TOUR PACKAGE?

Yes, you can tailor your Nordic Visitor package according to your needs and preferences. Our self-drive , private and multi-day tours of Iceland are the most flexible.

If you’d like to spend more time in a particular place or want to add optional activities, you can request this when booking your tour online. Your personal travel consultant will get in touch to confirm the extras with you. When they do, feel free to ask them for any destination suggestions or adjustments to your package.

Please note that if you want to go on a guided small group tour , the duration and route will be fixed as you are travelling with other visitors. But your travel consultant can always tailor your itinerary by adding extra nights to the beginning or end of your trip.

10. WHEN SHOULD I ORGANISE MY FLIGHT TICKETS?

We suggest that you check flights for dates and prices, but wait to purchase them until after your Nordic Visitor consultant has secured your tour bookings. This is no more than 2 working days after you receive your email confirmation of payment.

Once your travel consultant has confirmed your Iceland package, you will have all of the details you need to buy suitable flights. We can book your airport transfer in Iceland once you let us know the flight details.

11. WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO ICELAND IN THE SUMMER?

Even in summer in Iceland, it’s important to be ready for any kind of weather as it can change quickly. We highly recommend bringing layers so that you can adapt to the wind, sun or rain.

In summer you’ll need to pack SPF lotion, sunglasses and a sun hat. You might also want to bring an eye mask as the nights can be quite bright, due to the midnight sun.

Here is a list of packing essentials for your Iceland trip in summer:

• Fleece jacket or lightweight wool sweater
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Sturdy walking shoes with a good grip
• Thermal underwear and socks
• Swimwear and sandals

Be sure to bring swimwear with you if you want to bathe in Iceland’s hot springs and geothermal pools . Icelanders love relaxing in hot springs and we highly recommend you join them – especially after a day of exploration and adventure!

For more in-depth tips on what to bring, check out our packing guide for Iceland .

12. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR THE ICELANDIC SUMMER?

Iceland’s summer brings some of the best weather of the year, with the possibility of sunny days – but it can still get cold, windy and rainy. For this reason, we recommend you bring clothing for all eventualities.

Dressing in layers is a great way to adjust to the changeable weather. Be sure to wear a waterproof jacket and trousers, comfortable walking shoes with a good grip, and a lightweight sweater if it’s cold. Bring a backpack when you’re day touring to ensure you always have warm clothing on you if you need it.

You can get more advice on what to wear in Iceland on our blog.

Get in touch with us to start planning your trip or to learn more about visiting Iceland in summer. Our local travel experts are here to help you.

Our Icelandic phone number is +354 578 20 80

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

BLOG ARTICLES

Iceland in summer: 12 things to see & do, how many days do you need in iceland, 18 top things to do in iceland: the best activities & sights, 8 volcanic experiences to have in iceland.

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Tours and Trip Packages to Iceland in Summer 2024/2025

Traveling to Iceland in Summer 2024/2025? We offer 78 tours, trips and vacation packages to Iceland in Summer 2024/2025. Our Iceland in Summer 2024/2025 tour packages and trips have 130 customer reviews. All the Iceland Summer 2024/2025 tour packages and trips are carried out by hand-picked, qualified local and international Iceland tour operators.

• Iceland Travel Guide
• Top 13 Things to Do in Iceland
• Best Time to Visit Iceland

83 Trips in Iceland during Summer 2024/2025

• Starts Reykjavik, Iceland
• Ends Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland Discovery

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Adventure & Waterfalls Adventure , Waterfalls , National parks & Glaciers 'data-more-tripid='3060'>+2 more
• Accommodation Guest House & Hotel
• Transport Boat & Minibus
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,815
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 572
• Total Price from: US$ 3,243
• Jun 03 Only 5 seats left
• Jun 05 Only 4 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Best of Iceland

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Waterfalls Natural landmarks sightseeing , Waterfalls & Beach 'data-more-tripid='4964'>+1 more
• Transport Bus, Minibus, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,099
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 775
• Total Price from: US$ 2,324
• Jun 01 Only 8 seats left
• Jun 02 10+ seats left

Iceland Express

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & National parks Natural landmarks sightseeing , National parks & Bird watching 'data-more-tripid='5522'>+1 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,480
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 222
• Total Price from: US$ 1,258
• Jun 06 Only 7 seats left
• Jun 16 Only 5 seats left

Iceland Circle - 8 Days

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Glaciers Natural landmarks sightseeing , Glaciers & Volcanoes 'data-more-tripid='15982'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Coach & Boat
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,415
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 854
• Total Price from: US$ 2,561
• Jun 07 10+ seats left
• Jun 21 10+ seats left

Iceland Adventurer 6D/5N

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Glaciers Natural landmarks sightseeing , Glaciers , Geysers , Whale watching & Waterfalls 'data-more-tripid='13686'>+3 more
• Transport Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Jun 01 10+ seats left

Iceland Explorer

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Volcanoes , Waterfalls & Glaciers 'data-more-tripid='19210'>+3 more
• Transport Bus
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Jun 23 Only 1 seat left

Iceland including the Blue Lagoon

• Activities Geysers & Hot springs Geysers , Hot springs & National parks 'data-more-tripid='27596'>+1 more
• Transport Coach
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,725
• Special Deal (8%): - US$ 300
• Total Price from: US$ 3,425
• Jun 09 Only 9 seats left

Trending Destinations in Iceland

Iceland Fire and Ice

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Volcanoes Natural landmarks sightseeing , Volcanoes , Geysers & Glaciers 'data-more-tripid='23071'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Hostel
• Age Range 18-35 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,199
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 440
• Total Price from: US$ 1,759
• Jun 03 10+ seats left
• Jun 24 Only 5 seats left

Hiking Southern Iceland

• Activities Explorer
• Transport Bus, Minibus & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,549
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 510
• Total Price from: US$ 2,039
• Jun 15 Only 10 seats left

Golden Circle & South Coast Adventure 3D/2N

• Activities Adventure & Explorer Adventure , Explorer & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='26981'>+1 more

Iceland's Laugavegur Trek

• Activities Walking tours & Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Hotel, Camping & Tent
• Transport Private Vehicle & Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,348
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 433
• Total Price from: US$ 3,915
• Jul 07 Only 6 seats left
• Jul 21 Only 7 seats left

Best of Iceland: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Transport Bus, Minibus, Boat & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,999
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 800
• Total Price from: US$ 3,199
• Jun 01 Only 6 seats left
• Jun 08 Only 5 seats left

Iceland Family Journey: Geysers, Glaciers, and Fjords

• Activities Glaciers & City sightseeing Glaciers , City sightseeing , Waterfalls & Geysers 'data-more-tripid='23792'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Bus, Minibus, Ferry & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 6-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,199
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 780
• Total Price from: US$ 4,419
• Jun 29 Only 4 seats left

5-Day Laugavegur Trek in Huts

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Family Trekking and Hiking , Family , Active and outdoor & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='19161'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hut
• Age Range 14-99 yrs
• Jul 22 Only 2 seats left
• Aug 04 Only 5 seats left

Traveling to Iceland? Chat with a local travel specialist in Iceland who can help organize your trip.

Iceland Tour Reviews

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• Golden Circle Tours
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• Natural landmarks sightseeing tours
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8 Day Iceland Tour – Summer

No booking fee, best price guarantee, free cancellation, secure payments, fully licensed local tour operators, information, make the most of your time in our magical country on this 8 day iceland tour.

• Glacier Hiking in Skaftafell
• Þingvellir National Park
• Gullfoss waterfall
• Geysir geothermal area
• Seljalandsfoss
• Skógafoss waterfall
• Vík village
• Katla Ice Cave
• Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Reynisfjara black sand beach
• Skaftafell Nature Reserve
• Vatnajökull Glacier
• Jökulsárlón boat tour
• The Diamond Beach
• Vatnajokull National Park
• Egilsstaðir
• Horseback Riding
• Hallormsstaðaskógur
• Lagarfljót Lake
• Lake Myvatn
• Dimmuborgir
• Jökulsárgljúfur
• Myvatn Nature Baths
• Whale Watching
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Kirkjufell Mountain
• Ytri-Tunga seal colony
• Djúpalónssandur
• Snæfellsjökull glacier
• Vatnshellir lava cave

West Iceland

• Barnafossar waterfalls
• Hraunfossar waterfalls
• Deildartunguhver
• Víðgelmir lava cave

Activities included

• Glacier Hiking
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon boat ride
• Whale Watching & Sea Angling

Optional Extra Activities

• Vök nature baths
• Horseback Riding tour

Get on board for the greatest summer tour of all times and leave no stone unturned when exploring the best of Iceland. On this 8 Day Iceland Tour you will be exploring all the best attractions that Iceland has to offer. From the Golden Circle in the southwest, the whole of the south coast itself, Eastfjords, the largest national park of Iceland housing the largest glacier of Europe to the scenic Myvatn area, the west side, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and the Northwest. There is probably nothing that you won’t be experiencing on this tour. So, leave the heavy lifting of planning and organizing on our shoulders and just hop on with us on this glorious 8-day Iceland tour where we will cover some of the most prominent tourist spots of all time and experience some of the best and most thrilling activities as well.

• Pick up and drop off in Reykjavik or the capital area.
• 7 nights accommodation in comfortable country hotels with breakfast and private bathroom.
• 8 Days Guided sightseeing to all the best locations around the Ring Road of Iceland & Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
• English speaking professional guide.
• Glacier Hike in Skaftafell
• Certified glacier guide
• Glacier equipment; helmet, harness, crampons and ice axe.
• Whale Watching tour
• Small groups
• Wi-Fi and Icelandic music on board the minibus

Available Extras

• Boat ride on Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon
• Katla Ice Cave Tour – Super Jeep Tour
• Horseback Riding Tour
• Vök Nature Baths
• Víðgelmir Lava Cave

What to bring

• Dress according to weather
• Waterproof outdoor clothing
• Warm clothes
• Gloves & Headwear
• Hiking boots (available for rent when booking)
• Swimsuit and towel
• Camera (optional)

Good to know

• Order or availability of attractions may change due to road or weather conditions.
• The luggage limit for this tour is one suitcase of 24 inches per person. If you have any extra luggage, you can store it in our office for 1,000 ISK. You can add it to your booking in the booking engine. 
• If you are traveling on your own, you will receive a single room. Reservations for 2 people will be allocated a double room. For bookings of 3 or more, triple rooms will automatically be allocated. If these arrangements do not meet your requirements, please contact us.
• Remember to choose the Single Supplement Fee in the booking engine if you are traveling alone. 
• This tour includes a pick up from Reykjavik . You can see the designated pick up locations in the drop down menu when booking.
• You will have plenty of chances for bathroom breaks and to buy snacks on the way.
• Age limit for Glacier Hike is 8 years old.
• Pick up is from designated locations in Reykjavík on a drop-down menu at the time of booking. Pick up is not available from Keflavik airport or outside of the greater capital area.
• The Ice cave that will be visited on this tour is 100% natural and always changing. Since the ice caves are ever changing we will visit new ice caves each year in different areas of the glacier. The photos that you see on our website are from recent tours, but note that the ice caves might have changed due to the dynamic nature of these formations. 
• Lunch & dinner is not included in the tour. We will stop on restaurants where you can buy lunch & dinner. 
• It is recommended to bring some snacks and drinks for the day time adventures. Some light chips and soda should do the trick.
• This tour is perfect for groups, single travelers and families. 
• You will be traveling on a minibus on this tour. The minibus includes free Wi-Fi. We will introduce you to Icelandic music aboard the minibus. 
• We recommend you wear proper warm clothing, gloves, hat, scarves, and hiking shoes.
• If you don’t have hiking shoes , you can rent them at the time of booking. 
• In the rare case that we need to cancel the tour because of extreme weather, road conditions or other factors, we will assist you with rebooking to another date. If that does not work out for you, you will receive a full refund for the tour. 
• The minimum age bar to join the tour is 8 years for the hiking and ice caving part. If children below 8 years are on the trip then one adult will have to stay with them while the group completes these activities.

This tour will take you around the country showcasing the most beautiful places in Iceland. Following is a detailed breakup for each day of the tour – the sites you will be visiting, the activities you will be taking, the accommodations, and more.

Day 1 – The Golden Circle

Highlights of the day, golden circle.

• Strokkur geyser
• Midnight Sun
• Guided Minibus Tour
• The Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir)
• English speaking tour guide
• One night in a hotel.

The first day of your 8 day Iceland tour will start with your tour guide picking you and your group up from your choice of pickup spot. The first stop that you will make after beginning the tour will be at the Þingvellir National Park . The only UNESCO world heritage site of Iceland, Þingvellir National Park is the only place in the world where one can actually see the tectonic plates of the earth in person – the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Right in the middle of these two plates is a gorge that is created by the increasing gap between the plates as they are drawing further away from each other. This gorge or fissure is filled with fresh spring water and is popularly known as the Silfra Fissure.

Next up on the list is the Geysir Geothermal Area . This place is filled with hundreds of boiling water hot pools, and erupting small and big geysers. Mainly, the Geysir geothermal area is now popular for the geyser Strokkur which is the largest one in the vicinity. However, the geothermal area itself is named after another geyser which is now dormant and has been that way for a long time. Where Strokkur shoots water up to the height of about 15-20 meters, Geysir used to shoot water over 120 meters in the air. Strokkur is still very much active and can be seen erupting every 5-10 minutes or so.

The last stop that you will make on Day 1 of the tour will be the glamourous Gullfoss waterfall , also known as the Golden Falls which does justice to the appearance of the waterfall completely. Fed with glacial waters coming from Langjökull glacier . The 32-meter-high waterfalls into the dark, mysterious 70-meter deep Gullfossgljúfur canyon. The day will end with you reaching a comfortable accommodation area located on the golden circle. Ease up and enjoy the glory of the midnight sun as you kick back in your cozy room.

Gallery - Day 1

Day 2 – The Waterfalls of the South Coast and the Glaciers

• Seljalandsfoss waterfall
• Super Jeep Ride
• Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
• Reynisdrangar
• Hotel Breakfast
• One night in a 3 star hotel with private bathroom
• Explore the Highlights of the South Coast

Optional Extra

The next day will start with you and your group heading towards the southern coast of the country. On your left, you will be able to get a first-hand view of the glorious glaciers and mountains of the south coast while the right side will have the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. Needless to say, even before you have reached your set destinations for the tour, you will understand why the south coast of Iceland is as famous as it is.

First on the list are the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls – two of the most famous waterfalls of not only the south coast but the whole country. Seljalandsfoss is narrower than its companion but it is popular for being one of very few waterfalls in the world which has a passage leading behind the cascading waters of the fall into a cave. So, one can basically walk the trail and stand behind the waterfall and watch it from a completely different angle. Skógafoss is slightly wider than Seljalandsfoss and has a staircase on the side that can be used to hike up to the top of the waterfall. Skógafoss almost always has a beautiful rainbow and a mysterious mist made from the forceful dropping of the waterfall in the gorge. You can walk very close to the waterfall and feel the power that comes from such a large waterfall.

Next, you will have an option of taking an add-on tour to the black and blue ice cave of the Katla volcano . Katla Ice Cave is the only natural ice cave that is accessible during the summer time. IT is one of the best ice caves in the country and the experience is very unique. Katla Volcano is located under the glacier and the ice cave takes its black color from the volcanic ash. This ice cave tour leaves from Vik village which is very close to both the waterfalls that you will be visiting on the second day.

The final stop of this day will be Reynisfjara black sand beach. This is the most popular beach in Iceland. The beach is surrounded by black basalt columns and from there you can see the rock formations Reynisdrangar. If you look the other way you will also see Dyrhólaey rise gracefully from the ocean.

The second day of the tour will end with you staying in comfy accommodation quite close to Vik. If you like, you can step out in the evening and go for a stroll in the colorful village.

Gallery - Day 2

Day 3 – Glacier Hike, Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach

• South Coast
• Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
• Diamond Beach
• Vatnajokull Glacier
• Glacier Hike
• Svinafellsjokull Glacier
• Guided Glacier Hiking Tour
• All Glacier Hiking Gear needed
• Boat tour on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

The third day will begin at the foot of the largest glacier of Iceland and Europe – Vatnajökull . Almost 8% of the country is covered by Vatnajökull glacier which is a pretty impressive thing considering that 11% part of Iceland is covered by glaciers and Vatnajökull leaves only about 3% for the rest of the glaciers. The tour will begin with a glacier hike in Skaftafell , a part of the Vatnajökull National Park. All necessary equipment will be provided to you at the foot of the glacier. It is such a unique experience to walk on the glacier and explore it in details. The views from the glacier are also amazing. This will be an experience that you will remember!

The glacier hike is included in the tour package.

The second stop in the Vatnajökull glacier vicinity will be the crown jewel of the country, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon . The impressive aesthetics of this place are just out of the world. Icebergs from the glacier break down, fall in the lagoon, and keep floating in the calm waters of the lagoon that almost looks like a mirror. Combine these visuals with seals that live in the lagoon and you will have yourself a pretty fantastic scenery. An add-on boat trip can be opted for to experience the Jökulsárlón lagoon from a bit closer.

The next stop after the lagoon will be the Diamond beach of Iceland . A photographer’s heaven, this beautiful beach is going to be exactly what you would imagine it to be. With electric blue and white foamy waters from the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the black sand beach which is covered in humungous blocks of transparent ice, that travel all the way from the Jökulsárlón lagoon, get carved by the waves of the ocean and then finally wash up on the beach.

Gallery - Day 3

Day 4 – The East Fjords

• East Fjords
• Fishing villages
• Hallormsstaðaskógur forest
• Lake Lagarfljót
• Explore the Highlights of East Iceland

Now comes the time to explore the less-visited part of the country – the Eastfjords . Being quite far away from the capital city, not many tourists travel to the place which basically means that most of the sites are pretty unexplored and untouched by the human – rugged, raw nature. The best part is that in addition to the designated tour destinations of the Eastfjords, your guide will also make stops at their personal favorite spots which means that you will get to see the sights which often go unnoticed even by the tourists that actually travel to the Eastfjords.

On the list of the spots that you will cover on day 4 is Lake Lagarfljót which got popular back in the days for an alleged worm-like monster that many people claimed to have spotted in it. Not to mention, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in Iceland along with being tied up with the myth (or reality?) of the worm monster. The described structure and a foggy video revealed the said monster to be somewhat of a Loch Ness Monster.

Hallormsstaðaskógur forest is the next destination that you will visit. Iceland is not very big on vegetation due to the harsh climatic conditions and the geology of the island. This is what makes the Hallormsstaðaskógur forest quite a special place as it stands out in a mostly treeless landscape of the country. The forest is located pretty close to the biggest town in the east Egilsstaðir . There are hiking trails, picnic spots, and many bird-watching spots in the forest where you can sit back and relax.

You will stay in a comfy hotel/accommodation in Egilsstaðir. Add a Horseback Riding tour to this day of your trip to make this experience extra special!

Gallery - Day 4

Day 5 – The Myvatn Area and The Diamond Circle

North iceland.

• Myvatn geothermal area
• Dimmuborgir lava fields
• Skútustaðagígar craters
• Dettifoss waterfall
• Jökulsárgljúfur canyon
• Goðafoss waterfall
• Explore the Highlights of the Myvatn area and the Diamond Circle

The next day will take you to the Diamond Circle of the country. Starting from the infamous Dettifoss waterfall , you continue your journey forward and cover all of the most prominent destinations of the circle. Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in the whole of Europe and this fact alone makes it a must-add destination on the list of places that you visit on your trip to the land of ice and fire. Boasting a height of 45 meters, Dettifoss has a water flow of 193 meters cubed per second which when falls into the deep gorge creates a mist so thick that it can be seen from miles away on a clear day. Dettifoss is located in the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and is a part of the largest glacier of Iceland and Europe, Vatnajökull glacier.

Next up is the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon which is said to have been created by the eight-legged horse of Norse god Odin – Sleipnir. Over a hundred meters deep at its deepest ends, this canyon is about 3.5 kilometers long and 1.1 kilometers wide at its widest. When you hike down into the canyon, you will find small caves and shelter rocks. These rocks are said to have been served as the home of elf or the hidden people of Iceland. Ásbyrgi canyon is also known as the capital city of the hidden people of Iceland and some people still claim to feel the mystical energy in the place. This makes it an ideal place to be visited by people who are attracted to mysticism and spirituality.

After exploring the city of elves, you make your next stop at the fishing town of Húsavík – the whale watching capital of Iceland. From beautiful monuments to gorgeous colorful houses, museums, restaurants, and institutions, there is barely anything that won’t attract you here.

With more spices of duck and many other birds than one can remember , Lake Mývatn serves as one of the finest places for bird-watching in Iceland along with being one of the most picturesque places in the country, thanks to the stark contrasts and visuals of the place. The geothermal activity in Lake Mývatn and the surrounding areas is incredible and it shows. This essentially means that you will find steam explosions, weird basalt column construction in the area, and many other things that seem to not belong to the area. Take this opportunity and bathe in the naturally heated waters of Myvatn Nature Baths, and click some of the most amazing pictures of your travels in Iceland here. Right around the corner is the Námaskarð Pass which is known as little mars. Striking red colored sand, bubbling hot water patches, and pillars of steams will give you some serious existential thoughts.

Last but not least will be your trip to the waterfall of the gods – Goðafoss . This is where Christianity first rose its head in Iceland and then proceeded to become the prominent religion of the country. Your tour guide will explain all about it while you admire the beauty of the waterfall.

Finally, you will head to the capital in the north, Akureyri where you will find your comfortable accommodations ready to receive you at the end of a very hectic but equally fun day.

Gallery - Day 5

Day 6 – North Iceland & Whale Watching

• Explore the Highlights of North Iceland.

The next day will start in the town of Akureyri. You will spend some time exploring the beautiful town and visiting some of the most popular spots in the town. After wandering in the town for a little bit, you will head to board a boat that will take you on a whale-watching excursion . Here you will have a chance to see some big, beautiful mammals jumping and playing in the cold water of the Atlantic. The whale watching tour departs from the small town of Hauganes. Hauganes has many things to offer and we recommend that you take a walk to its charming harbor, beautiful black sand beaches with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, or stroll around the very small town.

You will head to your accommodation in the evening after a full day of adventures.

Gallery - Day 6

Day 7 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Snæfellsjökull National Park
• Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall
• Explore the Highlights of Snæfellsnes Peninsula

If you still think that you have not had enough of the beautiful land of glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls, then this is the perfect opportunity to revisit all that you have already seen. Snæfellsnes Peninsula is popularly known as the mini-Iceland in Iceland given the widely diverse geology that it boasts.

The first destination you will visit here is Gerðuberg, a cluster of hexagonal basalt columns. After that you will be heading on to Ytri-Tunga white sand beach. It is a pretty rare sight in Iceland to see a white sand beach. Ytri-Tunga is a seal colony and here you can often see seals everywhere lounging on the rocks.

On this day you will also be visiting the “mountain like an arrowhead” – the Kirkjufell mountain . The most photographed mountain in Iceland, this particular attraction gained even more attention after its appearance in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones . The unique and striking aesthetics of this eccentric mountain will have you on your knees trying to find the perfect angle for a good shot.

The next stop will be the Djúpalónssandur black sand beach . Once a pretty populated place, now this beach lay deserted, often visited by fishermen who come in the search of the four famous lifting stones. These stones that lay on the beach have been used to test the strength among fishermen for a very long time and has also served as a great pass time.

During your day of exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you will see the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier .

The add on activity for Day 7 includes a super fun visit to the infamous lava cave. Visiting a lava cave is easily one of the top things that one must do when in Iceland. Your accommodations will be arranged in the Borgarnes area for the 7 th day.

Gallery - Day 7

Day 8 – West Iceland

• Deildartunguhver geothermal area
• Hraunfossar
• Barnafossar
• Explore the Highlights of West Iceland

The first stop on the 8 th day will be Deildartunguhver geothermal area. Deildartunguhver is the most powerful hot spring in Europe and you can see the hot steam and boiling water bubbling from the ground.

The next place you will visit is the small village of Reykholt , the home to the famous poet, historian, and a law speaker of Iceland, Snorri Sturluson. Most of his works were about Old Norse Mythology and language. Next up are the two waterfalls, Barnafoss and Hraunfossar . Both these waterfalls are pretty unique and beautiful. Where Hraunfossar is fed by water from under the ground that seeps through lava rocks and reaches the fall, Barnafoss finds its way through a very narrow gorge, so narrow that it almost seems impossible.

After exploring west Iceland, you will head on south to hike to the recently active volcano. Lastly, you will make your way back to the capital city with your guide making a few stops here and there at their favorite destinations.

Gallery - Day 8

• Fagradalsfjall Volcano Tour

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Hidden Gems

13 Absolute Best Iceland Tours & Day Trips (All Seasons)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 12, 2023

Visiting Iceland soon and planning to take guided tours, but are not sure which Iceland tours are best and worth your time the most? In this article, you’ll find our hand-picked selection of the best tours in Iceland . Whether you are making a short stopover in Reykjavik or are traveling around the whole country, this list should help you plan your trip. Find out!

If you are visiting Iceland for the first time, it might be difficult to decide where to go first. Therefore I made this selection of the very best and most popular day tours in Iceland:  best day trips from Reykjavik, most popular wildlife excursions, and also tours in the North of Iceland… It will give you a good idea of what Iceland’s must-see places are and what to expect. Most of these tours and guided trips are available the whole year round; some – are seasonal.

Good to know: Most tours in this selection can be done as a day trip from Reykjavik, but some tours depart from other locations. In this article, we focus on  the best Iceland tours for all seasons. If you are interested in winter tours ( Northern Lights in Iceland , ice caves, snowmobile tours, etc), check out our guide to the best winter tours and day trips from Reykjavik .

If you rather explore Iceland on a self-drive trip (recommended, definitely in summer), check our Iceland itinerary suggestions .  But even if you are exploring Iceland by car, you may still want to look into booking a whale-watching excursion, visiting the Blue Lagoon , Sky Lagoon , etc.

Most tours I selected here are bookable through GetYourGuide – our #1 choice when it comes to booking guided tours and excursions for our trips. The reason is simple – they have an excellent reputation, great customer service, competitive prices, and FREE 24 hr cancelation.

For each tour, I also give some practical details to help you plan your trip. Find out!

Did you know that… The most popular ‘tour’ booked in Iceland is the airport transfer to the city . With taxis charging ten times the price of the bus, I strongly recommend you book a bus transfer as well. Check here for more information about the best way to get to Reykjavik from Keflavik airport .

Best Tours in Iceland – OVERVIEW

• Golden Circle
• Blue Lagoon & other geothermal baths
• South Coast
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Whale watching
• Puffin tours
• Silfra snorkeling tours
• Icelandic horse riding
• Glacier hiking
• Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss Waterfall
• Icelandic Highlands (summer only)
• More great tours and day trips in Iceland: lava caves, snowmobiling, volcano…

TIP: We list the most popular tours in Iceland first, so if you are short on time, start with the top of this list and you’ll be sure to cover all the must-sees.

These are the best Iceland tours:

1. Golden Circle

Golden Circle is the no. 1 must-see place in Iceland. Whether you are visiting for a day or for two weeks, no trip to Iceland would be complete without visiting the Golden Circle.

Golden Circle is an area that comprises three famous landmarks – the Geysir area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Due to its proximity to Reykjavik, this is by far the most popular tour in Iceland.

You can visit Golden Circle by car, or you can opt for one of the many available guided tours from Reykjavik. Below are some of the very best options:

• Golden Circle Full-Day Grand Tour with Kerid Crater from Reykjavik – the most popular Golden Circle tour
• Full Day Premium Golden Circle Tour by Minibus – best small-group tour
• Golden Circle Afternoon Tour – see the main highlights in half a day

All seasons Departs from Reykjavik

2. Blue Lagoon and other geothermal baths

The Blue Lagoon is an outdoor geothermal spa close to Reykjavik and Keflavik airport. It is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland and you really have to book tickets in advance . Blue Lagoon is located about 30-40 minutes drive from Reykjavik city center. So unless you have a car it’s best to book a bus transfer from Reykjavik .

TIP: Recently, a new geothermal pool was opened in Iceland, just next to the city. It’s called Sky Lagoon and looks absolutely amazing! You can easily visit from the city by booking this tour which includes bus transfer and entrance tickets . If you have a car, you can also easily drive there and just book the entrance tickets . Check it out – the views are incredible!

There’s also another less touristy (and cheaper) geothermal pool near Reykjavik – Secret Lagoon . Another great option is  Laugarvatn Fontana geothermal baths .

You can also visit these geothermal baths with a guided tour, usually in combination with the Golden Circle:

• Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon Small Group Tour
• Secret Lagoon Early Access & Golden Circle
• Golden Circle and Fontana Wellness Tour

3. South Coast Tours

Iceland’s South Coast is another highlight that you must see. It is easily doable as a day trip from Reykjavik and is, therefore, a very popular trip. In fact, south coast tours are the most popular tours in Iceland.

You will visit the famous waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach and the nearby Vik village, Sólheimajökull glacier, and more.

Here are the best-rated south coast tours:

• South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik – the most popular South Coast tour.
• South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik . This popular tour is the best option for families: kids under 12 travel free and 12-15-year-olds pay half the price.
• Iceland’s South Coast Day Tour by Minibus . This tour is a bit more expensive, but traveling with a small group has many benefits.

All seasons Departs from Reykjavik 

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do on the South Coast of Iceland

4. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the adjacent Diamond Beach is my favorite place in Iceland. However, it’s located quite far from Reykjavik. So it requires a full day trip with many hours of driving if you decide to visit it with a day tour.

I wouldn’t advise doing this trip in just one day unless you are really short on time. But if you only have a day to spare and want to see this stunning glacial lagoon, then yes, it is possible to visit Jokulsarlon as a day trip from Reykjavik.

In summer, the days are long and this trip will be very different than in winter, giving you more chances to admire the beautiful South Coast along the way. If you are visiting in winter, consider a 2-day tour instead. That way, you get to see the South Coast and possibly also visit an ice cave.

Despite the long drive, a day trip to Jokulsarlon is one of the most popular tours in Iceland and the customer reviews are great. Below are the best Jokulsarlon tours from Reykjavik:

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik – the most popular bus tour.
• South Coast & Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon – small group tour.

5. Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Another long day trip from Reykjavik, a visit to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is an unforgettable experience. If you are looking for the best, must-do tours that you can do in Iceland in any season, this is one of those places that are absolutely worth your time.

Here are the best tours of Snaefellsnes Peninsula from Reykjavik:

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full- Day Tour from Reykjavik – the most popular option.
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula Premium Small Group Tour – the best small group tour.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Now that we covered all the must-see places that you really should try to see in Iceland, below are more amazing tours that will make your trip even more special. Take a look!

6. Whale-watching tours

There are several places where you can go whale watching in Iceland. The most popular are Reykjavik and Husavik (North of Iceland), but there are some other great options as well.

Reykjavik whale-watching tours are available the whole year, but please note that the best time to see whales in Iceland is from April through September. The best place to see whales in Iceland is up North, with Husavik often called the whale-watching capital of Iceland.

Here are the best whale-watching tours in Iceland:

• Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik . There are several options in Reykjavik, but this tour is the most popular and has the best ratings. It’s also one of the most affordable options that I found. This tour runs in all seasons.
• Traditional Whale Watching Tour from Husavik – the best tour in Husavik. Summer only.
• Original Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour by RIB speedboat – a good option from Husavik for those who tend to get seasick on a regular boat and want to get closer to the whales.

Mid-March through November Departs from Reykjavik or from Husavik (1h15 drive from Akureyri)

7. Puffin tours

No summer trip to Iceland would be complete without seeing the puffins. There are some land-based trips, but if you are looking to do tours, the best use of your time is to combine puffin tours with whale watching. Here are the best options:

• Puffin Watching Boat Tour – the most popular option.
• Combo: Puffin Cruise & Whale-Watching Tour – they also explicitly look for whales.
• Small-Group Puffin Watching RIB Cruise – ideal for those who are short on time.

May till Mid August Departs from Reykjavik

• Húsavík Whale Watching and Puffins
• Húsavík: Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour by RIB speed boat

April/May till August/October Departs from Husavik  (1h15 driving from Akureyri)

8. Silfra snorkeling tours

Silfra is one of the top diving sites in the world, but even if you don’t dive, you can explore the bright blue and crystal clear waters with incredible visibility of up to 100 meters.

• Silfra Fissure Snorkeling – the most popular tour that includes pick-up in Reykjavik
• Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos – the most popular tour that starts in Thingvellir National Park

All seasons Departs from Thingvellir NP or Reykjavik (optional at extra cost).

Best combination tours that include Silfra Snorkelling:

• Golden Circle & Silfra Snorkeling
• Reykjavik Combo Snorkel in Silfra Fissure & Lava Caving

9. Icelandic horseback riding tours

Icelandic horses are rather small, but it would be a big insult to call them ponies. Riding an Icelandic horse is typically an Icelandic thing to do, especially if you do it in a beautiful location in the lava fields.

Most tours are meant for tourists with little or no experience in horse riding. It’s a family-friendly experience that anyone can join.

• Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields (3-4 hrs) – the most popular horseback riding tour near Reykjavik. Transfer optional.
• Red Lava Horseback Riding – includes a pick-up from Reykjavik.

All seasons Departs from Reykjavik or from Hafnarfjordur (20 min drive from Reykjavik)

10. Glacier hiking & Ice caves

Glacier hiking is another great year-round excursion that you shouldn’t miss in Iceland.

These are the best glacier hiking tours from Reykjavik:

• Glacier Hiking & South Coast
• Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing Tour
• Small-Group South Coast Tour & Glacier Hike

These popular glacier hiking tours start directly at the glacier and are therefore a bit cheaper:

• Sólheimajökull Glacier Guided Hike
• Skaftafell Glacier Hike

All seasons, unless specified otherwise Departs from Reykjavik, Sólheimajökull Café (25 min drive from Vik ) or Skaftafell NP.

LEARN MORE: Complete guide to glacier hiking in Iceland

In addition to glacier hiking, you can also visit ice caves . While most ice cave tours only run in winter (+- November to March), there is one tour that is also available in summer. Please keep in mind that ice caves are a natural phenomenon and so the conditions change all the time and you never really know in advance what exactly you get to see.

Here are the best ice cave tours in Iceland:

• Katla Ice Cave – the only natural ice cave that can be visited the whole year round AND you can visit it from Reykjavik as well!
• Langjökull Glacier Ice Cave Tour – a man-made ice tunnel not far from Reykjavik that you can visit the whole year round.
• Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike .
• Vatnajokull Glacier: Ice Caving and Glacier Hiking .

Departs from Skaftafell NP or from Vik, except Langjökull glacier or Katla ice cave which is also possible from Reykjavik.

11. Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss Waterfall

One of the most beautiful and must-see places in the North of Iceland is the area around Lake Myvatn. You can visit it by car, or you can join a guided tour from Akureyri. There are also tours that combine Lake Myvatn with the Dettifoss waterfall.

• Day Trip to Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss
• Day Trip to Lake Mývatn And The Nature Baths
• Myvatn Shore Excursion – perfect for those visiting Akureyri by cruise ship
• Myvatn Nature Baths

All seasons Departs from Akureyri (North Iceland)

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Myvatn

12. Icelandic Highlands

If you visit Iceland in summer, don’t miss the chance to see the highlands of Iceland! It’s a whole other world and completely different than anything else you’ll see in Iceland. 

You do need a super-jeep to properly explore the highlands, so it’s ideal if you can visit with a guided tour. The most popular trips in the highlands include Thorsmork and Landmannalaugar.

Here are the best Icelandic highlands tours from Reykjavik:

• Day Trip to Landmannalaugar
• Thorsmork Volcano Hike Super Jeep & Hiking Tour

Recently, I made a 4-day trip Icelandic highlands trip with a private driver and it’s by far the most special trip EVER.

If you don’t have the time or the budget for a longer trip, check this one-day trip from Reykjavik that covers some of the most amazing places in the highlands: The Secret Circle . It’s organized by the same private guide that I traveled with and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone looking for a very unique tour in Iceland!

Summer only Departs from Reykjavik

13. Even more amazing day trips and tours in Iceland

There are so many more great tours and day trips that you can do in Iceland. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Lava Caving Small Group Tour .
• Langjokull Glacier & Ice Cave . This is one of the best options if you want to visit a glacier ice cave in any season.
• Glacier Snowmobiling on Langjokull Glacier . This tour starts at Gullfoss waterfall on the Golden Circle.
• Golden Circle & Snowmobiling Tour . Similar tour to the above, but it departs from Reykjavik and also includes the Golden Circle.
• Game of Thrones filming locations tour . P.S. If you are a fan, make sure to also check our selection of the best Game of Thrones tours in other European filming locations.
• ATV Quad tours .
• Helicopter tours .

All seasons, unless indicated otherwise Departs from Reykjavik, unless indicated otherwise 

TIP: One of the newest tours in Iceland at the moment is hiking to the eruption site of the Fagradalsfjall or Merdalir volcanos. The eruption at Fagradasfjall started in March 2021 and was going on for several months. A year later, in 2022, the Merdalir volcano erupted just nearby. In 2023, Fagradasfjall woke up again for a few days. Even if these volcanos aren’t active anymore, the lava flows are still very impressive and worth seeing.

You can hike there on your own, or you can go on one of the many tours . They pick you up in Reykjavik and guide you on a hike to the volcano. These recent volcano eruption sites are really worth seeing if visiting Iceland at the moment.

So this is our hand-picked selection of the very best tours in Iceland. There are of course many more options, also tours that combine several places, or multi-day tours… You can find the complete selection of the best tours in Iceland on the GetYourGuide website . It’s our one-stop shop for booking all our tours when we travel.

TIP: If you are looking for something more off the beaten path, a really special place that you can visit in a day, consider the Westman Islands . It can be done as a day trip from Reykjavik, with a tour , or from the South Coast.

READ ALSO: Best Half-Day Tours from Reykjavik

More tips for your trip to Iceland:

• What to see:   Best Places to See in Iceland & Best Places on the South Coast of Iceland
• Airport transfers:  How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget:  How Expensive is Iceland
• Accommodation:   Where to Stay in Iceland
• Winter trip: Tips for Iceland in Winter
• What to Wear in Iceland in Winter
•   What to Pack for Iceland in Summer
• Iceland Itinerary for 1 to 14 Days
• Iceland Itinerary for 7 Days
• 4 Days Iceland Itinerary
• Complete Ring Road Trip

Reykjavik travel guides:

• Best Things to Do in Reykjavik
• Reykjavik 1-day Itinerary
• Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting
• Perlan, Wonders of Iceland
• Where to Stay in Reykjavik

For more information and destination guides for Iceland, please check our Iceland travel guide . We’ve been to Iceland multiple times and have lots of articles and practical tips for your trip. Take a look!

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Photo credits: personal collection, Shutterstock.com, Depositphotos.com, and also Pixabay.com.

You can also read this article in German : Beste Touren, Ausfüge, und Aktivitäten in Island .

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Tuesday 13th of August 2019

Hello Jurga, Extremely detailed, well-thought-out and useful information and suggestions!! Thank you so much for your time and effort. We (my wife and I) are trying to piece together the flights and campervan rental to visit this September roughly from the 10th to the 16/17th. Anyway, we are flying out to different locations and I would leave at 09:00h and she at 18:45h from KEF. I was wondering if you knew of any guided day tours leaving from (and returning to) KEF so my wife might make the most of those roughly 7-8 hours she would otherwise be sitting around the airport for. Alternatively we could look at paying a supplement for a second driver and she could drive herself somewhere for the day/lunch... but would rather not have to worry about any troubles with the vehicle or getting lost and missing the flight. A guided tour or bus tour with KEF as the starting/finishing point would be less stress. I'm looking online now but figured asking may be quicker than sifting through all the search results. Again many thanks for your wonderful website!! Saludos from Spain.

Wednesday 14th of August 2019

Hi Brad, there isn't much starting/ending from Keflavik, but here are three options for you:

1. Reykjaness Peninsula stopover tour - this is the only one that I found that starts and ends at Keflavik airport. It starts at 10.30AM if I see well and lasts 6 hours, so it could work. It's also a very nice and less known area that most tourists just start to slowly discover now.

2. You could drop your wife off at the Blue Lagoon (book tickets in advance!). There she can also have lunch, spa treatments, etc. if she wants to, and then take a bus to the airport (also book in advance) later that afternoon.

3. You leave her in Reykjavik where she can spend the day in town and maybe visit Perlan (we really enjoyed it) and then take a bus to Keflavik from BSI terminal (where she could also leave her luggage - there are lockers).

Hope this helps!

Thursday 1st of August 2019

All of your articles have been very helpful in planning my trip, thank you! You recommend the "Get your Guide" agency for several of your tours. Do they typically list available times only one month in advance? On some of the tours there seem to be no options from august through next year. Just trying to make sure I don't miss the boat (literally)!

Wednesday 7th of August 2019

Hi Beth, normally they list tours for the upcoming season (just as the companies that operate those tours), so it's very likely that some tours don't run in winter and are therefore not listed (e.g. whale watching tours in the North of Iceland stop after the summer, etc). What tour and for which travel dates are you looking for?

Diana Greer

Sunday 13th of May 2018

Can you book tours you suggested after you arrive or is it best to book in advance?

Yes, of course you can book them last minute, but depending on the season some tours may get fully booked. If you know already what you want to do and on which day, I'd say book upfront. If for whatever reason you decide you don't want to do a tour, you can normally cancel for free up to 24hrs in advance. Another big advantage of booking in advance online vs e.g. at a hotel is that you can read the customer reviews, compare prices and see what exactly is or isn't included, etc. And not have to waste your time on that while on holiday.

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Iceland in Summer: 12 Things to See & Do

Iceland is a country with many natural wonders, like hot springs, glaciers, high mountains and rugged fjords. While the majority of them are accessible all year long, visiting Iceland in summer has many advantages. You can benefit from longer and warmer days as well as an abundance of activities.

From hiking to festivals, and even ice cream, we’ve compiled the best things to do in Iceland in summer. These activities are specific to that bright season and you’re sure to find something here to fill your adventure to Iceland.

• Check out these  top vacations in Iceland to see tours that other visitors have enjoyed

How is Iceland during the summer?

First off, let’s get the details sorted out. You may want to know what to expect during Iceland's summer months.

Summer is a great time to visit Iceland. Not only will you be able to take advantage of the long hours of daylight and warmest weather of the year, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from.

The height of summer, June , July and August , is the popular tourist season. For that reason, you may find you’re not alone at famous sites along the Golden Circle or the South Coast . This means it’s a good time of year to go off the beaten path.

For a quieter time, you could visit during the shoulder season, in May or September. At these times, you’ll still enjoy some lovely weather, long days, but fewer visitors at popular sites.

What kind of weather can I expect during the summer in Iceland?

To get an idea of the best things you can do during your trip to Iceland in summer, it’s best to be aware of the local weather conditions .

In summer, you can expect this Nordic island to still be cool, with average temperatures of 10–13 °C (50–55 °F). The mild weather in Iceland will allow you to take on activities like hiking without overheating.

But fear not, summer in Iceland is guaranteed to be the warmest weather of the year. Every year, there are warm days in the low to mid 20s °C (68–77 °F).

You’ll also find that the west coast is warmer than the east or even North Iceland. This is thanks for the Gulf Stream, which brings warm currents from the south.  

And now here are the best things to do in Iceland in summer:

1. Take a tour of the highlands

The highlands are impassable in the winter, so summer is the time to visit if you want to discover this remote and stunning region. You’ll be rewarded with views over vast glaciers, mountains, towering volcanoes and much more.

The roads usually open mid-June, depending on the weather and snow. They are closed by late September.

Only 4x4 vehicles can go on these mountain roads, so make sure to mention that’s what you plan to do when renting your car. You’ll need to be confident driving along rough, unpaved roads and crossing un-bridged rivers. 

You could also book a private guide take you on a tour of the highlands . This way you can sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning wilderness that few get to see.

• Browse our 4x4 highland tours to explore this rugged region of Iceland
• Related: Best group tours in Europe for solo travellers

2. Enjoy ice cream in Reykjavík

The locals will be quick to tell you that one of their must-dos of the summer and perfect date is to go out for ice cream.

Whatever the weather, you’re sure to find a queue in front of Ísbúð Vesturbæjar, a Reykjavík institution. We can assure you it’s worth the wait!

3. Spot cute puffins

After spending 8 months at sea, the puffins return to shore for the summer to reunite with their mate and nest. Arriving in late April, 60% of the entire Atlantic puffin population call Iceland their home.  

That is about 4 million pairs of puffins creating colonies spanning vast sea cliffs. You’ll find these around the country, but the most popular ones are located in North Iceland and along the beautiful  Westfjords .

One of the popular ways to see these crowded bird cliffs from up close is to go hiking. Walk along the coast to spot these colourful birds and their nests.

For a leisurely way to see them, think about adding day trips to your itinerary. For example, you could drive north from Akureyri to hop onboard a boat tour to  Grímsey island . This area is ideal for spotting puffins and whale watching. That’s the best kind of two-for-one deal!

4. Experience the midnight sun

A self-drive tour around the Ring Road in Iceland is feasible all year long. But in the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy the midnight sun to make the most of your tour.

The midnight sun is a phenomenon whereby the sun does not set below the horizon. It happens inside the Arctic Circle in summer, and Iceland has an ideal location just south of it.

With 18 and 23 hours of daylight, you get extra-long days for exploring. Spend longer days on the road or go to popular sights early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.

Local tip: You may want to bring an eye mask to sleep despite the brightness.

• Experience this summer phenomenon with a midnight sun Iceland tour

5. Attend a festival

Whenever you are coming to Iceland in summer, there will be events hosted around the country. The summer is a time for celebration after a dark winter. It all starts with the “First day of summer” celebrations in April.

In  Reykjavík , you’ll find the Arts Festival in May and Seafarer’ Day in early June. Later in the month, you could join locals to celebrate the country’s national day on 17 June.

Want to have a real Viking experience? Come along to Hafnarfjörður (a town near Reykjavík) to attend their Viking Festival in mid-June. You’re in for staged battles, archery and more.

July sees quite a lot of music festivals, from Siglufjörður to the Eastfjords.

Finally, August is a busy month with  Reykjavík’s Culture Night , Marathon, and Pride celebrations.

6. Visit the Westfjords

While you can drive around the island in winter, the famous Ring Road doesn’t stretch to this area, leaving the Westfjords cut off at this time of year. Summer is therefore the ideal time to visit.  

What’s so special about the Westfjords , you ask?

Along with the highlands, this peninsula is one of the most remote and sparsely populated regions of Iceland. It is characterised by unspoilt natural landscapes, such as fjords and high mountains. As well as impressive bird cliffs, you could enjoy the beautiful coastline, hiking paths and more.

Read about the  best things to do in the Westfjords here . This includes marvelling at waterfalls, roaming along red sand beaches, and immersing yourself in the history of the area in Ísafjörður , the largest settlement.

• Head  off the beaten path on a summer tour of Iceland

7. Celebrate the solstice

The summer solstice is usually on the 20 or 21 June every year in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the longest day of the year, which, in Iceland, happens to be indeed very long.

In fact, you’ll experience a near midnight sun at this time. In the capital of the north, Akureyri , which is located right below the Arctic Circle, you can expect nearly 23 hours of daylight.

The period surrounding the summer solstice is also called midsummer . It is an important date, celebrated in many of the Nordic countries. In Iceland, you’ll find bonfires and solstice parties.

Reykjavík hosts the biggest of these with the Secret Solstice Festival. If you’re in town, you could celebrate with the locals at this fantastic music festival with established and up-and-coming artists. 

• Look at these  Iceland classic holiday packages  to see the iconic sights and locations around the country

8. Sail amidst icebergs

If you’re fascinated by all things Iceland, you may have already seen photos of the shining Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon . This exquisite location is set against the backdrop of the Vatnajökull National Park on the south coast nearer East Iceland.

What makes this lagoon special are the icebergs breaking from the Vatnajökull glacier and bobbing their way along the water and out to sea. Their blue colouration is another point of interest for many and makes for striking photos.

Whether you’re on a private drive , small group tour , or a road trip , you can stop to admire it all year long. But between May and October, you could join an exciting  amphibian-boat trip onto the lagoon . Some of our tours already include it, or you could add it on as an optional excursion.

Your guide will explain the geology of the lagoon, and you’ll get to admire the icebergs from up close and maybe even see some seals.

9. Dip your toes in the sea

All year long, you can enjoy the many geothermally heated swimming pools and hot springs . They are dotted around the country and a must try when travelling to Iceland.  

But in the summer, you may be able to dip your toes into the cold streams of the ocean. We recommend Nauthólsvík , a geothermal beach in Reykjavík. And if it gets too cold for you, you could enjoy the hot tubs nearby.

10. Go whale watching

If you want to  go whale watching , you’re in for a treat as Iceland is one of the best places in Europe to witness these gentle giants of the sea.

Tours are available all year long, but summer is generally a better time to enjoy this activity. The sea can get quite rough in winter, so if you’re unsure how strong your sea legs are, a summer cruise is ideal.

Another bonus point for the summer is the greater number of whales visiting the waters around Iceland at this time. You may spot minke, humpback and sperm whales. If you’re lucky, you may even catch sight of an elusive blue whale.

The two best locations for whale-watching boat tours are from Reykjavík, or Húsavík in the north. The latter is also known as the “whale watching capital of Iceland,” telling you everything you need to know. 

• In summer, you could take on  active travel  or a  relaxation tour of Iceland , pick what suits you best

11. Go hiking in the stunning landscape

The summer is the ideal time to go hiking in Iceland. With an abundance of mountains and hiking trails, you’ll only need to narrow your options to pick the best ones for you.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Take in the views of Reykjavík from Mount Esja
• Hike at the colourful Landmannalaugar in the highlands
• See the wildlife at Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in the Westfjords
• Go glacier hiking in the Snæfellsjökull National Park

To go hiking, prepare yourself for all kinds of weather and don’t forget to bring all the necessary gear with you. This includes sturdy and waterproof hiking boots, activewear, a cap, water bottle, and packaway rain and windproof jacket.

• Related: Iceland's hidden gems: things to do off the beaten path

12. Enjoy a glacier adventure

The best time to enjoy the glaciers in Iceland is in winter. At this time of year, you could take a day tour to go ice caving and admire the frozen landscape.

But there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a worthy glacier adventure in summer. The whole family may enjoy visiting the Perlan exhibition in Reykjavík. Here you can experience an ice cave and more of Iceland’s natural forces inside one cosy facility.

You could sail amongst icebergs at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, as mentioned above.  Into The Glacier  excursions are also available all year long. On this tour, you will head deep inside Langjökull, Iceland's second largest glacier.

Finally, guided glacier walks are available year-round, so you can enjoy some in summer if you want. Explore Sólheimajökull, part of Mýrdalsjökull, or Svínafellsjökull.

• The Alps are another top spot for glimpsing glaciers. Find out more about visiting Switzerland in summer . 

Are you keen to spot the northern lights?

Also called aurora borealis, these dancing, colourful ribbons can be better seen in the dark sky. As you can expect long daylight and therefore short nights during the summer, we recommend visiting during the winter.

The  best time for spotting the northern lights in Iceland is between October and March. The longer and darker nights will give you the best chances of seeing them.

• Check out these winter self-drive tours to visit Iceland at this time of year
• You could go on a specific northern lights tour or add an excursion to your winter package

These are some of the best things to do in Iceland in summer, but there are many more activities you can enjoy all year long. Don’t forget about bathing in hot springs, going riding on an Icelandic horse, or even marvelling at the many waterfalls .

If this inspired you and you’re ready to book your Iceland adventure, browse our summer packages and get in touch with our travel consultants . Our Iceland experts are based in Reykjavík and will use their local knowledge to help you craft a tour to fit your preferences.

If some of the above suggestions interest you but they aren’t included in your tour, don’t hesitate to mention them to your dedicated travel consultant. They can recommend the best timings and give you expert advice. At Nordic Visitor, we want you to have the best Icelandic journey possible!

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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Summer Tours in Iceland

Browse top iceland tours for summer season.

Summer tours in Iceland

• Popular day tours
• Popular multi-day tours
• About summer tours

Iceland is a country that's worth visiting all year round, but it's especially beautiful during the summer. Browse a wide variety of activities — from hiking, snorkeling, and ice caving to sightseeing, whale watching, and kayaking. Choose from Iceland tours and excursions all around the country and visit famous attractions on the Golden Circle and South Coast as well as many hidden gems. Please note that some of the tours listed below depart from Reykjavik, while other tours are meet-on-location tours, great for those who will drive a rental car.

The most popular day tours in Iceland for Summer

Silfra Fissure Snorkeling Day Tour

Landmannalaugar hiking tour from Reykjavik

Vestmannaeyjar Island, Volcanoes and Puffins Tour

"Into the glacier" - World's Largest Ice Tunnel

Kerlingarfjöll Hiking Tour from Reykjavík

Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Combo Tour

KATLA ICE CAVE (UNDER THE VOLCANO) TOUR

Glacier Explorer - Glacier Hike Adventure

Snaefellsnes Peninsula & Kirkjufell Small Group Day Tour

Raufarhólshellir Lava Caving

Dalvik Whale Watching Tour

South Coast by Minibus - Sightseeing day tour

Golden Circle Complete - Classic Minibus Tour

Jökulsárlón Kayak & Glacier Hike

Golden Circle Afternoon - Minibus tour

Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik

The most popular multi-day tours in iceland for summer.

4-Day Laugavegur Trek Tour

6-Day Ring Road Tour Around Iceland

2 Day South Coast, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and Ice Cave Tour

3-Day - Iceland’s Highlands and Volcano Adventure

3 Day South Coast, Golden Circle and Ice Cave Tour

Laugavegur Trail - 6 Days Hiking Tour in Iceland

7 Days Around Iceland Adventure

Landmannalaugar Pearl of the Highlands - 3 Day Tour

4-Day Tour: Golden Circle, Jokulsarlon, South Coast, Landmannalaugar

9 Days - Around Iceland, Highlands and Volcano Adventure

Laugavegur Trek, South Coast & Glacier Hike - 5 Day Tour (Huts)

8 Day Ultimate Iceland | Ring Road, Snaefellsnes & Highlands

About summer tours and packages.

Iceland is a country with a lot to offer. Not only is it home to the most powerful volcano in Europe and the relaxing Blue Lagoon, but its natural beauty is unmatched by any other country in the world.

The summer months are when you can really see Iceland's natural beauty up close and personal, and there are plenty of things to do for all ages and tastes. Once the Midnight Sun period begins, everyone takes advantage of the longer daylight hours and heads outdoors to enjoy their time in Iceland.

Whether you're looking to explore Iceland's famous Golden Circle or take a hike through the Icelandic Highlands trails, our summer tours are perfect for anyone who wants to experience all that Iceland has to offer. From whale watching in Reykjavik harbor to guided tours of top waterfalls , we have everything you need, from short-day tours to all-inclusive summer packages.

WHICH ICELAND SUMMER TOUR OR VACATION PACKAGE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Imagine bathing in secluded hot springs exploring lava fields and wandering along black-sand beaches. Plus, you can still walk on glacier hikes, snowmobiling, and ice climbing during the Icelandic summer holidays. 

If it is your first time visiting Iceland, you can relax knowing you have a summer trip designed by local experts. Our multi-day vacation packages contain popular routes with the main highlights and smaller gems. You will have already planned reliable accommodation, an experienced tour guide, and supportive customer care.

If you decide to drive a rental car in Iceland and embark on the road trip of the famous Ring Road, you can book outdoor activities as you go around the island. Our day tours range from a few hours to day-long excursions, and you can find what to do in pretty much every corner of the island!

Are you a big nature enthusiast? Our local travel experts can take you up close to Iceland’s wildlife . Summer is the perfect time to go whale and puffin watching , or feel like a true Viking on the back of an Icelandic horse.

For those who are looking to get away from the crowds and visit the most uninhibited parts of Iceland on foot, hiking in the Icelandic Highlands is an irresistible activity. Embark on a hiking or trekking expedition staying in mountain huts or in tents, and have a fantastic trip of a lifetime.

Explore Iceland on a multi-day trip, trekking or hiking tour , or a private adventure depending on your preferences and travel dates.

FAQ - SUMMER TOURS IN ICELAND

When is summer in iceland.

Summer in Iceland begins around late May and ends in early September.

What to do in Iceland in summer?

Summer opens the door for many outdoor activities in Iceland. The most popular things to do are hiking in the Highlands, sightseeing around the South coast, driving the Ring road, rafting, kayaking, and wildlife watching.

What to wear and pack for Iceland in summer?

Generally, it is advised to overpack and bring clothes for all four seasons, not just summer. The Icelandic weather is full of surprises so layers are key!

• Sunscreen and sunglasses 
• A bathing suit 
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Warm clothes and woolen socks
• Hiking boots
• Sleeping mask
• Reusable water bottle 
• Gloves, scarf, and warm hat

Does the sunset in Iceland during summer?

During the summer months, Iceland enjoys from 15 to 22 hours of daylight, which means the sun barely ever sets. The longest day of the year (or the Summer Solstice) occurs every year between June 20 and 22. On that day, there are 21+ hours of sunlight in Iceland. And that is just another reason to explore amazing places in Iceland!

What is the temperature in Iceland in summer?

The average temperature for Iceland in summer is between 10°C and 15°C (about 50°- 59° F). The warmest months of the year are July and August.

What types of summer tours are available in Iceland?

There is no shortage of summer tours in Iceland, and whatever your interests, there is sure to be a tour that suits your needs. Here are some of the most popular types of summer tours in Iceland: 

• Sightseeing Tours : These tours take you to some of Iceland's most famous natural landmarks, including waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, and volcanic craters. Many tours offer pick-up and experienced guides who provide informative commentary on the history and geology of the sights.
• Whale Watching Tours : Iceland's coastal waters are home to a variety of whale species, including humpbacks, minke whales, and orcas. Whale-watching tours offer the chance to see these majestic creatures up close and learn about their habits and behaviors.
• Family-friendly Tours : For those who are bringing their family to Iceland and want to make the most of their adventure.
• Golden Circle Tours : Most famous for its summer attractions, Iceland is a great place to see the geological wonders and waterfalls. These tours take you to prime locations not far from Reykjavik.

• Ring Road Tours : Iceland has a rich history and culture, and Ring Road tours offer the chance to explore the country's contrasting scenery as well as meet the friendly locals and learn about their way of life.
• Multi-Day Tours : For those who want to see more of Iceland, multi-day tours offer the chance to explore different regions of the country, including the famous Ring Road, which circles the entire island.

Is it worth going to Iceland in the summer?

Absolutely, it is worth going to Iceland in the summer! Many tourists consider summer to be the best season to visit Iceland. During the summer, natural wonders are even more breathtaking as the weather is often clear, and you can take advantage of the extended daylight hours to see them in all their glory.

Is June, July, or August better to visit Iceland?

June is the third warmest month in Iceland, and if you visit at the end of the month, you’ll have a chance to witness the Summer Solstice (around June 20-22). July is the busiest month in Iceland because of the good weather conditions for outdoor exploration. Iceland in August gives you the last chance to enjoy the long summer days before the sunlight starts decreasing again. Therefore, it is hard to separate a single best month to visit Iceland, and it will depend on your wish list as well.

Is it best to pre-book tours in Iceland?

In short, yes! You should definitely book tours and accommodations well in advance for your summer trip to Iceland. Summer is peak season in Iceland since the weather is great and there is plenty of day trips and outdoor activities.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

The Ultimate 5 Days In Iceland Itinerary (Road Trip Guide + Hidden Gems!)

March 1, 2022 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   16 Comments

While 5 days in Iceland might not seem like enough time to fully enjoy this amazing country, we are here to walk you through the perfect itinerary to make the most of this limited time.

You could explore Iceland for months and never see it all, but if you can only visit Iceland for 5 days, that is still plenty of time to see the main sites, plus some hidden gems.

Planning your trip to Iceland last minute?

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Iceland in advance to ensure availability! The longer you wait, the more difficult it gets. Here are my top picks for your trip :

Top Experiences And Tours In Iceland:

• Golden Circle Full Day Tour From Reykjavik (Likely to sell out!)
• Silfra Snorkeling Tour (Includes photos + only small group)
• South Of Iceland Full Day Trip (Our pick!)
• Whale Watching In Reykjavik (On a luxury yacht)
• Northern Lights Bus Tour (Great to go with a local)
• Ice Cave Tour And Glacier Hike (Likely to sell out)

Tickets You MUST book in advance:

• Keflavik > Reykjavik Bus Airport Transfer (Skip the line!)
• Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket (Includes 7-step spa ritual)
• Blue Lagoon Entry Ticket With Drink (Likely to sell out!)

Top picks for places to stay in Iceland:

• Hotel South Coast (Great central location)
• Grandi Reykjavik (Includes free breakfast)
• Hotel Kria (Close to black sand beach)
• Hotel Skaftafell (Mid-range price)

Iceland is a truly wonderful country and every travel fan dreams of visiting it at least once in their lives. Of course, Iceland can be a more expensive country to visit. Because of this, an Iceland 5 day itinerary could save you money.

This itinerary can be adapted to any season. Feel free to skip some stops or spend longer in others to make this 5-day trip to Iceland better for your needs.

Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private  Iceland Facebook Group  and sharing your photos and asking for tips and tricks.

Is 5 Days Enough In Iceland?

Yes, Iceland in 5 days can be enough time, but only if you dedicate yourself to it. This may not be the itinerary for you if you like to travel at a very leisurely pace and rest between activities. The itinerary we layout here is very go, go, go! If you suffer from the Fear Of Missing Out and have no problem squeezing a lot into each day, then this trip will be great for you.

The Golden Circle And Why It Is Left Off

As you do research for your Iceland trip, you will come across the term “ The Golden Circle .” This is a popular route many tourists embark on when they visit Iceland. This loop hits places such as Thingvellir National Park , Gullfoss Waterfall, and Strokkur Geyser. There are many tours that will take you along the Golden Circle.

Even though the Golden Circle is popular, we have decided to leave it off this 5 days in Iceland itinerary for a couple of reasons. Mostly, the Golden Circle is overrun with tourists. Our route will allow you to see some more quiet and isolated places. Also, the Golden Circle leaves off the Southern Coast, which would be a shame to miss!

Do I Have To Drive in Iceland?

Iceland is a country where you can get away with not driving, but only if you book tours . However, the 5 days in Iceland itinerary we provide in this article is written as a self-driving road trip . To follow our plan exactly, you will need to rent a vehicle, drive yourself from place to place, and stay in a different hotel each night.

If you are nervous about driving in Iceland , don’t be! As long as you take usual driving precautions, account for the weather, and drive safely, you will be fine. The roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate so you should have no problem completing your 5-day self-drive itinerary for Iceland.

The Ultimate 5 Days In Iceland Itinerary (Road Trip Guide + Hidden Gems!)

Day 1: south coast hidden gems.

After landing at the Keflavík International Airport and renting your vehicle, it is time to start your Iceland road trip in 5 days! The first day of your trip will consist of seeing some of the hidden gems along the South Coast of the island.

Total Driving Time for Day 1: Approximately 6 hours

Stop 1: Check Out Reykjanesviti & Valahnukamol

From the airport, drive about 30 minutes to the southern tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula where you will find a couple of Iceland’s hidden gems. The first is Reykjanesviti Lighthouse.

This red and white building stands out starkly against the open landscape. This is the oldest lighthouse in Iceland and an interesting stop on your 5 days in Iceland itinerary.

Past the lighthouse, you will find a beautiful and dramatic shoreline. Here the giant rocks of Valahnukamol create an amazing backdrop for moody photographs. There will not be a ton of tourists here since it is off the beaten path, and it will give you a great introduction to the mighty nature of Iceland.

The peninsula has many other attractions including churches and museums such as the Reykjanes Art Museum, Viking World, and the Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll. For some more nature, check out the Reykjanesfólkvangur nature preserve. Here you can find crater lakes, lava formations, and plenty of wildlife.

Stop 2: Hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs

Keep driving east on Route 427 for about 1.5 hours until you reach the incredible Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River . This is not a traditional hot spring pool. Instead, it is a whole geothermal river. This gives you more room to spread out and find a private spot to soak and relax.

To reach these hot springs, you will have to hike for about 45 minutes to an hour. The path is well-maintained and clearly marked. While it is a relatively easy hike, there are some steep sections.

Stop 3: Take a Soak in Hrunalaug Hot Spring

From one hot spring to another, drive about an hour on Route 30 to reach the Hrunalaug Hot Spring outside of the town of Flúðir. While it is near the Secret Lagoon Hot Spring, the Hrunalaug Hot Spring is more of a secret and offers a secluded area to relax.

This spring is not very big, so it provides a perfect private getaway. Only about ten people max can enjoy this water at a time. Make sure you leave the place as you found it and clean up after yourselves so the next visitors can enjoy it.

This is one of the easier and more affordable hot springs on this 5 days in Iceland itinerary so make sure to put it on your list and be respectful to the landowners!

Stop 4:  Discover the Þjóðveldisbærinn Saga-Age Farm

Keep driving east for about 35 minutes to find the fascinating Þjóðveldisbærinn, or Reconstructed Farm, which is a replica of the real Saga-age farm called Stöng. You can imagine what it was like to live as an ancient Viking while enjoying the view of the quaint buildings, including a moss-covered farmhouse and church.

It costs about $7 to visit Þjóðveldisbærinn and the museum, but it is worth it! There is a senior discount and children under 16 are free! You will definitely want to snap a picture of this beautiful location during your 5 day Iceland road trip.

Stop 5: Relax at Gjain Valley

About 25 minutes more on Route 327 will take you to the Gjain Valley. Make sure to rent a 4×4 vehicle, especially if you visit in the winter , so you can arrive in one piece on the rough roads. This is also a good place to get away from the tourist crowds.

This area is a great place to hike and relax. The landscape is full of waterfalls and amazing volcano views. If you come in the summer, expect to find layers of beautiful greenery and flowers. This will be one of your favorite stops during your 5 days in Iceland.

Stop 6: Become Awed by Haifoss Waterfall

Keep driving on the same road for about 30 minutes to get to the first of many magnificent waterfalls on this Iceland itinerary in 5 days. Haifoss is one of the top five tallest waterfalls in Iceland at 400 feet, and it will not disappoint.

Walk from the parking lot along the gorge to get amazing views of Haifoss and another nearby waterfall called Granni. If you want a different perspective of these waterfalls, you can also hike down into the gorge.

Almost all waterfalls are free to see in Iceland, so they are perfect stops if you are doing 5 days in Iceland on a budget.

Overnight in Hella or in Selfoss

For your first night in Iceland, you have a couple of choices of where you can book your accommodation. Each of these towns is about an hour and a half south of Haifoss.

Places to Stay in/near Hella:

Affordable: Loa’s Nest . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Hekla Cabin 2 Volcano and Glacier View . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Mid-range: Hótel Lækur . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Stracta Hotel Hella . Check Rates: Booking.com

Places to Stay in/near Selfoss:

Affordable: Guesthouse Bitra B&B . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Hotel South Coast . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: House on the Golden Circle, close to Flúðir . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Luxury: Vörðufell . Check Rates: Booking.com

Day 2: South Coast Highlights

Day two of your 5-day trip to Iceland will bring you to some of the more popular must-see locations along the South Coast. Make sure your camera batteries are charged because you will be taking a ton of photos!

Total Driving Time for Day 2: Approximately 3 hours

Stop 1: Fall In Love With Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

From your hotel, it should be about 30 minutes to an hour to get to Seljalandsfoss depending on which town you overnight in. When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland.

Cascading 200 feet over a cliff, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is a sight to behold. One unique thing about this waterfall is the cave that is hidden behind it where you can hike for really cool views and photo ops. Bring a poncho or something similar to protect you from the spray!

Stop 2: Discover the Hidden Gljufrabui Waterfall

Just about a ten-minute walk north of Seljalandsfoss, you will find a canyon worth exploring. Wear water-proof shoes because the path does involve wading through a river. When you get to the prize at the end of the canyon, though, you will not mind getting wet.

The Gljufrabui Waterfall is about 130-feet tall and almost seems to fall from the sky into the dark canyon. To get the most Instagram-worthy photo of yourself in front of this waterfall, climb onto the boulder that lays before it.

Stop 3: Hike Through Nauthusagil Canyon

For the next stop on your Iceland itinerary, drive about 15 minutes north to find another canyon-trapped waterfall in the mossy Nauthusagil Canyon . You will need a 4×4 vehicle to reach this spot since it involves traversing an f-road.

Again, make sure you wear waterproof shoes when you embark into this hidden gem of Iceland. The Nauthusagil Waterfall can be a bit hard to reach, so come prepared. You will have to scramble over rocks, walk through water, and even use ropes to climb. Once you reach the end of the hike, though, you will be amazed by the view.

Stop 4: Take a Dip in the Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

After exploring the canyon, hop back in the car for 30 minutes until you get to the picturesque Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool. This scenic pool is tucked into the mountains and was built in 1928. Though it is man-made, it is fed by a natural hot spring. However, the temperature is much cooler than a true spring.

To reach the pool, hike for about twenty minutes from the parking lot. The path is unmarked but easy to follow and mostly flat. Plus, the views along it are amazing! This Iceland trip itinerary in 5 days includes many hot springs and this is one of the most scenic.

Stop 5: Chase Rainbows at Skogafoss Waterfall

Skogafoss Waterfall is truly magical and is only about 15 minutes from the last stop. This powerful waterfall is just under 200 feet tall and is 82 feet wide. Depending on the lighting conditions, you may find a rainbow stretching across the torrent of water.

This is another location where you should don your poncho or risk getting soaked if you walk close to the waterfall. You can also climb to the top of the waterfall for a different perspective of this South Coast Iceland star.

Stop 6: Check Out Kvernufoss Waterfall

Even though Kvernufoss Waterfall is only a couple of minutes from Skogafoss, not as many tourists visit it. This is a shame because it is really not to be missed! The walk to the waterfall from the parking lot is about 10 to fifteen minutes.

This 98-foot natural wonder is set into a canyon that is very green in the summer. A rocky path leads behind the falls so you can see it from either side.

Stop 7: Visit Solheimajokull Glacier

You will be in the car for another 20 minutes before you park in the lot for Solheimajokull Glacier. From there, hike about 15 to 20 minutes to make it to the ice. Then, just stare in awe! Don’t forget to check out our tips for Solheimajokull Glacier!

This crazy type of landscape is one reason to visit Iceland, and you should definitely check it out on your 5 days here. To see the glacier properly and learn something as well, make sure to book a tour. Do not go on the glacier without a guide to keep you safe.

Book Here: Sólheimajökull: Guided Glacier Hike

Stop 8 OPTIONAL: See the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

This next stop is really only optional in our opinion. Over the last few years, it has become so overcrowded by tourists it has almost lost its wonder. However, if you do choose to visit, the well-known Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is about a 15-minute drive from the Solheimajokull Glacier. While the drive is short, you will then have to walk an hour each way to reach the plane.

The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck gained popularity through social media and is great for moody, haunted photos, but only if you are lucky enough to be there without any other people. The plane is of U.S. origin and has sat abandoned on the black sand beach since 1973.

If you do your 5 days in Iceland in winter, you might even see the Northern Lights here, which adds magic to the scene.

Stop 9: Find Awesome Views at Dyrholaey

Keep driving on the Ring Road for 30 minutes to get to Dyrholaey. This arched peninsula is amazing on its own and also offers drop-dead-gorgeous views of the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach below.

It can get really windy up here, so be prepared to push through it to get to the best viewpoints. If you are lucky, you may even spot some puffins in this area. This is truly one of the best things to do in Vik!

Stop 10: Visit Loftsalahellir Cave

Loftsalahellir Cave is only a few minutes from Dyrholaey and is located on the same road. After you park, you will have a short walk up a steep hill. This will be a quick stop on your Iceland itinerary but worth it since it is on the way. Take some time to enjoy the view from the cave, looking back down at Dyrholaey and the coast.

Stop 11: Enjoy Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Return to the Ring Road and drive for about 20 minutes to reach the final stop of day two. You already saw Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach from Dyrholaey, but now it is time to explore it on ground level.

Along with the black sand, this beach is known for its towering black basalt columns and craggy rocks sticking out of the sea. If it is foggy when you are there, you will love the overall mood. The ocean waves can get big as well, so watch out. Under no circumstances should you swim here!

Overnight In Vik

Vik is an adorable small town right next to Reynisfjara, so you will not have to travel far from your last stop. This idyllic town is topped with a quaint church and there are lupine flowers if you do 5 days in Iceland in summer. There are plenty of places to stay in Vik .

Places to Stay in/near Vík:

Affordable/Mid-range: Þakgil Campground . Check Rates: thakgil.is

Mid-range: The Garage Apartments . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Kria . Check Rates: Booking.com

Day 3: Southeast National Parks And Glaciers

Iceland has its share of amazing National Parks , and you will be exploring some today. You will also witness some of the icier sides of the Land of Fire and Ice. Strap on your hiking boots and hop back into your car!

Total Driving Time for Day 3: Approximately 4 hours

Stop 1: Geek Out at Hjorleifshofdi Promontory And Yoda Cave

You will not have to drive far for your first stop of the day. Hjorleifshofdi is only about 17 minutes down the Ring Road, and you can see it looming up from the surrounding flat land long before you arrive. This rock formation is about 220 feet high, and it is possible to hike to the top.

If you are a Star Wars fan or just like cool caves, there is one here known as the “Yoda Cave” because a hole above the entrance is shaped like the Jedi Master’s head. Interestingly, the area around the rock was also used for some of the opening scenes for the movie Star Wars: Rogue One . This is truly one of the best photography locations in Iceland!

Stop 4: Explore Skaftafell National Park

Keep driving on the Ring Road for just under 2 hours until you arrive at Skaftafell National Park, one of the best National Parks in Iceland. This scenic area will give you the opportunity to become one with nature. There is plenty to do here, so you will probably spend at least a couple of hours at this park.

First of all, you MUST see Svartifoss Waterfall! This 65-foot wonder is surrounded by black basalt pillars and is just too pretty to miss. To get here, you will need to hike about 3.5 miles round-trip from the visitor’s center.

While in the park, you can also hike to some of the many glaciers here, including Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. Or you can book an ice cave tour. Crystal Ice Cave is especially stunning if you do your 5 days in Iceland in winter.

Book Here: Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Hike

Stop 3: Photograph the Pretty Turf-Roof Hofskirkja Church

Back on the Ring Road, drive 20 minutes to the small town of Hof. Iceland has its share of super cute churches , and Hofskirkja is high on the list of best ones! With a natural turf-covered roof, this church looks like it was pulled from a fairy tale.

Though you cannot go inside this church, you will want to snap some photos of it. If you complete 5 days in Iceland in summer, the church and surrounding area is very lush and green, adding to the overall storybook feel.

Stop 4: Feel the Calm Atmosphere at Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

After 25 minutes on the Ring Road, you will find the Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon. If we had to choose one glacier lagoon in Iceland as our favorite, this would be it! Though it is smaller than the nearby and more visited Jokulsarlon, you should NOT pass up Fjallsarlon. With fewer tourists, you will have this icy landscape more to yourself.

Here is your chance to really take in the majesty of Iceland. From the lagoon’s shore, you can listen to the icebergs crack and break. If you want to get closer to them, though, you can take a boat tour out into the water.

Stop 5: Check Out Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Just 15 minutes from Fjallsarlon is the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon . This lagoon is larger than the last and is a popular stop for tour buses, so do not expect to have this place to yourself.

Walk along the beach and take in the sight of giant icebergs floating serenely across the water. In the summer months, it is possible to join the ‘bergs by boarding a tour boat. No matter the season, though, make sure to bundle up because it gets cold down by the water.

Stop 6: Walk Along Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is just across the road from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, so it only takes a couple of minutes to get there. This law-dropping black sand beach is named after the chunks of ice that sparkle along the shoreline. If you can time it right, come at sunset for the best photo opportunities.

While there is ice dotting the sand here all year long, there will be more in the winter. Make sure to snap a photo of yourself standing next to some of the bigger pieces of ice to show just how big they are.

Overnight In Hofn

Hofn is just over an hour from Diamond Beach and makes the perfect place to spend the night before you continue your 5 days in Iceland. There are great places to stay in Hofn .

Places to Stay in/near Hofn:

Affordable/Mid-range: Old Airline Guesthouse . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-range: Glacier World-Hoffell Guesthouse . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Lambhus Glacier View Cabins . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Mid-range/Luxury: Dima Studio Apartments . Check Rates: Booking.com

Day 4: South East Coast Hidden Gems

The first stop of the day will be the farthest east you go on your 5 days in Iceland trip. From there, you will turn around and hit more hidden gems as you backtrack in the direction of Reykjavik. This will give you a chance to stop by any of the sites you may have missed the day before or were not able to photograph properly because of bad weather or light.

Total Driving Time for Day 4: Approximately 5.5 hours

Stop 1: Stand in Awe at Stokksnes

Where the mountains meet the sea, you will find Stokksnes, just a 20-minute drive from Hofn. To get to the private beach, you will have to pay a fee of about $6 per person. This might seem high, but it is worth it if you plan to spend at least an hour here taking in the gorgeous view.

Try to wake up early and come for sunrise for the best light and colorful sky. From the black sand beach, you can photograph Vestrahorn Mountain and the other rugged peaks surrounding it. Keep an eye on the waves, so you don’t get drenched.

Stop 2: Soak in the Hoffell Hot Tubs

Drive west on the Ring Road for about 30 minutes to get to the Hoffell Hot Tubs. Set into the rocky ground with amazing views of the mountains, these four man-made hot tubs provide the perfect place to lounge.

There is a small fee to use the hot tubs, and you must take a quick shower before you dip into the water. There usually are not a ton of people here, so this is your last chance to soak in relative solitude.

Stop 3: Hike Mulagljufur Canyon

After relaxing, it is time for some adventure! Drive for an hour to reach the Mulagljufur Canyon. This Iceland hidden gem is a great place for an incredibly scenic hike. You will be able to enjoy rugged cliff views and discover amazing waterfalls.

The Hangandifoss and Mulafoss Waterfalls here are worth the 1.5-mile hike to see them. Flowing over the ridges of the lush, green canyon, the sight of the waterfalls will make you will feel as if you are walking in a painting.

Stop 4: Take Photos at Lomagnupur Mountain

From one imposing landscape to another, keep driving for an hour to find Lomagnupur Mountain. Though you will see this looming behemoth long before you reach it as it stands at 700 meters. It is interesting to note that this mountain is said to be home to a giant according to Icelandic myth.

Do not be one of the many people who simply drive on by this great landscape. Instead, you will want to stop and take some photos. If you have a drone, make sure to fly it here to get some scale.

Stop 5: Find Magic at Fjadrargljufur Canyon

The next stop is about 40 minutes away and features another epic canyon. In the summer, Fjadrargljufur Canyon is full of lush greenery and flowers. In winter, it is a snowy wonderland pulled from some high fantasy novel.

With a river rushing through the bottom and many viewpoints along the top ridges, you are bound to take a ton of photographs here as you hike. Please make sure to stay on the marked paths. This will protect both yourself and the delicate ecosystem.

Stop 6: Discover Þakgil Canyon

Drive the Ring Road for just under 1.5 hours until you get to Þakgil, or Thakgil, Canyon. This is another hidden gem in Iceland waiting to be discovered. There are a ton of nature-filled hiking trails here to explore. While hiking, try to find the perfect view of the Kotlujokull Glacier.

There is also a great campground at Þakgil if you want to spend the night roughing it. You could not choose a more beautiful place to set up your tent . There is even a natural cave with picnic tables.

You will spend another night in the picture-perfect town of Vik. If you have anything you weren’t able to see the first time through or want to spend more time somewhere special, now’s your chance. Remember, Vik is right next to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Where to stay in/near Vík:

Affordable/Mid-range: Þakgil Campground . Check rates: thakgil.is

Mid-range: The Garage Apartments . Check rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Hotel Kria . Check rates: Booking.com

Day 5: Anything You Missed and Optional Locations

Day five will lead you back to Reykjavik before you fly home. As you drive the 2.5 hours to Reykjavik from Vik, you will have the opportunity to see any of the stops you might have missed on day two. Or you can check out some optional areas.

Stop 1: Hit Any Remaining South Coast Stops You Missed

Since day two of your itinerary was so busy and full to the brim with things to do and see, there is a chance you ran out of time to do it all. Luckily for you, we took this into account and left time today for you to amend that. For instance, if you choose to skip the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, you can see it now.

Stop 2: Explore Reykjavik If Desired

Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in Iceland so there are plenty of things to do here to fill your time. Reykjavik is a cute, modern city with colorful houses and a ton of cafes, restaurants , shops, and museums.

You will want to stop by the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church to witness its unique architecture. It is also the tallest building in the city and about $7 will get you to the top for awesome views.

If you want to learn more about Icelandic life and history, make sure to check out some of the museums, including the National Museum of Iceland, the Perlan Wonders of Iceland museum, the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, the Settlement Exhibition, and the Arbær Open Air Museum.

If you want to get out of the city and see some nature, take time to schedule a whale watching tour . The ocean around Reykjavik is known for having a diverse amount of whale species and other sea creatures.

Book Here: Reykjavik: Whale Watching Excursion

Stop 3: Relax in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the most well-known hot spring in Iceland. With gorgeous milky blue and mineral-rich water, soaking here is good for the body and soul. Plus, there is a world-class spa retreat if you really feel like treating yourself!

There are different spa packages to choose from, and it can get a bit pricey, so budget for this if you plan on visiting. It is great to come here right before you fly home because it will give you a chance to fully unwind after your busy and sometimes tedious 5 days in Iceland itinerary.

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers

Overnight near Keflavik Airport or in Reykjavik

For your last night in Iceland, you will want to stay near the airport so you don’t have far to travel the next day. Alternatively, you can stay in Reykjavik, which is only a 45-minute drive from the airport. There are tons of places to stay in Reykjavik for any budget.

Places to Stay in/near Reykjavik:

Affordable: Hotel Klettur  Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Downtown Penthouse Apartment . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Mid-range: Fosshotel Reykjavik  Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Keflavik Luxury Apartments . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Luxury: Hotel Borg  Check Rates: Booking.com

Optional Day 5 Ideas

If you are looking for even more options for your last day in Iceland, we have you covered. These two choices are farther away from the Reykjavik area but are worth the travel time to enjoy during your five days in Iceland.

Explore Snaefellsness Peninsula

Snaefellsness Peninsula is two hours north of Reykjavik and features some of the best-known landscapes in Iceland. Here you will find the postcard-worthy Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall with Kirkjufell Mountain as a backdrop. Kirkjufell translates to “Church Mountain” and is a common image result if you google Iceland. You will want to see it in real life!

There are also a couple more cute churches on this peninsula, including Ingjaldshólskirkja and Búðakirkja. After photographing these buildings, drive to the Snæfellsjökull volcano near the tip of the peninsula for a scenic hike.

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

Explore Westman Islands

You can visit the Westman Islands on your way to Reykjavik from Vik as they are off the south coast, not far from Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and the Ring Road. You will need to take a 45-minute ferry ride to reach the largest island, Heimaey .

While on the island, make sure to find the only 100% black church in Iceland, the Heimaey Stave Church, which is super photogenic. You can also search for puffins along the sea cliffs or hike to the top of the Eldfell Crater.

Multi-Day Group Tours in Iceland

If you do not want to deal with the logistics of planning your own trip or would rather someone else does the driving, you can always book a multi-day group tour for your five days in Iceland (or more or fewer days if you want!).

Your experienced guide will make sure you get where you need to be and will answer any questions you have along the way. Booking a 5-day tour of Iceland is a great way to have a seamless and relaxing time.

From Reykjavík: 4, 5, 6 or 7-Day Small-Group Ring Road Tour

Iceland: 3-day golden circle, south coast, & glacier tour, reykjavik: 4-day south coast, golden circle, and snæfellsnes, iceland 6-day ring road adventure.

Now you have reached the end of your amazing itinerary for Iceland for 5 days. Hopefully, you had a trip full of amazing experiences and made memories to last a lifetime!

Iceland is a country full of unique, wild landscapes and a ton of history. You will be bragging to your friends and family about how much fun you had for a long time. Maybe you can even convince them to come with you on your next Iceland adventure!

Reader Interactions

July 25, 2021 at 9:38 pm

Thank you for all of the wonderful information. I love the itinerary but being in our 50s and 60s we may have to skip a few things. We were hoping to check out the volcano. Do you think we could do that on day 5 plus do Sky lagoon or Blue lagoon?

July 26, 2021 at 3:46 am

I would say yes! The Volcano will be a few hours hiking and the Blue Lagoon is nearby so yes! I would do volcano earlier in the morning day and then BL in the evening to relax! My thoughts! Enjoy!

October 7, 2021 at 11:09 pm

great read! thanks. Can I ask, how feasible would this trip be in late December? All the photos appear to be in summer, thanks, Ceril

October 9, 2021 at 8:09 pm

Yes! This can be done in the winter months 100% Just keep an eye on weather to ensure all roads are open, they should be!!! I have done this exact trip in winter!

October 12, 2021 at 12:00 am

Do you have a map for this itinerary? Thank you so much for the details and awesome recommendations!

October 14, 2021 at 1:52 am

Hello! I don’t at this time but this is a good reminder that I should add one 🙂

July 30, 2023 at 5:37 pm

Hi, This is great! Any update on the map?

October 25, 2021 at 8:23 pm

What is the average cost for this trip?

October 26, 2021 at 3:33 am

Hello Mike! It can be done as cheap [stay in hostels and eat food or camp] or as expensive [luxury 5 star hotels] so it TOTALLY depends! Here is a good blog post on it! https://icelandtrippers.com/prices-in-iceland/

October 12, 2022 at 6:05 pm

Hello ! This has been so helpful. What outfits would you suggest. We are thinking March for our Honeymoon. Which what would you suggest for a honeymoon getaway ?

January 7, 2023 at 6:14 pm

Hi, we are thinking to travel early April and was wondering if we need 4×4 for this trip or is 2×2 car is enough ? We are also considering a camper van – have you done this route in a camper van ? Will the campsite be open this time of year ?

Thank you Katarina

January 7, 2023 at 9:44 pm

You can do this with a 2×2 car perfectly fine. And this is a great route to do with a camper van!! Enjoy!

September 5, 2023 at 2:19 am

Hey, this looks amazing! We are flying out on October 8th from the East Coast arriving on the 9th, and leaving Iceland on the 14th. Any updates to this 5 day trip? we are trying to map it out.

October 2, 2023 at 5:48 pm

Nope!! This is perfect and what I currently do myself!!!

November 5, 2023 at 8:32 pm

When are the best times of year to do this 5 day trip?

November 16, 2023 at 8:11 pm

Depends on what you want! Cheaper price? Lower crowds? Northern lights? Midnight sun?? which is your preference 🙂

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The Absolute Best Iceland Itinerary: 7 days

Iceland is one of those countries that seems to be popping up on everyone’s Instagram lately. The stunning country is filled with so many jaw-dropping views. It has become wildly famous for good reason. The country is full of waterfalls, black sand beaches, white peaked mountains, cute churches, blue glaciers, hot springs galore, and so much more. It is honestly a nature lover’s dream paradise. And, the best part is that it is super easy to plan a trip. With the acceptance of credit cards everywhere and most attractions being just a car drive away, its no wonder people flock to Iceland every year. After spending my Thanksgiving in this magnificent place, I have decided to make it easy for everyone and listed out the perfect 7 days Iceland itinerary which also includes tours if you are not in the mood to rent a car. So keep reading on for the best Iceland Itinerary 7 days edition!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Download my free Outdoor Photography Guide

Iceland winter itinerary vs iceland summer itinerary.

Choosing when to visit Iceland can be difficult, especially if you are spending 7 days in Iceland. On one hand, the summer months bring easy weather; but on the other hand, winter has fewer crowds. Either way, you will not be disappointed no matter what time of the year you go. I went in the winter to save money and it was still epic. My winter trip just made me want to come back in the summer to experience a different landscape.

• In the Winter:  Weather can be unpredictable, it is cheaper, less sunlight, snowy landscape, less crowded, the best sunrise and sunset pictures.
• In the Summer: Weather is the best, super crowded, green landscape, more sunlight, more costly.

How To Travel Around Iceland

There are three options on getting around Iceland in 7 days:

• Rental Car: We chose this option. I am from Texas where we drive everywhere, so I don’t like to be limited on where I go. Plus, I love getting away from the crowds so it was an easy choice to rent a car. Since we went in the winter, we stayed in hotels instead of campsites. I do not advice camping in the winter as it can be dangerous. The Iceland roads were pretty easy to travel in as the road conditions were good. I will warn you that driving in Iceland in winter can be dangerous due to random snow storms, so be wary.
• Tour Guides: There are soooo many tours in Iceland that you no longer need a car to explore. Throughout the article, I have listed the most popular tours for you. Tours are a great option if you don’t feel like planning much 🙂
• Rent a Campervan: This is a great way to save some money! You don’t need camping gear or a hotel, just your campervan. >Rent Your Campervan Here

Read More: 11+ Tips on Renting a Campervan in Iceland

Iceland Road Map

Below is the Iceland 7 day Itinerary map. You can download the map and turn on and off all the layers as needed:

Iceland Tips

• Even though Iceland is part of the EU, the country uses the Icelandic Króna instead of the EUR. Many people exchange their money, but I feel it is unnecessary. Most places accepts credit cards, and if you have a credit card that has no international/foreign exchange fees, you can skip the hassle of getting the Krona.
• If you want to avoid the crowds, the best approach is to travel further away from Reykjavik. It is easiest by renting a car or an RV. In my opinion, the best way to see Iceland is to rent a car.
• Spending one week in Iceland can be expensive. The best way to save money is to not eat at restaurants. I suggest going to grocery stores and buying food in Reykjavik or Vik. Another way to save money is to purchase sandwiches from gas stations. Most days, my husband and I ate sandwiches from the gas station and they were quite tasty. I would get different types every time so I wouldn’t get tired of them.
• Don’t go driving off-road because it is illegal.
• Only hike on established trails.
• Book all your tours in advance. Iceland is a popular travel destination so they might get sold out.
• Bring the correct type of clothing. Summer months do not mean warm months. Come prepared.

Iceland Itinerary 7 days

Day 1: fly into keflavik, blue lagoon and hang out at reykjavik.

Blue Lagoon

There are so many articles on why you should or shouldn’t visit the famous Blue Lagoon. The articles over-analyze the super touristy spot. I am one of those individuals who needs to experience it on my own to form my personal opinion. So of course, I booked my ticket right away.

My conclusion is that if you are on a fence, add it to your Iceland travel itinerary. Experience it at least once in your life. If you hate it, then never go back again. But at least you tried it out.

It is a bit crowded, but the smokey, baby blue colors and the relaxation is worth it. I recommend booking a ticket early in the day (8:00 am or 9:00am) just so there are fewer people. Based on the setup, I can imagine the place can become a madhouse at peak hours.

When you arrive,  you are given a bracelet, which will allow you to lock your belongings in a locker. Right after you put your personal items in the locker, you are required to take a shower prior to jumping into the lagoon. I recommend women to put their hair in a bun and then slather conditioner all over your hair. Don’t worry, conditioner is provided in the showers. The blue lagoon waters do dry out your hair so avoid getting your hair wet.

After the shower, you walk outside and enter the lagoon. Once the toes hit the water, all of your problems and stress magically melt away. I recommend exploring all the areas of Blue Lagoon. The lagoon has three “stands” which offer different things such as drinks, massages, and mud mask products. The drink stand will give you your first drink free, and the silica mask is free as well. Your bracelet will be assigned to you which allow you to “purchase” drinks or face masks.  At the end of the experience, you will be able to check out and pay your tab.

• Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket – Buy this ticket as soon as you buy your airplane ticket to Iceland since the Blue Lagoon admissions tickets tend to sell out. Schedule it the day you arrive in Iceland or the day you leave Iceland  >Buy The Admission Ticket Here
• From Reykjavik Airport Transport – If you are not renting a car, getting transport to and from is a great option. >Buy Your Transport Here

First Day in Reykjavik

After spending some time at the Blue Lagoon, it is time to head to the capital city of Iceland – Reykjavik. Reykjavik is located on the south western part of Iceland, making it quite nice and easy to explore the rest of the country from here.

Blue Lagoon/Keflavik to Reykjavik is about 45 minutes to 1 hour drive away. Upon arriving at Reykjavik, head to your hotel to check-in. We stayed at Ion City Hotel , which is such a chic, beautiful hotel. After checking in, it is time for some quick exploration. It is recommended that you explore Reykjavik by walking – as some of the lanes don’t allow for vehicle entry.

First stop is the Laugavegur Street. This is one of the prettiest streets in Reykjavik and also their main street. You will find beautiful murals on the walls, street art, great restaurants, bars and souvenir stores at Laugavegur Street. Our favorite restaurant here was the Scandinavia and Joe and Juice, which became a morning ritual.

The city offers numerous wonderful tours which are conducted in the afternoons. These walking tours are an amazing way to learn about Iceland’s history – from Vikings to the establishment of the Alpingi (parliament) and the modern day economic recession and revival of Icelandic economy with the tourism and nationalized banks. The tours typically last 2-3 hours.

If you like to explore on your own, then head to the Hallgrímskirkja Church next. Hallgrímskirkja Church is an iconic landmark of Iceland. You can see this tallest church from anywhere in the city of Reykjavik. This is a Lutheran church and it is open to public everyday. Entry to the church is free, but to access the towers, there is an additional charge of $10 USD per adult. We highly recommend that you take the church tower access, you will be rewarded with amazing city views of Reykjavik, with its red, blue and multi-colored houses. You can easily spend 1-2 hours here.

By now, the sun is likely setting. This is the best time to stroll around the city, eat, and grab a drink or two. Reykjavik comes alive in the evening, so definitely check it out.

It is true that Reykjavik is expensive when it comes to food. For meals everyday, it is a good idea to get some Icelandic delicacies from one of their grocery stores (Bonus, Kronas, 10-11 – grocery stores located in downtown Reykjavik). There is a budget eating place in downtown Reykjavik (all you can eat style) – called Reykjavik Street Food. You have to try their Icelandic lamb soup. Not only is it delicious, but it is noticeably cheaper when compared to other restaurants.

Where to Stay In Reykjavik

• Ion City Hotel  is the hotel we stayed at in Reykjavik. It is chic, fancy and in an entertaining area. I love how close everything is and being able to walk around with all the Christmas decorations. Sigh… So magical!  >Check Pricing and Availability
• 101 Hotel  is located only a few minutes walk from the Icelandic Phallological Museum and usually has incredible rates. I stayed here in the summer and I am in love with the black and white modern look of the rooms!  >Check Pricing and Availability 
• The Hotel Lotus  is an affordable accommodation with Kringlan Shopping Center only 0.6 miles away! There is also an in-house restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner.  >Check Pricing and Availability  

Looking for more places to stay in Reykjavik? Read About The Best Places To Stay In Iceland

Day 2: Explore Reykjavik

Next morning, explore more of the Reykjavik city. Reykjavik is located by the Faxa Bay, so you can expect amazing river-front views. Take a stroll along the harbour front and visit some of the other popular tourist spots in the capital city. The Sun Voyager is a sculpture located by the harbor front. It is accessible 24/7. Close to the Sun Voyager is the stunning Harpa Concert Hall. Built in the 2000s, the “Harpa” is home of Icelandic festivals and Orchestra and is characterized by the shiny glass architecture.

There are quite a few interesting museums in the Reykjavik city, that are definitely worth a visit. Iceland Maritime Museum, Icelandic Phallological Museum, Icelandic Art Museum, the National Gallery of Iceland – to name a few.

There is also the new amazing Sky Lagoon that everyone is talking about. This lagoon is located in Reykjavik and is less crowded than the blue lagoon. The views are absolutely gorgeous too. I even did the seven-step ritual and had an amazing experience. >You can book a ticket here

I also recommend doing some shopping around Reykjavik. Iceland is known for its wool, so I bought some sweaters, jackets, blankets, and hats. Icewear Iceland is the best place to shop at for Icelandic wool.

Looking for more things to do in Reykjavik? Read the free and cheap things to do in Reykjavik here .

Reykjavik area written by Mayuri at To Some Place New

Day 3: Golden Circle

Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir National Park)

One of the most famous national parks and a world heritage Unesco site in Iceland is Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir is a must for your 1 week in Iceland trip. The park is filled with waterfalls, old churches, ruins, and mid-Atlantic rifts which means you will be walking on two continents/ tectonic plates: The North American Plates and the Eurasian Plates. Iceland is the only place in the world where you can walk on two different tectonic plates.

When we entered the park, we slowly walked around and took in all the beauty and took pictures of the waterfalls and the unique landscape. Many people also scuba dive or snorkel in the Silfra. You can book your Silfra snorkel tour here.  If you do book a snorkel or dive tour please note that it will probably take half a day so you might not have time to explore the other areas listed on this day.

The Geysir is an easy attraction to add to your Iceland road trip itinerary. The area has restaurants, tourists shops, and it even has a Geysir! This was our first time seeing a Geysir, so I was super impressed. Parking is free, and it was easy to find a spot even with the crowds. The Geysir sprays water every few minutes (up to 20-40 meters high) so make sure to take videos and pictures of this phenomenon. Just don’t get too close as the water is sweltering:-)

Note: This is a great area to stop and have lunch at.

Gullfoss Waterfall

When we arrived at this waterfall, we were in absolute shock! Gullfoss was the largest waterfall I have ever seen, and there was a 360° rainbow! The only downside was that it was pretty crowded and the floor was slippery, so be careful. I almost fell on my face a couple of times, not going to lie 🙂

Gullfoss translates to “Golden Falls” which was exactly how I felt described this place. I mean look at that picture above, if that doesn’t describe golden falls, I don’t know what will. The waterfall should be thought of as two separate features with one cascade measuring at 11 meters and the taller one measuring at 21 meters.

Kerid Crater

When planning a trip to Iceland, make sure to add this volcanic crater to your list. I loved how the green water looked with the dark red color of the crater. It is a perfect detour from the Gullfoss, Thingvellir, and the Geysir since it isn’t as crowded as the other three sites. You do have to pay for parking which we did with our credit card (about 400 ISK).

You can either hike around the crater or hike down to the water. We decided to get closer to the crater and take more pictures as shown below.

Take Pictures With Icelandic Horses

This honestly can be done on any of the days when seeing Iceland by car, but I decided to add this here since we took pictures with the horses while exploring the Golden Circle. You will have so many opportunities to hang out with the horses because they are everywhere!

Just make sure not to feed the horses and not to touch them. Feeding them or petting them does more harm than good.

Golden Circle Tours

• Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour with Kerid Crater –  One of the most popular tours in Iceland, takes you to see Gullfoss Waterfall, the geyser of Strokkur, the volcanic crater at Kerið, and Þingvellir National Park. This tour lasts about 8 hours, and they pick you up at Reykjavik.    >Buy Tour Now

Where To Stay Near The Golden Circle

I recommend staying in Reykjavik on this day. But, if you are driving in Iceland on your own then you can probably stay at a hotel much closer:

• Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel – We stayed at the Ion hotel while we toured the Golden Circle. Super Chic and away from the hustle and bustle. The hotel has a delicious restaurant and a pretty rad looking pool. Perfect for Instagram pictures. >Book Your Stay Here

Day 4: South Iceland

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Day four consists of exploring South Iceland. The first stop is one of the most famous waterfalls called Seljalandsfoss located on route 1 Iceland. The waterfall is about 60 meters tall and is part of the Seljalands River.

When traveling around Iceland, you can usually spot the beautiful waterfall a long ways away before you get to it. It truly is magnificent. You do have to pay for parking, and it is 700ISK per car. There is a Kiosk machine that takes credit cards.

The best part about this waterfall is you can actually walk behind the waterfall. If you want to go behind the waterfall, I highly recommend a raincoat because you will get soaked! In the wintertime going behind the waterfall can be closed due to the path being too slippery.

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Located right next to the famous Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi Waterfall is a must stop. The waterfall is located walking distance away from Seljalandsfoss, and it is less crowded. The waterfall is 40 meters high and is blocked from view behind a massive cliff. Bring good rainboots and raincoat as you will get soaked.

Skógafoss Waterfall

One of the most well-known waterfalls in Iceland, Skógafoss should be on everyone’s South Iceland itinerary. The waterfall stands at 60 meters, is 25 meters wide, and is located right off the Iceland highway 1. There is even an option of walking up the steps to view the beautiful waterfall from above (525 steps worth).

Hidden Waterfall

One of my favorite parts of my Iceland road trip itinerary was discovering a hidden waterfall called Kvernufoss. The waterfall is located near the Skogar Museum, and if you walk east, you will find a fence that you will need to hop over. Eventually, the path will lead you to a wonderful waterfall. Make sure to take care of Kvernufoss, and to keep it hidden away from the hordes of tourists.

Dyrhólaey Lighthouse Viewpoint

When we were visiting Iceland, we loved seeing the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse. It was our first time seeing a black sand beach so getting the views from the top were surreal. The area is unfortunately not open all year long for cars due to bird nesting season.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

One of the most famous black sand beaches is located on the south coast near the small city of Vik. This place is usually crowded with tourists, but I still feel it is necessary to stop. The beach is one of a kind and includes crazily shaped basalt rocks, basalt cliffs, and of course black sand. You can usually walk away from the crowds to take some pictures on your own.

The two Basalt Cliffs are called Reynisdrangar and legend has it that the two cliffs are trolls that turned into stone when they stayed too long in the daylight.

South Island Tours

South Island is one of the most popular spots in Iceland. Getting a tour in this area is not difficult at all. Here is the most popular South Island Tour from Reykjavik:

South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik –  The duration is about 10 hours, and you get to visit Seljalandsfoss, Vik, Sólheimajökull glacier, Skógafoss waterfall, and see the black sand beaches of the southern coast.  >Book Your Tour Here

Vik is such a cute town to explore. It is also a great place to grab food, or go grocery shopping. I liked exploring the Vík i Myrdal Church. If you go around the right time (June/July) the area will be filled with wildflowers. It is pretty epic.

Where To Stay In Vik

If you are not doing a south island tour and you are driving around Iceland on your own, I recommend staying at Vik for the night. Driving all the way back to Reykjavik will make you lose precious Iceland exploring time.

• Vik Apartments  are pretty much a home away from home. The hotel comes with a full kitchen, living room, an awesome balcony with stunning views of the black beach. I recommend this place for families or friends traveling together as there are multiple bedrooms.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• Black Beach Suites  was my FAVORITE accommodation in Iceland. I loved that it had a full kitchen and dining table. Hubby even cooked me breakfast in the morning. You can walk to the famous black sand beach from the patio. I wish we had stayed more than one night.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• The Barn  is one of the fanciest hostels I have ever seen. This place is exceptionally chic and clean. I had to go inside to check into our Black Beach Suites, and I was surprised to find out it was a hostel! If you are on a budget, I HIGHLY recommend this place.  >Check Pricing and Availability

Day 5: South East Iceland

Tour around Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The glacial lagoon was probably my favorite part of my Iceland one-week itinerary. The area is absolutely epic and has so much to offer! You can take a boat tour, visit ice caves, go glacier hiking, or take amazing Instagram pictures at the shores. Regardless of what you do, it will be amazing.

Since we visited Iceland in the Winter, we decided to do the one thing that can not be done all year round: Ice Cave exploring . You must hire a guide for this, and it can only be done in the winter time. I enjoyed it, but one thing that bugged me was how rushed it felt. But, it is understandable since so many people trying to see the Ice Caves as well.

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a popular destination for tours leading to many other adventure options besides the Ice Caves; like boat tours, and glacier hiking. Most tours start early in the morning near the lagoon.

Our ice cave tour ended in the early afternoon. Afterward, we ate at one of the two food trucks located on site. The food was delicious!

Diamond Beach

Make sure to add this to your Iceland trip itinerary because this beach is spectacular. The ice comes in all shapes and sizes, and they are always changing. This is a great spot to take drone photos and to practice your photography skills (especially during sunset). Winter time is the best time to visit this beach as the diamonds are huge compared to the summer. See the pictures above and below.

Southeast Island Tours

Due to different seasons, I recommend two tours near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. One tour is for the summer, and the other is for the winter:

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour –  This tour departs from Reykjavik and also includes Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Vik. This is a 14-hour tour. This is an excellent option for the summer.   >Book Your Tour Here
• Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon –   The tour meets in the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon so you will have to find transportation to the lagoon yourselves. This is the tour we took, and we enjoyed it.  >Book Your Tour Here

Where To Stay In Höfn

Staying at Höfn is an excellent idea after exploring around Jökulsárlón all day. The city has several accommodations and isn’t as crowded as many of the other towns near Reykjavik. If you have extra time and want to soak in a hot tub, check out the Hoffell hot tubs  near Höfn.

• Seljavellir Guesthouse  is a great hotel with big patio window doors with wonderful views of the outdoors. There is even a bar and a terrace to relax.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• Milk Factory  is a cute bed and breakfast that used to be an actual Milk Factory! Recently renovated the B&B has some great views of the surrounding mountains.  >Check Pricing and Availability
• Höfn Hostel  If you are looking for cheap accommodation the Hofn Hostel is for you. This hostel is an environmentally friendly place with a guest kitchen and laundry services.   >Check Pricing and Availability

Day 6: Explore Höfn and Stokksness and Drive Back To Reykjavik

If you are touring Iceland by car, you need to stop by Stokksnes. The peninsula holds the stunning and tall mountains called Vestrahorn. You do have to pay for a small entrance fee but doing so is entirely worth it. The black sand beach next to tall spiring mountains is a perfect spot for photographers.

We also got some killer sunset and sunrise shots in this area (as seen below). I just loved how there were fewer crowds near Höfn. After being surrounded by people every step of the way, it was nice to get some pictures without people around.

Svartifoss should be in your Iceland self drive itinerary. The waterfall is about 20 meters tall and has black columnar basalt walls. The waterfall is located in Skaftafell which is part of Vatnajökull National Park.

Get to the Skaftafell visitor center and ask for a hiking map to get to Svartifoss. The hike is about 1.5Km from the visitors center and can take 1.5-3 hours to complete (depending on how long you like to take pictures).

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

If you are driving around Iceland, make sure to stop at the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. The canyon is believed to be formed at the end of the last Ice Age, about nine thousand years ago. You can hike around the edge of the canyon to view from above. There are many stopping points throughout the canyon to take pictures. At the end of the hike, there is a stunning tall flowing waterfall.

More than likely you will be coming back to Reykjavik either in the late afternoon or evening. On our last night, we went to the Staff Kitchen and Bar . The tapas plate we ordered to share was pretty good.

Day 7: Head to The Airport

After a road trip around Iceland, it is time to get back home. If you didn’t rent a car, then book a bus transfer from Reykjavik and Keflavik here.

Additional Readings

Welp this is how we spent a week in Iceland. Make sure to check out some of my other blog posts and let me know if you have any questions in the comments below:

• Things to Do In Iceland In The Winter
• Ultimate Guide to What To Wear In Iceland

Also, follow me on Instagram, where I discuss all things hiking, camping, and backpacking. You can get ready for your next outdoor adventure!   Follow Me Here .

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33 comments.

Your maps are fantastic! It is so helpful having an idea of where everything is, especially when all the names look similar!

Thank you 🙂

Your Iceland itinerary looks amazing! The crater and waterfall look out of this world, and I so want to see the super cute Icelandic horses. I’ll pin this for my trip!

I can’t believe how many stunning photos you’ve fit into one post! I’d love to do a campervan trip around Iceland someday, and this is the first guide I’ve read that’s seriously made me consider going in the winter– those ice caves! Diamond Beach!

I know Diamond Beach is such a dream!

This looks like an amazing itinerary and it’s very well written! I’m trying to plan a trip to Iceland and this has given me so much inspiration on where to start!

Awww I am so glad you liked it!

Wow! Phenomenal post, map, and itinerary! I spent 21 days in Iceland in 2011 and am planning a week-long trip for my family to go next summer. This is very helpful and has me fired up! Your images are spectacular and the writing is top-notch as well. I have one question. The map seems to be missing day two; is it me or am did I do something on my end to remove the second day? Thanks for sharing this fantastic work and I wish you many more journeys! Todd

Hey Todd! Wow, thank you for your kind words I can not appreciate it enough! Yes, you were so right! My map was missing the 2nd day so I have updated it! I really appreciate you telling me and I really hope you have a great time with your family 🙂 Cheers!

I really enjoyed reading your blog. I’m planning a 7 day self guided road trip to Iceland next summer and this helped so much with getting some ideas. I loved how you incorporated map and pictures as well as suggestions of where to stay.

I am so glad you liked it! I love when blogs include maps and places to stay. It makes it so much easier for us!

I love your outfits and hats so much. What are the brands of the boots and jackets you have in the pictures you have posted? You are so cute in them!!

Hey Sherry here is my packing list 🙂

Hello! I just wanted to say thanks so much for this post. We recently took a road trip through Iceland, and I followed this post for inspiration and a route. I agree, we really liked Black Beach Suites and Seljavellir Guesthouse. You saved me a lot of time! Thanks again!

Thank you so much! That makes me so happy to hear 😀

Hi, Looking to go to Iceland in January. Where would I go the see the Northern lights? Thanks, Al

The best time to see them is in the winter. You can usually see them in most places in Iceland. But it is better if you get out of Reykjavik. Just keep on looking online to see updates on when it is out. You can also get the hotel to wake you if there is any activity.

I have been searching near and far for some tips on a Feb. Iceland trip and I cannot thank you enough for this post! Seriously the most perfect fit for our trip – THANK YOU!

Thank you Karin! So happy you liked it 🙂

Your pictures are phenomenal! What camera are you using? Your itinerary has been so helpful and have saved me so much time!

Thank you! I used the Sony A6000!

What would you recommend if you had one extra day? We are planning on following your itinerary but have one extra full day!

I recommend Snaefellsjokull National Park!

This is incredible! My boyfriend and I are planning to go to Iceland next June. I told him I would be happy doing everything on your blog. This is very informative and makes me so excited to go!! Thank you for such great info!

Yay I am so happy you like it 🙂

This looks like an amazing trip! I’m trying to plan for next year (hoping travel is okay from a COVID standpoint by then). Did you see the Northern Lights? If so, where did you see them? Thanks!

I saw them but they were not as pretty as I have seen in pictures. It looked like a cloud. I think I was just not lucky.

I just used your itinerary as the basis for my own trip (June 2022) and I have to say it was balanced, well-paced, and super fun. I even cross-referenced your stops with other sites like Lonely Planet and Reddit and this definitely has the highlights you want to see. We ended up making some changes to accommodations and tacked on some extra days in Reykjavik at the end, but if you are thinking of visiting Iceland (and not doing the Ring Road), I really recommend doing a version similar to this. If you are going in summer, instead of the Ice Cave, I highly recommend going kayaking in the Glacier Lagoon instead. Thanks for posting this!

Thank you so much for this comment! As a blogger, I rarely get feedback after people’s trips, so good to know you enjoyed it. I will be going back next month so hopefully, I can write a 14-day itinerary:-D.

Hi Michelle, Thank you for your itinerary. My husband and I just got back from Iceland, and we used it as our planning tool. It was awesome 🙂 Allison

Yay so glad you liked it!

Hi! I wanted to let you know I used your itinerary information extensively this past week when I took my 18-year old son to Iceland for his birthday/high school graduation trip, and it was amazing!! We did 7 days + 2 days for air travel, and we added a day on Westman Islands to your suggestions. It was amazing! The weather was phenomenal and we saw so much beauty! Thanks for putting this out there into the universe for other people to benefit from. ❤️

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Simple Flying

Exploring iceland on a long stopover: the simple flying guide.

Icelandic carriers Icelandair and PLAY give passengers the unique opportunity to tour the island before continuing their journey.

• Icelandair and PLAY offer transatlantic travelers free stopovers in Iceland, allowing them to explore the country's beauty. Accommodations are not included, giving travelers the flexibility to choose lodging that suits their preferences and budget. PLAY's Stayover option lets travelers stay up to 10 days in Iceland, offering a unique twist on a traditional layover experience.

Icelandic airlines, Icelandair and PLAY, offer travelers flying across the Atlantic the opportunity to book a stopover in Iceland without any extra cost. For those who have not visited before, Iceland is a country of dramatic landscapes and is famously known as "the land of fire and ice" due to it being home to the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the world's most active volcanoes.

This stopover allows travelers to explore the natural wonders of Iceland, including geothermal pools, the northern lights, waterfalls, geysers, and hot springs, in addition to their final destination. This booking option provides an excellent opportunity to experience all the island has to offer.

It's important to note that while this stopover booking offers a unique opportunity to explore Iceland's natural and cultural highlights, it does not include accommodations. Travelers must arrange their lodging separately, allowing them to choose accommodations that best fit their preferences and budget. Travelers can tailor their stay in Iceland to their desires, whether it's a luxurious retreat or a cozy, budget-friendly guesthouse.

The airline allows transatlantic passengers to add a stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare for up to seven days. Passengers choose how many days to spend in Iceland. There are various accommodation options, from cozy cabins to sophisticated hotels, and something for every traveler.

The airline offers vacation packages for stopover travelers. Icelandair has a long history with many partners across Iceland, from hotels and car rentals to restaurants and tour operators. Many of their partners have received Vakinn , the official quality and environmental certificate for Icelandic tourism. Iceland Air partnered with local photographer and content creator Ása Steinars, who created inspiring ideas for travelers on how to spend their Stopover time. Check out Ása's videos for itineraries that make the most of Iceland .

Should travelers notice a difference in flight costs when adding a Stopover in Iceland to their booking, it could be that airfare prices vary according to demand. Icelandair recommends trying different date combinations for travelers with flexible travel plans to explore its Stopover options.

Since the early 1960s, Icelandair has offered its stopover service to passengers. In 2014, the airline launched its first global campaign highlighting the Icelandair Stopover. That year, passenger numbers grew by around 315,000 from the previous year.

In January, PLAY started offering its Stayovers, allowing passengers to stay up to 10 days in Iceland. The low-cost Icelandic airline operates between North America and Europe. PLAY's Stayovers take advantage of the airline's flights, connecting through Iceland. PLAY calls their stopover a "Stayover," stay being more inviting than stop. Stay a little longer in Iceland, for up to 10 days on each leg in PLAY's Stayover booking.

“PLAY has taken advantage of Iceland’s location near Europe to bring travelers convenient flights and affordable fares, and now the stopover feature brings even more benefits to our passengers. Rather than having a few hours layover in Iceland, travelers can make a stop at this bucket-list destination for an extra day or week to experience everything our home country has to offer. Long stayovers are a win-win for both us and our passengers to enable exploration at a low price,” said Birgir Jónsson former PLAY CEO.

In 2021, PLAY took its first flight and now operates a modern fleet of 10 Airbus A320 and A321neos, with the average age of the aircraft being less than three years. In North America, PLAY operates flights to Baltimore, Boston, New York, and Washington DC in the United States, as well as Toronto in Canada. PLAY flies to over 30 European destinations, including Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, London, Copenhagen, Barcelona, and Athens.

Last year, according to the prestigious World Airline Awards based on customer satisfaction, PLAY was recognized as the top low-cost airline in Northern Europe. PLAY offers competitive market prices, striving to make travel more affordable. PLAY prides itself on operational excellence, with an 83% on-time performance in 2023. By choosing PLAY, passengers have a safe and reliable journey and will spend less on their flight ticket, meaning they can spend more on their destination.

Icelandic LCC PLAY Expands To Africa With New Morocco Airbus A320 Route

Icelandic airlines Icelandair and PLAY give an enticing offer to transatlantic travelers: the option to book a stopover in Iceland at no additional charge. Passengers can immerse themselves in the beauty of Iceland and explore its natural wonders: geothermal baths, awe-inspiring northern lights, majestic waterfalls, erupting geysers, and soothing hot springs, all while making their way to their final destination. This booking option provides travelers with an Icelandic experience, allowing them to fully appreciate the island's diverse landscapes and cultural offerings. It's an ideal choice for those looking to enrich their travel itinerary with an adventure to one of the world's most stunning destinations without stretching their budget.

Source: Icelandair , PLAY and Visit Iceland

Icelandair Now Optimistic Of Higher Profits With $1.6 Billion Revenue Projected This Year

GFP graduate and teacher named FFT fellow

GFP (Global Field Program) graduate Nickele Morgan '14 of Perry, Ohio, was awarded a Fund for Teachers (FFT) fellowship for travel to Iceland this summer.

GFP (Global Field Program) graduate Nickele Morgan '14 of Perry, Ohio, was awarded a Fund for Teachers (FFT) fellowship for travel to Iceland this summer. FFT honors the professionalism of dedicated teachers like Morgan and values their judgment as to what best impacts their practice. This summer Morgan will have the opportunity t o "experience the unique aspects of Iceland’s climate and geology, learning ways that people manage scarce resources, a harsh and changing climate, and a unique ecosystem with innovation, technology, and sustainability to create an informative virtual field trip." Read more

As a student in Miami's biology department, Morgan earned a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in the Biological Sciences through Project Dragonfly's GFP while working as a teacher at Perry Middle School.

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