18 Best Things to Do in Iceland: Glaciers, Volcanoes & More

The best things to do in Iceland combine a few landscapes with enough time to experience them: walk through Þingvellir, watch Strokkur erupt on the Golden Circle, see the icebergs at Jökulsárlón, and choose a guided glacier or lava-tunnel tour. Add Reykjavík for food, waterfront walks, and a break from driving.

Travel bloggers from across the globe share the experiences below, including their own walks, food discoveries, and accommodation stays. Their first-person accounts describe earlier trips; the practical boxes separate those memories from current planning advice.

Planning information reviewed October 6, 2026. Visit durations are editorial estimates unless attributed to an operator. Check linked alerts again before travel.

1. Glacier hiking

One of the best things I did while in Iceland on my original summer visit was hiking on the glacier.

It’s a half-day activity but gives you a totally different perspective of the glacier itself. The previous day, I explored the Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where you have amazing views of the glacier in the distance, but it’s not until you’re up close that you realize how amazing it is.

Our tour began with a very bumpy off-road drive to the base of the glacier and also included a little boat ride. Then it was time to put on crampons and listen to the safety talk. Meeting points and transport differ between glacier tours, so check your own booking carefully.

I was worried about walking on the glacier with crampons, but you get the hang of it after a few steps. In total, our group spent an hour on the glacier, seeing huge crevasses (from a distance) and trying out some artificial steps.

After an hour of walking on the glacier and covering a relatively small distance, it showed how big it was. One of my highlights was looking back across to the Glacier Lagoon and seeing how small it looked in the distance.

Various tours include a visit to Glacier Lagoon.

Compare Glacier Lagoon tours and dates

Recommended by Becky from Becky The Traveller

2. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon is a lagoon where icebergs shift and move around in a lake on Iceland’s southern shore. The icebergs are chunks of the retreating Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that have broken off, and they are a beautiful array of blue, white, and black. The lagoon is next to the ocean, contains a mix of saltwater and freshwater, and is home to seals and birds.

The ice-filled lagoon can be visited throughout the year when roads and local conditions permit. Shore viewing and a boat trip are different experiences: budget for parking, and book a seasonal boat departure separately if you want to go out among the icebergs. A South Coast overnight stay gives you more flexibility than a long return excursion from Reykjavík.

There are a variety of tours available that will take you to see the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon; clickCompare Jokulsarlon tours and dates

Recommended by Jessica from Independent Travel Cats 

Jessica’s original Iceland winter travel account

3. Into the Glacier: Langjökull ice tunnel

Many people visit Iceland in summer. Especially those who are like me and prefer sweating over frozen fingers. However, Iceland is definitely one of those destinations that can be visited all year long. It offers something interesting for its visitors in season.

If you visit Iceland in winter, the cold will get under your skin. So put on plenty of layers for Into the Glacier, the man-made ice tunnel in Langjökull. Our Reykjavík departure connected with a large glacier vehicle; current tours also have different meeting-point options. This is not a naturally formed blue ice cave.

Yes, you can go down the tunnel inside the glacier! Listen to the guide and learn about how global warming is affecting glaciers around the world.

Don’t get surprised if the temperature inside the tunnel will be warmer than outside when visiting in winter. It’s because the temperature inside is stable all year long – around 0 Celsius.

To be honest, we did not want to go out of the tunnel. Inside it was quite fine, outside our faces and fingers were completely frozen.

So were our cameras and phones… However, those moments of numb fingers were so worth it.

How many times in your life you can visit an ice cave inside a glacier?

Compare Into the Glacier departure points and access requirements.

Recommended by Alex from Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler

4. Reynisfjara black-sand beach viewpoint

Reynisfjara is a black-sand beach in southern Iceland. Its dark shoreline and basalt formations were among the most distinctive coastal landscapes on our visit.

This natural beach is made out of volcanic black sand. It’s important to know that it’s not actually all sand but a mix of small black stones. These stones were created when lava collided with the Atlantic Ocean. Waves here at this beach are massive, and you must admire them from afar to avoid being dragged into the freezing and unforgiving water.

Hálsanefshellir is a basalt cave beside the beach, but do not plan to enter it. On October 6, 2026, SafeTravel restricted visits to the viewpoint. Follow the current barriers and instructions, including rockfall warnings.

Reynisfjell rises above the shore, with hexagonal basalt columns below it. View these formations from permitted areas; do not climb the columns or approach the cliff for a photograph.

Visitors come for the contrast of black stones, white surf, and offshore sea stacks. Treat this as a South Coast stop near Vík, with road and weather conditions determining your travel time.

Another great thing to know is that there is a cafe and bathroom nearby. We preferred to visit around lunchtime to enjoy the location before grubbing out on some food!

I had never seen anywhere quite like this black-sand beach. Its appearance made a lasting impression, but that memory is not a reason to go beyond today’s permitted viewing area.

Recommended by Natasha & Cameron from The World Pursuit

5. The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a driving route in southwest Iceland that connects three main attractions: Þingvellir, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss. You can self-drive or join a guided tour; a rental car does not make the day free, because fuel, parking, and optional attractions add costs.

We started the Golden Circle from Reykjavík and enjoyed the scenic drive. Allow a full day for the route, including walks, meals, and photo stops. Our original trip also included a stop to meet Icelandic horses; only approach animals with the owner’s permission.

The first main stop on the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park, a historical, cultural, and geological significance site. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is known for Althing, the site of Iceland’s first parliament in 930 AD. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The next stop is the Geysir geothermal area. Strokkur is the geyser visitors usually see erupting, sending hot water into the air every few minutes. Stay on the marked paths around the springs and steam vents.

Gullfoss, the “Golden Falls,” is the third main stop. Its cascades drop into a canyon, so the views change between the designated overlooks. Use only open paths; spray and ice can affect access.

There are a variety of different Gold Circle tours available.   Compare Golden Circle tours and dates

Recommended by Alexis and Bertaut from World Travel Adventurers

This English-guided coach tour lists 7–8.5 hours. Pickup depends on the option, and departures at noon or later omit Kerið. Compare the actual stop list before booking.

Compare more day trips from Reykjavík to decide which outings fit your base and travel days.

6. Snæfellsnes peninsula

Iceland is magical. But there’s something a little extra special about standing on top of a dormant volcanic crater, staring out at a snowy, mossy landscape that stretches nearly as far as the eye can see. This is just part of the magic we experienced when we toured the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Choose designated crater paths rather than climbing wherever the terrain looks inviting. The peninsula’s lava fields preserve the shapes made as molten rock cooled, and marked routes help protect both visitors and the fragile ground.

From there, make a stop at one of many tiny fishing villages for a fresh seafood lunch and sea views that will make your breath catch (Arnarstapi was one of our favorite stops!).

Vatnshellir is a lava tube you can visit on a guided tour. Glacier activities require a suitable guide and equipment; a natural hot spring is not automatically a permitted or safe bathing place.

And from there, don’t forget Londrangar, where you can see sheer cliffs and some of Iceland’s beautiful volcanic rock spires – or, as our Icelandic friend explained, the country’s famous trolls , just offshore.

Make a final stop at Djupalonssandur, a black pearl beach famous for its rusting shipwreck and powerful waves, complete with some of the deceptively heavy stones fishermen used to amuse themselves trying to lift in a competition of strength.

We were even lucky enough to spot an Arctic fox running along the beach. Watch wildlife from a distance and do not feed it.

Whatever your pleasure, there’s something in the Snaefellsnes peninsula for just about everyone.

There are a variety of tours you can join to visit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.  Compare Snæfellsnes tours and dates

Recommended by Meagan from Two Restless Homebodies

7. Rauðasandur in the Westfjords

Rauðasandur, also known as Red Sand Beach, stretches for about 10 km in the Westfjords. Its red and golden tones make a contrast with the black beaches of the South Coast.

This belongs on a Westfjords itinerary, rather than as a quick detour from Reykjavík. Allow time for the approach on gravel roads and check road conditions before setting out.

The beach is surrounded by fjords, which make the drive there particularly scenic. As you slowly make your way down the steep bends of the gravel roads of the Westfjords, you will have in front of you this huge red beach with turquoise water, a truly spectacle.

Despite it being the start of August and peak summer when I visited, the beach was pretty much empty, and we had the pleasure of enjoying it alone.

We were told seals could be seen here, so we walked up and down for an hour looking for them. Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky enough to see any, but the walk was enjoyable anyway. Read more about Rauðasandur and the Westfjords.

Recommended by Greta from Greta’s Travels

8. Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

Galdrasafnið, the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft, is in Hólmavík in the Strandir region of the Westfjords. It adds folklore and local history to a journey often focused on scenery.

The drive through the Westfjords is ! We arrived at the museum just before opening and decided to talk a walk along the fjord.

Just below the surface of the water was the biggest starfish I have ever seen! I was completely relaxed after a few moments of soaking in the beauty, tranquility, and salty sea air.

On that earlier visit, the curator, Sigurður Atlason, greeted us warmly and handed us a written guide of the exhibits (available in multiple languages).

A tour of the museum reveals the fascinating (and tragic) history of the area. Unlike in many other areas, witches in Iceland were mostly men. However, their fate was like witches worldwide; they suffered persecution and frequent execution.

The exhibition includes replicas of Nábrók (necropants) and a Tilberi, a creature from folklore said to steal milk. These displays tell stories about belief and persecution, rather than documenting real supernatural events.

There is even a zombie climbing out of the floor! Before hitting the road again, you can enjoy a traditional Icelandic meal in the adjoining restaurant and pick up a book about Icelandic magic from the gift shop.

Recommended by Robin from LETgo: Grab Opportunity

9. Eldfell volcano on Heimaey

If you’re on the South Coast, consider a trip to Vestmannaeyjar, the Westman Islands. Heimaey is home to Eldfell, whose 1973 eruption destroyed homes and forced an evacuation. I decided to hike it. Check the Herjólfur sailing notice before driving to the ferry: weather can change the departure port or cancel sailings.

Near the volcano’s base is the eerie ‘House Graveyard,’ with signs indicating where houses and community buildings used to lie before being destroyed by the eruption. Icelandic ponies gazed at me curiously as I continued to the trail.

Eldfell (meaning ‘Hill of Fire’ in Icelandic) is around 200 meters high, and sturdy boots are recommended for traveling up the sandy terrain. Icelandic weather is very changeable. Ferocious rain stung my cheeks as I persevered up the thigh-burning final stretch before the stubborn sun broke through the moody clouds just as I reached the summit.

Views from the summit showed another volcano, Helgafell, to the south, with other islands visible offshore.

Being alone on the summit felt surreal. It was difficult to conceive that the 1973 eruption had caused such devastation below my feet.

While Eldfell might not match the snow-capped grandeur of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull, standing alone on top of a volcano remains one of my favorite travel memories. This was an experience that reminded me just how fascinating the geological science behind our planet is.

Recommended by Shannon from SoleSeeking

10. Glymur waterfall hike

One of my favorite experiences in Iceland was the hike I took to the Glymur waterfall.

Glymur is a tall waterfall reached by a demanding hike in Hvalfjörður. This is not a roadside viewpoint or a simple winter walk.

The route involves steep, exposed ground and river crossings. Good footwear and weatherproof gear matter; Laurence’s Iceland packing guide provides further equipment ideas.

The lower crossing uses a seasonal log, and a loop above the waterfall requires another river crossing. Do not treat wading as a routine extension. Turn back if the crossing is missing, conditions are unsuitable, or the route exceeds your experience.

You’re looking at around three-four hours total hike time for that.

The log is removed in the colder season. Neither riverbank is a guaranteed safe winter alternative; ice, snow, and exposure can make a hike inappropriate.

On my original winter visit I was alone for much of the morning, with only a few people passing as I returned to my car. That describes my visit, not a recommendation to repeat the route in winter.

Allow a generous weather and daylight margin, and ask locally about the route before departing.

The start of the Glymur hike is around an hour’s drive northeast of Reykjavik, with the parking found off route 47. Trail information can be found at the start of the hike.

Recommended by Laurence from Finding the Universe

11. Reykjavík food walk

On the Reykjavík Food Walk, you get a history and cultural introduction alongside sampling Icelandic cuisine. I was curious because I didn’t even know what to expect. Take a second and think about what comes to mind when you hear “Icelandic food.”

On my original tour, the tastings included hearty soups, an Icelandic hot dog, bread-based ice cream, and unfamiliar meats. The menu is part of that travel memory, not a fixed promise for today’s tour; tell the operator about allergies and dietary requirements before booking.

Since Reykjavik is such a walkable city with impressive views over the water, cute and colorful houses, and a unique church, there is always something to look at around every corner. Of course, the food is the main attraction on this tour, but really, it’s more like it’s the best of Reykjavik in just a few hours.

The linked Reykjavík food walking tour currently lists about three hours and five food stops. Compare the current menu and dietary arrangements before booking.

Recommended by Jessica from A Wanderlust for Life

A city-based option with about three hours of walking and tastings. Ask about dietary suitability before paying; the tour is in English.

12. Þingvellir National Park

One of the best things you can do in Iceland is hike in Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. There are several different trails you can embark upon depending on what you’re most interested in, but one of the most popular trails starts at Thingvellir Visitor Centre.

Here you can walk through Almannagjá, a fault within the rift zone between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Almannagjá and Heiðargjá are geological features, not the names of the plates.

The route also takes you to Öxarárfoss. Although smaller than Gullfoss or Seljalandsfoss, it offers a rewarding stop for photography. Carry your own drinking water and stay on designated paths.

Other highlights of this hike through Thingvellir National Park include admiring a traditional Icelandic church up close and gazing across vast lakes from the observation deck right next to the Visitor Centre.

Allow several hours if you want to linger along the trails rather than make a short coach stop. Paid parking and any exhibition or guided activity are separate considerations; current parking details are in the practical box below.

There are a variety of tours that include a stop at the Thingvellir National Park.

Compare Thingvellir National Park tours and dates

Recommended by Justine from Wanderer of the World

13. Eldborg crater hike

One morning on our original trip, I woke up and peeked through the window of my campervan to discover a completely white world outside. We dressed warmly and hiked toward Eldborg. This is a memory of that day’s conditions, not general advice to hike here in snow.

Slowly the mist evaporated and the views became clearer. The snow made navigation difficult; a phone map alone is not a substitute for suitable conditions and route-finding experience.

Along the way, I came across a herd of Icelandic horses. They looked even more beautiful in the snow! The hiking trail was flat most of the way until I reached the volcano. A short but steep climb led me to the edge of the 60-meter-high crater, with a magnificent view from the top.

The most special part about the hike was that I was the only one there. Well, me and my husband (after all, it’s always better not to go hiking in the wilderness alone!).

There was no sound but the soft thuds of our boots on the fresh snow. We felt like we had been transported to a real-life winter wonderland, passing below snow-covered bushes and walking along an icy river.

Definitely a highlight of our Iceland winter road trip!

Our walk took about two hours. Treat that as our experience rather than a target time; the current regional route listing describes a 6.64 km circuit with uneven ground and steep steps.

Recommended by Lotte from Phenomenal Globe

14. Inside the Volcano at Þríhnúkagígur

Inside the Volcano takes you into the chamber of Þríhnúkagígur using an open lift. This is a guided visit to a dormant volcano, not an excursion to an active eruption.

I took my trip in autumn 2016, in early October. The wind and cold on the walk toward the volcano were a big part of the experience.

To begin, the spot where the car is parked is around 3kms from the actual volcano. Usually, that distance is an easy walk, but when it’s biting cold and wind speeds of around 60kms per hour, your fitness sure gets tested.

The last 400 meters of the walk is even harder as you need to ascend a mountain, and the wind gushes to you and pushing you backward. So you need to pull yourself up harder.

But every bit of effort that you take is totally worth it once you reach an open elevator that takes you inside the crater (land that’s beyond belief).

Inside, it felt warmer without the wind, and the multicolored rock was what stayed with me. Today the operator gives an interior temperature of about 4°C (39°F), so warm layers still matter. Our visit fell near the end of that year’s season; consult the current calendar rather than using our 2016 dates.

Some tips:

• Wear warm layers and sturdy walking shoes.
• Bring water and follow the guide’s instructions.
• Be prepared to change plans if conditions deteriorate.

Recommended by Karishma from Globe Jamun

15. Snowmobiling on Langjökull

There is so much to do in Iceland that you’re never going to cover it all, but one of my favorite things was snowmobiling across the Langjökull Glacier. We were picked up in a very large vehicle that could transport people up to the glacier without getting stuck; the tires were practically as tall as me!

You’re provided with a full overall and balaclava, and in pairs, you drive out across the glacier to a spot where you cannot see anything in any direction. I have no idea how the instructors can tell which way to go, but they clearly did.

Riding the snowmobile was harder than it looked as the snow was really thick, and you sunk into it as you rode forward. You stop halfway where they allow you to take some photos, and we made snow angels and generally played about in the snow.

The whole glacier is covered in a thick layer of snow, but you can see the ice if you dig down a little. We swapped over drivers and headed back to the camp.

It was an incredible experience, a little bit touristy as there were many groups on our ride simultaneously, but I don’t think this took anything away from the experience. We did this as part of our Golden Circle tour; compare today’s total package cost rather than assuming a combination is cheaper.

Now one thing I will warn you about is the cold! It was still snowing as we were driving, which made it even cooler. By the time we made it back, both of us were covered in snow, and our black overalls were practically white. My eyelashes and eyebrows had their own little icicles, which covered part of my hat, and my scarf was frozen practically stiff.

Various tours include Langjokull Glacier.

Compare Langjökull Glacier tours and dates

Recommended by Verity from Veritru

16. Hiking on Esja

If you want to experience Icelandic nature without venturing too far from Reykjavík, hiking on Esja may suit you. Plan transport to the Esjurætur trailhead using the current Strætó journey planner rather than relying on an old bus number.

Esja is a mountain range rising to about 914 meters. Different paths suit different abilities, and the signposted routes do not make every ascent suitable for a beginner.

The boot symbols on signs describe route difficulty, not a daily safety rating. Many walkers turn around at Steinn; the terrain above becomes more demanding. Snow, ice, visibility, and wind require a separate assessment.

Snow and ice can make Esja unsuitable for a casual hike. When conditions permit, even a shorter walk on the lower slopes gives views toward Reykjavík. Choose your turnaround point before fatigue, weather, or fading daylight forces the decision.

Recommended by Eric and Lisa from Penguin and Pia

17. Reykjavík sightseeing

When visiting Iceland, the first sightseeing idea that comes to my mind is seeing the country’s nature. Reykjavík deserves time too, with waterfront art, distinctive buildings, and streets that are easy to combine on foot. Anita also recommends European city breaks in winter.

One of many suggestions for sightseeing in Reykjavik is visiting the Hofdi house, the place of the historic meeting of the US president Reagan and head of USSR Gorbachev in 1986. The building from the beginning of the 20th century was originally designated for the French Consulate and today is used for official city social functions.

Although closed to the general public, it’s worth seeing from the outside. Also, explore the sculpture in front of the building portraying pillars from the chieftain’s seat of the first Norwegian settler in Reykjavik.

When visiting this area, remember to stop by abstract sculpture Obtusa at the nearby street corner. The brightly colored abstract piece of art is located in the traffic circle at the intersection of Katrínartún and Borgartún.

The sculpture was created by Venezuelan-American artist Rafael Barrios, well known for his optical illusion sculptures. People can walk around the sculpture and observe how the shapes of this 4-meter tall three-dimensional sculpture change from different viewpoints.

A self-guided waterfront walk is a good starting point. If you prefer commentary, compare current Reykjavík walking tours rather than assuming an old three-hour itinerary is still offered.

Another great way to see the city sites is via the Hop-on Hop-off Bus.

Recommended by Anita from The Sane Travel

18. Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel

Raufarhólshellir, about 30 km from Reykjavík, offers a guided Standard Lava Tunnel Tour lasting roughly one hour. Catherine’s following account describes her family’s visit in June 2017.

My husband and I visited in their first month with our three children aged 2, 7, and 9 a few hours after arriving in Iceland. We were all fitted with lighted hard hats and set off for the tunnel.

My daughter enjoyed the tour from her carrier on that 2017 visit. Current age limits differ by product: the operator’s standard tour lists a minimum age of three, while the GetYourGuide option below lists six. Check the exact option before booking for children.

This tunnel was formed after the Leitahraun eruption about 5,200 years ago. The step marks on the wall show the various depth at which lava flowed.

We particularly enjoyed the moment of darkness when the guide briefly turned off the lights. Seeing the rock without the lighting made the tunnel feel completely different.

Compare Raufarhólshellir tours and dates

Recommended by Catherine from We go with kids.

Choose meeting at the tunnel or a transfer option. This listing specifies a minimum age of six, unlike the direct operator’s standard ticket.

How to combine these Iceland attractions

A realistic seven-day southwest and South Coast plan: This is a suggested self-drive outline for suitable conditions, not a route covering the whole list. Keep the final night within comfortable reach of your departure airport.

For a shorter visit, stay in Reykjavík and choose one or two outings. With extra days, add Snæfellsnes or extend the South Coast rather than squeezing the Westfjords into the same week. Plan a separate multi-day extension for Rauðasandur and Hólmavík.

Driving, seasons, and booking priorities

Check Iceland road conditions, the Icelandic weather forecast, and SafeTravel alerts before each driving or hiking day. Add breaks to navigation estimates and keep your schedule flexible when warnings affect the route.

Book a small number of anchor activities first, then place accommodation near the meeting points. For a glacier hike, ask how much of the advertised duration is spent on ice. For a day tour, compare actual stops and pickup location. For a ferry, leave time for schedule changes.

Summer’s longer daylight does not remove weather risk. In darker months, reduce driving ambitions and keep a city or indoor alternative. Northern lights depend on darkness, cloud cover, and solar activity; a tour cannot guarantee them.

Reykjanes volcanic areas need their own current access check. Follow official Reykjanes safety guidance and do not walk on recent lava. The dormant-volcano chamber tour above is a different experience.

More Iceland tours: choose the correct departure base

The original guide included more tour ideas around the country. Use these as alternatives when your route passes the departure town, rather than adding northern departures to a Reykjavík day-trip plan.

For outings close to your capital-city base, use our Reykjavík day-trip guide.

Where to stay in Iceland

Choose your overnight stops around the route, not around a single nationwide base. Reykjavík suits city time and southwest excursions; a South Coast stay avoids repeated long drives to the glacier lagoon. The Westfjords and northern Iceland need their own nights.

City Town Apartments: an original stay report

Kerri’s original apartment review is retained below as a historical stay report. We could not confirm current facilities from a property-operated source; verify the exact listing before booking.

There’s no denying Iceland can be an expensive country to visit, and its capital Reykjavik is no exception, especially when it comes to accommodation.

On our original visit, we wanted to make sure we could stay in high-quality accommodation. The following describes the apartment we stayed in then, not a guarantee of today’s facilities.

We were delighted when we came across the City town Apartments, providing us with a central location in the city, within easy walking distance to all the major areas.

In Reykjavik, where good value accommodation can be hard to find, this apartment had it all. For starters, it was huge.

At around 65 m², there was plenty of room for an entire family or group of friends. A dedicated bedroom, two sofa beds, and a large lounge area made for a comfortable stay.

It had a laundry, large bathroom, dining room, and full-size kitchen. The apartment was also fully stocked with everything you could imagine cooking a restaurant-quality meal!

A large flat screen tv, Apple TV with access to Netflix, and excellent wifi were all part of the accommodation.

The apartment has air conditioning and fans, although we didn’t need to use them even in summer, and central heating. Blockout curtains keep the daylight out during the summer months when you are trying to sleep, and a balcony allows you to take in the views of the nearby landmark, the Hallgrímskirkja Church.

We caught the FlyBus from Keflavik Airport, which has a shuttle that took us to the hotel directly beside the apartment, making for an easy transition.

Before booking this apartment today, confirm the exact property, room configuration, facilities, check-in procedure, and airport-transfer stop.

Recommended by Kerri from Beer and Croissants 

Hotel Rangá

Hotel Ranga is a luxury accommodation in the South and one of the best Iceland Northern Lights hotels.

It is literally a few minutes from the main ring road; however, as you drive up to the turning, you don’t even realize it’s a hotel as the log cabin-style building beautifully fits with Iceland’s gorgeous scenery.

Hotel Rangá has several room and suite categories. On my visit, my favorite was the Antarctica-themed room, which included numerous penguins in the décor. The current suite selection and rates should be checked for your dates.

The hotel has an in-house bar and a restaurant that serves delicious, traditional Icelandic food in the evenings. And a magnificent buffet-style breakfast.

A couple of other unique things about Hotel Ranga are the outdoor hot tubs. You can relax after a busy day exploring and, if you’re lucky, spot the northern lights. And for the stargazers, you can try out Hotel Ranga’s observatory area, including the giant telescope.

Hotel Rangá suits a South Iceland stay, especially if you want a hotel base between day trips rather than changing accommodation every night.

Recommended by Becky from Becky The Traveller

Iceland travel FAQs

What are the best things to do in Iceland on a first visit?

Start with Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, and a manageable stretch of the South Coast. Add one guided glacier or lava-tunnel experience if it fits your interests and ability. Jökulsárlón works better with an overnight stay in the southeast than as an extra stop on an already full day.

How many days do you need in Iceland?

Allow roughly 5–7 days for Reykjavík and the southwest as a planning starting point. With 10–14 days, you can slow down or cover more of the country. A complete Ring Road trip, the Westfjords, and several long hikes are different commitments; leave room for weather rather than trying to combine everything.

Do you need a rental car in Iceland?

No, not for a Reykjavík stay with organized excursions. A rental car gives more flexibility on a multi-day regional route, but requires confidence with local conditions and a realistic daily plan. Compare rental, fuel, parking, and accommodation costs with the tours you would otherwise book.

Are Iceland’s natural attractions free?

Some viewpoints and walks have no admission ticket, but access can still involve parking or service fees. Þingvellir and Jökulsárlón have paid parking arrangements. Guided glacier walks, boat tours, tunnels, museums, and ferries are separate expenses, so a “free attraction” does not necessarily mean a free day.

Is the Langjökull ice tunnel the same as a natural ice cave?

No. Into the Glacier is a man-made tunnel in Langjökull. Natural ice caves form differently and change with glacier conditions. Choose the experience by location, season, meeting point, and physical requirements, and use a qualified guide rather than entering glacier terrain on your own.

Can you walk on Reynisfjara beach?

Do not assume beach access is open. SafeTravel’s notice checked on October 6, 2026 limited visits to the viewpoint. Recheck the official notice and obey barriers on arrival. Sneaker waves and rockfall are hazards even when a beach looks calm; the old cave-entry and column-climbing advice should not be followed.

What should you book in advance in Iceland?

Prioritize accommodation on your route and guided experiences with fixed departures, especially if a glacier hike, volcano chamber, or food tour matters to you. Check the meeting point before reserving the previous night’s stay. Book required ferry space and compare cancellation terms; do not fill every day with non-flexible tickets.

Can you see the northern lights in summer?

Iceland’s bright midsummer nights are not suitable for aurora viewing. Choose a trip with genuinely dark nights if northern lights are a priority, while accepting that clouds and solar activity still control your chances. Summer instead gives more daylight for scenery and outdoor activities.

Are these Iceland activities suitable for children?

Some are, but age limits apply to the specific product rather than the attraction name. For example, the Lava Tunnel operator’s standard ticket and the linked GetYourGuide package list different minimum ages. Check walking surfaces, transport, equipment, and age rules for the exact booking; an old family travel account is not a current admission policy.

• About the Author
• More info

Tim Kroeger( International Tourism Management Expert )

Tim Kroeger is the founder and editor of Universal Traveller, covering luxury stays and active travel. Based in Bangkok, he draws on 15+ years of travel across 112+ countries, from reviewing luxury hotels to bikepacking through Southeast Asia. He also writes about luxury wellness and longevity travel at tim-kroeger.com, where he developed the Restorative Index.

universal-traveller.com/

Expertises: International Tourism Management, Luxury Travel, Adventure travel, Luxury Bikepacking