Iceland is a world-class hiking destination. Its colored mountains, green valleys, and windswept cliffs provide the perfect setting for epic multi-day hikes. Since most Icelanders live in and around Reykjavik, and most travelers stay close to the roads, the rest of the sparsely populated country offers plenty of room to roam. These multi-day treks cover some of the most beautiful places in Iceland.
Iceland offers plenty of hikes of any length. Curious hikers who venture just 15 minutes from the highway are often generously rewarded with emerald-green hills, mountain streams, dramatic cliffs and--best yet--no noisy crowds or gargantuan tour buses. Here's a list of the best short hikes ranging from 1-8 miles, ideal for stops along road trips, and to leave the tour bus crowds behind even if you have limited time.
Isafjordur is home to some of the best hiking areas in all of Iceland. Whether you’re looking for short hikes with jaw-dropping views, day trips to remote areas, or multi-day backpacking treks where you can camp out away from it all, the heart of the Westfjords has it all. Here are a few hikes to that will really make your time in the Westfjords memorable.
Iceland is a magical place for children - from horseback riding to volcanoes to whale watching, the options for families are endless. Family travel is easy and safe in Iceland where tour companies welcome children and hotels are family friendly. We've compiled a list of our top year-round activities for families with kids aged 5-16.
If you do one activity in Iceland, make sure it’s a hot spring. Swimming in hot springs or geothermal pools are a time-honored tradition among Icelanders, ever since the days of the sagas. Families, couples, and friends get together regularly to soak, play, and share the latest gossip or news in hot waters. Depending on where you are, hot springs range from natural hot pools carved from the rock, to man-made pools with carbonated thermic waters, to more typical swimming pools, heated with geothermal energy. While the Blue Lagoon can be a bit crowded for some people, this guide will show you the best-kept secrets awaiting you all over Iceland. So don’t forget to pack your swimsuit.
Home to a rugged landscape and trails for every type of hiker, the Westfjords region provides a perfect backdrop for exploring Iceland on foot. Marvel at geysers, have a picnic on the shores of a scenic bay, and take in the mountain peaks as you make your way through one of the country's most beautiful trekking areas.
Iceland is home to many incredible waterfalls, with several just off the main tourist roads. While this makes for easy access, it also means lots of people crowding around all trying to take the same photo. With a little extra time, you can leave the crowds behind and hit the trail to explore some of Iceland’s hidden wonders on your own.
Get off the beaten track and discover Iceland’s otherworldly volcanic landscape on a multi-day hike in the country’s less traveled Highlands region. Choose one of these 3 trekking itineraries and experience everything the storied Volcanic Trails have to offer: lava fields, mountains, and so much more.
In a wilderness as wild and dramatic as Iceland’s, you’re sure to find countless opportunities for long day hikes. Here's a list of the best day hikes, ideal for a day’s adventure from your road trip around the Ring Road, or from a base camp in the highlands.
Iceland’s capital is ideally situated only a couple of hours from some of the country’s most beautiful natural sights, and there's plenty to be seen in the span of a single day. Whether you drive the popular Golden Circle route or opt for the basalt columns and lava fields of the remote Snaefellsnes Peninsula, it won't take you long to feel far from the city.
Iceland's hot springs are world-famous, as many travelers flock to the country to soak in the hot and healing geothermal pools. You'll find hot springs in every corner of the country, including popular baths like The Blue Lagoon and Fontana near Reykjavík. Or, you can venture out of the west and visit unique pools like Vök Baths and GeoSea. If you want a true adventure, you'll also find baths that require hikes, like the scenic Seljavallalaug pool.
With a variety of fun and unique outdoor and indoor activities, your kids will love Iceland just as much as you will. Where else can kids take a dip in a natural hot spring, explore a Viking village, and go ice-skating on the same day?
As a destination, Iceland is absolutely booming — and that means the list of crowded, tourist hotspots is getting longer and longer. If a more authentic take on this island country is what you're after, veer off the Ring Road. Skip the popular tourist attractions, and explore in all directions. Here are five of our favorites ways to get a deeper look into the Land of Fire and Ice.
Whether it’s summer or winter, Akureyri proudly reigns as Iceland's second city. It may be no larger than a small town, but the capital of Northern Iceland abounds with activity. From taking in the town's history to hiking north of the Arctic Circle, Akureyri has something for every traveler.
Northern Iceland is a special region offering unique experiences not experienced by those who only visit the country's southern and western portions. In the north, you'll find an idyllic stretch of the famed Ring Road, passing through places like Húsavík, Iceland's whale-watching capital. In addition, you'll discover less-crowded alternatives to the popular Blue Lagoon and can explore Askja, one of the country's wildest regions. But don't worry, the north also boasts waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and thermal baths!
Iceland's culture is deeply rooted in its Nordic region, with a settlement period going back centuries to when the locals worshipped gods and goddesses and before the Vikings had even arrived. You can experience this history and culture throughout the country by visiting museums devoted to architecture and folklore or learning about the Vikings through interactive exhibitions. Discover Icelandic sea monsters, stop by the birthplace of Leif Eiriksson, catch the sunlight at the Arctic Henge sundial, observe traditional turf houses, and more.
Winter in Iceland offers many unique activities that you can't always experience in other seasons. Make the most out of the limited daylight with wintry adventures, such as kayaking amongst icebergs, exploring electric-blue ice caves, dogsledding with a pack of Huskies, snowmobiling atop glaciers, hiking in the snow, or tracking the country's wild reindeer population during their annual migration.
Many travelers visit Iceland for its unique terrain, volcanic activity, and geologic history. Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland has many volcanoes, with some covered in ice caps. You can hike atop an active volcano, walk across lava fields and steamy valleys, or visit lava tunnels and museums. Learn about the inner workings of Iceland's volcanoes and discover how they connect to the glaciers and mountains that surround them.
Just northwest of Reykjavik, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the perfect hub if you want to enjoy the unique natural beauty of Iceland. All within the same relatively small area, you can hike through a river gorge, gaze at Mt Kirkjufell and its idyllic waterfalls, go whale watching, search seacliffs for puffins, explore a lava cave, view glaciers, and more.
With over 250 glaciers, Iceland's famed ice caps draw the crowds. You can enjoy various activities, including hiking across glaciers, exploring ice caves, snowmobiling atop volcanoes covered in ice, kayaking in glacial lagoons with icebergs, and boat tours. You can also visit the non-icy products of Iceland's glaciers, including its river canyons carved out by the receding ice long ago.
As cliche as it sounds, Iceland is truly a hiker's paradise. Large swaths of the country (like Thórsmörk Valley and Landmannalaugar) are simply devoted to hiking. You can enjoy everything from multi-day hut-to-hut treks to short and scenic day hikes to colorful mountains, waterfalls, or glaciers. You can even hike atop active volcanic areas, such as Reykjadalur Valley and Geldingadalir Volcano.
Iceland's famed Golden Circle features some of the country's most beloved natural attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area (with the Great Geysir and Strokkur Geysir), and the one-and-only Gullfoss Waterfall. Opt for a day trip or spend more time in the region, snorkeling between tectonic plates, hiking through geothermal valleys, rafting along white-capped rivers, soaking in hot springs, and more.
Route 1—known as Iceland's famed Ring Road—loops around the entire country, allowing you to see all the sights, east to west, north to south. A road trip along the Ring Road features some of Iceland's most popular destinations, like the Blue Lagoon, the canyons and glaciers of the South Coast, the famous Gulfoss waterfall, black-sand beaches, and geothermal areas. In addition, the route is packed with excursions like glacier hikes, river rafting, hiking, and (of course) soaking in hot springs.
Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, is an excellent hub for exploring some of the country's famed natural surroundings. From the city, discover wildlife like seal colonies and whale populations or explore inside and outside the active Geldingadalir volcano. Relax in thermal waters and thoroughly enjoy the vast and diverse Icelandic landscapes, all while returning to a vibrant and artsy city each night.
Although Iceland offers a diverse range of activities to enjoy, its natural environment is one of its main draws—and with that comes a nearly endless assortment of active outdoor excursions. Experience kayaking through a glacial lagoon or hiking to the country's many waterfalls. Go ice climbing up one of the glaciers or ride horses along the coast. Snorkel between tectonic plates and zip line over river canyons. You can do all this and more in beautiful Iceland.
Iceland's scenic waterfalls are a huge draw to the country, as many are easily accessible and tower from impossible heights into scenic river canyons. The country's famed cascades are diverse, from Kirkjufellsfoss with its magnificent mountain backdrop to Seljalandsfoss with its impressive spray within a cave. You'll find waterfalls in every corner of the country, though some of the most popular include Skogafoss in the south and Godafoss in the north.
Iceland's famed South Coast hosts some of the country's most popular natural sites, including glaciers, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, sea stacks, volcanoes, and more. Some memorable experiences include walking behind the scenic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, getting up close with icebergs on Jökulsárlón and Sólheimajökulll Glacier lagoons, snowmobiling atop the icy abyss, observing the Reynisfjara rock formations, and exploring the country's geologic history at the interactive LAVA center.
Hiking on an active volcano is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that attract many travelers to Iceland's Geldingadalir Volcano. Set just south of the capital on the Reykjavik Peninsula, you can easily get to the volcano on your own, but keep in mind that hiking requires local...
Standing at 200 feet (60 m) is the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous and visited cascades. Just off the Ring Road, you can see Seljalandsfoss in less than two hours from Reykjavik or under an hour from Vik on the South Coast. You'll enjoy this famous scene, which plunges from...
In terms of hiking the mountains of Iceland, the locals may consider the route up Mt. Kaldbakur, the highest point in the Westfjords, as relatively easy. This declaration is mostly because the trail is refreshing compared to others: no glaciers, no loose rocks, no razor-thin ridges, and no...
Just off the coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula near the town of Grundarfjörður is the small island of Melrakkaey, complete with towering sea cliffs of basalt columns. These stunning environmental conditions attract the presence of hundreds of puffins. On a traditional oak boat called a Láki,...
Walking through the electric-blue ice cave of the Vatnajökull glacier is an experience you won't soon forget! The tour begins after meeting your expert and friendly guides at the parking lot of Jökulsárlón, about 2.5 hours east of Vik along the Ring Road. Your guide will take you by Jeep up the...
Set on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the scenic Ytri-Tunga, a golden sand beach famous for its very accessible seal colony. A 2-hour drive north from Reykjavik via Iceland's famed Ring Road will get you to the beach, where you're nearly guaranteed to catch a glimpse of the seals. At least a few...
Meaning "red-cloaked rift," Rauðfeldsgjá is a deep, high, and narrow gorge set on the western edge of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. A 3-hour drive from Reykjavik will get you to the area near Botnsfjall Mountain and the tiny hamlet of Arnarstapi. When you arrive, you can leave your car in the...
Nowhere else in Iceland is there a better chance to see the ocean's top predators—sperm whales, pilot whales, and orcas—than along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula coastline. So, join a whale-watching tour from the town of Ólafsvík on the peninsula's northern side (about 2.5 hours from Reykjavik) and...
Látrabjarg is one of the largest bird cliffs in Iceland, located at the westernmost point of Europe in the Westfjords region of Iceland. The cliffs stretch up to nearly 1,500 feet (441 m) high and are almost 9 miles (14 km) long. These steep, vertical cliffs are home to millions of birds in the...
Just about 20 miles (33 km) from Reykjavik sits the dormant Þríhnúkagígur Volcano, a unique natural phenomenon. Experience this wonder from the inside out with a moderate hike to the volcano's crater. You'll start with a scenic walk to the base of the volcano, passing through lava fields and...
Immerse yourself in the clearest water in the world and float between two continents in the famous Silfra Fissure, a truly unforgettable experience. Silfra is a fissure created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates cutting through Iceland. The snorkeling area is...
Dig deeper into Iceland's geologic history by touring the Vatnshellir Lava Cave on the southwestern end of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. A 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik will get you there, to the most visited cave in the country.The cave is an 8000-year-old lava tube created by a volcanic eruption...
East Iceland is home to the country's only herd of wild reindeer. The species was imported to Iceland in the 18th century, but they currently only reside in the eastern stretches. Starting from the town of Eglisstadir, you can enjoy a unique excursion that allows you to see the wild reindeer in...
You'll find the Secret Lagoon about 1.5-hours east of Reykjavik, near the town of Flúðir. Known locally as Gamla Laugin, it's the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, established in 1891 at the Hverahólmi geothermal area. This region is a special place offering minerally rich, warm waters coming from...
If you like folklore, Iceland has plenty to go around! Tales of sea monsters have played a vivid role in Icelandic folk culture for centuries, and experts have found thousands of written accounts all around the country. Today, these equivocal creatures (that many eyewitnesses still claim to...
Along the southern portion of Iceland's famed Ring Road is the humble coastal town of Vík, an excellent starting point for exploring some of the country's canyons and glaciers. Enjoy a mini road trip cruising along this stretch, passing several different sites, so you can pick and choose what you...
You'll find the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon between the towns of Hof and Höfn on the country's famed South Coast. Here you'll have the chance to see one of the unique sights in Iceland: icebergs floating out to sea, resting and shimmering upon a black-sand beach. Once you reach the lagoon, you can...
Although Iceland's Blue Lagoon draws the crowds for its milky, blue hue, the popular thermal spa has a rival in the north: Mývatn Nature Baths. Set near Lake Mývatn and about a 1-hour drive from Akureyri, these natural hot springs feature a lagoon-like atmosphere with healing, mineral-rich waters...
Iceland is home to many glaciers that offer hiking opportunities, but Sólheimajökulll is a favorite, thanks to its accessibility and varying colors. Set just northwest of Vík on the South Coast, Sólheimajökulll is one of the several ice caps that connect with Vatnajokull, Europe's largest...
You can visit the reconstruction of the former homestead of Erik the Red and the birthplace of Leif Eiríksson, a famous Norse explorer. Many believe Leif Eiríksson was one of the first Europeans to reach North America. The Eiriksstadir Viking Longhouse is one of Iceland's most prominent...
Visit the Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, one of the most photographed scenes in Iceland, thanks to its beautiful backdrop featuring Kirkjufell Mountain. Set on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula near the town of Grundarfjörður, the waterfall is just about 2.5 hours from Reykjavik. A parking...
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve sits at the tip of Iceland's Westfjords region and offers a blend of picturesque scenery and fascinating history. A hike in the area passes by remains of a British radar station from WWII, many species of Icelandic birds, and some of the most beautiful cliffs in the...
Snowmobiling in Iceland is a bucket list for many travelers, and you can enjoy the adventure atop Langjökull Glacier, just about 95 miles (150 km) northeast of Reykjavik. Join professional guides in the Icelandic Highlands, offering amazing views of the majestic glacier and its unique...
Bordering Iceland's vast Vatnajökull National Park is the famed Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, known for its incredible scenery, floating icebergs, and wildlife. The lagoon connects to two of Iceland's other glaciers, Breiðamerkurjökull and Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap. Eventually, the...
Set in Northern Iceland near Raufarhöfn—one of the country's most remote and northernmost villages—is the Arctic Hedge. Known as Heimskautsgerðið, this huge sundial is similar to Stonehenge, its ancient predecessor, as it captures the sun's rays and cast shadows in precise locations. A two-hour...
You'll find Leirhnjúkur Lava Fields in Northern Iceland, about a 1.5-hour drive from Akureyri. Enjoy walking around the Leirhnjúkur geothermal and volcanic area, with its otherwordly vibes. The designated wooden paths are well marked, and after just about 10 minutes, you'll arrive at steam vents...
Just outside Reykjavik is one of Iceland's most picturesque geothermal areas, filled with steaming streams, geysers, and rivers. Explore the area's unique and diverse scenery memorably while on horseback! After getting acquainted with your horse and equipment, you'll set off up a hill following...
Combine two of the most popular excursions in Iceland: glacier hiking and exploring the electric-blue ice caves. Skaftafell Nature Reserve sits within Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe's largest glacier. So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to experience an incredible journey along...
Imagine relaxing in a blend of seawater and geothermally heated water, rich in silica, minerals, and algae, all while surrounded by a lunar lava landscape. This experience is one of Iceland's most famous and a huge tourist draw. But although it attracts the masses, as soak in the Blue Lagoon is...
On the southern edge of Vatnajökull National Park, which hosts Europe's largest glacier, is Skaftafell National Park. It's one of the most popular sites along Iceland's famed South Coast, just north of Hof and about a 2-hour drive from Vik. You can easily access the park from Ring Road. The...
Iceland's scenic South Coast is home to many of the country's most famous attractions—and some offbeat ones! Enjoy a drive cruising along the Ring Road (Route 1) and stopping to view world-famous waterfalls and beaches while passing scenic glaciers and volcanoes along the way.Seljalandsfoss...
Northern Iceland offers one of the country's newest and most modern thermal spas, the GeoSea Geothermal Baths. Near the town of Húsavík is this world-class geothermal bathing mecca, offering an experience that taps into the historical roots of a small fishing town. Locals have harnessed the...
Northern Iceland is one of the best places to enjoy a thrilling and scenic experience common in the Nordic countries: dogsledding. With a pack of eight or so loyal pups leading the way, you'll sled through the idyllic countryside between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn. This route stretches about 6...
Vikingaheimar is the home of the Viking ship called Íslendingur, "The Icelander," a replica of the famous Gokstad ship that was almost completely intact when excavated in Norway in 1882. Set near Keflavík International Airport, just 40 minutes from Reykjavík, the replica and museum were...
The Ásbyrgi Canyon, a glacial canyon formed after the last Ice Age, is about a 1-hour drive from the Northern Iceland town of Húsavík. This massive landmark sits along Route 85, curving into a U-shape for about 2 miles (3.5 km) from north to south. At the base of the canyon is a forested valley...
Deep in Iceland's Northern Highlands is the Askja area, where Mount Herðubreið, a majestic table mountain of a truly peculiar shape, acts as the gateway to the wild region. The peak's dark silhouette is unmistakable, even from very far away. Still, the area's most precious gem is Askja itself,...
Just about 30 minutes from Reykjavík is Iceland's famed LavaTunnel, known as Raufarhólshellir. The tunnel is a result of the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll Mountains about 5,200 years ago. Although you won't walk through its entirety, the tube stretches 4500 ft (1360 m),...
Just about 50 miles (70 km) east of Reykjavik is the Fontana Geothermal Baths, an area offering steam baths, relaxing pools, saunas, and a picturesque lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It's the perfect place to combine a bit of adventure with some relaxation and pampering while in the Golden...
Set just over 60 miles (100 km) east of Reykjavik is one of Iceland's most popular attractions: the Gullfoss Waterfall. This famous cascade is nestled in a scenic canyon on the Hvítá River, which originates from the Langjökull Glacier. The Gullfoss River Canyon has the perfect balance of serene...
The city of Akureyri sits in Northern Iceland at the base of the Eyjafjordur fjord, a 43-mile (70-km) fjord surrounded by mountains and known for its scenery and abundant wildlife. Several hiking trails follow along the fjord, offering picturesque snowshoeing opportunities in wintertime....
You'll find the Geysir Geothermal Area in the popular region of the Golden Circle, just about 65 miles (106 km) east of Reykjavik. With bubbling mud pits, steam vents, and erupting geysers, the area is one of the most impressive geothermal zones in the country. Geysir was named for its own...
Not far from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on Iceland's South Coast is another idyllic lagoon filled with massive icebergs: Fjallsárlón. Just northeast of Hof, the coastal hub of Vík is just a little over two hours from Fjallsárlón. After dressing in a wetsuit and receiving a safety lesson, your...
Known as "Steam Valley," Reykjadalur Valley features a unique landscape of varying colors and terrains, complete with mystical steam seeping through the ground. Located just outside the town of Hveragerði (less than a 1-hour drive from Reykjavík), the valley is an important part of the Hengill...
Set just south of Hof—a small town along Iceland's South Coast via the famed Ring Road—is Ingólfshöfði Cape. The area is the perfect environment for nesting, attracting thousands of seabirds each year thanks to its isolation. Some of the birds that inhabit Ingólfshöfði include the common murre,...
Set in East Iceland near the town of Egilsstaðir are the Vök Baths. If you're spending time in the East Fjords region, this hot spring is an excellent stopping point for a little rest and relaxation. Plus, it's unique compared to other thermal baths in the country, as the facility offers serene...
Iceland is the land of fire and ice, so exploring the country's glaciers is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. Set just north of the town of Vik on the country's famed South Coast is the Sólheimajökull Glacier, which offers a unique experience. Although hiking across a glacier is a...
Enjoy the scenery of coastal Húsavík in a unique way: atop Iceland's famed horses. As you ride along the sea, you'll enjoy a fantastic view over the Bay of Skjálfandi, known as the "World of Whales," thanks to the area's large population of these magnificent ocean creatures. Eventually, you'll...
Set in the town of Hvolsvöllur (about 62 miles (100 km) east of Reykjavik) is Iceland's LAVA Center, an interactive volcano exhibition. The center, dedicated to the region's volcanoes, earthquakes, and geology, reveals the epic forces of nature that shaped our planet and created Iceland 20...
Set between the towns of Akureyri and Húsavík in Northern Iceland is Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the "Waterfall of the Gods" for its impressive size and unique history. The waterfall got its name when the country converted to Christianity in the year 1000. According to local legend, the...
If you've ever wanted to scale a glacier, this is your chance! This ice climbing adventure takes you up a glacial wall on Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. Set just north of Hof and about two hours from Vik, the activity takes you through the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. After learning the...
The Thórsmörk Valley, named after Thor, the Nordic God of Thunder, was carved by glacial river floods from volcanic eruptions under the area's glaciers. It sits just west of Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier, and about 45 minutes from the town of Vík on Iceland's South Coast. As you hike...
Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier, set in southern Iceland above the town of Hof along the country's famed Ring Road. Along with its numerous outlet glaciers, Vatnajökull covers over 2 million acres (8100 km2). Expert guides will help you get acquainted with your equipment, discover the...
See Iceland from a completely different perspective by flying above the county's serene, diverse, and breathtaking landscape. This half-day journey brings you the ultimate sample of Iceland's natural and cultural highlights. From stunning glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls to marvels of human...
Set just north of Vik along Iceland's South Coast is the country's fourth-largest glacier, Mýrdalsjökull. Reaching about 5000 feet (1500 m), this giant ice cap covers the Katla Volcano. Although it sits atop one of the country's most active volcanoes, snowmobiling across its ice and snow is a...
Enjoy exploring the beautiful lake region of Lake Mývatn, a massive volcanic pool, and Iceland's fourth-largest body of water. You'll find the lake in Northern Iceland about an hour's drive from Akureyri. It's surrounded by diverse natural wonders, including fascinating rock formations at the...
In West Iceland, about a 1-hour drive northeast of Reykjavik, is Glymur Falls. Although this particular cascade used to be the highest in Iceland (at about 650 feet (198 m) tall), the recent retreating of the Vatnajokull glacier tongue created a slightly more towering waterfall, Morsarfoss!...
Although the phrase "cave people" might elicit images of the ice age, in Iceland, cave people refer to those who lived in homes built into the earth and rock. Even just 100 years ago, some islanders lived in these cave homes. At the museum, you can step back in time and experience it for...
Hop aboard a Super Jeep (a special vehicle made specifically to navigate icy and off-road terrain like Iceland's) and enjoy a thrilling hunt for the Northern Lights. With a Super Jeep, you can ditch the crowds, tourist buses, and light pollution and get off-the-beaten-path to reach exclusive...
Near the town of Húsavík, you'll find the world-famous Skjálfandi Bay, known to be one of the best areas in the country to spot whales. Unlike in other regions where you must sail out to sea to find whales, the bay often has whales, porpoises, and seabirds just a few minutes from its harbor. This...
The town of Grindavík sits on the southern side of the Reykjanes Peninsula, just southwest of Reykjavík. One of the region's highlights is the lava fields that eventually lead to the coast, creating a geologically fascinating lava beach. The best way to explore the area is by ATV or quad,...
If you want a geothermal pool experience in Iceland but also want a bit of adventure, Seljavallalaug is the one for you! Set on the South Coast between Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the pool's parking lot is about 30 minutes from Vík. Then, a short hike to the north on a designated...
Just off the Ring Road in Iceland's South Coast is the Skogar Museum. A half-hour drive from Vík will get you there, or a 2-hour drive from Reykjavík. This cultural heritage collection offers an interactive experience with the country's past. Amongst three different museums, you'll find over...
Set within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland's southern highlands, Landmannalaugar is a popular hiking destination known for its various trails. You'll find incredibly scenic routes set amongst colorful rhyolite mountains, blue lakes, and geothermal hot springs—truly a hiker's paradise!...
Set off the Ring Road near the town of Borgarnes and just north of Reykjavik, the Glanni Waterfall is said to be the dwelling place of elves and trolls. It flows down the Nordura River, and the cascade, which is as wide as the river itself, falls down into three segments, each with multiple...
Many people around the world have an Icelandic heritage or ancestry. If that's you, do you know the town or farm in which your family once lived in Iceland? Or, if you don't know it, would you like to research before your trip and visit your ancestral homestead?You can work one-on-one with a...
Enjoy a thrilling experience as you zipline through forests and above canyons and waterfalls near the coastal town of Vík. This challenging, exciting, and safe adventure includes a scenic hike and four zipline rides. The zipline routes, called Little Rush, Gentle Giant, Leap of Faith, and Big...
Enjoy visiting the Whales of Iceland Museum in Reykjavik. It features an exhibition with 23 artificial life-size models of the various whale species found in Icelandic waters throughout its natural history. You'll view an 82-foot-long (25-m) blue whale, a full-size sperm whale, the critically...
One of Iceland's all-time favorite cascades is Skógafoss Waterfall, thanks to its width and power—standing in front of it is proof enough! In addition, you'll often find a rainbow curving through Skógafoss' mist. Skógafoss is just a 2-hour drive from Reykavik or about 30 minutes from Vik. Just...
Because of its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the best countries in the world to view the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon, known as Aurora Borealis, continues to fascinate visitors every winter when Iceland's limited daylight makes it even more common to witness the...
