Latest blog post articles
Upcoming
Types of Skiing Explained: Alpine, Nordic, Touring & SkateAdventure Holidays Iceland
Iceland Adventures
Þetta reddast, an unofficial philosophy has emerged in Iceland, which most closely translates to “It’ll all work out in the end.” With centuries of unpredictable weather, volcanic eruptions and other natural phenomena, it’s an upbeat and rational mindset for every difficulty. Are you ready for your next challenge?
Adventure travel Iceland
Adventure travel Iceland
With the unexpected weather, raw landscapes and don’t-miss natural phenomena (we’re talking hot springs and the Northern Lights) — every trip to Iceland guarantees adventure. Our thoughtful Iceland travel itineraries offer you the best the country has to offer, and you don’t need to plan a thing.
Iceland Adventure Tours
A small city with a big heart, Reykjavík has a lot to offer. Visit its surprising number of museums by day and many foodie hotspots by night. With easy connections to nature, it’s the perfect start to a trip.
For out-of-this-world-looking landscapes and powerful waterfalls on the Diamond Circle, whale watching, hiking trails and hot springs, head North. You’ll soon see why we love it!
This eruptive peninsula is quite literally one of the hottest destinations in Iceland. Hike the rough volcanic terrain, relax in the Blue Lagoon and refuel at one of the many local restaurants.
Where the geothermal heat clashes with the glacial wonders of Iceland, this area is a geographical drama. Marvel at the size of the glaciers and stand in awe at the 40m waves and black sand of the dangerous Reynisfjara Beach.
Activity Overview
The perfect introduction to the snowy wilderness, cross-country skiing has a faster learning curve than downhill skiing, making it the perfect starting point for those new to winter sports.
And Iceland meets all the best winter-experience criteria. Enjoy sweeping views of Iceland’s rugged landscapes, explore remote locations and ski through history in iconic Icelandic destinations. Warm up after a day’s skiing in a natural hot spring. You’ll pad out into the snow, and if you’re really brave, combine with a dip in an icy lake — the perfect natural spa.
Activity Overview
Head to North Iceland for the best snowshoeing spots; Lake Myvatn is a highlight of the classic Diamond circle route, Dimmuborgir lava fields offer a dramatic location to explore or visit Eyjafjörður, one of the longest fjords in Iceland.
What’s great about snowshoeing is that you don’t need any special skills to enjoy the wilderness, unlike other winter sports. Snowshoeing across Iceland’s winter landscapes is a peaceful way to have a winter adventure on foot.
Activity Overview
Meet Iceland’s stocky horses with their unique tölt gait – a smooth, four-beat movement that’s surprisingly comfortable. These compact, hardy animals are built for Iceland’s tough terrain and aren’t your typical riding school ponies.
Local farmers who know these horses inside out will teach you the basics and get you familiar with their special gait. Then it’s out on snowy trails these horses have been using for over 1,000 years.
Activity Overview
Nature’s most spectacular light show – when she’s in the mood to perform. In Iceland, you’re in prime aurora territory with zero light pollution, perfect conditions for when solar activity hits Earth’s magnetic field just right.
No guarantees – nature doesn’t work on schedule – but will check the sky each evening, hoping for that green glow to appear.
Activity Overview
Head out into Eyjafjord hunting for humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins. Winter brings them closer to shore to feed, which ups your chances for spotting considerably.
You won’t miss a thing, as we bring along a local marine biologist who’ll point out unique behaviours, like the telltale spray before a whale surfaces. No guarantees with these wild animals, but worst-case scenario? You’ve sailed through dramatic fjords surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
Activity Overview
The Forest Lagoon sits in Vaðlaskógur forest – seven geothermal pools of varying temperatures, plus a Finnish dry sauna and cold plunge that’ll shock your system back to life. Your muscles will be demanding this after days of skiing and trekking.
At this spa, the infinity pool overlooks Eyjafjörður fjord, so you can soak in mineral-rich water while taking in views of the landscape you’ve been exploring.
Activity Overview
Iceland’s most famous trek, the Laugavegur Trail, cuts through rhyolite mountains, black lava fields, and steaming geothermal valleys between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. It’s often ranked among the best multi-day hikes in the world — and it’s easy to see why.
Icelandic terrain shifts fast underfoot: one hour you’re crossing glacial rivers, the next you’re walking through moss-covered lava fields or past smoking vents. No two days on the trail look the same, and that’s exactly the point.
Adventures in Iceland
Sitting across two spreading tectonic plates makes Iceland a hotspot for volcanic activity. With more eruptions than ever before, these geographical wonders are bucket list destinations.
Thanks to all that volcanic activity, geothermal pools, packed with minerals (and great for your skin), are all over Iceland. Relax and revitalise your senses at a natural Icelandic spa all year round.
An unexpected addition to Iceland’s portfolio is craft beer. Microbreweries take inspiration from the natural surroundings, offer local food pairings, and even change with the seasons.
Vatnajökull covers 13% of Iceland, Þingvellir is a UNESCO site and Snæfellsjökull is named after the infamous stratovolcano. Three equally iconic and diverse National Parks to explore.
Jump, slide, ski, scramble, swim, snorkel — whatever you’re into, Iceland has an impressive (and usually extreme) version that will meet, and probably exceed, your adrenaline expectations.
Unique to the country, Icelandic horses are descendants of the first settlers over 1,000 years ago. Slightly smaller, they have two additional gaits, offering pace and comfort for long-distance rides.
We've got you covered
Iceland is worth visiting at any time of year, the question is more about what you want to experience. Summer (June to August) brings the Midnight Sun, access to the highlands, puffins, whale watching and long days that stretch your activities well into the evening. Autumn (September to October) and spring (March to April) are the best windows for the Northern Lights combined with manageable temperatures and lighter crowds. Winter (November to February) is the most dramatic with stark landscapes, real cold and the darkest skies for aurora hunting, but conditions can be challenging.
Changeable, to put it mildly. Iceland is famous for cycling through all four seasons in a single day, and it’s not an exaggeration. Summer temperatures tend to sit between 10–15°C, which is cooler than most people expect. The wind is often the bigger factor as exposed coastal and highland trails can be brutal in a gust. Winters in the north drop well below freezing, and conditions can shift quickly. The local philosophy þetta reddast (roughly: “it’ll all work out”) is a helpful mindset to pack alongside your waterproofs.
Layers, waterproofs and windproofs should be the first thing in your suitcase regardless of season. Even in summer you’ll want a warm mid-layer, a windproof outer shell and waterproof footwear. Iceland’s weather doesn’t reward optimism when it comes to packing light. For winter trips, proper thermal base layers and insulated waterproof boots are essential. One useful note: Iceland is expensive so it’s worth getting your packing right before you travel.
The north of Iceland is criminally underrated. The Diamond Circle route takes in powerful waterfalls, geothermal areas, whale watching from Eyjafjörður fjord and landscapes that feel genuinely remote.
The south has the dramatic glacier coastline and the black sand of Reynisfjara Beach (which is as wild as it looks – the waves are no joke), whilst the Reykjanes peninsula is worth it for its raw volcanic terrain and the chance to hike active lava fields. And Þingvellir, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet above ground, is one of those places that makes you feel the scale of the planet in a way that’s hard to describe without sounding like a geography teacher.
Very much so. The Golden Circle is popular for good reason, but Iceland’s best outdoor experiences are generally away from the tourist buses. The highlands, the Westfjords, the north and the volcanic landscapes of the Reykjanes peninsula all offer adventure with significantly fewer people.
Iceland’s size works in your favour too. Distances that look large on a map are manageable, and you can get from dramatic coastline to geothermal wilderness in a matter of hours.
No, and anyone who tells you otherwise isn’t being honest. Solar activity, cloud cover and timing all play a role, and nature doesn’t perform on cue. That said, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see them. Viewing season runs from September to April and the country has low light pollution outside the capital, so being in a remote location significantly improves your odds. It’s always worth tempering your expectations though to avoid disappointment.
Visit Iceland today
It’s time to take on a bold and exciting Iceland adventure tour. Our thoughtful itineraries offer an off-the-beaten-path experience of Iceland. Simply get stuck into the activities, in this wild location, with your fellow Gutsy Girls. Ready to join us?
