Iceland
Summer Holidays

What to do on an Iceland Summer Holiday

Iceland summer holidays are, in a word, magical. The days are long and the emerald hillsides and meadows full of wild lupines are even more beautiful under the pinkish hue of the midnight sun. With most of the snow gone, Iceland is at its most accessible, making this the best season to venture up into the highlands for heavenly hikes. Road trips are also a great Icelandic summer jaunt on which you can explore the infamous Golden Circle, home to gushing geysers that shoot out boiling columns of water and steam or even the Westfjords which are known to be an outdoor paradise. Wherever your feet (or wheels) take you in the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, there are endless open-air opportunities.

Exploring the dormant Thríhnúkagígur Volcano (also known as ‘Three Peaks Crater’ for those not fluent in Icelandic) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Descend into the magma chamber where the fiery red walls are coated with ancient lava and scattered with flecks of burnt orange and yellow sulphur. Meander across ancient lava fields and through towering lava tunnels, and even stand on both the Eurasian and North American plates. If keeping your head above ground is more your thing, summer holidays in Iceland are also ideal for hopping on a helicopter for a tour with a puffin’s perspective of the otherworldly landscapes, from the glowing lava fields of Fagradalsfjall Volcano to the sun-splashed waters of Skógafoss waterfall. Soar over the rugged coastline and keep your eyes peeled for red-flecked beaks and orange feet of these funny little seabirds. If you fancy a day spent on the water, Iceland summer holidays are the perfect time to catch a glimpse of a whale or two as you dodge icebergs on a hair-raising boat trip.

Iceland summer holidays aren’t just about the great outdoors. Reykjavik’s iconic Hallgrimskirkja church stands tall above the colourful cast iron-roofed houses, galleries and bookshops, its shape an homage to the volcanic columns found around the coast. Try on some traditional Icelandic knitwear, catch a glimpse of a fully Icelandic opera (don’t worry, we can’t understand a word either) or be sure to get a taste of an iconic Icelandic hotdog (pylsa), made from locally grazed lamb. For a refreshing treat, venture south to the Efstidalur Farm ice cream shop, where you can enjoy a cone of traditional Icelandic ice cream while listening to the dulcet tones of the cows in the barn next door. You can quite literally see the process of your ice cream being made from milking the cows, all the way to it handed to you in a delicious homemade cone. End a summer’s day with a spa experience at the Blue Lagoon, where you can enjoy a crisp Icelandic beer in the electric blue waters. Try out the natural silica face masks and swan around in its milky blue waters before floating along to the poolside for a thirst-quenching beer.

What is the weather like in Iceland in the summer?

Summer holidays in Iceland are filled with bright days and mild temperatures which make for the ultimate expedition conditions. While temperatures may not soar to tropical heights, temperatures hover between the mid-teens to the low 20°Cs and with the sun barely dipping below the horizon, there's plenty of daylight to soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you. But even with the sunny skies and clear air, the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, with sudden bursts of rain or wind that sweep across the landscape. So don't forget to pack a light jacket and a sturdy pair of shoes and come prepared to embrace the ever-changing weather patterns of an Iceland summer holiday. You may need a wooly hat one minute and your sunnies the next, but it’s all part of Iceland’s charm and adventure, and the rewards are well worth it. Head to our guide for more information on the best time to visit Iceland.