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Looking for a travel experience unlike anything you've had before? Iceland is the perfect choice for you. From majestic waterfalls to volcanic craters, lush valleys to ice caves, volcanic eruptions to hot springs, Iceland promises unforgettable memories and a truly fascinating experience. Love animals? You'll see whales, puffins and seals – Iceland is packed with them too.
Especially if you plan your trip to Iceland in summer, it's even more rewarding. Things warm up, snow melts, and you can get around way easier. Just remember, warm is relative – still pack in layers, It's Iceland! Seeking some best things to do in Iceland in summer? Here's a quick list to help you make the most of your trip.
1. Soak in hot springs
One of the most recommended things to do in Iceland in summer is soaking yourself into the warm, relaxing waters of hot springs. Natural hot springs in Iceland are so many and so scattered around the country that you can easily find the perfect match for your preferences if you look carefully. The most popular one? Undoubtedly, The Blue Lagoon!
It's a must-visit spot for anyone seeking an otherworldly experience in Iceland in summer. Plus, it not only melts away your stress and body aches but also works magic for your skin, thanks to dissolved minerals in the waters of the blue lagoon.
2. Enjoy glacier watching
Glacier watching in Summer! Yes, you heard it right, Iceland’s summers are perfect for glacier watching, offering stunning, straight-out-of-postcard glacier views with clear skies. The key reason is that the glaciers are more accessible in summer as a lot of heavy snow melts making roads and trails clear. Just make sure you book a guided tour, it's a must as glaciers are fragile and can be dangerous too.
Where to go? There are plenty of options, you can visit Europe's largest glacier in Iceland during summer at Vatnajokull National Park. If you're most interested in checking icebergs of different shapes and sizes, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is your place, truly a photographer's dream.
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3. Go hiking in stunning landscape
Again, hiking is summer’s special gift owing to clear trails that let you have an amazing hiking experience. Stepping into this landscape is just like stepping into the fairy with such colourful mountains and mesmerizing, lush green valleys, especially in the southern regions of the country.
Furthermore, you can explore these at your own place without any worry about getting caught in the dark, thanks to the midnight sun! Stóri Dímon trail, Laugavegur trail and Fimmvörðuháls trail are some of the most recommended hiking trails offering a myriad of landscapes from plunging waterfalls to time-torn volcanic craters.
4. Go whale watching
Another huge reason to visit Iceland during summer is you'll get an incredible opportunity to spot whales. It's possible to see whales in Iceland all year round. But Iceland’s summer is the peak season for some magical sightseeing as whales migrate to Iceland's nutrient-rich waters to feed, so, you've gotta have a higher chance of spotting them. Plus, the boat trips are more comfortable in Iceland in summer owing to calmer seas and milder temperatures.
Less chances of getting a trip cancelled too! Húsavík, whale watching capital of Europe is among the best destinations to spot whales, particularly humpback whales. Looking for the most convenient location? Of Course Reykjavik! Tours leave right from the harbour.
5. See the puffins
When summer hits Iceland, it transforms into a puffin paradise, hosting the globe's largest colony – a remarkable 8 to 10 million birds!
Guided tours are great to let you explore the best spots to find these adorable creatures. We totally understand that these are too cute to resist but remember, they are wild animals. Just keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing their nesting areas. Don't forget the binoculars! to get closer looks. Dyrhólaey, Látrabjarg and Westman Islands are particularly rewarding for puffin enthusiasts.
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6. Enjoy an ice cream
Sounds unusual, right? Eating ice cream in Iceland in summer is not just enjoying a dessert, it's much more than that. Ice cream is a beloved treat in Iceland and indulging in it is like participating in a cherished local tradition on the backdrop of beautiful scenery. Here, you'll discover some unique and wild flavours of ice cream that you won't find anywhere else. Also, the warmer weather of Iceland in summer creates a perfect time to savour this delicacy. If you're staying in the capital, Reykjavik, Valdís is among the most recommended places to have an authentic Icelandic ice cream experience.
7. Chase Gullfoss Falls
Visiting Gullfoss Falls is among the best things to do in Iceland during summer. The warmer temperatures of summer result in increased glacial melt, making the sight plunging Gullfoss Falls to be mightier and more dramatic, surely leaving you spellbound.
Additionally, the surroundings are no less than heaven for a photogenic, lush green with wildflowers. Whether you hike and take a tour with a jeep or any 4WD, it's completely worth it.