Iceland, often called the "Land of Fire and Ice," is a dream destination for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts. Iceland offers plenty of unforgettable excursions and adventure tours, thanks to its dramatic glaciers, erupting geysers, and cascading waterfalls. Here are the top ten excursions in Iceland you should not miss when visiting this magical country.
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Affordable Northern Lights Tour From Reykjavik—Witness the magical aurora borealis dance across the Icelandic sky on this memorable experience from Reykjavik! Departing between August and April, this half-day guided bus tour takes you from the city into areas with the clearest skies for the best chance to see the lights. If the northern lights don’t appear during your tour, you can join another night for free, ensuring you don’t miss this magical natural wonder.
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Golden Circle Excursion With Bruarfoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater—The golden circle tour offers an adventure to explore Iceland's most iconic landmarks, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir geothermal area. Unique stops like the stunning sapphire-blue Bruarfoss waterfall and the Kerid volcanic crater add extra charm to this tour, guided by a knowledgeable local expert.
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Small Group 12-hour Tour of Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Transfer from Reykjavik—If you want to be taken through some of Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes, this tour from Reykjavik to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is the perfect choice. You'll visit highlights like the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, Djupalonssandur black sand beach, and the mystical Snaefellsjokull glacier and much more.
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Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour With Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon—If you want to experience the best of Iceland in just three days, this is the tour to join! You'll get to visit landmarks like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and the south coast's stunning waterfalls and black sand beach. You'll also explore a breathtaking ice cave in Vatnajokull glacier and stay two nights in countryside hotels, maximizing your chances of witnessing the magical northern lights.
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Golden Circle Afternoon Tour from Reykjavik—If you’re short on time but want to explore Iceland’s iconic sights near Reykjavik, this tour is the perfect option. This day tour takes you to Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between continents, the erupting Strokkur geyser in the Geysir geothermal area, and the stunning Gullfoss waterfall.
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The Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour from Reykjavik—Often called "Iceland in Miniature," the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers an incredible variety of landscapes in one trip. This full day, small-group tour takes you to stunning sites like Snæfellsjökull glacier, the charming villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar, the black sand beach of Djúpalónssandur, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain—making it a must for any traveler exploring Iceland from Reykjavik.
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Golden Circle Small Group Tour with Kerid Volcanic Crater from Reykjavik—This Icelandic excursion takes you to Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between continents, the Geysir geothermal area with its erupting Strokkur geyser, and the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall. You'll visit Iceland's most popular natural attractions, all must-sees on every traveler's bucket list.
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Ice Cave & South Coast 2-Day Excursion to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon—This tour takes you through Iceland’s stunning south coast, visiting highlights like Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the breathtaking glacier lagoon. You'll get the chance to explore a rare blue ice cave beneath Vatnajokull glacier, a natural wonder available only in winter.
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South Coast Minibus Tour with Glacier Hike & Transfer from Reykjavik—This tour takes you on an unforgettable journey along Iceland’s South Coast. You'll visit to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the basalt columns of Dyrholaey. A guided glacier hike on Solheimajokull is the highlight, giving you a chance to explore Iceland’s icy landscapes up close.
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Inside the Volcano Thrihnukagigur Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik—This tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to descend into the colorful magma chamber of the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano. You'll go on a scenic 2-mile hike across lava fields and a descent of 650 feet (198 meters) into the heart of the volcano via a unique elevator system. Inside, you’ll see the chamber’s vivid natural colors, immense size, and fascinating geological history.
What You Need to Know Before Going on an Excursion in Iceland
Planning an excursion in Iceland is essential to ensure a safe and memorable experience. Read below to discover the top things to consider before going on an Icelandic excursion.
Best Time of Year to Go On an Excursion in Iceland
Iceland’s distinct seasons impact the types of excursions available. Summer (June to August) offers the widest range of activities, such as glacier hiking, puffin watching, and other outdoor adventures. Winter (December to February) is perfect for northern lights tours, ice cave explorations, and snow-based activities, making it the best season for winter-specific adventure tours in Iceland.
What to Wear On an Excursion in Iceland
Iceland’s unpredictable weather makes dressing in layers crucial. Make sure to pack the following gear to have the most comfortable excursion.
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Dress in Layers: Iceland's unpredictable weather necessitates layering to adjust to changing conditions.
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Waterproof and Windproof Outerwear: Essential to stay dry and protected against harsh winds.
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Thermal Clothing: Keeps you warm in cold temperatures, which is crucial for comfort during outdoor activities.
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Sturdy Hiking Boots: Necessary for safely navigating rough terrains like glaciers and lava fields.
Having the right clothing and equipment ensures comfort and enjoyment during activities like glacier hikes and lava field walks.
When to Book Your Excursion in Iceland
For popular Icelandic adventures like northern lights excursions and trips to the Blue Lagoon, it's best to book between two to six months in advance. This range is particularly crucial during peak tourist seasons, from June to August and December to February when demand is highest.
Booking within this timeframe helps ensure you secure your preferred dates and avoid missing out on these unique experiences due to quick sell-outs.
Get Ready For Your Excursion in Iceland
Choosing the best excursions in Iceland requires careful consideration of your interests, the season, and what you hope to experience.
Whether you are adventuring through glaciers, relaxing in geothermal waters, or chasing the mesmerizing northern lights, Iceland offers an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression. Make sure to book in advance, and get ready to explore this land of fire and ice on an unforgettable excursion