Here are my top Iceland tours rated by exertion level that you MUST book!
The greatest adventure is what lies ahead.
-JRR Tolkien
I spent ten days solo in a camper van driving the ring road during my visit to Iceland. This was an incredible experience that not only humbled me but was the start of my love affair with this little island.
Since then, I have returned to the land of fire and ice SEVEN times, but it was not until I booked my first tour that I began to experience the other wonders of solo traveling, meeting people, and making new friends.
Iceland is a northern gem. This island is a photographer’s and nature enthusiast paradise, rich with otherworldly scenery and rugged landscapes. Many places I desired to see, such as the highlands and remote nature preserves like Hornstrandir, would be impossible or even dangerous to try to reach alone.
When I discovered Þórsmörk during an internet search, I knew it was time to book a tour. This would be a small group tour with Midgard Adventure that changed my relationship with Iceland and group tours and opened up a whole new world to me: the incredible Icelandic highlands.
Soon, participating in a group tour became one of my favorite things in the country. I learned more from the guides, made friends, and connected with others from all over the world. As an introvert, I still enjoy my quiet mornings and alone time, but I discovered hiking alone was far less interesting than with like-minded people.
There are many tours to choose from, and with tourism being one of Iceland’s largest income sources, more companies are sprouting up. One of the questions I often get asked is what tours I should or should not do at all?
This blog post will highlight my TOP tour experiences in Iceland. I have had ratings from overall experience to guides to quality of tour, group size, and extras such as food, value for your money, and more! I will include a packing list for the tour, instructions on booking, and any other tips you need to know!
So whether you are a solo traveler like me, a couple, a family, or anyone looking to experience the best part of Iceland, you came to the right place.
Prepared to be wowed and connect with the richness this country offers during these tours. And in the process, you may even find yourself!
Þórsmörk Hike with Midgard Adventure
Journey through the valley of the Norse thundergod, Thor, for an unforgettable adventure!
Exertion rating: Moderate/ Challenging
Season: May through September
Duration: 7-8 hours
Rated: Five stars for overall experience, sustainable tourism, small group size, and fantastic guides.
Book here
This was my first tour in Iceland, igniting my unfathomable fascination with Þórsmörk and love for Midgard Adventure.
Þórsmörk, or Thor’s Valley, is located in the Icelandic Highlands, not too far from the charming little town of Hvolsvöllur. It is an oasis rich with ever-changing landscapes, pristine nature, and folklore.
Three glaciers hug the valley, home to some of the most stunning scenery in Iceland. Emerald green mountain ranges capped with snow surround vast lave fields and tree groves, lending to its dramatic flair.
The valley is rich with hidden gems such as waterfalls, caves, and stunning lookout points where you can admire glacial panoramas.
Due to glacier melt, Þórsmörk is constantly changing, and the rivers within also make accessing this one-of-a-kind place challenging. The final river to reach Þórsmörk, the Krossá, is one of Iceland’s most dangerous river crossings and should only be attempted by a professional with good knowledge of the river. In order to access Þórsmörk; you must go with a guide.
Midgard Adventure offers a small group hike tour of their Base Camp in Hvolsvöllur. Their guides are knowledgeable, safe, and fun, and I could not imagine going with anyone else but them!
The small tour allows attendees to interact with each other and learn more about the area from the guides. The hike itself is always different, always including a stop at a hidden gem, stories, and an epic view with plenty of photo ops.
Midgard prides itself on sustainable tourism practices (this last visit, I spent the day planting birch trees with them!), and its Base Camp offers guests a cozy vibe where they can sit back and relax with other travelers. Midgard Restaurant has some of the best Arctic Char I have ever tasted, and the breakfast buffet is fantastic!
Plus, they have THE best staff all around. Everyone in Midgard is friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. Base Camp will feel like your home away from home!
I recommend staying at Base Camp and fueling up with the breakfast buffet before your hike. Book the hike with the lunchbox, then enjoy a drink at the bar or a rooftop sauna soak and a delicious meal post-hike!
You can read more about Þórsmörk in my post here.
Packing List
Any adventure into the highlands requires a day pack with the ten hiking essentials and layers. The weather in Thor’s Valley is generally milder than the rest of Southern Iceland, but this doesn’t mean it will not change during the hike. It is always good to be prepared with a rain jacket and warmer layer just in case!
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots.
- good pair of socks
- layers is best. T-shirt, and a water-wicking long sleeve.
- weatherproof hiking pants ( I like these by Fjallraven due to the extra coverage and pockets!)
- warmer layer such as Nano puff by Patagonia or a lopapeysu in pack
- rain jacket and pants
- snacks ( you can purchase a snack box when you book your tour which I highly recommend!)
- water canteen or bladder, electrolytes if you use them
- Buff, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat. I recommend investing in wrap sunglasses if the wind picks up. Thorsmork does have some sandy parts!
- gloves
- water proof case for camera and phone
- If you are a photographer- extra batteries and memory cards!
For those who cannot hike or prefer not to, you can still see Thorsmork via Super Jeep! This tour runs year-round, and although I recommend the hike, seeing Thorsmork in winter is breathtaking! You can book a Super Jeep tour here! Either way, this is a place you have to see!
You can book my number one recommended Iceland hiking tour here.
Hornstrandir Panorama
Set sail to a pristine nature preserve in Iceland’s iconic West Fjords region.
with Borea Adventures
Exertion Level: Moderate/Challenging This tour involves hiking over rocky, sometimes steep terrain with loose scree.
Duration: 10 hours
Season: June through early September
Book here
Rated: Five stars for uniqueness and sustainable tourism!
Want to get away from it all ande nature preserve on one of Iceland’s furthest reaches? Hornstrandir is it! Hornstrandir is an untouched, pristine nature reserve in the West Fjords. To get there, visit a pristin you have to take a boat and then a small rib boat in since motorized boats are not allowed near shore!
This little island is breathtaking and gives you the sense that you have traveled to the world away from all civilization! For a bonus, you can forage for blueberries during the hike or spot whales during the boat ride from Isafjordur!
There are no proper trails on this island, so be prepared to hike over some technical spots with loose scree. For this reason, ankle-high sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended!
At the end of the hike, you will be treated to a home-cooked meal at the only house on the island, a small farmhouse tucked away near the shoreline. If you are lucky, you have a good chance of spotting the resident Arctic fox!
Our guide for the day was friendly, knowledgeable, and brewed the most fantastic cup of coffee I have ever had. The boat ride to and from the island is special, offering you amazing views of the fjord as you sail. From start to finish, this tour was worth every bit!
This tour runs in the summer from July to early September. It is a unique experience I will never forget, and I enjoyed so much that I am doing it again when I return!
You can book your Hornstrandir adventure here.
If you are interested in seeing Hornstrandir and the Arctic Fox but unsure about hiking, you can book a day tour to this preserve with Borea, which is rated easy here.
Mr. Iceland Horseback Ride and Dinner with a Viking
Connect with the spirit of the Icelandic horse and immerse yourself in nature.
Exertion Level: Moderate ( riding an Icelandic horse requires some level of fitness to feel comfortable, but you do not need any experience with horseback riding to partake in this!)
Season: Year-round
Book here
Duration: 3- 4 hours with dinner package
Rated: Five Star for sustainability tourism and overall experience!
When I booked a horseback ride with Mr. Iceland, I knew I had found what I wanted: a genuine connection to the Icelandic horse. It was important to me that I experience a horseback ride that would connect me to the landscapes as much as it would to the horse itself.
Mr. Iceland is a horseback riding, yoga retreat and farm that practices sustainable tourism in Southern Iceland. It offers visitors an authentic riding experience in a historic setting with incredible views of the Eyfajallajökull glacier and black sand beaches.
Mr. Iceland is fascinating and knowledgeable, and his passion for horses and helping guests connect with the local nature is evident in his ways. The ride takes you through the land of Njal’s Saga, where you will see the untouched nature Iceland has to offer up close.
The ride begins with a talk about the horse’s nature, followed by a lesson. Mr Iceland does an excellent job of pairing you with a horse that suits your personality. The lesson covers everything from spending time brushing your horse to changing directions, walking the horse, and speeding up/ stopping.
The dinner was delicious, a home-cooked meal of locally sourced produce and lamb. It is an intimate setting where you can slow down and appreciate the timeless and simple ways we were meant to live.
I also recommend staying here at one of the cottages on the farm. The cottages are simple and clean, with- gorgeous and up close views of the horses. I would start my morning out with a cup of coffee and watching the horses out back of my cottage.
If you desire a personal connection and therapeutic experience with the horse, I highly recommend the ride, dinner, and a stay.
Pro tip: This is a great location to spot the northern lights in winter!
Packing list:
- sturdy pair of boots
- good weather proof active pants
- medium weight baselayer
- Jacket or wool sweater. During the ride, you will venture out into the vast and beautiful landscape where it can get windy. Mr Iceland also has cloaks on hand to borrow for the ride!
- gloves
- An open heart to the Icelandic heart. You may even make a new friend like I did.
You can book this experience here. Your horse is waiting.
You can read more about my heartfelt experience with horseback riding here.
Whale Watching with North Sailing
Set sail from Husavík to get up close with the gentle giants of the sea and other unique marine life.
Exertion Level: Easy
Season: Year round
Duration: 3 hours
Book here
Rated: Five stars for sustainable tourism and overall experience!
Among the many other activities people come to Iceland to experience, whale watching is one of them! But just like northern lights hunting, whale watching can be fickle. After all, how do you guarantee you will see a wild animal in such a vast ocean!
This is where North Sailing out of Husavik comes in. North Sailing employs knowledgeable and caring staff who are well aware of whale behaviors and do an excellent job at educating the guests on whales, their habitat, and conservation efforts.
We spotted a humpback early in our sail as well as several playful porpoises! This was first time seeing a whale this close in the open ocean and this experience does change you. Being so close to a mammal of this size that has been and still is so vulnerable to human behavior is truly humbling.
Whales are majestic creatures, and witnessing one breach is incredible.
I also loved that North Sailing spent time discussing the impact the whaling industry has had on whales and climate change. The simple act of attending a whale watching excursions, you are supporting marine life and this means a lot to these creatures and ocean conservation as a whole.
Whale watching from Húsavík also offers a chance to observe the rich natural scenery and bird life! Puffins, Arctic terns, gannets, and guillemots are commonly spotted during the tours.
The beautiful mountains in the western part of the bay, called Víknafjöll, provide breathtaking scenery for your voyage.
Your ticket includes free admission to the whaling museum in Husavík, which is very informative, and a delicious hot chocolate and cinnamon bun during the sail, which were welcomed!
North Sailing will supply you with a special suit and jacket to keep you weather proof and warm during your voyage!
You can book your tour to get close to these gentle ocean giants here.
Pro Tip: Book a night stay at Kaldabók Cottages on Airbnb in Husavík. Husavík is an adorable little town in Northern Iceland that is worth exploring!
Fimmvorðuhals Hike with Midgard Adventure
Partake in an unforgettable hike through Iceland’s highland region’s diverse and grand landscape.
Exertion Level: Hard
Season: Summer Late June to August
Duration: 10-14 hours
Book here
Rated: Five stars for epic adventure, sustainability, and fantastic guide
If you are seeking an unforgettable hike through some of the most diverse landscapes you will ever see, this is it!
Fimmvorduhals is a point to point 25km trail that begins at Skógar in Southern Iceland and stretches to Thórsmörk. The trail winds through breathtaking scenery such as emerald green hills, cascading waterfalls, colorful rock gorges, and black sand lava fields.
This is a demanding hike, but you will be revived once you reach the jaw-dropping vistas in Thórsmörk.
At the completion, enjoy a BBQ and drink with your newfound hiking friends as you toast the midnight sun beside a river.
This epic adventure is not for the faint of heart, with some technical scrambles on a tight trail. The guides are fabulous and will assist you when needed! Midgard Adventure will send you a complete guide with training advice and a packing guide before your journey.
I highly suggest preparing for this hike to make the most of your day so you are as comfortable as possible! Your feet may ache at the end, but it is so worth it, and you can soak them in the river if needed!
Midgard Adventure supplies the guide, transport to and from the start and end points, and the option to add an extra-hardy lunch box for this day!
Packing list:
Similar to the Thorsmork hike, except I also carried an extra layer in case I got cold!
Pro tip: You can leave a packed bag with a change of clothes and comfortable shoes for the end of the hike that the taxi truck will bring for you! Plan a stay at Base Camp to rest and rewind before and after your tour!
You can book this epic adventure here. Go ahead, new friends await!
Katla Ice Cave with Southcoast Adventure
Witness the wonder of Iceland’s natural ice caves from the adorable village of Vík!
Exertion Level: Easy to Moderate – some hiking with crampons is required
Duration: 3 hours
Season: This tour runs year-round, but I recommend going in winter to catch the true pop of the “ice” colors. However, if summer is your only option, go for it! Journeying into this incredible place is worth it!
Rated: Five stars for the wow factor and photo ops!
Book here.
Can you believe it took me six visits to Iceland before I saw an ice cave? What was I thinking?! Ice caves are fascinating, photogenic natural wonders that definitely deserve a visit!
Katla Ice Cave and its iconic ice ring are a must-see. Like many other places in Iceland, I felt like I stepped into a fantasy novel. How could this be of this world?!
Southcoast will meet you at a coffee shop in Vík. From there, you will be escorted by Super Jeep to the start of the ice cave tour. Along the way, you will be treated to magnificent glacier views.
The only downsize to the ice caves tour is the feeling as if you are rushed. This is, of course, due to the large number of people visiting these gems, which is why I suggest goingr later in the day when fewer early morning o people are likely to be there.
Southcoast has moderate-sized tours, which is nice because you have a better chance of spending more time at the cave. The guide will outfit you with microspikes and a helmet for safety, and ropes are installed throughout the cave to use if needed.
Pro Tip: Book this tour for an early morning start for optimal photo ops and quieter times! This tour starts and begins in the cute town of Vík, where you can also see the iconic black sand beaches. Plan for some time before or after your tour in Vík!
Packing list: I recommend dressing in easy-to-move layers for this tour and bringing a day pack to store the camera and additional layers if needed.
- waterproof pants
- midweight baselayers
- midweight long sleeve
- light packable down jacket or wool sweater
- waterproof jacket
- hat that will fit comfortably under a helmet
- gloves, warm socks
- camera/ lens hood/ extra batteries and waterproof case for phone
You can book this one-of-a-kind adventure here.
