Activities

Iceland has a range of outdoor activities that will entertain, invigorate and enrich any visitor. Some of the activities listed below require expert guides and special equipment; check with IST for per-booking and rental/purchase/import options…and enjoy.

Swimming in pools, hot springs and at the Blue Lagoon: Iceland is a country made for swimmers. The health benefits of swimming and bathing for exercise are on display everywhere. Most towns in Iceland have a public pool, usually outdoors, heated by nearby hot springs. Whatever your age, you should take a bathing suit along, just in case you find yourself looking at Icelanders relaxing in a hot spring and want to jump in. Reykjavík, the spa city, has many pools of all shapes and sizes with hot pots (outdoor hot tubs), steam baths and saunas. For a modest fee you can partake and enjoy even in the middle of January. And don't forget ocean swimming right in Reykjavík at a hot spring-fed beach during the summer months.

Horseback Riding - A special way to see the countryside while engaging in a truly fun activity is to book a horseback tour. Whether taking you for a 2-hour trek or a two-week tour around the county, the Icelandic horse is special and a surefooted, instant friend. Even beginners can enjoy a day tour on horseback.

Hiking is an ideal way to see the countryside of Iceland in total safety and on your own schedule. Camping grounds, youth hostels and farms with accommodations abound across the whole of Iceland. You can bring your own equipment or buy or rent it in Iceland. You can hitchhike or take the bus from site to site. You can even join organized hiking tours for up to two weeks.

Super Jeep Treks - The Super Jeep is an Icelandic invention, where Jeeps of various brands have been altered to manage flowing rivers and glacier-driving with ease. Take a tour to visit the natural wonders of Iceland just outside Reykjavík in July or January and experience the ruggedness of the countryside in total comfort. Day tours to all the hot spots in southwestern and southern Iceland make for an enjoyable outing from the big city.

Whale Watching has come to be one of the top activities for visitors to Iceland between May and September. There are many good seafaring companies in the southwest and northeast to choose from and sightings are about 95% assured.

Fishing is at its best in Iceland's world famous salmon rivers. Rent a riverbank for a few days to a week with your own guide and enjoy classic fly-fishing. You can also fish for other river fish and go out on chartered boats for ocean fishing. Be warned that the salmon fishing sport is so sought after that daily fees on the best rivers can exceed $1500. Nonetheless, good angling rivers and lakes can be found for much less.

Skiing is an invigorating winter sport in Iceland as long as there is enough snow. Snowmaking, while present, is not the answer to Mother Nature's non-cooperation. But some slopes up north are generally open all winter with good snow cover. Cross-country skiing is starting to catch on in Iceland.

River rafting and kayaking are fun, invigorating activities on Iceland's beautiful rivers including some of the glacial rivers with their milky blue color.

Mountain climbing for the experienced can include backpacking onto the glaciers, cross-country skiing, hiking up and into volcanic craters and ice climbing. Consider the exciting and carefully planned tours with experienced, licensed mountain guides onto Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier.

Hunting is an active sport in Iceland, whether shooting for fowl or hunting the reindeer in eastern Iceland. Experienced guides and scheduled departures assure the avid hunter of guaranteed success.

Golfing in Iceland? You bet! There are more than 50 golf courses in the country, with about a quarter with18 holes. Many courses have stunning scenery along the windswept coastline or high in the hills. You can tee off at midnight at the annual Arctic Open in Akureryi. And don't expect long waits for tee times.

Bird Watching is "big" in Iceland with over 70 bird species breeding annually in Iceland. Iceland is a major north/south and east/west stopping ground for migrating bird species. Spring and autumn are the best time of year to enjoy bird watching in Iceland.

Cycling, both mountain and touring, are challenging and rewarding ways to see Iceland but beware of the dusty and bumpy roads. Biking caravans are a regular sight in summer time. Organized touring with bike rentals is available.

Snowmobiling and dog sledging are fun activities on the glaciers not far from Reykjavík and on Vatnajökull out east. Yes, the dogs and sledges were imported from Greenland by a Dane, who offers tours on the glaciers throughout the year.

Boating and sailing are available activities around Reykjavík and around the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) where Keiko (of Free Willy fame) is currently in residence.