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Iceland off the beaten track

Q: When to go in Iceland?

The best time to go to Iceland is in the summer : the temperatures are pleasant and the days are long. Depending on the region you are going to, you can also go in May or September, when there are fewer tourists and the climate is still pleasant, but be warned: some trips and sites are closed during these months. Between October and April, the country is nearly always in darkness, but you can see the magnificent aurora borealis if you are ready to brave the cold and the night.

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What to do in Iceland?

Iceland is one of Europe’s fastest growing tourist destinations and with so much beauty, variety and culture, it’s no wonder that tourists keep returning to the island. If you haven’t yet been and are wondering if Iceland is for you, be inspired our top 5 reasons to travel to Iceland:

For a trip that’s suitable for any age or traveller. Whether you’re travelling with children, with friends, as a couple or going solo, Iceland is the perfect destination. Children and adults alike will be blown away by the dramatic cliffs of the fjords or the thrill of seeing a whale up close.
For a culture trip. Reykjavik is well known for its artsy atmosphere and you will notice this as soon as you step foot in this cool city, with cool bars, cafes, museums, galleries and shops around every corner.
For delicious food. Stay in Reykjavik for a taste of haute cuisine in any of the cool, minimalistic restaurants that are becoming famous here, or go off the beaten track; going on a fishing trip in the afternoon to catch your evening meal. Iceland’s fresh seafood is unbeatable and this alone is well worth the trip!
For an experience of Iceland’s animals. See the wild ponies that roam the fjords here as you hike around this incredible location. Visit the westman islands to see the famous puffins that live here in their hundreds. Go on a once in a lifetime cruise to see the whales and killer whales that live in the waters surrounding Iceland.
For more natural beauty than you’ve ever seen. Visit one of the many stunning waterfalls, fjords, villages, beaches, cities or forests here, which are almost entirely untouched. Godafoss, meaning ‘the waterfall of the gods’ is just one unmissable spot, why not have a picnic here to truly enjoy it. The black sand beach is just one example of an incredible Icelandic cove, with so many more, such as Diamond Beach.

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When to go in Iceland?

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Start planning your off-the-beaten-track trip to Iceland

Go off the beaten track in Iceland and discover its hidden wonders. While Iceland is famous for its natural beauty, there's much more than just the Blue Lagoon and central Reykjavik. Iceland is an increasingly popular travel destination, but when you explore its small towns and hidden natural gems, you'll discover the full extent of its charm.

What’s the best way to travel off-the-beaten-track in Iceland?

Most visitors stick to the south when visiting Iceland, but the intrepid traveler will find plenty to discover in the north. See the aurora borealis when you stay at a remote lodge or explore lava fields on horseback and venture to rarely seen glaciers.

Best off-the-beaten-track activities and experiences in Iceland

Iceland off the beaten path means exploring, whether by foot or car. The capital, Reykjavik, is an excellent starting point for many of the country's best experiences.

Enjoy the quiet on a red sand beach
Iceland is known for its volcanic black sand beaches, but you might not know about its red sands. Rauðisandur Beach in the Westfjords region is located in a tranquil undeveloped area, with its immaculate sands seemingly changing colors based on the daylight.
Explore the capital of the north, Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in Iceland's north, but it's less frequented by international travelers. You'll be rewarded with visits to stunning fjords in the area, and be charmed by this small town's colorful architecture.
Drive through Landmannalaugar's mystical terrain
This is an excellent excursion idea if you're staying in Reykjavik. On this trip, the capital's cityscape gradually gives way to a solitary road leading to lava fields and ash plains. Rent a car to see it independently, or take a bus from Reykjavik and sit back and enjoy the views. Bring your camera with you to capture gorgeous Landmannalaugar's otherworldly atmosphere.
Hike the isle of Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar is a small island off Iceland's southern coast that's reachable by ferry. It's a small and picturesque parcel of land, perfect for coastal hiking. Horseback riding is another popular outdoor activity on the island. There's also an excellent natural history museum with an aquarium here.
Experience the thrill of ice climbing
Ice climbing is the ultimate adrenaline-fueled activity in Iceland, perfect for visiting thrill-seekers. The Sólheimajökull glacier in southern Iceland is one of the best places to do it, and it's not far from Reykjavik. Knowledgeable guides provide insights on the glacier's history and significance during your ice climbing tour.