Traveling to Iceland in the Summer can be both magical and tricky. On the one hand you may be rewarded with great weather and flourishing flora. On the other it is often hailed as the ‘busy time of year’ with hotel spaces sometimes being hard to come by if booking last minute. But if you plan in advance and aim to go a little off-the-beaten path you can enjoy Iceland’s raw nature while basking in the midnight sun away from the supposed crowds.
Many people already have a short list of why they want to go to Iceland but you will be amazed at what else you can find while exploring the untamed wilderness of this remote island. For every active volcano in the Katla Geopark there’s an Arctic fox hiding in the West Fjords. For every glacier at the Vatnajökull National Park there’s a newly hatched puffling along the sea cliffs at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. For every floating iceberg at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon there’s a playful seal swimming at the Diamond Beach.
Here is a short list of just some of the things you can experience in the Icelandic Summer:
1. The Atlantic puffin migration
Iceland is home to the biggest Atlantic puffin colony in the world with some nesting grounds sporting over 1 million puffins in the Summer. These beautiful little birds are often described as the clowns of the sea. Mainly due to their colorful beaks and propensity to spend the majority of their lives at sea. In fact the Atlantic puffin only ventures onto dry land when the mating season begins in late May. And even then, they will nest on the edges of sea-cliffs so they are never far from their fishing ground.
This makes these tiny birds difficult to get close to which adds to the wonder when you get a glimpse of one swooping past you at the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or nesting at Ingólfshöfði in the South East. The Atlantic puffin has remained in high numbers for the past few years but due to climate change, the mating season is becoming less and less successful. They have recently been designated as Vulnerable on the endangered species list. If puffins are the reason you want to visit Iceland then now is the time to come. If you are keen to get close without disturbing them during this delicate time of year then I recommend joining an organised tour with a seasoned guide who can pick the best spots.
2. The wild West fjords are worth the drive
In the winter, the West Fjords in the far north-west of the country becomes a very difficult place to navigate. Winding gravel roads around steep cliff edges are not conducive to a stress free adventure when you add wind, snow and ice to the mix. The same can be said of the highlands of Iceland for the majority of the year. But in Summer, the winds drop and dare I say it the weather becomes rather nice.
If remoteness is what you are after when traveling to Iceland then the West Fjords certainly covers this. After all it only has a population of 6000 people spread across a region almost as big as Belgium. Most tourists will not venture this far north on their first, or even second visit so the views are often unencumbered by cars or other tourists. Aside from the odd cruise ship docking at some of the larger ports, the West Fjords can seem like it’s all yours.
I recommend spending 4 or 5 days in this area, and preferably with a local guide who knows the best spots for pictures and relaxed walks. Some of the highlights of this part of the country include the Arctic Fox Sanctuary, the 400 metre cliffs at Látrabjarg where you are likely to encounter puffins up close and the thunderous 100 metre Dynjandi waterfall.
3. The volcanic Westman Islands erupt with life
The Westman Islands in the south coast of Iceland is home to the largest puffin colony in the country and boasts the highest average temperature in Iceland. It also hosts an active volcano that erupted in 1973, almost destroying the entire town and adding 20% of land to the island. It was only thanks to the courage of the locals that destruction was kept to a minimum.
The locals astutely directed sea water with high pressure hoses onto the lava flow to slow it down and ultimately made it change direction out towards the sea saving the town. Along the coast you will see multiple bird species and, if you are lucky, some playful seals and the odd whale. You can do an easy hike to the top of the still warm volcano, Eldfell, or join a 1 hour speedboat taking you around the island. Make sure to try the ‘catch of the day’ at the scrumptious local restaurants of GOTT or SLIPPURINN.
4. Mouth-watering local cuisine
Admittedly, incredible food can be sampled all year round in Iceland but there is certainly a seasonality to some of the foods. By mid-Summer, when hiking in the wilderness, you are likely to stumble on fresh growing crowberries, blueberries and strawberries to name a few of the naturally growing edible foods in the fields.
For more weather affected fruits and vegetables the Icelandic people rely on the heat of the volcano to power their greenhouses. This allows them to grow anything from cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes to grapes, oranges, bananas and even coffee beans. The peaceful farm of Friðheimar allows you to dine on the spoils of the 21 foot high tomato plants every day inside the greenhouse itself. But make sure you book in advance as this is a very popular spot and is ideally situated in the Golden Circle area.
5. Glacier hiking and ice climbing
The exciting thing about Iceland is that there are over 400 glaciers to choose from across the country. Around 11% of the land is covered in ice, giving you ample choice to step off the beaten path to try out something a little more adventurous, especially when you do an immersive private excursion. The glaciers are mainly created up in the mountains, often on top of volcanoes, which are a perfect place for ice to accumulate, ironically. As the ice pours down the side of the volcano towards sea level, much of the snow that covers the majority of the ice higher up melts away and gives rise to a frozen crisp wilderness which, in Summer, is an ideal hiking spot for longer trips.
Before you venture onto one of these moving ice mountains, you must travel with an experienced guide with all the safety equipment too. Be careful to check the reviews of the glacier companies and the maximum number of people per tour. As a general rule, a smaller group allows you to explore more of the ice. A private trip is even better as you may get to try a spot of ice climbing too.
Ryan Connolly is Co-Founder of Hidden Iceland. Hidden Iceland specialises in private trips, taking you to some of the hidden gems of Iceland with a passionate and experienced guide.If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
Ryan Connolly is the Marketing Manager and Co-Founder for Hidden Iceland. Hidden Iceland is a carbon neutral travel company that specialises in private or small group tours that take you across the whole of Iceland. Hunting for the Northern Lights, discovering ice caves, hiking on glaciers and walking to the tops of volcanoes are some of the more adventurous activities Hidden Iceland take part in. But many of their customers also enjoy relaxing in natural hot pools, enjoying local cuisine and chance encounters with the wildlife too. Ryan has guided in many different countries and is proud to have stepped foot on all seven continents in his pursuit of new terrain. He is a qualified Glacier Guide, Wilderness First Responder and permanent resident of Iceland.
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22 Comments
For 48 weeks a year I work in an open plan office, come the holidays I like to get as far away from people as I can. For me Iceland’s Wild West Fjords would provide a very attractive bout of remote isolation. My main aim for a vacation is to get away from people and if it is in a spectacular natural location then it is all the better.
I couldn’t agree more. The last time I was up in the West Fjords I stopped in the middle of road and just lay down. There wasn’t a soul for miles.
A lot of my friends like their trips to Iceland and the Scandinavian countries to be white-coated, dusted in snow and ice. Probably that’s a good idea for your first visit. Though in some ways you don’t get to see the beauty of the landscape if you only travel in Iceland’s long winter. It is such a brilliant country of a whole variety of different landscapes that it makes sense to visit in summer too, getting a different perspective on the country.
Exactly. It feels like a completely different world in the summer, compared to winter. Doing both is recommended.
I just don’t do cold weather so Iceland in winter is definitely out. Usually I always follow the sun for my holidays though I might make an exception for Iceland in summer. I’d love to see all the Puffins. I never know that it was such a great place for wildlife.
Absolutely. The diversity of birdlife alone is enough to come in the summer. But to add in the flora, arctic foxes, whales, reindeer and an uncountable amount of sheep and lambs really does make it a must see.
I like to think that I have a fairly extensive vocabulary but I had never heard of the word “Puffling” before. I went away and looked it up just to check that it was authentic. Well, going away means leaving the ALTB page and going onto Google.
I’ve got to say that a daily read of A Luxury Travel Blog contributes to my ongoing education. You are never too old to learn new tricks.
Yeah. The first time I heard the word ‘puffling’ I had to double check too. Fantastic name for the baby version of one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
Some of us just weren’t born to spend our holidays on a Caribbean, Mediterranean of I Indian Ocean beach. I just don’t turn an attractive shade of golden brown, quite simply I burn and frazzle. Nor am I very good at relaxing and doing nothing.
Iceland, in summer, for me would be a great destination, though my skin is so sensitive that I fear that I could even get sun burnt there. There is also plenty to keep me occupied. Looking for puffins or an arctic fox ix about as close as I am ever going to get to heading off on safari.
I suffer from the same affliction. I get burnt in Icelandic summers when hiking on glaciers. A little sun block tends to save the day most of the time though. The cool temperature and direct sunlight make hiking very pleasant.
I am very excited to try glacier hiking and ice climbing on my trip to Iceland. Hiking is one of my favorite outdoor activity because aside from having it as a workout, it also let you appreciate nature more than you should. However, I have not experienced glacier hiking before and I am really excited to do it for the first time. I just hope that I would be able to look for the perfect equipment for it and also the perfect guide that will accompany me throughout the experience. I cannot wait to visit Iceland soon and I will surely have a great stay there.
If you go with the right small group company they will provide you with all the necessary glacier hiking equipment. Crampons, helmet, harness and ice axe tend to come as standard but some companies even provide hiking boots and waterproofs.
Exploring the glaciers would be incredible. Not sure how you would choose where to start though, given as how there are more than 400 of them. It must be so freeing and refreshing to travel such an expanse, especially if it’s so quiet without crowds of other hikers, so it’s really just you, your guide and maybe a small group of friends. I think a speedboat trip would be a great alternative for adventure and action if you’re not up to the ice hiking.
Sadly most of the 400 glaciers are in hard to reach places so although there are plenty to see, getting one that’s easy to get onto is a bit more of a challenge. There are still lots though, and if you’re willing to venture just a little further then you can enjoy views away from the crowds easily.
I’ve always been open to extreme adventures and glacier hiking is really striking my interest. Though it seems that you’d need a different skill than just hiking up a mountain. And it looks sort of dangerous.
Perhaps glacier hiking is ideal for your extreme adventure tendencies. My personal company run our trips with the expectation that our guests have never been in this terrain before. You still need a moderate fitness level with full mobility but the qualified glacier guide you would have leading you around the ice makes it a much safer activity than if you tried yourself.
I hope you give it a go one day.
As a family we are getting tired of battling with the masses on a baking beach and getting splashed in a crowded hotel pool so we are all looking out for some ideas to break the mould for the summer of 2020 and to look further afield.
I really like the idea of Iceland in summer. We are quite an outdoorsy family so I think Iceland would offer plenty of adventure to keep us all happy.
Yeah, squeezing onto a crowded hot beach is not the idea of fun for me either. Our beaches are black sand and don’t tend to be baking.
We work with a lot of families and family travel consultants. Mixing safe adventure with education and great views seems to work really well in the family market for us.
Aww puffins are so adorable, hadn’t heard them being called ‘clowns of the sea’ before. I’ve only seen them once but I’d love to see them again, and hopefully get some better photos this time. It would be a two in one experience visiting the Westman Islands to see the landscape and the puffins! I’m not sure I have the stomach for anything too daring but I’d like to see glaciers and do some hiking, and I’ve never been to Iceland so I’ll keep it in mind for summer hols next year as I’ve no idea what to do for them yet.
Sounds like a great idea Maggie. There’s lots of ways to see Pufflins and their baby Pufflings without disturbing them in the summer, so make sure to do some research before you come for sure. A glacier hike and seeing the clowns of the sea in one trip is as unforgettable as you can get.
You do a really excellent job writing about the intricacies of Iceland. If you ever wrote a book about the country, I’d love to read it! Each post helps me to learn more about Iceland’s magical beauty and makes me want to visit.
This makes these tiny birds difficult to get close to which adds to the wonder when you get a glimpse of one swooping past you at the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or nesting at Ingólfshöfði in the South East. The Atlantic puffin has remained in high numbers for the past few years but due to climate change, the mating season is becoming less and less successful. They have recently been designated as Vulnerable on the endangered species list. If puffins are the reason you want to visit Iceland then now is the time to come. If you are keen to get close without disturbing them during this delicate time of year then I recommend joining an organised tour with a seasoned guide who can pick the best spots.
2. The wild West fjords are worth the drive
In the winter, the West Fjords in the far north-west of the country becomes a very difficult place to navigate. Winding gravel roads around steep cliff edges are not conducive to a stress free adventure when you add wind, snow and ice to the mix. The same can be said of the highlands of Iceland for the majority of the year. But in Summer, the winds drop and dare I say it the weather becomes rather nice.
This makes these tiny birds difficult to get close to which adds to the wonder when you get a glimpse of one swooping past you at the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or nesting at Ingólfshöfði in the South East. The Atlantic puffin has remained in high numbers for the past few years but due to climate change, the mating season is becoming less and less successful. They have recently been designated as Vulnerable on the endangered species list. If puffins are the reason you want to visit Iceland then now is the time to come. If you are keen to get close without disturbing them during this delicate time of year then I recommend joining an organised tour with a seasoned guide who can pick the best spots.
2. The wild West fjords are worth the drive
In the winter, the West Fjords in the far north-west of the country becomes a very difficult place to navigate. Winding gravel roads around steep cliff edges are not conducive to a stress free adventure when you add wind, snow and ice to the mix. The same can be said of the highlands of Iceland for the majority of the year. But in Summer, the winds drop and dare I say it the weather becomes rather nice.
If remoteness is what you are after when traveling to Iceland then the West Fjords certainly covers this. After all it only has a population of 6000 people spread across a region almost as big as Belgium. Most tourists will not venture this far north on their first, or even second visit so the views are often unencumbered by cars or other tourists. Aside from the odd cruise ship docking at some of the larger ports, the West Fjords can seem like it’s all yours.
I recommend spending 4 or 5 days in this area, and preferably with a local guide who knows the best spots for pictures and relaxed walks. Some of the highlights of this part of the country include the Arctic Fox Sanctuary, the 400 metre cliffs at Látrabjarg where you are likely to encounter puffins up close and the thunderous 100 metre Dynjandi waterfall.
3. The volcanic Westman Islands erupt with life
The Westman Islands in the south coast of Iceland is home to the largest puffin colony in the country and boasts the highest average temperature in Iceland. It also hosts an active volcano that erupted in 1973, almost destroying the entire town and adding 20% of land to the island. It was only thanks to the courage of the locals that destruction was kept to a minimum.
The locals astutely directed sea water with high pressure hoses onto the lava flow to slow it down and ultimately made it change direction out towards the sea saving the town. Along the coast you will see multiple bird species and, if you are lucky, some playful seals and the odd whale. You can do an easy hike to the top of the still warm volcano, Eldfell, or join a 1 hour speedboat taking you around the island. Make sure to try the ‘catch of the day’ at the scrumptious local restaurants of GOTT or SLIPPURINN.
4. Mouth-watering local cuisine
Admittedly, incredible food can be sampled all year round in Iceland but there is certainly a seasonality to some of the foods. By mid-Summer, when hiking in the wilderness, you are likely to stumble on fresh growing crowberries, blueberries and strawberries to name a few of the naturally growing edible foods in the fields.
For more weather affected fruits and vegetables the Icelandic people rely on the heat of the volcano to power their greenhouses. This allows them to grow anything from cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes to grapes, oranges, bananas and even coffee beans. The peaceful farm of Friðheimar allows you to dine on the spoils of the 21 foot high tomato plants every day inside the greenhouse itself. But make sure you book in advance as this is a very popular spot and is ideally situated in the Golden Circle area.
5. Glacier hiking and ice climbing
The exciting thing about Iceland is that there are over 400 glaciers to choose from across the country. Around 11% of the land is covered in ice, giving you ample choice to step off the beaten path to try out something a little more adventurous, especially when you do an immersive private excursion. The glaciers are mainly created up in the mountains, often on top of volcanoes, which are a perfect place for ice to accumulate, ironically. As the ice pours down the side of the volcano towards sea level, much of the snow that covers the majority of the ice higher up melts away and gives rise to a frozen crisp wilderness which, in Summer, is an ideal hiking spot for longer trips.
Before you venture onto one of these moving ice mountains, you must travel with an experienced guide with all the safety equipment too. Be careful to check the reviews of the glacier companies and the maximum number of people per tour. As a general rule, a smaller group allows you to explore more of the ice. A private trip is even better as you may get to try a spot of ice climbing too.
Ryan Connolly is Co-Founder of Hidden Iceland. Hidden Iceland specialises in private trips, taking you to some of the hidden gems of Iceland with a passionate and experienced guide.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
For 48 weeks a year I work in an open plan office, come the holidays I like to get as far away from people as I can. For me Iceland’s Wild West Fjords would provide a very attractive bout of remote isolation. My main aim for a vacation is to get away from people and if it is in a spectacular natural location then it is all the better.
I couldn’t agree more. The last time I was up in the West Fjords I stopped in the middle of road and just lay down. There wasn’t a soul for miles.
A lot of my friends like their trips to Iceland and the Scandinavian countries to be white-coated, dusted in snow and ice. Probably that’s a good idea for your first visit. Though in some ways you don’t get to see the beauty of the landscape if you only travel in Iceland’s long winter. It is such a brilliant country of a whole variety of different landscapes that it makes sense to visit in summer too, getting a different perspective on the country.
Exactly. It feels like a completely different world in the summer, compared to winter. Doing both is recommended.
I just don’t do cold weather so Iceland in winter is definitely out. Usually I always follow the sun for my holidays though I might make an exception for Iceland in summer. I’d love to see all the Puffins. I never know that it was such a great place for wildlife.
Absolutely. The diversity of birdlife alone is enough to come in the summer. But to add in the flora, arctic foxes, whales, reindeer and an uncountable amount of sheep and lambs really does make it a must see.
I like to think that I have a fairly extensive vocabulary but I had never heard of the word “Puffling” before. I went away and looked it up just to check that it was authentic. Well, going away means leaving the ALTB page and going onto Google.
I’ve got to say that a daily read of A Luxury Travel Blog contributes to my ongoing education. You are never too old to learn new tricks.
Yeah. The first time I heard the word ‘puffling’ I had to double check too. Fantastic name for the baby version of one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
Some of us just weren’t born to spend our holidays on a Caribbean, Mediterranean of I Indian Ocean beach. I just don’t turn an attractive shade of golden brown, quite simply I burn and frazzle. Nor am I very good at relaxing and doing nothing.
Iceland, in summer, for me would be a great destination, though my skin is so sensitive that I fear that I could even get sun burnt there. There is also plenty to keep me occupied. Looking for puffins or an arctic fox ix about as close as I am ever going to get to heading off on safari.
I suffer from the same affliction. I get burnt in Icelandic summers when hiking on glaciers. A little sun block tends to save the day most of the time though. The cool temperature and direct sunlight make hiking very pleasant.
I am very excited to try glacier hiking and ice climbing on my trip to Iceland. Hiking is one of my favorite outdoor activity because aside from having it as a workout, it also let you appreciate nature more than you should. However, I have not experienced glacier hiking before and I am really excited to do it for the first time. I just hope that I would be able to look for the perfect equipment for it and also the perfect guide that will accompany me throughout the experience. I cannot wait to visit Iceland soon and I will surely have a great stay there.
If you go with the right small group company they will provide you with all the necessary glacier hiking equipment. Crampons, helmet, harness and ice axe tend to come as standard but some companies even provide hiking boots and waterproofs.
Exploring the glaciers would be incredible. Not sure how you would choose where to start though, given as how there are more than 400 of them. It must be so freeing and refreshing to travel such an expanse, especially if it’s so quiet without crowds of other hikers, so it’s really just you, your guide and maybe a small group of friends. I think a speedboat trip would be a great alternative for adventure and action if you’re not up to the ice hiking.
Sadly most of the 400 glaciers are in hard to reach places so although there are plenty to see, getting one that’s easy to get onto is a bit more of a challenge. There are still lots though, and if you’re willing to venture just a little further then you can enjoy views away from the crowds easily.
I’ve always been open to extreme adventures and glacier hiking is really striking my interest. Though it seems that you’d need a different skill than just hiking up a mountain. And it looks sort of dangerous.
Perhaps glacier hiking is ideal for your extreme adventure tendencies. My personal company run our trips with the expectation that our guests have never been in this terrain before. You still need a moderate fitness level with full mobility but the qualified glacier guide you would have leading you around the ice makes it a much safer activity than if you tried yourself.
I hope you give it a go one day.
As a family we are getting tired of battling with the masses on a baking beach and getting splashed in a crowded hotel pool so we are all looking out for some ideas to break the mould for the summer of 2020 and to look further afield.
I really like the idea of Iceland in summer. We are quite an outdoorsy family so I think Iceland would offer plenty of adventure to keep us all happy.
Yeah, squeezing onto a crowded hot beach is not the idea of fun for me either. Our beaches are black sand and don’t tend to be baking.
We work with a lot of families and family travel consultants. Mixing safe adventure with education and great views seems to work really well in the family market for us.
Aww puffins are so adorable, hadn’t heard them being called ‘clowns of the sea’ before. I’ve only seen them once but I’d love to see them again, and hopefully get some better photos this time. It would be a two in one experience visiting the Westman Islands to see the landscape and the puffins! I’m not sure I have the stomach for anything too daring but I’d like to see glaciers and do some hiking, and I’ve never been to Iceland so I’ll keep it in mind for summer hols next year as I’ve no idea what to do for them yet.
Sounds like a great idea Maggie. There’s lots of ways to see Pufflins and their baby Pufflings without disturbing them in the summer, so make sure to do some research before you come for sure. A glacier hike and seeing the clowns of the sea in one trip is as unforgettable as you can get.
You do a really excellent job writing about the intricacies of Iceland. If you ever wrote a book about the country, I’d love to read it! Each post helps me to learn more about Iceland’s magical beauty and makes me want to visit.
Thank you again for such kind words. The amount I write about Iceland I do sometimes ponder the idea of putting it into book form.