Ten Amazing things to do in Iceland

Are you planning an international trip but unsure of where to visit? Looking for a less-known, hidden gem to relax and explore? Prepare your passport, as we highlight some incredible activities to enjoy in Iceland.

What we know is that endless adventures await you in Iceland! In this travel guide article, we’ll introduce you to the activities, Instagram-worthy spots, and must-visit Icelandic restaurants as Out Of Town Blog takes you to the land of fire and ice.

Visit the Skaftafell Ice Cave and Go Glacier Hiking at Vatnajökull National Park

Since Iceland is made up entirely of lava fields, mountains, and glaciers, it is no wonder that various ice activities can be done. If you crave an adventure, then one of the things you must do is visit the Skaftafell Ice Cave. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is located in a frozen lagoon in the Svínafellsjökull glacier in Skaftafell.

The cave is accessible through a 22-foot entrance on the shoreline. You’ll get to see the unique and majestic ice formation. You should visit this cave in winter so the cold hardens the ice.

Get a sight of the Northern Lights.

Witnessing the northern lights in Iceland feels magical and almost unreal. On clear winter nights, darkness settles early, and the sky slowly begins to glow. A faint green ribbon appears, then spreads and dances across the horizon, shifting into waves, arcs, and shimmering curtains of light. The silence of snowy landscapes intensifies the moment, broken only by wind or distant water.

Þingvellir National Park is one of the best places because it lies far from city lights and offers wide open skies. Kirkjufell Mountain provides a dramatic foreground for photos, while Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon reflects the aurora on still water and ice. Remote countryside areas in the north also provide excellent visibility due to minimal light pollution.

Standing beneath the moving colors creates a humbling feeling — as if the sky itself is alive above you.

Go Mountaineering

Well, you know what they say – you can only appreciate the beauty of a country if you see the wonders above. Mountaineering offers a great experience, as you’ll see magnificent landscapes with colorful mountains, jagged peaks, glaciers, and more.

Again, booking a tour is best because they offer a wide selection, especially if you plan to hike in Iceland.

Go Skiing

Skiing in Iceland feels wild and cinematic, combining ocean views, volcanic landscapes, and Arctic air. Instead of crowded alpine resorts, slopes are open and peaceful, often surrounded by lava fields or fjords. The snow is typically light and dry, and during late winter, you may even ski beneath the northern lights or extended daylight. The atmosphere is relaxed, with short lift lines and a strong connection to nature rather than a focus on commercial tourism.

Bláfjöll, near Reykjavík, is the most accessible area and perfect for beginners and casual skiers. In the north, Hlíðarfjall above Akureyri offers Iceland’s best-developed runs and reliable snow conditions. Tindastóll near Sauðárkrókur provides scenic views over Skagafjörður fjord, while Siglufjörður delivers quiet slopes and dramatic mountain scenery.

Skiing here is less about luxury and more about adventure — carving down snowy hills with the sea stretching endlessly nearby.

Whale Sighting

Whale sighting in Iceland is both thrilling and peaceful, unfolding slowly across vast North Atlantic waters. Boats depart from coastal towns into crisp sea air where distant mountains frame the horizon. At first, the ocean seems empty, then a sudden blow of mist rises — a whale announcing its presence. Moments later, a dark back surfaces, gliding silently before disappearing beneath rippling water.

Humpback whales often breach dramatically, their massive bodies lifting into the air before crashing down with a thunderous splash. Minke whales move more quietly, while pods of orcas travel together with graceful precision. Between sightings, seabirds circle overhead, and the rhythmic motion of the boat adds to the calm anticipation.

The experience blends excitement with stillness, reminding visitors of their smallness in the open sea. Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat becomes unforgettable.

Relax in Blue Lagoon

Relaxation at the Blue Lagoon feels almost otherworldly. Surrounded by black lava fields, the milky-blue geothermal water glows against the rugged landscape, creating a soothing contrast between warmth and wildness. As you step into the naturally heated water, rich in silica and minerals, a gentle warmth envelops your body, easing muscle tension and calming the mind. Steam drifts softly across the surface, blurring the horizon and muffling outside noise, enhancing the sense of privacy and stillness.

Guests often apply the famous white silica mud mask, letting it dry under the cool Icelandic air before rinsing it away in the lagoon. The combination of warm water, crisp breeze, and expansive sky encourages deep breathing and quiet reflection. Whether floating peacefully or resting against smooth lava rocks, the experience offers a rare balance of nature, comfort, and serenity.

Drive through the amazing landscape

One of the most popular activities in Reykjavik is taking the Golden Circle trip. Other recommended routes from Reykjavik include the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Hvalfjordur fjord.

This tour package allows you to visit some of the country’s most stunning sights: the Geysir geothermal area, the waterfall Gullfoss, and the Þingvellir National Park. The tour includes a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, with an expert guide who can provide a detailed narrative of each site’s history and geology.

Binge-eat on Icelandic delicacies

Splurge yourselves in the best restaurants in Reykjavik. Here are some restaurants you must visit:

Restaurant Reykjavik – This restaurant offers a seafood buffet and an à la carte menu every day of the week. The à la carte menu includes traditional salted cod with almonds and shrimps in lemon butter, tender lamb creations, and the famous Surf & Turf.

Grillmarkadurinn Restaurant– If you ought to go to a more high-end restaurant, this might be the best place for you. They offer an interesting wine list and an 8-course tasting menu.

Svarta Kaffid Restaurant– When it comes to a good, hearty bowl of soup, this restaurant has been the go-to place for the locals. They also offer a selection of wines and beers.

Cafe Loki Restaurant– This quaint restaurant offers hefty servings of food and is budget-friendly.

If you still have time to roam around the city, try visiting the Harpa Concert Hall. During the evening, it is lit up to resemble the northern lights. You can also visit the Hallgrímskirkja church.

Get to visit the filming location of Game of Thrones

Iceland’s stark, otherworldly landscapes provided the perfect setting for the frozen wilderness north of the Wall. The production team used Þingvellir National Park to depict dramatic scenes along rugged cliffs and rift valleys, where tectonic plates visibly divide the earth. Vast glaciers such as Vatnajökull created the icy expanse beyond the Wall, offering sweeping views of snowfields and jagged ice formations that enhanced the show’s harsh, unforgiving atmosphere.

In northern Iceland, the volcanic terrain around Lake Mývatn—with its black lava fields, steaming vents, and frozen ground—stood in for the Wildlings’ homeland. The isolation and raw beauty of these locations conveyed a sense of danger and ancient mystery. Even Kirkjufell Mountain, rising sharply beside the sea, became an iconic backdrop. Iceland’s dramatic weather, stark contrasts, and untouched wilderness made it an unforgettable filming destination.

Go camping in Iceland.

For us Filipinos, budget matters all the time. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, why not rent a tent or bring your own? There are special camping areas around Iceland, but it’s best to ask the locals.

Iceland is one of the most beautiful places in the world, making it worth adding to your bucket list. Now, what are you waiting for! Save up, plan with your friends, and make a wonderful memory in this fascinating country.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, soaking in geothermal hot springs, or hunting for the northern lights, Iceland has a way of turning every moment into a story worth telling. From epic road trips along the Ring Road to hidden gems only locals seem to know, the list of amazing things to do in Iceland never really ends.

No matter the season, this country delivers unforgettable experiences, jaw-dropping landscapes, and a sense of adventure that stays with you long after you’ve left. So pack your bags, bring your camera, and start planning—because Iceland isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling.

Also Read:

• 11 Amazing Things to do in the Arctic
• 6 Volcanoes around the World That You Can Hike!
• Discover the Magic of Iceland: A 7-Day Adventure Through the Land of Fire and Ice
• 10 Reasons Iceland Needs to Be on Your Travel Bucket List
• Top 10 Places to Visit Before They Disappear Forever
• 7 Things to Know Before You Visit Iceland
• Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Iceland