Adventures and Activities

Adventures and Activities
Whale watching
One of the fastest-growing attractions in Iceland is whale watching, which is offered in Hafnarfjörður and Reykjanes in the southwest, Eyjafjörður and Húsavík in the north, and other places around the coastline. The ocean surrounding Iceland is ideal natural habitat for whales and sighting rates are among the highest anywhere in the world.

River rafting
Few challenges can beat riding the swirling white waters of Iceland’s mighty glacial rivers. Organized trips with experienced rafting guides are available at sites including Hvítá (White River) just downstream from Gullfoss waterfall and Jökulsá in Skagafjörður in the north.

Other water fun
Kayaks are not native to Iceland but are an ideal way for exploring the fjords and bays or cruising along calmer waterways – rentals are available. Guided boat cruises are another popular way of exploring the sea, for example among the “countless islands” of Breiðafjörður Bay in the west. Many boats offer sea angling and even the chance of an on-board banquet, cooked from the day’s catch. Inland, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in the southeast is one of the country’s most popular attractions for travellers, who cruise among icebergs calving from mighty Vatnajökull glacier.

Horse riding
Hardy, sure-footed and reliable Icelandic horses, from the pedigree stock brought over by the first settlers, were the only means of land transport in Iceland for centuries. Today, there is still no better way to experience the countryside than on horseback. Treks of all lengths are offered by horse rentals all around Iceland, and exciting innovations are being made to enhance this traditional Icelandic experience.

Íshestar, for example, has opened a dedicated riding centre just outside Hafnarfjörður, and has boosted its extensive selection of horse rides with a 6-hour guided tour on horseback to the Blue Lagoon and back.

Another angle is taken by Tölthestar at Ingólfshvoll in Ölfus, with a presentation about the history of the Icelandic horse and its significance for the nation through the centuries, with the option of a three-course meal while you enjoy the programme.

Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is not just a winter sport in Iceland, since there’s nowhere like the top of a glacier for the endless freedom to ride. Favourite adventures are day-trips with a flight to Höfn in southeast Iceland for snowmobiling on nearby Vatnajökull – Europe’s largest glacier – and trips to Langjökull, little more than an hour’s drive north of Reykjavík.