The 12 Most Unique Experiences in Iceland
Category
Categories
Travel Guide
Type
Glacier Lagoons, Bird Sights
Destination
Vatnajokull national Park
High season
Jun - Aug & Nov - Jan
Area
18 sq km
Outflow
Atlantic Ocean
Popular articles

Most Unforgettable Adventures in Iceland
Unique Experiences
Iceland offers a one-of-a-kind experience with its rare attractions and exceptional activities. Discover eight unique experiences you can enjoy during your visit to Iceland.
Iceland is a land of thrilling activities and stunning landscapes. From geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes to valleys and black sandy beaches, the country has it all. You can engage in activities like hiking, biking, snowmobiling, kayaking, or simply relaxing in a natural hot spring. The possibilities for adventure and relaxation are truly endless in Iceland.
Exploring the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon by Boat
There are countless remarkable experiences to be had in Iceland, making it difficult to choose the best destinations and activities. Some are only available in certain seasons, while others can be enjoyed year-round, with a few being truly extraordinary and sporadic, like witnessing volcanic eruptions.
While waiting for the next eruption, visitors can marvel at the natural wonders and engage in activities that set Iceland apart as a remarkable and unforgettable place.
Experience Dog Sledding in Iceland
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Welcome To Iceland’s dog sledding tours. This thrilling experience is accessible to all, with two individuals per sled along with the professional Musher guiding the way. You’ll be pulled through the picturesque Icelandic scenery by a team of 6-8 enthusiastic and charming Husky dogs.
These lovable dogs mainly originate from Greenland, although you may also encounter Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Huskies. If you have a soft spot for canine companions, this tour is tailor-made for you! Take in the breathtaking views, ensure you’re dressed warmly for the excursion, and don’t miss the chance to pet these furry friends along the way.
Top Dog Sledding Tours
Experience the thrill of dog sledding in Iceland with Welcome To Iceland’s top dog sledding tours. Explore the stunning Icelandic landscape in a unique and unforgettable way, guided by a team of expert mushers and their loyal canine companions. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, dog sledding offers an exhilarating adventure for all levels of experience. Choose from a variety of tours that cater to different preferences and durations, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Discover an Active Volcano – From the Interior
Iceland is renowned worldwide as the land of ice and fire. Along with numerous glaciers and snow-capped mountains, volcanoes are scattered throughout the island. One of these remarkable geological features is the Þríhnjúkagígur volcano, situated in the southern part of Iceland. Despite its name meaning ‘Three Top Crater’, this volcano has been dormant since the second century BC, allowing visitors to safely explore its interior.
Exploring the Inside of a Volcano in Iceland
One of the unique features of this volcano in Iceland is the opportunity to venture inside its magma chamber, a remarkable experience unlike any other. The chamber descends to a depth of 213 meters (699 ft) and spans an area of 3,270 square meters (35,200 sq ft). To access this extraordinary site, visitors will descend via a specially designed elevator that goes all the way down to the chamber’s bottom.
Over the years, two notable musical performances have taken place within the magma chamber of Þríhnúkagígur. Icelandic band Kaleo recorded a live rendition of their song ‘Way Down We Go’, captivating audiences with the unique acoustics of this underground setting. Additionally, American artist Chino Moreno from Deftones staged a public concert during the Secret Solstice music festival in 2016, further highlighting the extraordinary nature of this location.
For travelers seeking a distinctive and vibrant experience, exploring the interior of this volcano is an absolute must. The Inside The Volcano tour is exclusively available during the summer season, running from the 15th of May until the end of September. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this unforgettable journey into the heart of Iceland’s geological wonders.
Experience Midnight Sun Activities
Engage in an unforgettable adventure under the mesmerizing midnight sun during an Icelandic summer night. This natural phenomenon can only be witnessed between late May and early August, making these experiences truly unique and limited to this specific timeframe.
Unique Horseback Riding Experience Under the Midnight Sun in Iceland
Exploring Iceland on horseback offers a distinctive experience, especially with the renowned Icelandic horses known for their additional gaits and smaller stature compared to other breeds. For an even more unforgettable adventure, consider riding under the captivating midnight sun. This surreal trail riding opportunity is truly one-of-a-kind, making Iceland a remarkable destination for equestrian enthusiasts.
Top Horse Riding Tours
Explore the best horse riding tours in Iceland with Welcome To Iceland.
Experience Midnight Sun Golfing in Iceland
In Iceland, you can enjoy the unique experience of playing golf under the midnight sun during the summer months. With many golf courses open 24 hours a day, golfers have the opportunity to play through the bright summer nights. Surprisingly, Iceland is home to a total of 65 golf courses spread across the country, offering a diverse range of playing options. Despite its small population, Iceland manages to host a varied selection of golf courses, with 16 featuring 18 holes, 2 with 27 holes, and the majority having 9 holes, catering to golfers of all levels.
Unique Golfing Experience in Iceland
Although Iceland is known for its strong winds, the breeze tends to calm down during the bright summer nights. Despite this, players can enjoy stunning views while golfing on Icelandic courses set amidst lava fields overlooking magnificent mountain ranges or the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Enthusiasts will find that golfing in Iceland offers a truly unmatched experience, especially during the midnight sun period. What’s more, these courses are surprisingly budget-friendly, with some even providing discounts for couples.
Experience the Midnight Sun and Relax in Hot Springs
Iceland offers a range of hot springs, including both artificial hot tubs and naturally warm rivers. In the Reykjavík area alone, there are 18 swimming pools, along with a hot foot bath in Grandi and a geothermally heated water beach.
Across Iceland, natural hot springs are abundant, with the highest concentration located in the Westfjords region. There’s nothing quite like unwinding in a secluded hot spring during the summer months—it’s undeniably one of Iceland’s most delightful experiences.
Experience Glacier Hiking under the Midnight Sun
Exploring a glacier is a remarkable experience. While glaciers are present worldwide, their existence is under threat, with some already losing their glacier status like Iceland’s former glacier ‘Ok’. If you wish to enjoy glacier hiking, it is advisable to do so sooner rather than later.
During summer in Iceland, the days are endless, with bright and cool evenings illuminated by a captivating blend of sunset and sunrise. This makes it the ideal time to embark on a hiking adventure!
Iceland offers a diverse landscape with mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, and various hiking trails to explore. There is a myriad of glacier and ice cap tours to choose from, including the exciting opportunity for midnight sun glacier hiking tours.
Top Glacier Tours
Welcome To Iceland offers a selection of top glacier tours for an unforgettable experience in Iceland’s stunning natural landscapes. Explore the majestic glaciers, ice caves, and ice tunnels with expert guides leading the way. Whether you prefer an adventurous glacier hike or a thrilling ice climbing excursion, there is a tour suitable for every level of experience. Witness the beauty of these icy giants up close and create lasting memories on one of our top glacier tours.
Experience Midnight Sun Kayaking in Iceland
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Iceland through the unique experience of kayaking under the midnight sun. Interact with the stunning landscape from a different perspective, revealing angles that can only be seen from the water.
Midnight sun kayaking offers an authentic and exhilarating way to appreciate the mesmerizing sights as the warm sunlight shimmers on the water’s surface. Enjoy the continuous radiance and warmth of the never-ending sun while exploring Iceland’s pristine waters.
Experience the Midnight Sun Kayaking Tour in Iceland
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Iceland by booking an evening kayaking tour under the midnight sun. Witness one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks glowing in the warm hues of summer, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Iceland in a unique and unforgettable way.
Experience Iceland’s Beauty from the Sky with Helicopter Tours
Witness the stunning beauty of Iceland from a unique perspective by taking a helicopter tour. Flying high above the breathtaking landscapes, a helicopter provides a close-up view of Iceland’s natural wonders, including hidden gems rarely accessible on foot.
Embark on a helicopter expedition to discover remote locations like the site of Iceland’s recent volcanic eruption, where molten lava once flowed. You can opt to soar over Reykjavík, soar above majestic glaciers and cascading waterfalls, and even land near Eyjafjallajökull volcano to experience the latent heat simmering beneath the surface. The choice is yours to explore Iceland in a truly remarkable way.
Helicopter tours are available throughout the year, contingent upon weather conditions.
Experience the Magic of the Aurora Borealis
Witnessing the enchanting dance of the Northern Lights is a dream come true for many, and Iceland offers a magical opportunity to experience this natural wonder, despite their elusive nature. While the aurora borealis can be seen throughout the year, the conditions must be right, with darkness and clear skies being essential—meaning they are visible during winter when the nights are long.
The prime time to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis in Iceland is from late August to early September until the end of April. For further details about this mesmerizing phenomenon, you can explore more information about the Northern Lights.
Best Northern Lights Tours & Holidays in Iceland
Discover the most captivating Northern Lights tours and holidays in Iceland to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon in all its glory.
Explore the Abyss: Snorkeling in Silfra
Dive into the frigid waters and uncover the breathtaking and exceptional beauty lying just beneath the shimmering surface.
Þingvellir National Park forms part of the renowned Golden Circle route and houses Iceland’s largest lake, Þingvallavatn. This site showcases the gradual separation of two tectonic plates—the American and Euro-Asian plates—which is a unique natural phenomenon. Witness the dramatic exposure of both plates meeting at this one-of-a-kind location on Earth.
Embark on a diving or snorkeling adventure in Silfra, a stunning gorge brimming with exceptionally clear water, boasting visibility of over 100 meters. This allows you to swim between the two distinct plates and immerse yourself in an experience like no other. Snorkeling excursions are available year-round.
Best Diving Excursions in Iceland
Explore Natural Ice Caves in Iceland
One of the most exceptional adventures you can have in Iceland is exploring the mesmerizing blue ice caves located deep within the country’s majestic glaciers.
Iceland boasts a myriad of glaciers, many of which harbor breathtaking ice caves. These natural wonders are sculpted by glacial rivers, formed by the thawing ice from the ice cap above during the summer season. As you step inside a glacier cave, the vibrant blue hue of the ice illuminates the surroundings, creating an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience.
Embark on a 2-day excursion to explore an ice cave and other winter wonders in South Iceland
Exploring Ice Caves and Tunnels in Iceland
During the summer months in Iceland, caves are often filled with water, making exploration inside impossible. The best time to visit ice caves is in the winter, typically from mid-October to March, with some tours starting in November. However, if you find yourself in Iceland during the summer and still want to experience icy wonders, Langjökull, the country’s second-largest glacier, offers an alternative.
Within Langjökull, visitors can explore man-made ice tunnels that have been in operation since June 2015. These tunnels reveal a hidden glacier cave, showcasing the otherworldly and uncharted nature of Iceland’s vast ice caps.
Ice Caving Adventures in Iceland
Besides the fascinating opportunity to venture 200 meters into the glacier’s depths and marvel at the mesmerizing blue light trapped within the ice, couples can exchange vows in a specially designed ice chapel. These stunning ice tunnels are open for exploration all year round.
Explore Natural Ice Caves
For those seeking a more natural ice cave experience, a remarkable ice cave near the Katla volcano awaits exploration. While the ice in this cave may not exhibit the striking blue hue, it offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to go ice caving during the Icelandic summer months. Secure your spot on the Katla ice cave tour today.
Best Ice Cave Excursions
Ice caves are one of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders, offering a unique and magical experience for visitors. Here are some of the top ice cave tours that Welcome To Iceland recommends:
Snowmobiling Adventure on an Icelandic Glacier
Snowmobiling in Iceland provides an unparalleled and thrilling experience, allowing visitors to explore untouched ice-caps in a unique way. Unlike traditional glacier hiking, snowmobiling offers the opportunity to reach high speeds with ease, making it an exciting adventure for all.
Snowmobiling in Iceland
Iceland’s glaciers offer a vast expanse for snowmobilers to enjoy, with experienced guides available to lead the way on specific routes. However, there are plenty of opportunities for independent exploration across these icy landscapes.
Popular Ice Caps
Three of the most popular ice caps in Iceland for snowmobiling are Langjökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Vatnajökull. Snowmobiling on Langjökull is often combined with the Golden Circle sightseeing route, with tours typically starting from Gullfoss waterfall car park. Mýrdalsjökull and Vatnajökull, on the other hand, are located along the scenic South Coast.
Vatnajökull Glacier
Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier, covering about 8% of Iceland’s land area, making it a top destination for snowmobiling in Europe. Visitors can embark on snowmobiling adventures from Akureyri, known as Iceland’s unofficial northern capital, or explore the mystical ‘Troll’s Peninsula’ in Tröllaskagi.