The 15 Best Things to do in Iceland in August

1. Þakgil Camping and Hiking

Þakgil, near Vík, is a quiet spot surrounded by cliffs and caves. It’s a great place to camp and hike, with trails for easy walks or harder climbs with great views. The weather in August is mild, and the long days give you plenty of time to explore.

It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Vík to Þakgil, but you’ll need a 4x4 because the road can get bumpy. The campsite is simple but nice, and there’s even a cave used as a dining area. Make sure to bring supplies since the closest shops are in Vík. Þakgil is a peaceful place to enjoy nature and camp out under the sky, and not many tourists know about it.

2. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the most popular places in Iceland. Big icebergs break off from Vatnajökull Glacier and float across the water. Some icebergs are bright blue, while others have black streaks from old eruptions. If you’re lucky, you might see seals swimming around the ice or arctic terns flying above.

Boat tours are available if you want to get closer to the ice. I really recommend this activity. You can take a slower amphibian boat or a faster Zodiac ride. Across the road is Diamond Beach, another must-visit spot, where chunks of ice wash up on the black sand.

You'll find Jökulsárlón in most listicles about Iceland, but believe me; it's for a reason.

3. Puffin Watching in the Westman Islands

August is the last chance to see puffins in Iceland before they leave for the season. The Westman Islands are among the best places to see them, as they are home to the biggest breading puffin colony in the world. The cliffs are full of puffin nests, and you can take a boat tour or hike around the island to get a good view. Their bright beaks and clumsy flying make them fun to watch.

The Westman Islands are also interesting because of their volcanoes. In 1973, an eruption on Heimaey, the biggest island, buried part of the town in lava. You can visit the Eldheimar Museum to learn about the eruption. Afterward, grab some seafood by the harbor and enjoy the quiet island atmosphere.

4. Landmannalaugar Hiking

Landmannalaugar, in Iceland’s highlands, is known for its colorful mountains. The mix of red, orange, green, and blue makes it a great place to hike. There are trails for all levels, from easy walks through lava fields to longer, tougher hikes like the Laugavegur trail. August is a good time to go since the weather’s nicer and the highlands are easier to get to.

After hiking, you can soak in the natural hot springs nearby. Some people camp there, but if camping isn’t your thing, you can take a day tour from Reykjavík. You’ll need a 4x4 to get there because the road can be rough. It’s a good idea to check road conditions before you head out.

5. Whale Watching in Húsavík

Húsavík is the best place in Iceland to see whales, and August is a great time for it. The town is known as the “whale-watching capital of Iceland,” so you’ll have a good chance of seeing these huge mammals. Humpback whales are the most common, but you might also spot minke whales, dolphins, or even blue whales. Tours usually last a few hours and leave from the harbor, where fishing boats and whale tours line up.

After the tour, stop by the Húsavík Whale Museum to learn more about the whales you saw. You can also grab fresh fish at one of the restaurants by the harbor or head to the GeoSea baths. The baths sit on a hill with views over the bay; it's the perfect place to relax after a busy day.

6. The Golden Circle Route

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route because it covers some of its most famous spots. Þingvellir National Park is the first stop, where you can walk between two tectonic plates. Afterward, you’ll head to Geysir to watch hot water shoot into the air at Strokkur. The last stop is Gullfoss, a big waterfall that crashes into a canyon.

If you want to mix things up, try snorkeling at Silfra in Þingvellir. The water is super clear, and you can see straight down for about 100 meters. Floating between two continents is a cool experience. The water is cold, but guides give you dry suits to keep warm, so you’ll be fine even if it’s your first time snorkeling.

7. Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

Just outside Reykjavík, near Hveragerði, is the trail to Reykjadalur, also known as “Steam Valley.” The hike is about 3 kilometers each way and takes you through open fields and areas with steaming hot spots. You know you're almost there when you start smelling sulfur.

At the end of the trail, there’s a warm river where you can sit and relax. It's literally a hot spring in a river, for free. You can choose the right temperature by following the wooden dividers you’ll see there. Bring a towel and swimsuit, but don’t expect much for changing—there are only a few simple wooden screens. What better way to enjoy nature than soaking in the warm water with hills around?

8. Glymur Waterfall Hike

Glymur is Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall, and the hike to reach it makes the view even better. The trail takes you over a river and through a small cave. Some parts can be slippery, so wear good hiking boots. As you climb, you’ll start to see the canyon below and hear the waterfall getting closer.

The view from the top makes the hike worth it. On sunny days, you might see a rainbow in the mist. Many people bring lunch to eat before heading back down. If you have extra time, drive around Hvalfjörður. The fjord has quiet roads and nice views, with places to stop and admire.

9. Venture into the Westfjords

The Westfjords are one of the quietest and most beautiful parts of Iceland. Driving here takes you along fjords with steep mountains rising from the water. One of the best places to visit is Dynjandi, a wide waterfall that spreads out as it falls. Nearby, Rauðasandur Beach is a red-sand beach perfect for watching the sunset.

There are small fishing villages like Ísafjörður, where you can visit museums or grab a coffee. There’s also Hellulaug, a small hot spring by the ocean. It’s very basic (and free), with just the water and the view around you. Since not many people visit the Westfjords, it’s a good place to relax and enjoy the quiet.

10. Explore Mývatn and Dimmuborgir

Mývatn in North Iceland is known for its unique landscapes and birdlife, especially in summer. The lake is surrounded by volcanic craters, small craters, and lava fields that make the area stand out. Dimmuborgir, or “Dark Castles,” is full of tall lava rocks you can walk through on easy trails.

After exploring, you can relax at the Mývatn Nature Baths. People call it the “Blue Lagoon of the North.” It's a good alternative to the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik, as it's also very beautiful but way less crowded.

11. Do Kayaking in Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður, in the Eastfjords, is a small town known for its colorful houses, waterfalls, and artsy vibe. Kayaking is one of the best ways to enjoy the fjord. Paddle through calm waters with mountains all around you, and after the summer rains, you’ll see small waterfalls flowing down the slopes. You might even spot seals or birds along the way.

After kayaking, take some time to walk around town. In August, there’s often local art or live music in the cafes. Don’t forget to check out Rainbow Street, which leads to the blue church. Close by, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and the local handicraft market. If you like hiking, there are good trails in the nearby hills.

12. Attend Þjóðhátíð Festival (Westman Islands)

If you’re in Iceland during the first weekend of August, head to the Westman Islands for Þjóðhátíð, one of Iceland’s biggest festivals. The four-day event is packed with music, bonfires, and fireworks. You can camp at the festival site or stay in a guesthouse on Heimaey, but it’s best to book early since places fill up fast.

Even if you’re not there for the festival, the Westman Islands are worth a visit. As we mentioned before, the islands are great for puffin watching. There are also plenty of nice spots to hike and explore, so there’s always something to do.

Photo taken by Drumstick21

13. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

If you're driving along Iceland’s South Coast, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are two waterfalls you shouldn’t miss. Seljalandsfoss is especially fun because you can walk behind it. You’ll probably get a little wet, but the view is worth it.

A short drive away is Skógafoss, which drops about 60 meters (200 feet). There’s a staircase next to it that takes you up to a lookout where you can take in the views of the coastline and surrounding hills. This is one of my favorites.

In August, the waterfalls are extra powerful because of melting glaciers and summer rain. If you have time, the Skógar Museum nearby is worth checking out for a closer look at Icelandic history and traditional turf houses.

14. Discover Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is huge and home to Europe’s biggest glacier. The park is packed with ice, volcanoes, and valleys to explore. One of the best hikes is the one leading to Svartifoss, a waterfall surrounded by cool, dark basalt columns. The trail takes you through the green Skaftafell area, one of the best parts of the park, and is an easy walk for families.

For something a little more adventurous, a guided glacier walk is a pretty cool activity. The guides give you the gear you need to walk on the ice safely and show you different ice formations along the way. They also explain how the glacier is constantly changing. August is a great time to do this since the weather is usually good, but it’s still important to dress warm and follow the guide’s instructions.

15. Reykjavik Pride

Reykjavik Pride brings tons of energy and color to the city every August. The big highlight is the parade, which winds through the streets with music, dancing, and lots of people celebrating. There are also concerts, art shows, and talks focused on diversity and acceptance. It’s a fun, welcoming event that draws people from all over the globe.

Even if you’re not there during Pride, Reykjavik is a great place to visit in August. The long days mean more time to check out places like the Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the city’s museums. You can grab some food at a local food hall or go whale watching from the Old Harbor.

Conclusion

Iceland in August is full of things to see and do, from peaceful spots like Þakgil to the fun and energy of Reykjavik Pride. The long days and mild weather make it a great time to check out waterfalls, hike volcanoes, paddle in fjords, and watch wildlife. There’s a lot to choose from, but that’s part of what makes it exciting. Wherever you go, you’ll find great views and friendly people.