8 Unmissable Experiences in Iceland
Waterfalls, Glaciers & Black Sand: South Coast Full-Day Tour
If you only have time for one adventure-packed day in Iceland, this South Coast Iceland tour covers some of the top things to do in Iceland — all in one unforgettable loop. You’ll start by witnessing the sheer power of Skógafoss Waterfall, where mist and rainbows dance in the air. Next up is the surreal Black Sand Beach of Reynisfjara, with its basalt columns and roaring Atlantic waves — a spot straight out of a Viking legend.
But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also visit the iconic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where you can walk behind the crashing water for that once-in-a-lifetime photo. And to top it off? A walk to the edge of Sólheimajökull Glacier, where you’ll see ancient blue ice and dramatic landscapes shaped by fire and ice.
This is one of the best picks for anyone planning an Iceland road trip, especially first-time visitors and nature lovers. It’s a high-impact, low-stress way to experience the raw spirit of Iceland in just one day.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this tour securely through Trip.com
Explore Iceland from the Inside: The Lava Tunnel Tour
Step beneath Iceland’s rugged surface and into a surreal world carved by fire and time. The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel is one of the country’s largest and most accessible lava caves, formed over 5,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption. This guided tour takes you through winding tunnels where you’ll walk past glowing mineral formations, jagged rock ceilings, and ancient lava flow textures that tell the story of Iceland’s explosive past.
Massive skylights in the cave roof let in shafts of light, revealing rich reds and earthy tones that feel more sci-fi than real life. It’s dry, eerie, quiet — and absolutely unforgettable.
This is one of the more unique things to do in Iceland, especially for nature lovers and geology buffs. If you’re planning an Iceland road trip, this tour offers something truly different from your typical Iceland ice cave tour — no ice, but just as much adventure.
That said, if you’ve already booked an Iceland ice cave tour, this lava tunnel makes an excellent complement — offering a fiery contrast to the frozen wonders beneath the glaciers.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Iceland’s Greatest Hits: Golden Circle, Sky Lagoon & Kerid Crater Tour
This full-day adventure blends jaw-dropping sights with pure Icelandic relaxation — a perfect balance of action and bliss. You’ll start by exploring the famous Golden Circle, where Iceland’s raw beauty is on full display.
At Thingvellir National Park, you can literally walk between two continents — it’s where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart! Next up: the Geysir geothermal area, where hot springs bubble and burst every few minutes — yes, Strokkur geyser erupts like clockwork every 5–10 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters into the sky.
Then there’s Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic sights, plunging into a dramatic canyon with thundering force. You’ll also visit Kerid Crater, a striking volcanic caldera filled with vivid blue water — and fun fact: the crater is around 3,000 years old, and its red volcanic rock makes it look like a Martian landscape.
To finish? A dip in the Sky Lagoon, Iceland’s stunning oceanside spa. It’s got a swim-up bar, a 7-step ritual for full-body rejuvenation, and an infinity-edge view that will make you forget your phone even exists.
This Golden Circle tour in Iceland is ideal if you want to experience the top things to do in Iceland and then float your stress away — all in one unforgettable day. It’s also a great stop if you’re combining it with an Iceland road trip, especially before heading south for an Iceland ice cave tour or coastal adventure.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Icy Magic: Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Day Trip
If you’re dreaming of seeing Iceland’s wild beauty at its most surreal, this day trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach is the one. Picture this: towering icebergs drifting across a glassy blue lagoon, seals swimming between them, and massive chunks of glacier breaking off into the water. It’s nature’s version of a slow-motion movie scene.
Along the way, you’ll drive part of the South Coast Iceland, a stretch known for its dramatic landscapes, black sand deserts, and thunderous waterfalls. It’s one of the most scenic legs of any Iceland road trip, packed with moments that’ll make you reach for your camera again and again.
Right next to the lagoon is Diamond Beach, where glittering ice chunks from the glacier wash ashore on volcanic black sand — creating a jaw-dropping contrast you won’t believe is real. It’s one of the most photographed places in the country for good reason.
Fun fact: Some of the icebergs in the lagoon are over 1,000 years old, making this a literal trip through time — and easily one of the most unique things to do in Iceland.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Meet the Giants: Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
Nothing compares to the thrill of seeing a massive whale breach the surface just meters from your boat — and this tour from Reykjavik makes it possible. With a professional guide on board, you’ll head out into Faxaflói Bay, where minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and even orcas are often spotted playing in the chilly North Atlantic waters.
While many visitors head to South Coast Iceland for waterfalls and black sand beaches, this coastal cruise offers a totally different — but just as breathtaking — perspective on Iceland’s wild nature. The crew knows exactly where to look, and you’ll learn fascinating facts about each species as you glide across the open sea. The boats are comfortable, heated, and even have indoor seating — but you’ll probably be too busy scanning the horizon to sit still.
🐋 Fun fact: Iceland is one of the best places in Europe to see whales in the wild, and peak sightings happen between April and October — though tours run year-round.
If you’re looking for one of the most exciting things to do in Iceland, this whale-watching trip is a must. It’s perfect for families, wildlife lovers, and anyone adding a bit of ocean magic to their Iceland road trip.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Puffins & Sea Breezes: Reykjavik Puffin Cruise with Expert Guide
Looking for a dose of Icelandic charm? Hop aboard this puffin-watching cruise from Reykjavik and get up close with one of the country’s most beloved creatures. Departing from the Old Harbor, you’ll cruise out to the nearby islands of Akurey or Lundey — a peaceful contrast to the dramatic landscapes of the South Coast Iceland region — where thousands of puffins nest every summer.
With an expert wildlife guide on board, you’ll learn all about these colorful seabirds — from their quirky behavior to their incredible migration journeys. The boat gets close enough to offer great views without disturbing the puffins, and with binoculars provided, you’ll have plenty of chances to spot them bobbing on the water or fluttering along the cliffs.
The scenery is beautiful too — sweeping ocean views with the Reykjavik skyline and mountains in the distance. It’s a fun and laid-back way to break up an Iceland road trip with something totally different from glaciers and waterfalls.
🧭 Fun fact: Puffins spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land during the summer to nest — and Iceland is home to around 60% of the world’s puffin population.
This cruise is perfect for bird lovers, families, or anyone who wants to see the cuter side of Icelandic wildlife — all in under two hours. It’s one of the most relaxing additions to any trip and a unique twist if you’re looking for different things to do in Iceland.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Enter the Ice: Katla Volcano Ice Cave Tour from Vík
Ready to explore one of Iceland’s most surreal natural wonders? This Katla Ice Cave tour takes you deep beneath the mighty Katla volcano near the village of Vík. With a super jeep ride across black sand plains and glacier-covered landscapes, just getting there feels like an adventure out of a sci-fi film — and a wild highlight for any Iceland road trip.
Once you reach the cave, your guide will lead you into a world of shimmering ice walls streaked with volcanic ash — a dramatic reminder of Iceland’s fiery, icy extremes. Unlike many other ice cave tours in Iceland, Katla is accessible year-round, making it a rare chance to walk inside a glacier no matter the season.
Inside, you’ll learn how the cave formed, how glaciers and volcanoes interact, and why this particular experience is so visually and geologically unique. It’s one of the most offbeat things to do in Iceland, especially for travelers chasing a true sense of the unexpected.
💡 Fun fact: Katla is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, with eruptions roughly every 40–80 years. Don’t worry though — your guides are trained experts and monitor conditions closely.
This tour is perfect for photographers, geology fans, and anyone looking to experience the darker, wilder side of Iceland’s icy landscape.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Chase the Lights: Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik
This is the moment many travelers come to Iceland for — watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky in streaks of green, pink, and violet. On this small group night tour from Reykjavik, you’ll leave the city lights behind and head into the vast countryside, where your guide will track down the best chance of seeing the aurora in real time.
With hotel pickup included and a cozy vehicle ready for the chase, you won’t have to worry about a thing — just bundle up, look up, and let nature put on a show. It’s a magical addition to any Iceland road trip, especially if you’re exploring areas like the South Coast Iceland before returning to Reykjavik.
Your guide will also share tips for capturing the perfect aurora photo and explain the science and legends behind this incredible phenomenon — one of the most memorable things to do in Iceland.
✨ Fun fact: Icelandic folklore says the Northern Lights are the dancing spirits of the ancestors — and when you see them in person, it’s easy to believe it.
Since the aurora is unpredictable, this Northern Lights tour in Iceland offers a free retry if you don’t spot them the first time — so you’re always in for a chance at something unforgettable.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Waterfalls, Glaciers & Black Sand: South Coast Full-Day Tour
If you only have time for one adventure-packed day in Iceland, this South Coast Iceland tour covers some of the top things to do in Iceland — all in one unforgettable loop. You’ll start by witnessing the sheer power of Skógafoss Waterfall, where mist and rainbows dance in the air. Next up is the surreal Black Sand Beach of Reynisfjara, with its basalt columns and roaring Atlantic waves — a spot straight out of a Viking legend.
But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also visit the iconic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where you can walk behind the crashing water for that once-in-a-lifetime photo. And to top it off? A walk to the edge of Sólheimajökull Glacier, where you’ll see ancient blue ice and dramatic landscapes shaped by fire and ice.
This is one of the best picks for anyone planning an Iceland road trip, especially first-time visitors and nature lovers. It’s a high-impact, low-stress way to experience the raw spirit of Iceland in just one day
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this tour securely through Trip.com
Explore Iceland from the Inside: The Lava Tunnel Tour
Step beneath Iceland’s rugged surface and into a surreal world carved by fire and time. The Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel is one of the country’s largest and most accessible lava caves, formed over 5,000 years ago during a volcanic eruption. This guided tour takes you through winding tunnels where you’ll walk past glowing mineral formations, jagged rock ceilings, and ancient lava flow textures that tell the story of Iceland’s explosive past.
Massive skylights in the cave roof let in shafts of light, revealing rich reds and earthy tones that feel more sci-fi than real life. It’s dry, eerie, quiet — and absolutely unforgettable.
This is one of the more unique things to do in Iceland, especially for nature lovers and geology buffs. If you’re planning an Iceland road trip, this tour offers something truly different from your typical Iceland ice cave tour — no ice, but just as much adventure.
That said, if you’ve already booked an Iceland ice cave tour, this lava tunnel makes an excellent complement — offering a fiery contrast to the frozen wonders beneath the glaciers.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Iceland’s Greatest Hits: Golden Circle, Sky Lagoon & Kerid Crater Tour
This full-day adventure blends jaw-dropping sights with pure Icelandic relaxation — a perfect balance of action and bliss. You’ll start by exploring the famous Golden Circle, where Iceland’s raw beauty is on full display.
At Thingvellir National Park, you can literally walk between two continents — it’s where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart! Next up: the Geysir geothermal area, where hot springs bubble and burst every few minutes — yes, Strokkur geyser erupts like clockwork every 5–10 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters into the sky.
Then there’s Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic sights, plunging into a dramatic canyon with thundering force. You’ll also visit Kerid Crater, a striking volcanic caldera filled with vivid blue water — and fun fact: the crater is around 3,000 years old, and its red volcanic rock makes it look like a Martian landscape.
To finish? A dip in the Sky Lagoon, Iceland’s stunning oceanside spa. It’s got a swim-up bar, a 7-step ritual for full-body rejuvenation, and an infinity-edge view that will make you forget your phone even exists.
This Golden Circle tour in Iceland is ideal if you want to experience the top things to do in Iceland and then float your stress away — all in one unforgettable day. It’s also a great stop if you’re combining it with an Iceland road trip, especially before heading south for an Iceland ice cave tour or coastal adventure.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Icy Magic: Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach Day Trip
If you’re dreaming of seeing Iceland’s wild beauty at its most surreal, this day trip to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach is the one. Picture this: towering icebergs drifting across a glassy blue lagoon, seals swimming between them, and massive chunks of glacier breaking off into the water. It’s nature’s version of a slow-motion movie scene.
Along the way, you’ll drive part of the South Coast Iceland, a stretch known for its dramatic landscapes, black sand deserts, and thunderous waterfalls. It’s one of the most scenic legs of any Iceland road trip, packed with moments that’ll make you reach for your camera again and again.
Right next to the lagoon is Diamond Beach, where glittering ice chunks from the glacier wash ashore on volcanic black sand — creating a jaw-dropping contrast you won’t believe is real. It’s one of the most photographed places in the country for good reason.
Fun fact: Some of the icebergs in the lagoon are over 1,000 years old, making this a literal trip through time — and easily one of the most unique things to do in Iceland.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Meet the Giants: Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik
Nothing compares to the thrill of seeing a massive whale breach the surface just meters from your boat — and this tour from Reykjavik makes it possible. With a professional guide on board, you’ll head out into Faxaflói Bay, where minke whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and even orcas are often spotted playing in the chilly North Atlantic waters.
While many visitors head to South Coast Iceland for waterfalls and black sand beaches, this coastal cruise offers a totally different — but just as breathtaking — perspective on Iceland’s wild nature. The crew knows exactly where to look, and you’ll learn fascinating facts about each species as you glide across the open sea. The boats are comfortable, heated, and even have indoor seating — but you’ll probably be too busy scanning the horizon to sit still.
🐋 Fun fact: Iceland is one of the best places in Europe to see whales in the wild, and peak sightings happen between April and October — though tours run year-round.
If you’re looking for one of the most exciting things to do in Iceland, this whale-watching trip is a must. It’s perfect for families, wildlife lovers, and anyone adding a bit of ocean magic to their Iceland road trip.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Puffins & Sea Breezes: Reykjavik Puffin Cruise with Expert Guide
Looking for a dose of Icelandic charm? Hop aboard this puffin-watching cruise from Reykjavik and get up close with one of the country’s most beloved creatures. Departing from the Old Harbor, you’ll cruise out to the nearby islands of Akurey or Lundey — a peaceful contrast to the dramatic landscapes of the South Coast Iceland region — where thousands of puffins nest every summer.
With an expert wildlife guide on board, you’ll learn all about these colorful seabirds — from their quirky behavior to their incredible migration journeys. The boat gets close enough to offer great views without disturbing the puffins, and with binoculars provided, you’ll have plenty of chances to spot them bobbing on the water or fluttering along the cliffs.
The scenery is beautiful too — sweeping ocean views with the Reykjavik skyline and mountains in the distance. It’s a fun and laid-back way to break up an Iceland road trip with something totally different from glaciers and waterfalls.
🧭 Fun fact: Puffins spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land during the summer to nest — and Iceland is home to around 60% of the world’s puffin population.
This cruise is perfect for bird lovers, families, or anyone who wants to see the cuter side of Icelandic wildlife — all in under two hours. It’s one of the most relaxing additions to any trip and a unique twist if you’re looking for different things to do in Iceland.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Enter the Ice: Katla Volcano Ice Cave Tour from Vík
Ready to explore one of Iceland’s most surreal natural wonders? This Katla Ice Cave tour takes you deep beneath the mighty Katla volcano near the village of Vík. With a super jeep ride across black sand plains and glacier-covered landscapes, just getting there feels like an adventure out of a sci-fi film — and a wild highlight for any Iceland road trip.
Once you reach the cave, your guide will lead you into a world of shimmering ice walls streaked with volcanic ash — a dramatic reminder of Iceland’s fiery, icy extremes. Unlike many other ice cave tours in Iceland, Katla is accessible year-round, making it a rare chance to walk inside a glacier no matter the season.
Inside, you’ll learn how the cave formed, how glaciers and volcanoes interact, and why this particular experience is so visually and geologically unique. It’s one of the most offbeat things to do in Iceland, especially for travelers chasing a true sense of the unexpected.
💡 Fun fact: Katla is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, with eruptions roughly every 40–80 years. Don’t worry though — your guides are trained experts and monitor conditions closely.
This tour is perfect for photographers, geology fans, and anyone looking to experience the darker, wilder side of Iceland’s icy landscape.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com
Chase the Lights: Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik
This is the moment many travelers come to Iceland for — watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky in streaks of green, pink, and violet. On this small group night tour from Reykjavik, you’ll leave the city lights behind and head into the vast countryside, where your guide will track down the best chance of seeing the aurora in real time.
With hotel pickup included and a cozy vehicle ready for the chase, you won’t have to worry about a thing — just bundle up, look up, and let nature put on a show. It’s a magical addition to any Iceland road trip, especially if you’re exploring areas like the South Coast Iceland before returning to Reykjavik.
Your guide will also share tips for capturing the perfect aurora photo and explain the science and legends behind this incredible phenomenon — one of the most memorable things to do in Iceland.
✨ Fun fact: Icelandic folklore says the Northern Lights are the dancing spirits of the ancestors — and when you see them in person, it’s easy to believe it.
Since the aurora is unpredictable, this Northern Lights tour in Iceland offers a free retry if you don’t spot them the first time — so you’re always in for a chance at something unforgettable.
👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com