There’s something utterly magical about Iceland in the summer. As the snow melts and the golden glow of the midnight bathes the land, the country awakens into a spectacular display of life and color. The summer allows for endless opportunities to explore the epic scenery with excellent weather and an abundance of wildlife.
At Hidden Iceland, our summer tours will leave you in awe, with itineraries crafted to showcase the very best of what the land of fire and ice has to offer in the warmer summer months. From glacier hikes to volcanic hot springs, here is our ultimate guide on what to do in Iceland in the summer.
Best Summer Activities in Iceland
If you are considering a summer trip to Iceland, there is no shortage of fun-filled activities to enthrall you. Whether you are a nature lover, adrenaline junkie, or simply looking to relax and soak up the enchanting Icelandic landscapes, the summer months offer a smorgasbord of activities to choose from.
Glacier and Lagoons
We can’t talk about summer activities in Iceland without first mentioning Vatnajökull in Iceland’s South East. As Europe’s largest glacier and one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Iceland, this national park is an essential stop. In summer, the ice caves melt into towering sculptures, allowing you to strap on your crampons for a guided glacier hike through otherworldly scenery.
Or, glide across the ethereal Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on a Zodiac boat tour, where crystal blue icebergs float by, seals bob in the water, and the raw beauty and sheer scale of your surroundings is sure to astound you.
While Iceland is a year-round destination, visiting during summer means that you have full access to roads and hiking trails, giving you free rein to explore the very best of the striking Icelandic landscapes.
Soaking in the Midnight Sun
One of the most famous activities to take part in during an Iceland summer trip is a midnight sun tour. This wondrous natural phenomenon is a highlight of the summer months, giving you the opportunity to witness the sun’s dazzling rays dance above the horizon in the midnight hours, and gives you more daylight to explore Iceland’s breathtaking beauty.
“The midnight sun is one of Iceland’s most mesmerising natural wonders, occurring between mid-May to mid-August and making it one of the most beautiful times to plan your trip. For the ultimate view, head to Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where the golden light casts a stunning glow over the famous peak and nearby waterfalls. If you are looking for a more secluded experience, the Westfjords are ideal. Take a tranquil walk along the river leading up to the towering 100m Dynjandi waterfall or visit Rauðasandur Beach, where the red sands contrast beautifully with the late-night sun. If you prefer a shorter trip from Reykjavík, head to Þingvellir National Park, where the rift valley is bathed in golden sunlight for 24 hours a day. No matter where you go, remember to bring a camera and dress in layers, the sun may be out, but Icelandic evenings can still be crisp.”
– Dagný Björg Stefánsdóttir, Travel Expert and Co-Founder of Hidden Iceland. Dagný is a native Icelander from the Westfjords.
Nature Spotting
For those looking to experience Icelandic wildlife up close, summer is the prime time for whale watching and puffin spotting. During the summer months, you can see a variety of whale species including humpbacks, fin whales, minke whales, and even pods of orcas if you are lucky. Colonies of the bright-beaked puffins can be found across many of the cliff faces and coastal regions of Iceland, including the secluded Westfjords.
As part of any summer Iceland trip, we always recommend a horseriding tour through the wilds. On horseback, you can take in the true beauty of nature as you traverse vast open spaces and breathe in the fresh Icelandic air. Here, expert guides will show you a side of Iceland far away from the crowds.
ATV Tours
For those seeking a more high-octane experience, ATV tours across rugged terrain are a must in the summertime. July to August is also the perfect time to take a tour of the lava caves. Just 30 minutes from Reykjavík is one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland, where you can explore the magnificent formations underground.
If you are considering visiting Iceland between July to August then make sure to read our blog on the top five things to do during these summer months.
Now you know more about what to do in Iceland in the summer, you may be asking the follow up question: where are the best places to go?
Here is a selection of the places that we love to visit on our luxury Iceland tours, all chosen by our team of travel experts, as they offer picturesque landscapes and thrilling adventures that are perfect for the summer months.
Best Places To Visit During the Summer
The Westfjords
The Westfjords is one of the most untouched regions of Iceland and the ideal place for a summer escape. With pleasant summer temperatures, exploring the dramatic cliff faces and remote beaches is made all the more enjoyable.
Summer brings a burst of life, with lush green cliffs peppered with colorful wildflowers and vibrant birdlife soaring overhead. As you explore, you may encounter Arctic foxes, free-roaming sheep, and seals basking in the summer sun. The Westfjords offers a truly authentic Icelandic experience, where the beauty of nature remains untouched.
Reykjanes Peninsula
Just a short drive from Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula is where Iceland’s volcanic heartbeat is loudest. Here, you’ll find the world-famous Blue Lagoon alongside a collection of lesser-known geothermal pools and lava fields.
The area has experienced recent volcanic activity, and no trip to this region would be complete without taking a thrilling helicopter tour to the eruption sites to see the steaming craters and fresh lava formations up close.
Afterward, you can unwind at one of Iceland’s luxury hotels, including The Retreat or Silica Hotel. Many seabirds, including puffins, nest along the long stretch of coastline during summer, making it an excellent place to do a spot of birdwatching.
The Highlands
Summer peels back the layers of Iceland’s rugged soul and allows you to explore the spellbinding Icelandic Highlands with their volcanic deserts, colorful mountains, and glacial rivers carving their way through untouched valleys.
Hike through the striking Landmannalaugar, where steam rises from the earth and the silence is only broken by the crunch of your boots on ancient lava rock. Or explore the green forests and hidden canyons of Thórsmörk, also known as the Valley of Thor.
The Icelandic Ring Road
One of the most immersive ways to experience Iceland in summer is by taking the Ring Road tour. This is an 11–14 day trip that takes you around the entire island so you can see some highlights of this amazing country at its fullest.
Some of the highlights to expect include seeing Iceland’s largest waterfall, Dettifoss, at its most powerful due to the melting glacier water, and the Eastfjords, which is a 120 km stretch of stunning coastline perfect for a private luxury guided Iceland tour or a self-drive itinerary.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Known as Iceland in miniature, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a must-visit destination during a summer trip to Iceland. Located in the south, it’s home to an array of landscapes all beautifully packed into one enthralling region. Here you’ll find moss-covered lava fields, dramatic coastlines, glittering glaciers, and a host of charming fishing villages to explore.
The peninsula is also home to Kirkjufell, renowned as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, thanks to its distinctive arrow shape and mystical surroundings. Made famous by Game of Thrones, it is also one of the most photographed spots in Iceland, and with very good reason. In the summer months, the light casts a golden glow over the peak and nearby waterfalls, making for a truly spellbinding scene.
Iceland’s South Coast
No list of what to do in Iceland in the summer would be complete without mentioning the south coast’s legendary waterfalls and beaches. Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, plunging 60 meters in a thunderous curtain of water.
On sunny summer days, you’ll often see double rainbows forming in the mist. Hike up the staircase to the top for sweeping vistas or continue along the Fimmvörðuháls trail if you’re up for more adventure.
A short drive away is Seljalandsfoss, the waterfall you can walk behind. It’s a magical experience in summer when the trail is dry, and the surrounding cliffs are coated in a rich emerald green, making you feel as though you have just stepped into a fairytale.
Nearby, you’ll find Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, famous for its jet-black volcanic sands, towering basalt columns, and the powerful Atlantic waves crashing onshore. This trio makes for a perfect day trip from Reykjavík or an unforgettable part of any longer Ring Road summer itinerary.
Looking to plan your own unforgettable summer adventure in Iceland? Whether it’s glacier hiking, wildlife spotting, or relaxing in the geothermal lagoons, Iceland is the perfect summer escape, and at Hidden Iceland we are here to make your Icelandic travel dreams come true.
Get in touch today by calling +354-770-5733 or emailing us at info@hiddeniceland.is to start planning your ultimate luxury trip to Iceland now.
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