Adventure traveler enjoying a hot tub in Iceland.
Destination Guide🇪🇺 Iceland

Adventure Travel Iceland

Discover the adventure opportunities in Iceland, from glacier walks and volcano tours to hiking trails and diving sites.

Staff Writer

August 16, 2026 · 3 min read

Key takeaways

  • Iceland: a land of fire and ice, where glaciers meet volcanoes, and the wild and untamed beauty of nature is on display in all its glory.
  • Iceland is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe and several active volcanoes, making it a paradise for adventure seekers.
  • Iceland offers some of the most handsome hiking trails in the world, with diverse landscapes ranging from lush valleys and rugged coastlines to barren lava fields and towering cliffs.
  • Iceland offers a wealth of opportunities for adventure travellers, from hiking and climbing to diving and exploring volcanoes.
  • Glacier Guides: Glacier Walk — 3-4 hours — £80-£120.

Iceland: a land of fire and ice, where glaciers meet volcanoes, and the wild and untamed beauty of nature is on display in all its glory. For adventure travellers, this Nordic island nation offers a wealth of opportunities to explore, push limits and experience the great outdoors in a unique and exhilarating way.

Adventure traveler enjoying a hot tub in Iceland.
An adventure traveler enjoying a hot tub after a day of hiking on a glacier in Iceland.

Exploring Iceland's Glaciers and Volcanoes

Iceland is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe and several active volcanoes, making it a paradise for adventure seekers. One of the most popular destinations is the Vatnajökull National Park, where you can find the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest in Europe, and the Grímsvötn volcano, one of the most active in Iceland.

To explore the glacier, you can join a guided tour with companies such as Glacier Guides or Local Guide. These tours offer a variety of options, from easy walks on the ice to more challenging climbs and ice cave explorations. Prices start from around £80 for a half-day tour and go up to £300 for a full-day tour with ice climbing.

If you're interested in volcanoes, you can visit the Hellisheiði Power Station, which is located on the Hengill volcano. The power station offers guided tours that take you inside the volcano and explain how the geothermal energy is harnessed. The tour costs around £35 and lasts for 1.5 hours.

Table: Glacier and Volcano Tours in Iceland

Tour Company Tour Type Duration Price (GBP)
Glacier Guides Glacier Walk 3-4 hours £80-£120
Local Guide Ice Climbing Full day £300
Hellisheiði Power Station Volcano Tour 1.5 hours £35

Hiking in Iceland

Iceland offers some of the most handsome hiking trails in the world, with diverse landscapes ranging from lush valleys and rugged coastlines to barren lava fields and towering cliffs. The Laugavegur Trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in Iceland, taking you through a variety of landscapes, from volcanic landscapes to hot springs, glaciers, and geysers.

To hike the Laugavegur Trail, you can join a guided tour with companies such as Trek Iceland or Mountain Guides. These tours offer a variety of options, from self-guided tours to fully guided tours with all the camping equipment included. The tours usually last for 4-5 days and cost around £1,200-£1,500.

If you're looking for a shorter hike, you can visit the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve, which offers several hiking trails with handsome views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The Fimmvörðuháls Pass is a popular hike in Þórsmörk, taking you from the Skógar waterfall to the Þórsmörk valley, passing by two glaciers and several volcanic craters. The hike takes around 8-10 hours and costs around £50 for a guided tour with Hiking Iceland.

Hiker on a mountain trail in Iceland.
A hiker on a mountain trail in Iceland, surrounded by the country's unique and beautiful landscape.

Diving in Iceland

Iceland is not only a paradise for hikers and climbers but also for divers. The Silfra fissure, located in the Þingvellir National Park, is one of the most popular dive sites in Iceland, offering crystal-clear waters and unique underwater landscapes. The fissure is a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, allowing you to dive or snorkel between two continents.

To dive in the Silfra fissure, you can join a guided tour with companies such as Dive.is or Iceland Diving. These tours offer a variety of options, from snorkelling tours to scuba diving tours with or without dry suits. The tours usually last for 3-4 hours and cost around £120-£200, depending on the type of tour and equipment needed.

What flights LON to REK actually cost

Prices below are live fares from Aviasales. We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

The cheapest return found right now is €86 with easyJet, departing 20 Nov 2026 (3h 25m each way). See current fares.

Cheapest dates to fly

DeparturePriceAirlineStops
20 Nov 2026€86easyJetDirectCheck
1 Nov 2026€89easyJetDirectCheck
31 Oct 2026€92easyJetDirectCheck
6 Nov 2026€106easyJetDirectCheck
5 Nov 2026€107easyJetDirectCheck

Live fares, checked 16 Aug 2026. Prices change daily.

Booking in Reykjavik: where to look

We may earn a commission from the links below, at no extra cost to you. We only list services we would use ourselves.

  • Tiqets — Instant mobile tickets for museums and landmarks
  • Klook — Attraction tickets and passes, strong in Asia
  • KKday — Local experiences and day tours
  • QEEQ — Car hire comparison with price drop alerts

Conclusion

Iceland offers a wealth of opportunities for adventure travellers, from hiking and climbing to diving and exploring volcanoes. There's a wide range in this Nordic island nation. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready to experience the wild and untamed beauty of Iceland's great outdoors.

Diver exploring the Silfra fissure in Iceland.
A diver exploring the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure in Iceland, located between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Frequently asked questions

What are some popular adventure activities in Iceland?

Some popular adventure activities in Iceland include glacier walks, volcano tours, hiking, and diving.

How can I explore Iceland's glaciers?

You can join a guided tour with companies such as Glacier Guides or Local Guide to explore Iceland's glaciers safely.

Can I visit a volcano in Iceland?

Yes, you can visit the Hellisheiði Power Station to learn about geothermal energy and explore the Hengill volcano.

What are some popular hiking trails in Iceland?

The Laugavegur Trail and the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve are some popular hiking trails in Iceland.

Where can I go diving in Iceland?

The Silfra fissure, located in the Þingvellir National Park, is a popular dive site in Iceland.