There are many exciting adventure activities to do in Iceland, one of the most beautiful and untouched countries in the world. From hiking on glaciers to horse riding in Iceland to kayaking in glacial rivers, the country has numerous exciting opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. If you’re visiting Iceland soon, be sure to check out these five exciting adventure activities you can do while visiting this amazing country.
5 Exciting Adventure Activities to Do in Iceland
1) Go Ice Climbing
Geographically speaking, ice climbing is as Icelandic as it gets. The activity begins with a hike up a mountain or glacier where one climbs on top of, over, and around a variety of steep ice formations. What makes ice climbing particularly unique is that at any given moment, depending on weather conditions and how far you’ve progressed up a mountain, you could fall anywhere from 20 to 1,000 feet.
2) Ride an Icelandic Horse
You won’t find these magnificent creatures anywhere else on earth. Icelandic horses can be seen all over Iceland, as they are used for riding, packing, and farming. They are strong, kind animals who love a good gallop. Horse riding is an exhilarating way to see some of Iceland’s breathtaking countryside. It is also a popular tourist activity that many visitors enjoy while visiting Iceland. The easiest place to go horseback riding is at Reykjadalur Riding Centre, which offers rides around their farm. If you want more of a thrill, the Hengifoss Riding Tour takes you up close to one of Iceland’s most dramatic waterfalls.
3) Swim with Puffins
The isle of Grimsey, on Norway’s northern coast, is home to one of Europe’s largest colonies of Atlantic puffins. It also happens to be within a short boat ride from Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city. Head there for an unforgettable swim with these curious little birds. Puffin-watching tours are operated by the Icelandic Association for Nature Conservation and the Puffin Foundation and last about three hours round trip. With so many things to do in Iceland it can sometimes be hard to choose which adventure activity you want to partake in first. There are so many different activities that people can participate in that there is no limit on what someone can do while visiting this great country.
4) Experience Northern Lights
While it’s true that you can see northern lights in some other countries, you might not see them as often or with as much intensity as you would see them in Iceland. The chances of seeing them are still small, but if you go at a time when there is a good chance for these lights then you will be able to enjoy an incredible spectacle of nature. Northern Lights are visible from September through April and so they tend to be more common during the winter months. You need to drive out into the wilderness and away from any light pollution (and keep your eyes peeled) but if you get lucky, it’ll be one of the most amazing things you ever experience.
5) Learn About Vikings
Before venturing out into that angry, icy sea, you should know something about where you’re going. Learn all about Vikings and their culture by visiting museums and other cultural centres located around Reykjavik. The Story of Icelanders exhibition at The National Museum tells us more about how Icelandic culture came to be, while just across town at The Saga Museum, you can get up close and personal with ancient manuscripts that chronicle old Nordic tales of adventure and heroism. For a hands-on experience, stop by the Settlement Centre near the harbour in Akureyri and see what life was like for Viking settlers over a thousand years ago. If you have time before your cruise departs, take a boat tour of the Bay of Fjords for an awe-inspiring view of the jagged cliffs which once served as protection from seafaring invaders.
