What to do in Iceland

A year-round Destination

Every day, there is an adventure waiting to happen in Iceland. With its abundance of mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, lakes, caves and otherwise rough terrain waiting to be tackled, Iceland is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. But, it is also a warm and welcoming place for the rest of us.

Iceland is rugged and beautiful. And perfect for most outdoor adventures, all year round. The landscape serves as an epic backdrop to whatever activity you have in mind. But don't take our word for it. Just see for yourself.

Most people come to Iceland for nature. Big mistake. Iceland's most unrivaled treasure is the people, who are warm and friendly, and easy with a smile. Enjoy a walk around town, visit the local swimming pool, and purchase local produce, for a chance to mingle with this friendly creature.

The creative juices flow here in Iceland, just like the geothermal water. Experience music, literature, art and design in our many venues, our galleries, and our makeshift creative spaces in old factories around the country.

Icelandic food is another gem, awaiting you to come and discover it. Sustainable use of food resources is important to Iceland. "Locally grown" and "slow food" are descriptive phrases for Icelandic cuisine which is a gift that can easily keep on giving, for a whole evening.

Regions of Iceland

East

The east coast of Iceland is home to the country's largest forest, lush farmlands and a range of small fjords and islands. Thanks to the East's many natural harbors, a variety of fishing villages and small seaside communities border the coast.

West

West Iceland is one of Iceland's most geologically diverse regions. Its natural wonders are a nearly exhaustive sampling of all that Iceland has to offer, ranging from slumbering volcanos and majestic waterfalls to a variety of flora and wildlife.

Westfjords

One of Iceland's best kept secrets is undoubtedly the country's north-west corner, usually known as the Westfjords. Isolation has preserved the region in relatively unspoiled wilderness.

South

Iceland's south coast is home to some of the country's most visited tourist attractions. The coastline itself is renowned for its beauty, and the towns along the coast are famous for their fresh seafood.

North

The north of Iceland truly is a land of contrasts. Its long valleys and peninsulas are interspersed with mountains, lava fields and smooth hills carved out by rivers.

Reykjavik

With a population of 120,000, Reykjavík is not a whirlwind metropolis. Few skyscrapers grace the skyline, traffic jams are rare and faces are familiar. But don't be deceived—a steady beat of energy and events keeps the city alive and pulsing with excitement.

Reykjanes

The Reykjanes Peninsula is a geothermal wonder, where lighthouses outnumber villages. Besides hosting the Keflavík International Airport and, just a few minutes away, the spectacular Blue Lagoon, the Reykjanes Peninsula is a destination in its own right.

Westman Islands

The Westman Islands, or Vestmannaeyjar as they are called in Icelandic, have a beautiful and varied landscape, unique flora and are an excellent site for sailing, hunting and birdwatching. Off the south coast of Iceland, Vestmannaeyjar is an archipelago that consists of four small islands and eleven large ones, of which Heimaey is the only one inhabited.

Highlands

For centuries, the interior of Iceland was virtually inaccessible, for years at a time playing host only to outlaws in hiding. Via the mountain roads Kjölur and Sprengisandur, the untouched wilderness of Iceland's mountainous centre is now open to the general public—for cautious exploration by foot or 4x4 vehicles—in the summer months.

Find stuff to do

Activities

There are plenty of activities you can enjoy in Iceland all year round.

Birdwatching

Iceland is known as one of the best places in the world for birdwatching. A large number of birds make their home along Iceland's coast, including some of the largest colonies in the world for certain types of sea fowl. Iceland's wetlands are also a conducive habitat for many species of birds.

Caving

Due to its position on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Its unique geological conditions make for some awe-inspiring rock formations, both beneath the surface as well as above it.

Cycling

Travelling around Iceland on two wheels is both challenging and rewarding. There is no better way to experience the beauty of Iceland than from the saddle of your bicycle. Many bike enthusiasts come to Iceland to enjoy the Ring Road, the well-known highway number 1, that runs around the country. Others choose more difficult paths into the highlands.

Dining

The most important ingredient in Icelandic cuisine is location. Iceland is blessed with an abundance of fresh water, clean nature and fertile fishing grounds, while geothermal energy makes it possible to supply a year-round offering of fresh vegetables, grown locally in greenhouses.

Festivals

Iceland offers a range of festivals throughout the year; Iceland Airwaves, Gay Pride, Reykjavik Culture Night, RIFF Reykjavik Film Festival and many more.

Have a taste of Iceland

It's delicious, enjoy traditional food or the New Nordic culinary movement depending on your preference.

Helicopter Tours

Iceland's diverse landscape is at its most breathtaking when viewed from above, which makes aerial sightseeing tours by plane or helicopter an awe inspiring experiences.

Hiking

Iceland is the hiker's paradise. More than half of the country lies above 400 meters (1300 feet) and the landscape is extraordinarily diverse, with large areas covered with colorful mountains, lava fields, glaciers, hot springs, lakes and black sands. The rugged nature has been shaped by the elements to form a majestic scenery unlike any other place in the world.

Ice Climbing

When making a trip to Iceland, it is hard not to pay special attention to the country's namesake—namely, its 4,500 square miles of glacier.

Motorized Adventure

Incredible terrain to speed over, plenty of adrenaline-filled activities to choose from!

Museums

Get to know the history of Iceland, delve into the cultural heritage or be amazed by outlandish curiosities. The range of museums in Iceland is vast, and they all aim to educate and entertain their guests.

Northern Lights

The extreme dark of the Icelandic winter has a few perks. Between September and April, Iceland is treated to a magnificent natural display: the phenomenon of aurora borealis, or what we commonly call the Northern Lights.

Renewable Energy

Iceland is a leader in using renewable energy, mostly hydro for electricity production and almost exclusively geothermal for space heating.

Running

Beautiful scenery, great running paths and a climate that's perfect for running with plenty of clean and fresh air! There is everything to like about running in Iceland!

Whale watching

Iceland is the perfect location for whale watching. The cold waters off the coast play host to a diverse marine life. During the summer months in particular, the shores become a veritable feeding ground for multiple species of large marine mammals, giving visitors a chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

VAKINN

BECAUSE QUALITY MATTERS

VAKINN is the official quality and environmental system within Icelandic tourism. Only companies that maintain the highest standards in all aspects of business practices and meet a comprehensive assessment criteria have earned the right to carry VAKINN – Iceland tourism's official quality and environment label.

The quality system is divided into two categories, star grading system for accommodation and
other tourism services.

VAKINN is run by the Icelandic Tourist Board which has led the project in close cooperation with The Icelandic Travel Industry Association, Innovation Center Iceland and the Icelandic Tourism Association.

Learn more

What to do in Iceland?