Iceland has become quite a tourist hotspot and if you have an upcoming trip you may be looking for things to do in Iceland. Luckily, I’ve curated a list of tried and true activities that I would recommend to my closest friends if they were visiting Iceland. I had the privilege of exploring with my whole family and these were our favorite things to do in Iceland.
*Disclaimer: Below are activities that I have actually done and highly recommend. I have provided links that you can book through for a discounted rate and I will receive a portion of the proceeds for referring you. This does not cost you additional money, nor does it penalize the companies providing the tour. Thank you in advance!*
This post is all about things to do in Iceland to make your trip even better!
1. Take a dip in the luxurious lagoons
The three Icelandic lagoons that I would recommend are the following: Sky Lagoon, Hvammsvik Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon gets a ton of attention on social media and for good reason. It’s waters really are the stunning milky blue color you see all over social media. If you’re looking for a relaxing quiet experience though, I’d recommend heading over to the Hvammsvik Lagoon. Book here!
Hvammsvik Lagoon is much more of a hidden gem if you’re looking to experience Iceland’s geothermal hot spring pools. It’s much quieter, quaint and located in a fjord. If you’re feeling brave then feel free to take a plunge in the fjord to cool off while rotating through their 8 different pools. Book here!
Sky Lagoon is the closest lagoon to Reykjavik and if you’re looking for a full spa-style experience it’s the hot spring for you. The gorgeous surrounding area can be viewed while in the water, or from the sauna experience inside. I strongly recommend purchasing the 7-step ritual if you’re going to visit this lagoon. Book here!
For more information about these lagoons check out my blog about the 3 Luxurious Lagoons in Iceland You Must Experience.
2. Indulge in delicious cinnamon rolls
One of my favorite things to do in Iceland is to indulge at Braud & Co. Cinnamon rolls in my household growing up were a love language, and while in Iceland with my family we may have had these treats more than once or twice. Whether it’s a sweet roll, a croissant, a cookie, a loaf of bread or a tart you won’t be disappointed.
My order: In my opinion, the most outrageously delicious thing on their menu is the “Karamellu og musli snudur”. (This is the roll in the top right of the photo above). Since I absolutely can’t speak or pronounce words in Icelandic, I just point at the roll with the delicious granola crumble on top and smile at the person behind the counter. All you need to know is that it’s a delicious cinnamon roll base topped with caramel and muesli which makes an almost coffee-cake-like treat. 10/10!
3. Explore an ice cave
Exploring an ice cave is a must when looking for things to do in Iceland. It is called “Ice”land after all! We decided to book a tour that offers a Super Jeep tour to the Katla Ice Cave.
Upon arrival you’ll attach spikes to your boots and begin your trek through a majestic ice cave. The guides are super kind and share tons of information about geology, history of Iceland and its geothermal activity and about Iceland as a whole. The views were absolutely astounding and really allowed you to get a better understanding of the environment in Iceland. Book here!
4. Snorkel between two tectonic plates
One of the most unique and special experiences in the world is something that you can only do in Iceland. Snorkeling the Silfra Fissure allows you to swim in crystal clear, icy waters between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Upon arrival you’ll put a dry suit on over your clothing which is a surreal experience. As you enter the water your suit keeps you warm and dry and the pressure of the water pushes the air out of your suit causing the suit to get tighter around your body – it feels like a full body hug. The only part of your body that gets cold is your lips and the small amount of space between your lips and your goggles and from your lips to the face mask portion of your suit.
I personally loved that the experience came with a guide who takes high quality pictures of the experience to allow you to stay fully present during this unique experience. There is no shortage of unique activities to do in Iceland, but I have to say that this one was my personal favorite. Book here!
*Bonus: The company’s attention to detail is incredible. On top of all the great information, clean and comfortable gear and photos, they also let you warm up with hot chocolate at the end!*
5. Enjoy the countless waterfalls
One of the most striking and awe-inspiring things to do in Iceland is to explore their estimated 10,000+ waterfalls. Tall or small, hidden or commanding, thundering or trickling there are plenty of different types of waterfalls to discover. My top 5 favorites are:
- Skogafoss
- Gljufrabui
- Seljalandsfoss
- Skogafoss
- Gullfoss
*If Roadtripping: I highly suggest saving pins on Google Maps to allow yourself to remember where these falls are and make a point of being able to see them while navigating around this beautiful country. It may be intimidating to remember all of the spots to stop at, but marking them on the map helps to organize your trip*
6. Score a reservation at Fridheimar
Getting to eat inside of a greenhouse is a truly unique experience. This family run operation shows the dedication and passion for showcasing their tomatoes and it’s incredibly special. The greenhouse is kept warm year-round by pumping the hot geothermal waters through piping in an incredibly sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
Each dish features their star product – the tomato. Whether it’s tomato soup, tomato and mozzarella salad, pizza with tomatoes or even tomato cocktails there is no shortage of ways to enjoy their prized crop.
*You will need a reservation to enjoy this lovely experience. When I arrived for my reservation there were two groups ahead of us that were turned away because they were fully booked.* Make a reservation here!
7. Learn to make rye bread at a geothermal bakery
A unique, family-friendly and affordable activity to do in Iceland is baking in the ground! Yes, you read that right, you actually bake this traditional rye bread underground. The guide shows you the dough and wraps it to ensure that it’s waterproof and brings it out to the scalding dark sand along a beautiful lake.
The geothermal activity in Iceland allows for beautiful lagoons, but similarly you can dig in an active geothermal area (the water in the puddles is even boiling and bubbling up) and use it as your bread oven. The bread bakes for 24 hours, so you’ll get to uncover the loaf from yesterday.
Inside, you’ll get to sample the warm bread with fresh butter and smoked trout from the lake that the property is on. I loved that they even give you a recipe to make this bread at home. Book here! To read more about this experience click here!
8. Discover iceland’s unique natural beauty
Iceland’s dramatic landscapes are truly something to behold. If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t have additional money for some of the excursions and activities that are a bit pricier – there are still plenty of amazing things to do in Iceland.
I think one of the best ways to see and experience Iceland is by renting a car and driving the ring road. The ring road allows you to drive in a large loop around the entirety of Iceland. Sprawling fields of lupine, dramatic cliffs, multi-colored craters, black beaches, thick-maned Icelandic horses, whale watching from various regions, fresh seafood, kind individuals and serenity are just some of the special aspects of this gorgeous country.
[…] Click here to read my guide to Iceland! […]