Iceland in Summertime: Your Guide to Midnight Sun Adventures, Highland Hikes, and Unforgettable Experiences
Dreaming of a trip to Iceland and wondering if summertime is the right time to go? The answer is a resounding YES! The ultimate winter wonderland, astounding everyone with the unforgettable aurora borealis, is well worth visiting any time of the year. Trust us, Iceland in the summer offers a truly magical experience.
With its long daylight hours, vibrant landscapes, and a wealth of outdoor activities, the Land of Fire and Ice comes alive between June and September. Forget the myth that Iceland is only a winter destination for aurora chasing; summer unlocks a whole new world of adventure! From exploring thundering waterfalls to hiking under the midnight sun, summertime in Iceland offers an unforgettable experience. Are you ready to plan your epic summer escape?
Why Summertime is a Magical Time to Visit Iceland:
- The Midnight Sun: Experience the surreal sensation of hiking or exploring under a sky that never truly gets dark! Imagine hiking under a sky that never truly gets dark. Iceland’s midnight sun, a phenomenon where the sun barely dips below the horizon, allows for extended daylight hours, perfect for maximizing your adventures and creating unforgettable memories under the ethereal light.
- Highland Accessibility: Summertime marks the peak of accessibility for the Icelandic Highlands, a region of rugged beauty that’s off-limits for most of the year. Many roads and highland areas, including the famous Þórsmörk (Thorsmork), become accessible only during the summer months. This opens up a world of hiking, off-road adventures, and exploration of Iceland’s rugged interior – best experienced aboard our fearless Icelandic Roamers fleet!
- Pleasant(ish) Weather: While Icelandic weather is always unpredictable, summertime generally offers milder temperatures and less rainfall compared to other seasons.
- Wildlife Encounters: It’s puffin season! Those adorable seabirds nest along the coast during the summer, offering incredible photo opportunities. Plus, you’ll have ample opportunities to spot whales, seals, and many other of Iceland’s iconic animals. Whale watching tours are at their best, with opportunities to spot humpback whales, minke whales, and even orcas.
- Blooming Landscapes: Black, white, and gray, occasionally spiced up with all shades of bluish green… Iceland shows its true colors to those who visit it in the summer. Lush green meadows replace snow-covered fields, wildflowers bloom across the hillsides, and waterfalls cascade with renewed vigor. Plus, the vibrant purple lupine fields add a unique splash of color to the scenery. The Icelandic landscape transforming in that time provides a view that simply has to be witnessed at least once in a lifetime!
Unmissable Activities in Iceland in Summertime:
- Chase Waterfalls: Visit iconic waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and enjoy chasing your picture-perfect moments. The long days give you ample time to explore and admire the endless cascades of water for hours. Make sure to have the camera ready!
- Camp Under the Midnight Sun: With milder temperatures, summer is the perfect time for camping. Whether you prefer a tent or a campervan, experiencing Iceland’s nature up close is an incredible experience. Remember to camp responsibly and only camp in designated areas or with landowner permission.
- Road Trip the Ring Road: Embark on an epic road trip around Iceland’s Route 1, which circles the entire island and is the perfect way to experience Iceland’s diverse landscapes – gorgeous waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, and volcanoes.
- Explore Geothermal Areas: Relax and rejuvenate in Iceland’s geothermal pools. While the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are popular choices, consider exploring some of the more “wild” hot springs (always check for safety and water quality before entering).
- Go Whale Watching: Head to Husavik or Reykjavik for a whale watching tour. Seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience.
- Puffin Watching: Visit Dyrhólaey or the Westman Islands to observe puffins in their nesting colonies.
- Explore Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) Valley: This stunning nature reserve, nestled between glaciers, opens up in the summer. With popular trails like the one leading to Valahnúkur peak, this hiker’s paradise offers unique landscapes and incredible views, plus is a treat for mythology lovers.
Discover its beauty with our guided Þórsmörk Tour. We’ll handle the challenging river crossings and ensure you experience the best Valley of Thor has to offer: lush green valleys, glacial rivers, hiking trails for all levels, and panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers (Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull).
- Hike in the Highlands: This is the time to explore the Icelandic Highlands! The true heart of Iceland, a vast and untamed wilderness, is only accessible during the summer months (roughly June to September). If you’re craving an adventure unlike any other, a journey into the Highlands is a must!
Check our Parter Tours page to find the best tours and excursions in Iceland that we can recommend wholeheartedly – the list includes only trusted companies we know and vouch for.
Delving Deeper: Discovering the Icelandic Highlands
One of the most incredible destinations within the Highlands is Landmannalaugar, a geothermal oasis surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains. Here’s how you can make the most of your Landmannalaugar adventure:
- DIY Hiking: If you’re an experienced hiker with a 4×4 vehicle, you can explore Landmannalaugar on your own (be sure to check road conditions and river crossings). Note: This requires significant planning and experience!
- Guided Tour: For a truly unforgettable and personalized experience, consider a guided tour, such as the Landmannalaugar & Secret Gems Private Tour with Icelandic Roamers.
Our off-roaders are ready to traverse the bumpiest paths, which will take you to the very heart of the Land of Fire and Ice! Get ready for an exciting day packed with adventures and crowned with a special photoshoot on the stunning vehicle’s rooftop to capture your best moments. We will show you the side of Iceland that differs from common preconceived notions and make sure you explore the rugged area in the safest way possible.
Just imagine your dream itinerary packed with unique places, like:
- Hjálparfoss waterfall
- Háifoss waterfall
- Sigöldufoss waterfall
- Bláhylur and Ljótipollur lakes
- Landmannalaguar a.k.a ‘People’s Pools’
… and not only! With Icelandic Roamers, you’ll not only reach Landmannalaugar in comfort and safety but also discover hidden gems, enjoy personalized attention, and capture stunning photos along the way. We handle the challenging river crossings and ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
Planning Your Summertime Trip to Iceland: Essential Tips:
- Book in Advance: Summertime is peak season (especially July & August), so book flights, accommodation, and tours ASAP.
- Pack for All Weather: Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Layers are a must! Be prepared for sunshine, rain, and wind. For a checklist, read our dedicated blog post on essential things to pack for Iceland.
- Embrace the Midnight Sun: Pack a sleep mask if you’re sensitive to light.
- Respect the Environment: Leave no trace behind and stay on marked trails. Iceland’s natural beauty is precious!
Conclusion: Your Icelandic Summer Awaits!
Iceland in summertime is Your Ultimate Adventure waiting to happen. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking in the Highlands, or soaking in geothermal pools, this island offers something for everyone. So, ditch the everyday and embrace the magic of an Icelandic summer! Choose Icelandic Roamers as companions and rest assured you won’t miss a thing.