7 Must-Do Experiences in Iceland For Your Bucket List

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

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Iceland is the type of destination you visit once and stays with you forever. And trust us – once you see it for the first time, you’ll want to come back as soon as possible!

Naturally, if this is your first time traveling here, you’ll want to know the best and most exciting things to do in Iceland. As you go deeper into your research, you’ll see that there are countless experiences to choose from.

So, what should go on your Iceland bucket list?

We know that planning your itinerary can get a bit stressful, which is why we’ve prepared the best bucket list experiences in Iceland that are absolutely worth checking out!

1. See The Icebergs Up Close In Fjallsarlon

Going on a glacier tour is an absolute must on your Iceland bucket list, and Fjallsarlon is one of the best places in the country to experience them. Located in Southeast Iceland, the Fjallsarlon glacier lagoon sits beneath Fjallsjökull glacier, with floating icebergs drifting through the cold blue water.

While other natural hotspots around Iceland can get crowded pretty quickly, this isn’t the case with Fjallsarlon. Here the vibe is super serene and intimate, meaning you can experience the glaciers in all of their glory. And the real magic happens once you get up close. A guided iceberg boat tour takes you out onto the water, giving you a much better view of the ice formations, the glacier, and the dramatic mountain landscape surrounding the lagoon.

For most travelers, this is undoubtedly the most memorable part of their Iceland to-do list.

2. Take A Zodiac Boat Tour at Fjallsárlón

Seeing the glaciers from afar is absolutely beautiful, but nothing beats seeing them up close. Luckily, you can do this by going on a Zodiac boat tour! You can see the shapes, colors, textures, and details that are easy to miss from land.

At Fjallsarlon, our Zodiac boat tours are designed to be personal and intimate, allowing you to explore the lagoons and glaciers with a professional guide. Since the lagoon is ever-changing, no two boat tours are exactly the same!

This is a great option if you want an adventure without the adrenaline. It is scenic, exciting, and accessible, making it one of the easiest bucket list experiences in Iceland to add to a South Coast itinerary.

3. Walk On A Glacier

Want to explore the glaciers even further? How about walking on the actual ice?

A glacier hike is one of the best things to do in Iceland if you want something more active than sightseeing. With the right guide and safety equipment, you can step onto the ice and explore a world shaped by movement, weather, and time.

Our glacier hikes combine the best of both worlds – a Zodiac boat ride across the lagoon and a guided hike on Fjallsjökull glacier. With private access to the glacier, we offer a truly unique experience away from the crowds. This makes it a strong choice for travelers who want to make the most of their time in Southeast Iceland and experience the glacier from a different perspective.

4. Spend The Night On A Glacier

For a truly unique item on your Iceland bucket list, you should definitely consider spending the night on the ice. Yes, you’ve read that right – you can actually sleep in a hut on a glacier on the Overnight Adventure tour!

With this experience, you’ll have the chance to explore the glaciers and the surrounding nature. Afterward, you’ll be taken to a hut with glass walls and a ceiling, allowing you to become one with the scenery.

In summer, the long daylight and soft evening colors create a calm, dreamlike atmosphere. Later in the season, the darker skies bring a chance of seeing the northern lights if conditions are right. For couples, photographers, or anyone looking for something far beyond a standard hotel night, this is one of the most special bucket list experiences in Iceland.

5. Explore An Ice Cave

If you’re traveling to Iceland in the winter, an ice cave tour should be on your to-do list. Natural ice caves form and change with the seasons, creating blue, crystal-like spaces inside the glacier.

These caves can be dangerous to explore on your own, which is why you need an expert guide. This gives you an in-depth look at the changing nature of the Icelandic landscape, which is an adventure in itself.

We offer premium ice cave tours in the Vatnajökull area during the winter season, giving you a guided way to experience one of Iceland’s most striking natural formations. It is a very different experience from summer glacier lagoons, which makes Iceland worth visiting in more than one season.

6. Visit A Black Sand Beach

Iceland is one of the best places to see a black sand beach. The contrast between dark volcanic sand, white waves, sea stacks, and open sky makes these beaches feel wild and cinematic.

Reynisfjara, near Vík, is one of the best-known black sand beaches in Iceland, but you should be mindful when visiting it. The waves can be extremely powerful, so you should always keep a safe distance from the water and follow local warning signs.

7. See Waterfalls Along The South Coast

Iceland’s south coast is well-known for its waterfalls, and visiting them is a breeze. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are some of the most popular options, offering powerful views without requiring a complicated detour.

Waterfalls are among the classic things to do in Iceland, especially for first-time visitors. They are accessible, photogenic, and impressive in almost every season. Some are tall and thunderous, while others feel hidden and peaceful.

If you are driving toward Fjallsárlón from Reykjavík, the South Coast waterfalls are perfect stops along the way. They help break up the journey while adding more variety to your Iceland itinerary.

An Iceland Bucket List Of Your Dreams

These are just some of the experiences that can go on your Iceland bucket list, and there’s a lot more to choose from!

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out the rest of our blogs or book a tour with us to experience one of Iceland’s most unforgettable landscapes for yourself.