Enchanted Icelandic Escapades: 8 Fall Getaways

A land filled with winding rivers, open valleys, lava fields, geothermally heated pools, roaring waterfalls, and gigantic glaciers, it has reached the top of many bucket lists for travelers seeking an Iceland vacation experience during the autumn months.

An excellent variety of activities are available for you to enjoy the many local and famous Iceland landmarks that dominate the landscapes and we are thrilled to share with you some of our favorites.

Enjoy your vacation in Iceland to the fullest

Ride an Icelandic horse

An Icelandic horse is celebrated due to its ability to master 5 different gaits

Experience the incredible tölt of the famous Icelandic horse amidst the breathtaking beauty of Icelandic nature. This breed has mastered an impressive 5 different gaits and has remained virtually unchanged since the Vikings introduced it to Iceland in the 9th century.

During your autumn vacation in Iceland, explore protected national parks, witness ever-changing glaciers, conquer friendly mountains, and relax in steaming geothermal springs while embracing the charm of traditional transportation methods.

Visit the otherwordly Lava scenery

Iceland has around 30 active volcanoes on its land

Explore Iceland's lava fields, surrounded by autumn hillsides and geothermal activity. Inside these fields, you'll find cave tunnels that offer a unique and otherworldly experience.

Visit the northern region for a real lava encounter, where you can feel the intense heat, hear the sizzling, smell the melting minerals, and see the colors transform. Keep an eye out for names with 'Hraun', which means lava in Icelandic, to find the perfect spot.

Explore Icelandic glaciers

Get up close and personal by kayaking through the breathtaking glacial lagoons

Iceland, known as the 'Land of Fire and Ice', is home to enormous glaciers that make up 11% of the country's landmass. These ever-changing glaciers create stunning ice caves, crevasses, and cracks. The largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull, covers 8,300 sq. km, equivalent to three times the size of Luxembourg.

With 269 named glaciers, Iceland offers activities like snowmobiling, ice climbing, visiting glacier lagoons, exploring ice caves, and witnessing volcanoes with glacier toppings.

Relax in a geothermally heated lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is known to soothe your aching muscles and relax your inner senses

Iceland offers ample opportunities to indulge in geothermal activity, whether you're swimming, enjoying the mineral-rich water, or simply admiring the scenery. You can find natural geothermal pools and hot springs during your hikes, volcano adventures, or even for a relaxing spa evening under the stars.

Iceland's thermal pools are open year-round, and autumn is the perfect time to visit due to the slight chill in the air and the beautiful colors. Don't miss the famous Blue Lagoon, located in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, surrounded by stunning moss-covered lava fields. It's a perfect day trip from Reykjavik.

Go whale watching in the Arctic

Experience the underwater world in their natural habitat from different locations in Iceland

Experience unique wildlife adventures along the coast of Iceland in Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hauganes, Olafsvik, or Húsavík - the Whale Watching Capital of Europe.

Sail in an eco-friendly boat to see minke whales, humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural habitat. Autumn is the best time to witness Icelandic wildlife before they migrate, and don't forget to look out for charming puffins nesting offshore.

Take a helicopter ride over glorious landscapes

Photo credit: Norðurflug Helicopter Tours 

Get a bird's-eye view of Iceland's magnificent landscapes, including glaciers, waterfalls, lagoons, hot springs, lakes, rivers, valleys, mountains, and volcanic scenery, with a stylish helicopter ride. Explore popular attractions, hidden gems, and experience the magic of this unique country from the air.

Visit one of the National Parks

Award-winning views in Vatnajökull National Park

Iceland's national parks, including Vatnajökull, Thingvellir, and Snæfellsjökull, offer pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Hike the Skaftafell glacier, visit the Dettifoss waterfall and Ásbyrgi Canyon, discover Kirkjufell Mountain and waterfall, and explore the historical region of Thingvellir. Everywhere you go in Iceland, there is beauty to be found.

Chase the Northern Lights

Kirkjufell Mountain is enriched with colours from the Northern Lights

Iceland offers some of the best opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. From August to April, especially during the autumn equinox in September, these dancing lights illuminate the Icelandic skies.

Whether you're cruising, snowmobiling, hiking, or simply relaxing, the Northern Lights will enhance your autumn vacation in Iceland. Don't forget to have your camera ready to capture this mesmerizing spectacle! 

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We hope you have enjoyed our top tips for exploring Iceland in the autumn. Why not sign up for our email newsletter for more inspirational adventures and mind-blowing experiences?

If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit our Iceland portfolio of tours and activities for more breathtaking inspiration.