Activities in Iceland in Summer

Iceland is an all-year-round destination. The weather is mild throughout the year, meaning the winters are not that cold, but also the summers are not that warm. Many visitors are surprised with the winter weather, as you can experience much colder temperatures in several states of the United States. Likewise, people are often surprised at how chilly the summer can be, but it can provide a welcome respite from intense heat elsewhere in Europe. You might get sunny and clear days in winter in Iceland, but you might also get some snow in the summer depending on your luck. The main difference between the winter and the summer is the amount of daylight hours, as the summers are blessed with 24 hour daylight but in wintertime it’s pretty dark, however the auroras might light up the sky. The shortest day of the year, the winter solstice, is December 21st. The longest day, the summer solstice, is June 21st. In between those two dates the days are either getting longer or shorter, by a couple of minutes each day. Equinox takes place on March 21st and October 21st, where the day and night are equal in length. Each season is attractive in its own way, so to help you decide when to visit Iceland, here is an overview of what to expect in Iceland in winter, spring, summer or fall, both with respect to the weather and the main attractions. Iceland in Winter The winter in Iceland is the longest season, from November until March. Although technically an off-season (besides Christmas and New Years), there are still many visitors that choose to travel in Iceland in winter, and some prices are lower at this time of year. From November to December the days are getting shorter but after Christmas the days start getting longer again. December and January are the darkest months of the year. However, at this time it’s also likely that there’s a blanket of snow on the ground which brightens up the days, the country is covered in festive Christmas lights and at nighttime the Northern Lights dance in the sky. The shortest days also have a beautiful pink light as it’s a continuous golden hour for the few hours that the sun is up. The Northern Lights can be seen from anywhere in the country, including Reykjavík, but it’s better to try to watch them where there’s no light pollution. Sometimes they flicker across the sky for merely a few seconds, and at other times they spend the whole night ebbing and flowing in shades of green, white, pink and purple. In order to see them they need to be taking place, it needs to be dark and the sky must be clear, or only partially cloudy. The Northern Lights take place all throughout the year, they simply cannot be seen in the summertime because it doesn’t get dark then. They are the biggest attraction in winter, but you shouldn’t count on seeing them, they’re more like a bonus to all the gorgeous sightseeing you can do. The temperature during wintertime in Iceland varies, but on average it’s somewhere between 23-41°F (-5°C to +5°C). Iceland has a very dry climate, that’s not to say it doesn’t rain (it rains and snows quite a bit), but there’s not much humidity in the air. So even though it’s 14°F (-10°C), which is about the coldest it gets in Reykjavík, then you can dress it off and the cold doesn’t sneak its way into your bones like it does in more humid countries. What you need to be prepared for is the windchill. Iceland is a windy country, and the windchill can make it feel a lot colder than the temperature tells you. Iceland’s winter weather is very unpredictable and constantly changing. You might be lucky and get several beautiful crisp sunny days in a row, or you might experience one of the country’s winter blizzard storms, when roads close down and people are encouraged to stay at home. However, it’s always warm and toasty indoors in Iceland, since the houses are built to withstand the cold and the heating comes from geothermal hot water and is practically free. It’s important to dress in many layers, so you’re able to take layers off when you go inside, and add them on when you go outside. It’s also important to be flexible, and adapt to changed plans in case the weather doesn’t play along with your schedule. Icelandic winters can be absolutely magical. Besides the auroras, the landscape can offer a frozen winter wonderland, with half-frozen waterfalls and gorgeous natural blue ice caves. There’s one place where you can visit a natural glacier ice cave in summer, but ice caving is mostly reserved as a winter activity as the caves are much more spectacular in wintertime. For those looking for some active sports or adrenaline, there is a selection of glacier hikes, ice climbing, cross-country and downhill skiing and snowmobile tours to go on. If it all gets a bit too chilly, then there are several hot tubs, spas and saunas to take advantage of - nothing beats relaxing in a warm lagoon with a drink in one hand and the northern lights dancing above. Reykjavík’s bars and restaurants are also worth checking out, as the nightlife can also get pretty steamy! Iceland in Spring April and May are considered the spring months in Iceland. These months are a shoulder-season in Iceland, where you won’t have as many tourists as in the summer and prices may be a little cheaper, with more availability for hotels and tours. By April most snow is normally gone from Reykjavík and the south coast of Iceland. The north part of the country is likely to still be covered in snow, or at least its mountaintops. The average temperature is just above freezing, or between 32-41°F (0-5°C). There may still be the occasional snowy days, but the flowers start to pop up and the weather is generally milder than in wintertime. In May the average temperatures have risen up to 41-50°C (5-10°C). In recent years May has had unusually mild weather, with temperatures going up to 77°F (25°C), but you can not count on that to happen. Road closures are uncommon at this time of year for the ring road, so you can drive past the snow-capped mountains while witnessing the first signs of summer blooming. During these two months you’ll notice the days getting longer, at the start of April the sunset is around 8:30 PM but by the end of May the sunset is around 11:30 PM. In April and until mid-May it still gets dark for a few hours each night, so it is possible to see the Northern Lights when the skies are clear, but still enjoy long daylight hours to sightsee in the daytime. Easter takes place in either March or April yearly, during which the popular free-to-attend rock music festival "Aldrei fór ég suður" takes place in Ísafjörður in the Westfjords. It’s a fantastic destination to combine local music culture with sea kayaking or skiing at their local ski resort. Some of Iceland’s most famous residents show up in April, the ever-so-popular puffins arrive from the sea in April, along with many other migrating bird species such as the golden plover and the arctic tern. The first puffins and the golden plovers start arriving in March but if you’re visiting Iceland for the birdlife it’s safer to arrive after mid-April and plan to visit the coastal cliffs. The best areas to see the birdlife are in the Westman Islands, the East fjords or the Westfjords, especially the cliffs of Látrabjarg. Visit Iceland in the springtime to enjoy long days that can be filled with winter or summer activities, including but not limited to horseback riding, whale watching, sightseeing, glacier hiking and bird watching but still have the chance to spot the auroras at night, without the tourist crowds of the summer. Iceland in Summer The Icelandic summer months are June, July and August. Throughout these three months there is 24/7 daylight. Even though the sun may set sometime around midnight, the sunrise is only about 3-4 hours later and in between sunset and sunrise the country is bathed in twilight golden hour colors. You’ll be sure to see some of the most spectacular pink and red sunset skies in Iceland in summertime, that is if you’re awake at that time! These months are perfect for long road trips in Iceland. You’ll never need to get anywhere “before it gets dark” since it never gets dark. So you can make the most of the long days and view stunning waterfalls or black sand beaches late at night, or very early mornings. The country is blanketed with green grass and purple lupine, providing a stark contrast to the black sands and the white glaciers. In late June, or sometimes even early July, the roads to Iceland’s interior open. This is a stunning but rugged area of the country, where there are no towns and hardly any gas stations or shops, but instead there’s raw, wild and somewhat untouched beautiful landscape. Popular highland areas include the multi-colored Kerlingarfjöll and Landmannalaugar geothermal areas as well as the lush and green Þórsmörk valley. The most remote areas of Iceland, the interior highlands and the nature reserve Hornstrandir in the Westfjords, are only accessible in summertime. The average temperature is only about 44-55°F (7-13°C) in the summertime, but in recent years there have been several days where the temperature hovers around 77°F (25°C). The weather tends to be sunniest and warmest in the North and East of Iceland, so be sure to check your weather forecast before hitting the road. In summer there are many activities on offer, and it’s still possible to do some winter activities such as glacier hiking and snowmobiling. Summer is also perfect for hiking, river rafting, quad biking, horseback riding, caving, sea kayaking and whale-watching. Iceland in Fall September and October are the fall months in Iceland. The wind and rain picks up in these months, but so do the changing colors of nature. Large areas of Iceland are covered in low birch wood, so there are some stunning autumn leaves to be seen at popular destinations such as the Golden Circle. At this time of year, like in the spring, the days are long but the auroras come out at night to play. There are also fewer tourists, and lower prices, but the migrant birds have left the country by this time. Most tours are still available, such as horseback riding and whale watching, and most roads are open and accessible. The first snowfall of the winter often occurs in September or October, but the snow doesn’t stick around for long. That can also provide gorgeous contrast to the red, green, yellow and purple leaves. This is harvest time, and you’ll be able to pick wild berries in the moss covered landscape, including crowberries and blueberries. Temperatures start dropping, but hover around freezing point, similar to springtime at 35-50°F (2-10°C). There’s often the first storm of the winter season, but it tends to be a rainstorm rather than a snowstorm, so be sure to check the weather forecast daily if you’re driving on your own. Farmers gather their sheep at this time, so you might be able to witness the traditional way to do so, which is called “réttir”. All the farmers from neighboring counties, along with their families and friends, gather all the sheep that have been roaming free in the summertime to one area and then sort them together. This is a festive occasion that’s fun to witness, or participate in. So which season do you find most interesting? No matter which one you pick, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time during your stay in Iceland, and we are happy to help you plan your dream vacation here at Vala Adventures.

No matter where you look in Iceland, you’re bound to see stunning landscapes and impressive attractions. You can admire stunning waterfalls and otherworldly black sand beaches, hike over glaciers and soak in hot springs and then marvel at the northern lights, even all in one day! Here’s a list of some of must-see attractions in Reykjavík to help you plan your trip. Must See Attractions Reykjavík Capital Region: First of all, you’re likely to spend your first or last day in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Reykjavík is a 40-minute drive from the international airport that’s based in Keflavík, but on the way you can make a stop at one of Iceland’s most popular destinations, the Blue Lagoon. Many people choose to start or end their Iceland vacation with a relaxing spa session in the lagoon’s milky blue waters. The Blue Lagoon is far from being the only hot spring or spa you can enjoy in Iceland, but it’s by far the most famous one. That means that it’ll have a lot of other visitors, but the lagoon itself is very large so you can still find a quiet spot by yourself. Reykjavík is a small city, and feels more like a large town than a capital city. Most attractions within the city can be explored on foot, and you can get acquainted with the city center in just a day. The tallest building in the city center is the Hallgrímskirkja church, towering over the colorful houses at 245 feet (74.5 m). Visitors can go to the top and get a view over the whole city and nearby mountains, such as the prominent Mt Esjan. The street leading up to the church is called Skólavörðustígur, but is often referred to as the Rainbow Street as it is painted in rainbow colors (and the Icelandic name can be quite a mouthful!). Here you’ll find local jewelry and ceramic shops as well as cute cafés and nice restaurants. Just around the corner is the old harbor, also filled with nice restaurants and bars, and the option to go out on a whale watching tour. Next to the harbor is the impressive concert hall Harpa, which has open access to all visitors. It’s well worth it to check out the beautiful architecture, and also see what events are going on. Harpa houses the Icelandic symphony orchestra, but also often offers local and international acts including music, ballet, opera, stand-up comedy or different kinds of festivals. Another venue downtown that frequently hosts shows in English is the Tjarnarbíó theatre, located right next to the City Hall and the City Pond. There are several places that offer weekly jazz or live music, and quite often there is some sort of festival going on in the city. If you’re looking to indulge in some culture, there are plenty of museums to choose from, with anything from contemporary art, photography or history to more specialized ones such as the whale or punk museum—or even the ever-so-popular penis museum! The nightlife also packs a punch, with bars and clubs to suit different ages and music styles. Icelanders love to immerse themselves in hot water, and within Reykjavík you can find 20 different public bathing pools to do so. Most are local swimming pools with a very moderate entry fee, but there is also the Sky Lagoon, an upscale spa with a bar and beautiful views over the sea. The prices are more expensive, but it’s a great way to treat yourself. On a sunny day in summer you can also head to the city’s beach, Nauthólsvík beach, where there is a hot tub to warm up in between dips in the cold North Atlantic sea. The beach is right next to a small forested hill called Öskjuhlíð where visitors can find some remnants from World War II, and on the top of the hill there is the Perlan natural museum and café, featuring 360° views over the city. If you have access to a car, or want to rent a bike, and are spending a few days in Reykjavík then you can also head to the Grótta lighthouse, which is right by a nature reserve with rich birdlife. Grótta lighthouse is a popular destination to watch the sunsets in the summer, or the northern lights in the winter. Likewise, you can head to the Elliðaárdalur valley to find a tranquil green oasis in the midst of the city, complete with small waterfalls and salmon fishing rivers. A couple of cafés and museums are situated nearby, such as the Chromo Sapiens permanent installation in Höfuðstöðin and the open-air historical folk museum Árbæjarsafn where visitors can get a glimpse into the living conditions of people in Reykjavík in earlier times.

The single most popular day tour in Iceland is in the south part of the country and is called The Golden Circle. It gets its name from one of the attractions en route, the Golden Waterfall or Gullfoss. Other attractions included are the geysers Geysir and Strokkur—the former gave all geysers their name. Geysir hardly erupts anymore, but Strokkur is going strong and spouts hot water dozens of feet in the air every few minutes, sometimes up to 130 feet! Þingvellir National Park and UNESCO heritage site makes up the third stop on this half-day tour. This park includes Iceland’s largest lake and is both geographically and historically important. Two tectonic plates meet here, the American and the Eurasian plate, and rifts can be seen both on land and underwater. The lake holds the most popular scuba diving spot in the country, Silfra. Additionally, this is where the Icelandic parliament was founded and assembled for hundreds of years. Quite fittingly, Iceland’s former president currently works as a ranger in the park. The red crater Kerið is often included in a Golden Circle tour, but there are many other nearby attractions to add to your day—additional waterfalls, hot spring bathing, horseback riding, scuba diving or snorkeling, river rafting, or local greenhouses and farms. Friðheimar is a popular tomato greenhouse restaurant, serving tomato soup, Bloody Marys, and even tomato ice cream. Since all these attractions are close to Reykjavík and accessible in a day, the South Coast is Iceland’s most visited region—and there’s no shortage of options. Not far from the Golden Circle is Langjökull Glacier. Though part of the highlands, it’s accessible year-round on guided tours, either from Reykjavík or Gullfoss. You can snowmobile on the glacier or visit a man-made ice tunnel. Another popular hot spring experience is Reykjadalur, a warm river valley reached via a 1.5-hour hike from Hveragerði, or on a horseback riding tour. The hike passes bubbling mud pots and steaming hillsides. Further along the South Coast, waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches dominate the landscape. Seljalandsfoss is a highlight, as you can walk behind it. A 5-minute walk brings you to the partially hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall. Continue to Skógafoss—one of Iceland’s most iconic falls, featured in Game of Thrones, Walter Mitty, and a Justin Bieber video. It’s also the start of the long Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail, which passes 50+ waterfalls above Skógafoss. For a shorter walk, try Kvernufoss nearby, which is also accessible behind the cascade. These waterfalls run from two major glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull (famous for its 2010 eruption) and Mýrdalsjökull. Guided hikes are available on Sólheimajökull, one of Mýrdalsjökull’s outlets. The white glacier contrasts with the South’s black beaches. One surreal stop is the DC-3 plane wreck on the sand (another Bieber video location). A more natural highlight is Dyrhólaey promontory, offering panoramic views, a lighthouse, sea arch, and inland glaciers. At beach level is Reynisfjara, with its basalt columns and massive waves. Caution: This is one of Iceland’s most dangerous locations. Sneaker waves can suddenly pull people into the ocean. Several tourists have died here—respect the warning signs. Out at sea, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks are visible from Reynisfjara or from the nearby village of Vík. Between Vík and Vatnajökull National Park lies a long stretch of lowlands. Then you reach Skaftafell—a green oasis in summer and home to the basalt-column-framed Svartifoss waterfall. Skaftafell is part of Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. It includes some of Iceland’s most photogenic spots, especially Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the nearby “Diamond Beach,” Breiðamerkursandur. Chunks of glacial ice float from the lagoon to the ocean, then wash up on the black sand like shimmering gems. You’ll often see seals here, too.

The East part of Iceland is one of the least visited parts of the country. That’s not because of any lack of attractions, but simply because it’s far away from Reykjavík, and in winter it can be harder to access. You won’t visit the East on a day trip, but it’s worth spending a week to 10 days driving the full ring road—or dedicating a few days just to explore the East’s quiet beauty. In the East, you’ll find Iceland’s largest forest, dramatic mountains surrounding fjords, and the only place in the country where wild reindeer live. Höfn is one of the larger towns in the East and is known for its delicious langoustine. Just outside of town, Vestrahorn mountain rises dramatically and is often reflected in shallow seawater at high tide—a favorite for photographers. There are several charming towns and majestic fjords in the region, but Seyðisfjörður is often considered one of Iceland’s most beautiful. The Smyril Line ferry to the Faroe Islands and Denmark docks here, and the town is known for its artsy vibe and rainbow-painted street leading to a blue church. Seyðisfjörður is also home to one of Iceland’s best sushi restaurants, Norð-Austur. In the town of Fáskrúðsfjörður, you can visit Petra’s Stone Collection, a private home turned museum filled with thousands of colorful stones collected by a local woman over her lifetime. For remote adventure, head to Borgarfjörður Eystri. The area offers scenic hikes, including one to Stórurð, a valley filled with turquoise pools and giant boulders. Egilsstaðir is the unofficial capital of the East. Nearby, you’ll find the relaxing Vök Baths and Lagarfljót, Iceland’s third-largest lake—said to be home to the mythical Lagarfljót Worm, Iceland’s version of the Loch Ness Monster. On one side of the lake lies Iceland’s largest forest, Hallormsstaðaskógur, and on the other is Hengifoss, the country’s third tallest waterfall at 420 feet (128 meters), backed by striking red-striped basalt cliffs. Food lovers can stop at Vallanes Farm, which serves vegetarian dishes made from homegrown ingredients, or Skriðuklaustur Café, known for its daily lunch and cake buffet. One of the East’s most photographed attractions is Stuðlagil Canyon. Only revealed between 2006–2009 after a nearby hydro plant altered the river flow, the canyon features stunning turquoise water flanked by towering hexagonal basalt columns. Another bucket-list destination in the East is Askja volcano and Víti crater—accessible only in summer with a 4WD. It’s remote, raw, and unforgettable.

The North of Iceland is home to powerful waterfalls, charming coastal towns, geothermal spas, and unique natural landscapes. The region is often overlooked compared to the South, but it's just as rewarding—especially for those looking to escape the crowds. Akureyri, the capital of the North and Iceland’s second-largest town, sits at the base of a long fjord. It’s a great place to spend a day: stroll through the botanical gardens, browse the shops and cafés, visit the art museum, or relax at the local swimming pool (a favorite with kids thanks to its waterslides). You can also unwind at the nearby Forest Lagoon Spa. Further north, you’ll reach Húsavík—known as the whale watching capital of Iceland. Tours here boast a high success rate for sightings. Húsavík also gained attention thanks to the Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, which featured the Oscar-nominated song “Húsavík.” The town is also home to GeoSea, a beautiful oceanside geothermal spa. To the east lies the dramatic Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It’s located in the same region as the serene Lake Mývatn, an area dotted with bizarre lava formations and geothermal wonders. Between Lake Mývatn and Akureyri is Goðafoss, a wide, elegant waterfall with historical significance—it’s said to be where Icelanders symbolically cast away their pagan idols when converting to Christianity. Around Lake Mývatn, you’ll find the Dimmuborgir lava fields, the steaming Námaskarð mud pools, Hverfjall crater, Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters, and the Mývatn Nature Baths—a quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon. North of the lake is Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon believed in legend to be formed by Odin’s horse. It’s now a peaceful forested campground. Close by are the red-colored Rauðhólar and the echoing rock formations of Hljóðaklettar. The Troll Peninsula (Tröllaskagi) is another highlight. Along the coastline, you’ll find unique hot springs like the boat-shaped tub at Hauganes Beach Baths, or the stunning cliffside infinity pool in Hofsós. Siglufjörður, a picturesque town tucked into the mountains, is known for its Herring Museum and the local craft brewery Segull 67. Just outside of Akureyri is the Glaumbær Folk Museum, a preserved turf house showing Icelandic life in the past. And along the coast, a short detour will bring you to Hvítserkur—a jagged sea stack shaped like a dragon or an elephant drinking from the ocean.

You don’t need to drive far from Reykjavík to reach some impressive attractions in West Iceland. A short trip brings you to Mt Esjan, which is visible across the bay from downtown Reykjavík. There are several hiking routes here, including the Fálkaklettur via ferrata trail—suitable for all ages. If hiking is your thing, an hour's drive from the city takes you to the base of Glymur, Iceland’s second tallest waterfall at 650 feet (198 meters). A 2.5-hour hike leads to the top and back with panoramic views. For something more relaxing, head to Hvammsvík Hot Springs in the same fjord. There you’ll find multiple hot tubs, ocean access, and a cozy sauna. Further inland, explore the historical area of Reykholt, home to Snorrastofa Museum, the soothing Krauma Spa, and the scenic Hraunfossar waterfalls, where water streams out of lava rock. Several caves are also located in the region, including the impressive Víðgelmir cave, one of the largest lava tubes in Iceland. The biggest attraction in West Iceland is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has nearly everything Iceland is known for: glaciers, volcanoes, black and white sand beaches, waterfalls, mountains, cliffs, and charming fishing villages. At the tip of the peninsula is Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcano made famous as the entry point to the center of the Earth in Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. Around the base of the volcano are beautiful sites like Arnarstapi and Hellnar—connected by an easy 20-minute cliffside walking path. Nearby are the black sands of Djúpalónssandur, the sea stacks of Lóndrangar, and the bright orange Svörtuloft Lighthouse, a great place for birdwatching and sunset views. You’ll also find the iconic black wooden church Búðakirkja, set against a backdrop of lava and ocean. On the north side of the peninsula is the famous Kirkjufell mountain, instantly recognizable from Game of Thrones, where it was called the “Arrowhead Mountain.” Nearby waterfalls make it one of Iceland’s most photographed spots. The town of Stykkishólmur is the peninsula’s largest. It offers fresh seafood, interesting boat tours, and ferry service to Flatey Island and the remote Westfjords—perfect for connecting to the next region.

The Westfjords are one of the most remote and untouched regions of Iceland. Getting there from Reykjavík takes time, so any trip here should be planned over a few days—but the reward is extraordinary.  As the name suggests, the region is full of deep fjords. Most of them require long drives around each inlet, but every curve of the road reveals jaw-dropping scenery. Nearly every fjord also hides a hot spring, pool, or rustic tub for bathing. The jewel of the Westfjords is Dynjandi , a massive waterfall cascading 330 feet (100 meters) down an entire cliffside. It’s actually made up of a series of waterfalls, with Dynjandi as the largest and most majestic. Another highlight is Látrabjarg , the westernmost point of Europe. These towering cliffs are one of the best birdwatching spots in the country—especially for puffins. It’s also a perfect sunset location, perched over the Atlantic. Nearby is Rauðisandur , a red-sand beach that glows gold, pink, and orange depending on the light. It’s a striking contrast to Iceland’s more common black sand beaches. The region’s towns are small but welcoming. Ísafjörður is the largest and is home to one of Iceland’s most loved seafood restaurants, Tjöruhúsið . From here, you can join boat tours, hikes, and kayaking excursions. For serious adventurers, there’s Hornstrandir Nature Reserve —Iceland’s most isolated area. Only accessible by boat, it has no infrastructure: no roads, no shops, no cell service. But it offers stunning wilderness, sea cliffs, and a high chance of spotting Arctic foxes—the only native land mammal in Iceland. If you go, you’ll need to bring a tent and all your food and supplies.