Best Adventure Tours in Iceland — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed

Iceland, a land of fire and ice, offers awe-inspiring landscapes and thrilling adventures. From traversing glaciers and volcanic terrains to chasing the northern lights, Iceland provides unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

Its dramatic scenery of glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, and waterfalls makes it a haven for adventure seekers year-round, and there are plenty of thrilling activities to choose from.

Seasonal Guide to Adventure Tours in Iceland

Each season in Iceland offers unique advantages, from the midnight sun and lush landscapes of summer to the snowy winter scenery, where the northern lights dance overhead.

• Summer Adventures (May–September): The midnight sun offers endless daylight hours, perfect for exploring Iceland’s rugged terrain. Popular summer activities include hiking, horseback riding, and waterfall tours. Summer is also ideal for self-drive adventures and multi-day expeditions.
• Winter Adventures (October–April): Iceland transforms into a winter wonderland, offering ice-caving, snowmobiling, and northern lights tours. The contrast of icy landscapes against snow-covered peaks creates magical settings for adventure.

Top 7 Adventure Activities in Iceland

To help you choose the best adventure tours, here is a list of the top 7 adventure activities in Iceland and the best tours to include in your itinerary.

1. Top Ice Caving Adventures

Experience the surreal beauty of Iceland’s ice caves, where shimmering blue walls and natural ice formations create an otherworldly atmosphere. Ice caving is a must-do activity during winter, especially in the stunning Vatnajokull glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. Guided tours ensure safety and take you deep into these breathtaking natural wonders.

• Crystal Ice Cave Tour in Vatnajokull National Park - Step into the mesmerizing blue ice caves of Vatnajokull, where natural ice formations change each year. This tour is led by expert guides who ensure a safe and unforgettable experience.
• The Katla Ice Cave Tour - Explore a unique ice cave inside the Katla volcano, where black volcanic ash is embedded in the ice, creating striking contrasts. This tour includes a Super Jeep ride through the rugged landscapes of South Iceland.
• Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Combine an exhilarating Super Jeep ride with a visit to an ice cave near Jokulsarlon. This adventure takes you off the beaten path for a truly immersive glacier experience.

2. Top Glacier Hiking Adventures

Explore Iceland’s glaciers on an unforgettable glacier hiking tour, where you’ll traverse vast ice fields and marvel at crevasses, ice sculptures, and deep blue sinkholes. The Skaftafell area in Vatnajokull National Park is one of the most popular locations for this activity, offering hikes suitable for all skill levels.

• Glacier Hike in Skaftafell National Park - Trek across the icy terrain of the Skaftafell glacier with a knowledgeable guide who will introduce you to stunning ice formations.
• Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing Combo in Vatnajokull - For a more challenging experience, this tour combines glacier hiking with ice climbing, allowing you to scale ice walls with expert instruction.
• Easy Glacier Hike for Beginners in Skaftafell - A perfect introduction to glacier hiking, this tour takes you on a gentle walk across the ice while learning about its formations and history from an expert guide.

3. Top Snowmobiling Adventures

Zoom across Iceland’s vast glaciers on a thrilling snowmobile tour. Perfect for adrenaline junkies, snowmobiling lets you experience the icy expanse of glaciers like Langjokull while enjoying panoramic views. Pair your snowmobile adventure with ice caving or a visit to a volcanic crater for an unforgettable day.

• Snowmobiling on Langjokull Glacier - Ride across the vast Langjokull glacier on a high-speed snowmobile while taking in breathtaking views of Iceland’s glacial landscapes.
• Golden Circle and Snowmobiling Combo Tour - Experience some of the best of Iceland in one day, combining visits to famous sights like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir hot spring with an exhilarating snowmobile ride on Langjokull glacier.
• Snowmobiling and Ice Cave Combo Tour from Reykjavik - This action-packed tour lets you speed across a glacier before exploring a stunning natural ice cave, making for the ultimate adventure from Reykjavik.

4. Top Volcanic Adventures

Explore Iceland’s fiery side with volcanic tours that take you to lava fields, craters, and caves. For the ultimate adventure, descend into the Thrihnukagigur volcano, the only place in the world where you can step inside a magma chamber.

• Inside the Volcano Tour - Thrihnukagigur Volcano - Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of a dormant volcano, descending 400 feet (122 meters) into its vast and colorful magma chamber.
• Lava Caving Tour at Vidgelmir Cave - Explore one of Iceland’s largest lava caves, where you'll walk through ancient tunnels formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago.
• Golden Circle and Lava Tunnel Combo Tour - This tour combines the famous Golden Circle route with a visit to the Raufarholshellir lava tunnel, offering a unique look at Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.

5. Top Hiking and Trekking Adventures

Iceland is a hiker’s paradise with trails that showcase its diverse landscapes. Popular hikes include the Laugavegur trail, known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, and the Fimmvorduhals trail, which passes between two glaciers. For shorter hikes combined with a Super Jeep drive, Thorsmork is a great option.

• 5-Day Laugavegur Trekking Tour - Hike through Iceland’s most famous multi-day trail, passing hot springs, glaciers, and stunning mountain landscapes along the way.
• 10-Hour Fimmvorduhals Volcano Hiking Tour - A challenging full-day trek through the dramatic volcanic landscapes between Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers, offering breathtaking views.
• Thorsmork Valley Super Jeep & Hiking Tour - Experience the rugged beauty of Thorsmork valley on a guided hike combined with a thrilling Super Jeep ride through river crossings and canyons.

6. Top Water-Based Adventures

Discover Iceland’s aquatic wonders with activities like snorkeling in the Silfra fissure, diving between tectonic plates, or kayaking in serene fjords. For thrill-seekers, white-water rafting in North Iceland offers an adrenaline-filled experience.

• Snorkeling in Silfra Fissure from Reykjavik - Swim between two continents in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra, one of the world’s best snorkeling spots, located in Thingvellir National Park.
• White-Water Rafting Adventure in North Iceland - Paddle through exhilarating rapids in North Iceland, surrounded by scenic landscapes and dramatic canyon walls.
• Kayaking Tour by Kirkjufell Mountain - Glide through calm waters near the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, enjoying stunning coastal views and possible wildlife sightings.

7. Top Northern Lights Adventures

Chase the magical aurora borealis with northern lights tours in Iceland. Combine your adventure with activities like snowmobiling, super jeep rides, or hot spring dips to make the experience even more memorable. Winter is the perfect time for these tours.

• Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour from Reykjavik - Escape the city lights and head into the Icelandic wilderness in a Super Jeep to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights.
• 7-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour Through the Golden Circle - Explore Iceland at your own pace on this self-drive tour, visiting top attractions by day and chasing the auroras by night.
• 5-Day Northern Lights, Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon Winter Package - This winter package includes everything from northern lights hunting to ice caving and a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon.

Tips for Planning an Adventure Tour in Iceland

• Book Guided Tours

Iceland’s terrain can be challenging, and weather conditions change rapidly. Guided tours ensure safety and offer expert knowledge of the region.

• Pack Smart

Layered clothing, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear are essential for staying comfortable during outdoor activities.

• Timing Matters

Some activities, like ice caving, are only available in winter, while others, like highland trekking, are best in summer. Plan your visit accordingly.

• Combine Activities

Many tour operators offer combo tours, such as glacier hiking and northern lights chasing, to help you make the most of your trip.

Budgeting and Tour Options

Adventure tours in Iceland cater to a wide range of budgets. From affordable small group tours to exclusive private expeditions, there’s something for everyone. Multi-day packages often provide great value, combining accommodation, meals, and multiple activities. For budget-conscious travelers, off-season tours or early booking discounts can offer significant savings.

Responsible Adventure Tourism

Iceland’s delicate ecosystems require careful preservation. As a responsible traveler, stick to marked trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and support tour operators committed to sustainability. By respecting Iceland’s natural environment, you contribute to its protection for future generations.

Conclusion

Iceland is a treasure trove of adventure, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. From exploring glaciers and volcanoes to chasing the northern lights, the possibilities are endless. Start your journey today by checking out the top adventure tours in Iceland and make memories that will last a lifetime.