Choose from 63 Fun Things to Do in Iceland
Lofthellir
Practical Info
National Museum of Iceland
- The National Museum of Iceland is a must-visit for those with an interest in history.
- The museum’s free smartphone audio guide provides a wealth of illuminating insights.
- Children under 18 and people with disabilities get free entrance.
- Your entrance ticket also gets you into the Culture House, home of the National Library and Archives.
- The on-site Cafe Kaffitar serves light refreshments, coffee, and Icelandic delicacies.
- The Museum Shop sells books on Icelandic culture and handcrafted souvenirs.
Mt Esja
- Mt. Esja is a must-visit destination for lovers of adventure and the outdoors.
- Take care when climbing—it can be steep and the upper slopes are often covered in snow.
- Dress in waterproof clothing and wear good, sturdy walking shoes.
- Check the day’s weather forecast before heading out.
- The various hiking trails are marked with a number indicating their level of difficulty, ranging from one boot (easy) to three boots (difficult).
Viking World
- Viking World is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- The museum café offers spectacular views over the harbor.
- The museum and café are wheelchair-accessible.
- There is free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
- There is an admission fee, but children under 14 get in free.
Vatnajokull National Park
- Dress in layers, bring waterproof boots, and be prepared for the weather to change unexpectedly.
- A park entrance fee is charged on a per-vehicle basis.
- Hiking trails are marked according to level of difficulty and indicate which are appropriate for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility.
Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
- There is only one swimming pool at the Secret Lagoon, so advance reservations are recommended.
- Visitor facilities include a snack bar, showers, and changing rooms; towels and swimsuits are available for rent.
- All visitors must shower thoroughly before swimming in the lagoon.
National Gallery of Iceland
Founded in 1884 to house the personal art collection of Icelandic lawyer Björn Bjarnarson, the National Gallery was originally based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and a number of key works by Danish artists like Joakim Skovgaard, Christian Blache and Peter Krøyer nod to its birthplace. Landing on Icelandic shores in 1916, the gallery was adopted as a department of Iceland’s National Heritage Museum, making it the country’s oldest art institution.
Katla Volcano
Practical Info
Reynisfjara Beach
- With its striking landscape, this black beach is a must for photography enthusiasts.
- The waves here can be treacherous; keep your distance from the shore.
- The uneven, stone-littered surface of the beach makes it unsuitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Hverir
Practical Info
Laugardalur
- Laugardalur is a must-visit for outdoor and sports enthusiasts.
- Laugardalur is one of the easiest geothermal pools to get to if you’re staying in Reykjavik.
- Entrance to the park is free but there is an admission fee for the pool.
- The pool has seven hot tubs (one filled with salt water) and a sauna.
Landmannalauger
Practical Info
Reykjanes Peninsula
- Reykjanes Peninsula is a must-visit for scenery-seekers, photography enthusiasts, and outdoors lovers.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm layers.
- Some sites on the peninsula, including the Blue Lagoon, are wheelchair accessible.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
- While the lagoon is accessible year round, boat tours are weather dependent and only in operation from April to November.
- The icy landscapes can be chilly even if the sun is shining, so bring warm clothes, a hat, and gloves even on a summer trip.
- There is a small café by the lagoon, where you can purchase hot drinks and snacks, or use the restroom.
- While it’s possible for wheelchair users to view the lagoon, many of the activities on and around the glacier are not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Reykjavik Cruise Port
- Most Reykjavik shore excursions include pickup and drop-off at the cruise port.
- Shore excursions range in duration from hour-long boat trips and tours of Reykjavik to 6-hour Golden Circle tours.
- Choose a private tour for a customized itinerary that ticks off all the must-see sights on your list.
Leidarendi Lava Caves
- Cave tours include helmets, safety equipment, and full instruction, but bring warm clothes, hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, and plenty of water.
- Follow the rules and avoid touching or disturbing any of the cave’s natural structures in order to preserve the fragile rock formations.
- There is no cell phone coverage or WiFi at the Leidarendi Lava Caves.
- Due to the natural terrain, the Leidarendi lava tube is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for children under 5.
Sun Voyager (Solfar)
- Solfar is a must-see for art enthusiasts and culture lovers.
- There is no charge to see the sculpture.
- Solfar sits on Reykjavik’s Sculpture and Shore Walk, a popular trail that leads to landmarks, including Harpa Concert Hall and the Partnership sculpture by Pétur Bjarnason.
Strokkur
Opened up by an earthquake in 1789 and reactivated by human intervention in 1963 after being blocked by a second earthquake, Strokkur has been erupting regularly ever since. Cradled in a 3-meter wide crater, Strokkur’s highly anticipated eruptions begin with the formation of a pulsing bubble of hot water, which reaches temperatures of around 200 °C before a rush of steam breaks through and shoots into the air. The geyser now stands among Iceland’s most popular natural attractions, located in the Haukadalur geothermal area and a much-visited sight along the Golden Circle route from Reykjavik.
Hveragerdi
The celebrated Hveragerdi hot springs are one of the principal draws for visitors to the town, ranging from hissing steam vents and gurgling puddles of mud, to pools so hot that locals use the water to boil eggs and bake bread in a ground oven. Along with bathing in the naturally heated Laugaskarð swimming pool and enjoying an organic clay foot bath, the area around Hveragerdi also offers prime terrain for hiking, surrounded by lush forests running along the banks of the Varmá river. As of 2008, the region is also home to a new hot spring and its creation is the subject of the town’s fascinating Quake 2008 exhibition.
Videy Island
Across the water from Reykjavik lies Videy Island. Once the main harbor until Reykjavik took over in 1943, the first settlement on the island dates from the 10th century. These days birds are the main inhabitants of the island with around 30 species coming to breed there. For humans, there is a restaurant, located in Videyjarstofa house, the first stone and cement building in Iceland, which dates from 1755. The island was once home to Augustine monks until 1539 when the reformation began in Iceland. There are also walking tracks and horse-riding.
Videy Island has another unusual function - it houses the Peace Tower memorial erected for John Lennon by Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon. First lit in 2007, the memorial is a huge laser which beams into the sky from the 9th of October (Lennon's birthday) until December 8th (the date of his assassination) each year. Iceland was chosen as the site due to its peaceful nature and cheap, natural electricity.
Practical Info
Regular local ferry services run hourly between Skarfabakki - Sundahofn harbour and Videy Island daily and takes about twenty minutes. Bus number 5 takes you from Reykjavik to the Sundahofn harbor.