Iceland packs more “I can’t believe I’m doing this” moments into one trip than almost anywhere I’ve been and well deserves the title of “Bucket List Destination.” During five and a half days on my first solo trip abroad in February, I snorkeled between continents, rode snowmobiles across a glacier, and hiked into a blue ice cave. Some of these excursions are only available during the winter months. If you can only book a handful of things, these are the five I’d put at the top of the list.
Jump to:
Silfra Snorkeling | 2. Glacier Snowmobiling | 3. Glacier Hike | 4. A Geothermal Lagoon | 5. South Coast Road Trip
1. Snorkel Silfra Between Tectonic Plates
This was the coldest thing I have ever done, and one of the best. I almost ended up not doing it after all the different videos I watched on TikTok on travelers and their experiences, and I am so happy that I got over the fear that some creators put in my head. At Silfra in Þingvellir National Park, you float between the North American and Eurasian plates in glacial water that stays around 35°F (2°C) year-round. The snorkel itself lasts about 30 minutes, and the tour provides the dry suit, snorkel gear, gloves, fins, hood, and a warm layer to wear underneath. Afterwards, they served hot chocolate and biscuits as we warmed up and changed out of our suits!
- Wear thermal layers and leave all jewelry at home
- It felt colder waiting outside the water than being in it
- Claustrophobic or get cold easily? Book it in summer instead of winter
- Cold drained my GoPro battery; depending on your tour they might take photos of you during your snorkel!
Click here to book the exact tour I took with Arctic Adventures
2. Ride Snowmobiles on Langjökull Glacier (With an Ice Cave Visit)
This was the most thrilling excursion of my trip. Near the Golden Circle, you ride across Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, for about an hour, with photo stops along the way. It felt like riding a jet ski on snow. Then you head inside an ice cave, where the guide explains how the caves are carved out and reformed each year. Some of the ice has been created for our 100s of years, and each year they dig into a new cave, so your tour will be special to your excursion for that season! Before we headed back to the hut where we were given demonstrations and acquired our gear, we stopped for hot chocolate or tea, sweet treats, and the most beautiful sunset over the snow-covered mountains.
- Most snowmobiles are shared, and riders can switch drivers halfway
- Traveling solo? I paid a small extra fee to ride alone
- Helmets and snowsuits are provided, but where warm layers
- If you are traveling during summer, rain may cause the tour to be cancelled
Click here to book the exact tour I took with Arctic Adventures.
3. Hike a Glacier and Explore a Blue Ice Cave in Skaftafell
On Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, I did a four-hour guided hike with crampons, a helmet, an ice axe, and a harness, all provided. The tour did start in the morning, and since this was my first experience ever hiking with crampons, I chose the easier route/level. This was perfect for a beginner, and part of the tour was exploring a naturally formed, blue ice cave. I am not an experienced hiker, but this was still one of my favorite days and something I would definitely do again.
- Rent hiking boots from the tour provider if you only packed snow boots
- Bring hiking shoes if you own already to avoid rental fee
- Skaftafell is far from Reykjavík, so consider staying overnight in the South East
- Skaftafell is also a national park and has one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the east coast of Iceland!
Click here to book the exact tour I took with Arctic Adventures.
4. Soak in a Geothermal Lagoon
Iceland’s lagoons are the reward after a big day outside or to start off your epic journey in Iceland. Sky Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon are the two most popular and the ones I was able to visit during my trip in February. Not sure which to book? I compared them side by side in Blue Lagoon vs Sky Lagoon: Which One Is Worth It?.
Check out other popular Geothermal lagoons and spas in Iceland:
– Secret Lagoon: This lagoon is located in the Golden Circle and was recently renovated, which is why I was unable to go. It is the oldest geothermal lagoon in Iceland
– Hvammsvik Hot Springs: Located just outside of the Golden Circle, north of Reykjavik. These hot springs are highly rated.
– Fontana: Geothermal bathing by the lake and part of the Fontana bakery! This was also closed during my visit, but I wanted to visit.
–Reykjabod Hot Springs: The newest hot springs that have opened in summer 2026 and will be taking our clients to on our February 2026 trip.
– Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River – You have to hike an hour to get to these rivers, but it is free!
If you would like to book the Sky Lagoon, click here
If you would like to book the Blue Lagoon, click here.
5. Road Trip the South Coast Waterfalls, Black Sand and Glacier Lagoon
Rent a car and drive it.
- Seljalandsfoss lets you walk behind the falls in warmer months, and seeing it in the winter was just as incredible as it is roped off during the chilly months due to ice.
- Skógafoss has 500+ steps up to a viewing platform, which I decided to skip and just enjoyed the view from below (I even got to see a rainbow!).
- Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey deliver the black sand and sea arches. Reynisfjara was eroded when I visited this past winter, but the tides as receding and people were able to access to the iconic cave and rock formations this past summer.
- Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach, where glacier ice washes up on black sand and you can see mini glaciers floating in a beautiful lagoon. I was even able to spot some seals!
- Book a 4×4 or SUV in winter with winter tires
- Download the SafeTravel app for road and weather conditions
- Buy the rental car insurance, the car companies with get you for the smallest dings!
If you are looking for a tour from Reykjavik, click here
Bonus: Northern Lights. From November to April, book a Northern Lights tour early in your trip, or if you are renting a car, don’t book a tour and venture out to the lookout spots to capture a glimpse of this incredible phenomenon.
Click here to book a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik
If you do not want to rent a car, or don’t feel comfortable driving in unpredictable weather conditions, see some links below on tours I recommend taking!
Iceland Excursion List
Where to Base Yourself: Reykjavík for city and day trips, the Golden Circle for a rural feel and aurora chances, and Vík or the South East to cut down on driving.
Want the full route, restaurants, and logistics? Read my Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide,
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Want me to plan this for you? Send me a message and let’s plan your dream trip to Iceland.
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