7 Activities to Do in Iceland

Who hasn't dreamed one day of marveling at the Icelandic midnight sun and recharging in the land of elves near the Arctic Circle? We offer you here 7 activities to do in Iceland, guaranteed thrills and breathtaking landscapes!

Iceland, literally "Land of Ice", is full of preserved natural wonders unique in the world, situated between Europe and America, offering a delightful blend of Viking culture and modernity... This tailor-made trip to Iceland takes you to discover this volcanic island that made headlines during the eruption of its Eyjafjajajokull volcano, causing worldwide air traffic paralysis!

#1 Admire the Northern Lights

A natural phenomenon visible in the most northern countries of the planet, the Northern Lights, or polar lights, have always fascinated humans since time immemorial. Visible under a clear sky, they are explained by the proximity to the North Pole creating a reaction between clouds loaded with solar particles and magnetic fields, displaying a whole range of colors, with green remaining dominant through sometimes spectacular veils... The phenomenon can be observed from late August to early April, with winter being the most favorable period. Do not go chasing Northern Lights in summer, as nights are too short and not dark enough.

#2 Dive between two fault lines

Craving for unique thrills? The discovery of the Silfra fault is for you... Dive between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates, where the waters are crystal clear with a field of vision opening up to about 100 meters ahead! Truly impressive, this unique site will allow you to slip between two continents and observe the 55-meter deep fault. Accessible all year round, diving enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy it; the water is rather chilly, but you quickly forget! Thrills guaranteed.

#3 Discover the Golden Circle

In the southwest of the island, the Golden Circle is a must-see on the list of 7 activities to do in Iceland. It includes the three most visited sites in the country, offering something for everyone: hiking, waterfalls, and geysers. In Thingvellir National Park, where the Viking Althing Parliament was created in 930, you will discover the famous Silfra fault, not to be missed under any circumstances!

Then discover the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls and its regularly accompanying rainbow... Finally, the Geysir geothermal area will allow you to observe a geyser shooting a jet of water every 5 minutes. Close to the Golden Circle, many unique activities are available, such as whale watching, horseback riding or snowmobiling, and a dip in the hot baths of the Blue Lagoon.

#4 Discover Thor's Valley and the Elves' Kingdom

For hiking enthusiasts, head south to Thorsmork Valley, translated as Thor's Forest, Viking culture obliges! The walks are superb, but beware, access is not easy; you'll need a 4x4... The landscapes mix birch forests, mosses, and rocky valleys. Further north, Landmannalaugar is accessible only in summer; you can engage in treks ranging from a few hours to 4 days to admire lava fields, crystal-clear lakes, and smell sulfur from active volcanoes. Another curiosity of Icelandic culture is discovering the elves' kingdom in Hellisgerdi Park south of Reykjavik. These little legendary creatures have always fascinated locals so much that they founded an elf school in the capital's heart! Open all year round, for young and old...

#5 Bathe in hot springs

In the north of the country, the Diamond Circle region offers breathtaking landscapes between craters, waterfalls, bubbling baths, and hot springs; nature lovers won't know where to look. The region is accessible by plane from Reykjavik; by rental car, it takes about 7 hours by road. A must-do is Dentifoss waterfall, Iceland's most powerful waterfall - an unmissable site.

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#6 Enter inside a volcano

Near the capital, you can discover a unique activity worldwide by entering a volcano's heart - Thrihnukagigur, dormant for 4,000 years I assure you...! After a short walk of about an hour through lava fields your guide will equip you with helmets and harnesses to descend into the magma chamber using a kind of crane elevator. The crater is as big as three basketball courts and you'll descend about 100 meters deep while discovering rock's thousand-color shades. It is highly recommended to book in advance; this unique and atypical attraction attracts more and more enthusiasts...

#7 Explore glaciers

In southeast Iceland within Vatnajökull National Park, you'll have the chance to visit famous ice caves. Accessible only in autumn when caves form naturally after ice melts; they are regularly studied by professionals to ensure visitor safety. In good weather conditions ice takes on an amazing blue color, a feast for eyes! If traveling during summer cave visits won't be possible but as consolation you can navigate among glaciers on amphibious vehicles admiring hidden iceberg sides meeting seals on ice floes!

With its majestic landscapes & vast spaces many natural sites across Iceland will give you impression traveling center earth; embark road trip amidst volcanoes fjords glaciers Viking land enjoying northern lights bathing naturally hot water sources known beneficial properties choose among these 7 activities doing Iceland...!