Things to do in Iceland in

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Finding things to do in Iceland is easy

It is really impossible to keep track of all the activities and the things to do in Iceland. I still try to do my best. On this site, I give my readers ways to save on top-rated tours with the biggest selection of promotional codes, or voucher codes anywhere on the web. I only work with the best tour companies, people who I know and trust.

Man at Skógafoss waterfall in Iceland. Things to in Iceland includes chasing waterfalls
Things to in Iceland includes chasing waterfalls

But there are also ways to enjoy so many places and activities without joining a tour. Here are some fantastic things you should consider when planning your Iceland trip. ‘

Things to do in Iceland with your kids and family

Iceland is a family-friendly country. It has a low crime rate and so many fun activities for kids. If you are going to Iceland with your kids check out the section on family-friendly travel in Iceland. Swimming, meeting farm animals, going horseback riding, enjoying Reykjavik, entering ice tunnels and going whale watching, seeing lava flow indoors, and so on and so forth. Iceland is a dream country for kids who want to learn about nature and geology first hand.

Book a hotel and a flight to Iceland

Iceland is a family friendly destination.
Iceland is a family-friendly destination.

Hiking in Iceland

Iceland is an incredible country for hiking. This is one of my favorite activity and I have been on so many incredible hiking trips here. There is such a great variety of hiking trails all around the country. In my section on hiking trails, there are articles about brutal and long hikes in the mountains of northern Iceland, easy strolls up Mt. Esja just outside Reykjavik, and a cool app that enables you to discover hiking trails all over Iceland. Please make sure that you stay safe when hiking in Iceland. Watch the weather forecast and study the safety guidelines on the Safe travel website.

Hello Mr. Cod. I love you.
Hello Mr. Cod. I love you.

Eating and drinking

Iceland has a lot of great restaurants and bars and great cuisine. In fact, it is nearly impossible to keep up with all the cool places opening (and closing) here in Reykjavik! I am not a big fan of fancy restaurants, there are few things that annoy more than pretentious places which charge you a lot of money for a few foamy morsels. I guess I am old-fashioned that way! So if I recommend a restaurant, it is a good value for money for constantly hungry people who work out 4-5 days a week and bike to work.

Northern lights in Iceland.
Northern lights in Iceland.

The northern lights

The northern lights are both spectacular and elusive. I always say to people, don’t come to Iceland just to see the northern lights. Their sighting cannot be guaranteed. But if you see them when they are at their best it is a sight you will not forget any time soon. In my section on the northern lights, I have done my best to publish content that helps you to find the northern lights when you visit Iceland. Good luck with hunting for the northern lights.

Pool in Iceland in sunset.
Jump in.

Soak in pools and spas

The northern lights are elusive but the abundance of mineral enriched geothermal water means that you can always count on being able to soak in fantastic spas all around Iceland. The swimming pools and hot pots in every town in Iceland must be experienced by every visitor. Be sure to follow the instructions on bathing before you enter the pools. Yes, you must shower naked and apply plenty of soap everywhere. No exceptions.

Humpback whale
Humpback whale

Whale watching is one of the most popular activity

Whale watching is such a fantastic activity. I am always blown away by the majesty of the whales in Icelandic waters. I am proud of working with the leading whale watching company Elding. My readers can get discount promo codes for their top-rated whale watching tours.

Puffins in Iceland.
Puffins. They are cute.

Birdwatching

Iceland has a fantastic variety of birds. You hardly need to step outside of Reykjavik to see the incredible birdlife up close and personal.

Martin Schulz is one of the best photographers there.
Things can get cold on your photography tour in Iceland. But that does not stop Martin Schulz

Photography tours to Iceland

Just imagine a country where the scenery is constantly changing with the weather and different light. Consider a landscape that is transformed with the different seasons. Have you seen the stark differences between boiling geothermal water and ice and snow? Stark mountains and rugged scenery with delicate vegetation. Picture raging rivers and cascading waterfalls. My country is the ultimate place for ambitious photographer.

Paragliding in Iceland
Paragliding in Iceland

Extreme sports

The country is a magnet for those who want to do extreme things. But of course, I advise everybody to be careful and respect nature. Make sure you know what you are doing before you attempt it.

 

 

Viking Story Night at Mr. Iceland: One of the Best Evening Activities in Iceland (and You Get 10% Off)

If someone asks me what they should do on an evening in South Iceland that has nothing to do with the Northern Lights, I now have a clear answer: go to Mr. Iceland and listen to Valdimar tell stories. Mr. Iceland is a working farm…

Compare Hotels in Iceland: Find Best-Value Stays for Your Vacation

I’m excited to share a brand-new feature on Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine: my Book Hotels in Iceland page. Whether you’re planning a quick city break in Reykjavík, a south coast adventure, or a full Ring Road journey, this page makes it easier than ever…

Don’t stack rocks in Iceland– and the cairns in Iceland that matter

You’re standing at a dramatic Icelandic viewpoint, inspired by the wild beauty around you. Maybe you feel tempted to stack a few stones—a small act of presence, a quiet “I was here.” But here’s the thing: stacking rocks in Iceland is not cool—it’s harmful, confusing,…

The Best Tours in Iceland in 2025: Tripadvisor Reveals This Year’s Top-Rated Experiences

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, there’s no better way to choose your itinerary than by looking at what fellow travelers loved the most. The Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for 2025 have just been announced—and the results highlight the best…

Twelve essential apps for a vacation in Iceland

Planning a trip to Iceland? Excellent choice! But before you zip up your suitcase and set your sights on volcanoes, waterfalls, and northern lights, do yourself a favor — download these essential apps. From weather warnings to geothermal pools and parking meters, these digital tools…

How to have the best possible vacation in Iceland in July or August

So, you’re heading to Iceland in July or August? Smart move! You’ve picked the absolute best time of year for a first visit. The weather is (usually) mild, the roads are open, the midnight sun is still hanging around, and there’s so much to do…

Discover the best tours and experiences in Iceland according to Viator

Big news for Iceland! Five of the Top 20 Northern Europe tours in the 2025 Viator Experience Awards are from Iceland! Disclosure: Being the editor of Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine is my side project. I work in the Icelandic travel industry as my day…

Five places in Iceland that will steal your heart

When you think of Iceland, your mind probably goes straight to the big hitters— something like Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, or the Sky Lagoon. And hey, those spots are amazing. However, here are five places in Iceland that are off the beaten path and…

The Reykjavik City Card unlocks the capital of cool

One of the best ways to save money while exploring Reykjavik is to use the Reykjavik City Card. This handy card is a traveler’s key to unlocking Reykjavik’s culture, history, and activities. Dive into Iceland’s museums, enjoy the city’s geothermal pools, or take in the…

How to Stay Warm During Iceland’s Winter Adventures

Iceland’s winter offers an array of adventures that draw thrill-seekers from around the globe. Just imagine trekking across vast glaciers, exploring surreal ice caves, and seeing the Northern Lights paint the sky with mesmerizing colors! You could also whale watch in icy waters, bathe in…

Nice Travel: Icelandic Hospitality and small-group travel

Founded in 2012 by three Icelandic families, Nice Travel is a top-rated tour company with almost 600 positive reviews on TripAdvisor. Their ethos centers around providing personal travel experiences. Limiting their tours to a maximum of 19 guests ensures a more intimate journey for every…

Reeling in Memories: Meet Icelandic fishing Guide Guðmundur Atli

I could never be a fishing guide in Iceland. I am what is called in Icelandic ‘fiskifæla,’ a word that means something like ‘fish repeller.’ Every time I am by a riverbank and try to fish, the salmon, trout, or char conspire not to interact…

The Icelandic Private Guide that Creates Your Best Days

“I simply want to create the best day of your life,” says Bessi Jonsson, a great friend, and a highly respected Icelandic private guide, when discussing the philosophy guiding his work. We were driving home to Reykjavik after spending a day on the Sólheimajökull glacier….

Discover the ‘Real’ Iceland with Gravel Travel

Roll up all adventure lovers and intrepid explorers! I have an exhilarating announcement that’s set to make your Iceland journey even more memorable and pocket-friendly. As you know, I have done my best to bring you insider knowledge on the most enchanting destinations of Iceland…

Unforgettable Journeys with Glaciers and Waterfalls in Iceland

I am delighted to welcome aboard my newest partner at Stuck in Iceland, Glaciers and Waterfalls, a travel company that has attracted outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor. They’ve earned a shining reputation for their commitment to authentic adventure travel experiences and close cultural encounters. Join this…

Hidden Iceland Small Group Tours: Unlock Exclusive Savings

Discover the magic of Iceland with Hidden Iceland – the premier travel agency that specializes in tailor-made journeys, cozy group escapades, and luxurious self-guided adventures. Let the Hidden Iceland team transform your meticulously planned itinerary into an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless. Their…

Meet Valur Heiðar, one of Iceland’s leading private guides

A magazine like Stuck in Iceland should be a springboard for independent and authentic entrepreneurs. The people and the companies I work with should have proven themselves to offer the best service and value to people visiting Iceland. Somebody who fulfills both criteria is travel…

2022 wrapped for Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine

It is time for 2022 Wrapped for Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine. 2022 was a banner year for my discount promo codes for Iceland tours. Three thousand people used my discount promotional code to save money on top-rated Icelandic tours and activities, camper van rentals,…

Stuck in Iceland celebrates ten years – join a competition to win a tour

I can’t believe it, but it has been ten years since I founded Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine this September. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the magazine. I have partnered with three leading travel companies that generously donated tours to celebrate the anniversary. These…

22 things to do in Iceland in 2022

Many of my readers are now planning their 2022 trip to Iceland. So without further, here are twenty-two things you should consider including in your trip to Iceland. This list of 22 things to do in Iceland in 2022 is in no particular order, and…

League of Legends in Iceland – Reykjavik hosts the World Championship

The online game League of Legends from Riot Games has between 100 – 120 million players. This online game is also one of the World’s most popular e-sports. Over 100 million people watch the annual League of Legends World Championship, and this year The League…

Best Iceland Twitter account belongs to photographer Sophie Carr

I have always enjoyed Twitter. What is fun about this social media site is its serendipity. I have often stumbled across interesting people that have great content. The accounts may be about history, fintech, the environment, politics, or the personal musings of witty people. There…

Get natural Icelandic silica supplements straight to your door

Icelandic silica from geothermal energy is a 100% natural product. Iceland owes a lot to its geothermal energy. It heats our houses and provides electricity. Swimming pools and hot tubs are some of the privileges of living in Iceland. Now you can get natural Icelandic…

10% off whale watching from Reykjavik with the acclaimed company Elding

Go whale watching from Reykjavik. Use the Stuck in Iceland discount promo code when you book any tour with the acclaimed company Elding to get a 10% discount. Elding runs its tours from Reykjavik harbor. How to get the exclusive Stuck in Iceland promo codes? To get…

Into the Glacier tours – get discount promo code

The incredible Langjökull glacier ice tunnel is one of the most remarkable destinations in Iceland. I am are thrilled to have a great partnership with Into the Glacier. Enter the Stuck in Iceland promo code when you book the tours below and get a 10%…

Goodbye 2020, hope you can visit Iceland in 2021

2020 has been a strange year for all of us and difficult for many. We at the Stuck in Iceland family have been fortunate in our professional and personal lives during the pandemic. The gratitude we feel for that is immense. Of course, we are…

Family-friendly Reykjavik park- see birds, salmon and rabits

Although Reykjavik isn´t really a large city, the locals have several sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle and gridlock. Reykjavik does have a couple of really nice parks, and of course, you can always escape to lovely Grótta on the western edge of town. Perhaps the best place…

Hostels in Iceland – accommodation for the world conscious traveler

I am always looking for experienced people from the Icelandic travel industry to interview. One of the most experienced people in the business is Sigríður Ólafsdóttir. She is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Senior Quality Auditor of the Hostelling International (HI) in Iceland. Sigríður,…

Thank you for reading Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine in 2019

It is that time again when we look back on the year that is about to end and think about what is in store next year. When I think about 2019, my main feeling is gratitude. I have been incredibly fortunate in my life, both…

The storm chaser in Iceland – he braves the storm when you snuggle inside

When you think about it, I may not the best ambassador for Iceland. I have written articles on the dark side of Thingvellir, the terrible consequences of the Laki eruption in the 18th century.  I am planning more articles on the morbid side of Icelandic…

Astronaut training in Iceland – get ready to discover new worlds

Perhaps the most exciting developments in the world today is the renaissance of space travel. One offshoot of this is the company Space Nation. Its mission is to making space and astronaut experiences accessible to everybody. The company is offering those who want to break…

Tour guide in Iceland app – get a personal travel experience

Are you looking for a personal tour guide in Iceland? There are a lot of tours and tour companies available here in Iceland. But sometimes people are looking for a more personalized experience. They want to experience something uniquely tailored to them. Finding the right…

Horseback Riding Tours in Iceland – get 10% off these top rated tours

We at Stuck in Iceland are thrilled to announce our partnership with Riding Tours South of Iceland. If you are looking to go horseback riding in Iceland, this company is the one you want to consider. Just look at the reviews they have on Tripadvisor….

15% off this privately guided Snæfellsnes tour

Get 15% off the wonderful privately guided Snæfellsnes tour from the top-rated private guide company Moonwalker. Just go the tour page and type in the promo code STUCK to claim your discount. The discount promo code is valid until the 31st of December 2020. See mini…

The Iceland highland tour to rule them all

We joined Bessi of Moonwalker tours on an early Monday morning to go on the Landmannalaugar and Hekla Volcano tour. We have known Bessi since our good friends and Brits Simon and Elizabeth Smith wrote about their experience of traveling with Moonwalker back in 2015….

10% off the acclaimed Golden Circle Classic tour

Claim 10% discount off the Golden Circle Classic tour by entering the promo code STUCK in the booking process. We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the leading Icelandic travel company Reykjavik Sightseeing. We at Stuck in Iceland take pride in only partnering with…

Ice Ice Iceland pokes fun at Icelandic mythology and Icelanders!

Birgitta Sigursteinsdóttir and Ester Sveinbjarnardóttir are two lovely Icelandic ladies. They will be doing two shows called Ice Ice Iceland at the Reykjavík Fringe Festival happening at various locations around Reykjavik next week. During the show, they will be acting out different Icelandic creatures and…

Miss Mokki tells all about her super hot Búkalú show

Miss Mokki, you are the Big Mama of Icelandic cabaret, responsible for the renowned Reykjavík Cabaret, but what is Búkalú? Búkalú is a traveling Iceland variety show where we try and turn all sorts of venues around the country, from small bars to community theaters…

Iceland travel advice for the discerning traveler

Innovation and futurism fascinate me. I knew I had to get an interview when I connected with designer and futurist Helga Jóseps. I wanted to know what she felt about the state of the Icelandic traveling industry, the options travelers have and how we in…

Game of Thrones in Iceland – Go Beyond the Wall

The last season of Game of Thrones is starting in just under a month. Iceland has been featured extensively in the series and it is gratifying for us Game of Thrones nerds here in Iceland seeing Icelandic places featured in dramatic scenes. Game of Thrones…