The best things to do in Iceland

For adrenaline seekers, Iceland’s Katla Ice Cave should be on the to-do list - Jo Hurford/Alamy Stock Photo

From the city of Reykjavik to the endless variety of landscapes and attractions peppered all over the island country, there is always something new to experience or rediscover, especially as the country tends to also reinvent itself on a seasonal basis.

I’ve been travelling to Iceland regularly for over twenty years and have never once been bored. From kayaking amidst icebergs to hiking in the remote Westfjords, these are the 20 experiences you shouldn’t miss while exploring Iceland.

All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Iceland. Find out more below or for more inspiration, see our guides to the country’s best hotels, restaurants and bars.

Find by activity type

• Best for families
• Best free things to do
• Best for adrenaline-seekers
• Best hiking routes

Best for families

National Museum

Get to grips with Icelandic history

This is by far the best spot to get the low-down on Icelandic history. The main permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation, tracks 1,200 years spanning the Viking settlement era right up to the twentieth century and contemporary developments. Highlights include Norse chess piece figurines, an 800-year-old medieval church door and centuries-old manuscripts, while interactive installations and multimedia displays make it fun for kids.

Insider tip: Try to save at least a couple of hours to have a good look around if you can; reward yourself afterwards at the café and a visit to the shop for creative travel gifts (replica statues of Thor, textiles, books and more).

Area: Reykjavik

Price: £

National Museum tracks 1,500 years of Icelandic history through its exhibitions - Elma Karen

The Lava Centre

Experience fiery forces up close

Located in the small town of Hvolsvollur, the state-of-the-art Lava Centre is an interactive museum dedicated to the island’s epic geology. High-tech displays, cinematic visuals and seismic monitors bring the country’s famed volcanoes, earthquakes and tectonic rifts vividly to life. You can literally feel the tremors beneath your feet, watch the latest eruptions in 4K, and get views of Hekla, Katla and Eyjafjallajokull from an observation platform. There’s a restaurant on-site, too.

Insider tip: If you’re not heading to the south coast but want to learn more about volcanoes, check out the Lava Show in Reykjavik.

Area: Hvolsvollur

Price: ££

The Lava Centre brings to life the island’s epic geology through interactive displays

Kayak on Jokulsarlon Lagoon

Paddle among floating icebergs

Jokulsarlon Lagoon is a serene expanse of glacial meltwater dotted with luminous icebergs that have spilt down from the mighty Vatnajokull glacier. Kayaking tours allow visitors to glide among the floating ice, watch seals swim and play nearby and listen to the occasional crack of ice from up close. There are also motorised Zodiacs and other boat tours.

Insider tip: Book early as these tours fill up in advance. Mornings are best as the lagoon is calm and the local wildlife is most active. Afterwards, check out nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash up onto the black sand.

Area: Hornafirdi

Price: ££-£££ (guided tours)

Kayak on Jokulsarlon in the morning when the lagoon is calm and the wildlife most active - Troll.is

Krauma Baths

Dip into one of Europe’s most powerful hot springs

Fed directly by Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot springs, Krauma is a great option for those who don’t want the scale, crowds and prices of the Blue Lagoon. Located near Reykholt, its six geothermal baths have different temperatures and the water is rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. The aesthetic is dapper too, with black stone pools and a sleek, minimalist design inside and out.

Insider tip: There’s a good restaurant inside that makes it worth combining a visit with lunch. Also nearby is the former home of Snorri Sturluson, the ancient historian, writer and lawspeaker, now a good museum.

Area: Reykholt

Price: ££

Krauma Baths is fuelled by Deildartunguhver, one of Europe’s most powerful hot springs

Horse riding in the wild east

Ride one of Iceland’s unique purebred horses

Icelandic horses are renowned for their gentle nature and smooth gaits, making them perfect companions for exploring lava fields, volcanic plains and moss-covered landscapes. Guided tours tend to be open to both beginners and experienced riders and are available all over Iceland – but there’s something special about riding through the remote east.

Insider tip: Stora-Sandfell Horse Rental, located between Hofn and Egilsstadir, is a small, family-run farm offering scenic rides through meadows, Sandfellsskogur forest and along the Grimsa river. They also offer accommodation.

Area: East Iceland

Price: ££

Explore the country’s volcanic landscapes on the back of an Icelandic horse

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Best free things to do

Dyrholaey and Reynisfjara

Discover dramatic cliffs and black-sand shores

A short drive west of Vík, Dyrholaey’s towering sea arch marks one of Iceland’s most photographed viewpoints – complete with sweeping panoramas of glaciers, cliffs and the Atlantic. Below lies Reynisfjara, the country’s most famous black-sand beach, backed by dramatic basalt columns and sea stacks. If you visit in summer, look out for puffins in both areas.

Insider tip: Try to visit at low tide and stay well back from the waterline; sneaker waves here are notorious and have proved fatal on more than one occasion. In summer, visit at sunrise to photograph the puffins wheeling around Dyrholaey’s cliffs.

Area: Vík

Dyrholaey’s towering sea arch is just a short drive west of Vík - Mirko Costantini /Alamy Stock Photo

Latrabjarg Cliffs

Enjoy Europe’s largest seabird colony

Latrabjarg, the westernmost point of Iceland, is a towering 10-mile-long cliff that’s home to literally millions of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots and razorbills. The cliffs rise dramatically and offer close-up encounters with these nesting birds during the summer months. Walking along the cliff edge, visitors can observe puffins in their natural burrows and photograph other seabirds amidst the spectacular scenery.

Insider tip: To maximise your chances of seeing puffins, plan to visit early morning or late evening, particularly around 10 pm in June and July; during these times, puffins are more likely to be on land as they spend the daytime fishing at sea.

Area: Westfjords

The 10-mile-long cliff of Latrabjarg is home to millions of seabirds - Melissa Kopka/Alamy Stock Photo

Pingvellir National Park

Step (or snorkel) across continents

Just because it’s on the Golden Circle tour doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting in its own right. After all, Pingvellir isn’t an Unesco World Heritage site for nothing. Althing, founded in 930 AD, is the world’s oldest parliament, but it’s also home to a dramatic rift valley that lies between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Hiking trails wind through the park’s lava fields, forests, and past the striking Oxararfoss waterfall.

Insider tip: Beyond its geological wonders and historic significance, Pingvellir offers an exceptional snorkelling experience in Silfra fissure, known for its crystal-clear glacial water and visibility exceeding 100 meters.

Area: Pingvellir National Park

Pingvellir is a Unesco World Heritage site

Visit Seljalandsfoss (and Skogafoss)

Walk right behind a waterfall

Few waterfalls in Iceland offer the special intimacy of Seljalandsfoss on the south coast; climb the short (but slippery) moss-covered trail that leads up to this 60-metre-high watery cascade and you can walk right behind it and experience its majestic power up close. Be sure to wear waterproof clothing to combat the mist – and do expect to have to shout to be heard.

Insider tip: A short drive away is another of the south coast’s most famous waterfalls: Skogafoss. You can’t get behind this one, but you can climb the staircase to the top for panoramic views, and follow a hiking trail that takes you past several smaller hidden falls.

Area: South coast

Climb the short moss-covered trail that leads up to the 60-metre-high Seljalandsfoss - Sergey Blotskiy / Alamy Stock Photo

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Best for adrenaline-seekers

Katla Ice Cave

Look inside a living glacier

Deep beneath the Kotlujokull glacier, near Vík, lies Katla Ice Cave – one of the most stunning caves in the country, known for its shifting mix of translucent walls of blue ice and black volcanic ash. You can only access it through a tour, whereby a super-jeep will bring you to the cave and experienced guides will lead you through it and explain its geological origins and features.

Insider tip: Unlike more seasonal ice caves, Katla can often be visited year-round, but it’s best in winter, and in early morning since the ice glows brightest when the sun is low. Bring waterproof hiking boots; the floor can be slippery.

Area: Vík

Price: ££-£££

Walk through the Katla Ice Cave to go beneath the Kotlujokull glacier - Jo Hurford / Alamy Stock Photo

Explore Vatnajokull glacier

Traverse the country’s largest ice cap

Vatnajokull is the country’s largest ice cap, and the second largest in Europe, covering roughly eight per cent of Iceland. It sits atop active volcanic systems, creating a dynamic landscape of ice and geothermal activity and offers a range of experiences, from guided glacier hikes and ice-climbing tours to snowmobiling, ice cave explorations and ice fishing – all of which need to be guided to ensure safety at all times.

Insider tip: The Surrounding Vatnajokull National Park has a range of hiking trails and activities that can be self-guided. These include the Svartifoss waterfall trail, Skaftafellsheidi trails and longer hikes such as Kristínartindar or Sjonarnipa.

Area: Vatnajokull National Park

Price: ££-£££ (guided tours)

Vatnajokull covers roughly eight per cent of Iceland - Anadolu

Vatnshellir Lava Cave

Descend into ancient volcanic tunnels

Located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Vatnshellir Lava Cave is an 8,000-year-old subterranean network formed by flowing lava. Guided tours lead visitors through narrow passages and vaulted chambers of the 200-meter-long lava tube – which descends some 35 meters below the surface – highlighting basalt formations, lava stalactites and the eerie glow of volcanic minerals.

Insider tip: After visiting, explore the surrounding Snæfellsjökull National Park and peninsula, which offers coastal walks, crater climbs, glacier hikes, black sand beaches and more. The Snaefellsjokull glacier is close by, for example, as is Djupalonssandur beach.

Area: Snaefellsnes

Price: ££

Whale spotting in Husavik

Meet the gentle giants of the northern coast

Regarded as Iceland’s whale-watching capital, the small harbour town of Husavik offers the best opportunities to see humpbacks, minkes and even blue whales. Boats of all shapes and sizes, from traditional wooden to modern RIBs, set out into Skjalfandi Bay – most opt for the afternoon or evening tours to try and get the best sightings, as well as the best light for photography. Be sure to wrap up warm.

Insider tip: Before your tour, visit the local Whale Museum, which adds context to these remarkable creatures and delves into the maritime heritage of the local area and Iceland more broadly.

Area: Skjalfandi Bay

Price: ££-£££ (boat tours)

You can take a traditional boat out from Husavik, Iceland’s whale-watching capital - David Cherepuschak /Alamy Stock Photo

Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

Climb a volcano and get up close to puffins

The Westman Islands are located off Iceland’s south coast and offer a captivating mix of volcanic landscapes, seabird colonies and seafaring history. The main island, Heimaey, is home to the Eldfell volcano, which last erupted in 1973 – climb to the top for sweeping views. Visitors can explore the Eldheimar Museum, observe puffins at Storhofdi, and enjoy lunch in the laid-back harbour.

Insider tip: The ferry ride from Landeyjahofn is short, and it’s worth staying overnight for the chance to enjoy Heimaey after the day-trippers leave and visit other spots such as the Beluga Whale Sanctuary and Puffin Rescue Centre.

Area: Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

Price: ££

The Westman Islands are located off Iceland’s south coast

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Best hiking routes

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Volcanoes, lava fields and coastal cliffs

Snæfellsnes Peninsula is often known as “Iceland in Miniature” because this particularly scenic part of western Iceland seems to encapsulate the range of landscapes and environments of the country – its glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, lava fields, cliffs and charming villages – into one easily explorable region. Alongside Vatnshellir Lava Cave, there’s the black-pebbled Djupalonssandur Beach, Londrangar basalt cliffs and charming fishing villages such as Arnarstapi and Hellnar. Alternatively, hike Saxholl Crater for panoramic views of lava fields and the sea, or organise a tour onto the Snaefellsjokull glacier.

Inside tip: The peninsula is part of the Silver Circle tour in west Iceland, which takes in Hraunfossar waterfalls, Deildartunguhver hot spring, the canyon baths in Husafell and Vídgelmir Cave.

Area: Snaefellsnes

Price: Free (paid activities extra)

Snæfellsnes Peninsula packs Iceland’s diverse landscapes into a smaller, more easily explorable area - JannHuizenga/iStockphoto

Hornstrandir

Get off the beaten path

It takes some effort and time to get to Hornstrandir, since it’s located in the northernmost part of Iceland’s Westfjords. Accessible only by boat (ferry from Isafjordur or Nordurfjordur to reach the reserve), visitors can expect pristine beaches, towering cliffs and possible sightings of Arctic foxes (the only place in Iceland that it’s completely protected from hunting) and seabird colonies.

Insider tip: Do plan carefully and pack camping gear, maps and supplies if you go it alone, as there are no services at all in the park.

Area: Westfjords

Price: Free / £-££ (ferry/guided tours)

There is a chance of spotting Arctic foxes when hiking in Hornstrandir - Ali S/Getty Images

Hike the Interior

Experience some of the country’s most remote landscapes

The Icelandic Interior, also known as the Highlands, is a vast wilderness of volcanic deserts, steaming vents and glacier-fed rivers. Uninhabited and accessible only in summer, trails like the Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals lead through surreal landscapes of obsidian lava, moss-green hills and pastel-hued rhyolite mountains. Hikers can stay overnight in huts, camp or take guided day trips.

Insider tip: Book mountain huts well ahead of time through Ferdafelag Islands (the Icelandic Touring Association) as they fill up quickly. For fewer crowds, hike in late August or even early September when the freezing rivers are also lower.

Area: The Highlands

Price: £-££ (camping/huts) ££-£££ (guided tours)

Myvatn lake

Hike through otherworldly terrain

Formed by a volcanic eruption over 2,000 years ago, Myvatn is one of Iceland’s most geologically fascinating regions. The lake’s shallow waters and surrounding lava fields teem with birdlife, and the landscape is peppered with craters, steaming vents and some especially eerie lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visitors can hike, birdwatch or unwind in the local Myvatn Nature Baths. You can dog-sledge and snowmobile on the lake in winter. In summer, hikers can climb the Hverfjall crater or take the family-friendly walk to see the Dimmuborgir lava formations.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the Leirhnjukur geothermal trail, which features boiling mud pools and sulphur vents.

Area: Myvatn

Price: Free

Myvatn lake was formed by a volcanic eruption over 2,000 years ago - Travel Wild/iStockphoto

Asbyrgi glacial canyon

Discover a horseshoe-shaped wonder

Asbyrgi is located in north Iceland’s Vatnajokull National Park. A dramatic horseshoe-shaped gorge carved by glacial floods, it’s characterised by towering cliffs, dense birch forests and tranquil ponds, and offers walking trails for hikers of all levels. Routes range from short walks to longer treks that provide sweeping views of the canyon floor and the river Jokulsa a Fjollum.

Insider tip: Start at the canyon’s northern end for quieter trails and the best light for photography; the Eyjan Hill Trail is a moderate hike that gives panoramic views of the canyon. Bring binoculars too, as you might spot Arctic foxes or nesting birds along the cliffs.

Area: North Iceland

Price: Free

Asbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped gorge carved by glacial floods - Stefan Wille/Alamy Stock Photo

Borgarfjoerdur eystri

Spot puffins and elf rocks

Tucked into the remote Eastfjords of Iceland, this area is well-known for its dramatic cliffs, colourful fishing villages and rich birdlife. In fact, it’s a paradise for nature lovers, offering trails through the rugged Dyrfjoll mountains, opportunities to spot puffins during summer, and access to stunning coastal landscapes. The village, with only a hundred inhabitants, is an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the wilderness. There are 27-day hikes around Borgarfjordur eystri; hike the Alfaborg trail to visit the “Elf Rock”, said to be home to these unique Icelandic creatures.

Insider tip: For a delightful lunch, visit nearby Alfacafe, a cosy spot known for its homemade fish soup and fresh bread.

Area: Eastfjords

Price: Free

Borgarfjrdur eystri offers trails through the rugged Dyrfjoll mountains - Flottmynd/Henry Oude Egberink

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How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles – from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations.

About our expert

Paul Sullivan

Paul has been a committed Icelandophile since writing his 2003 music-themed travelogue, Waking Up In Iceland. He has travelled all over the country during his numerous visits and loves hiking through the mountains and dipping in local hot springs and pools.

Telegraph Travel’s Iceland expert, Paul Sullivan

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