Iceland is a fascinating place to visit, known for its majestic glaciers and mountain ranges, deep, clear lakes, miles of Arctic countryside, and, of course, the Northern Lights. This setting offers myriad things to do, with the outdoors providing a background for excitement, adrenaline and exploration.
In this guide from the Baltic Travel Company, we share favourite recommendations, ranging from high-speed downhill skiing to the thrill of ice caving..
Snowmobiling Across the Icelandic Glaciers
Our first suggestion is to try a snowmobile – there are plenty of guided tours, and taking a trip off the beaten track is a great way to see unique native wildlife species or venture into the winter snowscapes.
You’ll need to be 18 or above and hold a full driver’s licence if you’d like to drive your own snowmobile, although you can also be a passenger, and kids from age six and upward are welcome to join in with the experience.
Driving a snowmobile is straightforward, and you’ll be given instructions before you set off. Our tours and excursions include everything you’ll need, from helmets and extra-warm gloves to overalls to keep your clothes warm and dry in the ice and snow.
There is nothing quite like gliding over the glaciers or zooming through the icy valleys on a snowmobile, and you can explore even the most rugged terrain. Most tours incorporate the peaks of the glaciers, where you can see the untouched panoramic views over the landscape.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Vatnajökull Glacier are firm favourites. If you head out during the early evening, you'll be as far away from the city light pollution as possible and have a great chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis to light your way.
Hiking and Ice Climbing in the Wilderness
If you're keen on an energetic excursion, hiking in the mountains is a fantastic activity. During the Icelandic summer, you can walk up and even into volcanoes, enjoy a camping experience under the stars or hike to the nearest river to try rafting.
The experience is just as much fun in the winter, where a pair of sturdy ice shoes or walking boots will help you keep your grip as you climb the hills and make it to the top of the glaciers. The scenery is astonishing, walking along deep crevasses with soaring ice walls on either side, often with amazing ice sculptures to capture your imagination.
Visitors travelling with children are welcome, provided kids are ten or above for safety reasons. However, steeper ice climbing tours are usually better suited to children aged 14 and above – these routes are challenging but worth the effort!
If you opt for ice climbing, your guide will let you know what you can and cannot do – you cannot hike unaccompanied since a local expert will know which glaciers are safe and which are prone to shifting or present too challenging a route for the group.
You’ll be given a helmet, ice poles, and crampons, and your guide will walk you through all the information you need if this is your first time climbing in a snowy environment.
Snowboarding and Skiing on the Slopes
While snowboarding and skiing are inevitably only available in the winter, this activity is great for all ages, and you can opt for difficult courses and pistes for accomplished skiers, or gentler slopes for beginners and kids.
Adventurous visitors can even try off-piste snowboarding, with areas such as Isafjordur and the nearby mountain ranges a draw for skiers of all abilities during the winter months.
You’ll also find ski resorts around Skalafell, Blafjoll and Reykjavik - these tend to open in December, weather dependent, and can stay open until April, provided the snowfall is sufficient to provide great skiing and snowboarding conditions. If you’re travelling to Iceland specifically for a skiing holiday, the resorts in Hlidarfjall and Akureyri further north are a great option.
Icelandic River Rafting
River rafting is very popular with Icelandic locals and has become more and more prevalent since the 1980s when several new outlets and tour providers popped up. The rivers in Iceland are generally quite safe and don't have the dramatic and dangerous waterfalls found elsewhere – but they remain challenging at points.
An 'easy' river has a Grade 2 rating, whereas a demanding route is categorised as Grade 4 or above, so you can look for routes that are suited to your experience level and the age and ability of your party. A local guide will happily recommend the course they think you'll most enjoy.
The Hvítá River in southern Iceland is a good choice, or you can head to the East and West Glacial Rivers, known as Jokulsá Austari and Vestari Jokulsa, respectively. River rafting is a summer experience; tours run from around May or June until September.
ATV and Buggy Racing
Our final suggestion is for visitors who love speed, excitement and even a little friendly competition! You can hire ATVs or buggies in several areas, including within the countryside just outside Reykjavik, and explore the landscapes as fast or as slowly as you want.
An ATV (all-terrain vehicle) or buggy is the only type of vehicle you are allowed to take off-road since there are strict rules to protect the ecosystem and natural wildlife. You sit facing forward and control the ATV with a brake and throttle mounted on the handlebars.
Buggies are slightly different and feel more like a conventional car with pedals and a steering wheel – whichever option you choose; you can get to a brisk 50 miles an hour at a top speed. As with a snowmobile, you'll need a driver's licence to drive your ATV or can hop onto a buggy tour as a passenger.
The activities and excursions mentioned here are all available through the Baltic Travel Company, including Iceland at Christmas, with action-packed itineraries and activity lists included in our Iceland holiday packages.
Read more about Baltic Travel Company - Iceland's Summer Festivals: Including The Reykjavik Arts Festival and Secret Solstice
About Baltic Travel Company:
We specialise in crafting unique, tailor-made travel experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of the Europe and the Baltic region. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated travel experts are committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise to ensure your Baltic adventure exceeds your expectations. From cultural city breaks to the inspiring northern lights and breathtaking natural landscapes, our carefully curated itineraries highlight the very best of the Nordic Region, Scandinavia, The Baltic Region, Poland, Slovakia and more. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, embark on a journey of discovery with Baltic Travel Company – your ultimate travel partner in exploring the hidden gems of the Baltics.
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Source Company: https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/
Original Source of the original story >> The Top Outdoor Adventures to Experience in Iceland
