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Top 5-day Iceland Itinerary Ideas
Whether you choose a self-drive adventure, a guided private trip, or a multi-day tour from Reykjavík, there are a few different ways you can experience your 5 days in Iceland. Read on for the best itinerary ideas to consider for your getaway.
- Find your ideal 5-day trip with these Iceland vacation packages.
1. South Iceland 5-day road trip
Exploring the south coast of Iceland gives you the chance to see many of the spellbinding sights that make Iceland so iconic. Along the south coast, you could marvel at black sand beaches, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Skógafoss waterfall, and the historic town of Vík.
To discover Iceland in 5 days, take this south coast tour that delivers everything you want to see when time is limited.
- Check out more options for Iceland self-drive tours.
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
You’ll land in Keflavík, the main airport serving the capital, Reykjavík. The city is approximately a 45-minute drive away, and along the way, you can start to see some of the volcanic landscape that makes up much of Iceland.
If your flight lands during the day, why not start off with a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon? Ideal if you’ve had a long flight, this Icelandic geothermal pool offers pure relaxation in its mineral-rich waters. After you’ve revived in the hot spring, head over to your hotel.
Day 2: The Golden Circle
No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the Golden Circle. Start in Þingvellir National Park (also referred to as Thingvellir National Park), which is 50 km (30 mi) from Reykjavík.
The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet here, and the Mid-Atlantic rift separates the two. You can literally walk between continents!
Þingvellir National Park is home to Iceland’s only cultural UNESCO site. The Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliament, was established in the 10th century in what is now the national park. Recognized as a site of national cultural heritage, and globally as a symbol of democracy, Þingvellir remains special to Icelanders to this day.
After exploring the volcanic majesty of Þingvellir National Park, your next stop on the Golden Circle tour should be to see the intriguing Geysir area. Here, hot spring water bubbles up and out from the Earth’s crust, creating spectacular displays of steam that shoot out of the ground. The Strokkur geyser is the most reliable and impressive.
From here, drive over to one of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls, Gullfoss. Climb the path to the top of the falls and witness the Hvítá river plunging down the gorge at up to 141 cubic meters (5,000 cubic feet) per second.
Hop back on the Icelandic ring road and then head south, traveling down to Vík and the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area for your overnight stop.
- Travel Guide: Iceland’s nature & landscape.
Day 3: Scenic southeast Iceland
The southeast coast of Iceland is adorned with black sand beaches, secret lagoons, ice caves, the country’s highest mountain, and Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The south coast is where the landscape varies between windswept beaches, dramatic cliffs, and imposing glaciers.
To get up close and personal with this corner of Iceland, stop off in the Vatnajökull National Park and visit the Skaftafell nature reserve. It’s where you’ll find the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a lake filled with icebergs. These chunks of ice are strewn on Breiðamerkursandur, also known as Diamond Beach, so named because the glittering icebergs sit on the black sands like huge jewels.
Skaftafell is also a great place to hike. Pick from challenging routes around Iceland’s highest mountain Hvannadalshnúkur, or novice paths that take in the scenery at a gentler pace.
Drive back to Vík for your second night’s stay on the south coast.
Day 4: Waterfalls and black sand beaches
Make your way down to Vík’s most awesome black sand beach, Reynisfjara. It features towering basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar rock formations that rise from the ocean. Legend tells that the Reynisdrangar rocks were once three trolls, turned to stone by the sun while they tried to drag a ship to shore.
From here, travel to Dyrhólaey, where the land juts out into the ocean and provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastline. You can see the curious ‘arch with the hole’, and you may even be able to spot eider ducks. These year-round residents are popular with bird watchers.
Afterwards, continue inland to visit Skógafoss, one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland. It has a spectacular 60 m (197 ft) drop and is known for almost always having at least one rainbow visible in the spray. You can walk right up to the falls, but bring your waterproofs if you want to get close.
Rejoin the Ring Road and travel back to Reykjavík for your final night’s stay in Iceland.
Day 5: Last-minute Reykjavík and departure
If your flight time allows, you might be able to squeeze in some last-minute sightseeing in Reykjavík. The Hallgrímskirkja church is absolutely worth a visit if you have time, or why not take a wander down to the seafront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture?
Should you be keen to experience Iceland in the winter, you could enjoy this 5-day Iceland itinerary in the colder months. You’d get the chance to try cold-weather activities like ice caving and Northern Lights hunting on a winter self-drive tour in Iceland.
- Want to venture beyond South Iceland? Choose from these Iceland Ring Road packages.
2. Reykjavík 5-day city break
If you’d prefer not to drive around Iceland, opt for a stay based in Reykjavík. You can take guided day trips out to see the sights, returning to the comfort of your hotel in the evening.
This multi-day tour from Reykjavík covers the highlights of Iceland, including the Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes peninsula. Best experienced in the winter months, you can spend as many days exploring as you like. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for glacier hiking, or you’re after some relaxing downtime, you can get the best of both.
- Discover the perfect city break for you with these multi-day tours from Reykjavík.
Day 1-2: Arrival in Iceland and Golden Circle tour
Land in Keflavík airport and transfer to your hotel in Reykjavík. If you want to, kick off your vacation with a trip to the Blue Lagoon for the ultimate relaxing welcome to Iceland!
Your first full day in Iceland will see you visit the unmissable Golden Circle. Take in the sights of Þingvellir National Park and the Mid-Atlantic continental rift. Gape at the geothermal geysers, including Strokkur which shoots water up to 30 m (98 ft) in the air!
Head over to Gullfoss to see one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, and then pop into Iceland’s unique geothermal-powered tomato farm, Friðheimar.
This pesticide-free greenhouse uses the power of Iceland’s geothermal activity to grow tomatoes and cucumbers all year round. You can even feast on tomato-themed dishes at the restaurant.
In the evening, you’ll get a chance to go hunting for the Northern Lights. The long and dark winter nights in Iceland make it a great time to search for the Aurora Borealis.
Day 3: South shore adventure
Today you travel down the south coast to Vík. You could see the impressive Skógafoss waterfall up close, and even walk behind Iceland’s stunning Seljalandsfoss waterfall (although be sure to wear your waterproofs!).
The tour takes in all the renowned sights of the south coast, including black sand beaches, basalt cliffs, ancient glaciers, and the wild Atlantic coastline.
Day 4-5: Exploring Reykjavík and departure
Your final days of the itinerary give you two choices. You can opt to have a free day in Reykjavík, but if you’ve got a taste for adventure, go check out Iceland’s second-largest glacier.
In a special vehicle designed for driving on ice, visit man-made ice tunnels inside the Langjökull glacier. Discover the bright blue icy tunnels and see the wonders of the glacier.
Also included on this day trip is a visit to Europe’s most active and powerful geothermal spring, Deildartunguhver. Plus you’ll get to see not one, but two waterfalls: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.
- To experience more guided excursions on your vacation, pick one of these small group tours of Iceland.
3. Gems of Iceland 5-day private tour
There’s no better way to see the hidden gems of Iceland than with a privately guided tour. Choose from multiple Iceland itineraries to suit your wish list. Your guide will be able to give you insight into the history, culture and nature of Iceland, while you tick off the sights you’re keen to see.
This 5-day Iceland itinerary takes in some of the breathtaking nature that makes the country so famous. The tour includes the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Þingvellir National Park, Lake Laugarvatn, and the unmistakable Kirkjufell mountain. You might even get the chance to see the Northern Lights!
- Discover more private tours of Iceland to find your ideal match.
Day 1: South coast and waterfalls
Your tour kicks off by traveling down to the south coast of Iceland. Along the way, you’ll stop off at jaw-dropping waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, with the opportunity to get up close to both of them. Visit the tiny village of Skógar and the cultural folk museum to learn more about the history and people of Iceland.
Your private guide drives you down the coast, so you can take in the sights of Iceland’s alluring black sand beaches, basalt cliffs, and the rugged south Atlantic shore. You’ll also visit Vík, a charming coastal village characterized by its white churches and fishing history.
Day 2-3: Lagoons and glaciers
Carry on east, soaking up some of the most impressive natural sights of Iceland. Skaftafell nature reserve and the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, offer you the opportunity to see Iceland’s dazzling scenery up close.
Skaftafell is also home to the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, dotted with floating icebergs broken away from the nearby glacier. These icebergs are later found on the striking Diamond Beach, shining on the black volcanic sands with an otherworldly beauty.
Following the sights of the south coast, you’ll travel back west, heading over to the Golden Circle and its unmissable sights. Visit Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal geysers.
You could also stop in at Lake Laugarvatn, the largest body of water in the national park. Here you have the chance to relax in the hot spring waters at Laugarvatn Fontana spa and unwind after being on the road.
- Related: Your guide to glaciers in Iceland.
Day 4-5: Snæfellsnes, Borgarfjörður and Reykjavík
For the final two days of your visit, take in the majesty of Snæfellsnes and Borgarfjörður. The Snæfellsnes peninsula, in West Iceland, is where you’ll find the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. You’ll also discover black sand beaches, basalt cliffs, historic fishing villages, and lava fields here.
Borgarfjörður boasts the Deildartunguhver hot pools, Iceland’s most powerful geothermal spring. And you’ll get to gaze at Hraunfossar waterfall, which is intertwined with a lava field to form one of the more special sights in the country.
Finally, head back to Reykjavík to wander the city and experience some of the cultural highlights of the capital.
- For more thrilling activities, go for an adventure tour of Iceland.
Ways to see Iceland in 5 days
Planning a complete Iceland itinerary in 5 days is totally possible! Just consider some key things like:
- How many days exploring you want to do (outside Reykjavík)
- Any must-see or must-do highlights on your wish list
- If there’s a specific time of year when you’d like to travel
- Whether you prefer to just be based in the capital or stay elsewhere too
- If you’d like to drive or be accompanied by an expert guide
Feel like you need more time to explore Iceland? Check out these 7-day and 10-day itinerary ideas?
The most flexible way to travel is to rent a car on an Iceland self-drive tour. If you’re visiting Iceland in the colder months, you can get 4×4 vehicles suitable for winter road conditions. A road trip means you can take things at your own pace, stopping off to observe nature, explore villages, and soak up the landscape of Iceland.
If you don’t hold a license, or you want someone else to do the driving, a city stay where you join day trips is a great option. You’ll get to experience top Icelandic highlights on guided excursions, then spend your leisure time however you want.
A privately guided tour is the best of both — you can tailor your trip exactly as you wish. With your local guide taking the lead and driving, you can really relax and enjoy the sights and scenery along the way. It’s a great option if you’re planning an extra special trip such as a honeymoon or once-in-a-lifetime family getaway.
Check out even more vacation options and start planning your adventure with Iceland Tours. Browse our guided and self-guided packages to find the perfect one for you today. Simply secure your booking with a minimum 5% deposit and we’ll handle the rest!
All About Iceland Christmas Traditions
For many Icelanders, Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year. It’s a chance to relax and be merry with friends and family. But how exactly do you celebrate Christmas in Iceland? Read on to find out all about Iceland Christmas traditions.
You might be surprised to hear that Icelanders begin their Christmas celebrations on 12 December. This is when the first of the ‘Yule Lads’ arrives, bringing mischief with him. They are part of Iceland’s very own Christmas folklore, more to come on that.
As Christmas Eve itself draws near, you’ll notice Icelanders rushing to buy presents in time for the big day. And of course, stocking up on all the tasty treats to enjoy over the holiday season.
Visit Iceland in the run-up to Christmas, and you’ll experience the undeniable festive magic for yourself. Take a wander down any Icelandic street at this time of year and you’ll spot twinkling fairy lights and decorations in the windows.
On top of the cozy atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to hunt the Northern Lights or see snow on Christmas Day. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?
- Enjoy a festive break with one of these Iceland Christmas packages.
- Related: Best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
How Icelanders celebrate Christmas
A traditional Icelandic Christmas is similar to that of most other European countries, but with a Nordic twist. In fact, the Icelandic word for Christmas is jól, pronounced ‘yoal’, which isn’t far off the English word ‘Yule’!
Here’s some things Icelanders get up to at Yuletide:
- Exchanging Christmas gifts, especially books
- Making laufabrauð, or ‘leaf bread’, with intricate patterns
- Buying a real Christmas tree and decorating it together
- Baking jólakaka, ‘Christmas cake’, with vanilla and raisins
- Singing Christmas songs in a church choir
Many of these are traditions you can take part in yourself if you visit Iceland around Christmastime. But what actually happens on the big day?
24 December: Christmas Eve
As in other Northern European countries, Christmas Eve is the centerpiece of the holiday in Iceland. It’s known as aðfangadagur in Icelandic, or ‘Preparation Day’.
The main focus of the day is the Christmas dinner, which is often a large feast where families gather together. You can read all about what kind of food Icelanders eat on this day in just a little bit.
Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. in most families. This is when presents are given and opened, with kids usually getting the most.
Icelanders love to give books as gifts. In the weeks before Christmas, there’s a flood of new books onto the market, known as jólabókaflóðið. Visit at this time of year and you’ll see locals streaming into bookshops to pick up all the latest titles. You can even pick up some English translations of Icelandic classics for yourself.
- Experience the festive magic on an Iceland self-drive winter tour.
25 December: Christmas Day
Christmas Day, or jóladagur, is a pretty low-key day in Iceland. As the main celebrations are the night before, most people simply spend the day relaxing, eating treats, and visiting family.
Icelandic Christmas food
Of course, in Iceland as in other countries, food is a big part of the Christmas festivities. You’ll see lots of locals going to a jólahlaðborð, or Christmas buffet, with work colleagues or extended family in the run-up to Christmas.
When it comes to Christmas dinner, what exactly do Icelanders eat? There’s no one set meal, but it’ll usually center around one of the following meats:
- Rjúpa, ptarmigan (a small game bird)
- Hamborgarhryggur, joint of ham
- Lambalæri, leg of lamb
- Kalkúnn, turkey
The traditional accompaniments are sugar-glazed potatoes, and red cabbage with the ptarmigan. As ptarmigan numbers have fallen in Iceland, meats such as ham and turkey have grown in popularity.
For a taste of Icelandic Christmas at home, why not try this ptarmigan recipe (link in Icelandic) from Berglind Hreiðarsdóttir? If you can source it sustainability of course.
On Christmas Day, some Icelanders serve hangikjöt or smoked lamb. You can find this dish here all year round, but locals don’t normally cook it at home except at Christmas. It’s served with potatoes, peas, and a béchamel sauce.
- Travel Guide: Food & restaurants in Iceland
Christmas drinks in Iceland
Visit Iceland in December and you’re likely to see something called jólabjór in alcohol shops and bars. This is none other than Icelandic Christmas beer, which seems to go on sale earlier every year!
Many of Iceland’s breweries take part in this tradition, producing a special version of their beer with special seasonal flavors. Christmas beers are often darker, sometimes having a maltier taste or being flavored with spices.
Another popular drink in Iceland at Christmas is malt og appelsín. This a cocktail of two of the country’s most-loved soft drinks, malt extract and Appelsín, an orange-flavored drink similar to Fanta. You can buy it ready-mixed in shops, so why not try it yourself?
- Explore these Iceland Christmas tour packages.
Icelandic Yule Lads
Icelanders are known for their storytelling, a legacy that stretches all the way back to the sagas of the Viking era. So it stands to reason that this legend-loving nation would have its very own traditional Christmas folklore.
This is centered on the Jólasveinar or ‘Yule Lads’. They’re sometimes described as Santa Clauses, but they’re really more like mischief-makers with a giving side. You can meet the Yule Lads for yourself at various Christmas festivals around Iceland.
They appear in the run up to Christmas starting on 12 December. A different one arrives each day until 25 December. They all have quite silly names that reflect the kind of trickery they inflict on the people they visit:
- Stekkjastaur ‘Sheepcote Clod’
- Giljagaur ‘Gully Gawk’
- Stúfur ‘Stubby’
- Þvörusleikir ‘Spoon-Licker’
- Pottaskefill ‘Pot-Scraper’
- Askasleikir ‘Bowl-Licker’
- Hurðaskellir ‘Door-Slammer’
- Skyrgámur ‘Skyr-Gobbler’
- Bjúgnakrækir ‘Sausage-Swiper’
- Gluggagægir ‘Window-Peeper’
- Gáttaþefir ‘Doorway-Sniffer’
- Ketkrókur ‘Meat-Hook’
- Kertasníkir ‘Candle-Stealer’
If you wander the streets of Iceland at Christmastime, you’ll likely notice small shoes left in people’s windows. The Yule Lads will leave small presents for children inside them as they arrive, but only if the children have been good! If not, they’ll get a rotten potato instead.
Grýla the Ogre and the Christmas Cat
Let us tell you the story of the Yule Lads, the sons of a formidable ogre called Grýla. She lives in a cave in the mountains, but comes down into towns and villages at Christmas. Plus, she keeps track of which children have been good and bad, and begs parents to give her their naughty children. The ogre then makes them into a stew, her favorite meal.
Grýla has a pet cat known as Jólakötturinn or ‘Christmas Cat’. The legend goes that he crawls around, sniffing out people who haven’t got any new clothes to wear for Christmas. If he finds someone wearing old clothes, he’ll gobble them up!
In recent years, the internationally recognized Santa Claus has become more popular in Iceland. But as the Icelandic Christmas legend is still alive and well, he doesn’t seem to mind sharing the fame too much.
New Year’s in Iceland
After the cozy family-focused celebrations of Christmas, Icelanders have a few days’ rest before getting into the New Year’s party mood. On New Year’s Eve, you’ll see bonfires roaring in the neighborhoods of Reykjavík.
Then later in the evening, people will join parties and gather around the TV to watch Áramótaskaupið. This is an hour of comedy parodying the main events, political and cultural, of the past year. It’s a tradition to watch it together over a drink.
As the night continues, so does the partying! It all comes to a head at midnight, when large firework displays begin and Icelanders ring in the New Year.
The days around New Year’s are perfect for getting out into Iceland’s wintry nature. Go snowmobiling, chase down the Northern Lights, or relax in a hot spring. You can do all of this on one of these Iceland New Year’s tour packages.
Planning a festive trip to Iceland
The holiday season is a great time to visit Iceland. You can surround yourself with warm Christmassy vibes and celebrate things a little differently than you would normally. There’s also a good chance of a white Christmas!
Meanwhile, a New Year’s is perfect if you want to experience Iceland’s famous party atmosphere and start the new year with a bang.
It’s also worth remembering that Iceland’s natural attractions are open all year round. This means you can see the wonders of the Golden Circle or marvel at Iceland’s waterfalls on your Christmas or New Year trip as well.
Travel with Iceland Tours and you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of Iceland vacation packages. Many of these run throughout the festive period. What’s more, if you want to celebrate like the locals do, opt for a special Christmas or New Year trip, with seasonal meals included.
So check out these winter trips to Iceland and start dreaming about how you could celebrate the holidays this year.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
If you’re visiting the Land of Fire and Ice, there might be one particular thing on your bucket list: the Northern Lights. You’re not alone. This natural spectacle has been enchanting us since the time of the Vikings, and with one glimpse of the auroras’ ethereal beauty, it’s easy to see why.
The Aurora Borealis can be unpredictable, as it’s a natural phenomenon. But by finding the best place to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, you’re setting yourself up for the chance to witness this unforgettable light show.
- Check out these Northern Lights tours in Iceland.
Read on to discover the best spots for Northern Lights in Iceland, and get insider advice on how to seek them out. Even if the Aurora Borealis elude you, these locations are still beautiful and well worth seeing when you’re planning a trip to Iceland.
1. Vatnajökull National Park
To combine Arctic landscapes with truly wild nature and the potential to see the Northern Lights, Vatnajökull National Park is where you should head to.
This huge nature reserve features the impressive Vatnajökull glacier at its heart and is encircled by active volcanoes, waterfalls, and rivers. Dramatic cliffs, swooping ravines and fierce blue ice caves beside black sand beaches make Vatnajökull National Park feel like you’re in the Ice Age.
As Vatnajökull National Park is so open and has very low levels of light pollution, it’s a great place to see the Northern Lights. Watching the colorful ribbons appear over the glaciers and snow-capped hills is an experience that you can’t replicate.
- Related: Iceland in winter – your guide.
The national park does require factoring in travel time if you’re flying into Reykjavík. Vatnajökull is approximately 320 km (200 mi) from the capital – between 4 and 7 hours drive depending on weather conditions.
The journey is definitely worth it though, as this is truly one of the greatest wonders of Iceland. Make your drive out to the national park an adventure in itself. Stop along the way to visit places like Vík, Skógafoss, and the black sands and hexagonal basalt columns of Reynisfjara beach.
Explore Vatnajökull in winter, and you could also discover natural glacial caverns on an ice cave tour package.
- Travel independently on a self-drive tour of Iceland in winter.
2. Seltjarnarnes in Reykjavík
Perhaps you’re staying in Reykjavík and are keen to see the Northern Lights, but wondering if it’s even possible in the capital city? Fortunately, Reykjavík has a hidden gem, the town of Seltjarnarnes, that you could seek out.
Seltjarnarnes is set almost out into the sea, as it sits on the most westerly edge of Reykjavík. This means it has much lower levels of light pollution compared to the city itself.
Head out to Grótta Lighthouse, or the Seltjarnarnes golf course, where there’s even a dedicated Northern Lights viewing point. Both spots are only a 10-minute drive from the center of Reykjavík, making them ideal for working into a city break.
This can be a great option if you happen to see that the forecast for the lights is good and you want to catch a glimpse. Simply hop over to Seltjarnarnes and try your luck!
- Look for the Northern Lights on a multi-day tour from Reykjavík.
3. Snæfellsnes peninsula
Snæfellsnes, home to the jaw-dropping Snæfellsjökull National Park, demonstrates all that Iceland has to offer: glaciers, volcanoes, lakes, geothermal pools, rugged landscapes, and more. Whether you see the Northern Lights or not, this attraction-packed peninsula in West Iceland will amaze you.
There are plenty of places where you can set up camp to watch for the Aurora Borealis. Head to Ytri Tunga beach, a gold sand beach that makes for a beautiful lookout point with its open view out to sea.
For an iconic Icelandic backdrop, choose Kirkjufell mountain to photograph the Northern Lights. You might recognize it from Game of Thrones.
Or, for sea views, visit the fjords of Breiðafjörður or Kolgrafafjörður. Here you can marvel at the ocean, islands and snow-capped hills stretching out before you.
4. Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park straddles two continental tectonic plates, and this titanic power has shaped the landscape of Iceland. With ravines, cliffs, waterfalls, volcanoes, and lava fields, Þingvellir offers plenty of opportunity to explore.
You can see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That’s before you learn it’s the location of the world’s oldest surviving parliament, Alþingi, dating to 930 AD!
Much of Þingvellir National Park sits on the famous Golden Circle. Encapsulating the beauty and heritage of the country, the Golden Circle is an absolute must-do when you’re visiting Iceland.
Gullfoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, is part of the Golden Circle route and provides an incredible backdrop. Travel out further for the chance watch the Northern Lights appear over the Silfra fissure and rocky lava plains.
Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake, also makes for the perfect site to embark on a Northern Lights hunt. Seeing the colors of the aurora reflected back into the water is a bonus sight for you.
It’s good to know that Þingvellir National Park is close to Reykjavík – around 50 km (31 mi) from the capital. So if you’re based in the city, you can quite easily drive out to catch the aurora.
Do be mindful about driving in Iceland in winter, particularly if you’re inexperienced on snowy roads.
- Let someone else do the driving on a privately guided trip or small group tour of Iceland.
5. Westfjords and North Iceland
The Westfjords and North Iceland are two of the most untouched regions of this country. These areas are less visited compared to South Iceland, as they aren’t as easy to reach from Reykjavík.
Venture here and you’ll get to see some of Iceland’s most pristine scenery, so you won’t regret the extra travel time. And they are the closest parts of the country to the Arctic Circle, so here you’ll find yourself inside the “Northern Lights Belt” where aurora activity is strongest.
Thanks to being sparsely populated regions, the Westfjords and North Iceland have some of the lowest levels of light pollution in Iceland. So you’re guaranteed dark night skies in winter for a stunning backdrop to the Northern Lights.
- Related: Ultimate guide to the Westfjords.
In the Westfjords, you’ll discover tall cliffs, wide-open beaches and natural carved waterfalls such as Dynjandi and Vascofoss. Wherever you choose to set up camp and wait for the Aurora Borealis, you’ll be surrounded by some of the country’s most rugged and wild landscapes.
Vatnsfjörður, a nature reserve with a geothermal hot spring, located right by the rural town of Flókalundur, is an ideal base for the Westfjords. Whereas over in the North Iceland, the route between Lake Mývatn and Akureyri blesses you with lunar-like nature and very little light pollution.
Should you decide to visit the Westfjords and North Iceland, you could make it a full tour of the Ring Road. There’s so much to see and experience in Iceland, driving around the country will help you to make the most of your time here.
Plus, as a general rule of thumb, the longer you stay in Iceland, the better your chances are of spotting the Northern Lights!
Top tips for hunting the Aurora Borealis in Iceland
Aside from finding the right place to look for them, there are more ways you can increase the likelihood of catching sight of the Northern Lights.
Best time to see the Aurora Borealis
Winter – October to March – is the best time to go aurora hunting. The nights are much longer in the winter months, giving you a better chance of seeing it.
Northern Lights displays are usually between 15 and 30 minutes. Some are shorter, some longer. Whether you see them for 5 minutes or 50, catching a glimpse of the aurora is one of the most incredible natural displays to witness.
- Check out winter vacations in Iceland.
Advice for chasing the Northern Lights
Tick these off your list to ensure you get the best opportunity to see the Northern Lights:
- Clear skies – with no cloud cover.
- Darkness – preferably with low levels of light pollution and moonlight.
- Calm weather – no snow or rain.
- Solar wind or solar activity – this is because particles in the atmosphere are what cause the beautiful displays.
- Patience – the lights are unpredictable, but well worth the wait.
- Northern Lights tour – local guides will take you to the best places to see the light show.
There are also many apps you can download that track solar activity and the aurora forecast. These can help you decide where to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
For those lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, it is truly an unforgettable sight. Although there is a great deal of luck involved, choosing where to see the auroras in Iceland can make a big difference.
Not only can it increase your chances of getting the best view, but with so much wild Icelandic scenery around you, the experience becomes magical in ways you wouldn’t expect.
If you miss out on viewing the Northern Lights on this occasion, there’s no need for concern. Instead, see it as a chance to explore more of Iceland’s beauty and get to know this wonderful country a little better!
Tick seeing the Aurora Borealis off your bucket list with the help of Iceland Tours’ local experts. They’ll make your travel plans and ensure you’re ready to see the Land of Fire and Ice up close and personal.
You’ll have a dedicated travel consultant to arrange everything to make your Iceland Northern Lights trip seamless, including accommodation, transport, and activities. Secure your booking with as little as 5% deposit today and prepare for a special adventure!
All About the Vikings in Iceland: Origin & Facts
Icelanders are undoubtedly the descendants of Vikings. Before the Vikings arrived in Iceland, the country had been inhabited by Irish monks but they had since then given up on the isolated and rough terrain and left the country without even so much as a listed name.
So, when the Viking started arriving to the Land of Fire and Ice, they tried their hand at giving it a title that would stick. Ideas such as Thule, Sæland and Garðarshólmi have been found in documents, but none of them particularly caught on.
It wasn’t until Hrafna-Flóki, one of the early travelers in mid-9th century, stayed in Iceland over winter that Iceland got its name. One day after the harsh winter, he walked up to one of the surrounding mountains near Flókalundur and found himself overlooking fjords packed with ice. The name stared him in the eye and Iceland came to be.
- Follow in the footsteps of Vikings on an Iceland vacation.
Nowadays, Hrafna-Flóki is still one of Iceland‘s best-recognized Vikings. He infamously sailed to Iceland and brought with him his 3 ravens, one of which eventually flew back with a straw in mouth indicating in which direction Hrafna-Flóki should sail to.
This is believed to be how he found his way to Iceland. He, however, like many, would return to Scandinavia. As it turns out, Icelandic nature is a force to reckon with, endured by only the most stubborn of humans.
The one who is given credit as the first Icelandic settler is Ingólfur Arnarson, as he was the first to stay permanently in the year 874, and chose Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, to be his home. His brother, Hjörleifur, came with him accompanied by a flock of men.
Still today you’ll find locations and symbols originating from those men. Not only in place names but also in commemorative statues and rebuilt settlements all around the country. This is why many say that when you visit Iceland, you’ll quickly see that Icelanders are extremely proud of their heritage.
There are many different ways for you to explore the Viking age in Iceland. Like all historical sites, they are best enjoyed with a little pre-existing knowledge. So, this blog is here to help.
Let’s start by going over some of the fun facts, followed by the most famous Vikings, eventually leading to some tips on fantastic places and activities that really set the scene for your full Iceland Viking experience.
Fun facts about the Vikings of Iceland
- Many of the Vikings that came to Iceland were simply fleeing rules and regulations in the Scandinavian countries. Many say that this is why Icelanders have always been hard to tame.
- The Icelandic Vikings founded one of the first democratic parliaments in the world!
- The Vikings did not wear hats with horns on them, instead Viking warriors wore metal helmets resembling those found in other parts of Northern Europe at that time.
- Far from what was common at the time, Viking women in Iceland could divorce their men. Furthermore, they could inherit property!
- Typical Viking hobbies included wrestling, horse riding, swimming, racing, building things, chess, archery, competitive eating, and competitive drinking.
- Archaeological findings have proven that Viking men and women wore jewelry, it had more to do with status/wealth rather than gender.
- Upon arrival, the Vikings built turf houses to live in and some of those can still be visited to this day!
- One of the more famous and celebrated of the Vikings is Auður Djúpúðga, a female Viking who ran her own crew and settled in Iceland.
- Before the Vikings came to Iceland, Irish monks had taken up a settlement. However, this didn’t last long and they had left before getting a chance to mix with the Nordic voyagers.
- Some say that Náttfari, a slave of Garðar Svavarsson (the one who named Iceland ‘Garðarsholmi’) might have been the first to settle Iceland in early 9th century. However, since he was a slave he has never received credit.
Where did the Vikings in Iceland come from?
Who these Vikings were can be a bit hard to explain, as the word ‘Viking’ has various meanings in different languages. For some it means ‘someone who sails’, for others the word is more of an occupation.
Historically it has often been linked with violence, which is perhaps not surprising given that Vikings did raid towns and villages on their journeys across the seas, famously taking anything they wanted. This enable them not only to increase their wealth but also to kidnap workers, and even future wives.
The majority of male settlers came from the Nordic countries, largely Norway. However, most female settlers came from the British Isles. This further supports the theory that Vikings kidnapped women.
Who were the most famous Icelandic Vikings?
1. Ingólfur Arnarson
Ingólfur Arnarson, the founder of Iceland, traveled to Iceland with the intention to settle there permanently after he was made an outlaw from Norway. This is thought to have been around 870 AD.
He traveled with his sister, brother-in-law and their families. After a long journey across the North Atlantic, they laid out to sea two large wooden logs and then sent their slaves to find where they had landed. He pledged to settle where they would land.
The search took 3 years but he kept his promise, settling in a bay we now know as Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital.
You can find a statue of Ingólfur Arnarson right across from Harpa Concert Hall. It stands tall on the hill Arnarhóll, also named after our Viking settler.
2. Auður Djúpúðga Ketilsdóttir
Auður Djúpúðga came from a noble lineage and married Ólafur the White. Her son would later become a king in northern Scotland. However, when the son was overthrown and killed, her status became unstable.
By this point in time, her husband had passed and there was no prospect of revenge or reconciliation. So Auður had a ship prepared in secret out in the woods, slowly gathering stock and food for a journey to Iceland.
When the ship was all set and ready to launch, she set off, traveling with her daughter in law and family. In the famous Laxdæla saga, Auður is said to have ‘traveled with twenty free men’. On her way to Iceland, she stopped in Orkney and married off one of her granddaughters, doing the same in the Faroe Islands.
When Auður arrived in Iceland in the late 9th century, her ship broke off the coast of Iceland near Selfoss, but everyone made it out alive. She traveled to see her brother, Helgi, who lived in Kjalarnes, but when he could only host half of her crew she left him and traveled further north to try her luck with her brother Bjarni.
He would host them all for the winter, but come spring she traveled once again, this time settling in Dalalönd near Hvalfjörður. She gave many of her fellow travelers part of her land, but she herself named her farmstead Hvammur.
A few years later, Auður decided to marry off her grandson and give him her farm as a wedding gift. The wedding was planned to last 3 days and to be a funeral service for her as well.
Not long after she passed and was buried on the beach. She did this due to the fact that at this time there was no church in Iceland and therefore no holy ground to lie in, as Auður had been christened.
3. Erik the Red
Born in Norway but having moved to Iceland as a young man, Erik the Red sailed from Iceland to Greenland and is credited to have ‘found’ it.
He of course didn’t, as there were indigenous people there already. However, he is credited for the world’s first publicity stunt naming the country this fertile name to get people to move over!
Furthermore, he is also the father of Leif the Lucky who is sometimes credited to have found America. Again, another place that was already settled. Leif the Lucky however didn’t settle long-term North America and the reason is said to have been that it was hard to keep slaves in America, because there was too much good land for them to escape to. In Iceland, this wasn’t much of a problem.
You can see Leif’s statue in front of Hallgrímskirkja cathedral in downtown Reykjavik.
If you want to visit the homestead of Erik the Red, named Eiríksstaðir it has now been turned into a beautifully preserved museum.
Other notable characters during the first few centuries in Iceland
- Grettir Ásmundarson
- Egill Skallagrímsson
- Gunnar á Hlíðarenda
- Hallgerður Langbrók
- Snorri Sturluson (who wrote Sturlungasaga)
- Ari the Wise
Viking tours and activities in Iceland
If you are looking for an extensive guide on how to travel like a Viking in Iceland, look no further. Below you will find a quick peak into how to incorporate these interesting historical stories into an impressive Viking tour of Iceland.
1. Viking Sushi Boat Tour
Sushi might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of taking on the role of an Icelandic Viking.
However, if you really think about it they did a lot of sailing and eating fish, and that is pretty much what you will be doing on this incredible freshly caught sushi experience. The Viking Sushi Boat Tour takes the Viking to a modern age!
2. The Viking Village Festival in Iceland
In early June every year, the town of Hafnarfjörður is buzzing with all things Viking-related. If you go to the town center, you can literally just chase the scent of burning meat and you’ll arrive in the most magical 9th-century setting. It literally feels like you just time-traveled!
- Related: Best towns & cities in Iceland to visit.
The Vikings (who are actually just normal people who live parts out of their years as actual Vikings) set up camp, cook, sell souvenirs, fight, and craft, and you can join in!
3. Viking World Museum
The Viking World Museum is located in Faxaflói bay near Keflavík airport. The exhibitions are incredibly detailed with inputs from global institutions, such as the Smithsonian. My favorite part is ‘the Icelander’, a full size and fully equipped replica of a Viking ship, like the ones they used when sailed to Iceland.
If you are looking to explore the Norse settlement and Icelandic history a bit more, this is a stop for you!
4. Tasting Viking-style beer
Iceland might not be a tropical island with an abundance of fruits and fertile gifts, but what the land gives the locals have gotten expert at utilizing.
This being said, Icelanders can grow barely locally and have access to intensely great water. Are you following? I am of course talking about the delicious beer in Iceland. Don’t leave the island without a sip.
5. Visiting the Sun Voyager
A stroll around Reykjavik is not complete without a stop at the stunning Sun Voyager down by the sea. Its inspiration is undoubtedly from a Viking ship and its location simply makes for the most idyllic scene. No matter the season, this iron sculpture never ceases to amaze!
6. Traveling to Stokksnes
Stokksnes (or Vestrahorn, it goes by a few names) is one of those places that you truly take your breath away. It is located in East Iceland and was, up until a few years ago, only known to the close-knit local community.
Today you might recognize the setting from Instagram representations of Iceland as the location has gotten very popular with the grammers. However, Stokksnes still somehow manages to keep its remote feel as Iceland might have looked like before anyone settled.
The vast open space really is awe-inspiring. You can’t help but relate to the Vikings that decided to stay.
7. The Settlement Exhibition
The Settlement Exhibition in downtown Reykjavík is built around the ruins of an old Viking Longhouse. This is one of the oldest man-made structures ever to be found in Iceland!
The exhibition focuses on the life and work of the first settlers giving you the tools to really put yourself in their shoes. Imagining what it might have been like to live on this remote island in the middle of the North Atlantic in the 9th century.
The exhibition is a true gem located in the busy downtown area!
8. The Saga Museum
The Saga Museum is conveniently located right down by the harbor in Reykjavík, not far from the hipster district Grandi. It is quite small but an informative museum on the early Icelandic history with great attention to detail. Especially when it comes to the wax figures!
They offer knowledgeable audio guides in multiple languages telling fascinating stories but if you are more on the visual side of things there’s a video too!
9. Visiting Stöng in Þjórsárdalur
For those who became obsessed with Viking tales through shows like Game of Thrones, this place should most definitely be on your Iceland bucket list. This is where they filmed the legendary scene where the Wildlings killed a whole village leaving the young boy, Olly, as the sole survivor.
The farmhouse Stöng in the valley of Þjórsárdalur was reconstructed based on the pre-existing farmhouse from the Commonwealth Era. Its story is quite tragic, as the farm is believed to have been destroyed in one of Hekla’s volcanic eruptions.
When building it they really took their time, carefully making sure that it was accurate and monumental. Today it is in a stellar form allowing visitors to study the architecture of our ancestors and understand their everyday lives.
What other sites are interesting to explore?
The south coast has abundance of sites related to the Vikings and the old sagas. The Dalir region on the edge of the Westfjords is the scene of many Vikings feuds. Last but not least, Borgarfjörður fjord is the home of the boisterous Iceland-born Viking and poet Egill Skallagrímsson.
Top 7-day Iceland Itinerary Ideas
So you have a week to see the Land of Fire and Ice. You’re probably wondering whether it’s long enough. Well with pretty much any Iceland itinerary, 7 days will give you time to experience tons of natural sights and plenty of culture.
One of the best ways to see Iceland is on a 7-day Ring Road itinerary. This means you’ll get to see mighty waterfalls, awe-inspiring glaciers, and gushing geysers around Iceland.
If you want to zoom into a specific region, you could spend a week touring south and west Iceland. This covers the classic Golden Circle touring route, as well as the epic Snæfellsnes peninsula.
- Find your 7-day trip by browsing these Iceland vacation packages.
However you decide to spend your 7 days in Iceland, you’re bound to have your mind blown. So read on for some travel inspo that’ll spark ideas for your next vacation!
1. Iceland Ring Road itinerary
A week in Iceland gives you time for a self-drive tour around the Ring Road. Also known as Route 1, it hugs the stunning coastline and takes you through most of the country.
Here we’ve put together an Iceland Ring Road itinerary for 7 days to get you feeling inspired.
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Once you land at Keflavík airport, you’ll pick up your rental car and head to Reykjavík.
On the way, you can stop off for a relaxing dip in the Blue Lagoon. This spa is famous for its geothermally heated waters, rich in silica and other skin-friendly minerals. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge your batteries after your flight.
Depending on when you arrived in Iceland, you might also have time to explore Reykjavík. Iceland’s capital is bursting with cool cafés, trendy bars, and interesting museums. Spend the afternoon wandering the quirky streets of the city center or grabbing a tasty bite.
- Discover where the best places to eat are in our Iceland Restaurant Guide.
Day 2: Borgarfjörður & Akureyri
Today you could head north toward Akureyri, the second largest settlement in Iceland. This quaint town will charm you with its cute wooden houses painted in bright colors.
On the drive north, you’ll pass Borgarfjörður, one of the widest bays in Iceland. It’s studded with thousands of small islands and rocky outcrops that are home to seabirds, including puffins and eider.
It’s also worth taking a short detour off the Ring Road to check out the magnificent Barnafoss & Hraunfossar waterfalls. This network of criss-crossing streams almost glows blue thanks to the minerals in the water.
By dinnertime, you will have arrived in Akureyri. There are dozens of great spots to eat in the town. Whether you’re after local seafood, steak, European, or Asian food, you’ll have no problem finding something tasty.
Day 3: Goðafoss waterfall & Lake Mývatn, North Iceland
After a good night’s sleep in Akureyri, today it’s time to explore some of the wonders of North Iceland. First up today is Goðafoss, one of the country’s most powerful waterfalls. Unusually for an Icelandic waterfall, it’s much wider than it is tall.
Next you can head to the area around Lake Mývatn. The lake itself is renowned for its natural beauty and as a haven for birdlife. But the area around Mývatn is also home to some of the most mind-bending geological features in all of the country.
Amongst these are the Dimmuborgir rock formations, which are the remains of ancient volcanic eruptions. Here you’ll see hollow lava tubes and stacks of basalt that look like they solidified only yesterday. You might also recognize Dimmuborgir as a filming location from the Game of Thrones series.
- Travel Guide: Iceland’s nature & landscape.
A stone’s throw away from here is Hverfjall, which from the side of the road looks like a pretty standard mountain. Climb it though and you’ll see that it is in fact a huge collapsed volcanic crater!
Other cool things to see and do in the Lake Mývatn area include:
- Grjótagjá cave – Check out these spooky caves filled with naturally heated water
- Hverir hot springs – See liquid mud bubble away and steam rise from the ground
- Mývatn Nature Baths – Relax in these refreshing geothermal baths after a day’s sightseeing
- Skútustaðagígar – Marvel at these otherworldly craters formed by the Krafla volcano
You could also take a detour to Húsavík. This charming fishing village is the whale watching capital of Iceland. If seeing these gentle giants is on your bucket list, then this is the place to come.
Day 4: Eastfjords
Today you’ll carry on around the Ring Road toward the Eastfjords. This region of Iceland is sometimes skipped. But with plenty to explore here, there’s no reason you should pass it by.
The town of Egilsstaðir is a great place to stop for lunch, but the true gem here is the Hallormsstaðaskógur forest just outside the town. This is the largest in Iceland and it hugs the banks of the Lagarfljót river. Rumor has it that Iceland’s answer to the Loch Ness monster lives here!
If you have more time to explore, you could take the slow route around the Eastfjords and check out the region’s charming towns and villages. The village of Seyðisfjörður is full of traditional Icelandic buildings painted in bright, quirky colors. In the summer, it’s home to the Lunga arts festival, so it has a surprisingly cosmopolitan feel for such a small town.
Other villages in the area include:
- Eskifjörður – Check out the maritime museum and refuel at a cozy café
- Fáskrúðsfjörður – Explore this sleepy village that wears its French legacy on its sleeve
- Stöðvarfjörður – Visit the famous Petra’s Stone Collection
- Djúpivogur – Have a spot of lunch and marvel at the village’s collection of giant stone eggs
Tonight you’ll reach the town of Höfn í Hornarfirði, where you can grab dinner and get some rest before tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 5: Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon & south coast
This morning you don’t have far to go to see your first amazing sight. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is just under 1 hour’s drive from Höfn. The lagoon is filled with baby icebergs that have broken off the Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest in Iceland.
The lagoon looks best at sunrise, so if you’re a morning person we definitely recommend getting up early to see it in all its glory. There’s something so calming about watching the tiny icebergs drift slowly out to sea.
Just over the road from the lagoon is Breiðamerkursandur (AKA Diamond Beach), where some of the chunks of ice wash up. Just imagine the clear-blue ice glistening against the jet-black sand.
Once you’ve had your fill of icebergs, you can rejoin the Ring Road. Follow it west and check out the rest of what Vatnajökull National Park has to offer, including:
- Svartifoss – This hidden waterfall flows over hexagonal basalt columns
- Skaftafellsjökull – A jaw-dropping, tongue-like outlet of the Vatnajökull glacier
- Dverghamrar – Unusual geometric rock formations
In wintertime, you can also visit natural ice caves that form underneath the Vatnajökull glacier. Lined with smooth blue ice, these are a sight that’s hard to let go of.
- Walk underneath a glacier for yourself on an ice cave tour or adventure tour of Iceland.
- Blog: Your guide to ice caves and lava caves in Iceland.
Day 6: Golden Circle
After checking out the best of South Iceland’s nature, today you’ll follow the famous Golden Circle touring route. This features 3 unmissable sights:
- Gullfoss – A multi-tiered waterfall that is one of Iceland’s most beautiful
- Geysir – The geothermal area that’s home to the active Strokkur geyser
- Þingvellir National Park – Once the gathering place for Iceland’s ancient parliament
Now it’s time to head back to Reykjavík to enjoy your last night in Iceland. Why not head down to the trendy Grandi fishpacking district for some local food? Or you could sip a cocktail at a bar off Laugavegur, the main street.
For a truly Icelandic experience on your final night, you could visit a local pool for a dip in a ‘hot pot’ (what the locals call a hot tub). Many are open until 10 p.m., so you can relax your muscles before your journey home.
Day 7: Spa day or shopping in Reykjavík
Depending on the time of your flight, you could squeeze in a trip to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon if you haven’t already. Or simply spend the morning strolling the streets of Reykjavík and dropping into local boutiques to pick up a souvenir!
This is just a taste of what you could get up to on a 7-day Ring Road tour of Iceland. If you want to fit even more in, you could add extra days in Reykjavík at the start or end of your trip.
- Related: Top 10 day Iceland itinerary ideas.
For more inspiration, check out these Iceland Ring Road trips.
2. South & West Iceland
By focusing on one or two specific regions, you can travel at a more laid-back pace and enjoy more time at each attraction. South and West Iceland are brimming with jaw-dropping waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, and even the occasional glacier!
On this summer itinerary, you’ll have time to explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula, also known as ‘Iceland in Miniature’. This is because it packs in so much. As well as everything listed above, you’ll discover rugged cliffs full of puffins, yellow and black sand beaches, and quiet fishing villages.
Keep reading to find out what you can do in South and West Iceland in a week.
Days 1–3: Reykjavík and south coast
Start your trip by wandering around Reykjavík, snapping pics of the city’s colorful, traditional houses as you go. And of course if you have time, enjoy a relaxing soak in the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon.
After a restful night’s sleep, you’re ready for your first day of adventure. Hit the Ring Road and follow it south along the coast. Here you’ll get your fill of waterfalls! These include the impressive Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss, which you can walk behind.
Next continue south toward Reynisfjara black sand beach. The volcanic sand makes for a dramatic backdrop, but the beach is also surrounded by jagged cliffs and towering sea stacks just off the shore.
Tonight you’ll stay near the village of Vík with its iconic church and cool dining options. In the morning, rejoin the Ring Road and drive to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. Here you can see tiny icebergs breaking off the Vatnajökull glacier and floating out to sea!
Days 4–5: Golden Circle & West Iceland
Today it’s time to follow the Golden Circle trail. This popular route includes Geysir, a geothermal area home to hot springs and the Strokkur geyser. Every 6–10 minutes, you can watch the geyser blast a column of hot water up to 20 meters (65 feet) into the air!
Next you’ll head to the Gullfoss waterfall. Its name means ‘Golden Falls’, hence the Golden Circle. One of the most spectacular in Iceland, this tiered waterfall is enveloped in local folk tales.
This evening you could add a visit to the Fontana spa to your plan. The health resort has geothermally heated water and looks out over the spectacular Laugarvatn lake.
The next day you’ll head to Þingvellir National Park. This ancient site is located where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. It was once also the gathering place of ancient Viking parliaments. You can explore the history of Þingvellir by following the many paths and trails around the area.
Spend the afternoon exploring West Iceland. Here you’ll find the Deildartunguhver hot spring, where steam rises from the ground and the water is hot enough to boil an egg. Finish your day’s sightseeing at the Barnafoss & Hraunfossar waterfalls, complete with their icy blue water and rock bridge.
Days 6–7: Snæfellsnes peninsula
The Snæfellsnes peninsula has earned the nickname ‘Iceland in Miniature’ because it packs so much in. In this part of Iceland you can:
- Pass through otherworldly, moss-covered lava fields
- Spot puffins and other seabirds along the coast
- Admire the handsome Snæfellsjökull glacier
- Eat fresh local seafood in the town of Stykkishólmur
- Snap photos of rugged sea stacks at Arnarstapi
- Relive Game of Thrones at Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall
- Explore hidden lava caves and gorges
- Wander golden and black sand beaches
Thanks to how easy the Snæfellsnes peninsula is to navigate, you’ll be able to cross plenty off your Iceland bucket list here!
If you feel like you can’t fit it all in, you might want to add an extra day to your itinerary. That way, you could spend more time in this unspoiled region.
On your final day, you’ll return to Reykjavík. Depending on your flight time, you might be able to squeeze in a souvenir shopping trip or soak up culture at a gallery or museum.
3. Winter glacier adventure
Iceland is even more magical when the waterfalls are frosted over and the mountains blanketed in snow. And as the night draws in, you’ll have plenty of chances to chase down the Northern Lights.
All of this makes winter a great time to visit Iceland. Here we’ve put together an example Iceland road trip for 7 days that you could do in wintertime.
- Explore these Iceland winter tours.
- Related: Tips for Iceland in winter – Weather and packing guide.
Days 1–3: South shore & Vatnajökull National Park
Arrive in Iceland and head straight to Reykjavík, where you’ll spend your first night. If you arrive earlier in the day, you might have time to check out the museums and galleries. And in the evening, you can have dinner or grab a drink at one of the city’s trendy local spots.
In the morning, you’ll start your road trip on south coast. Follow the Ring Road down to Seljalandsfoss, probably the most famous waterfall in Iceland, after Gullfoss. This is the one you can walk behind!
A short drive down the road is Skógafoss, its more powerful bigger brother. In winter they’re both likely to be frosted with icicles.
Tonight you’ll bed down in the countryside before your next day’s adventure. Head eastwards to Vatnajökull National Park, where you’ll find Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by hexagonal columns of basalt.
The waterfall is fed by the Vatnajökull glacier, which is also the origin of the white and blue icebergs of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This magical place has an almost surreal energy. Pause to watch the icebergs drift out to sea, and you’ll see what we mean.
Days 4–5: Golden Circle & Snæfellsnes peninsula
Today a new chapter of your trip begins. You’ll head back west toward the Golden Circle to see the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. In the afternoon, you can check out Þingvellir National Park where Iceland’s Viking-age parliament met.
- Travel Guide: Iceland’s people & culture.
The next morning, it’s time to check out Iceland in miniature on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This compact slice of Iceland has its own glacier, black sand beaches, and lava caves. Oh, and waterfalls by the bucketload!
Days 6–7: West Iceland & Reykjanes peninsula
Spend your final couple of days exploring West Iceland. This part of the country is home to the Deildartunguhver hot springs, where you can see water boil in the ground.
A short drive away are the Barnafoss & Hraunfossar waterfalls. Hraunfossar is a collection of hundreds of small streams that form a network of waterfalls. Barnafoss is more energetic, as it cuts through a narrow strip of rock. And you can even see a lava bridge over the falls that has its own legend attached to it.
Alternatively, you could head to the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland. This is home to the Blue Lagoon spa, a must-do experience for anyone visiting Iceland.
There are also natural attractions here, including the Krýsuvík geothermal area with its hot springs and steam vents.
You can also check out the newest sight in the area, which is the Fagradalsfjall lava field. This was created when the volcano of the same name erupted in March 2021. Even though the lava is no longer flowing, you can see it here in its crisp, solidified form.
Ways to see Iceland in 7 days
When planning a 7-day trip to Iceland, it’s worth thinking about the different options you have to get around the country.
One of the most popular is a self-drive tour. Take the wheel of your own rental car and stop wherever you like, whenever you like. This the best option if you want full freedom to explore and the chance to see every attraction.
If you’re the outdoors type, then a camping trip is great option in summer. Travel as you would on a self-drive, except you’ll be sleeping in a tent under the stars instead of in a guesthouse or hotel.
Don’t feel like driving yourself? You could join a guided group tour, where you’ll circle Iceland’s Ring Road with a group of like-minded travelers. Perfect for making new buddies!
And for something a bit special, there are private tours. Your very own driver-guide will take you all over the country, sharing their insider knowledge with you and showing you their favorite spots.
Choose Iceland Tours and we’ll take care of making your Iceland travel plans for you. Simply pick the trip that excites you the most and book online. Then we’ll organize accommodation, transport, and any included activities for you.
All it takes to secure your booking is a 5% deposit. So you can start dreaming about your week in Iceland today!
Glaciers in Iceland: Your Ultimate Guide
When visiting Iceland, glaciers are something you’ll see almost by accident! Just over a tenth of the country is covered in them, meaning there are plenty of ice-capped mountaintops to see. You’ll also see huge stretches of ice extending from outlet glaciers.
So where’s the best place to see a glacier in Iceland? They are mostly concentrated in the southern half of the country, in a crescent from the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west to Vatnajökull glacier in the southeast.
- Get up close to a glacier on one of these adventure tours of Iceland.
Read on and find out about more about how they were formed and which ones are the best to visit.
Hint: The Icelandic word for ‘glacier’ is jökull and features in the name of almost every one in the country!
Where are the glaciers in Iceland?
You’ll find the majority of Iceland’s glaciers, including its largest, in central or south Iceland. The reason for this is not to do with temperature, but the fact that there is more snowfall in those parts of the country.
Vatnajökull, which is the biggest glacier in Iceland, stretches all the way from the central highlands to the south coast. One of its outlets empties into Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can see baby icebergs calving off before floating out to sea.
The largest glacier in the north is Drangajökull in the Westfjords. It’s also the fifth largest in the country.
How many glaciers are there in Iceland?
It’s impossible to put an exact figure on it, but there are at least 13 large glaciers in Iceland. In order of size from largest to smallest, they are:
- Vatnajökull
- Langjökull
- Hofsjökull
- Mýrdalsjökull
- Drangajökull
- Eyjafjallajökull
- Tungnafellsjökull
- Þórisjökull
- Eiríksjökull
- Þrándarjökull
- Tindfjallajökull
- Torfajökull
- Snæfellsjökull
As well as these, you’ll find there are hundreds of smaller glaciers around the country, some only a few square meters in size.
Iceland glacier map
You can see the main glaciers we’ll cover in this blog post on a map:
How much of Iceland is covered by glaciers?
11,400 km² (4,400 sq mi), is covered by glaciers. This is around 11% of Iceland’s total land area. You can spot them pretty easily on any map or satellite image of the country. They’re the big white splotches (or gray on the map above)!
At the end of the last ice age, Iceland was almost entirely covered in glaciers. The ice would have joined Iceland up to the Arctic and British Isles. The glaciers that you can see today are the last remnants of this ginormous ice cap.
Are Iceland’s glaciers melting?
Unfortunately, yes. Due to the rise in temperature caused by climate change, the country’s glaciers are gradually receding. In fact, one of the smallest, Okjökull, disappeared altogether in 2014. That said, you can still see other glaciers in all of their glory today.
It’s normal for sections of glaciers to melt on a seasonal basis. In the springtime, the meltwater left behind by the glacier ice carves out spectacular ice caves underneath Langjökull and Vatnajökull.
- Walk under a glacier yourself on an ice cave tour in Iceland.
- Related: Guide to ice caves and lava caves in Iceland.
And because Iceland’s glaciers contain the equivalent of 20 times the annual precipitation the country receives, they’re an important source of freshwater.
As it happens, the glaciers feed many of Iceland’s waterfalls, including Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss. You can see how much of an effect they have by visiting these waterfalls in the summer months during the seasonal melt.
In wintertime, the glaciers freeze solid once again. And they’re topped up with fresh snowfall, which becomes gradually compressed and turns to solid ice over the years.
Can I visit a glacier in Iceland?
Absolutely! One important thing is though that you shouldn’t attempt to visit a glacier by yourself. Always go on an organized trip with a trained and experienced guide, like those offered by Iceland Tours.
The surface of a glacier is constantly changing and there can be hidden dangers. So it’s vital that you go with a qualified guide who can ensure you have a safe and fun time on the glacier!
Best glaciers to visit in Iceland
1. Vatnajökull
Area: 7,900 km² (3,050 sq mi)
Location: Southeast Iceland
Vatnajökull is by far the largest glacier in Iceland. This beast alone covers 8% of the country (bear in mind that all of Iceland’s glaciers combined cover 11%). So if you’re driving anywhere along the southeast coast, Vatnajökull will likely be towering over you.
As with lots of Iceland’s glaciers, Vatnajökull hides active volcanoes. The most lively of these is Grímsvötn, which last erupted in 2011. Because the volcano lies beneath the ice, when it erupts it causes outburst floods known in Icelandic as jökulhlaup.
Other volcanoes under the glacier include Bárðarbunga (last eruption: 2014–15) and Öræfajökull (last eruption: 1728).
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
The Vatnajökull ice cap has dozens of valley glaciers that empty into different rivers. One of the most important is Breiðamerkurjökull, which stretches into the Jökulsárlón lagoon. This glacial lake is teeming with icebergs large and small that have broken off the glacier.
You can access Jökulsárlón easily from the Ring Road, which actually passes over the lagoon via a bridge. And because the lagoon connects to the North Atlantic, you can watch the icebergs drift out to sea from here.
- Why not set off on an Iceland Ring Road trip of your own?
- Blog: Ultimate guide to driving Iceland’s Ring Road.
Some icebergs are even washed ashore on the nearby Breiðamerkursandur (aka Diamond Beach). This creates a magical effect as the blue ice contrasts with the pitch-black volcanic sand.
2. Mýrdalsjökull
Area: 560 km² (215 sq mi)
Location: South Iceland
Mýrdalsjökull is the southernmost glacier in Iceland, not far from the village of Vík. It covers Katla, the largest active volcano in Iceland. Although it hasn’t properly erupted since 1918, it’s considered to be one of the most active volcanoes in the country.
You can see the mark of past volcanic eruptions on the glacier in the form of layers of ash. This black grit settles on top of the ice and is quickly covered in snow. But if you enter an ice cave and see black veins in the ice, what you’re looking at is volcanic ash. Like the rings of a tree, they tell us more about the history of a glacier.
The Mýrdalsjökull glacier itself is a popular spot for adventure activities like snowmobiling tours and glacier hiking, especially on the Sólheimajökull outlet.
- Take a multi-day tour from Reykjavík and join the fun on Mýrdalsjökull.
3. Langjökull
Area: 900 km² (350 sq mi)
Location: West Iceland
Langjökull means ‘Long Glacier’. Look at a map and it’s easy to see why, it’s much longer than it is wide. If you venture to the Golden Circle and stop off at the Gullfoss waterfall, you’ll catch a glimpse of Langjökull in the distance.
Thanks to its location near the Golden Circle, Langjökull is another great spot for glacier-based adventures. Here you can join a glacier hike, go snowmobiling, or take a glacier jeep tour on top of the glacier itself.
Once you’re up on the glacier surface, you can follow a trained guide and explore one of the dozens of ice caves that form under Langjökull every year!
- Check out these day trips for a full selection of ice-focused adventures.
4. Eyjafjallajökull
Area: 78 km² (30 sq mi)
Location: South Iceland
If there’s one glacier in Iceland you might have heard of before, it’s Eyjafjallajökull. Newsreaders across the world mangled the pronunciation of this glacier when the volcano beneath it started erupting in 2010.
- See Eyjafjallajökull and more on a self-drive trip to Iceland.
- Get the lowdown on Iceland’s volcanoes with this guide.
So let’s get this out of the way first: you pronounce it EY-ya-fyat-la-yoekut-l. Or at least, that’s the best way we can write it using English spelling. YouTube has loads of videos teaching you how to pronounce it if you want something more precise!
Tongue twisters aside, Eyjafjallajökull is one South Iceland’s most stand-out glaciers. It’s easily visible from the Ring Road as you drive south to Seljalandsfoss. And on a clear day, it can even be seen from the Westman Islands off the south coast.
Eyjafjallajökull is super close to its bigger brother Mýrdalsjökull. In fact, they’re connected by the Fimmvörðuháls mountain pass. This is actually the spot where the infamous eruption started back in 2010.
5. Snæfellsjökull
Area: 11 km² (4 sq mi)
Location: Snæfellsnes peninsula, West Iceland
Although it’s the smallest of Iceland’s main glaciers, Snæfellsjökull is still a stunning sight. Located at the far western end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the glacier sits within its very own national park.
Snæfellsjökull caps an active volcano, the only one on the whole peninsula. Despite being labeled as ‘active’, it hasn’t actually erupted for almost 2,000 years.
This was the volcano that served as inspiration for Jules Verne. In his iconic novel Journey to the Center of the Earth, the main character uncovers a passage leading to the Earth’s core underneath Snæfellsjökull.
On a clear day, the glacier is easily visible from Reykjavík. And in the summer, you can climb the mountain below Snæfellsjökull, although you shouldn’t hike on the actual glacier by yourself.
6. Hofsjökull
Area: 890 km² (345 sq mi)
Location: Central highlands
Up in the Icelandic highlands you’ll find Hofsjökull, Iceland’s third-largest glacier. Beneath the ice is a large and active volcanic system, although no one knows quite when it last erupted.
Because of its location, Hofsjökull is only accessible in the summer when the mountain roads (known as F-roads) are open. This part of Iceland experiences such harsh weather conditions in the wintertime that it is completely cut off from the rest of the country.
In the summer though, it’s safe for you to visit the highlands in a 4×4. There’s plenty to see there in fact, including the Landmannalaugar hot springs. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even drive the Kjölur road which runs all the way up the country from south to north.
Planning your Iceland glacier trip
As we’ve seen, you don’t have to go far (or be a pro mountain climber!) to experience glaciers in Iceland. On an adventure tour of Iceland, you can join a group tour where you could:
- Go glacier hiking on Langjökull or Mýrdalsjökull
- Cross the glacier surface by snowmobile
- Explore a bright blue ice cave
On any of these activities, you’ll be led by a qualified and experienced guide. Plus, you’ll get all the gear you need to stay safe and comfy.
When you book an adventure package with Iceland Tours, you’ll get one or more ice-based experience included. And your accommodation and transport is all set up for you. All you need to do is book your flights and enjoy your trip.
And with just a 5% deposit, there’s no need to put your plans on ice, you can book today!
Best Museums in Reykjavík
Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, is a buzzing cultural hub. Here you can spend the day flitting between cool cafés, modern art galleries, and fascinating museums. In fact, museums are a great way to learn about Iceland’s cultural and natural history. But what are the best museums in Reykjavík?
Below we’ve rounded up some Reykjavík museums that we think you’ll love. If history’s your thing, delve into the country’s past at the National Museum of Iceland or learn about Viking pioneers at the Settlement Exhibition.
If nature’s more your vibe, visit Whales of Iceland at Perlan or Aurora Reykjavík. And for modern culture, there are art museums and countless galleries.
- Soak up Icelandic culture on one of these multi-day tours from Reykjavík.
So whilst the question of which museum in Reykjavík is best depends on your own interests, you’re bound to find one that interests you. Let’s dive in!
Top 10 museums in Reykjavík
1. National Museum of Iceland
Location: Suðurgata 41, 102 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. every day, closed Mondays Sep–Apr
The National Museum of Iceland offers a great overview of Icelandic history and culture in one place. The permanent exhibition, Making of a Nation, starts in the settlement era of the 8th century and spans right up to the present day.
Here you’ll also find a selection of rotating temporary exhibitions on Iceland’s culture and history. Past exhibitions have covered Icelandic art, fashion, music, and the sagas, as well as the local history of different regions like North Iceland.
- Read our Travel Guide to find out more about Icelandic people & culture.
The museum is also home to a café and a small gift shop. A great place to pick up an authentic Icelandic souvenir from your trip whilst supporting a local institution!
2. Árbær Open Air Museum
Location: Kistuhylur, 110 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Sep–May, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Jun–Aug
Árbær Open Air Museum is built on the site of a former farm and opened as a museum in 1957. As you wander between its 20 historic buildings, you get a real sense of what life in a small Icelandic town must have been like in times past.
The buildings at the site have mostly been moved there from central Reykjavík. Iceland has a strong tradition of relocating its old timber-framed houses, which are often small enough to fit on the back of a truck in one piece.
- See traditional Icelandic buildings around the country on a self-drive tour.
This living history museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. Past ones have included toys, vintage cars, and Reykjavík in the 20th century.
As this is mostly an outdoor museum, it’s a great place to go with kids. It’s not far from the Elliðaá river park, where you can go for a walk along the banks on a sunny day.
Good to know: Along with the Settlement Exhibition and Reykjavík Maritime Museum, Árbær Open Air Museum is part of Reykjavík City Museum. With the City Card, you can get access to all museums and galleries run by the city council, as well as the National Museum. What’s more, it gets you into the city pools!
3. Icelandic Phallological Museum
Location: Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. every day
Well, you probably have a lot of questions about this one. Where do we start? The Icelandic Phallological Museum boasts the questionable title of having the world’s largest collection of penises and penis-related art.
The museum itself was founded in the village of Húsavík in North Iceland by former Spanish teacher Sigurður Hjartarson. The museum grew with donations from Sigurður’s friends and family, including several whale penises and a bull pizzle (no, we don’t know either).
In 2012, he handed operations over to his son, who moved the museum south to Reykjavík and expanded its collection even further. Today it’s become a must-visit attraction for anyone passing through Iceland’s capital.
For avid penis fans, an annual pass is available. You’d have to be quite the admirer to beat the record of 43 visits in one year though!
4. Saga Museum
Location: Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. every day
At the Saga Museum, you can see moments from the famous Sagas of Icelanders brought to life. These ancient stories record the lives of real Icelanders, although normally with a big helping of fantasy and magic mixed in.
This museum focuses on the earlier eras of Icelandic history, starting at the point the landmass itself was formed 15 million years ago. It then fast-forwards to the first settlers, telling the stories of Norwegians who fled their homeland to start life in the new Icelandic colony.
Most of the Icelandic sagas are set in this period, although many weren’t written down until centuries later. So if you’re interested in learning more about the Viking culture of ancient Iceland, stop by the Saga Museum.
5. The Settlement Exhibition
Location: Aðalstræti 16, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. every day
If you walk along Aðalstræti from Ingólfstorg square, you’ll notice a murky glass window in the pavement. Look through it and you’ll get a glimpse of ancient Viking remains.
It’s these 9th-century remains that the Settlement Exhibition has been built around. They were unearthed during construction works in 2001 and are the oldest physical evidence of the settlement of Reykjavík. The remains are part of a longhouse, a type of building common in Viking times.
As well as the remains, the museum has interactive exhibits about life in Iceland during the settlement era. These are perfect for kids and big kids alike, so why not spend the afternoon here connecting with your inner Viking?
6. Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Location: Grandagarður 8, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. every day
As an island nation, Icelanders have developed a deep relationship with the sea. For centuries, fishing was the main industry and food source in Iceland. Even today, many remote villages around the country are dependent on fishing.
At the Reykjavík Maritime Museum, you can learn about the fishing history in Iceland from around 150 years ago. It was around then that large-scale fishing was first practiced. The museum also looks at the land-based industries that sprang up around the fisheries, such as boatmaking, sailmaking, and fish processing.
Fishing has always been a dangerous way to make a living, with men at sea for weeks or months at a time in often brutal conditions. Fishermen came up with different ways of keeping their spirits up and staying entertained, which you can also learn about here.
The museum is located in Grandi, the city’s former fishpacking district. After an afternoon looking around the exhibition, you can stop off at the nearby Grandi Mathöll for dinner. This trendy food hall is one of dozens of great places to eat in the district. So support local and order some Icelandic fish!
7. Safnahúsið
Location: Hverfisgata 15, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. every day, closed Mondays
Now run by the National Gallery of Iceland, Safnahúsið or the ‘House of Collections’ is one of the most beautiful buildings in Reykjavík. It was designed in 1906 by a Danish architect, originally to house Iceland’s national library.
Over the years the building has been home to a number of institutions. Until recently it was known as the Culture House, or Þjóðmenningarhúsið. Visit today and you’ll find all sorts of art-focused exhibitions put together by the National Gallery and National Museum.
Check the gallery’s website for the latest info on what’s on.
8. Reykjavík Art Museum
Location: Tryggvagata 17, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. every day, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Thursdays
Reykjavík Art Museum is actually spread over 3 locations across the city, but its main gallery is on Tryggvagata in the heart of downtown. This gallery is housed in an old harbor warehouse, known as Hafnarhús, built in the modernist style.
Today it’s home to a permanent exhibition of works by Erró, one of Iceland’s most famous painters. Known for his pop art style, he has produced over 4,000 works and donated many of them to the museum.
Hafnarhús doubles as a music venue. It’s often used for the annual Iceland Airwaves festival as one of the main performance areas. So if you’re going to the festival, you might well drop in here by accident!
- Get the lowdown on festivals with our guide to events in Iceland.
9. Whales of Iceland
Location: Fiskislóð 23–25, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. every day
A stone’s throw from the Reykjavík Maritime Museum, Whales of Iceland focuses on the biggest species found in Icelandic waters. Here you can get up close and personal with lifesize replicas of the main whale species found around Iceland.
Whales of Iceland offers a number of ways to learn about these majestic creatures. As well as the touchable lifesize models, there are interactive exhibits and a VR experience that takes you underwater. All this makes the museum a great family-friendly option.
10. Aurora Reykjavík
Location: Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík
Opening hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. every day
The Northern Lights can sometimes be tricky to track down, even in perfect winter conditions. If you don’t manage to see them for yourself, you can stop by Aurora Reykjavík. Here you can watch an immersive video experience of the lights in the museum’s aurora theater.
You’ll also learn about the significance of the Northern Lights in Icelandic culture. As scientists didn’t properly understand what causes the aurora until the early 20th century, there are lots of myths around their origin and meaning.
If you’re planning to join a Northern Lights hunting tour, it might be worth a stop here beforehand for a photography class. You’ll get tips and tricks on how to take photos of these colorful ribbons as they dance across the sky!
Bonus: Perlan
Location: Öskjuhlíð, 105 Reykjavík
Opening hours: Exhibitions open 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Whilst Perlan isn’t technically a museum itself, it’s home to a few exhibitions that focus on Icelandic nature along with some other attractions.
- Check out our Travel Guide to learn more about Iceland’s nature & landscape.
You can see this huge domed building from many places all over Reykjavík. It’s worth visiting for the view from the observation deck alone. Here you get a full panorama over the city and a glimpse of the Esja mountain beyond.
There are currently 6 nature-themed exhibits at Perlan, including a journey through a reconstructed ice cave and a replica of the Látrabjarg bird cliff in the Westfjords. There’s also an exhibit on Icelandic nature, as well as video shows on the Northern Lights and seas of Iceland.
- See a real ice cave for yourself on an Iceland adventure tour.
- Blog: Your guide to ice caves and lava caves in Iceland.
Once you’ve checked out the exhibits you can grab a bite to eat at the café on the top floor. It’s here that you’ll also find Perlan’s newest attraction: a zipline! Probably best to eat after you fly down the zipline though.
How many museums are in Reykjavík?
We’ve listed just a handful of our favorite museums in Reykjavík, but Iceland’s capital is home to even more. You’ll also find museums in rural locations around the country, including along the south coast, in the Westman Islands, and in North Iceland.
- See more of the country on one of these Iceland vacation packages.
Are museums free in Reykjavík?
Most museums in Iceland charge a small admission fee to help support the museum’s work and preserve its collections. That said, some museums have free entry for kids!
Concessions are often available for students or elderly people, but check at the desk before you buy your ticket to be sure.
Are museums open on Sunday in Reykjavík?
Yes, most museums in Reykjavík are open on Sundays. It’s always worth checking the opening hours in case you are planning to visit on a public holiday though. Also, it’s good to know that some museums in Iceland are closed on Mondays.
Planning your visit to Reykjavík
Every trip to Iceland should include a day or two in Reykjavík. As well as museums, it has exciting places to eat mixed with cozy cafés and cool bars. And in the evenings you can go for walks along the beautiful coast or unwind in one of the heated city pools.
If you take a multi-day tour from Reykjavík, you’ll be based in the city and join different excursions into the countryside each day. This will give you plenty of time to explore everything the capital has to offer and get out into Icelandic nature.
And because multi-day tours are by bus, they’re also a lower-carbon way to travel around Iceland.
Now that you’re itching to experience the best of Reykjavík’s culture, you can start planning your trip. With Iceland Tours, you can choose your own departure date and secure your booking with just a 5% deposit. So what’s holding you back?
Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Ultimate Guide
Lava fields, fishing villages, and its very own glacier – all this and more is in store for you on a trip to Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula.
This slice of West Iceland is sometimes described as ‘Iceland in Miniature’, and for good reason. Its diverse landscapes capture the essence of what Iceland is all about, but it’s easily accessible and doable in a day or two.
- See all of Snæfellsnes on one of these Iceland vacation packages.
So what are the Snæfellsnes peninsula must-sees? There’s too many to squeeze into one paragraph, so read on to get the lowdown on this breathtaking region of Iceland.
Top Snæfellsnes peninsula things to do
1. Snæfellsjökull National Park
At the far end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula sits Snæfellsjökull National Park. Named after the Snæfellsjökull glacier, this nature reserve is home to a wide variety of different landscapes.
The crowning glory (quite literally) is the glacier itself. Although Snæfellsjökull can’t compete with its bigger brothers Langjökull and Vatnajökull for size, it’s no less jaw-dropping. On a clear and sunny day, you can even catch a glimpse of its white peak from Reykjavík.
- Read our Travel Guide to learn more about Iceland’s nature and landscape.
- Related: Best glaciers to visit in Iceland.
Snæfellsjökull is famous for appearing in Jules Verne’s classic novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. In the novel, the main characters find a passage leading to the center of the earth underneath the glacier.
The ice sheet covers a giant volcano, the largest in this part of Iceland. It’s inactive though, as it hasn’t erupted for a couple of thousand years. The foot of the volcano is hemmed in by giant lava fields that stretch all the way to the sea.
At the extreme western edge of the park, you’ll find a cliff-lined coast where the lava meets the Atlantic Ocean. This coast is dotted with interesting rock formations and lighthouses that are well worth checking out!
2. Stykkishólmur
The sleepy fishing village of Stykkishólmur is the largest settlement on the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the main harbor in the region. Founded in the 16th century as a trading post, it’s an Icelandic town wears its merchant history on its sleeve.
Some of the old merchants’ houses around the old harbor have been converted into trendy modern bistros serving up fresh and tasty Icelandic seafood. This is probably the best place to eat on the whole peninsula.
- Read our Travel Guide to find out more about Icelandic food & restaurants.
You might recognize the row of buildings along the harborfront from the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. The village was actually used as Greenland in that film!
From the harbor you can sail out into the Breiðafjörður bay (more on that below). A ferry connection is available to the island of Flatey and the Westfjords, or you can join a puffin-watching tour by boat.
It’s also worth taking a wander to the cliff on the other side of the harbor, where you can get a panoramic view across the whole bay.
3. Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall
Kirkjufell is one of the most instantly recognizable mountains in Iceland thanks to its pointy peak resembling a witch’s hat.
If it seems familiar to you, that might be because you’ve seen it as Arrowhead Mountain in Game of Thrones. (Authors and filmmakers seem to love this part of Iceland!)
Kirkjufell lends its name to the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, which rolls gently into the sea through a series of shallow cascades. The waterfall is easily accessible from the 54 road, the main route around the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Explore the area around the waterfall by following the footpaths and crossing the bridge above the falls. The scene is especially magical at sunset, so if you want to nab the best pic, this is the time of day to visit.
4. Grundarfjörður & Ólafsvík
If you’re driving to Kirkjufell along the north coast of Snæfellsnes, then you’ll pass through Grundarfjörður, one of a handful of fishing villages on the peninsula. This is a great place to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat as you admire the view of the mountain.
Whilst you’re in town, you could also pay a visit to the Saga Center. Here you’ll find an information center, the Bæringsstofa photo collection, and a small exhibit about the town’s history. The exhibit includes a replica of a shop from the 1950s, which is like a time capsule!
Grundarfjörður is located between the small towns of Stykkishólmur, the hub of the region, and Ólafsvík. The latter is a fishing community worth stopping at for the cute waterfall alone (see below), but there’s some more dining options here too.
Ólafsvík is also home to Pakkhúsið, a historical building where you’ll now find the Útgerðin fashion and lifestyle shop. Drop in here to pick up Icelandic design products and gifts.
As you drive around Iceland, you’ll no doubt notice some of its radical modernist churches. Many of these were built around the middle of the 20th century and have striking modern designs. The church in Ólafsvík is no exception, with its minimalist spire and angular roof.
5. Caves & gorges
Buried under the lava fields of the Snæfellsnes peninsula is a hidden gem: Vatnshellir cave. As you descend into the cave via a spiral staircase, you’ll be surrounded by gnarly rock formations.
To explore the cave, which was only opened to the public in 2011, you will need to join a guided tour. Exploring the actual cave is not too difficult, but you’ll need to wear the right safety gear and follow precautions.
There are a couple more awesome rock formations in the area you can check out yourself. First up is Sönghellir (‘Singing Cave’), renowned for its magical acoustics. To get here, you’ll need to turn off the coastal road onto a gravel track, so a 4×4 is required.
- Check out these Iceland adventure packages that include lava cave experiences.
- Want to explore further underground? Read our lava caves and ice caves guide.
Further up the coastal road, you’ll find the more accessible Rauðfeldsgjá gorge. This narrow passage cuts into the Botnsfjall mountain, and it’s possible to explore the inside in summertime.
The walls are lined with palagonite, a kind of volcanic rock. And a small waterfall runs into the back of the gorge, creating a mystical atmosphere!
Around a 15-minute drive from Rauðfeldsgjá is Búðakirkja. This small black church sits next to a massive lava field featuring the Búðaklettur volcanic crater. You can park near the church and follow the trail to the crater to explore it up close.
6. Breiðafjörður bay
Breiðafjörður means ‘Wide Fjord’ and it’s easy to see why: this bay that divides Snæfellsnes from the Westfjords is one of the biggest in Iceland. You can see it from pretty much anywhere on the north shore of Snæfellsnes.
- Discover Iceland’s remotest region in our guide to the Westfjords.
The bay itself is packed with small islands and skerries, home to all sorts of wildlife including puffins and eider ducks. That’s right, eider ducks as in eider pillows. Locals collect the soft feathers from the birds’ nests as they naturally shed them.
The heart of Breiðafjörður is the island of Flatey, accessible by the Baldur ferry from Stykkishólmur. This car-free island has been settled for centuries and was once an important religious and cultural center.
Today it’s fantastic to visit for its laid-back vibe and collection of traditional timber-framed houses. A great place to escape to and disconnect from the rush of daily life.
7. Yellow and black sand beaches
You may well have heard of Iceland’s famous black sand beaches, but on the Snæfellsnes peninsula you’re more likely to come across a beach with yellow or red sand. In fact, almost the entire length of the peninsula’s southern coast is yellow beach.
One particular spot worth visiting is Ytri Tunga, a golden beach ideal for spying seals. They tend to bask on the seaweed-covered rocks just off the coast.
However, if you really do want to see a black sand beach, Snæfellsnes does deliver. Stop off at Djúpalónssandur or Malarrif in the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Malarrif is right next to the famous Lóndrangar sea stacks, which you can read about below. There you’ll also find a lighthouse to add to your photo collection!
8. Sea stacks
As well as beaches that seem stolen from the Caribbean, the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula has tons of otherworldly cliff and rock formations.
Within the Snæfellsjökull National Park, you’ll find Lóndrangar. This pair of basalt columns towers over a sea cliff. The bigger of the two is 75 meters (245 feet) tall, whereas the smaller is 61 meters (200 feet).
The columns are the remains of an ancient volcanic crater which has long since eroded. Today they are home to some nesting birds, including kittiwakes, murres, fulmars, and puffins.
Slightly further up the road is Arnarstapi, a set of cliffs and rock formations including Gatklettur (above). This famous rock arch is one of many you can spot in Iceland, formed by the sea wearing a hole in solidified lava.
9. Pocket-sized waterfalls
Although Kirkjufellsfoss is undoubtedly the crown jewel of waterfalls on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, there are plenty of pocket-sized gems dotted around the region.
Just above Ólafsvík is Bæjarfoss, literally ‘Town Waterfall’, which is easily walkable from anywhere in the town. It’s quite modest in size, but still charming enough to look at. It drapes over the mountainside like other ‘bridal veil’ waterfalls such as Dynjandi. And what’s more, you can enjoy it at night because it’s lit up!
Slightly more majestic is Svöðufoss (above), just west of Ólafsvík. At around 10 meters (30 feet) tall, it’s set within a cliff of basalt columns. This is similar to the famous Svartifoss waterfall in southeast Iceland.
From the same parking lot, you can also walk to Kerlingarfoss, a semi-hidden, multi-tier waterfall spanning about 60 meters (200 feet).
Despite their beauty, these waterfalls aren’t as well known, so they’re definitely a little off the beaten track. Thirst for waterfalls still not quenched? Read our guide to the best waterfalls to visit in Iceland.
How to explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula
If you’ve never visited Iceland before, adding the Snæfellsnes peninsula to your itinerary is a great way to see a lot of what the country has to offer in a short time. But what’s the best way to get to, and around, the region?
You’ll have the most freedom to explore if you rent a car. On a self-drive trip, you can set the pace and take as many detours as you like. This means you don’t have to miss any of the hidden gems of Snæfellsnes, and you can spend as long as you like at each one.
If you base yourself on the peninsula, you could also join day tours of the Breiðafjörður bay, where you could spot puffins and whales.
That said, if you’d prefer to skip the driving, you could also join a guided group tour or private tour that includes Snæfellsnes.
Browse these vacation packages and get inspired for your trip to this magical part of West Iceland.
Best Places to See Puffins in Iceland
Best known for their colorful beaks stuffed full of fish, puffins are an iconic Icelandic bird species. So if you fancy seeing one on your trip, it helps to know where the best place to see puffins in Iceland is.
Luckily, there’s not just one place you can these bright-billed birds, as they hang out in sea cliffs all over the country. So when it comes to where to see puffins in Iceland, where should you start?
Here we’ve rounded up the top places in Iceland to spy a puffin. But first, let’s get to know these famous critters a bit better.
- Take one of these self-drive tours of Iceland and spot puffins all around the country.
About puffins in Iceland
There are actually 3 different species of puffin, but by far the most famous is the Atlantic puffin (also called the ‘common puffin’).
As its name suggests, this type of puffin is found all around the North Atlantic Ocean, including in the British Isles, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Norway, and of course, Iceland.
In fact, Iceland is thought to be home to 60% of the world’s Atlantic puffins. Around 2 million pairs of puffins call the country home. And Icelanders call them lundar.
The Westman Islands off the south coast of Iceland are home to the world’s largest puffin colony. They’re hard to miss as you sail into the harbor on the ferry from the mainland.
What do puffins look like?
Puffins are very easy to spot thanks to their distinctive shape and color! The Atlantic puffin has a white belly and black back. The back of its head is also black, but its face is white and they have a bright beak colored orange-red, yellow, and black.
On land, they stand upright on their sunny orange feet. But you’ll also spot them swimming on the surface of the sea, where their posture is more like a duck’s.
Puffins spend a lot of their time at sea hunting for small fish, which is their main source of food. You have the best chance of spotting them in the morning or evening, when they’re likely to be in their nests.
Are puffins an endangered species?
Unfortunately, yes. The species as a whole is considered vulnerable, but the puffin populations in Iceland are critically endangered. This is despite the actual number of puffins around the country being so high.
All that said, they’re plentiful enough to be easy to spot. But make sure you take care not to disturb the birds or their nests. Remember you are in their habitat and that Iceland’s environment can be quite fragile.
- Get more tips on how to travel sustainably and responsibly in Iceland.
Where to see puffins in Iceland
Because puffins are seabirds, they tend to nest in sea cliffs and rocky outcrops along the coast. They mostly feed on small fish that live near the surface of the water, so you’ll see them swimming as well as flying.
Iceland has thousands of kilometers of coastline, but some places are better for puffin spotting than others. Let’s run through some of the top ones!
1. Látrabjarg cliffs
The remote Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords are perhaps the most famous place to spot puffins in the whole country. This 14-kilometer (8.5-mile) stretch of cliffs forms the westernmost point in Iceland and reaches a height of up to 440 meters (1,450 feet) in places.
As well as puffins, you’ll find bird species like guillemots, razorbills, and gannets, so you’re pretty much guaranteed a bird sighting!
Of course, the reason you’re really here is to see puffins. To maximize your chances of seeing them, you’ll want to visit from May to August. In the early summer, puffins lay their eggs in Iceland and are at their most active. That said, they can be seen throughout the whole summer.
To get to Látrabjarg, you’ll need to drive. The cliff can be found at the end of the 612 gravel road, which connects up to the main 62 road that circles around the western part of the Westfjords.
- Related: Your ultimate guide to the Westfjords.
Their remoteness and isolation are part of what makes the cliffs such a great nesting spot for seabirds though. Definitely worth the detour!
2. Westman Islands
As we mentioned before, the Westman Islands (or Vestmannaeyjar in Icelandic) are home to the world’s largest puffin colony.
This chain of islands is easy to access from the mainland. Drive south along Route 1 to the Landeyjahöfn ferry terminal, a stone’s throw from the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
- Find out more about Iceland’s epic waterfalls.
As you sail across to Heimaey, the main island and only inhabited one, you’ll pass a handful of smaller, cliff-lined islands. Watch out for the first signs of puffins hovering around these cliffs.
Once you arrive, you can explore the island’s coastline on foot. There you’ll find more cliffs full of seabirds, including the Atlantic puffin!
Another option is to join a boat tour out of Heimaey harbor. This way you can see the puffins from another angle and maybe even get a bit closer to them than you would otherwise.
The Westman Islands themselves make a great day trip. You can explore the town on Heimaey and visit the Eldheimar museum, which tells the story of the eruption that swallowed half the island in 1973.
3. Breiðafjörður bay
Breiðafjörður is a massive, island-studded bay that separates the Snæfellsnes peninsula from the Westfjords region. The thousands of tiny skerries and rocky outcrops in the area are home to millions of seabirds.
Boat tours of the waters around these islands sail from the harbor at Stykkishólmur, the largest town on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Join one of these excursions and you could even see seals and dolphins as well as puffins if you’re lucky!
The island of Elliðaey is one of the main nesting grounds for puffins in the bay, and most boat rides stop here. This island, whose basalt-column cliffs rise dramatically out of the sea, was abandoned in the 1950s. Nowadays, the seabirds call it home.
If you’re planning to travel to Iceland in the summertime, Breiðafjörður bay is a great addition to your itinerary. The island of Flatey is open at this time of year and is a popular escape for Icelanders and visitors alike. You can get there on the Baldur ferry, which also sails from Stykkishólmur.
4. Tjörnes peninsula
Located in North Iceland, the Tjörnes peninsula is famous for its bird watching spots (as well as its fossils). It’s easily accessible, being just over a 1-hour drive from Akureyri and only 15 minutes from the vibrant village of Húsavík.
Drive to the Tjörnes lighthouse and follow one of the several walking trails in the area. They will lead you along the top of cliffs that tower over black sand beaches, the perfect habitat for puffins.
On the east side of the peninsula, it’s worth stopping at the Hringsbjarg cliff, where an observation deck has been set up. Perfect for hanging out over the sea and trying to spy a red-billed friend.
Tjörnes is also part of the Diamond Circle touring route, which shows you the best of North Iceland. It includes the area around Lake Mývatn, with its lava caves and unusual geological features like hot springs and mud pools.
- Explore North Iceland on a guided group tour.
So the puffins are just the start of it, there’s plenty more to see in this corner of Iceland!
5. Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a rocky arch on the south coast of Iceland, next to the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. The arch is part of a set of cliffs that form a small cove, providing shelter and habitat for plenty of sea birds, including puffins.
This tends to be one of the more popular puffin-spotting locations. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to arrive in the early morning or late evening if you want to beat the crowds. The great thing is that puffin season coincides with the longer days of summer, so there will be plenty of daylight.
At the top of the cliff is a lighthouse, worth a visit in itself, which looks out across the North Atlantic Ocean. Dyrhólaey marks the southernmost point in mainland Iceland.
- Explore more of the area with our guide to Reynisfjara black sand beach.
6. Ingólfshöfði
Ingólfshöfði is a tidal island or headland in southeast Iceland that’s home to a lighthouse and, you’ve guessed it, shedloads of puffins. It’s a fantastic place to catch sight of a whole bunch of different seabirds, and is a favorite among wildlife photographers.
Because of its location, accessing Ingólfshöfði by yourself isn’t practical or safe. To get there, you need to join a guided expedition from the mainland by tractor. The trip takes a few hours and is suited to more experienced walkers.
Ingólfshöfði falls within the Vatnajökull National Park, a nature reserve covering much of southeast Iceland. In this part of the country, you’ll also find Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, Breiðamerkursandur (aka Diamond Beach), and the Svartifoss waterfall.
So even if Ingólfshöfði isn’t easily accessible, there’s plenty more for you to explore in the local area.
7. Lundey
Did you know there’s an island right next to Reykjavík literally called ‘Puffin Island’? That’s Lundey! If you’re short on time, you can join a boat tour from the harbor in Reykjavík around the Faxaflói bay, where the island is located.
On the boat ride, you’ll pass Lundey and see where puffins nest. The chances of seeing an actual puffin here are fairly low though. That said, you’ll probably see other Icelandic birds like the Arctic tern, a bright-white bird known for its black head, bold red beak, and distinctive shriek.
Iceland actually has more than one puffin island. There’s also an island called Lundey off the coast of Húsavík in the north of the country. There you can join boat tours where you can spot puffins, harbor porpoises, and even whales!
Now you know the best places to see puffins in Iceland, you’re probably thinking about the best way to get there and when to go.
Visit Iceland in the summer, from May to August, for the best chance of catching a glimpse of these undeniably cute seabirds.
As many of the most spectacular puffin-spotting locations are very remote, it makes sense to go for a self-drive trip. By car, you’re free as a bird to go wherever you want, whenever you want.
So why not start planning your puffin-spotting trip today?
