The Bucket List Guide to Iceland’s Outdoor Adventures

The Bucket List Guide to Iceland’s Outdoor Adventures

Editor’s Note: The Bucket List Guide to Iceland’s Outdoor Adventures was originally published October 2016 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

As I shared in my previous article, The Bucket List Guide to Reykjavik, Iceland is a land of unbelievable adventure, great food, and amazing beauty!  There was an overwhelming sense of discovery everywhere I went. It was weird because every time I saw a waterfall, the coastline, or some other landmark, it was as if I had never seen anything like it before. That is why it was so easy to create our Bucket List Guide to Iceland’s Outdoor Adventures.

Originally I went to Iceland in April of 2015 to complete the following 3 Bucket list items:

95) See the Northern Lights (aka: Aurora Borealis)

134) Swim in the Thermal Blue Lagoon in Iceland 

130) Eat weird things
          #17) Harkal (Fermented Shark Meat) – Iceland
 

Now, despite my valiant efforts, I failed seeing the Northern Lights.  However, what I did discover was a geothermal land of unbelievable adventure and incredible beauty! So, if you love outdoor adventures, this guide will offer you some new ideas to add to your Iceland bucket list.

Iceland’s Bucket List Outdoor Adventures

With the tourism slogan, “Pure. Natural. Unspoiled. Iceland. The Way Life Should Be!” you can assume that Iceland is going to be a clean, natural, unspoiled destination.  Though Reykjavik is phenomenal, make sure you get out and explore everything the country has to offer in the outdoors!

Iceland is a land of unbelievable adventure and amazing beauty! With an overwhelming sense of discovery everywhere, see what outdoor adventures need to be on your bucket list! #inspiredbyiceland #AmazingIceland #Iceland Click To Tweet

You’ll need a car to conquer Iceland’s Outdoor Adventures

Eric Gamble's Rental Car he drove to tackle his outdoor bucket list adventures across Iceland
We named our little discount rental car Walter Mitty & it was great for all of our outdoor adventures in Iceland!

There are no trains in Iceland and though there are cheap public buses in the city, there really isn’t a decent public transit system for travel around the country. That doesn’t mean you have to subject yourself to expensive restrictive tour buses. Iceland is an easy country to navigate.  It is an island with one major highway, Route 1, also known as the Ring Road. The Ring Road is about 831 miles long, extends around the entire coast of Iceland and offers the freedom and unrestricted views you will be craving!

So if you want to tick off the many items on our bucket list guide to iceland’s outdoor adventures, you will want to drive yourself. We found that DISCOVER CARS offer the cheapest car rentals in the country.

Here are a few driving tips you should know ahead of time:

  1. Most of the rental cars are stick shift
  2. Speed limits in Iceland are 50 km/h (30mph) within cities & 90 km/h (55mph) on all other paved roads
  3. Off road driving is illegal in Iceland
  4. There are Speed Trap Cameras everywhere & the fees can be very expensive

Visit the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of most popular must see places in Iceland and for good reason. It is a 200 mile road outside of Reykjavik and it includes 4 natural sights that should be on everyone’s outdoor Iceland bucket list:

 1) Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir)

Hiking around Thingvellir is perhaps one of the best items on the Bucket List Guide to Outdoor Adventures in Iceland
The national parliament of Iceland was established at Þingvellir (Thingvellir) in 930, and held sessions there until 1798. The area became a national park in 1930 and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004. In addition to its historical importance, Þingvellir (Thingvellir) is also the location of the separating North American and Eurasian continental shelf plates, causing a visible rift in the valley.

2) Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfalls)

Gullfoss (the Golden Falls) is a 3 tier stair case waterfall that will take your breath away! The waterfall is formed as the Hvítá river rushes southward flowing over Gullfoss at an average rate of 109 cubic meters per second. While enjoying the beauty of these magnificent falls, make sure you read the monument devoted to Sigríður Tómasdóttir of Brattholt, who is considered the savior of Gullfoss.

3) Geysir -The land of Strokkur

Exploring the Strokkur geyser as it erupts as a part of a bucket list outdoor adventure
The world renowned geothermal hot spring area around Geysir includes several mini geysers and 2 big ones, Great Geysir and Strokkur. Although the original Great Geysir is not currently active, its neighbor, Strokkur, erupts every 5 to 10 minutes.

4) Kerið Volcanic Crater

Kerið is a crater formed some 5,000 years ago, with a pretty deep lake in the bottom.  While I was there, in April, the lake was frozen. So visitors were allowed to climb to the bottom of the crater which was cleaner than when we were thrown into a Mud Volcano in Colombia.

If you are headed there during warmer months, it is said that the lake is a mesmerizing blue surrounded by gorgeous colorful vegetation! Please note that it does cost about 400ISK (About $3.50 USD) to enter the area, but it is worth it.

See the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Perhaps one of the most popular items on the Bucket List Guide to Iceland’s Outdoor Adventures is seeing the Northern Lights.  But even though I totally struck out seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, that doesn’t mean you will! The best chance of seeing the Northern Lights is when the sky is clear. Often, when it’s cold and dark outside – the aurora activity is high. Take a drive away from the city lights of Reykjavik for an unobstructed view of the night sky. It is said that the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is from October to March, however there is no guarantee. Vedur is the national weather website that forecasts predicted visibility of the lights.

Visit with the Icelandic Horses

Visiting and Ricing icelandic horses is a great outdoor adventure for anyone's bucket list in Iceland
These small, pony-sized horses are a majestic breed.  According to Wikipedia, the breed is used for traditional sheepherding work, as well as for leisure, showing, and racing. They are everywhere, but I found many of them lined along fences on the Golden Circle.  Bred to carry adults smoothly and willingly over difficult terrain, Icelandic Horses bring their cheerful demeanor and sensible attitude to each ride.

Visit a “Foss” or Iclandic Waterfall

Hiking to the Ensku Husin Foss and other waterfalls is a must from the Bucket List Guide to Outdoor adventures in Iceland
In Icelandic, the word “Foss” translates to “waterfall.”  Iceland is enveloped in waterfalls of all shapes and sizes.  Each one offers a unique beauty that is unrivaled anywhere else. Gullfoss in the Golden Circle is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland.  However, there other waterfalls that should be part of your Iceland Bucket List.

  1. Gullfoss (The Golden Waterfall): See above
  2. Skogarfoss: Located in the village of Skogar, Skogarfoss is a beautiful waterfall that you can walk up to. It is a popular destination and easy to find if you follow the tour busses.
  3. Oxararfoss: Located in Þingvellir National Park, you can walk along the continental rift wall which flows into the river Öxará.
  4. Ensku Husin Area Waterfalls: Hraunfossar and Barnafoss are two waterfalls in the Ensku Husin area. These were the 1st waterfalls I encountered along my drive into the northwest.
  5. Detifoss: Is the largest waterfall in Europe in terms of water flow, and is said to be the most powerful as well. It falls 150 feet down.

Explore the Land of Fire and Ice

Hiking to see the skeidararjokull glacier and the mighty vatnajokull volcano are bucket list outdoor adventures in Iceland
Iceland is home to beautiful glaciers and active volcanoes.  When out east, you can also visit Jökulsárlón ice lagoon. It is filled with large chunks of ice crashing about in the darkness of the Atlantic ocean. You may recognize it from the movies, including two James Bond films. From there, make time to visit Vatnajökull National Park.  It is the largest glacier cap in all of Iceland.  You can climb a path along Skeidararjokull glacier, while doing so, you will see the amazing blue glacier ice along the side.

Please note that glacier climbing is considered dangerous and should not be done without professional assistance.

Along the same trek, you will see Grímsvötn above you, a basaltic volcano which has the highest eruption frequency in all of Iceland. In May 2011 it erupted, causing major disturbances, not only in Iceland, but to air travel in the United Kingdom, Greenland, Germany, Ireland and Norway.  On beautiful days, you will even see lenticular clouds hovering over Grímsvötn.

Explore the Beaches in Iceland’s Suderland

The black sand of kirkjufjara beach in Iceland
Driving along the Ring Road (Rte 1) in the southland of Iceland is an adventure in itself and you’ll pass many of the popular tourist attractions. However, the road along the southern coast offers beautiful views of the coast line and will take you to the black beaches. To get there, head to Dyrhólaey or the city of Vik.  Nearby you will find two popular destinations:

  1. Kirkjufjara Beach: Kirkjufjara beach offers gorgeous views, where the Atlantic ocean comes ashore, powerfully crashing waves onto the black sand beach. You can hike leisurely along the top of the cliff or make your way to the bottom and the beach. However, please note all signs. In 2015, authorities regulated the area due to loose rocks.
  2. Reynisfjara Beach: Reynisfjara Beach is a natural black sand and pebble beach with large boulders. However, the highlight is the interesting basalt caves. The basalt columns resemble a rocky pyramid and form an extraordinary cave, Hálsanefshellir.

Seeing the basalt pillars and black sand at reynisfjara beach near the hallsanefshellir cave in Iceland

Go Swimming!!

Whenever I go to the beach I want to go swimming!  However, please note that swimming at any of the beaches listed here or anywhere connected to the Atlantic is not recommended or considered safe. Swimming in them is ill advised due to the temperature and severity of the ocean.

With that said, Iceland is full of geothermal pools that offer the chance to soak in warm waters all around the island. Water from these geothermal hot springs can range from 37–39 °C (98-102°F).  Here are several pools that you should definitely explore:

1) Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach:

Nautholsvik is a small beach in Reykjavik open for several months of the year. To find out more about when you can go, check it out in Part 1: Reykjavik

2) Seljavallalaug (the Secret & the oldest pool in Iceland)

Swimming in the seljavallalaug pool is probably one of the best outdoor bucket list adventures in Iceland
Seljavallalaug, also known as the Seljvavellir pool was built in 1923 and is the oldest pool in Iceland.  However, it is not on any tourist guide list or main tour map.  To find this hidden pool, drive the Ring Road until you see a sign that says Seljavellir. Pull to the back right of the area until you find a newer pool where you can park. From there, walk about 30 minutes towards the bottom of the valley. There are worn paths that are easy to follow. You will have to jump over a little waterfall (be careful), but it’s an easy walk. After you cross the waterfall, follow the river, you’ll come to pipes pumping hot water – they will lead you to the pool – just around the corner.

3) The Famous Blue Lagoon

Swimming in the world famous geothermal blue lagoon is on most people's Outdoor Adventure Bucket List for Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is probably the #1 item on everyone’s Iceland Bucket List.  It is spa is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula – southwestern Iceland, near the airport. Although this is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, its definitely worth it. The drive is easy and there is ample parking. Another option is finding the ticket center in Reykjavik, there you can pre-purchase your tickets and get a bus pass to the Lagoon. The bus runs hourly. The Lagoon offers general entry, but you can also purchase various spa services. Entry includes a wristband, which acts as a key for your electronic changing room locker and allows you to keep an electronic tab if you partake in the outdoor bar or restaurant.  To learn more or purchase cheap tickets online visit The Blue Lagoon Online

Who would have thought that Swimming in Iceland would be a top Outdoor Adventure to add to your Bucket List! Discover the best places to swim in Iceland. #inspiredbyiceland #AmazingIceland #Iceland #BlueLagoon Click To Tweet

Find the crashed U.S. Navy Plane Crash

In 1973, the United States Navy was flying a DC 3 over Iceland when they ran out of gas and crashed on the beaches of Sólheimasandur. Everyone survived the crash, but apparently they just left the plane there and went home. The plane has been there ever since.  Unfortunately, it is stripped clean, but the shell of the plane remains at its final resting spot on the black sand beach.

There are no signs or much information readily available when trying to find the plane, you just have to do some research. When you park on Ring Road, please remember that off roading in Iceland is illegal. Park your car on the highway and hike 4km in to the plane.

To locate this hidden piece of history, use these GPS coordinates: 63.459523, -19.364618

The easiest thing to do is to plug these coordinates into the search bar of the Google Maps app. Once entered, you will see a marker on the Google Maps titled, Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck.  If you are in Iceland, hit the 3 lines at the top of the search bar to open the menu and select “start driving.” This will give you directions to the spot on the Ring Road where you park and start your journey.

us-navy-plane-in-icelandus-navy-plane-in-iceland-2
 
 
 
 
 

 

Take a Formal Outdoor Adventure Tour

We get that not everyone wants to tick off the many amazing outdoor adventures from this Bucket List Guide alone. So, if you prefer a more formal tour check out one of these amazing options we found to help you tick it before you kick it!

 

 

Grab Your Gear & Go!

All in all, there is a reason that Iceland is at the top of everyone’s travel list recently. The unparalleled beauty, friendly people, unspoiled landscape and opportunity for adventure make it a fantastic travel destination. Whether you want to spend time in the city or take an outdoor adventure, Iceland is right for you. Give it a try – you many be surprised!

But what is the one outdoor adventure on this list that you are excited to experience? Or is there anything in this Bucket List Guide to Iceland’s Outdoor Adventures that we missed? Let us know in the comments below so we can have more outdoor adventures in Iceland when we return!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board!

Pinterest Picture of Eric Gamble standing on top of a United States Navy Plane that crashed on a beach in the southern coast of Iceland

Top Resources for Your Travel Bucket List

Some of the biggest questions people are always asking us is, how we are able to afford to travel so much? So to help, below, you will see some of our Favorite tools to help you tick off any bucket list travel items:

  • Flights: By now it should be pretty obvious that Travel is a major part of The Bucket List Project and is most likely a big part of yours. That is why one of our first stops when looking for flights anywhere is Kiwi. However, if you have time, we also recommend signing up with Dollar Flight Club! Through the daily emails they send us, we have used them to save on average about $350+ on Round trip internationally.
  • Accommodations: Not going to lie, we love renting unique accommodations from local hosts through Airbnb. However, if you are looking for 5 Star hotels, Pensions on the Camino de Santiago, or a hostel in Portugal, Booking.com can take care of you.
  • Activities & Tours: There are tons of tour groups and organizations out there that can facilitate your bucket list adventure. But for us, we tend to start with Viator since they have a Low Price Guarantee! However, if we are just looking for day adventures or something a little smaller, GetYourGuide is a great resource with over 40,000 activities worldwide.
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    57 thoughts on “The Bucket List Guide to Iceland’s Outdoor Adventures

    1. Iceland is fabulous for outdoor adventure activities. The blue lagoon for steam bath, various waterfalls, and much more. The blog shares an informative guide about the activities and places to visit in Iceland

    2. I was meant to visit Iceland the previous year but that got postponed and I’m glad it did because I didn’t know about half of these things! They Geysirs look absolutely incredible, aside from the Northern Lights, these are definitely my favourite thing to check out

    3. You are brave for visiting in the wintertime! Iceland is absolutely on my bucket list, but I think I would have to go during the summer, at least for a first trip. The hot springs do sound amazing, though! It’s also interesting that the famous plane crash doesn’t have a road leading to it!

    4. Iceland definitely sounds like fun. It’s understandable why swimming at a beach in Iceland isn’t advisable. That country is already too cold. I don’t think I’d even visit the beach if I had a chance. Great read by the way.

    5. I have always been incredibly intrigued by Iceland and all of its natural beauty. It’s one location that has been near the top of my bucket list for years and I WILL make sure that I can cross it off the list sooner rather than later. Reading through this only further strengthened that resolve! Thank you for sharing!

    6. Ugh. Iceland is HIGH on my travel list and it’s ironic that I’ve had 6 layovers at Keflavik but never exited. I need to budget a stopover there once we can. Those tiny horses are too cute and the Northern lights and seeing a glacier are high on my sight list too.

    7. Your visit to Iceland looks amazing! Thanks for sharing all this. I’ve not yet thought about visiting, but it feels worth it

    8. I’m absolutely for nature holidays and hikes! Iceland is definitely my destination type. I loved the photos, especially the waterfall.

    9. I know Iceland is on many peoples bucket list, but as a person that abhors the cold it’s never been on mine. And yet I would LOVE to see Aurora Borealis, so maybe one day!

    10. What a great post about Iceland! Never imagined there are so many things to see and do there. It must be a winter wonderland there, really awesome landscapes. The fact about everyone surviving the plane crash is really cool. Nice share!

    11. Squeee Great post Eric! We had the same issue when we visited Iceland to see the aurora! Those cheeky lights simply refused to come out for us (although that was my main reason for wanting to visit!)

      I would loooove to go back and do some more of your bucketlist ideas. We didn’t visit the blue lagoon, but we did find one of the less famous “hot pots” in the middle of the mountains. It was incredible (and so flipping hot despite the snow!)

      Do you think you’d go back to see more in the summertime, or are there more bucketlist things you’d prefer to tick off first? I really like the idea of going back to see the same views in surrounded by greenery rather than snow…

    12. I have always wanted to visit Iceland, it is really beautiful. This travelogue is wonderful…

    13. iceland is a gifted country in terms of nature and environment.u can find lots of natural resources that you cant find in other countries…been in Reykjavik and its downtown but wasn’t able to go far..i hope next time I can do it

    14. Iceland is a magical place that I’m so keen to go to. Thanks for sharing these great outdoor adventures – would love to enjoy the swimming places you highlighted.

    15. This looks so cool – literally! I’ve actually never seen pix of Iceland snow-covered before – and I’ve seen Iceland only on pix since I haven’t visited yet. Somehow, wintertime seems even more congruent for a visit to a Nordic country. The sceneries look so….crisp!

    16. My husband has been itching to go to Iceland. I think this post would push him over the edge! Question: where does the Golden Waterfall its name? It’s beautiful but I was just curious if there was a story behind it.

    17. With such a unique, contrasting landscape, Iceland seems to have it all! It’s long been on our travel bucket list and we hope to visit there soon once travel resumes. Good to know about Discover Cars – shall look into their available car rental options when we plan our visit. In all the articles I have come across on Iceland so far, I hadn’t heard about Seljvavellir pool – what a perfect quiet pool to relax in! Great guide.

    18. I am sure one is spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor activities in Iceland. There is so much to do. For us the best would be the Northern Lights and visiting the crashed plane site.

    19. Ohh wowo….really enjoyed my read of your detailed shairng here with nice captured. Iceland always in my to travel list, really hope I can travel there soon. Am saving your post as my travel planning in future 😀 cheers, siennylovesdrawing

    20. We visited Iceland a few years ago in October and missed the aurora too.
      I agree with you Reykjavik and the Golden Circle are two of the many highlights of this beautiful country. Since we only had an extended 2 day layover in Iceland, we were unable to see many of the other attractions. Well, I guess that will have to wait until the next time we go to Europe.

    21. Iceland looks absolutely breathtaking! Seeing the Northern Lights is definitely one of my #1 things on my bucket list, but this place still has a lot of other gorgeous things to do and see 😍 I had no idea they had such cute horses!

    22. This looks like a real treat! I’m all for exploring but the cold I can’t stand too much. So I won’t be going swimming there anytime soon. Lol! I’d love to see the Geysir though – must be magical.

    23. Great advice on Iceland! We went temporarily insane and rented a camper van to drive the ring road in 3 days. It was the best decision we ever made. Iceland remains one of our absolute favorite destinations so far! Such a bummer you missed the northern lights. Picture never do it justice!

      1. Thanks Sarah! Yeah it kind of sucks that I missed the Aurora Borealis however it gives me another reason to go hunting it in another country perhaps

    24. Awesome article! I wish I would’ve read it earlier 🙂 I was able to get to Iceland this past summer, but missed the great crash site! I also hadn’t heard about SAD cars until I was already in a shiny new red Fiat Panda – but what a great concept that is! Thanks for sharing!

      1. Wish I had a shiny red car… and I was able to be seen in the snow! Glad you had a blast there though I guess you’ll just have a reason to go back

    25. And bring your life’s savings to pay for food! (of so I’ve heard) However, I think it would be totally worth it. Iceland is like this made up fantasy world 🙂

      1. Yeah I do agree Iceland was a little bit pricey for alcohol and some food but they did have regular grocery stores that you could pick up food to go for lunch

    26. Finally, I will visit Iceland in a month and with all this information planning my trip would be easier! By the way, these photos make me want to be there right now! Pinned and saved for later 🙂

    27. Wow! Such amazing Iceland! The blue lagoon is cool. I will take note it in my bucket list. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    28. Awesome! I think Iceland has got to be the #1 bucket list destination for travelers these days. Sorry to hear you didn’t get to see the aurora…we managed to see it when we lived in Alaska and in Northern Canada as well. Can’t recommend a trip up that way enough. October is definitely the time to go if you’re hoping to see the lights. Thanks for all the great Iceland tips! I’ll be following you on IG!

      1. Thanks local nomads! Yeah it was disappointing to not see the aurora borealis, but Iceland showed me something even more unbelievable in itself. Now I just have a reason to go check out other places and hunt the Aurora haha

    29. I’ve read so many great things about Iceland lately but none of it has been as helpful for planning as this! Great post!

    30. Iceland is my dream destination, but I don’t think I want to drive a stick shift. I would like to swim in the The Blue Lagoon. It must be a super cool activity to do in the winter.

      1. Yeah Julie the Blue Lagoon is phenomenal. Iceland is also an unbelievable destination and I believe you should go if you ever have the chance! Don’t worry about driving stick shift, in my previous post The Bucket List guide Iceland part 1 it was all about Reykjavik which is mainly a walking City with very good public transportation. And to get to things like the Blue Lagoon or even the Golden Circle there are often free or very cheap bus tours

    31. I don’t think I would go swimming there. But the waterfalls are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

      1. Haha, I would have thought the same thing too Julia because I hate the cold! Swimming in those geothermal pools was one of those unbelievable lifetime experiences that I would never trade. Not to mention the famous blue Lagoon is one of the top spas in the world

    32. Wow, this sounds like an incredible experience. I have never given thought to wanting to visit Iceland. However, you may have changed my mind. I have bookmarked this for reference because you give such great tips for travelers. Thanks!

      1. Thanks Holly for the kind words! Iceland really wasn’t on my initial bucket list or at least in my top 10. It probably wasn’t even in my top 40 , but I took a random shot because it’s so easy and cheap to get there and I was in search of the Aurora Borealis. Although I didn’t get to see the aurora, Iceland became one of the greatest destinations I’ve ever been to. I hope you ever get a chance to go

    33. I’ve had several friends visit Iceland over the past few months and it’s definitely on my list now! I never would have thought of swimming there, but I will now!

      1. Yeah, I don’t really like the cold so the idea of getting in a bathing suit lady with below freezing kind of made me think twice but those geothermal pools are absolutely amazing and so warm and surrounded by unbelievable views! I hope you get a chance to go I found it unbelievable

    34. That looks incredible – thank you for posting. I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland and now it’s firmly at the top of the list!

    35. This was such an awesome read. Iceland has been on my radar for quite a while. As you said, the Blue Lagoon is at the top of my list as well. Iceland’s landscape looks incredible, like a place that hasn’t been touched yet. Look forward to getting there soon!
      P.S: Awesome photography, any chance you could get the pictures to be bigger? Cheers bro

      1. Yeah the landscape was phenomenal. I’m still learning how to share my pictures let me see what I can do for the masses haha. I hope you get a chance to one day visit I think you would have an unbelievable time

    36. Wow man. I’m getting so antsy to get to Iceland, I think I might just book myself a ticket there in January…it just looks amazing.

      Thanks for the info man.

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