What to Do in Iceland – A Practical Guide

Private Tours & Custom Trips

Private tours let you explore at your own pace with local guides, flexible timing and itineraries designed around your interests. Whether you want to see Iceland’s famous sights or explore more remote areas, custom tours give you full control over your travel experience.

You can adjust each day based on weather, personal preferences and travel pace — with the support of experienced local experts who know the best routes, hidden spots and seasonal highlights.

Adventure Activities

For travelers looking for more active experiences Iceland offers a wide range of outdoor adventures that bring you closer to the landscape:

• Glacier hikes and guided ice cave exploration allow you to experience Iceland’s glaciers safely.

• Super Jeep tours take you into remote areas not accessible by regular vehicles.

• Snowmobile rides provide fast-paced exploration across vast glacier fields.

• Whale watching lets you observe some of the world’s largest marine animals in their natural habitat.

• Horseback riding on the unique Icelandic horse offers a personal way to enjoy nature at a slower pace.

These activities cover some of the most exciting options when considering what to do in Iceland during any season.

Nature & Scenery

When planning what to do in Iceland, nature is often the highlight of any visit. Offering dramatic scenery in every direction. Some of the most popular regions include:

Golden Circle
Þingvellir National Park, where you can walk between tectonic plates, Gullfoss waterfall with its powerful double cascade and the Geysir geothermal area, home to erupting hot springs.

South Coast
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach with its sea stacks and basalt columns, plus views of Eyjafjallajökull volcano and nearby glaciers.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Often called “Iceland in Miniature” as it features glaciers, lava fields, beaches, dramatic coastlines and charming fishing villages all in one area.

Each of these routes can be visited as part of a private day tour or built into a longer custom journey.

Northern Lights (September – April)

Seeing the Northern Lights is one of the most memorable things to do in Iceland during winter. These natural light displays require some luck and the right conditions:

• Travel far from city lights for darker skies.

• Monitor cloud cover and solar activity forecasts.

• Private tours provide flexibility to adjust departure times based on weather and aurora strength, increasing your chances of a successful sighting.

With experienced guides you also gain expert tips on photography, safety and the best viewing locations. Watching the Northern Lights is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Iceland during winter.

Hot Springs & Spas

Relaxing in geothermal water is part of Icelandic culture and a great way to unwind between tours. Some of the most popular options include:

• Blue Lagoon, located close to Keflavik Airport, known for its milky blue mineral-rich waters.

• Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, offering an oceanside infinity pool with views over the city.

• Secret Lagoon near the Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s oldest natural bathing pools.

• Dozens of smaller natural hot springs scattered throughout the countryside for a more local experience.

Hot springs can be visited year-round and are easy to include as part of a private itinerary.

Culture & History

Beyond the nature, Iceland has a rich cultural life that reflects its history and traditions:

• Reykjavik offers museums, galleries, coffee houses and restaurants centered around its old harbor area.

• The National Museum of Iceland provides insight into Iceland’s Viking heritage and settlement history.

• Harpa Concert Hall hosts live music, performances and cultural events year-round.

• Historical sites across the country include turf houses, churches and preserved fishing villages that reflect centuries of life in Iceland’s harsh environment.

Adding cultural visits gives depth to your trip and helps connect the landscape to the people who live here.