The 15 Best Things to Do in Iceland in May

1. Kerlingarfjöll

Kerlingarfjöll is a volcanic mountain range in Iceland’s central highlands, sitting between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. In May, the melting snow starts to reveal the area’s colorful rhyolite mountains and steaming geothermal spots. Most people reach Kerlingarfjöll using the Kjölur (F35) highland road, which usually opens in June. If the weather’s good, you might be able to get there in late May with a 4x4 vehicle.

The Hveradalir Geothermal Area is the main attraction here. It’s full of steaming vents, bubbling mud, and colorful hot springs with a unique look. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, from short, easy loops near Hveradalir to longer hikes up peaks like Snækollur. The Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll is a great place to stay, with cabins, campsites, a restaurant, and even geothermal baths. Summer is the best time to visit, but some people do come in winter—just make sure you have the right gear or go with a guide because the conditions can be really tough.

2. Photograph Lupines in Bloom

From late May, purple lupines bloom all over Iceland. Originally planted to prevent soil erosion, they now cover fields, roadsides, and hillsides in thick patches of color. Some of the best places to see them are near Reykjavík, along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and around Lake Mývatn.

For the best photos, go out early in the morning or late in the evening when the light is softer, and the colors stand out more. To get simple but beautiful pictures, try framing the lupines with mountains, natural wonders, or a little Icelandic church. Don’t forget to dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. If you’re lucky, you might catch a soft, golden light that makes the flowers look even more amazing.

3. Drive the Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, about two hours from Reykjavík, is often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has so many different types of landscapes in one area. The peninsula is home to Snæfellsjökull National Park, one of the three national parks in the country, a glacier-covered Snæfellsjökull volcano. There’s also Kirkjufell Mountain near Grundarfjörður, which is one of the most photographed spots in Iceland. There are black and white sand beaches, too, like Djúpalónssandur and Ytri Tunga.

May is a good time to visit because it’s quieter. You can stop by small villages like Arnarstapi and Hellnar to see sea cliffs and unique basalt rock formations. Lóndrangar’s volcanic towers are a great stop for bird-watching. There are things to do and see everywhere you go.

4. Visit Gjáin

Gjáin is a quiet little valley in South Iceland’s Þjórsárdalur region, known for its small waterfalls, lava rock formations, and bright green plants. The river Rauðá runs through it, and May is a great time to visit because the melting snow makes the waterfalls bigger and even more beautiful. You can get to Gjáin by hiking from the Viking-era farm at Stöng or driving to the other side if you have a 4x4.

There are short trails around Gjáin where you can walk past lava rocks and little caves. It even appeared in “Game of Thrones,” which made it more popular. If you visit, stick to the marked paths to help protect this delicate area. Late spring is a perfect time to enjoy the valley’s green colors without the bigger summer crowds.

5. Relax in the Blue Lagoon

Located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport, the Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous hot spring. Its pale blue, mineral-rich water comes from a nearby geothermal power plant, and some people say it’s great for your skin. May is a quieter time to go, although don’t expect it to be empty.

The lagoon has extras like silica face masks, saunas, steam rooms, and even a mini waterfall. There’s also a restaurant if you want to grab a bite after relaxing in the water. It’s open all year, but it’s best to book ahead to make sure you get in. And don’t forget to bring warm clothes when you’re done—the spring weather can still be pretty chilly. Prices start at $72, but there are more expensive packages.

6. Stuðlagil Canyon

Stuðlagil Canyon in East Iceland became a popular spot after a hydropower project lowered the Jökla River, uncovering huge basalt columns along the canyon walls. You can view it from the west side, where there’s a staircase to a platform, or from the east side, which involves a longer hike down to the river.

In May, melting snow can make the roads rough, so a 4x4 is a good idea. As the snow melts and runoff slows, the river turns a bright blue, though the exact color can change. If you go to the east side, be ready for a bumpy trail and a steep climb down to the water. Good shoes are a must, and stay careful near the river—it has strong currents you’ll want to avoid.

7. Watch Puffins Nesting

Atlantic puffins return to Iceland between May and early September to nest, so spring is a great time to see them. The best places to watch puffins are the Westman Islands, Látrabjarg in the Westfjords, and Dyrhólaey on the South Coast. These spots usually have areas where you can see puffins bringing fish back to their chicks.

Puffins are easy to recognize with their bright beaks and playful behavior, but it’s important to keep your distance and avoid disturbing their nests. Early morning or late evening is usually the best time to see them. If you’re patient and stay quiet, you can often take great photos of them walking around or landing on the cliffs.

8. Tour the South Coast

Iceland’s South Coast is home to stunning spots like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara’s black sand beach. In May, the weather is warmer, so it’s easier to walk behind Seljalandsfoss without worrying about icy paths, and Skógafoss is surrounded by more greenery. The basalt columns and powerful waves make Reynisfjara Beach an unforgettable place, but stay away from the water since the waves can be dangerous.

You can also visit Dyrhólaey for amazing coastal views and maybe spot some puffins. In the nearby village of Vík, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and a small hilltop church. If you head farther east, Sólheimajökull glacier offers hiking and ice-climbing tours, and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is a beautiful detour. You can do a lot on a day trip, but I’d recommend overnight along the way instead of coming back to Reykjavik. That way, you’ll be able to see more spots without rushing.

9. Explore Þórsmörk Valley

Þórsmörk, or the “Valley of Thor,” is located between three glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull. In May, snow starts melting on the lower trails, but crossing rivers can still be tricky. Most people visit Þórsmörk with a 4x4 or join a super-jeep tour because the road has unbridged rivers and rough terrain.

Hiking is the main reason people come here, as it’s one of the best hiking places in the country. You can do shorter hikes like Valahnúkur, which has great views or take on famous trails like Fimmvörðuháls to Skógar or the Laugavegur trail to Landmannalaugar. Staying overnight in huts or campsites makes the plan even better, as you literally go to sleep and wake up in the heart of nature. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so check forecasts and road conditions before heading out.

10. Relax at Hvammsvík Hot Springs

Hvammsvík Hot Springs is located in Hvalfjörður, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. It has eight pools that blend geothermal water with the sea, creating a unique bathing experience. Because of the changing tides, water temperatures can shift, making each soak unique.

This spot is open all year and has an outdoor sauna, changing areas, and a bar that serves local drinks. You might see seals or seabirds while you relax in the pools. There’s also a cold-sea option if you want a brisk dip before warming up again. Prices vary depending on your ticket type, and they have cottages if you decide to stay longer.

11. Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is on Iceland’s southeast coast, near Vatnajökull National Park. It was formed when the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier retreated, leaving behind a deep lagoon full of floating icebergs. In May, the longer daylight makes the ice glow, and you can often see bright blue shades in the ice chunks.

Just a short walk from the lagoon is Diamond Beach, where pieces of ice from the lagoon end up on the black sand, creating a striking contrast. Spring is a great time to take a boat tour to see the icebergs and, hopefully, seals up close. It’s about a 4.5- to 5-hour drive from Reykjavík, so most people make it a stop on their Ring Road itinerary if they are heading further east or one of the last stops of their South Coast road trip if they’re going back to Reykjavik afterward.

12. Walk around Hraunfossar

Hraunfossar, or “Lava Falls,” is in West Iceland. Water flows through volcanic rock into the Hvítá River, extending the waterfall about 900 meters. The waterfall creates many small streams, which look especially nice in May, when there is extra meltwater. Nearby is Barnafoss, a rapid with a local legend about children who fell into the river.

The drive from Reykjavík takes 1.5 to 2 hours. There are viewing platforms that let you see both waterfalls from great angles. While you’re in the area, you can also check out other nearby spots like the Víðgelmir lava cave or Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Hraunfossar is part of a protected nature reserve, so make sure to stay on the marked paths.

13. Explore the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometer loop starting from Reykjavík that takes you to three main sites: Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. These three spots are all on the list of the most visited places in Iceland in 2024, so visiting in May is a good idea to avoid bigger crowds. Þingvellir is where Iceland’s parliament was founded in 930 AD, and you can also walk through the Almannagjá Canyon, which marks the divide between two continents. After a short walk from the parking lot, you’ll see Öxarárfoss, a cool waterfall.

Next is Geysir, where you’ll see Strokkur shooting water into the air every 5–10 minutes. The original Geysir is mostly dormant now but still worth a visit. Finally, there’s Gullfoss (“Golden Falls”), which crashes into a canyon in two steps, making it one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Nearby, you can visit Kerið Crater, Faxi Waterfall, or relax at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir. This is one of the best road trip routes in the country, but you can also join a tour if you don’t want to drive.

14. Hike to Glymur Waterfall

Glymur Waterfall is Iceland’s second-tallest, dropping 198 meters (648 feet). It’s located in Hvalfjörður, about a 1.15-hour drive from Reykjavík. The hike takes around 3–3.5 hours round trip and includes crossing a river on a log bridge (in summer) and walking through a short cave.

In May, the snowmelt can make the paths wet, so be ready for some muddy spots. The steep canyon surrounding the waterfall is covered in moss, and the views along the way are definitely worth the climb. There’s also a longer loop trail with a second river crossing, but many people stick to the shorter out-and-back route. Waterproof hiking boots are a must, and it’s a good idea to check the weather before you go since conditions can change fast.

15. Go Whale Watching in Húsavík

Saving the best for last. Húsavík is often called Iceland’s “Whale Capital.” It’s on Skjálfandi Bay in North Iceland, where you can spot humpback whales, minke whales, and sometimes even blue whales. The whale-watching season runs from April to October, with the best chances of sightings in June, July, and August. However, May is a great time to try luck, too. I’ve only done this once, and it was in May. We saw 4-5 whales up close. It was, hands down, one of the best experiences of my life.

Tour companies like North Sailing and Gentle Giants offer trips on traditional oak boats or faster RIB boats. They’ll give you warm clothes and safety gear, but it’s still a good idea to bring extra layers because it gets chilly out on the bay. After your tour, you can visit the Húsavík Whale Museum to learn about whale biology and conservation. Seeing whales breach or slap their tails is often the highlight of these trips. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Conclusion

Iceland in May is a time of change, with nature returning to life and the landscapes shifting into spring. The season is quieter, making it easier to enjoy everything the country offers. Whether you’re looking for adventure or want to enjoy the views, May is a great time to explore Iceland.