Things to Do

Plenty of people stop in Reykjavik on the way between Europe and North America. That's a cheap way to get a taste of the country, but a day or two means missing most of what Iceland does best.

You could drink and dine your way around Reykjavik, hike on a glacier, raft a glacier-fed river, ride an Icelandic horse, watch whales or walk a black sand beach. This page is the jumping-off point: pick by how much time you have, then by what you like doing.

If you have a day or two

Stay close to the capital. Walk the old town, go up Hallgrímskirkja, and spend an evening in a neighbourhood pool. Add one day trip, usually the Golden Circle. What to do with two days and how to plan a stopover have the details. If you're thinking of the Blue Lagoon on the way to or from Keflavík airport, check safetravel.is first: the Grindavík area had nine eruptions between December 2023 and August 2025, and the Icelandic Met Office says magma is still building up.

If you have three to five days

Now you can get out of town. The south coast waterfalls and beaches, the Snaefellsnes peninsula, or a flight up to Akureyri all fit. See three days, four days and five days, and browse day tours from Reykjavik if you'd rather not drive.

If you have a week or more

Drive the Ring Road, or split your time between the south and the north. Our 10-day itinerary is a good template. The Westfjords and the Highlands reward extra days.

By interest

Outdoors

Glacier walks, hiking, rafting, horse riding, whale watching and snorkelling in the Silfra fissure at Þingvellir are all covered in outdoor activities in Iceland. For an easy half-day hike near the city, try the Hengill geothermal area. Go on a glacier only with a licensed guide.

Nature

Waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes and the Northern Lights: start with natural wonders, volcanoes and viewing the Northern Lights.

Soaking

Every town has a pool, and there's a lagoon for most budgets. See hot springs and swimming pools.

Culture and history

Try the museums, the Saga Museum, the history of Iceland and the holidays and events calendar. If you want to understand the people, read six things to know about Icelandic culture.

Food and drink

Eat skyr and a hot dog, and brace yourself for the delicacies. Then work through where to eat in Reykjavik and drinking in Iceland. Alcohol is expensive, so happy hour matters.

Shopping

A hand-knit lopapeysa is the souvenir worth the money. See shopping in Reykjavik and tax-free shopping.

By season

Summer brings the midnight sun, open highland roads and puffins. Winter brings short days, the Northern Lights and a lot of weather. Both are good. Read when to go, things to do in winter and things to do in fall, and check the weather page before you pack. Before any drive, look at safetravel.is and the Icelandic Met Office forecast.

Photo by Michel@