Iceland offers a wealth of outdoor activities. The simplest of these are the unlimited hiking opportunities all around the country - from afternoon walks along the coastline to a two-week trek in the wilderness. Some of the country's best hiking spots can be found in the remote areas of Landmannalaugar, Látrabjarg and Hornstrandir, or in the Reykjanes peninsula between the airport and Reykjavík. There are good skiing facilities near Reykjavík at Bláfjöll, near Akureyri at Hlíðarfjall and near Ísafjörður at Seljalandsdalur. You can also try snowmobiling on the glaciers, whitewater-rafting on the Hvítá, caving in the Hallmundarhraun caves near Húsafell, horse-riding in the interior and swimming in the geothermal pools. For something a little different, you can play a round of midnight sun golf at the Arctic Open held in Akureyri in June.

If damaged, the nature in Iceland can take decades to repair so it is important to treat it with respect. You should also be aware of your physical limitations and always take the necessary precautions before embarking on a potentially dangerous activity. The weather in Iceland can change very quickly and it is not uncommon for bright sunshine to be replaced by snowy blizzards even in July! Taking proper equipment with you is essential as is paying attention to local advice on weather etc. If you don´t have much outdoor experience, it´s a good idea to join an organized group for some activities.

Daytours / Excursions

Organised tours offer you the opportunity to enjoy the view and relax, while someone else takes over the planning, driving and guiding.

There is a wide variety of tours available to suit all interests. A sightseeing tour of Reykjavik on arrival will familiarise you with what the city has to offer, while a day tour from Reykjavik may include the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, the spectacular Geysir geothermal area, a dip in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, a visit to Thingvellir National Park (and World Heritage Site), or a close-up view of a glacier. Longer excursions around the country and into the interior are also available.

You will find tour brochures and helpful staff at the Reykjavik Tourist Information Centre, who will provide information on cost, duration and bookings.

Bus Tours

Tour operators offer a range of bus tours, from half a day to a week or two, taking in Iceland’s many natural attractions.

Activity Tours

For those who are looking for true excitement, activity tours include white-water rafting, kayaking, snowmobiling, dog-sledding (not an Icelandic tradition: the idea is borrowed from Greenland), and the “super-jeep” experience: powerful 4x4 sports-utility vehicles adapted for driving in very rough country, snow, rivers and glaciers. The vehicles are fitted with huge 38 to 44 inch tyres: to drive in deep snow, air is let out of the tyres to provide better traction.

Walking and Hiking

Reykjavík city centre is very compact, making it ideal to explore on foot. The city also has several parks and extensive footpaths, including walking and cycling routes along much of the Reykjavík coastline. Reykjavik's surrounding towns in the Reykjavík Capital Area furthermore offer great open spaces for walking and birdwatching.

A guided walking tour of Reykjavík is an ideal introduction to the city and provides the visitor with interesting cultural insights. Try a themed walking tour, such as a ghost or elf walk, for a unique perspective on the city.

City Walks maps are also available at the Reykjavík Tourist Information Centre. The maps guide you between sculptures and artwork, parks and historic sites.

Hiking

A popular way to experience the "real" Iceland is on your own two feet. Guided walking tours, from half a day to a week or more, are offered by many tour operators.

These tours are not all intended for the seasoned backpacker, although most require a certain level of fitness. Some walking tours include transport for your overnight gear from place to place, so all you need carry is a day-pack with food and some extra clothes. In some cases accommodation is in mountain cabins, while other trips involve camping out.

Whale Watching and Boat Trips

As Reykjavik is surrounded by water, there are plenty of opportunities to take in some of the sights from a distance on one of the many boat tours operating on the water front.

For an exciting sea adventure, try one of the many whale-watching tours that are available from Reykjavik.

The ocean around Reykjavík is a natural habitat for many different types of whales. Commonly sighted types on whale-watching tours from Reykjavík are minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and humpback whales. Trips also pass by islands with large puffin colonies.

The whale watching season runs from April to October and the puffin season from mid-May to mid-August. Note that although marine mammals are almost always sighted on whale watching trips, no guarantees are offered.

Another exciting option is to catch your own fresh fish on a sea-angling cruise, offered by some of the boat operators.

Below we list some of the tour operators who operate regular boat tours throughout the summer months.

Horseback Riding

The Icelandic horse, like the language, has not changed much since the Norse settlers came to Iceland. For many centuries, the horse was the Icelanders’ only form of overland transport and beast of burden, known as “the most useful servant.” As anyone who has been on horseback in the Icelandic countryside can tell you, it is a truly extraordinary way to experience the natural surroundings.

The Icelandic horses are sturdy and very strong, the direct descendants of the horses first brought to Iceland in the Viking Age. They have five gaits: in addition to the walk, trot and gallop, the can move at a tolt (running walk) and skeid (pace, a smooth, fast run). The horses' friendly nature is also perfect for first-timers.

Horse riding tours are available in beautiful sites on the outskirts of Reykjavik. The trips can range from one hour for beginners, to a whole day or even longer for more experienced riders. 

Air Tours

For an unforgettable view of some of Iceland’s remarkable natural attractions, take a sightseeing flight on a fine day from Reykjavik Airport.

Family-Friendly

Thermal Pools
The city's thermal pools are a favourite with children and most have facilities such as waterslides, fountains and floating toys. The thermal beach at Nautholsvik is also a great place to take the family on a sunny summer's day.

Thermal Pools and Spas

One of the delights of a visit to Reykjavik is bathing in one of the many thermal pools, filled with geothermally heated water, which are found in every district of the city.

Abundant resources of geothermal springs mean that the pools are always pleasantly warm, whatever the weather. Most pools are open-air. All have outdoor whirlpools or 'hot-pots' to bask in before or after swimming, and most have waterslides for the young (and young at heart). 

But the pools are only one of the options for basking in the abundant geothermal water. Reykjavík also boasts its own geothermal beach, several luxurious indoor city spas, and the world-famous Blue Lagoon is only a 40-minute drive from the city. Plenty of opportunities for some serious pool hopping!

Active in Reykjavík

Locals love to spend time outdoors, and pursue a wide variety of sports all year round.  Icelanders are keen swimmers, horse-riders and skiers (when there is enough snow), while the two most popular spectator sports in Iceland by far are handball and football (soccer).

There are usually lots of sports events going on all year round.