Infamous for its spectacular icy landscapes and snow-capped mountains, you could easily be mistaken for thinking that the scenery of Iceland was that of an alien planet during the winter. However, during the summer, the frozen setting thaws to reveal an equally as breathtaking blooming environment.
We’ve put together our top five activities when visiting Iceland this summer. Whether you’re interested in taking a road trip, taste-testing the country’s delicious cuisine or observing the summer wildlife, be sure to add these to your trip itinerary.
Road-Trip across the Highlands
Impassable during the winter due to the cold temperatures and snow, summer is the perfect opportunity to take a trip beyond Reykjavík and explore a new part of Iceland. Open from mid-June to late September (depending on the weather and snow), the F208 runs from the south of Iceland towards the centre, through Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Depending on where you’re staying, you can join the breathtaking route from the south near the picturesque town of Vík, or from the north via route 26 from the main Ring Road.
It’s worth noting that you can only drive along this route in a 4×4 as it has uneven terrain, so we recommend booking your car at the same time as your flights and mentioning your road-trip plans in advance, to make sure you have the right vehicle for the job.
With unbelievable views that are only accessible during the summer season, and a touch of thrill from the off-roading experience, exploring the Highlands is a great way to see an entirely new side of Iceland and should be at the top of your trip activity bucket list.
Experience the Midnight Sun
If you’re travelling through Iceland during the summer, you’ll experience an annual phenomenon – the Midnight Sun. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, exploring the country’s landscapes becomes even easier and more exciting as you can spend extra-long days taking is all of the sights.
Imagine how spectacular it would be to see some of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations such as the Gullfoss waterfall (part of the Golden Circle Tour) and Vatnajökull glacier, but at midnight! With less crowds and more daylight to explore, making use of the midnight sun is a great way to extend your trip!
See the Puffins
Spending the winter at sea, Puffins make their return to the steep rocky cliffs of Iceland for breeding season between early April and September. That means that mid-May to mid-August is the best time see these birds in large numbers.
They are best observed at the breeding grounds in the early mornings or evenings, as they often spend the day at sea. Make sure to hop on a boat first thing, but with the midnight sun, that early start will be easy! The best locations for spotting puffins are Akureyri, Egilsstaðir and Ísafjörður, all of which are easily accessible via Icelandair, with daily flights from Reykjavik that are under an hour.
Whale Watching in Husavík
If you’re planning to be in Akureyri to see the Puffins, then make the most of your time in Northern Iceland by driving to the town of Husavík to go whale watching! Less than an hour from the airport, the town is renowned for being a great location for seeing whales during the summer season. You may get to see species such as the minke, humpback and sperm whales, as they all often pass through the small fishing town. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a rare glimpse of mighty blue whale!
Whilst whale watching is possible all year round, the summer offers more sighting opportunities, calmer seas and fairer temperatures, so it’s a relaxing activity for all the family to get involved in. The charming town of Husavík is also a wonderful destination to explore. For any film enthusiasts, the town was heavily featured in Netflix’s Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga. Head to the Jaja Ding Dong Bar at the Eurovision Exhibition to grab a bite to eat after whale watching and see some props from the movie!
Only in Iceland for 24hrs? You can also go whale watching in Reykjavík, so don’t worry about missing out! For more tips on seeing these magnificent creatures, checkout this whale-watching in Iceland blog.
If you’re travelling between North America and Europe this summer, adding a stopover in Iceland is a great way to experience two trips in one. Looking for some inspiration? View our curated stopover itineraries, or create your own with our top activities above, and experience the budding Summer wildlife Iceland has to offer with a 24hr, 48hr, or 72hr stopover with Icelandair.
