The best things to do in Iceland, from the Golden Circle and South Coast to Northern Lights, whales and ice caves, plus easy guided day tours from Reykjavík.
There are few countries where the list of things to do in Iceland is so long, so varied, and so tightly packed together. In a single week you can stand behind a waterfall, soak in a geothermal lagoon, watch whales surface off Reykjavík, and chase the Northern Lights across a frozen sky. This guide rounds up 25+ of the best things to do in Iceland, grouped by theme, with the easiest guided day tours from the capital for each one.
Iconic routes and day trips from Reykjavík
If it is your first visit, start with Iceland’s two signature routes. The Golden Circle loops through Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, past the erupting Strokkur geyser in the Haukadalur geothermal field, to the thundering two-tier Gullfoss waterfall. Our Golden Circle Classic day tour covers all three in a single relaxed day from Reykjavík.
The South Coast is the other unmissable run: Seljalandsfoss, which you can walk behind; the broad curtain of Skógafoss; the black-sand beach and basalt columns at Reynisfjara; and the cliffside village of Vík. Our South Coast Adventure tour links them along Route 1. For something quieter, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour reaches the Kirkjufell mountain, lava fields and fishing hamlets often called ‘Iceland in miniature’.
Waterfalls and geysers
Iceland is shaped by meltwater, and its waterfalls are a highlight in their own right. Beyond Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, seek out Goðafoss in the north, the powerful Dettifoss in Vatnajökull National Park, and the hidden Gljúfrabúi tucked inside a mossy canyon. At Geysir, time your visit so you catch Strokkur firing its column of boiling water every few minutes.
Gullfoss — Iceland’s most famous two-tier waterfall
Strokkur — a geyser that erupts every 5–10 minutes
Goðafoss and Dettifoss — dramatic northern falls
Chasing the Northern Lights
Between roughly September and April, dark skies make the aurora one of the most sought-after things to do in Iceland. You need clear weather, low light pollution and a little luck. Our Northern Lights Hunt evening tour drives away from the city glow to give you the best chance, with guides tracking the forecast in real time. No operator can guarantee a sighting — the lights are a natural phenomenon — but getting out of Reykjavík dramatically improves your odds.
Glaciers and ice caves
About 11 percent of Iceland is covered by glaciers, and getting onto or under the ice is unforgettable. In winter, naturally formed blue ice caves open beneath Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Our Ice Cave Explorer tour takes you inside these crystalline caverns with a certified glacier guide. Elsewhere you can admire the floating icebergs of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the stranded ice on neighbouring Diamond Beach.
Geothermal pools and lagoons
Soaking is a national pastime. The Blue Lagoon near Keflavík and the ocean-edge Sky Lagoon just outside Reykjavík are the headline spa experiences, while the Secret Lagoon at Flúðir and the Mývatn Nature Baths in the north feel more low-key. Cheapest and most authentic of all are the local geothermal swimming pools found in almost every town — bring a swimsuit and follow the shower rules.
Wildlife: whales and puffins
The seas around Iceland are rich feeding grounds. From Reykjavík’s old harbour you can sail into Faxaflói Bay to look for minke and humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. In summer, the same waters host comical Atlantic puffins nesting on offshore islands. Our Whale Watching & Puffins tour combines both, with the best puffin sightings from roughly May to August.
Reykjavík culture and food
The world’s northernmost capital rewards a slow wander. Ride the lift up Hallgrímskirkja for a rooftop view over coloured houses, admire the glass Harpa concert hall on the waterfront, browse the shops and cafés of Laugavegur, and try Icelandic staples — a lamb hot dog, fresh fish soup, or rye bread baked in geothermal heat. Add the National Museum and the open-air thermal beach at Nauthólsvík if you have time.
The Highlands (summer only)
For seasoned travellers, the interior Highlands open up roughly from late June to September, when mountain roads are passable. The rhyolite mountains and hot springs of Landmannalaugar and the green valley of Þórsmörk are the standout destinations, reached by 4x4 along rough F-roads. They are remote and weather-dependent, so plan carefully and check road.is before you set out.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Iceland?
The classics are the Golden Circle, the South Coast waterfalls and black-sand beaches, soaking in a geothermal lagoon, whale watching from Reykjavík, and — in winter — hunting the Northern Lights and exploring a blue ice cave. Most can be done as day tours from the capital.
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
Summer (June to August) brings near-endless daylight, open Highland roads and puffins, and is best for hiking and long drives. Winter (roughly September to April) is the season for the Northern Lights and natural ice caves, though daylight is short. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and a balance of both.
Do I need to rent a car, or can I take day tours?
You can do almost all the headline experiences without driving. Guided day tours from Reykjavík cover the Golden Circle, South Coast, Snæfellsnes, whale watching, the Northern Lights and ice caves, with hotel pick-up included. A rental car gives more freedom but adds the responsibility of winter driving and changeable conditions.
What are the best things to do in Iceland in winter?
Winter is ideal for the Northern Lights, exploring naturally formed blue ice caves under Vatnajökull, soaking in steaming lagoons surrounded by snow, and seeing the Golden Circle and South Coast dusted white. Days are short, so book guided tours to make the most of the limited daylight.
Can you see the Northern Lights and go whale watching on the same trip?
Yes. Whale watching runs year-round from Reykjavík’s harbour, while the Northern Lights are visible on dark evenings from about September to April. Combining a daytime whale-watching tour with an evening Northern Lights Hunt makes for a full, memorable day.
