11 Must-Do Iceland Excursions for the Modern Nomad
1. Whale Watching from Reykjavik
Perfect for: A quick, awe-inspiring escape from the city.
Setting sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, a whale watching tour is an easy and profound way to connect with nature. These 3-hour trips often spot minke, humpback, and even orca whales. For an extra thrill, book a tour on a fast-moving RIB boat to get closer to the action. Pro Tip: The sea can be choppy, so this might not be for everyone. Book your tour a few days before you plan to leave Iceland, allowing a buffer for rescheduling due to bad weather.
2. Explore Game of Thrones Locations
Perfect for: The self-driving explorer and pop culture fan.
For those who value ultimate freedom, renting a car and hunting down Game of Thrones filming locations is the perfect Icelandic road trip. You don't need to be a fan of the show to appreciate the spectacular scenery at spots like Myrdalsjokull Glacier, Dyrhólaey, and Thingvellir National Park. This is your chance to create your own adventure, exploring the dramatic landscapes where Arya and The Hound once walked.
3. Relax at the Blue Lagoon & Sky Lagoon
Perfect for: An essential wellness recharge.
No trip is complete without a dip in Iceland's geothermal waters. The Blue Lagoon is world-famous for a reason. Book your tickets and transfers from Reykjavik in advance to avoid long waits. For a more modern and convenient alternative, the Sky Lagoon is located just outside the city center. Its 7-step ritual spa is the perfect way to unwind after a long week of closing deals and managing your remote team.
4. Tour the Reykjanes Peninsula
Perfect for: A day of geological wonders.
Located near the airport, the Reykjanes Peninsula is a microcosm of Iceland's volcanic power. A guided tour is the most efficient way to see its highlights, including dramatic rocky coastlines, geothermal hot spots like Seltun, and the symbolic Bridge Between the Continents, where you can literally walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates—a fitting experience for any global citizen.
5. Hike to Glymur Waterfall
Perfect for: The active nomad seeking a challenge.
If hiking is your form of meditation, the trail to Glymur, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, is calling. A guided tour from Reykjavik makes the logistics easy, allowing you to focus on the stunning journey. The hike is rewarding, and many tours cap off the day with a relaxing soak in the Hvammsvík Hot Springs—the perfect remedy for tired muscles.
6. Drive the Golden Circle
Perfect for: The classic, can't-miss Iceland experience.
The Golden Circle is Iceland's most famous route, and it lives up to the hype. This is the most efficient way to see three of the country's biggest icons: the thunderous Gullfoss waterfall, the spouting geysers at Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park, a site of immense historical and geological significance. Due to its popularity, booking a tour or planning your self-drive stops in advance is essential.
7. Journey Along the South Coast
Perfect for: Epic landscapes and incredible photos.
The South Coast is a photographer's dream. To truly soak it in without the fatigue of a long drive, a guided full-day tour is the smart move. You'll witness the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and walk along the iconic black sand beaches of Reynisfjara. Let someone else handle the driving while you relax and enjoy the views.
8. Hunt for the Northern Lights
Perfect for: A truly magical, bucket-list moment.
Seeing the Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To maximize your chances, book a small-group tour departing from Reykjavik (outside of the summer months). The experts know the best spots away from city light pollution. While you can hunt for them yourself with a car, a tour provides invaluable guidance. Photography Tip: Practice your camera's manual settings for long-exposure shots before you go; capturing the lights can be tricky.
9. Discover the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Perfect for: Seeing "Iceland in Miniature."
Just a two-hour drive from the capital, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a stunning diversity of landscapes. From the iconic Kirkjufell mountain to the seal-spotting opportunities at Ytri-Tunga Beach, it's a packed day of exploration. Given the distance, a 12-hour guided tour is a fantastic, hassle-free option to see it all without worrying about logistics.
10. Witness Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls
Perfect for: Unique natural beauty off the main path.
In West Iceland, you'll find Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls cascading over black lava rock with incredibly bright blue water. It's a surreal and beautiful sight. A guided tour from Reykjavik often combines a visit here with other nearby attractions like the powerful Deildartunguhver hot spring and a tour of the Viðgelmir Lava Cave.
11. Escape to the Westmann Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
Perfect for: The perpetual traveler looking for an authentic escape.
For a taste of a more remote and rural Icelandic life, take a trip to the Westmann Islands off the south coast. A private tour from Reykjavik, including the ferry transfer, lets you explore Heimaey island and even visit the Beluga Whale Sanctuary. It's an ideal trip for the seasoned nomad looking to get off the beaten path and experience something truly unique.
