7 activities to do in Iceland

Who hasn't dreamed one day of discovering with delight the Icelandic midnight sun and recharging in the land of elves near the Arctic Circle? Here we offer you 7 activities to do in Iceland, with guaranteed thrills and breathtaking landscapes!

Iceland, literally "Land of Ice", is full of preserved natural wonders unique in the world. Located between Europe and America, it offers a delightful mix of Viking culture and modernity... This tailor-made trip to Iceland will take you to discover this volcanic island that made headlines during the eruption of its Eyjafjallajökull volcano, causing air traffic paralysis on a... global level!

#1 Admire the Northern Lights

A natural phenomenon visible in the northernmost countries of the planet, the Northern Lights, or polar auroras, have always fascinated humans since the dawn of time. Visible in clear skies, they are explained by the proximity to the North Pole creating a reaction between clouds charged with solar particles and the magnetic field, and display a whole range of colors, with green remaining dominant through sometimes spectacular veils... The phenomenon can be observed from late August to early April, with winter being the most favorable period. Do not go hunting for auroras in summer, as the nights are too short and not dark enough.

#2 Dive between two faults

Eager for strong and unique sensations? Discovering the Silfra fissure is made for you... Dive between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the waters are crystal clear with a field of vision opening up to about 100 meters in front of you! Truly impressive, this unique site will allow you to slip between two continents and observe the 55-meter-deep fissure. Accessible all year round, diving enthusiasts will have a blast. The water is rather cool, but you quickly forget! Guaranteed thrills.

#3 Discover the Golden Circle

In the southwest of the island, the Golden Circle is a must on the list of 7 activities to do in Iceland. It brings together the three most visited sites in the country, with something for everyone: hiking, waterfalls, and geysers. In Thingvellir National Park, where the Viking Althing Parliament was created in 930, you will discover the famous Silfra fissure, not to be missed under any circumstances!

Then discover the spectacular Gullfoss waterfalls and its rainbow that often accompanies it... Finally, the Geysir geothermal area will allow you to observe a geyser shooting a jet of water every 5 minutes. Near the Golden Circle, many unusual activities are available, such as whale watching, horseback or snowmobile rides, and a swim in the hot baths of the Blue Lagoon.

#4 Discover the Valley of Thor and the Kingdom of Elves

For hiking enthusiasts, head south of the country, to the Thorsmork valley, which translates to Thor's forest, Viking culture obliges! The walks are superb, but be careful, access is not the easiest, you will need a 4x4... The landscapes mix birch forests, moss, and rocky valleys. Further north, Landmannalaugar is accessible only in summer. You can go on treks ranging from a few hours to 4 days to admire lava fields, crystal-clear lakes, and smell the sulfur from active volcanoes. Another curiosity of Icelandic culture, discover the kingdom of elves in Hellisgerdi Park south of Reykjavik. These little legendary creatures have always fascinated the locals, so much so that they founded an elf school in the heart of the capital! To be seen all year round, for young and old alike...

#5 Bathe in hot springs

In the north of the country, the Diamond Circle region offers breathtaking landscapes, between craters, waterfalls, bubbling baths, and hot springs. Nature lovers will be spoiled for choice. The region is accessible by plane from Reykjavik, with a rental car count about 7 hours by road. A must-do: Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful in Iceland, an unmissable site.

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#6 Enter inside a volcano

Near the capital, you can discover a unique activity in the world by entering the heart of a volcano, Thrihnukagigur, dormant for 4,000 years, rest assured... After a short walk of about an hour through lava fields, your guide will equip you with helmets and harnesses to descend into the magma chamber using a kind of crane elevator. The crater is as big as 3 basketball courts and you will descend about a hundred meters deep, discovering the thousand-colored hues of volcanic rock. It is highly recommended to book in advance, as this unique and unusual attraction is attracting more and more enthusiasts...

#7 Explore the glaciers

It is in the southeast of the country, in the Vatnajökull National Park, that you will have the chance to visit the famous ice caves. Accessible only in autumn, the caves form naturally after the ice melts. They are regularly studied by professionals to ensure visitor safety. In good weather, the ice takes on a breathtaking blue color, a feast for the eyes! If you choose to travel in summer, visiting the caves will not be possible, but as a small consolation, you can navigate among the glaciers in an amphibious vehicle to admire the hidden side of the icebergs and meet the seals on the ice floe!

With its grandiose landscapes and wide open spaces, Iceland's many natural sites will give you the impression of a journey to the center of the earth. So let yourself be tempted by a road trip among volcanoes, fjords, glaciers in the land of the Vikings, while enjoying the Northern Lights and swims in natural hot springs, known for their beneficial properties. It's up to you to choose among the 7 activities to do in Iceland...!