Find adventure in Iceland's great outdoors

Budding adventurers

For those new to adventure travel, spending time outdoors is a great way to expand your boundaries. Here are three nature-based activity recommendations from our experts:

• Hot spring bathing – Iceland is well known for its geothermal pools, with tourists and locals alike taking to the waters. A visit to famous sites like the Blue Lagoon can be a great way to add some adventure to your holiday as you spend time in nature. Hike to lesser-known bathing spots to see some of Iceland’s most striking landscapes as you soak.

• Northern Lights tour – another way to immerse yourself in Icelandic nature is to go northern lights hunting. While you can plan your own aurora borealis adventure, we’d recommend a guided northern lights tour. These tours are run by local experts who know where to go and what to look for.

• Whale watching – home to over 20 different species, Iceland is a great destination for whale watching (provided you don’t suffer from sea sickness!). Whale-watching tours are a safe way to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Enjoy a calming boat trip through Iceland’s waters and feel the excitement as you spot a pod of whales swimming along.

Passionate pathfinders

Looking to add a touch more adrenaline to your trip? Here are some exciting activities that are still ideal for people and families seeking new experiences:

• Horse riding – for a unique way to explore Iceland’s rugged landscape, taking in the scenery on horseback is an experience you’re sure to remember. These trained horses are a pleasure to ride for both beginners and more experienced riders. Explore the lush countryside on a group tour and enjoy some time in the great outdoors.

• Glacier walking – one of our favourite guided experiences in Iceland is glacier hiking. Gaze out at the icy landscapes and marvel at the ancient formations as you hike your way across one of Iceland’s many glaciers on a group tour. Our tours are led by certified experts so you’ll be in safe hands as you explore.

• Kayaking – while you can kayak at locations across the world, nothing quite beats taking in the unbeatable panoramic views as you serenely drift across one of Iceland’s crystal-clear lakes. From navigating through icebergs and bird-watching trips to sea kayaking days, each tour offers something different for every kind of traveller to enjoy.

Fearless thrill-seekers

For those already familiar with adventure travel, our experts have put together some more exhilarating activities to add to your itinerary:

• River rafting – rafting through Iceland’s glacial rivers provides a perfect mix of tranquil landscapes and exhilarating rapids – a thrilling way to explore some of Iceland’s most popular sights. This high-adrenaline activity requires little to no experience so it’s perfect for keen adventurers who have yet to try similar extreme sports.

• Snowmobiling or ATV adventures – taking a snowmobiling or ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tour is all about the fun and is a great way to up the ante and explore Iceland. These specialised vehicles tackle all kinds of terrain, granting you access to routes you won’t be able to explore on foot. Take a look at our tours to find an experience for your trip.

• Mountain biking – another great way to uncover Iceland’s hidden gems is mountain biking. Whether you go on a guided tour or rent a bike and explore at your own pace, mountain biking gives you the chance to venture off the beaten track and fully immerse yourself in Iceland’s stunning scenery.

Adrenaline experts

To satisfy the thrill-seekers, these three activities put a unique spin on the ones you might have tried before. All these recommendations require some experience and guided supervision.

• Heli-skiing and backcountry skiing – Iceland’s dramatic landscapes make it ideal for skiing, combining excellent conditions with breathtaking views. If regular runs aren’t exciting enough, you can explore the country’s extensive cross-country tracks or take a helicopter ride to access remote slopes and untouched powder.

• Mountain climbing – for keen hikers, mountain climbing is an experience that’s equally challenging and rewarding. Whether you want to gaze out across the horizon from Iceland’s highest peak or summit ancient volcanos and glaciers, there’s no shortage of amazing mountain climbing spots.

• Scuba diving – it might come as a surprise, but Iceland is a great location for scuba diving. While you won’t see any tropical fish or coral reefs, cold-water diving lets you explore this country’s mysterious geothermal formations. Encounter a different side of Iceland as you dive between tectonic plates and explore underwater chimneys.

The health benefits of adventure travel

Whether you’re enjoying a thermal spring or hiking up a glacier, adventure travel can have a range of health benefits. 

Doing more physical activity can have a positive impact on factors like weight and cardiovascular health and even enhance your sleep quality, helping you feel rested and restored. Spending time in nature can also boost your immune system.

Aside from these physical benefits, doing outdoor activities is also great for your mental health.

As part of our study, we asked the UK public about what they could personally gain from exciting, outdoor activities to see how rewarding adventure travel can be.

According to our research, 43% of people felt that adventurous or outdoor activities could boost their confidence, with 42% saying that adventure travel would give them a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. 26% of people said adventure travel reduced their stress, further demonstrating the positive impact these kinds of activities can have on your mental health. 

Given that 59% of women and 40% of men prioritise self-care and wellbeing in their day-to-day lives – second only to spending time with friends and family – the mental health benefits of outdoor activities make adventure holidays ideal for wellness-minded travellers.

Our final tips

With the range of physical and mental benefits it can bring, it’s no surprise that adventure travel is becoming more and more popular, with many travellers looking to add exciting outdoor experiences to their holidays.

While there are plenty of destinations to choose from for your adventure holiday, we think Iceland is an ideal destination for this kind of travel. Offering activities for every experience level, Iceland is the perfect place to spend some time in nature and try something new.

Ready to dip your toe into the world of adventure travel? Whether you’re flying from London or Manchester, we offer plenty of direct flights from the UK to Reykjavík so you can explore Iceland’s great outdoors and unleash your adventurous side.

Methodology and sources

Using a wide-ranging survey of 2000 UK travellers, Icelandair gathered data regarding the attitudes of people toward adventure and outdoor travel, how adventurous they class themselves to be, and the benefits of this type of travel. To ensure the survey was representative of the UK, respondents are from all regions, all genders, and above the age of 18.

To class the different types of adventure travellers, Icelandair collated data from adventure travel platforms. We used information from the Adventure Travel & Trade Association (ATTA) and The Adventure Junkies to focus on the physical aspect of adventure travel. After analysing the data, we identified 4 categories of physical adventure travellers based on their interests, physical demands, risk levels, and other factors.