- Nature & Wildlife
- Coasts & Islands
- Off the Beaten Track
- Europe
- Iceland
- Reykjavik
- Inspiration
- See & Do
- Where to stay
Travel advice for Iceland
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Iceland
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
Find inspiration and
information for your next trip.
Get a local travel expert to
plan your personalized trip.
Book & travel securely with our money-back
guarantee and local expert assistance.
written by Rebecca Hallett
updated 14.03.2023
From its pocket-sized capital to the vast landscapes of its interior, Iceland overflows with inspiring spots. The only real trouble is narrowing down what you want to do. Head out to sea to scour the grey waters for whales? Scramble over slick rocks to marvel at a waterfall? Or soak up the rays on a volcanic beach? To help make your choice easier, here are our best picks for things to do in Iceland.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Iceland, your essential guide for visiting Iceland.
8 days / from2092 USD
Iceland: A Game of Thrones Road Trip
This themed road trip will take you around Iceland, home to many filming locations of the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Travel around the country's coastline, past the many dramatic glaciers and cliffs, relax in geothermal spas, and spot whales in the rough seas. Warning: Spoiler alert!
customize ⤍8 days / from2052 USD
Iceland's Wild West
Welcome to the road trip of a lifetime, which will bring you to some of western Iceland’s wildest and most remote spots. On this adventure, you will pay unforgettable visits to Hraunfossar Waterfalls, as well as the Barnafoss and Deildartunguhver hot springs, and much more!
customize ⤍6 days / from1680 USD
Iceland's Highlights from East to West
Take a flight to the East where you get to enjoy the enchanting Eastfjords before you drive south. If you are looking to focus on a few regions with a mix of the most popular sights and something off the beaten path; and to avoid backtracking with a one-way domestic flight, this is the perfect trip.
customize ⤍7 days / from1650 USD
Discover North Iceland and Snaefellses
Discover the best of North Iceland and Snaefellsnes! The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons! The Snaefellsnes peninsula is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
customize ⤍5 days / from1300 USD
Best of the West
Take the road less travelled around the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes peninsulas. Visit places unspoiled by humans and see the wonders and creativity of nature at their very best! The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, and thundering waterfalls.
customize ⤍8 days / from1880 USD
East to West with the Westmand Islands
Drive around the Lake Lagarfljot and visit Hengifoss waterfall and the Hallormsstadur forest. Continue to the South Coast with its beautiful waterfalls, glacier lagoons and black sand beaches. Take a detour to spend a day in the stunning Westman Islands and end your trip with the Golden Circle.
customize ⤍13 days / from2200 USD
All of Iceland in 13 days
In just under 2 weeks, explore the highlights Iceland has to offer. From the popular Golden Circle, follow the Ring Road and explore waterfalls and lagoons on your way around the island. This itinerary leads you all the way to the North and the Westfjords of Iceland.
customize ⤍12 days / from2100 USD
Incredible Iceland in 12 days
This driving trip trip will take you to some of Iceland’s most incredible sights and natural wonders. Drive through glacial valleys and across towering mountains as you gaze over stark landscapes of shining silver steaks and marble lava fields patched with emerald green moss...
customize ⤍9 days / from1800 USD
West & Arctic Coast Way Highlights
The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons. Visit the 'capital of the North' Akureyri before continuing to the Snaefellsnes peninsula, known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
customize ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Exploring the South Coast and Snaefellsnes
Glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, lagoons - Iceland offers stunning landscapes to explore. This itinerary allows you to discover the south in your own rental car. Drive the famous Golden Circle and discover waterfalls along the way.
customize ⤍10 days / from1900 USD
Arctic Coast Way Fly & Drive
North Iceland is one of Iceland's most fascinating regions with plenty of famous sights and lesser-known sights - impressive waterfalls, geothermal activity, lava formations and canyons. A visit to Akureyri as well as charming fishing villages along the coastline are included in the itinerary.
customize ⤍10 days / from2000 USD
Iceland: the Ring Road in 10 days
Spend 10 days driving along Iceland's scenic Ring Road, which stretches around the outside of the country. Soak in a thermal tub or pool beside gushing geysers or waterfalls, and relish the prospect of whale-watching, bird-watching, and glacier hiking in magical surroundings.
customize ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
Wild, wild West Drive
The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, thundering waterfalls, sea cliffs teeming with birds and rejuvenating hot springs! Snaefellsnes is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
customize ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
A week's trip to the South Coast and Snaefellsnes
With just a week's time, you'll be able to discover the popular Golden Circle, Skogafos and Seljalandsfoss, as well as Skaftafell National Park. This self-drive trip focuses on the south coast only, limiting your driving distances each day and as such allowing you more time to explore.
customize ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Classic Highlights with the Westman Islands
This Classic Highlights trip to Iceland's most visited sights with a day off the beaten path in the gorgeous Westman Islands. This trip is perfect for those who want to visit the most popular sights of Iceland, and have an extra day to do something different without adding a lot of extra driving.
customize ⤍6 days / from1680 USD
Westfjords Circle and Strandir
The wild Westfjords feature a stunning landscape of towering mountains, deep blue fjords, thundering waterfalls, sea cliffs teeming with birds and rejuvenating hot springs! You also take a detour to where the road ends in remote Strandir to drive along the coastline.
customize ⤍5 days / from1320 USD
Classic Highlights - Golden Circle & South Coast
Our most popular short trip to Iceland's most visited sights! The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular tourist route with the rift valley at the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and the Gullfoss waterfall. The South Coast is well known for its waterfalls and the Glacier Lagoon.
customize ⤍7 days / from1700 USD
Ring Road Express with the Golden Circle
Iceland's Ring Road is the most popular tourist route around the Iceland. The landscape is everything you have dreamed of - breathtaking waterfalls, volcanic landscape, black sand beaches, glaciers, fjords and charming fishing villages.
customize ⤍6 days / from1600 USD
Explore North Iceland and Snaefellsnes
Discover the best of North Iceland and Snaefellsnes! The area around the volcanic Lake Myvatn is surrounded by impressive geological sights, stunning waterfalls and mighty canyons! The Snaefellsnes peninsula is known as “miniature Iceland” for the diversity of landscape it offers.
customize ⤍6 days / from1250 USD
Western Iceland: Cliffs, Coast and Waterfalls
Welcome to the road trip of a lifetime, which will bring you to some of Iceland’s remotest spots, such the dramatic Latrabjarg Cliffs and the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls. Drive through glacial valleys and soak up breathtaking sunsets. Laze afternoons away soaking in natural hot springs!
customize ⤍10 days / from1900 USD
Iceland: West and North combined
Take the road less traveled and explore the North and the Westfjords of Iceland in your own rental car. Glaciers, lava fields, beaches, waterfalls and much more await those adventurous enough to explore Iceland further.
customize ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Longer North Iceland and Snaefellsnes
Have a bit more time to explore Northern Iceland? Stunning waterfalls, mighty canyons, a diverse scenery and much more is waiting for you. Take your rental car and go at your own pace, discovering Northern Iceland in a bit over one week.
customize ⤍7 days / from1800 USD
From East to West with the Westman Islands
Drive around the Lake Lagarfljot and visit Hengifoss waterfall and the Hallormsstadur forest. Continue to the South Coast with its beautiful waterfalls, glacier lagoons and black sand beaches. Take a detour to spend a day in the stunning Westman Islands and end your trip with the Golden Circle.
customize ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Wild West Drive and Strandir
This holiday is perfect for travellers who want to go off the beaten path and explore the stunning landscape of the Westfjords & Snaefellsnes including the remote Strandir regions. With your rented SUV, you can set your own schedule to explore the scenery.
customize ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Classic Ring Road with Snaefellsnes
There's a good reason the Ring Road is Iceland's most popular route: famous glaciers and volcanoes, stunning waterfalls, and amazing lagoons await. The Snaefellsnes peninsula makes the perfect add-on to your tour, granting you a compact overview of Iceland's scenery.
customize ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Extended Wild, Wild West
Awaken the adventurous part of your soul and visit the Westfjords and parts of the Snaefellsnes peninsula that are yet to be discovered by most Iceland visitors. Here's where you'll have nature to yourself, from lava fields and craters to red sand beaches.
customize ⤍5 days / from1300 USD
North Iceland Fly and Drive
Take an adventure to North Iceland, one of Iceland's most fascinating regions! This holiday is perfect for those pressed on time, in just five days you get to explore the highlights of North Iceland in your own rental car, so going at your own pace.
customize ⤍8 days / from1800 USD
Longer South Coast and Snaefellsnes
Discover the Golden Circle on a slightly longer tour: from waterfalls to black sand beaches, driving the popular Golden Circle all down to Snaefellsnes, the peninsula known as “miniature Iceland”, This itinerary allows you to go at your own pace in your own rental car.
customize ⤍6 days / from1715 USD
Iceland: Landscapes and Lagoons
This unforgettable driving trip will take you to some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. Whilst soaking luxuriantly in geothermal pools, you will relish the thought of driving through glacial valleys and across towering mountains, walking along black sand beaches.
customize ⤍5 days / from1400 USD
Circling the Westfjords
Take the road less travelled around the Westfjords. Visit places unspoiled by humans and see the wonders and creativity of nature at their very best! Suited for those on a tight schedule, this 5 day itinerary allows for a compact yet activity-packed trip.
customize ⤍8 days / from1750 USD
Iceland: the Ring Road in 8 days
Spend eight days driving along Iceland's iconic Ring Road route, which runs around the whole of the country. Pass through spectacular scenery every day, and stopping off to stay in Vik, Akureyri and Reykjavik, whilst exploring the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, and much more!
customize ⤍5 days / from1400 USD
North Iceland circle
Take an adventure to North Iceland, one of Iceland's most fascinating regions! A rich wildlife and landscape makes this part of Iceland a visitor magnet all throughout the year. This holiday includes your domestic flight to Akureyri and a rental car to explore the region in depth.
customize ⤍15 days / from2400 USD
All of Iceland in 15 days
The extension to our popular all of Iceland route: visit the spectacular Dettifoss waterfall on the diamond circle route, as well as one of the most remote regions in Iceland: Strandir. This itinerary is best for those looking to explore Iceland at a leisurely pace.
customize ⤍11 days / from3549 USD
The Magic of Eastern Iceland
Be enchanted by eastern Iceland as you drive through glacial valleys and across towering mountains, looking over treeless landscapes of shining silver streaks and marble lava fields patched with emerald green moss. Enjoy a whale-watching trip at Húsavík and soak in geothermal pools.
customize ⤍9 days / from1900 USD
Classic Iceland in 9 days
This tour includes all of Iceland's highlights: the breathtaking waterfalls on the Ring Road, the popular golden Circle as well as the Snæfellsnes peninsula with its dramatic landscapes. Get ready for a fast-paced self-drive adventure and discover Iceland.
customize ⤍16 days / from2500 USD
Total Immersion: Your 16-day Road Trip
Ready to explore the nooks and crannies of Iceland? This 16-day itinerary allows you to discover the tourist highlights as well as the off-the-beaten-track destinations. From waterfalls over glaciers to volcanoes - tour the island in your own rental car.
customize ⤍Reykjavík on Iceland's coast may look like a charming backwater, its cosy wooden houses painted in bright colours, but don’t let its appearance fool you. This is a capital city, after all, and it has nightlife to match.
The rúntur – which translates to “round tour” – is a weekly pub crawl, in which locals head from one spot to the next, drinking at every stop. Booze doesn’t come cheap in Iceland though. Head to a vínbúðin to pick up your pre-drinks, an integral part of the night for Icelanders and broke travellers alike.
The long days and light nights of the summer months make rúntur even more fun in summer when you can stay in denial about how late it is for a few more hours.
Start planning your trip to Reykjavik now, by checking accommodations here.
Join the weekly rúntur in Reykjavik © DisobeyArt/Shutterstock
Looming black cliffs, a sinuous stretch of gold sand, and one lone, red-roofed church: Breiðavík is the Icelandic coast at its finest. Better still, the bay’s remote location in the West Fjords means that, as often as not, you’ll have this idyllic bay mostly to yourself.
In summer, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the warmer weather with a seaside stroll; in winter, curl up with a thermos of hot chocolate and watch the sunset fill the sky.
Breiðavík's windswept lanscape © dvoevnore/Shutterstock
Visit Mývatn in the summer, and you may find yourself briefly annoyed as you swat away all the tiny black flies lingering in the air (the name means “midge lake”). But it’s this cloud of insects that attracts the wildlife you’re really here to see: thousands of birds. For even the most casual of twitchers, it’s a memorable sight.
The ducks are the real draw, with all of Iceland’s species coming here to rear their young. Look out for the pop-art plumage of the harlequin duck, the chic all-black scoter, and the striking monochrome Barrow’s goldeneye, the star of the show – this is the only place where it nests in Europe.
Birdwatching is one of the best things to do in Iceland. Young harlequin ducks, Mývatn. © Malabi/Shutterstock
One of the most memorable things to do in Iceland is to visit one of its many iconic waterfalls. For example the dramatic, rugged Gullfoss; Skógafoss, thundering over picture-perfect green cliffs; or Seljalandsfoss, perfectly framed when you walk behind the falls. There are lesser-known gems, too, like Gljufrabui, peeking coyly over a moss-covered gorge, and Svartifoss, tumbling over black basalt columns.
For sheer power, though, Dettifoss can’t be matched this is the most powerful waterfall in the whole of Europe. You can get here by car, but hiking through the wilds of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park is much more rewarding. On foot, you’ll be able to appreciate the roar of the falls growing ever louder as you approach, until finally upon them, staring into the canyon below – a sight and sound you’ll never forget.
Dettifoss waterfall, Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, Iceland © Shaiith/Shutterstock
Of the many hot springs in Iceland, Grettislaug might have the best backstory. After swimming 7.5 km through bitterly cold waters, and attracting some ridicule from some local women for the effects on his extremities, outlaw hero Grettir reputedly jumped into this hot pool to warm up again.
Whether the story’s true is beside the point – as you lie in the steaming water, Tindastóll looming to one side and the sea stretching out to the other, the invigorating effect will make you feel as strong as a Viking. Stay until nightfall for the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights from the hot spring.
Looking for something to do in Iceland? Try going to a hot spring, like Grettislaug © Vaclav Jirousek/Shutterstock
Down at the southern tip of Iceland is the tiny coastal village of Vík, home to a tumble of buildings and a sweeping, black-sand beach – a reminder (if you needed one) of the island’s volcanic heart. It’s also a good base if you fancy spotting some puffins without getting on a boat, or want somewhere welcoming to return to after striking out into the bleak deserts of southeastern Iceland.
One of the most awe-striking things to do in Iceland is a bracing walk west along the south coast of Dyrólaey which features towering basalt columns. This natural beauty inspired the design of the stunning modern Harpa concert hall in Reykjavík.
The black sand beach at Vík © Jurjen Veerman/Shutterstock
The second-largest glacier in Iceland, Langjökull boasts something its bigger rival (Vatnajökull) doesn’t: tunnels chiselled out of the icecap itself, giving visitors a totally different view of this slowly flowing mass of ice.
The trip gives you a remarkable insight into how glaciers function, but it would be worth it just for the visuals – the ice looks perfectly clear in places, cloudy white in others, and in others still startlingly blue, and has to rank among the best things to do in Iceland. Strap on your crampons, head into the ice, and marvel at the power of the glacier.
The glacier tunnel at Langjökull is a unique thing to do in Iceland © tipwam/Shutterstock
The vast Vatnajökull – Europe’s biggest glacier – creaks and groans towards the sea, only to break apart into icebergs once it reaches the water. You can see these up close by taking a trip out onto the lagoon at Jökulsárlón, or just by strolling along the black beach, where icebergs are washed up onto the sand like broken glass.
Jökulsárlón lagoon © BBandSIRI/Shutterstock
Way up in north Iceland is the friendly town of Húsavík, clustered around its harbour in the shadow of towering Húsavíkurfjall. It’s a likable spot, especially in summer when the mountain is green and the clear waters reflect the colourful wooden houses and sailing ships, but most people come here for one reason: whales.
You can go on a whale-watching trip from Reykjavík too, of course, but only from Húsavík can you see blue whales. They’re not the only cetaceans you might spot, either – with orcas, minke whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and humpbacks in these waters, too, you’re almost guaranteed a sighting.
There are a lot of things to do in Iceland in nature, such as whale watching in Húsavík © SasinTipchai/Shutterstock
Iceland’s natural scenery is rugged, bleak, otherworldly… but pastoral? The small farming island of Flatey is a peaceful escape, with meadows strewn with delicate flowers and stunning views across to the more dramatic landscape of the West Fjords.
Icelanders think of it as a rural idyll, and visitors too can enjoy coming here and enjoying many things to do- such as stroll through the fields of buttercups, admire the scenery, perhaps take a leisurely boat trip – and not worry about anything else.
Ready to start planning your trip to Iceland? Check out our guide for the best places to stay.
The flower meadow at Flatey © CherylRamalho/Shutterstock
If wondering what to do in August, the island of Heimaey is home to a truly heartwarming spectacle. Around this time, the adult puffins fly out to sea and their chicks leave their nests to follow, in search of food. However, many of them become confused and fly into Heimaey town, where the local residents charitably collect the fluffy young sea birds and release them somewhere safer.
It’s a fun, friendly affair, led by the kids of the town – and if you can look at a happy child tenderly scooping up a lost puffling without cracking a smile, your heart must be stonier than Heimaey’s coastline.
Planning to travel to Iceland in the summer? Check out our list of the best Icelandic places to visit in the summertime.
Adult puffins in Heimay © Ventura/Shutterstock
One of the most relaxing things to do in Iceland is to spend a day at the Blue Lagoon located in the Southwest. Considered one of the 25 wonders of the world, the area is known for its geothermal pools, hot springs, caves, and spas.
In particular, the Blue Lagoon is famous for its silvery-grey slit- a silica mud that is known to cleanse and tighten skin, as well as treat many skin conditions.
Start planning your trip to the Blue Lagoon now by checking out accommodations here.
One of the most iconic things to do in Iceland - visit the Blue Lagoon © Shutterstock
The Eastfjords, known for its beautiful cliffsides and sunny weather, is one of the only places where herds of wild reindeer can be spotted. There are many things to do in this section of the Icelandic coastline: from taking a drive through the Ring Road, taking a hike through Hvalnes Nature Reserve, or taking a stroll through Seydisfjordur.
Reindeer of the Hvalnes Nature Reserve in Iceland © Mathias Berlin/Shutterstock
You can enjoy many great Icelandic landmarks in one day by taking a road trip down the historical Golden Circle. Starting in Reykjavik, this 140 mile (230 kilometers) circular driving path offers awe-inspiring views sprinkled with many things to do and visit - from geothermal geysers and waterfalls to Thingvellir National Park.
Explore the area with a guided coach tour, create a self-guided tour by renting a car, or stay the night along the Golden Circle to spend more time exploring this iconic area. Let us help with the details! Our tailor-made travel service offers fully customisable trips to the Golden Circle planned by a local expert.
Silfra offers the truly surreal experience of swimming between tectonic plates. The geological fissure marks the separation between the Eurasian and North American continental plates and is known for its crystal clear glacial waters. The use of a dry suit makes accessing this one-of-kind diving spot possible without freezing. The tectonic plates of Silfra offer one of the most unique things to do in Iceland.
Scuba diving at Silfra, between two tectonic plates, in Iceland © Hoiseung Jung/Shutterstock
Once you’ve seen the remote snow-covered hills and cliffs of the Snæfjallaströnd coastline, you’ll have an idea of what lies immediately north. A claw-shaped peninsula of land bordered by the Jökulfirðir fjords to the south and the Greenland Sea to the north, and attached to the rest of the West Fjords by a narrow neck of land just 6km wide. Hornstrandir represents Iceland’s very last corner of inhospitable terrain.
Thanks to Hornstrandir’s exposed location on the edge of the Greenland Sea, the weather is especially unpredictable, and hiking here needs plenty of careful planning. Deep snow often lies on the ground until July and snow showers are not uncommon even in July and August.
Waterfall, Green hills, trekking in Hornstrandir, Iceland © Kristyna Henkeova/Shutterstock
Iceland's national parks allow you to enjoy Iceland's mesmerising nature to the full. You can hike 25km over the mountains between Þórsmörk and Skógar, right past the steaming site of the 2010 volcanic eruption at Eyjafjallajökull.
The land northeast of Reykjavík is scarred by one of the world’s great geological boundaries, the rift valley of Thingvellir (Þingvellir) marks where the North American and Eurasian continental plates are physically tearing apart. Although this rift stretches right across Iceland, nowhere else is it so expansively evident.
Skaftafell’s blend of highland plateau, summer meadows and ice-blue glaciers are best explored by hiking, biking or climbing.
Skaftafell, Iceland © naten/Shutterstock
Ready for a trip to Iceland? For inspiration, use the Iceland itineraries from the Rough Guide to Iceland and our local travel experts.
Inspired by our list of things to do in Iceland? If you're thinking of planning a trip, we can help! Try our tailor-made travel service and enjoy a fully personalized trip planned by a local expert.
We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.
Top image: Vik beach © kovop58/Shutterstock
written by Rebecca Hallett
updated 14.03.2023
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Iceland
Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert
Book securely with money-back guarantee
Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support