Iceland is a country with spectacular landscapes and a vibrant culture. This land, sculpted by volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal activity, attracts visitors from all over the world. This Nordic country blends perfectly amazing natural monuments with a vibrant history, rooted in Viking heritage. And there are many ways to discover everything Iceland has to offer. There’s no doubt that having your own vehicle is the best way to get everywhere at your own pace. If you rent a campervan, you’ll have freedom of movement but also a place to sleep. You just need to find a nice camping ground – there are hundreds on the island- and you’re ready to go.
However, sometimes, we may need a bit of help to fully enjoy everything this country has to offer. That’s why several companies in Iceland operate tours and guided visits. And there are options for all tastes, interests, and budgets. They are the perfect complement to your campervan adventure. Some of them take you on a glacier, to see whales, or to discover the best food joints in Reykjavik. You just need to find the ones that suit your travel plans the best and let the experts take care of the rest. Here, we’ve picked some of the best there are. Most of them are from Reykjavik, but some depart from different parts of the country.
Golden Circle and Waterfalls with Friðheimar Farm and Kerið in Small Group
Location: Reykjavik
Duration: 9 hours
Price: ISK 17,990 (approx. €124, $141)
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most iconic route, and this small-group tour will make you discover it to the fullest. The Golden Circle consists of three main stops. In this tour, you’ll go to all three of them, plus many secondary stops for an even better experience.
With pick-up points in Reykjavik, you’ll start your visit at Þingvellir National Park, one of the most impressive places in Iceland. Here, tectonic plates drift apart, and Iceland’s parliament, the oldest in the world, was born. Inside the park, you’ll see Öxarárfoss waterfall, a nice and peaceful stop before heading to Efstidalur Dairy Farm to meet friendly cows and taste fresh dairy products. From there, to the Geysir Geothermal Area, to see geysers send water very high up in the air.
Gullfoss awaits next. One of the most beautiful and iconic waterfalls in all of Iceland, its name translates as “Golden Falls”, for the colorful effect the sun creates on its mist. A unique stop awaits you for lunch (charged separately). At Friðheimar Tomato Farm, you can taste local flavors with a cultural touch. Finally, before going back to Reykjavik, the striking Kerið Crater, with its turquoise lake inside framed by volcanic rocks. You’ll travel in a small group, and the guide will provide fascinating information about everything.
Tasting local food is one of the things many travelers want to do when they go to another country. And that’s no different when it comes to Iceland. If you’re staying in the country’s capital, the Reykjavik Food Lovers Tour takes you on a journey in which you’ll try, at least, 10 traditional Icelandic foods. Over three hours, you’ll sample different recipes.
Icelandic food is primarily based on meat, fish, and dairy products; however, this tour also offers options for vegetarians, as well as those with dietary restrictions and allergies, including gluten and lactose intolerance.
In groups of a maximum of 12 people, the expert guides have crafted an itinerary that will surely meet your expectations.
Iceland’s glaciers are impressive and incredibly attractive for an adventure, and there are different options to enjoy them. One of the best is to zoom across one of these ice giants on top of a snowmobile. This tour, departing from Reykjavik, will take you to Langjökull, the country’s second-largest glacier after the mighty Vatnajökull. You’ll travel there in a super jeep, on a trip that takes two hours through amazing landscapes.
At the glacier base, you’ll be given a snowsuit, helmet, gloves, and balaclava, then get a quick briefing on handling the snowmobile. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks, and no experience is needed. Then you’ll be able to ride on the glacier, which stands at 1,540 meters above sea level (4,757 feet). The snowmobile fits two people, but you can also ride solo if you want, but it costs ISK 10,000 more per person if you choose it.
From the slopes of Langjökull, you'll be treated to breathtaking sights like the towering Eiríksjökull glacier, the majestic Hofsjökull glacier, and the picturesque Kerlingafjöll Mountain range. Bring warm layers, waterproof gear, and snacks. Lunch is not included.
Price: ISK 20,250 (approx. €140, $161); Youth (7-15 years) ISK 10,125 (approx. €70, $80.50); Children (6 or under) for free.
Many people come to Iceland with the hope of seeing some of the animals that live here. And whales and puffins are probably the top two most sought-after. And, luckily, this great experience gets you to both.
This tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and explores Faxaflói Bay, an area full of marine life.
It’s divided into two parts. First, it’s a 1-hour tour on a small boat that goes to one of the three islands in the bay to see these colorful birds. But not only that. You’ll also see other species such as eider ducks, arctic terns, guillemots, and cormorants. The islands of Akurey, Lundey, and Engey are full of puffins between May and August.
Then, it’s time for the 3-hour whale watching tour, on a much bigger vessel, and going deeper into the waters of the bay. Summer is also the prime time to see these huge mammals, such as humpbacks, Minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Remember that Iceland’s weather is unpredictable and highly variable, and the temperature on a boat in the sea can be quite chilly, so dress accordingly.
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, dance across Iceland’s winter skies in bright colors, mostly green, but yellows, reds, and whites can also appear, creating an atmosphere unique and mesmerizing. This phenomenon occurs in Iceland between September and April, and that’s when this great tour is available. You’ll go on a super jeep to remote areas, far away from light pollution.
The guides will not only give information about the aurora and its connection to Icelandic culture, but the tour also comes with hot chocolate and vodka! The tour also includes free professional photos, capturing you against the glowing sky.
As the appearance of the northern lights is dependent on the weather and sky conditions, when you book this tour, you have the option of a free retry if the conditions are not optimal for the day you’ve booked.
Remember that the conditions are normally cold, in the colder months, and at night, so bring warm clothes.
Landmannalaugar is one of the most spectacular natural areas in Iceland, with its colorful rhyolite mountains painting the landscape in pink, green, and gold hues. This long tour departs from Reykjavik and goes through several rugged F-roads to this remote oasis, accessible only from June to September due to snow. Aboard the super jeep, you’ll cross lava fields and shallow rivers, arriving at this geothermal wonderland.
The guides will share information about the area’s geology. The area has several hiking trails, from short to really long ones, and you’ll have time to explore some of them. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit and a towel, as the Landmannalaugar hot springs are a prime location for a bath in geothermal waters. Also, on this trip, if the weather is good, you might see Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano.
South Iceland is a region packed with amazing sights and Jökulsárlón Glacier lagoon is one of the best. This amazing lake is fed by the massive Vatnajökull glacier, and it features large pieces of ice floating on the water. This tour departs from Reykjavik and, on the way, it stops at Skógafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. Once at Jökulsárlón, you’ll embark on a boat to see all these little icebergs, some of them of an intense blue color, from up close.
Then, you’ll have time to explore the nearby Diamond Beach. It’s named this way because some of the ice chunks end up on this black sand beach, where the sun makes them shine like jewels. The contrast between the ice and the color of the beach is spectacular. On the way back to Reykjavik, the bus will make several stops. One of them is Seljalandsfoss, one of the most famous waterfalls in the country. It’s quite tall, at 60 meters (197 feet), and has a path that goes behind the curtain of water, something truly unique.
Icelandic horses, small but sturdy, are probably the most beloved animal in the country. Their friendly behavior and unique gait make them really easy to ride. This tour is a great option because you’ll get a bit of both the most iconic things in Iceland: the horses and volcanic landscapes, going through beautiful scenery full of lava fields and green hills.
There’s no experience needed, because the ride is easy and smooth. The small groups are also divided by skill level. The guides will be more than happy to share insights about the horses and the landscapes you’ll discover.
In Northern Iceland, the Diamond Circle route is similar to the Golden Circle, connecting some of the best sights in the region. The first stop of this tour is the astonishing Goðafoss, or “waterfall of the gods”, a small but striking waterfall. The color of the water will leave you speechless. Then, Lake Mývatn, a beautiful lake with an intense geothermal activity.
Next stop is Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. From there, to Ásbyrgi Canyon, shaped like a horseshoe, said to be the hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse. The tour also stops at Jokulsargljufur Canyon, Hljodaklettar Echo Cliffs, and Tjornes Peninsula Cliffs, where puffins nest in the summer. Finally, the town of Húsavík, known for his whale watching activity and the Whale Museum. There, you can also take a dip in the GeoSea Thermal Baths (charged separately).
Silfra fissure is an astonishing geological wonder. Iceland is located on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. And, at Þingvellir National Park, this can be seen above the ground but also underwater: the Silfra fissure. The water, filtered through lava for decades, is incredibly clear, with a visibility of more than 100 meters (109 yards).
The tour includes all the gear necessary for diving, plus professional underwater photos, capturing you touching two continents at the same time. There’s no prior experience needed. Guides ensure safety and share the site’s geological story.
Aboard a super jeep, this tour is called “Volcano Hat Trick”, as it stops at three major sites, but many secondary ones. It’s a great way to get in touch with the volcanic forces that have been responsible for shaping part of Iceland. The first stop is Hekla, a huge and active volcano that stands at 1,491 meters (4,892 feet). Active since 874, it last erupted in 2000.
Then, the tour will continue to Kerið Crater, a 3,000-year-old volcanic bowl, with a beautiful lake inside. The third major stop is Stóra Eldborg, a dark volcano that contrasts with the green fields around. The off-road drive in a rugged 4x4 adds thrill, weaving through lava fields and bumpy trails. The tour will also stop at some waterfalls and black sand beaches.
Iceland is so varied, so unique, that sometimes it may feel a bit overwhelming to choose what to see and, especially, how to do it. Luckily, there are some great tours available in the country to see everything, accompanied by expert guides who will enrich our visit. By complementing your campervan trip with some of this tour, your Icelandic adventure will be unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Put on warm layers (think thermal underwear, fleece, and a waterproof jacket), sturdy waterproof boots, and bring gloves and a hat. The tour gives you a snowsuit, helmet, and balaclava, but your own layers keep you cozy in the cold and wind.
Glacier Snowmobiling is open to kids 8 and up. Snorkeling in Silfra requires you to be at least 12, since it’s physically challenging and the water’s cold.
Yes, the 3-hour Food Lovers Tour (morning or afternoon) pairs well with shorter evening tours, such as the 4-hour Northern Lights Tour (September–April) or the 2-hour Horseback Riding Tour, as their schedules often align.
The tour includes walking on rough ground at Diamond Beach and getting on a boat, which can be tricky for those with mobility issues. Reach out to the operator ahead of time to check accessibility options.
The Golden Circle tour is perfect if you want an easy trip with a guide who explains Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, plus cool stops like Friðheimar Farm and Kerið Crater. It’s great for small groups (ISK 17,990, ~€124) and saves you from planning or driving.
Renting a car lets you go at your own speed and check out hidden spots, but you’ll need to handle Iceland’s roads, which can be tough in bad weather, and you might miss the guide’s local tips. Pick the tour for ease and knowledge, or a car for freedom and flexibility.
