Most tourists who visit Iceland rent a car to explore the country’s many beauty spots. However, there are lots of ways to explore Iceland without the hassle of having to rent and drive a car.
From snowmobiling to hiking, at sea or on land, we’ve found the best, most adrenaline-filled ways of exploring the land of ice and fire.
Snowmobiling near Ice Cave
When it comes to adventure travel, and adventure transport, in particular, there’s no better way to see Iceland than on the back of a snowmobile. Enjoy Iceland’s stunning scenery while whizzing across enormous glaciers or across vast plains of ice and snow.
One of the most popular snowmobile tours available is our 12-hour snowmobile tour of the Golden Circle. Bringing together all the best sites in the Golden Circle, visitors will get to see
Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Langjökull Glacier and much more.
Adventure and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the drive of a lifetime, before meeting back in basecamp and jumping into a Super Jeep for another adventure-filled ride. Novices needn’t worry as there’s no specific snowmobile experience required. However, anyone who wishes to drive solo will need to provide a valid driver’s license.
Arctic Adventures offers a Snowmobiling and Ice Caving tour that takes you to the ice cave seen as the front image of this blog. It’s very likely the most exnihilating way to do snowmobiling in Iceland!
Super Jeep riding in winter
If you’re nervous riding a snowmobile, but still want the adrenaline rush that comes with it, a ride in a Super Jeep could be the next best thing. These monster trucks can navigate the steepest and rockiest of terrains and cross beaches and glaciers with relative ease.
An exhilarating tour across one of Iceland’s biggest glacier is one of the best ways to experience the power of the Super Jeep. A tour of the Vatnajökull Glacier includes a trip to the top of Europe’s largest icecap. Rising 1400m in the air, visitors can enjoy unrivaled views of Iceland’s highest peaks.
Whitewater rafting is one of the most incredible and unique ways to discover Iceland’s wild and rugged landscape. Luckily for those visiting Iceland, Arctic Adventures offers plenty of options when it comes to rafting tours. The Gullfoss Canyon Rafting Tour, involves cruising down Iceland’s Hvitá River, where you’ll be able to completely absorb and appreciate the country’s unique and rugged landscape.
However, the serenity is short-lived, as the adrenaline rush kicks in when passengers pass through the Brúarhlöð canyon. Famous for its fast water and beautiful rock formations, rafting through the canyon is sure to get your blood pumping.
Afterwards, those brave enough can leap from the Brúarhlöð cliffs into the cold waters below or enjoy a well-deserved sauna. Naturally, wetsuits and all necessary equipment are provided, so just remember to pack a swimsuit and towel before taking the plunge into the Arctic water.
Kayaking on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
When it comes to kayaking around Iceland, tourists have two options – adventure or relaxation. Both have their merits, but a kayaking trip around a glacier lagoon is something not to be missed!
Fans of the outdoors can get up close and personal with icebergs thanks to Arctic Adventures’ Glacier Kayak Tour. Explore every corner of the lagoon and enjoy views of the glaciated mountains, glaciers and Vatnajökull’s summit from the water. After kayaking around the lagoon, you’ll get to climb to the top of a glacier and take in the scenery on offer.
Snorkeling in SIlfra Fissure
How many people can say they’ve swam between two tectonic plates? Very few that’s for sure! Iceland is, in fact, the only place in the world which offers visitors this unique experience.
Iceland’s Silfra Fissure was formed because of the diverging North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The freshwater rift is now one of the world’s most sought-after dive sites, thanks to its depth, visibility and uniqueness. Because the glacier water is so clear, it’s possible see up to 100 meters in front of you, meaning divers can enjoy unforgettable views of this underwater world.
Unfortunately, for an adventure like this, diving experience is required. If you wish to book a diving tour of Silfra with Arctic Adventures, a dry suit diving certificate must be produced.
After exploring Iceland by snowmobile, Super Jeep and kayak, it’s time to add ‘by boat’ to the list. Reinvent yourself as an authentic Icelander and take to the high seas in search of the mighty, but elusive, Blue Whale, the biggest animal ever to live on Earth (even bigger than the largest dinosaurs!).
Iceland’s waters are home to a vast array of wildlife, with Dalvík being one of the best places to encounter the great humpback whale, as well as the Minke Whale. On an Arctic Adventures whale watching tour, you’ll also be able to try your hand at sea angling – no experience required!
Northern Lights Watching
If you feel like hunting the aurora borealis, this Northern Lights boat tour is the top pick for you. Departing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, you’ll have to brave the chill of the Atlantic wind for 20 minutes before the crew can escape the city’s lighs and experience the aurora borealis in all of its majesties.
On board, you’ll watch as the green, red and purple lights flicker through the sky lighting up the waters below.
Last, but by no means least, on our list of exciting ways to explore Iceland is hiking. A hike across wild, unspoiled terrain, which boasts glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and volcanoes is an amazing adventure. Thanks to Iceland’s expansive national parks and a wide range of natural attractions, hikers are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a walking route.
One of the most popular routes involves a trek across the Landmannalaugar lava fields. The geothermal area is found in the southern highlands of Iceland and is an endless expanse of colorful mountains, lakes and lush greenery.
Formed as the result of a volcanic eruption in 1477, the area also boasts natural thermal pools, which are ideal for hikers to bathe in after an arduous hike.
Whatever way you wish to explore Iceland, Arctic Adventures can likely organize it for you. Check out our full range of Icelandic day tours to find the perfect adventure holiday!
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