Active Iceland: 6 Days of Wild Adventure from Reykjavík
Day 1: Arrival, Blue Lagoon & Reykjavik
First stop after landing in Iceland: a soak in the otherworldly Blue Lagoon
After landing at Keflavík International Airport in the early morning, begin your Icelandic journey with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, just a short drive from the airport. This iconic geothermal spa is famous for its milky blue waters, rich in silica and minerals that nourish the skin and ease travel fatigue. With luggage storage and optional early check-in spa packages, it’s the perfect stop to relax and reset before heading into the city.
Why I recommend it
The Blue Lagoon is ideally located for a seamless transition from air travel to immersion in Iceland’s natural beauty. Soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by lava fields is a memorable way to begin your trip, especially after an overnight flight.
Insider tips
Book in advance and choose a Comfort or Premium pass for added perks like robes, masks, and drinks.
Bring flip-flops and a reusable water bottle.
Use the provided conditioner liberally. Blue Lagoon water can be tough on hair.
After your soak and lunch at the Blue Lagoon Café or restaurant, transfer to your hotel in Reykjavík. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at a gentle pace: Stroll the harbor, check out local design shops and galleries, and stop for coffee or an early dinner. If you have the energy, take in sunset views from Hallgrímskirkja Church or walk along the waterfront to the Sun Voyager sculpture.
Note: Keep this first day easy and restorative. It sets the tone for the adventure-packed days to come.
Day 2: Inside the volcano at Þríhnúkagígur's magma chamber
Descending into the heart of a dormant volcano—only in Iceland
Today’s adventure takes you inside the Earth, quite literally. Just outside Reykjavik is Þríhnúkagígur, the only place in the world where you can descend into a volcano’s actual magma chamber. After a scenic 45-minute hike across a lava field, you’ll arrive at base camp and take an open cable lift 400 feet down into the vast, colorful cavern that once held molten lava. The scale, silence, and surreal beauty of the space make it a truly unforgettable experience.
Why I recommend it
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore something completely unique. The chance to stand inside a volcano is rare, and the proximity to Reykjavik makes it surprisingly easy to include.
Insider tips
Dress warmly. The temperature inside the chamber stays at around 6°C (43°F) year-round.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes. The trail to the crater crosses uneven lava terrain.
Look for the arctic fox family near the hut at base camp. They are often seen before or after the tour.
A hearty Icelandic soup is served at the hut after your descent. It is simple but delicious, especially after the hike.
Tours are limited and weather-dependent, so it is best to book early and keep some flexibility in your schedule.
Note: Restrooms are available at base camp. Be prepared for wind and rapidly changing weather during the hike.
Day 3: Snorkel or dive between continents at the Silfra fissure, Þingvellir National Park
Drifting between tectonic plates in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra—a surreal underwater experience unique to Iceland
Today, you’ll travel to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can snorkel or scuba dive between two tectonic plates. The Silfra fissure is a glacial spring formed by the separation of the North American and Eurasian plates, filled with some of the clearest fresh water in the world. Visibility can exceed 100 meters, and the experience of floating through this deep-blue underwater canyon is both peaceful and surreal.
Why I recommend it
There is nowhere else in the world where you can drift between two continents in crystal-clear water. Whether you choose to snorkel or dive, it’s a bucket list experience that combines geology, adventure, and pure natural beauty.
Insider tips
Dry suits are provided to keep you warm in the cold water, which stays at around 2–4°C (36–39°F) year-round.
No diving experience is necessary for snorkeling, but divers must have a dry suit certification.
Bring a change of clothes and warm layers.
Book with an outfitter that includes transfers from Reykjavik, unless you plan to rent a car.
Note: Þingvellir is also historically significant as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. If time allows, take a short walk to explore the rift valley and the scenic Öxarárfoss waterfall before or after your water adventure.
Day 4: Puffins & RIB whale-watching on Reykjavík harbor
Puffins nest along Iceland’s coastal cliffs each summer. They are a colorful highlight of seasonal RIB tours from Reykjavik.
Start your morning with a high-speed RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tour from Reykjavik Harbor for an up-close encounter with Iceland’s incredible marine life. Depending on the season, you may see whales, dolphins, porpoises, puffins, and a variety of seabirds. These small, agile boats allow you to cover more ground and get closer to the action than traditional whale-watching tours, making for a thrilling and personal wildlife experience.
Why I recommend it
This tour combines the excitement of speed and open water with the quiet awe of seeing marine animals in their natural habitat. Leaving right from Reykjavik makes it incredibly convenient, and the smaller group size gives it a more intimate, adventurous feel.
Insider tips
Dress warmly with layers and windproof outerwear. Waterproof suits are usually provided, but it’s good to bring gloves and a hat.
Bring a good camera or binoculars if you want close-up views of puffins or whales.
Puffins are typically seen from May to mid-August, so plan accordingly if they’re on your list.
Tours may be rescheduled due to weather, so build in a little flexibility.
Note: This is a great half-day activity, leaving you free in the afternoon to enjoy more of Reykjavik. There are lots of great little cafés by the harbor.
Day 5: Horseback riding across lava fields
Riding through lava fields on Icelandic horses is a peaceful way to experience the raw beauty just outside Reykjavik.
Today, saddle up for a ride through mossy lava fields just outside Reykjavik, led by expert guides and friendly Icelandic horses. These compact, sure-footed horses are known for their unique tölt gait and calm, approachable nature. You don’t need any prior riding experience to enjoy this outing. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to connect with the land.
Why I recommend it
Riding an Icelandic horse is a memorable and authentic experience. The landscapes are striking, and the horses themselves are part of Icelandic heritage, having remained a pure breed for over 1,000 years. This outing offers a slower, quieter way to take in Iceland’s natural beauty.
Insider tips
Helmets and rain gear are usually provided.
Most stables offer beginner-friendly routes, but longer rides are available for more experienced riders.
Bring a small snack or water bottle to keep in your jacket pocket.
Note: This is a great mid-trip activity that is active but not overly strenuous, and ideal for relaxing into the rhythm of Icelandic life. In the afternoon, enjoy a free few hours to explore Reykjavik’s cafés, bookstores, or waterfront paths.
Day 6: ATV adventure & the Sky Lagoon
An unforgettable ride across Iceland’s black lava fields— wild, windy, and absolutely worth it
Begin your final day with an exhilarating ATV tour through black-sand beaches and lava ridges just outside Reykjavik. These guided rides are a thrilling way to experience Iceland’s dramatic terrain up close, with sweeping views and the satisfying crunch of volcanic soil under your tires.
After the ride, return to the city and spend your final afternoon at the Sky Lagoon, a modern oceanside geothermal spa just minutes from downtown. Its infinity-edge pool, lava rock design, and seven-step bathing ritual create a peaceful, immersive experience that leaves you feeling renewed and ready for the journey home.
Why I recommend it
This day is a perfect balance of action and restoration. The ATV tour gives you one last adventure, and the Sky Lagoon offers space to reflect and recharge before departure.
Insider tips
ATV tours provide gear, but bring gloves and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty.
The seven-step ritual at the Sky Lagoon includes a cold plunge and steam room. Take your time with each part.
Book the Sky Pass for private changing rooms and upgraded amenities.
The Sky Lagoon is a wonderful final stop before heading to the airport. It's close to Reykjavik and a relaxing way to wrap up your Iceland experience.
Need to know
This itinerary is ideal from June through August, when the days are long, roads are clear, and puffins are in season. This is also peak travel season in Iceland, so it’s important to book flights, hotels, and key excursions in advance.
Just know that you won’t see the Northern Lights in summer. From late May through early August, the midnight sun keeps the skies too bright for aurora viewing. If seeing the Northern Lights is on your list, you’ll want to plan a separate trip between late September and early April.
Food can be pricey in Iceland, especially at sit-down restaurants. For a more affordable and casual option, try Reykjavik’s excellent burger joints, noodle bars, or bakeries. Iceland is also famous for its hotdogs, which are inexpensive, tasty, and widely available.
Book key experiences early. Activities like the volcano descent, Silfra snorkeling, and Sky Lagoon fill up fast, especially in summer.
Tap water is some of the best in the world. Bring a reusable bottle and skip buying bottled water.
Pack swimwear even if you’re not a spa person. Hot springs and geothermal pools are a big part of Icelandic culture and a great way to relax after active days.
No rental car is needed. With Reykjavik as your base and guided tours offering hotel pickup, it’s easy to see and do a lot without driving.
Shops and restaurants close early. Reykjavík has a laid-back pace—don’t expect late-night dining or shopping.
Iceland uses standard European outlets (Type C/F, 220V). Bring an adapter if you’re coming from North America or other regions.
