An incredible country to visit, Iceland has a wealth of breathtaking scenery which visitors will absolutely adore. Its desolate and wild landscapes are mesmerizing, and exploring its glaciers, mountains, geysers, and national parks is simply an unforgettable experience. With some amazing wildlife, as well as the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights, visitors to Iceland are sure to come away delighted with all that they’ve seen and done.
With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. As such, here is a list of some of the best tours that will take you up close to the most amazing sights that Iceland has to offer.
1. Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full Day Tour with Kerid Crater
Source: KeongDaGreat / shutterstockA very popular tour that comes highly recommended by participants, on this trip, you’ll certainly see an incredible amount over the day. As such, it is well worth checking out.
The Golden Circle is simply a must-see when in Iceland. Traveling around it, you’ll see the most spectacular geysers, waterfalls, and craters.
While everything is beautiful, the undoubted highlights are the delightful Gullfoss Waterfall and the marvelous Kerid Crater, which is volcanic in nature and breathtaking to witness.
2. South Coast Classic: Full Day Tour from Reykjavik
Source: Guitar photographer / shutterstockPacking loads into the schedule, this tour will take you around many of the South’s most amazing sights and it is very popular amongst tourists to Iceland.
The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is stunning and the views from atop of Skogar Waterfall will make your heart race.
On top of this, you also get to stop off at Reynisfjara Beach, with its distinctive black sand, drive through ancient lava fields, and visit the lovely little village of Vik, which is perched on the Icelandic coast.
3. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik
Source: Jan Miko / shutterstockThis beautiful glacier lagoon borders the largest glacier in Europe. It is here that you’ll be greeted by a sea of white and blue as icebergs float upon the stunning waters of the lagoon.
Taking a boat trip on the tranquil waters is a wonderful experience and there aren’t many other places like it on Earth.
Equally spectacular as the views on offer are the visit to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and the black sand beach at Reynisfara.
4. Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik
Source: shutterstockMany people come to Iceland to see the amazing Northern Lights that are one of the most incredible natural phenomena on the planet. This tour will certainly leave you feeling astounded at all that you’ve seen.
After departing Reykjavik, your guide will tell you everything there is to know, as you travel to find the otherworldly Aurora Borealis for yourself.
Out in the middle of nature, the dancing lights are magical and quite unlike anything you’ve seen before. Not to be missed, the Northern Lights are a must-see when in Iceland.
5. Langjokull Glacier: Snowmobile & Natural Ice Cave Tour
Source: getyourguide.comPerfectly suited for people who are looking for some adventure while exploring the great outdoors, this tour sees you snowmobile across a glacier before venturing into the glittering caverns of an ice cave.
Gliding over the snow is a liberating experience and the scenery all about you is absolutely breathtaking. Your guide will tell you all about the history and geography of this amazing landscape.
The cave is equally fascinating and special; you’ll definitely get some great photos here of an unforgettable day out.
6. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Full-Day Tour
Source: getyourguide.comFor travelers who are a bit pressed for time, this tour is a great option if you want to see as much of Iceland as possible in the time you have.
Starting off from the capital, the excursion takes you to some of the most popular sights in the country. You will stop by Gullfoss Waterfall, the amazing Strokkur Hot Spring, and Thingvellir National Park.
A memorable day ends as you sit back and relax in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon, where hot springs spout into the air around you as you enjoy the geothermal pools.
7. From Husavik: Traditional Whale Watching Tour
Source: getyourguide.comThe largest mammals on Earth are awe-inspiring to behold in their natural environment; this tour is well worth checking out if you want to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.
With a 97-99% chance of seeing them, this tour takes you around Skjalfandi Bay in search of the whales – the scenery on hand isn’t too bad either.
Home to humpback and blue whales, among others, the bay is the perfect place in which to spot them. You’re unlikely to ever forget seeing these gentle giants as they rear up out of the water.
8. From Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour
Source: Andrew Mayovskyy / shutterstockA very popular tour, this one sees you visit a number of charming fishing villages before exploring the spectacular scenery on offer in this part of the country.
Snaefellsjokull glacier in all of its glory is bewitching, and the volcanic craters interspersed amongst mountains at Kirkjufell and Ljosufjoll are equally enticing in their beauty.
With craggy sea cliffs, gorgeous fjords, and distinctive black sand beaches, this tour will take you through a bewildering array of different landscapes, each more memorable than the last.
9. Iceland Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields
Source: getyourguide.comAn unforgettable experience, horse riding around Iceland’s ancient lava fields will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time such is the desolation and wilderness all about you.
From Ishestar Riding Centre, the trails take you past verdant green hills and through the lava fields with their distinctive rock formations.
A great day out, the horseback riding will leave you sore but happy, and with memories that will last a lifetime.
10. South of Iceland Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik
Source: getyourguide.comA wonderful way to see a lot of what the south has to offer, this tour will introduce you to some of Iceland’s most beautiful rivers, waterfalls, and mountains.
Exploring Solheimajokull is a fascinating affair, while the waterfall at Seljalandsfoss is always popular amongst visitors.
Whether it is the charming village of Vik that most appeals to you or the eye-catching black sand beaches at the nearby coast; the south’s ever-changing landscapes will never disappoint.
11. Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon Early Access: Full-Day Tour
Source: ShutterstockThis combo deal offers visitors the perfect chance to both explore the great outdoors and relax in the delightful geothermal pools at the Secret Lagoon.
Once you’re done soaking in the warm waters, it’s time to revel in the stunning scenery at Thingvellir National Park, which has so many interesting landscapes to explore.
With a stop at Gullfoss Waterfall also included in the deal, you’ll be amazed at all that the Golden Circle has to offer.
12. Full-Day Iceland Game of Thrones Tour
Source: getyourguide.comFans of Game of Thrones simply have to check out this tour when they’re in Iceland; it will take them to some of the filming locations where key scenes were shot.
Thingvellir National Park, for example, is where some amazing battle scenes were filmed; the desolate landscape is beautiful to behold.
With a local guide who appeared in the show to tell you about how it all worked, this tour introduces you to the history and geology of the land and connects it beautifully to the famous TV show.
13. Akureyri: 3-Hour Classic Whale Watching Tour
Source: getyourguide.comSetting off from Akureyri, this tour will take you along one of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland as you keep an eye out for whales breaching the surface.
With the stunning scenery all around you, it is a lovely way to spend the day. The chances are very high that you’ll get to see the majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
The Eyjafjord is wonderful to sail around and the crew provides you with interesting information about the whales, their natural habitat, and what is being done to protect them.
14. Langjokull Glacier Ice Cave Classic Tour
Source: getyourguide.comThe second largest glacier in the country, Langjokull is worth checking out for the stunning scenery on display as well as its captivating ice cave.
While it is man-made, the glacier tunnel is awesome to explore; it really is a unique experience venturing inside the glacier itself.
A fabulous day out, this tour will leave you with great photos and even better memories.
15. Reykjavik Hop-on Hop-off Tour: 24-Hour Ticket
Source: getyourguide.comWhile most people come to Iceland to enjoy its spectacular nature and incredible landscapes, the capital of the country is well worth exploring; this hop-on, hop-off ticket is the perfect way to see the city.
With loads to see and do, the audio guide commentary will tell you all about the history, culture, and people of Iceland and Reykjavik as you travel past the most prominent tourist attractions.
Passing by the harbor, the National Gallery, and City Hall, among others, this tour won’t disappoint. You’ll come away with a newfound appreciation for the nation’s capital.