Top Iceland Vacation Ideas: 8 Of Our Favourite Adventures
Ready for an adventure like no other? If it's not the best mountains to climb in Europe, then you can go to Iceland for many activities, including kayaking and wild camping. The country is known as the land of fire and ice, a playground for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
At Skyhook, we're passionate about helping you experience the best this Nordic wonderland offers. From ethereal landscapes to unique cultural experiences, Iceland has something to captivate every traveller.
Let's dive into some of our favourite vacation ideas to make your Icelandic journey unforgettable.
1. Explore the Vibrant Capital: Reykjavik
An excellent way to kick off your Icelandic journey is by visiting Reykjavik, the vibrant capital brimming with colour, creativity, and charisma.
Here, you can wander down Laugavegur Street for quirky boutiques and cafés and climb the iconic Hallgrímskirkja for killer city views.
Don't forget to relax in a local geothermal pool or soak up the scene at a lively harbourfront bar.
Must-visit Spots:
Hallgrímskirkja: This towering church offers panoramic city views from its observation deck.
Harpa Concert Hall: Marvel at its stunning architecture and catch a live performance.
Laugavegur: The city's main shopping street has unique shops and eateries.
Perlan Museum: Learn about Iceland's natural wonders and walk through an authentic ice cave.
Pro tip: Don't miss Reykjavik's legendary nightlife, especially during the summer nights when the sun barely sets. It's a great way to mingle with locals and fellow travellers!
2. Experience the Untamed Beauty of Hornstrandir
If you want to discover the wild and explore untouched beauty, Hornstrandir, a remote nature reserve in the Iceland west fjords, is the place to be. This isolated paradise offers rugged landscapes, towering cliffs, and diverse wildlife.
Home to Arctic foxes, seabird colonies, and lush flora, Hornstrandir Iceland promises an authentic wilderness experience. The cliffs of Hornbjarg offer jaw-dropping views, and the tranquil fjords provide perfect spots for contemplation and photography.
When ready to explore this pristine wilderness, Skyhook offers the Hornstrandir Traverse and luxury camping trip. You'll trek through some of Iceland's most stunning scenery, enjoy hearty meals at a comfortable base camp, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature.
Here's how our itinerary looks:
Day 1: Hike from Veiðileysufjörður to Hornvík
In Ísafjörður, meet the local guides at Aðalstræti 17 (downtown main street) for trip updates, then head to the harbour to catch a ferry to Veiðileysufjörður.
Hike to Hornvík via Hafnarskarð Pass, enjoying breathtaking views of Hornvík Bay.
Settle in at the base camp with a delicious home-cooked meal.
Distance: 12km | Altitude gain: 550m
Day 2: Hike to Látravík
Hike over Kýrskard Pass to Látravík lighthouse.
Continue through cliffs, spotting Arctic foxes and enjoying panoramic waterfall views of the Drífandi waterfall before returning to the camp.
Distance: 15km | Altitude gain: 500m
Day 3: Hike to Hornbjarg Bird Cliffs
Hike to the old farm of Horn and climb Hornbjarg bird cliffs.
Enjoy stunning views and watch thousands of nesting birds.
Return to the base camp and board the boat back to Ísafjörður.
Distance: 14km | Altitude gain: 450m
3. Kayak and Wild Camp the Icelandic Coast
Dreaming of kayaking in Iceland?
You can glide across the crystal-clear waters of Ísafjarðardjúp Bay, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, sweeping fjords, and lots of colourful flora.
How, you ask? Easy! Book a Kayak and Wild Camp the Icelandic Coast (3-Days) trip with Skyhook!
This trip takes you along Iceland's breathtaking north-western coast - a journey that promises tranquillity and excitement. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Iceland's remote west fjords. Paddle through serene waters, spot playful harbour seals and discover isolated beaches where you'll set up camp under a canopy of stars.
Planning a solo trip to Iceland? Single travellers are welcome to join this small group adventure!
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4. Chase the Northern Lights
Who wouldn't want to see the Aurora Borealis, nature's most dazzling light show? Watching the Northern Lights in Iceland is like seeing the sky come alive with a mesmerising dance of colours.
The best time to travel to Iceland for the Northern Lights is from September to April, when the nights are long and dark, providing the perfect canvas for this celestial phenomenon.
Þingvellir National Park is one of the top spots for Northern Lights viewing. With minimal light pollution and expansive views, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers the ideal setting for a light show.
At Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the Northern Lights reflect off the icy waters, creating a surreal and beautiful scene. The floating icebergs and the auroras above make for an unforgettable experience.
Kirkjufell Mountain on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is another fantastic location. The combination of the mountain's striking silhouette and the dancing lights above makes for a picture-perfect scene.
5. Soak in Geothermal Hot Springs
Geothermal hot springs offer the ultimate relaxation after a day of adventure, and Iceland is brimming with these natural oases.
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland's iconic geothermal spa. It is located near Reykjavik and is famous for its milky-blue waters, where you can float, enjoy a silica mud mask, or sip a drink from the in-water bar.
For a more tranquil soak, visit Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. This hidden gem offers a rustic setting with natural hot springs and fewer crowds.
In North Iceland, Mývatn Nature Baths provide stunning views of volcanic terrain while you relax in warm, mineral-rich waters.
For something exceptional, try Húsafell Giljabáð - a serene hot spring nestled in a dormant volcano, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
When checking your Iceland packing list, don't forget your swimsuit and a towel!
6. Experience the Majestic Glacial Fjords of Iceland
The glacial fjords offer a majestic natural wonder waiting to be explored as one of the best Iceland hikes. In Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, you can paddle through serene fjords surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and expansive glaciers.
From the peaceful waters of Hesteyri to the bird-filled fjord of Lónafjörður and the glacial marvel of Leirufjörður, these fjords provide a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks and rich wildlife.
You can book Skyhook's luxurious four-day Kayak the Glacial Fjords of Iceland tour for the perfect adventure when ready to dive deep into this beautiful environment. We will help you have the best experience in the fjords by day and enjoy cosy lodgings in the evenings.
7. Road Trip Along the Ring Road
Are you an adventure seeker ready for the Iceland road trip of a lifetime? Iceland's Ring Road, a 1,332 km journey, will knock your thermal socks off!
You'll kick things off at the Golden Circle, where history meets nature's power. Step into the past at Þingvellir, watch Geysir put on a steamy show and feel the raw energy of Gullfoss waterfall. As you cruise down the South Coast, prepare for waterfall overload and beaches that are more goth than tropical – and trust us, it's fantastic!
The East Fjords offer a change of pace with their postcard-perfect villages and rugged coastlines. Your camera will thank you!
Up North, Lake Mývatn's otherworldly landscapes will leave you speechless, Dettifoss will roar its thunderous hello, and Akureyri will show you how to party, Iceland-style.
Your grand finale? The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where Mother Nature couldn't pick just one landscape. Lava fields, glaciers, and dramatic cliffs all vie for your attention in this Icelandic highlight reel.
Pro tip: Iceland's weather is unpredictable, so always check those road conditions and forecasts.
8. Whale Watching
Get ready for a whale of a time in Iceland's cool waters! With over 20 species of cetaceans calling these seas home, you're in for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
Húsavík, Europe's unofficial whale-watching capital, is where the action's at. But don't worry if you're hanging out in Reykjavik – the capital's got you covered with convenient tours.
And if you find yourself up north in Akureyri, you can play "Spot the Whale and Puffin" in one epic trip during summer.
While whales love to show off from April to October, some of these majestic beasts stick around all year. So, whether you're watching a humpback breach or a pod of orcas cruise by, you'll be in for a splash-tacular show!
Wrapping Up
It suffices to say you've glimpsed the tip of the Icelandic iceberg. But the real magic happens when your boots hit the ground and your eyes meet the horizon.
Iceland is a destination that offers a plot twist in your life story. It's where city slickers become glacier trekkers, and camera-shy folks turn into Northern Lights paparazzi.
So, what's your Icelandic tale going to be? Will you pen it paddling through fjords, scribble it road-tripping the Ring, or compose it while whale-watching under the midnight sun?
Book a trip with us and perhaps start your adventure with these Iceland trip ideas!
