Party in Iceland

Things to Do in Iceland in Summer 2022

Everyone must, at one point in their life, experience Iceland during summer. The days get longer, the temperature rises, and the blanket of snow that once covered the entire country morphs into luscious greenery.  

Still wondering why visit Iceland this summer? Where to go and what to do? Look no further, we’ve got you covered! 

 Be sure to book your 2022 holiday package now, as this year is set to be a busy one! 

what to do in summer in iceland

Walk the Highlands

 Iceland’s Highlands are only accessible during summer, which makes them even more special than they already are. This vast 40.000 square kilometres of uninhabited land right in the heart of the country is home to some of the most vividly draped mountain rages the country has to offer. Colourful Rhyolite Mountain tops meet endless lava fields, glacial rivers, and hot steam vents. The 54-kilometer Laugavgeur trail, starting at Landmannalaugar and ending in Þórsmörk, is deemed to be one of the world’s most beautiful hiking trails. The trek itself is rather difficult therefore is not suitable for complete beginners and can be completed in four to seven days. Huts are readily available along the way for those not wanting to carry their camping gear. 

Join a boat tour on Jökulsárlón

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 There’s no better way of exploring Jökulsárlón than heading out in the lagoon on a rib boat. You’ll get to experience the wonders of Jökulsárlón from up close, and get a chance to see sights that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to witness from the shoreline. Stunning icebergs of different shapes and sizes peacefully float in the lagoon with seals quietly swimming nearby. The boat tour might only take half an hour or so, but you’ll be left with unparalleled memories of one of Iceland’s finest natural backdrops. 

Enjoy the Midnight Sun

Midnight sun Iceland

 As Iceland is so close to the Arctic circle, during summer, the sun never entirely goes below the horizon allowing for endless daylight and the so called ‘white nights’. The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs in between June and August, whilst the longest day of the year known as the summer solstice often happens around the end of June. There is nothing more surreal than having near 24-hour daylight and should definitely be experienced at least once during your lifetime! The long daylight allows for even more island fun and adventure possibilities! 

Spot a Puffin

puffin in iceland

 Puffins only come to land during the breeding season, in between late April and early September therefore summer is the perfect time to spot these clumsy yet adorable looking seabirds. During the warmer season, thousands and thousands of puffins flock to the island and you really don’t have to go too far from the capital of Reykjavík to see them. The Westman Islands off the South Coast of Iceland have the largest colony of Atlantic puffin in the world and Dyrhólaey peninsula, a couple of kilometers from the town of Vík is also a top-favorite nesting place. 

Visit the Blue Lagoon ​

milky blue water in blue lagoon iceland

 Have you really been to Iceland if you haven’t soaked in a hot spring? The country is home to a plethora of hot pots, mud pools, and geysers all of which source their geothermal energy from deep beneath the earth’s crust. Some natural hot springs can be bathed in, whilst others reach temperatures of a hundred degrees upwards and are therefore extremely dangerous to be touched let alone used for bathing purposes. The beauty of Iceland’s hot springs is that there is enough for all! Some are hidden whilst others lay in plain sight. If you happen to find yourself near Reykjavík, then a dip in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon is a must! 

Explore the Westfjords

Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords

 The Westfjords – often inaccessible during winter offers visitors dramatic landscapes of untouched natural beauty that needs to be seen to be believed. It is home to stretches of coastline that harbor tiny fishing villages all around the peninsula. Cosmic fjords meet stretches of black sand beaches and what seems like infinite mountainous ranges. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve offers extensive hiking opportunities and unmatched wildlife spotting. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and explore a lesser-known area of Iceland, then the Westfjords is made for you! 

Party Like a Rockstar

Party in Reykjavik, Iceland

 When you have near 24-hour daylight, you have plenty of opportunities to hit the bars without having to worry about getting home before dark. Trust us when we say that Icelanders know how to party! Although bars and clubs open well before 11 pm, nightlife doesn’t really start much earlier than that so don’t be alarmed if you’re the only one on the dance floor at 10 pm, you won’t be alone for very much longer! Although barhopping is a rather expensive activity in Iceland, it’s definitely a good way to get to know the locals and the Icelandic culture as a whole. 

Walk on a glacier

hikers walk on a glacier in iceland

 Although glacier walking is a year-round activity, being able to feel your toes and fingertips is a summer added bonus! Taking a guided glacier walk allows you to safely experience from up close the magnificent world of ice and to learn more about these magical glacial formations. You will be provided with all the equipment needed and a certified guide will be with you every step of the way to make sure you get the most out of this experience as possible. The walk itself takes about an hour and is suitable for both beginners and advanced hikers as no prior knowledge is needed. If you’re short on time, you’ll be pleased to find out that you can do such a hike on the Sólheimajökull glacier – only an hour and a half drive away from Reykjavík! 

Chase waterfalls

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 Iceland is the mecca when it comes to anything and everything related to waterfalls. With a little over 200 waterfalls dotted all around the country’s territory, you’re bound to bump into one sooner rather than later. Summer is the perfect time to thoroughly enjoy the sights and splashes of these natural wonders. If you’re not afraid to get wet, why not follow the path behind Seljalandfoss waterfall for an unprecedented eagle’s eye view over the falls and the surrounding territory. Only a stone’s throw away from Seljalandsfoss is another little hidden gem – Gljúfrabúi waterfall, idyllically tucked behind a cliff that’s worth getting wet for! 

Try some Local Icelandic Food

icelandic food

Although the country isn’t famous for its gourmet delicacies, it does have some dishes that are worth trying, especially if it’s your first time traveling to Iceland! If you’re in for a challenge, we recommend you go for an all-time classic – a bite of rotten shark paired with a shot of locally made Brennivín. Your taste buds will be bursting with particular and unknown flavors. If you’re in for a milder experience, why not head to the local bakery and get yourself some Icelandic cream puffs, otherwise known as Bollur. 

Summer’s the perfect time to visit Iceland. There are so many things to do and places to see that you simply cannot get enough! From hiking in the heart of the Highlands to cruising on a boat in Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Iceland’s natural wonders are truly endless. Factor in the removal of all domestic and travel restrictions regarding COVID-19, and spending a week or two exploring Iceland this summer is set to be amazing!  

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