Hiking in Iceland is a dream for anyone who loves nature trips. The only problem is that Iceland, a victim of its own success, is starting to be overrun by travellers! Hiking around the Golden Circle and Jokulsarlon is so popular that in order to be a responsible traveller, one must dare to go and look further... Myvatn, in the north of the country, is a good alternative. So here's a quick rundown

Dare to venture north, off the beaten track

With their coastal areas, mountains and national parks, Iceland's west and north west regions are ideal places to observe animals in their natural habitat. Here is a quick guide to the species it's possible to see when visiting Iceland, especially the western and northern parts of the country.

Discovering Iceland's wildlife

Grimsey is a small Icelandic island situated about 25 miles north of Iceland and the arctic polar circle runs through it. The spot is also ideal for watching bird colonies.

Crossing over the arctic circle on Grimsey island

The Westman Islands are an archipelago, only the main island of which is inhabited. One of the largest puffin colonies lives there. Included in these islands is one of the newest islands in the world.

The Westman Islands: lava and puffins

This village is famous for its beach of black sand, its sea-battered rocks and its charming church.

Europe

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. &nbsp;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.

Iceland

Skaftafell is an essential place to go if you want to get up close to a glacier or go hiking in the national park, to which this area is one of the gateways.

Skaftafell

Hekla

A wonderful waterfall with the added bonus of an often-present rainbow!

Gullfoss

Like most of the little islands around Iceland, Flatey is above all a stop for ornithologists and lovers of nature and tranquility.

Flatey

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I stopped on Flatey Island on my way back from my tour of the Western Fjords and I had taken the ferry which arrived at Stykkishólmur.  As the name suggests, Flatey is but a small, totally flat island, whose highest point is just 52 feet above sea level. Once there, you sort of feel as if you have gone back in time, as the colourful wooden houses and the aura of the place seem so much unchanged since they were built in the 19th century! Once there, it is a visit of the "old village", the church, the lighthouse and a walk in the vast green expanses in the aim of catching sight of puffins.   It took me a few hours to get through these visits. On the other hand this is an ideal place to stay longer in for those who want to taste the charm of contemplation and peacefulness.

The best local travel agencies in Iceland for family tours with kids

Family tour ideas in Iceland

Iceland’s incredible infrastructure, including a ring road taking you to all the best sites, make it the perfect family self-drive destination. While children under the age of eight might find it difficult to appreciate the adventure and the beautiful nature, parents love it as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/where-to-go/family-adventure-holidays/" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/where-to-go/family-adventure-holidays/">family travel destination</a>&nbsp;because Iceland is one of the safest countries in the whole world.&nbsp;Self-drive trips are the perfect answer for families with younger children, since they give you and your kids all the freedom you could possibly want, without worrying about a strict schedule. This stunning country transforms with each season and so a <a data-destination-id="46" data-internal-link="destination">tour to Iceland</a> seems to offer two destinations in one. In the winter you can even swap the car for a dog sled for the ride of your lives. In the summer, pack up a picnic and pull over at one of the stunning national parks where your kids can swim, climb and play to their hearts’ content in a stunning setting. <h3>Best things&nbsp;to see and do in&nbsp;Iceland with kids</h3>It doesn’t matter if you self-drive or if you just stay in <a data-place-id="6411" data-internal-link="place">Reykjavik</a>, there’s something for everyone in Iceland, especially teenagers. Tourists are often shocked — sometimes so shocked that they call the police — to see buggies left outside cafés in downtown Reykjavik, but for Icelanders, this practice is quite normal.&nbsp;First stop for families in Iceland is the famous Blue Lagoon where you can freshen up from your flight and relax together in the fun and therapeutic warm waters. Younger and older kids alike will love splashing around here or slathering themselves with the therapeutic mud that is put out in buckets all around the main pool. The Golden Circle is a popular choice among families, whose children will love seeing the dramatic boreholes and hot springs as they shoot spouts of water high into the air. <a data-place-id="1792" data-internal-link="place">Gullfoss</a> waterfall is also an unmissable attraction, which is beautiful and striking in equal measure. The natural world is best seen and appreciated in Skaftafell National Park or&nbsp;<a data-place-id="2024" data-internal-link="place">Jokulsarlon Lagoon </a>and of course, the famous <a data-place-id="16632" data-internal-link="place">Godafoss Waterfall</a>, the waterfall of The Gods. Equally breathtaking, take a boat trip to go and see the whales that swim not far off the coast, or even a helicopter tour to see all of these incredible sites from above on a thrilling tour. Kids will love seeing the native Icelandic horses as they roam around the countryside. You can even go horse riding to see the landscape or coastline on an unforgettable family day trip (making time to try some of the famous local ice cream). You may even see some of Iceland’s most famous animals; the puffins, as they huddle up on the rocks and cliffs overlooking the sea. These animals are always a favourite with children and parents alike, who love seeing the cute species as they travel from place to place. Iceland is one of the safest countries in Europe and so you’ll be able to travels stress free with children of any age.&nbsp;For children eight and up, whale-watching, horse riding, and ATV (all-terrain vehicles) adventures are perfect for the entire family.&nbsp;<h3>Best time to visit&nbsp;Iceland as a family</h3>Iceland’s northerly location means that its seasons are drastic and the difference between Winter and Summer here can be drastic. The <a data-document-id="3386" data-internal-link="article">time of year you choose</a> to go will depend on what you want to see and do during your trip. Snow can fall from as early as September, welcoming in the winter months which are so perfect for spotting the incredible Northern Lights and doing all the snowy activities you could dream of. If you and your family want a self-drive trip, however, visit in the summer, when roads are clear and temperatures are usually around 20°C. This is also the best time for whale watching. To combine any of these activities, visit during the linking periods, such as September, when Autumn turns to winter and you will have the chance to see both whales and the Northern Lights whilst avoiding and extreme cold. The warmest months of the year, July and August are also the most crowded and so, if you choose to travel during this period, you will need to plan a little in advance to ensure that accommodations don’t get booked up.<h3>Family holiday tips for travelling to&nbsp;Iceland</h3>With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to Iceland, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your holiday. <ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">You don’t have to avoid the winter months due to the cold. If you do want all the benefits of visiting Iceland as a winter wonderland, all you need to do is ensure that you pack good quality thermal gear which will keep both you and your kids warm and happy as you see Iceland’s most amazing winter attractions. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">As a small island and a now popular tourist destinations, Iceland can be pricey. Be prepared to spend during your time here and book things a little in advance to try to save a bit of money where you can. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">If you do choose to rent a car and plan a self-drive trip, it may be worth getting extra insurance, since weather can be harsh on tires, paint and engines. </li><li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">The water here, including water from the tap, contains sulphur and so be prepared for &nbsp;bit of a smell when you turn on the tap, however, you can drink it since this is actually one of the cleanest types of water in the world. Knowing this could save you some money, since bottled water can be expensive. </li></ul>

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The best tailor-made Iceland tours for families with children, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Family holidays in Iceland

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The best local travel agencies in Iceland for honeymoon tours

Honeymoon tour ideas in Iceland

The best tailor-made honeymoon tours and experiences in Iceland, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Honeymoon in Iceland

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The best local travel agencies in Iceland for two week tours

Two week tour ideas in Iceland

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Two weeks in Iceland

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The best local travel agencies in Iceland for one week tours

One week tour ideas in Iceland

<a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/ireland/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/ireland/"></a><a data-destination-id="46" data-internal-link="destination">Iceland’s</a> incredible sites are perfect for anyone looking for a 7 day trip that will go beyond their wildest expectations. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with a group or with family, Iceland has something for everyone and every age. See the famous Northern Lights, or the national parks and waterfalls that are dotted all over the country. Travel at your own pace on a road trip or sit back and relaxed on an organised tour.<h3>Best things to see and do for one week in Iceland</h3>What to see in one week A one week winter tour of Iceland could best be spent on a&nbsp;driving tour around the South coast.&nbsp;Filled with sights like the famous (and unpronounceable)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/iceland/holidays/places/2059-eyjafjallajokull/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/iceland/holidays/places/2059-eyjafjallajokull/">Eyjafjallajökull&nbsp;Volcano</a>&nbsp;or the gorgeous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/iceland/holidays/places/9689-seljalandsfoss/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/iceland/holidays/places/9689-seljalandsfoss/">Seljalandsfoss waterfalls</a>, Iceland’s Southern coast is the&nbsp;perfect destination for nature lovers&nbsp;with almost all sites accessible on a day trip from Reykjavik for those who want&nbsp;a balance between city life and wild exploration.&nbsp;In the summertime, a full seven days should be spent on&nbsp;an express tour of the entire island,&nbsp;circling all of the incredible landscapes&nbsp;Iceland has to offer along its main ring road.&nbsp;The first thing on your itinerary for your one week&nbsp;holiday to Iceland should be a trip to <a data-place-id="6411" data-internal-link="place">Reykjavik</a>. Here you can get a sense of the atmosphere of this stunning country, whilst enjoying the culture and fascinating sites. Once you’ve enjoyed the city, head out into the wilderness to see incredible sites such as <a data-place-id="2024" data-internal-link="place">Jokulsarlon</a>, a glacial lagoon peppered with breath-taking icebergs. This is one view that you won’t see everyday and one that you certainly won’t forget. Continue on to see the waterfalls at <a data-place-id="1790" data-internal-link="place">Skaftafell</a> and <a data-place-id="2020" data-internal-link="place">Skogar</a> for more impressive nature. Finally, a week in Iceland wouldn’t be complete without a sighting of the famous puffins. The best place to observe these creatures is at <a data-place-id="2031" data-internal-link="place">Husavik</a>, where you can go on a boat tour or a tour on foot to see them in their natural territory.<h4>What to do in one week</h4>With so much to do in one week in Iceland, it can be overwhelming to try to decide on where to start. Why not start with some hiking or walking in <a data-place-id="5583" data-internal-link="place">Vatnajokull National Park</a>, where you can find volcanoes, rivers, waterfalls, and the <a data-place-id="5583" data-internal-link="place">Vatnajokull Glacier</a>. Next, move onto a bit of horse riding in <a data-place-id="6675" data-internal-link="place">Hella</a> and see even more of the incredible surroundings. A whale watching tour is another activity that is not to be missed during your one week trip to Iceland. Head to <a data-place-id="31975" data-internal-link="place">Keflavik</a> for a boat trip off-shore to see the giant mammals that live off Iceland’s coasts. After all that excitement, relax with some delicious food, such as the lobster in <a data-place-id="2025" data-internal-link="place">Hofn</a> and enjoy a view of the phenomena of the Northern Lights. One night in each destination&nbsp;should suffice,&nbsp;as you circle&nbsp;from glaciers to charming villages to breathtaking mountains,&nbsp;stopping to take advantage of Iceland’s best activities like&nbsp;snowmobiling, ice-skating, and of course,&nbsp;the world-famous&nbsp;Northern Lights.<h3>Best time to travel to Iceland for a week</h3>The question of <a href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/iceland/holidays/when-to-go/" data-mce-href="https://www.evaneos.co.uk/iceland/holidays/when-to-go/"></a><a data-document-id="3386" data-internal-link="article">when to visit Iceland</a> for your one week trip will depend on what you want from your time here. For outdoor excursions, its best to visit during the warmer months, between June and September, whereas if its the Northern Lights you want to see, visit between Mid-October and March. The best months for whale watching are June and July, however this will depend on the weather during that particular year. Whenever you decide to visit, you’ll make incredible memories here during your 7 day trip.

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The best one week tours to explore Iceland, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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One week in Iceland

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The best local travel agencies in Iceland for wildlife tours and safaris

Wildlife tour ideas in Iceland

The best safaris and wildlife tours in Iceland, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Iceland wildlife tours

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Wildlife Tours & Safaris in Iceland | Meet Iceland's Wildlife

The best local travel agencies in Iceland for self drive tours

Self-drive tour ideas in Iceland

The best road trips and self-drive tours in Iceland, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Iceland road trips

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Best Road Trips in Iceland | Explore Iceland By Car

The best local travel agencies in Iceland for hiking and trekking tours

Tour ideas for trekking and hiking in Iceland

The best hiking and trekking tours and excursions in Iceland, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Hiking & Trekking

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The best local travel agencies in Iceland for island tours

Tour ideas for exploring Iceland's islands

The best island holidays and island-hopping tours in Iceland, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

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Islands in Iceland

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The best local travel agencies in Iceland for snorkelling and diving tours

Diving and snorkelling tour ideas in Iceland

The best snorkelling and diving tours in Iceland, created by a local travel agency. Request a local expert to create your perfect trip.

Flatey Holidays

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Iceland: our articles for your holidays