15 Exciting Tours To Take in Iceland This Year
Are you planning a trip to Iceland? Then it might be time to start planning what tours you will be taking in the Land of Fire and Ice.
There are so many amazing things to do and see in Iceland that it can be hard to know where to start. Whether it’s exploring glaciers, visiting waterfalls, or taking a dip in geothermal pools, there really is a tour for everyone.
This site uses ads and affiliate content as an Amazon associate earning on qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
In this post, you will find some of the best Iceland tours + all the travel tips you should know before your trip.
Plan your Perfect trip
🏨 Find the perfect hotel on Expedia or Booking.com.
🎫 If you’d like to go on tours, check out Viator
🎒 Pack a universal travel adapter, your favorite travel camera (I love this one!), and a good portable solar phone charger
📸 Follow us on Instagram for more travel tips
You might also enjoy:
Why book a tour in Iceland?
Taking a tour is the best way to save time in Iceland by not figuring out the logistics or spending hours planning what you want to do – especially if you don’t have a lot of time in the country!
Also, tours are customizable, so they fit your interests and abilities, and they are a great way to see many things in one day without being exhausted from driving yourself around.
Best companies to book a tour in Iceland
I have two favorite companies for booking tours: Viator and Get Your Guide.
Both platforms have guides that are incredibly knowledgeable about Icelandic culture and history as well as nature itself.
They will make sure your trip is unforgettable! Plus, they love to share their passion with others – which makes them great storytellers too.
The best tours to take in Iceland in 2022
Here are, in no particular order, the most popular tours in Iceland this year.
These are tours that I recommend for first-time visitors or those who have been here before and know exactly what they want from their trip. There’s something for everyone, no matter your budget or interests.
| Tour | Duration | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Small-Group Golden Circle Tour and Secret Lagoon Visit from Reykjavik | 8 hours | See prices |
| Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik | 3 to 5 hours | See prices |
| South Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik | 10 hours | See prices |
| Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik | 7 hours | See prices |
| Snorkeling Between Continents in Silfra with Photos Included | 3 hours | See prices |
| Classic Whale Watching from Reykjavik | The Original | 3 hours | See prices |
| Reykjavik Food Walk | 3 hours | See prices |
| Magnificent Active Volcano Guided Hike Tour from Reykjavik | 6 hours | See prices |
| Private Expedition to Fagradalsfjall Volcano in Iceland | 3 to 5 hours | See prices |
| Dragon Glass Ice Cave by Katla Volcano Super Jeep Tour from Vik | 3 hours | See prices |
Keep reading for the detailed information of each tour.
Small-Group Golden Circle Tour and Secret Lagoon Visit from Reykjavik
Enhance your experience of Iceland’s extraordinary Golden Circle on a full-day tour of the country’s natural highlights from Reykjavik.
Feast your eyes on spectacular sights like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the Geysir hot spring with a professional guide.
Gain fascinating insight into the geothermic nature of the area at Strokkur, an erupting geyser, and gaze at the majestic Secret Lagoon hot spring bath before submerging yourself in the healing waters of the natural bath.
Check availabilityNorthern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik
Seize the opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles during this evening Reykjavik Northern Lights tour.
Hop into a climate-controlled coach with an expert guide, and venture deep into Iceland’s darkness-cloaked countryside, far from the electric glow of any town.
Stop at different locations to scan the ink-black skies for the legendary lights, and with luck, catch a dazzling display that you’ll remember forever.
Taking a Northern Lights Iceland tour is a must for anyone visiting Reykjavik in winter, so don’t miss out!
Check availabilitySouth Iceland Glaciers, Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach Day Tour from Reykjavik
Discover the scenery of southern Iceland on this full-day tour from Reykjavik.
Journey past lava fields, icebergs, and glacier lakes as you explore the Sólheimajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.
Keep your camera poised as you admire the black-sand beaches and dramatic rock formations of Vik, as well as the mighty Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.
Check availabilityGolden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik
Witness the three wonders of the famous Iceland Golden Circle on this day trip from Reykjavik.
Travel by air-conditioned vehicle with an expert guide and learn the history and geology of each site.
See the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling pools and Strokkur waterspout at Geysir, and the tremendous tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park.
On route, drink in Iceland’s stark beauty and learn how islanders use its natural steam and geothermal waters to produce sustainable energy.
Check availabilitySnorkeling Between Continents in Silfra with Photos Included
Explore one of Iceland’s unique geological features during this tour.
Snorkel between the North American and European tectonic plates at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park.
This area is known as the Silfra Fissure and is home to several unique marine species as well as incredible shades of blue.
Check availabilityClassic Whale Watching from Reykjavik | The Original
Experience the magic of whale watching on a cruise from Reykjavik.
With a knowledgeable guide, cruise the coastal curve of Iceland to marvel at humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat.
Scour the sea for sightings of porpoises and dolphins as you listen to fascinating facts surrounding the majestic creatures that inhabit the Icelandic ocean.
Heighten your chances of seeing whales on this tour, the success rates of which are 95% in summer and 80% in winter.
Check availabilityReykjavik Food Walk
Discover Reykjavik’s foodie scene and sample delicious Icelandic cuisine on this walking tour.
Visit a variety of Reykjavik eateries, from restaurants to food trucks, and sample a selection of traditional dishes and street food favorites, including Icelandic cheeses, lamb, homemade ice cream, and the famous Icelandic hot dogs.
Along the way, pass by landmarks such as Hallgrimskirkja, the Harpa concert hall, and Parliament House.
Check availabilityMagnificent Active Volcano Guided Hike Tour from Reykjavik
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget, hiking to an active volcano in Iceland!
This volcano is like no other on earth. From our viewing point on the mountainside, we can see into the crater, often with flowing lava and eruptions.
This is a unique tour to see the active volcano at Fagradalsfjall, Iceland. You can expect a combined hike of 3 hours through the rugged and raw terrain on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Check availabilityPrivate Expedition to Fagradalsfjall Volcano in Iceland
Explore Fagradalsfjall Volcano in this private excursion from Reykjavik.
The hike usually focuses on the lava valley, where lava is slowly shaping the landscape. It is an excellent opportunity for geology lovers, as we can witness how our planet builds itself through volcanoes.
Check availabilityDragon Glass Ice Cave by Katla Volcano Super Jeep Tour from Vik
If you’re looking for an experience in Iceland where you witness a rare natural wonder—this is the ideal option.
The tour gives you access to somewhere that you wouldn’t be able to reach alone—an ice cave that sits underneath Katla Volcano.
Travel with ease up to the ice cave in a Super Jeep. It’s a safe experience as you are given a helmet and crampons, and a guide leads the way, so you don’t get lost.
Check availability
Finding a place to stay in Iceland
Finding the right hotel in Reykjavik can be difficult due to the sheer number of options.
If it’s your first time visiting Iceland, then you should look for a hotel that is both comfortable and centrally located.
The three hotels below all meet these criteria and are great places to consider for lodging in Reykjavik.
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel (Booking.com | Hotels.com)
A favorite among business travelers, Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel is located in downtown Reykjavik on Laugavegur.
This hotel is absolutely beautiful and offers plenty of amenities to ensure your stay is memorable.
Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel (Booking.com | Hotels.com)
Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel is another fantastic option for lodging in Reykjavik if you are looking for a more local experience because it combines hotel services with self-catering apartments.
This hotel has spacious rooms with a fully equipped kitchen with everything you will need to cook your own meals.
201 Hotel (Booking.com | Hotels.com)
Last but not least is the 201 Hotel.
201 Hotel is located in the heart of Kopavogur and has a central location that will make sightseeing much more manageable.
It also has beautiful rooms, a complete fitness center, and a great continental breakfast.
Travel tips you should know before your trip to Iceland
Traveling to Iceland can be an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with a myriad of unique landscapes that you can explore.
Iceland is also one of the most unique countries in the world, with many different customs and traditions that visitors may not be familiar with.
Here are some tips on what you should know before you go!
You don’t need to tip in Iceland
Many visitors are surprised to find that tipping is not customary in Iceland.
Just like in many other European countries, Icelanders do not typically tip except for extraordinary service in some luxury establishments. If you feel compelled to give a tip after exceptional service, 5-10% of the bill is standard.
Pack for all kinds of weather
Iceland is a country of drastic and ever-changing scenery and weather conditions.
Be ready for anything from the sunniest skies to full-on blizzards with some very cold temperatures along the way. It’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons on one day so pack accordingly.
It can be pretty windy in Iceland, too, so you might want to add a windproof layer or two if you plan on spending time outdoors.
Iceland can get really expensive
Iceland can be a very expensive destination.
Many visitors are surprised to find the cost of food and drink in Iceland is often double or triple what they would pay at home.
Luckily, there are a few excellent restaurants in Reykjavik that offer good value for your money.
However, once you leave the capital, you will have to be more careful with your spending as most things have a hefty price tag.
Summer in Iceland means constant daylight
Iceland is in the far north, so the seasons are a bit different here.
Iceland has nearly 24 hours of daylight in the summer, with only a couple of hours of darkness around midnight. If you plan on spending significant time outdoors in the land of fire and ice, keep that in mind as you pack for your trip.
Fun facts about Iceland
Last but not least, here are some fun facts about Iceland that will make your trip more enjoyable.
- You won’t find any McDonalds in Iceland
- There is an actual elf school in Reykjavik
- Icelandic hot dogs are the country’s typical fast food
- Most people in the country live in Reykjavik
- There are more than 130 volcanoes in Iceland
- Iceland is the only placein the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates.
Wrap-up: The best tours to take in Iceland
That’s a wrap! Now you know all the best tours to take in Iceland, plus a few travel tips that will make your trip go smoother.
I really hope you enjoyed this guide! For more travel tips, make sure to follow me on Instagram.
