Known for its majestic glaciers, snow-covered houses, and Northern Lights - visiting Iceland in summer can feel like visiting a totally different country. While there are still plenty of icy natural wonders- you can also party with the locals at summer festivals, hike across flower-strewn moorland, or soak in hot springs under the midnight sun. Here's our pick of the best places to go during your trip to Iceland in summer:
The Ring Road is the main highway that loops around the entire country—about 828 miles (1,332 km). It connects most of Iceland’s towns and the landscapes people come to see: glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, volcanoes, and wide-open stretches of nothing. In the summer, the roads are fully open and dry, the highlands are accessible, and the daylight doesn’t really end, so you can drive pretty much whenever you feel like it.
This is where you'll find the best road trips in Iceland. You’ll pass through some remote areas, but also plenty of small towns where you can stop for food or fuel. It’s a good way to get a sense of how the whole country fits together.
There are many ways to drive Iceland's Ring Road, but this is our favorite. From Keflavík Airport, take Route 41 toward Reykjavík, then link up with Route 1 to start the loop. Most people rent a car at the airport—just make sure it has GPS or download an offline map. Plan for at least 7 to 10 days if you’re doing the full circuit. The weather can flip fast, so pack layers, and if you’re traveling in peak summer, book places to stay in advance.
From mid-May through early August, Iceland gets something close to 24-hour daylight. Even around midnight, it still feels like late afternoon. It’s strange at first, but you get used to it—and it gives you way more time to be outside, it's easily one of the best times to visit Iceland.
If you’re camping, you can make dinner late, go for a walk at 11 p.m., or just sit outside watching the light change. Campgrounds are easy to find around the country.
There are more than 170 campgrounds across Iceland, many of them right along the Ring Road. You can bring your own gear or rent it in Reykjavík. If you’re camping outside the designated sites, make sure it’s legal in that area—rules vary by region.
The Camping Card app is helpful for finding campgrounds that are part of the discount program. Always double-check the weather before heading out, especially in more remote areas.
Between June and early August, you’ll see fields of tall purple flowers all over the countryside. They’re lupines—originally brought over from Alaska to help with soil erosion—but now they’ve spread widely. You’ll usually see them growing alongside black sand, lava fields, or mossy hills, which makes them stand out even more. They’re not native, and some people aren’t thrilled about how fast they’ve spread, but there’s no denying they’ve become part of what summer looks like here.
You’ll see lupines throughout the country, but there are a lot along the South Coast—especially between Selfoss and Kirkjubæjarklaustur. It's a great addition to any Iceland itinerary.
You’ll also pass them near Reykjavík and on the drive toward Höfn. If you’re on the Ring Road, you’ll see them without needing to detour—just keep an eye out and pull over when it’s safe. Peak bloom shifts a bit depending on the weather, but late June is usually a good time.
Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and easy to ride, even if you’re new to horseback riding. They’ve been isolated in Iceland for over a thousand years, so they’ve developed a smooth gait called the tölt that makes it comfortable to ride over uneven ground. These horses are built for the terrain and the weather, and they're known for being friendly and calm.
In summer, it’s easier to get out on the trails—there’s no snow to worry about, and the longer daylight hours mean you’re not racing the sun. You can ride through open fields, across black sand beaches, or through lava-covered valleys. It’s a relaxed way to see parts of the countryside that aren’t easy to reach otherwise.
You’ll find horseback tours in a lot of places around the country, especially near Reykjavík, Selfoss, and Akureyri. Most farms have short rides for beginners as well as longer ones for people with more experience.
Helmets and basic gear are usually provided, and they’ll walk you through everything if it’s your first time. An important Iceland travel tip is that summer gets busy, so it’s worth booking in advance.
Each of these waterfalls feels different. At Seljalandsfoss, there’s a path that lets you walk behind the 200-foot (60-meter) curtain of water—just expect to get wet. Skógafoss is also about 200 feet (60 meters) high but much wider and louder, and you can climb the staircase next to it for a view from above. It’s also where the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail begins. Dettifoss, in the north, is shorter at around 144 feet (44 meters), but the volume and power of the water are intense.
In summer, the roads are clearer, and the longer days mean you can visit more than one in a single trip without feeling rushed. You’ll also avoid the icy paths that make some areas tricky in winter.
How to plan a trip to Iceland to see the most of the country's waterfalls? Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are both easy to reach from Route 1 on the South Coast—about a 2- to 3-hour drive from Reykjavík. Dettifoss is farther north and takes more planning. You can get there via Route 862 or 864, but it adds a few hours to your drive. All three waterfalls have parking nearby and marked trails. If you're planning to walk behind Seljalandsfoss, bring a rain jacket—you’ll definitely get sprayed.
Reykjavík is small, easy to walk, and full of personality. In summer, the city feels more active—people are out late, restaurants and cafés are busy, and there are often events or live music. Since it stays light for most of the night, you can take your time exploring without checking your watch.
Downtown has a mix of old and new—colorful houses, modern architecture, small galleries, and good places to eat. You can visit the Hallgrímskirkja church for views over the city, walk along the harbor, or stop by Harpa Concert Hall to check out the design. There are also museums focused on Viking history, art, and local culture.
The city is also known for its culinary scene: see our guide to the best restaurants in Reykjavik.
It takes about 45 minutes to get from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík by Flybus or rental car on Route 41. Once you’re in the city, most things are within walking distance.
Public buses connect to nearby areas and to places like the Blue Lagoon. Parking downtown can be pricey and limited, so if you’re staying overnight, it’s worth checking if your hotel has a better option. If nightlife is on your list, it’s easier to stay somewhere central so you can walk home. See our guide to spending 3 days in Reykjavik.
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake that’s been around for about 6,500 years, and is one of the best places to visit in Iceland. It’s roughly 560 feet (170 meters) across and 180 feet (55 meters) deep, with steep red slopes and bright blue-green water at the bottom. The crater formed when a volcanic cone collapsed in on itself, leaving behind a deep bowl that eventually filled with groundwater.
In summer, the colors really pop—the moss turns bright green, and the water stays that striking blue. You can walk the short loop around the rim for different views, and if you feel like it, hike down to the water. It’s a quick, easy stop that fits into a Golden Circle route.
Kerið is right off Route 35, about 9 miles (15 km) north of Selfoss. It’s an easy addition if you’re heading to Geysir or Gullfoss. There’s a small fee to park. The walk around the rim takes about 10–15 minutes and is pretty manageable. Heading down to the water takes a bit more effort, but it’s doable if you’re steady on your feet.
Landmannalaugar is one of those places where the landscape looks like it’s been painted. The mountains here are made of rhyolite, a volcanic rock that turns red, yellow, green, and purple when it’s exposed to the elements.
You don’t need to fully hike the Laugavegur trail to enjoy it—there are plenty of short hikes that take you through lava fields and colorful valleys. After hiking, you can soak in a naturally heated pool right near the campsite. The area is only reachable in summer, though, since the mountain roads close the rest of the year.
Getting here takes a bit of planning. You’ll need a 4WD vehicle to drive the mountain road F208 from Route 26—it’s about a 3-hour trip from Reykjavík.
That road includes river crossings, so make sure your rental agreement covers it. Buses also run daily from the BSÍ terminal in summer. There’s a campsite and some mountain huts, but book ahead if you want to stay the night. You can do it as a day trip, but with the drive, it’ll be a long one.
If you want to see a little bit of everything without going too far from Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes is a good call. The peninsula packs in lava fields, cliffs, black pebble beaches, fishing towns, and a glacier-topped volcano—Snæfellsjökull—the one from Journey to the Center of the Earth.
In summer, you can hike along the coast, look for puffins near Arnarstapi, or check out Kirkjufell, that mountain that shows up in a lot of photos. Towns like Stykkishólmur are quiet and nice places to stop for a meal or stay the night.
It’s about 90 miles (145 km) from Reykjavík to the peninsula along Route 54. You can take a bus to the bigger towns in summer, but a rental car makes it easier to get to more remote parts. You’ll find guesthouses in places like Stykkishólmur, and there are campgrounds near most main attractions. You could do a long day trip, but if you’ve got 2–3 days, it’s easier to take your time.
Reykjadalur, or “Steam Valley,” is one of those hikes that feels worth it from start to finish. The trail takes you about 1.8 miles (3 km) each way through a geothermal valley—there’s steam rising from the hillsides, bubbling mud, and a mix of earthy smells as you walk.
It’s a moderate climb, not too steep, and ends at a warm section of river where naturally hot water meets colder stream water. That mix makes it just the right temperature to relax in. There aren’t any changing rooms, so bring a towel and a waterproof bag for your clothes. Summer is ideal for this one—long daylight, easier trail conditions, and decent weather for hiking and soaking. See our favorite geothermal pools in Iceland.
The trailhead starts just behind Hveragerði, about 28 miles (45 km) east of Reykjavík. You’ll take Route 1, then turn onto Route 38. Parking is available near the trail, but it can fill up quickly in the middle of the day. The hike takes around 45–60 minutes each way, depending on your pace. Mornings or evenings tend to be a bit quieter. Don’t forget your swimwear, towel, and something waterproof for your stuff—you’ll want your hands free for the walk.
Summer festivals in Iceland make good use of the long days and bright nights. Reykjavík hosts bigger music events like Secret Solstice, where you’ll catch local and international acts playing late into the night.
Outside the city, smaller town festivals are more low-key—things like folk dancing, local crafts, community meals, and food stalls with traditional snacks (sometimes including fermented shark, if you’re curious enough to try it). They’re relaxed, social events, and a fun way to spend a day or evening with locals.
Reykjavík festivals are easy to get to, especially if you’re staying nearby. For smaller events in rural towns, you’ll usually need a rental car, since bus routes are limited.
Festival tickets and nearby Iceland accommodations can book up well in advance, especially for the larger ones, so it’s worth planning ahead. During major events, buses sometimes run more frequently, but a car gives you the most flexibility—especially if you’re heading out of town.
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a winding canyon cut deep into the landscape, around 1.25 miles (2 km) long and 330 feet (100 m) deep. The river that runs through it shaped these steep, curving walls over thousands of years.
There’s a walking path along the top with viewpoints where you can look down into the canyon—short, easy, and a good break if you’re driving the south coast. It got a bit of fame after a music video was filmed here, but it’s worth visiting even if you’ve never seen the video. Summer is a good time to go, with dry trails and clear views.
You’ll find it just off Route 1 between Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Look for the turnoff and follow the gravel road—about 1.2 miles (2 km)—to the parking area. It’s fine for most cars in summer. The area was closed for a while to let the landscape recover, but it’s open again now. An important Iceland travel health tip: stay on the marked paths to help keep it that way—some of the terrain is fragile, and they’ve added walkways to protect it.
Vestmannaeyjar is a small group of islands off the south coast, and Heimaey is the one you can visit by ferry. It’s best in summer, when the puffins are around and the weather is more predictable. You can walk the lava fields from the 1973 eruption, check out the cliffs, and get fresh seafood in town.
The ferry ride takes about 35 minutes and sometimes you’ll see dolphins or whales along the way. It’s a quiet, lived-in place with a strong fishing culture. If you’re there in early August, you might catch Þjóðhátíð, a local festival that draws people from all over Iceland.
The ferry runs from Landeyjahöfn, which is about 80 miles (130 km) southeast of Reykjavík. You’ll turn off Route 1 onto Route 254 to get to the harbor. If you're driving, it’s best to reserve a spot for your car in advance during the summer.
There are also small planes from Reykjavík that take about 20 minutes. If you plan to stay overnight, book your place early—there aren’t many hotels. Keep an eye on the weather too—ferries don’t always run if the wind picks up.
Jökulsárlón is where chunks of ice break off the glacier and float out to sea. In summer, the lagoon is full of massive blue and white icebergs, and the water’s calm enough for boat tours.
Some are in amphibian vehicles, which are slow and stable, and others are in small zodiac boats that get closer to the ice. Guides explain how the lagoon formed and point out Iceland wildlife—seals are common here.
You’ll also want to walk across the road to Diamond Beach, one of Iceland's best beaches, where pieces of glacier ice wash up on the black sand.
It’s right off Route 1 between Vík and Höfn, about 230 miles (370 km) from Reykjavík. Most people visit on a South Coast road trip or during a full Ring Road loop. Tours usually run May through October and depend on weather, so it’s smart to book ahead. You can reach Diamond Beach on foot—it’s right across the road from the lagoon.
Húsavík is a fishing town in North Iceland that’s well known for whale watching. In summer, the bay fills with humpbacks, minkes, dolphins, and sometimes even blue whales. Most tours use small wooden boats or modern vessels, and the guides are good about pointing out what’s in the water. This is easily one of the best things to do in Iceland.
There’s also a whale museum in town that gives more background if you want to learn about what you’ve seen. The boats usually go out during calm weather, and the chances of seeing whales are highest between June and August.
It’s about a 50-mile (80 km) drive from Akureyri, and you can get there on Route 85 or Route 87. From Reykjavík, the drive takes around five hours. Most people go as part of a northern Iceland trip. There are a few tour companies in town and it’s best to book ahead in summer. Húsavík has some smaller hotels and guesthouses, plus restaurants with fresh seafood.
Lava bread is a traditional rye bread that’s baked underground using geothermal heat. In places like Geysir or Lake Mývatn, bakeries bury pots of dough in warm soil and leave them for about 24 hours. The heat from the earth cooks the bread low and slow, giving it a dense texture and slightly sweet flavor.
In summer, you can visit one of these bakeries to see how it’s done, taste it fresh, and hear more about how Icelanders have used natural energy like this for generations. Usually, it’s served with butter or smoked fish—simple but satisfying. It's also popular with little ones if you are headed to Iceland with kids.
You’ll find these bakeries near geothermal areas—Geysir (on the Golden Circle route) and Lake Mývatn in the north are two common ones.
These stops are often included in guided geothermal tours. They’re not usually stand-alone attractions, so it’s worth checking ahead to see when demonstrations happen. If you’re based in Reykjavík, some restaurants serve traditional lava bread, but it might not be made underground.
Snorkeling at Silfra means floating through a clear-water fissure between two tectonic plates—the North American and Eurasian ones. The water is glacial melt that’s filtered through lava rock, so it’s extremely clear and cold, around 36–39°F (2–4°C). You’ll wear a dry suit, which keeps most of you warm, and drift through a narrow canyon of blue water and lava formations. Summer is a good time to do it—not because the water is warmer (it’s not), but because the logistics are easier and the weather’s more reliable.
Silfra is inside Þingvellir National Park, around 28 miles (45 km) from Reykjavík. You can drive there in under an hour on Route 36. You’ll need to go with a certified tour operator—they handle safety, gear, and instruction. You should be a confident swimmer and okay with cold water. Tours run year-round, but summer is the most popular time, so book in advance.
Þingvellir is where the tectonic plates meet, but it’s also where Iceland’s parliament was first held, way back in the year 930. You can actually walk through the rift valley and see where the land is slowly pulling apart. There are clear springs, volcanic rock formations, and an easy trail to Öxarárfoss, a small but scenic waterfall. If you’re interested in both geology and Icelandic history, this is the kind of place where you get a bit of both. Summer is a good time to explore—it’s easier to get around, and the trails are in better shape.
It’s an easy drive from Reykjavík—about 28 miles (45 km) via Route 36. Most people visit as part of the Golden Circle. There are a few different parking areas depending on what you want to see, and the visitor center has maps and background info. Trails are well-marked, and it’s manageable even if you’re not a hiker. You can take a public bus in the summer, but a rental car gives you more freedom to stop where you want. There’s also a campground if you’re staying overnight.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 19.08.2025
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