Things to do in 

Iceland

Swap the Ring Road rush for alternative things to do, from Reykjavik’s creative corners to quiet fjord towns, and uncover authentic activities with locals who know the weather and ways.

Cultural experiences: In Reykjavik, chat with roasters by the Old Harbor, then cross the bay to Akranes for a seaweed-foraging stroll that families love. At Laugarvatn near Selfoss, help bake rye bread in geothermal sand before a lakeside soak. In Akureyri and nearby Skagafjörður, step into turf houses at Glaumbær and hear stories over coffee and kleinur. In Seyðisfjörður, follow the art walk from Skaftfell, while Ísafjörður offers line-caught tastings and gentle fjord paddles that suit seniors and first-time kayakers.

Day trip ideas: From Reykjavik, ferry to Viðey Island for sculpture-dotted paths and sweeping bay views, or loop the Reykjanes Peninsula for steaming Gunnuhver vents, Brimketill’s surf, and fish soup in Grindavík. From Akureyri, detour to Húsavík for a quiet soak at GeoSea after a harbor stroll. From Egilsstaðir, drive to Borgarfjörður Eystri for elf-lore trails and a harbor café; couples linger long after lunch. Luxury travelers can add a private super jeep run into quieter Highlands tracks when conditions allow.

Explore Iceland’s regions: On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula from Borgarnes to Arnarstapi, follow lava beaches and working harbors without South Coast crowds. The Westfjords around Patreksfjörður and Bíldudalur feel remote yet reachable from Ísafjörður, with cliff walks and quirky, small museums. North Iceland from Akureyri to Lake Mývatn blends steaming fields and farm visits, while Eastfjords villages like Djúpivogur and Seyðisfjörður reward slow evenings on the quay. If you’re based in Hella or Hvolsvöllur, seasonal tracks to Landmannalaugar bring rhyolite hikes and hot spring dips.

Travel tip: Plan 8–12 days for Reykjavik, Snæfellsnes, and the South Coast with a Westfjords finale; 14 days suits a full Ring Road with detours. Pair neatly with fjord time in Norway or a city-and-coast hop to Scotland.

More places to see in Iceland

Outside Reykjavik, make room for coastlines, small towns, and wide-open valleys where a quick stop turns into a slow wander.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Walk the cliff path between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, pause at the black church of Búðir as the light softens over the lava, and watch Kirkjufell reflect in the calm water near Grundarfjörður in the evening.

Westfjords: Stand close to the cascading tiers of Dynjandi, grab a mid-afternoon coffee in Ísafjörður before a look inside the Maritime Museum, and ease into the seaside hot pots at Pollurinn in Tálknafjörður as the day cools down.

North Iceland: Trace the steaming mud pools at Hverir near Lake Mývatn, feel the mist at Goðafoss from the basalt ledges, and head to Húsavík for a late-day whale-watching cruise in summer when the light lingers.

Eastfjords: Wander past the blue church in Seyðisfjörður and the small studios around it, watch puffins from the wooden hides at Hafnarhólmi in Borgarfjörður Eystri in late spring or summer, and take a clear-morning hike to Stórurð for quiet pools under striped slopes.

Seasonal activities

Spring: Spring ripens slowly as waterfalls thunder with meltwater, lambs appear in farm fields, and daylight stretches by the week. Spot puffins along sea cliffs from late April, soak in geothermal pools between brisk walks, and enjoy quieter roads that suit seniors and relaxed travellers.

Summer: Under the midnight sun, things to do in Iceland in summer range from glacier edges to black-sand beaches without a curfew of darkness. Hike in the Highlands when tracks open, watch whales from harbour towns, and plan long golden evenings in Reykjavik’s parks, easy wins for families and photographers.

Fall: Come September, berries ripen and the aurora returns as nights lengthen. Join locals at a réttir sheep round-up viewpoint, wander mossy lava fields after fresh rain, and hole up in cosy cafés between scenic drives, a pace couples tend to love.

Winter: Winter concentrates the drama: snow-dusted lava, low sunlight, and bright northern lights on clear nights. Christmas in Reykjavik brings twinkling streets and folkloric Yule Lads, while guided ice caves and lagoon soaks turn short days into memorable moments for adventurous travellers and luxury seekers.

Iceland’s calendar leans social. National Day on 17 June brings parades and concerts, Reykjavik Culture Night in August opens galleries and ends with fireworks, and Reykjavik Pride paints the city in rainbow colours. In early June, Seafarers’ Day fills harbours with games and demonstrations, and February’s Winter Lights Festival brightens the dark with art and illuminated walks.