The Best Outdoor Activities in Iceland
Discover the best hiking, camping, backpacking, fitness, and more.
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Explore Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Iceland / Fjaðrárgljúfur
This canyon is one of those places in Iceland that you don't find in any of the brochures, and don't see many photos of, but that's one of the reasons it's all that much more magical when you get the.
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Hike to and Swim at Seljavallalaug
Iceland / Seljavallalaug
You will reach the trailhead by turning off of the Ring Road 1 onto road 242. You will see signs marked for Seljavellir.
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Hike Iceland's Tallest Waterfall: Glymur
Iceland / Glymur Trailhead
This amazing waterfall empties into a giant, beautiful canyon and with such a short hike, the reward is well worth the time.
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Hike to the Falls above Skógafoss
Iceland / Skógafoss, Iceland
You can see Skogafoss from the highway. You will also immediately see the tourist buses and the throngs of people working hard to make the same photo.
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Winter Hike to Svartifoss
Iceland / Skaftafell, Iceland
At 20 meters tall, Svartifoss, also known as Black Falls, is one of the most popular waterfalls located in Iceland’s Skaftafell National Park.
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Explore Brúarfoss
Iceland / Brúarfoss
Brúarfoss is a small waterfall, especially compared to the many thundering giants cascading off Iceland's cliffs. What this waterfall lacks in size though, it more than makes up for in beauty.
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Hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs
Iceland / Reykjadalur Hot Springs
The trailhead to start your journey to the Reykjadalur hot river is located at the Hot River cafe near the town of Hveragerði.
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Explore Jokulsarlon, Iceland
Iceland / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
From Reykjavik, just head south on Hwy 1 for about 3 hours until you reach Jokulsarlon. It's just off both sides of the road and a bridge drives over it - you wont miss it.
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Photograph the Waterfalls of Iceland
Iceland / Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
If you want to see Iceland's most incredible scenery, you have to rent a car and get a map. From Reykjavik, head south on Hwy 1.
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Explore Iceland's Black Sands
Iceland / Sólheimasandur Trailhead
Since WWII, four US planes have perished above Iceland's black sands. Here is one of them, sunken into the beach in the middle of nowhere since 1973.
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Exploring Seljalandsfoss
Iceland / Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
Located just off the Ring Road, Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls and it's easy to see why.
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Hike through Þingvellir National Park
Iceland / Þingvellir Visitor Center
From the visitor center there are several trails that lead into the countryside.
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Photograph the Northern Lights at Grotta Lighthouse
Iceland / Grotta Lighthouse
While I was in Iceland for 10 days, I was blessed enough to see the northern lights every single night. Because of all the opportunities, I was able to learn some lessons about them.
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Explore the Jokulsarlan Ice Caves in Iceland
Iceland / Jokulsarlon Ice Caves
There are quite a few companies that offer guided tours of ice caves throughout the country, but Extreme Iceland has the most options, as well as very experienced guides.
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Explore DC-3 Airplane Wreckage in Sólheimasandur
Iceland / Sólheimasandur Trailhead
If you've ever felt the urge to go to Iceland and explore one of the planet's most geographically fascinating locations, you've most likely seen photos similar to mine: dilapidated wreckage of an old.
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Explore Gullfoss
Iceland / Gullfoss
The infamous Gullfoss Falls are about 45 minutes from Strokkur, and they have a peaceful calm about them.
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Watch the Sunrise from Ice Beach
Iceland / Ice Beach
One of the more popular sites in Iceland is the Jökulsárlón Ice Lagoon, but an equally amazing site lies right across the highway where icebergs wash ashore after leaving the ice lagoon.
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Walk Behind A Hidden Waterfall at Kvernufoss
Iceland / Kvernufoss Parking
Begin by driving to the Skogar Museum, just off the Ring Road (1). You will take the same turn to get here as you would to get to Skogafoss, so it makes sense to plan to see both at the same time.
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Þórsmörk's Skógar Hike
Iceland / Fimmvörðuháls Trail
It is said that half of the population of Iceland believes in elves. If you spend time exploring the wilderness of Iceland, you'll begin to understand why.
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Explore Viti Crater
Iceland / Viti Trail, Iceland
Viti is a large crater, located near lake Myvatn in Northern Iceland. It is filled with bright blue water that changes into a different shade of blue at every perspective.
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Explore Skógafoss in the Winter
Iceland / Skógafoss, Iceland
Throughout all seasons of the year, Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most visited waterfalls. This waterfall is in the top 5 largest in the country, with a dizzying drop of 60 meters.
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Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park
Iceland / Snæfellsjökull National Park
When I planned my road trip through Iceland, I found plenty of information and advice online for the southwestern part of the island, as well as up north in the area around Akureyri and Lake Myvatn, .
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Explore Vestrahorn
Iceland / Stokksnes
Vesturhorn, often called "Batman Mountain," is a beautiful mountain (454 m/1450 ft high) where very steep cliffs meet a flat, black sand beach.
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Bathe in Myvatn Nature Baths
Iceland / Lake Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Natural Hot Springs are an alternative hot spring to the well-known Blue Lagoon in Iceland. The $18 student tickets are much more affordable than the prices of $75 for other nature baths.
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Photograph Goðafoss
Iceland / Goðafoss
The parking lot for Goðafoss is clearly signed and you'll be able to see the falls from the parking lot.
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Backpack the Laugavegur Trail: Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk
Iceland / Landmannalaugar
First things first - catch one of the buses to the trailhead at Landmannalaugar. We chose to leave from a small hostel in Hella and ended up riding for just over two hours to reach our destination.
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Explore Strokkur Geyser
Iceland / Strokkur
The Geyser, Strokkur, has a small rest stop built around it and after parking, you will walk about five minutes north of the road.
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Photograph the Northern Lights at Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
Iceland / Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufell is a freestanding symmetric mountain, and is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. It is located in West Iceland on the north coast of Iceland's Snæfellsnes peninsula.
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Photograph the Northern Lights at Jökulsárlón
Iceland / Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is a night photographer's paradise with "fresh" iceberg subjects washed up on the beaches daily, providing unique images every time.
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Exploring Skaftafellsjökull
Iceland / Skaftafell, Iceland
The glacier Skaftafellsjökull is an outlet of Vatnajökull, which is the largest continental glacier in Europe.
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Hike to the Summit of Valahnúkur
Iceland / Volcano Huts Þórsmörk
The hike starts at the volcano huts in Þórsmörk, you head northeast on the main trail. Signs along the way will lead you all the way to the summit. it is about 1.5 miles one way.
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Diving in Silfra
Iceland / Silfra fissure
Silfra is located in Thingvellir National Park, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. The Silfra fissure is a crack between the North American and Eurasian continental plates.
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Explore Arnarstapi
Iceland / Arnarstapi
Arnarstapi is a small village located on the southern side of Snæfellsnes peninsula.
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Hike to the South Summit of Mount Akrafjall
Iceland / Akrajfall Trailhead
The roundtrip hike up the south summit takes 2-5 hours. The trail is flat and easy to follow at first, then farther up the mountain you'll encounter a more jagged path with some spongy grass areas.
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Photograph Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
Iceland / Kirkjufellsfoss
Only 2.5 hours from Reykjavík in good weather, Kirkjufell is a popular spot for Iceland photography.
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Iceland Surf Expedition
Iceland / Höfn Beach
Iceland is always interesting with the weather fluctuating. Each day can lead you to face a new series of elements.
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Explore Háifoss
Iceland / Háifoss
The waterfall Háifoss is situated near the volcano Hekla in the south of Iceland. The river Fossá drops 122m making Háifoss the third highest waterfall on the island.
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Hike to Sjónarnípa
Iceland / Skaftafell, Iceland
Skaftafell National Park is a portion of Vatnajökull National Park and easily accessible by car by Route 1 (the Ring Road).
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Swim in Iceland's Blue Lagoon
Iceland / Blue Lagoon Parking
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of the country's most famous attractions. The pristine blue waters are a result of volcanic activity. The water is naturally heated and soothes the skin.
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Hike Fimmvörðuháls Pass
Iceland / Skogafoss
You can start on either side of the pass whether it is Thórsmörk or Skógar, each way is just as visually stunning as the other.
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Explore Black Sand Beach
Iceland / Black Sand Beach Parking
Black Sand Beach offers an expansive view of the ocean and nearby cliffs. It gets its name from the small black pebbles that make up whats known as the "black sand" of the beach.
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Explore Dynjandi
Iceland / Dynjandi
The most difficult part about this is getting to the falls - the road is closed during the winter (or at least shouldn't be driven on), and is has quite a few potholes on the way.
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Explore Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Iceland / Fjallsarlon
From the parking lot follow the well marked path down to the lagoon.
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Scramble Kirkjufell Mountain
Iceland / Kirkjufell Mountain
You can park at the Kirkjufellsfoss parking lot and head north across the road. Just a bit northwest there's a farm and some guest houses - head towards that.
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Climb the Tower at Hallgrimskirkja
Iceland / Hallgrimskirkja
Just a part of something to do while in Reykjavik. There is an epic church that stands out strong against the skyline.
Inside the church there is an impressive organ inside of the church.
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Explore Iceland's Diamond Beach
Iceland / Diamond Beach
Begin by heading south on Highway 1 from Höfn towards Jökulsárlón, the drive is around 1 hour.
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Explore Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Iceland / Gljúfrabúi
Starting in the parking area for Seljalandsfoss, follow the path that leads along the ridge line away from the main road. In less than twenty minutes, you'll reach a small marker and picnic area.
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Explore the Mossy Lava Fields near Grindavik
Iceland / Mossy Lava Field
If you drive 20 minutes east past the town of Grindavik along road 427 the landscape changes drastically and you'll find yourself in an enormous lava flow covered in vibrant moss.
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Great Views On Top of Stóra Dímon
Iceland / Stóra Dímon
Stóra Dímon is a small hill on the southern coast of Iceland, close to the village of Hvolsvöllur.
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Visit the Bird Cliffs at Látrabjarg
Iceland / Látrabjarg
Whether or not you choose to take the ferry from Stykk to Flókalundur, or make the entire drive along the south side of the West Fjords, you'll be taking the 612 to Látrabjarg.
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Hike to Valagil Waterfall
Iceland / Seljalandsdalur
The trailhead for this hike is 9 km south of the town Súðavík at the inside tip of the fjord Álftafjörður. There‘s a small dirt parking lot off the road just before the small bridge.
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Explore Gluggafoss
Iceland / Gluggafoss
Super simple, super easy to get to. Just a cool little waterfall located just off the road.
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Hike Mount Drápuhlíðarfjall
Iceland / Mount Drápuhlíðarfjall
You can park your car on the south side of Snæfellsnesvegur (road 51) and basically make a straight shot to the base of the mountain from there.
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Photograph Foss á Siðu
Iceland / Foss á Siðu
Foss a Sidu is less famous than many of the waterfalls on the south coast, but its easy access and unique surroundings make it well worth the stop.
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Hike Dettifoss and Selfoss
Iceland / Dettifoss
Dettifoss and Selfoss are two waterfalls located closely together, separated only by about one kilometer of easy walking along a cliff top.
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Explore Hverir Geothermal Field
Iceland / Hverir
Not far from one the more popular hot springs in North Iceland, the Hverir Geothermal Field is one of the most spectacular (and overlooked) places in all of Iceland.
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Hike Mount Esja, Iceland
Iceland / Esjurætur - Hiking Center
Iceland is undoubtedly a land bubbling with adventure, and attracts a growing number of visitors each year seeking to explore its diverse terrain.
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Scramble Kristínartindar
Iceland / Skaftafell
Kristínartindar isn't for the feint of heart, and even I almost fall into that category.
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Hike Súlur
Iceland / Súlur
The trailhead is located at a parking lot south of Akureyri - mark it on your map and it'll be easy to find.
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Photogarph the Iconic Sheep Barn in the Westfjords
Iceland / Sheep Barn
Strangely enough I had seen this little barn in a ton of pictures before going to the Westfjords.
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Camp in and Explore Borgarfjörður Eystri
Iceland / Borgarfjörður Campground
Every corner of Iceland will continue to surprise you in the most delightful way. Making the journey to the northeastern coast is no exception.
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Hike Hvannárgil and Réttarfell
Iceland / Básar
Starting at the Básar facilities, the loop can be completed clockwise and do Réttarfell to Hvannárgil, or counter-clockwise.
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Take a Boat Tour of the Jokulsarlon Iceberg Lagoon
Iceland / Jokulsarlon Lagoon
About a 4 and a half hour drive from Reykjavik, a bridge welcomes you to Jokulsarlon, the ice berg lagoon.
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Canyoning at Raufeldsgja
Iceland / Raudeldsgja
Copule clarifications. The first, I say Intermediate and advanced. The reason I say this is because getting into the canyon is pretty simple. Few rock hops and you will be in a little clearing.
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Explore Glanni Waterfall
Iceland / Glanni Waterfall Trailhead
Glanni Waterfall is in the western region of Iceland right off the main Ring Road. It's the perfect place to get out and stretch your legs for a quick 15 minutes.
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Explore Svinafellsjokull
Iceland / Svinafellsjokul
Look for the point of interest sign to Svinafellsjokull several minutes past the exit for Skaftafell National Park.
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Explore Skarðsvík Beach
Iceland / Skarðsvík Beach
From the parking area you are free to roam the area. We started by walking down the stairs from the left of the parking lot.
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Scramble Geitafellstindur and Photograph Hoffellsjökull
Iceland / Hoffellsjökull
The trailhead can begin at the parking lot at the end of the Hoffellsjökull lake where there are information boards.
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Hike up Vindbelgjarfjall
Iceland / Vindbelgjarfjall
Vindbelgjarfjall is a 529-meter mountain located in Lake Mývatn area, North Iceland, whose formation dates back to the Ice Age.
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Photograph Þjóðvegur's Waterfall
Iceland / Nameless Waterfall
The waterfall backdrops a soccer field and school that sit just below. It's just down the road from Seljalandsfoss and is definitely worth adding to your Ring Road agenda.
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Visit Kerið Crater Lake
Iceland / Kerið
Kerið Crater is located in southern Iceland, along the popular golden circle. It is about 15km north of Selfoss, off of highway 35.
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Hike to Helluvatn Lake
Iceland / Helluvatn Trailhead
The trailhead begins from the campsite next to Hotel Flokalundur, towards the back where the small wooden ladder assists you over the fence.
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Hike the Tvísöngur Loop
Iceland / Seyðisfjörður
Park at the gravel lot across from the Brimberg Fish Factory (the parking lot is marked with a sign for Tvísöngur).
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Photograph Gardur Lighthouse, Iceland
Iceland / Gardur Lighthouse
If you are like most travelers to Iceland, your time is spent around the ring road and Reykjavik.
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Hike to Djúpalónssandur and Dritvík
Iceland / Dritvík Trailhead
From the parking lot, take the trail to the left of the bathrooms. This trail will wind down past a unique rock feature with a hole in it and ends at the black sand beach.
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Hike to Hengifoss
Iceland / Hengifoss
From Egilsstaðir, take the Ring Road (Highway 1) towards Fellabær. Turn left onto Road 931 directly after the bridge crossing of Lake Lagarfljot.
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Explore Grábrók Volcano
Iceland / Grábrók
From the parking area just off the Ring Road (Highway 1) near the town of Bifröst, the trail starts to the left.
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Explore Hvalnes Nature Reserve
Iceland / Hvalnes Nature Reserve
Look for a point of interest sign for Hvalnes and pull off the road into the dirt parking lot.
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Hike Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir
Iceland / Hverfjall Trailhead
Mt. Hverfjall (Hverfell) is an old tephra crater that is estimated to be 2500 years old. The crater is about 1 km in diameter and 400 feet deep.
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Visit the Puffins of Hafnarholmi
Iceland / Hafnarholmi
Located in the remote northeast corner of Iceland, the newly built harbor of Hafnarholmi lies just a few miles north of Borgarfjodur Eystri (aka Bakkagerdi).
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Explore Saxhóll Crater
Iceland / Saxholl Crater
Just off of Road 574 in Snæfellsjökull National Park, Saxhóll Crater is a short leg-stretcher.
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Hike to Leirhnjúkur
Iceland / Leirhnjúkur
The trailhead for this hike is located near Lake Mývatn . Take Road 863 towards Krafla power plant.
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Hike around Höfði
Iceland / Höfði
Lake Mývatn translates to "Midge Lake" and if you visit here in the summer there will be swarms and swarms of midges. You might want to wear something to cover your face.
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Photograph the Malarrif Lighthouse in Snæfellsjökull National Park
Iceland / Malarrif Lighthouse
From the visitor's center parking lot, take the path towards the lighthouse. This unique 24m (~80 ft) tall lighthouse was built in 1917, then rebuilt in 1946.
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Visit the Stykkishólmur Lighthouse
Iceland / Stykkishólmur
From the parking area which is adjacent to where the Ferry Baldur loading area is, walk up the hill and shortly after you'll see the brightly-colored lighthouse.
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Backpack the Laugavegur Trail: Þórsmörk to Skógar
Iceland / Þórsmörk, Iceland
If you are on your way to Iceland to trek the incredible Laugavegur trail, and you've read about the first part of the trek in this article, then don't miss out on the last 15 miles you should be add.
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Trail Run in Kjarnaskógur
Iceland / Kjarnaskógur Parking
Kjarnaskógur is the local forest and recreation area in Akureyri and is located just South of the Airport. Great for running, hiking, mountain biking and x-country skiing when there is snow.
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Hike Stuðlagil Canyon
Iceland / Studlgil canyon
The round trip is approximately 8km, and one might need to forge one's own path, but the hike there is definitely worthwhile.
