7 Unmissable Activities to do when you visit Iceland

When you visit Iceland you ought to be prepared and know what your plans are. You don’t want to miss anything in this country full of spectacular sights and fun things to do. The island is divided into 7 regions, and all of them have a lot to offer. The suggestive Westfjords, the splendid Reykjanes with its breathtaking natural landscapes, and of course the most famous area of the capital, Reykjavik, with its fervent artistic environment and lively atmosphere. Discover this and more during your trip! But in the meantime, take a look at the 7 unmissable activities when you visit Iceland.

1. Unmissable activities to do when you visit Iceland: Reykjavik

To begin with, of course, you should visit the beautiful capital, Reykjavik. The city’s history dates back to 870 when the first settler of Iceland presumably arrived in the area and gave it its name. Nowadays it is a great cultural, political and economical center and it welcomes millions of tourists every year. The city also offers astounding natural landscapes that you will never forget.

1.1 Sights

Start from the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland’s national sanctuary, and check out Harpa, the city’s concert hall. If you want to discover more about the culture of the country, don’t miss the National Museum of Iceland, where you’ll find out about more than a millennium of human history on this land. And if that isn’t enough, you should also go to the Reykjavík Maritime Museum. For beautiful landscapes, take a ferry to Viðey Island, visit the pond Tjörnin in the city center or go to Sæbraut road and look at the famous sculpture of  The Sun Voyager. And if you’re brave enough to face the cold temperatures, take a cold bath at Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach.

2.2 Nightlife

Reykjavik is well-known for its lively nightlife, with bars that stay open until early in the morning at weekends and great live music. From the Bar Crawl to the fancy nightclubs which often have free entrance and always guarantee lots of fun. Themed bars and parties, live DJ sets, and musical events create the perfect occasion to go out and have fun with your travel buddies and make new acquaintances. Among the many bars and clubs that you should discover, we recommend you to check the Kaffibarinn, the Pablo Discobar, and the Ölstofa.

2. Go snorkeling

A very special activity to do when you visit Iceland is to go snorkeling in Silfra, the main snorkeling spot on the island. It’s located about 50 km away from the capital and between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. There, you’ll find perfectly clear water where you’ll be able to go snorkeling without feeling cold. All it takes is the right equipment: thermal clothes and a good wetsuit, and of course a diving mask, snorkel and fins. And if you want to capture this beautiful memory, don’t forget to bring a GoPro with you! Book an experience and take the chance to enjoy amazing sights and underwater landscapes.

3. Unmissable activities to do when you visit Iceland: Dettifoss Waterfall

Another unmissable stop when you visit Iceland is the stunning Dettifoss Waterfall. You will find it in North Iceland and it’s definitely an unmissable spot. Watch the beauty of the canyon and its incontaminate nature, relax at the sound of the water (but also be prepared to get wet!). Behold this natural beauty far away from the city life. You can either drive there or buy travel packages which include a visit to the site.

4. Go see the wales

Moving on, a very popular activity to do in Iceland is to go whale-watching. You can book a tour and leave from one of the Island’s ports, and try to spot Minke or Humpback Whales, as well as some Orcas or other whale species such as the Pilot or the Beaked. It’s definitely a must to try during your trip! You can book different tours according to your preference and see if you’re going to spot the fascinating cetaceans during the summer’s daylight or under the winter’s northern lights.

5. Discover the Lagoons

Iceland is known for its beautiful lagoons, which are a refined touristic destination. Here are a few recommended ones.

5.1 The Blue Lagoon

Consisting in warm, blue geothermal seawater, it first formed during the 1980s near the Svartsengi geothermal power plant. Nowadays, you will find a fancy spa here, where you can get a skincare treatment, relax and enjoy the stunning view in the meantime. The facility offers accommodation in two top-quality structures, the Silica and Retreat hotels. You’ll find the facility’s website at the bottom of the article.

5.2 The Secret Lagoon

This is the oldest natural pool in Iceland. In fact, it surfaced in 1891. The environment there has been kept untouched and it will provide you with a unique experience at any time of the year, along with all its beneficial features.

5.3 The Sky Lagoon

This thermal spa right in front of the North Atlantic Ocean is an incredibly suggestive spot. Here you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the natural wonder of sunsets or northern lights.

6. Unmissable activities to do when you visit Iceland: Watch the northern lights

Winter is, of course, the best time of the year to watch the magical northern lights in Iceland. However, you could be lucky and be able to spot them at night even during the brightest months. Among the best spots to go watch them are some sites just outside Reykjavik or the stunning glacial lagoon Jökulsárlón. You can book travel packages and tours which can guarantee you to see them in the most suggestive spots and at the best time of the year.

7. Go horse-riding

And finally, one last unmissable thing to do when you visit Iceland is going horse-riding. This activity is particularly loved both by the locals and the tourists. It will give you the opportunity to admire some of the most stunning views of Iceland on horseback. The rides in the snow are among the most evocative, along with the ones through valleys, beaches, and picturesque countryside spots. Many riding schools in Iceland such as Viking Horses, Ishestar Horse Riding Centre, or Íslenski Hesturinn offer riding experiences. You only need to choose which one is the best for you!

You can find out more about this lovely country on the official website here.

Also, find the official Blue Lagoon website here.