Activities in Iceland

Short on time in the capital? Whether you're on a layover or have a single day to spend in Reykjavík, these picks make the most of a few hours:

• Reykjavik Food Walk. Discover authentic Icelandic cuisine through the eyes of local foodies. During this walking tour, you’ll pass by some of the most famous attractions in Reykjavík while your local guide shares the stories behind the city and its food.

• Whale watching from Reykjavík Old Harbor. A 2–3 hour boat trip from the heart of the capital into Faxaflói Bay, where minke whales, humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises are spotted year-round. Easy to slot into a tight itinerary with no transfer outside the city.

For more options based in and around the capital, browse our Reykjavík day tours.

Iceland's summer season runs roughly from June through August. It's the only window when the highland F-roads open, when the Midnight Sun keeps the sky lit around the clock near the June 21 solstice, and when Atlantic puffins are nesting on coastal cliffs. These conditions unlock a set of tours that aren't available the rest of the year:

• Landmannalaugar Hiking Day Tour. A guided day trip into the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, where rhyolite mountains shift from red to green and lava fields, canyons, and steaming hot springs sit within walking distance of each other. Only accessible by F-road in summer. Pack a swimsuit for the natural hot pool at the end of the hike. 
  
  
• Westman Island, Volcanoes & Puffins tour. A full-day trip to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago. Walk across the 1973 Eldfell lava flow that buried a third of the town, hike to the crater rim, and visit cliffside lookouts where Atlantic puffins nest from May through August.

• Whales & Puffin Tour from Reykjavík. A 3 to 5 hour boat trip from Reykjavík Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay, combining whale watching with a stop at a nearby puffin nesting island. The four species most commonly spotted are humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Operates only May through August, when the puffins are ashore on their breeding cliffs.

• Hvítá River Rafting. A 3-hour Class 2 rafting trip down the Hvítá River through Brúarhlöð Canyon, the same glacial meltwater that feeds Gullfoss waterfall. Available May to September only, when river levels and water temperatures allow safe descents. Rated Moderate, open to ages 11 and up.

• Golden Circle and Northern Lights. Northern Lights hunting is the ultimate winter adventure in Iceland. Combine it with a Golden Circle tour and make a day of it! During the tour, you’ll visit Thingvellir, Haukadalur Valley, and Gullfoss. Cap the day off with a Northern Lights show.

• Snowmobiling and Ice Caving. This is the ultimate winter adventure combo. Start your day with a snowmobiling tour across Langjokull (the Long Glacier) and then descend into a natural ice cave. No previous snowmobiling experience is needed and all necessary gear is provided.

• ATV/ Quad Bike Adventure. Explore the Icelandic winter wonderland on this hour-long ATV tour. You’ll ascend and descend Hafrafjall Mountain and witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Iceland. Quad bikes can access any terrain, allowing you to reach previously untouched places.

Besides adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures, Reykjavik has an abundance of indoor activities on offer. Here are a few things you can do regardless of the weather:

• Whales of Iceland. The trip to the Whales of Iceland museum is perfect for a rainy day. Explore 23-life-sized models of various whale species, dolphins and other sea creatures. Find yourself at the bottom of the sea with available VR equipment. A fun family day guaranteed!

• Viking Sagas Theatrical Show. Dive deep into the history of Iceland on this theatrical comedy show! It’s family-friendly and an hour of laughter is guaranteed. You’re allowed to take pictures (without flash) so make sure you bring some memories back!

• Reykjavik City Card. The best bang for your buck. The Reykjavik City Card is loved by both travelers and locals. It doesn’t cost a lot but provides free entry to most of Reykjavik’s museums, art galleries, and thermal pools. It also gets you discounts on food, public transport, and many other activities in Reykjavik.