Iceland offers awe-inspiring landscapes, mystical folklore, and unforgettable adventures. Autumn is an ideal season to visit Iceland, with fewer crowds, cooler weather, and the Northern Lights. Planning an autumn trip can be tricky due to its shoulder season status, with activities in transition and unpredictable weather ranging from sunny days to heavy windstorms or even snow. However, with expert advice and a customized itinerary, you can make the most of your Iceland adventure.
Here are the top 10 activities to enjoy in Iceland this autumn!
1. Take a road trip
Explore the Golden Circle
Visit Þingvellir National Park, the geysers at Haukadalur, and the stunning Gullfoss waterfall. These iconic sites are even more magical with the autumn colours starting to emerge. Sit back and enjoy the scenery with a guided tour from Reykjavík.
Visit the South Coast
Embark on a scenic drive along Iceland’s south coast to witness the breathtaking waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, the striking black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the dramatic cliffs of Dyrhólaey. Continue your journey to the mesmerizing Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, which is especially photogenic in autumn due to its unique lighting and fewer tourists. Don’t miss the nearby Diamond Beach, where icebergs glisten on the black sand, creating a truly magical experience. Make the most out of your visit and join a zodiac tour at either Fjallsárlón or Jökulsárlón, or a larger amphibian boat tour, and sail between the icebergs.
Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” this peninsula offers diverse landscapes, from the Snæfellsjökull glacier to charming fishing villages, dramatic coastlines, and Kirkjufell, the most photographed mountain in Iceland. If you‘d rather like to focus on the beautiful drive without having to sit behind the wheel, join this guided tour.
Visit the North
Visiting North Iceland offers breathtaking landscapes where you can admire the spectacular Goðafoss waterfall, explore the geothermal wonders of Mývatn, and visit the unique horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon. Enjoy serene hikes, soak in the relaxing Mývatn Nature Baths, and witness the Northern Lights dancing in the clear night skies.
2. Relax in Icelandic Hot Spring
Hvammsvík Hot Spring
Nestled in the beautiful Hvalfjörður fjord, Hvammsvík Hot Springs provide a peaceful escape in nature. With fewer visitors and a seaside location, it’s an ideal spot to relax in geothermal waters and enjoy the mountain views.
GeoSea
Discover the magic of GeoSea in Húsavík, where geothermal wonders meet the ocean’s embrace! Imagine soaking in warm, mineral-rich seawater, heated naturally by Iceland’s geothermal energy, all while perched on a cliff with panoramic views of Skjálfandi Bay and the Arctic Circle.
Vök
Discover the unique charm of Vök Baths, Iceland’s only floating geothermal pools on Lake Urriðavatn. Soak in warm waters while enjoying the pristine beauty of Icelandic nature.
3. Enjoy the autumn colours
Sure, you likely have beautiful autumn colours to enjoy back home, but have you ever seen moss-covered lava in its vibrant autumn colours? Or a waterfall surrounded by bushes in rich tones? Trust us, this is one gorgeous sight to be seen, and Iceland is the prime place to do it.
A few locations to add to your autumn trip to Iceland to make sure you get some amazing autumn colours are:
Hraunfossar Waterfall
In west Iceland, this unique waterfall spans across 900 meters, with numerous small falls cascading down lava rocks. During autumn, vibrant colours contrast beautifully with the blue glacier water.
Þingvellir National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Not only is this location one of the most popular in Iceland, it also is one of the most beautiful displays of autumn colours in Iceland. Walk between the tectonic plates while taking in the view of the changing colours of the trees and moss that surround this area.
Þórsmörk Valley
Nature’s Palette, nestled between glaciers, becomes a hiker’s paradise in autumn with vibrant colours. It‘s not recommended attempting to drive there yourselves, so we recommend booking a super jeep tour for the ultimate adventure you will not forget!
Ásbyrgi Canyon
This glacial canyon in North Iceland, known for its unique horseshoe shape and dense vegetation, is a top spot for autumn colours. The vibrant hues make it a must-visit for hikers exploring the area.
4. Go Berry picking
Berry picking in Iceland? Absolutely! Even on this lava rock-covered island, you can enjoy fresh berries, especially in early autumn. While hiking, look for crowberries and blueberries. Your friends might be surprised, but it’s a delicious addition to any adventure!
Crowberries are the most common, blue to black and less sweet than blueberries, but still tasty. Just give them a quick rinse as they grow organically and pesticide-free. Before leaving Iceland, try your freshly picked berries with skyr or in a traditional skyr cake.
5. Visit an Icelandic Farm
With the summer ending and winter quickly on its way farms all around Iceland will be gathering up their animals from their summer grazing areas and bringing them back to the farms for the winter. Visit one of these family-friendly farms. Or make the experience even more memorable and opt for a farm stay for some of your time in Iceland to truly get a feel for the daily life of an Icelandic farm.
Experience Horseback Riding
Icelandic horses are renowned for their unique gait, the tölt. In autumn, riding through the countryside on these small, sturdy horses offers an intimate way to experience Iceland’s landscapes, from lava fields to riverside trails. Find your horse-riding experience here.
Short horse riding tour in the Golden Circle with Riding Tours South Iceland
6. Go hiking
Hiking in Iceland offers breathtaking landscapes, from volcanic craters and lava fields to majestic waterfalls and glaciers. The diverse terrain provides trails for all levels. We have partnered with the Wapp Hiking App to sponsor hand-selected trails across the country, perfect for your Iceland itinerary. For those who love exploring on foot and connecting with nature, check out our hiking ring road trip,
Complete Iceland - Hiking & Trekking.
Just remember to read our articles about the things you should know before hiking in Iceland and top 10 things to pack for a hiking trip in Iceland.
To give you a few ideas of where to head off exploring here are a couple of different hikes we recommend doing in the autumn in Iceland:
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar’s highlands offer top-notch hiking in Iceland. September is the last month to visit before winter road closures, perfect for exploring its colourful rhyolite mountains and hot springs. Skip the rough drive and book your super jeep tour instead.
Reykjadalur Trail
Discover Reykjadalur near Hveragerði: a scenic 2-4 hour hike with hot springs for a perfect autumn escape. While summer can be busy, autumn provides a quieter, more enjoyable experience.
Glymur Trail
This trail leads to Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, Glymur, on a scenic 3-4 hour hike. Enjoy views of the fjord and valley, especially vibrant with autumn colours. The hike is accessible but includes a river crossing, adding a touch of adventure!
Skaftafell
An outdoor paradise, especially during the autumn. Hiking up to Svartifoss or to the glacier, is like stepping into a painter’s palette, where the golden hues of the leaves blend seamlessly with the icy blues of the glaciers.
7. Chase the Northern Lights
The nights start to get longer, and the Aurora Borealis begins to dance across the sky. Head out of Reykjavik or join a guided tour to catch this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.
The following tour options will add a little something extra to your northern light chasing experience, and with the not too chilly temperatures, you will be able to fully enjoy your time instead of worrying about those freezing fingers and toes!
Check out our blog, “How, Where, and When to See the Northern Lights in Iceland,” to ensure you’re all set to witness this spectacular phenomenon during your visit!
8. Explore Lava Caves
A fun activity for all in your group, heading off for a lava cave tour is a unique way to experience Iceland all while learning more about the geology of this volcanic island. This activity is a great option to have on your list in case there is a rainy autumn day, which we won’t lie is likely to happen in Iceland during this time of the year. Since you will be underground anyways it won’t matter what the weather is doing, you will still be having an enjoyable, and dry, adventure.
While the nature on the ground is in full autumn bloom you are going to be in for a treat when you see the vibrant colours of the cave. Deep reds and purples along with unique lava rock formations will be seen on your tour showing you a different (in)side of Iceland. With mild autumn temperatures, you won’t freeze underground. Just wear layers to stay comfortable.
Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel - Standard Lava Tunnel Tour
9. Visit a Museum
Icelandic museums are interactive and innovative, making them a fun and educational option. In Reykjavík, key attractions include the National Museum of Iceland, showcasing the nation’s history, and Perlan, highlighting nature’s importance. Unique spots like the Icelandic Phallological Museum and the Saga Museum offer quirky experiences. Outside the capital, the Skógar Museum explores rural life, while the Húsavík Whale Museum focuses on marine biology and whaling history. Whether you’re into art, history, or nature, Iceland’s museums have something for everyone.
10. Attend an Event
Reykjavík International Film Festival
Held in late September, spilling overt to October, this film festival showcases Icelandic and international cinema. It's a great way to dive into Icelandic culture and experience the vibrant arts scene in Reykjavik.
Imagine Peace Tower Lighting
The Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island in Reykjavík, Iceland, is a light installation created by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lennon. Illuminated from October 9th to December 8th and on special dates, it symbolizes a continuous campaign for world peace. The tower’s light, powered by geothermal energy, reflects Ono’s and Lennon’s enduring message of hope and unity. Join a tour to celebrate Yoko Ono and John Lennon’s enduring campaign for world peace.
Wondering what to wear for your autumn trip? No worries, we’ve got you covered! Check out our blog, “What to Wear on a Trip to Iceland.”
Let the travel experts at Hey Iceland help you craft the ultimate Iceland road trip itinerary. Reach out to us today and start planning your adventure!