10
Amazing!
JENNY MARSHALL
Review of Horse Riding Tour on the Black Sand Beach from Vik
Great trip for beginners - horses safe & good number of staff with tour group. All very helpful & friendly and horses well cared for
Top Activity Tours in Iceland
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Discovering Activity Tours in Iceland
Iceland is an ideal destination for adventure, offering a variety of ways to explore its glaciers, lava fields, and northern lights. Activity tours go beyond sightseeing, allowing you to experience the landscape up close. But these tours aren’t just about the scenery—they also highlight the history and nature that shape Iceland.
Every glacier, volcanic plain, and trail has a story to tell. Whether you're snowmobiling across Langjokull or riding an Icelandic horse along historic paths, each experience offers a deeper connection to the land. With tours available year-round, you can find one that suits your interests and makes the most of your time in Iceland.
What Are Activity Tours in Iceland?
Activity tours in Iceland are guided experiences that let travelers actively engage with the country’s dramatic landscapes and natural wonders. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, these excursions involve outdoor activities such as glacier hiking, snowmobiling, ATV riding, ice cave exploration, and river rafting.
Since Iceland's terrain varies by season, summer tours often feature hiking, horseback riding, and rafting. Meanwhile, winter opens opportunities for northern lights hunting, ice climbing, and snow-based adventures.
Activity tours can be either short-day trips or multi-day adventures that include accommodation and transport. They offer an exciting way to experience Iceland beyond just observing its beauty.
Best Activity Tours in Iceland
Here are three of the best activity tours in Iceland you can enjoy in a day, each blending stunning landscapes with thrilling outdoor adventures.
This two-hour guided hike takes you onto an outlet of Vatnajokull Glacier, offering a close-up look at blue ice formations, crevasses, and ridges. No experience is needed, making it a great choice for first-time glacier explorers. Expert guides provide all necessary gear, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice.
Ride an Icelandic horse through lava fields and rolling hills just outside Reykjavik. Known for their smooth “tolt” gait, these horses offer a comfortable ride for both beginners and experienced riders. Optional pickup from Reykjavik makes it a convenient way to experience Iceland’s nature and heritage.
Explore Iceland’s top sights along the Golden Circle, including the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Get the chance to take an exhilarating snowmobile ride across the expansive Langjokull glacier. This tour offers a fun and thrilling way to experience Iceland’s natural beauty.
Best Multi-Day Activity Tours in Iceland
Find three of the most popular multi-day activity tours in Iceland below. Explore Iceland's stunning landscapes through guided multi-day tours that make it easy to experience the country’s top attractions.
This tour covers the Golden Circle and South Coast, with stops at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, and Reynisfjara, before heading to Vatnajkull Glacier for an ice cave exploration. You'll also have an excellent chance to see the northern lights, especially during the 2025 solar maximum, when auroras are expected to be stronger and more frequent.
Perfect for those wanting to see all of Iceland, this guided tour circles the country, stopping at waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and coastal villages. Activities include a glacier hike, whale watching, and optional ice caving. Accommodation and breakfast are included, making it an easy way to explore without the hassle of planning.
This activity tour includes the Golden Circle, South Coast, glacier hiking, and snowmobiling. You’ll visit top attractions like Geysir, Gullfoss, and Thingvellir, plus enjoy an optional Blue Lagoon visit. With accommodation, transport, and guided activities included, it’s a hassle-free way to explore Iceland’s best sights.
Best Places To Visit on Activity Tours in Iceland
Listed below are the best places to visit on activity tours in Iceland. Explore glaciers, geothermal hot spots, volcanic wonders, and unique wildlife as you experience the country’s diverse beauty up close.
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Golden Circle and South Coast: A hub for glacier hiking, ice caving, and waterfall excursions. This region features highlights like Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
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Reykjanes Peninsula: Perfect for ATV tours, lava cave explorations, and geothermal sightseeing. This volcanic region, shaped by recent eruptions, features steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the famous Blue Lagoon.
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North Iceland: A top destination for horseback riding, whale watching, and geothermal baths. Husavik is the whale-watching capital, and Myvatn offers unique volcanic landscapes.
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Westfjords and Highlands: Ideal for remote adventure tours, off-the-grid hiking, and natural hot springs. This region is less crowded, making it perfect for exploring untouched nature.
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Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Known as Iceland in Miniature, this area offers glacier hikes, cave tours, black sand beaches, lava fields, and coastal adventures around Snaefellsjokull National Park.
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East Iceland and the East Fjords: A great location for scenic hiking, wildlife watching, and boat tours. This region is home to reindeer herds, dramatic fjords, and stunning waterfalls.
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Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar): Famous for puffin watching, RIB boat tours, and volcanic hikes. This archipelago offers a mix of wildlife encounters and geological wonders.
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Askja: A remote wilderness perfect for off-road 4x4 adventures, crater hikes, and geothermal exploration, with stunning views of Viti Crater Lake, Askja Caldera, lava fields, and rugged mountain landscapes.
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Thorsmork and Landmannalaugar: A paradise for super jeep tours, highland trekking, and river crossings, featuring colorful rhyolite mountains, deep valleys, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Why Choose Activity Tours in Iceland?
Activity tours in Iceland make exploring the country’s landscapes easier and more enjoyable. With expert guides leading the way, you can safely visit glaciers, volcanoes, and remote areas that might be challenging to access on your own.
Iceland’s adventure scene is also expanding with new attractions. Opening in May 2025, Arbodin (The River Baths) in the Golden Circle will provide a relaxing geothermal spa experience—perfect after a day of exploring.
Additionally, Iceland has introduced The Volcanic Way, a 435-mile (700-kilometer) scenic route that takes travelers through the country’s active volcanic zones in the south and the Reykjanes Peninsula. This new route offers easier access to volcanic craters and untouched wilderness, creating even more opportunities for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Many Iceland activity packages handle the logistics—transport, gear, and accommodations—so you can fully enjoy the adventure. Glacier hikes, ATV rides across lava fields, and northern lights excursions are just a few of the ways these tours let you explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes up close.
Frequently asked questions
What are the different types of activity tours in Iceland?
Activity tours in Iceland include glacier hikes, snowmobiling, ATV rides, whale watching, horseback riding, river rafting, and more. Winter offers ice-caving tours, northern lights tours, and snowmobiling, while summer opens up hiking trails, rafting routes, and horseback riding through lush landscapes.
For a well-rounded experience, multi-day Iceland activity packages combine top activities into one trip. This allows you to explore the country’s diverse landscapes through different adventures.
For a well-rounded experience, multi-day Iceland activity packages combine top activities into one trip. This allows you to explore the country’s diverse landscapes through different adventures.
What are the best activity tours in Iceland?
The best activity tour in Iceland will depend on your interests and the season of your visit. One of the best activity tours in Iceland includes glacier hiking in Skaftafell. It's rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by over 310 travelers.
Another top-rated activity tour is ice climbing and hiking on the Vatnajokull glacier. More than 100 adventurers rated the experience 4.8 out of 5 stars. Alternatively, this multi-day northern lights winter tour in Iceland is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 35 travelers. The tour incorporates sightseeing with northern lights hunting and snowmobiling.
Another top-rated activity tour is ice climbing and hiking on the Vatnajokull glacier. More than 100 adventurers rated the experience 4.8 out of 5 stars. Alternatively, this multi-day northern lights winter tour in Iceland is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by 35 travelers. The tour incorporates sightseeing with northern lights hunting and snowmobiling.
What are the most popular activity tours in Iceland for first-time visitors?
The best activity tours in Iceland for first-time visitors combine stunning sights with exciting adventures. The Golden Circle and snowmobiling tour is a top pick, taking you to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall before an exhilarating snowmobile ride on Langjokull Glacier. It’s a great way to see Iceland’s highlights with a thrilling twist.
For a hands-on experience, the beginner-friendly glacier walk in Skaftafell lets you explore the Vatnajokull Glacier up close. Guided by experts, you'll walk across blue ice, deep crevasses, and rugged ridges. In winter, a northern lights ATV tour is a must. These tours take you to dark, open areas for the best chance to see the auroras light up the sky.
For a hands-on experience, the beginner-friendly glacier walk in Skaftafell lets you explore the Vatnajokull Glacier up close. Guided by experts, you'll walk across blue ice, deep crevasses, and rugged ridges. In winter, a northern lights ATV tour is a must. These tours take you to dark, open areas for the best chance to see the auroras light up the sky.
Are there any family-friendly activity tours in Iceland?
Yes, Iceland has plenty of family-friendly activity tours that are fun and easy for all ages. For example, a horseback riding tour near Reykjavik is a great choice. It’s perfect for beginners, and kids 10 and up are welcome to join.
For a mix of sightseeing and adventure, the Golden Circle day tour with snowmobiling is a top pick. Families get to visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall, then ride snowmobiles on Langjokull Glacier before exploring a stunning ice cave. Other fun options include whale watching, lava cave tours, and northern lights trips.
For a mix of sightseeing and adventure, the Golden Circle day tour with snowmobiling is a top pick. Families get to visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall, then ride snowmobiles on Langjokull Glacier before exploring a stunning ice cave. Other fun options include whale watching, lava cave tours, and northern lights trips.
What are the cheapest activity tours in Iceland?
The cheapest activity tour in Iceland is this horseback riding at Gasir farm in North Iceland, priced at approximately 86 USD. This tour lets you ride friendly Icelandic horses through scenic countryside while taking in views of the region’s landscape.
Another affordable activity tour in Iceland is this easy and accessible Solheimajokull glacier hike. This activity typically costs around 120 USD.
The third-cheapest activity tour in Iceland is this 3-hour glacier hike on Falljokull glacier with a certified guide, which costs about 106 USD. This tour offers a chance to explore stunning ice formations while learning about the glacier’s ever-changing landscape.
Another affordable activity tour in Iceland is this easy and accessible Solheimajokull glacier hike. This activity typically costs around 120 USD.
The third-cheapest activity tour in Iceland is this 3-hour glacier hike on Falljokull glacier with a certified guide, which costs about 106 USD. This tour offers a chance to explore stunning ice formations while learning about the glacier’s ever-changing landscape.
Are activity tours in Iceland worth it?
Yes. Activity tours in Iceland are worth it for the exceptional experiences they offer, the safety they prioritize, and the opportunities they provide to connect with Iceland's remarkable landscapes and culture. Whether hiking, exploring ice caves, or participating in other thrilling activities, you'll create lasting memories in the land of fire and ice.
Are activity tours in Iceland suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Yes, activity tours in Iceland often cater to a wide range of ages and fitness levels. Many tours offer options for both beginners and experienced adventurers. It's essential to check the specific tour descriptions and requirements to find the best fit for your abilities and interests.
Do I need to have prior experience or skills to participate in certain activities?
No, most activity tours in Iceland are designed for complete beginners, with expert guides providing instructions. Activities like horseback riding, ice caving, and glacier hikes have beginner-friendly options, making them accessible to all experience levels.
Some tours, like ice climbing or long-distance hikes, may require a good level of fitness, but prior experience is rarely needed. Tour operators ensure safety and enjoyment by offering guidance and gear so you can take part confidently, regardless of skill level.
Some tours, like ice climbing or long-distance hikes, may require a good level of fitness, but prior experience is rarely needed. Tour operators ensure safety and enjoyment by offering guidance and gear so you can take part confidently, regardless of skill level.
Do activity tours in Iceland offer the equipment you need for the activities?
Yes, most activity tours in Iceland include the necessary equipment, which is usually covered in the tour price. Depending on the activity, this may include safety gear, weatherproof clothing, and specialized equipment.
For example, glacier hikes typically provide crampons, helmets, and ice axes, while ATV and snowmobiling tours may include overalls, helmets, and gloves. Since Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, always check the tour details to see what’s provided and if you need to bring anything extra.
For example, glacier hikes typically provide crampons, helmets, and ice axes, while ATV and snowmobiling tours may include overalls, helmets, and gloves. Since Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, always check the tour details to see what’s provided and if you need to bring anything extra.
Can I bring my own equipment for certain activities, such as hiking or diving?
Most tour operators provide the necessary equipment, but if you prefer to use your own gear, it's best to check with the operator in advance. Some tours allow personal equipment, while others may require specific safety standards or provide specialized gear as part of the experience.
What should I wear for an activity tour in Iceland?
For an activity tour in Iceland, wear warm, waterproof, and layered clothing to stay comfortable in changing weather. A thermal base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer layer will keep you warm and dry. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential for rough terrain.
Many tours provide gear like crampons for glacier hikes or helmets for ATVs, but check in advance. Bring gloves, a hat, and a buff or scarf to protect against the wind. Even in summer, a rain jacket is a must, as showers are common.
In winter, extra insulation is key. A down jacket, thermal leggings, and thick socks help in freezing temperatures, especially on northern lights or snowmobiling tours. Dressing right ensures you stay warm, dry, and ready for adventure.
Many tours provide gear like crampons for glacier hikes or helmets for ATVs, but check in advance. Bring gloves, a hat, and a buff or scarf to protect against the wind. Even in summer, a rain jacket is a must, as showers are common.
In winter, extra insulation is key. A down jacket, thermal leggings, and thick socks help in freezing temperatures, especially on northern lights or snowmobiling tours. Dressing right ensures you stay warm, dry, and ready for adventure.
What is the best time of year for activity tours in Iceland?
The best time for activity tours in Iceland depends on what you want to experience. Summer (June to August) offers long daylight hours, making it ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring highland trails that are inaccessible in winter.
On the other hand, winter (October to April) is perfect for ice cave tours, snowmobiling, and northern lights hunting, with Iceland’s landscapes covered in snow and ice. There are year-round tours like glacier hikes, geothermal hot spring visits, and ATV adventures that offer incredible experiences anytime you visit.
On the other hand, winter (October to April) is perfect for ice cave tours, snowmobiling, and northern lights hunting, with Iceland’s landscapes covered in snow and ice. There are year-round tours like glacier hikes, geothermal hot spring visits, and ATV adventures that offer incredible experiences anytime you visit.
Do activity tours in Iceland offer hotel pick-up and drop-off?
Some activity tours in Iceland, especially those departing from Reykjavik, include hotel pick-up and drop-off. This is a convenient option, particularly for early morning or late evening tours, as it saves time and eliminates the need to find a meeting point.
However, please note that not all tours offer this service. Some require travelers to meet at a designated location, such as a tour office or bus terminal. If your tour includes pick-up, you’ll typically be dropped off at the same location after the tour. Always check the tour details before booking to confirm if hotel pick-up and drop-off are available.
However, please note that not all tours offer this service. Some require travelers to meet at a designated location, such as a tour office or bus terminal. If your tour includes pick-up, you’ll typically be dropped off at the same location after the tour. Always check the tour details before booking to confirm if hotel pick-up and drop-off are available.
When do activity tours in Iceland usually start?
Activity tours in Iceland usually start in the morning, but it depends on which tour you choose. Be sure to check the specific tour description to ensure that the start time is convenient for you. Most adventure tours departing from Reykjavik leave in the morning so that you can make the most of your day in Iceland.
Some activity tours, like the four-day tour on Iceland’s South Coast with glacier hiking, have flexible starting times. This means they can be adjusted to fit your plans. This is convenient if you arrive in Iceland and go straight onto the tour.
Some activity tours, like the four-day tour on Iceland’s South Coast with glacier hiking, have flexible starting times. This means they can be adjusted to fit your plans. This is convenient if you arrive in Iceland and go straight onto the tour.
How long is the average activity tour in Iceland?
Activity tours in Iceland typically last between 2 to 10 hours, depending on the experience. Some are short half-day tours, while others take a full day to explore multiple sights. For a more in-depth adventure, multi-day activity tours span two to seven days or more. This type of Iceland activity package covers the country’s top attractions with transport, accommodation, and activities included.
Is lunch usually included in an activity tour in Iceland?
Lunch is included in some activity tours in Iceland, but not all. It depends on the specific tour, so it's best to check the tour details before booking.
Some tours offer a full meal, while others may include snacks or hot drinks. If lunch isn’t included, there may be stops at local cafes or restaurants, or you can bring a packed meal to keep you fueled for the adventure.
Some tours offer a full meal, while others may include snacks or hot drinks. If lunch isn’t included, there may be stops at local cafes or restaurants, or you can bring a packed meal to keep you fueled for the adventure.
Do I need travel insurance for activity tours in Iceland?
It's highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers activities and outdoor adventures, especially if you plan to participate in adventurous or potentially risky activity tours in Iceland. This insurance can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events.
Are activity tours in Iceland canceled in bad weather conditions?
Safety is a top priority for tour operators in Iceland. Some tours may be subject to weather-related cancellations or delays, particularly those involving outdoor activities in distant locations. In such cases, tour operators often offer alternative dates or refunds.
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