Are you planning your bucket-list trip to Iceland? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure — where glaciers meet volcanoes, sagas come to life, and the northern lights dance overhead. But with so much to see and do here, you might be wondering: which Iceland tours should tourists take to get the most out of their trip?
While renting a car is one of the best ways to enjoy the freedom of the open road and explore at your own pace, there are many incredible tours in Iceland led by expert guides who will elevate your experience to the next level. Whether you’re chasing icy adventures, learning about Viking history, or soaking in hot springs, the right tour can add depth and excitement to your time in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Let’s dive into the best Iceland tours for tourists, from epic glacier hikes and ice caves to cultural hotspots and scenic drives. And if you have any questions about our Iceland adventure activities, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Why Booking Tours in Iceland Makes Sense
Iceland is a land of extremes, and that’s part of what makes it so magical. But with unpredictable weather, vast wilderness, and ever-changing terrain, certain experiences are best (and sometimes only) enjoyed with a guide.
Booking tours gives you access to local knowledge, professional safety equipment, and exclusive locations you can’t reach on your own. For example, you’ll need a certified guide to safely enter glacier ice caves or cross crevassed ice fields on Iceland glacier tours. Likewise, cultural tours or guided walks can bring new context to historic sites you might otherwise overlook.
Some tours, like the Golden Circle or Reykjavík city experiences, can be joined without a car, making them perfect for those staying in the capital. Others — especially those off the beaten track — are easier to reach with your own vehicle. Either way, guided tours are a smart, rewarding choice for travellers looking to do more than just scratch the surface.
For Adventure Seekers – Ice Guardians Experiences You Can’t Miss
If you’re drawn to Iceland for its raw natural power and untamed beauty, then we’ve got you covered. At Ice Guardians, we offer small-group, sustainable glacier and ice cave tours from our base near Vatnajökull National Park — home to Europe’s largest glacier. We believe the best experiences come from connecting deeply with the environment, and that’s exactly what our unforgettable Iceland adventure activities are all about!
Our Iceland glacier hikes are highly popular with active travellers from all over the world. Strap on crampons and journey across ever-shifting ice, learning how glaciers continue to shape Iceland’s dramatic landscape. Our expert guides will make your adventure safe, fascinating, and a memory you’ll never forget.
In winter, our Vatnajökull ice cave tours are a must. These shimmering blue chambers are only accessible for a few months a year and require careful navigation. Every season brings a new shape and colour to the caves, making each visit unique. And because we take adventurers far beyond the typical tourist spots, our guests often see formations that no other visitors will.
Looking for something extra special? Our custom Vatnajökull tours and Iceland ice climbing and glacier skills courses are perfect for photographers, families, or those wanting to go deeper into the ice while sharpening their skills. Whether it’s your first hike or your tenth, we’ve got options to suit your comfort and curiosity.
Must-Do Iceland Nature Tours for Every Type of Traveller
Beyond the ice, Iceland offers a stunning array of natural wonders. And the good news is that you’re spoilt for choice. Awe-inspiring experiences in nature come as standard in this one-of-a-kind country! Here are a few examples of activities that are well worth adding to your itinerary…
Whale watching, particularly from Húsavík in the north, gives you the chance to spot humpbacks, minkes, and even blue whales in their natural habitat. Reykjavík also offers whale tours, which are more accessible if you’re based in the city and don’t have access to a vehicle.
Snorkelling in Silfra, where you float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacial water, is another unique experience you can only have in Iceland. A dry suit is provided, and the colours and visibility are otherworldly.
If you’ve ever wanted to walk inside a volcano, Iceland’s got that too! The Þríhnúkagígur volcano tour, where you descend into a dormant magma chamber, is an unforgettable way to witness our country’s fiery underbelly. The tour meeting point is around a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik.
And of course, during winter, Northern Lights tours are incredibly popular. Guides know where to go to get away from light pollution and maximise your chances of that all-important jaw-dropping sighting. This kind of expert knowledge is especially crucial when the aurora forecast is constantly changing.
However, we only recommend Northern Lights tours for visitors who haven’t rented a car. With your own vehicle and the details on the Aurora Forecast website, you have a high chance of spotting them — when the conditions are right! This can become one of the most rewarding experiences for anyone exploring Iceland.
If you’re looking to book a tour, why not opt for a Northern Lights cruise out of Reykjavik Old Harbour? Sailing away from the coastline and into the North Atlantic Ocean for such a special sighting is a memory you’ll never forget.
For even more information about aurora experiences, don’t miss our blog Chasing the Northern Lights in South Iceland.
Iceland’s Golden Circle: An Unmissable Experience
The Golden Circle is perhaps Iceland’s most famous route, and for good reason. It packs a serious punch in a short distance, making it ideal for day trips from Reykjavík. You’ll witness Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s parliament was first formed in 930 AD, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in the country’s deep-rooted history. Then it’s off to Geysir, the namesake of all geysers, and, finally, the thundering magnificence of Gullfoss waterfall.
While many people drive the Golden Circle themselves, it’s also one of the best Iceland tours for tourists without a car. Dozens of guided options depart from the capital daily, often combining the classics with a dip in a hot spring or a snowmobile ride.
Will you have your own rental vehicle during your trip? Then be sure to read our Guide to Iceland’s Ring Road when you have finished here. It’s filled with helpful local tips and insights!
Capital Experiences: Reykjavík Tours
Even if you’re mainly coming for the nature, it’s worth carving out a bit of time for Iceland’s charming and creative capital. A Reykjavík walking tour offers a relaxed but insightful introduction to the city, from its colourful street art and modern architecture to its Viking roots.
You’ll pick up local stories, restaurant tips, and a better sense of Icelandic identity. If you’re interested in the past, the Saga Museum brings Iceland’s medieval history to life through realistic wax figures and storytelling. It’s quirky, yes, but also genuinely informative and a great option for a rainy afternoon.
These are some of the best Iceland tours for tourists who want to blend cultural context with sightseeing, all within easy reach of their Reykjavik accommodation. And if you have any worries about a language barrier being an issue here, let our blog How Easy is it for an English-Only Speaker to Navigate Iceland? put your mind at rest.
Rejuvenate Yourself at The Blue Lagoon
OK, it’s true — the Blue Lagoon is massively popular, and yes, it’s often crowded. But there’s a reason it keeps topping travel lists. Set in a lava field with milky blue, mineral-rich waters, the lagoon is a soothing stop either at the start or end of your journey (it’s conveniently close to the airport). While some may see it as a tourist trap, there’s no denying it offers a luxurious and unique geothermal spa experience within easy reach of Reykjavik.
That said, if you’re after a city-based alternative, consider Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur, within walking distance of Reykjavík, or the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir, which happens to be the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. Another great option a short drive north of the city is Hvammsvik, home to eight natural hot springs that feed into the ocean. To complete the stunning setting, the pools are surrounded by mountains and black sand beaches. If needed, coach transfers are available from Reykjavik to Hvammsvik.
For even more local picks on this topic, check out our recommendations for the top 10 swimming pools on the south coast of Iceland.
Plan Your Iceland Adventure Activities and Tours!
So, which Iceland tours should tourists take? The answer really depends on what kind of traveller you are — but one thing’s for sure: combining guided tours with a self-drive trip gives you the best of both worlds. Explore at your own pace, then dive deep into the landscape with expert guides who can show you the hidden layers of Iceland’s ice, fire, and folklore.
If you’re dreaming of glacier adventures, epic landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we’d love to guide you. Browse our range of Iceland adventure activities to find the perfect fit for your needs! And if you have any pre-booking questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
