The 15 Best Thing to Do in Iceland in July

1. Explore Reykjavík

Reykjavík is Iceland’s cool little capital, full of quirky charm. Take a walk down Laugavegur, the main shopping street, where you'll find all sorts of funky shops, cafés, and art galleries. And while you're at it, swing by Hallgrímskirkja Church for an awesome view from the tower. The Harpa Concert Hall is another spot you can’t miss—its design is super unique, and it’s right on the water.

In July, Reykjavík is buzzing with festivals. The Reykjavík Fringe Festival happens early in the month, bringing loads of experimental theater, music, and dance performances. If you're into live music, check out the KEXPort Festival for free outdoor concerts, where you can catch both local and international bands. July is just a great time to dive into Reykjavík’s laid-back but lively vibe.

2. Soak in Iceland’s Hot Springs

Iceland’s hot springs are something else. The Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous—it’s got these milky blue waters that are great for your skin. It’s a bit touristy, but it’s still worth the visit, especially when you're relaxing in the warm water surrounded by lava fields.

If you're looking for a more low-key vibe, the Secret Lagoon is perfect. It's Iceland’s oldest pool and has that rustic charm, with bubbling hot springs and a little geyser nearby. Up north, near Akureyri, there’s the Forest Lagoon, which is tucked into a birch forest with infinity pools overlooking the fjord. Whether you want something more touristy or laid-back, the hot springs are a perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring.

3. Golden Circle Tour

The Golden Circle is a classic Icelandic road trip. You can knock it out in a day, and it’s full of must-see spots. Start with Þingvellir National Park, where the tectonic plates meet (yeah, that’s as cool as it sounds), and you can walk through this dramatic rift valley. It’s also where Iceland’s first parliament met over a thousand years ago.

The next stop is the Geysir Geothermal Area. Strokkur, the active geyser, goes off every few minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air—definitely a fun photo op. Finish at Gullfoss, a massive waterfall that’s just breathtaking, especially when the sun catches the mist and makes rainbows.

4. Go Whale Watching

July is prime time for whale watching. You can hop on a tour from Reykjavík or from Húsavík in the north, which is known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital. You’ve got a good chance of seeing humpbacks, minke whales, and maybe even some dolphins. The whales come in close to shore in summer, so your odds are pretty high. Hands down, it’s one of the best things you can do here.

It’s not just about the whales either—the coastal views are beautiful, and you might spot puffins along the way. Some tours even use electric boats to keep things eco-friendly. Just make sure to bundle up, even in July. Sea breezes can be chilly, but seeing a whale breach right in front of you? Totally worth it.

5. Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of those places that feels straight out of a movie. Huge chunks of ice break off from the glacier and float through the lagoon, creating an almost surreal scene. Seals are often spotted swimming around the icebergs, adding to the magical feel.

If you want to get a closer look, hop on a boat tour that takes you right between the icebergs. After that, head to Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash up on the black sand, glittering in the sun like diamonds. It’s a sight you won't forget anytime soon.

6. Hike in Landmannalaugar

If you’re up for some serious adventure, Landmannalaugar in the highlands is where you want to go. The scenery is absolutely mind-blowing—think colorful mountains, lava fields, and natural hot springs. The area’s rhyolite mountains come in shades of red, green, and gold, making it feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.

There are hikes for everyone, from short walks to more challenging routes like the Laugavegur Trail, which is famous for its incredible views. After a day of hiking, you can chill in the natural hot spring by the campsite. It’s a great way to relax while taking in those incredible views. Keep in mind, though, that the roads up there can be a bit rough, so a 4x4 vehicle is your best bet for getting around.

7. Explore the South Coast

The South Coast is packed with iconic sights, and you can easily spend a day or two exploring. Start with Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can actually walk behind. It’s an amazing spot, but bring a rain jacket—you’ll definitely get a little wet! Not far from there is Skógafoss, another epic waterfall that’s totally worth the climb up the stairs for a panoramic view. Skogafoss is one of my favorite waterfalls, especially getting really close to it and feeling its power.

Further along, you’ll hit Reynisfjara, the famous black sand beach with towering basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising out of the ocean. The whole area is ruggedly beautiful, and if you visit Dyrhólaey, you might even spot puffins hanging out on the cliffs. The South Coast is just one of those must-do road trips when you're in Iceland.

8. Puffin Watching

July is the best time to catch a glimpse of puffins, Iceland’s cutest little birds. One of the top spots to see them is the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), where you’ll find one of the largest puffin colonies in the world. You can take a ferry over and spend the day exploring while watching these colorful-beaked birds waddle around.

Another great puffin-watching spot is Borgarfjörður Eystri in the East Fjords. They’ve got a special viewing platform there, so you can get a close look without disturbing the birds. Whether you’re on the cliffs at Látrabjarg in the Westfjords or exploring the coastline, puffin-watching is a must-do for any bird lover.

9. Snæfellsnes Peninsula Tour

If you don’t have time to explore all of Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula gives you a little bit of everything. It’s often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has all the key highlights in one place. You’ve got volcanic landscapes, glacier-capped mountains, black sand beaches, and cute fishing villages like Arnarstapi and Hellnar.

One of the most photographed spots in the country is Kirkjufell Mountain, and if you’re into photography, you’ll want to capture it with the nearby waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss. For something different, check out the Vatnshellir Lava Cave, where you can go underground and see how the landscape was shaped by volcanic activity. Snæfellsnes is perfect for a laid-back road trip with stunning sights at every turn.

10. Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing

Walking on a glacier is something you’ve got to experience if you’re in Iceland. Whether you're hiking on Sólheimajökull or Vatnajökull, you’ll get to see some wild landscapes—deep crevasses, blue ice, and maybe even an ice cave if the conditions are right. Don’t worry, you don’t need any special skills; the guides provide all the gear like crampons and ice axes. This is one of the coolest things I’ve done in my life.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can try ice climbing. It sounds intense, but with the help of experienced guides, you’ll be scaling ice walls in no time. It’s an amazing way to get up close and personal with Iceland’s glaciers and learn about how they’re constantly changing due to climate shifts.

11. Horseback Riding on Icelandic Horses

Exploring Iceland on horseback is something special, especially since Icelandic horses are a unique breed. They’re smaller, super friendly, and known for their smooth gait called the tölt, which makes for a really comfortable ride. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, tours cater to all levels.

You can ride through all kinds of landscapes, from lava fields to riversides, and along the way, your guide will share stories about these horses and their history. The tours range from a couple of hours to multi-day treks, so you can choose the experience that suits you best. It’s a fun way to see the countryside while connecting with Iceland’s Viking past.

12. Visit Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is massive and full of different landscapes shaped by both glaciers and volcanoes. Skaftafell is one of the most popular areas within the park, and it’s got some great hiking trails. The hike to Svartifoss, a waterfall framed by dark basalt columns, is a favorite. It’s a relatively easy hike, and the views are stunning.

If you want to get up close to a glacier, guided walks are available. You’ll learn about how the glaciers formed, and you’ll get to explore crevasses and ice formations up close. Vatnajökull National Park also includes some really unique geological features like the Grímsvötn volcano, so there’s a lot to take in if you’re a fan of nature and geology.

13. Experience the Midnight Sun

In July, you get to experience the Midnight Sun, which is basically 24 hours of daylight. It’s a bit surreal, but it gives you so much flexibility when it comes to planning your days. You can go for a late-night hike or sightseeing trip when the places are less crowded and bathed in that soft, golden light that photographers love.

Some of the best places to experience the Midnight Sun are spots like Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon or Þingvellir National Park. It’s also cool to see how the extended daylight affects the wildlife. The Midnight Sun makes everything feel a bit magical, giving you plenty of time to explore without worrying about running out of daylight.

14. Descend into a Dormant Volcano

If you’re looking for something truly unique, how about descending into a dormant volcano? Þríhnúkagígur Volcano is the only place in the world where you can go inside a volcano’s magma chamber. It’s a short hike to the site, and then you get lowered 120 meters (around 400 feet) into the chamber via an open lift.

Once inside, you’ll see the colorful walls created by mineral deposits, and it feels like being in a completely different world. The guides give you the lowdown on the volcano’s history and how it all works. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience, and since it’s only open from May to October, it’s worth booking in advance.

15. Go River Rafting

For a little adrenaline rush, why not try river rafting down a glacial river like the Hvítá River? It’s a great way to see Iceland’s natural beauty from a different angle while having a blast. The river has a mix of gentle rapids and more intense spots, so it’s perfect for beginners or those looking for a bit of excitement.

As you go down the river, you’ll pass through Brúarhlöð Canyon, which has stunning rock formations carved out by the glacier. Some tours even let you jump off cliffs into the river for an extra thrill. It’s a fun, adventurous way to experience Iceland’s outdoors, and the professional guides make sure you’re safe and having a good time.

Photo credit: Stig Nygaard (https://www.flickr.com/photos/stignygaard/)

Conclusion

Iceland in July is pretty much a dream for adventurers and nature lovers alike. With the Midnight Sun keeping the days long and the weather at its best, there's no shortage of things to do. Whether you're exploring Reykjavík's lively streets, hiking across glaciers, soaking in hot springs, or catching a glimpse of a puffin, there's always something around the corner to make your trip unforgettable.