Know Before You Go: Iceland Tours

The best place to go in Iceland depends on how you want to experience the country. Though roughly the size of Kentucky, Iceland’s regions are remarkably distinct, shaped by volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal energy and wildlife-rich coastlines.

If you prefer to explore one area deeply, several regions stand out:

• Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” combining lava fields, glaciers and coastal landscapes in a compact area.

• Westfjords Borgarfjorour Eystri – Remote and uncrowded, known for towering sea cliffs and abundant birdlife.

• Central Highlands – A rugged interior of volcanic deserts and geothermal valleys, accessible in summer.

• Southern Iceland & Vatnajokull – Waterfalls, black sand beaches and glacier views make this a classic introduction to Iceland’s dramatic scenery.

• Thingvellir National Park & the Golden Circle – Walk between tectonic plates and visit the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament.

• Reykjanes Peninsula & Seltun – Active volcanic landscapes, steaming vents and colorful geothermal fields along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

• Laki Craters & Skaftareldar – A remote chain of volcanic fissures from the powerful 1783 eruption.

• Eldgja Chasm & Ofærufoss – Iceland’s largest volcanic canyon, home to a dramatic hidden waterfall in the highlands.

For travelers who want to see the full spectrum of Iceland’s landscapes, a circumnavigation along the Ring Road connects many of the country’s most iconic regions in a single journey. This approach reveals how Iceland’s geological forces shape the island from coast to interior.

Natural Habitat Adventures offers both immersive regional explorations and comprehensive journeys around Iceland, allowing travelers to choose the experience that best matches their interests and travel style.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the North Atlantic features glacier-capped volcanoes, lava beaches, waterfalls and seal colonies. Highlights include Kirkjufell Mountain, Ytri Tunga Beach and private access to remote puffin colonies.

Why Should I Go to Snaefellsnes?

• Spot harbor seals at Ytri Tunga Beach

• Hike past lava formations, sea cliffs and blowholes on the Arnarstapi–Hellnar trail

• Ride Icelandic horses on golden beaches

• Summit Snaefellsjokull Glacier Volcano via private snowcat tour

• Visit iconic Kirkjufell Mountain and remote puffin colonies by private boat

Staying in the quiet hamlet of Budir, guests enjoy secluded access to some of Iceland’s most sought-after scenery—without the crowds.

Westfjords & Borgarfjorour Eystri

Among Iceland’s least-visited regions, the Westfjords and Borgarfjorour Eystri offer dramatic fjords, steep sea cliffs and some of the country’s best puffin viewing. These regions provide exceptional photography opportunities and a quieter pace of travel.

Why Should I Go to the Fjords & Far East?

• Photograph Atlantic puffins at one of Iceland’s largest colonies

• Capture rare seabird shots on private boat cruises

• Explore lava fields, glacial valleys and mountain-ringed villages

• Learn about early Viking settlements and Icelandic folklore

This region offers a quieter pace and deeper wildlife immersion, ideal for photographers and travelers looking for a less-touristed side of Iceland.

The Central Highlands

Accessible only in summer, Iceland’s interior highlands feature rhyolite mountains, geothermal valleys and glacial rivers. Travel by custom 4x4 reveals landscapes few visitors ever reach.

Why Should I Go to the Highlands?

• Explore Fjallabak Nature Reserve and remote volcanic valleys by custom 4x4

• Hike among obsidian peaks, geothermal vents and glacier-carved canyons

• Visit the dramatic Eldgja chasm and towering Ofaerufoss waterfall

• Marvel at the vibrant blue pools of Sigoldugljufur—also called the Valley of Tears

• Photograph colorful rhyolite landscapes under wide Arctic skies

• Soak in secluded highland hot springs, then unwind at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Here, guests venture far from paved roads into a wilderness shaped by fire, ice and wind—an elemental Iceland few ever see.

Southern Iceland & Vatnajokull

The south coast is home to iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches and glacier lagoons. Vatnajokull National Park contains Europe’s largest glacier and some of Iceland’s most striking ice-and-volcano scenery.

Why Should I Go to Southern Iceland?

• Boat among icebergs on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

• Photograph Svartifoss and other classic waterfalls

• Walk on black sand beaches where volcanic and glacial forces collide

• Spot whales and seals in coastal bays

• Experience Iceland’s stark beauty up close with fewer crowds than in the Golden Circle

Nat Hab avoids the over-visited tourist stops, opting for quieter trails and naturalist-guided experiences in wilder pockets of the region.

Thingvellir National Park & the Golden Circle

Thingvellir marks the visible boundary between tectonic plates and the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament. A brief visit provides essential geological and cultural context.

Why Should I Go to Thingvellir?

• Walk between tectonic plates at Almannagja Rift

• Learn how Iceland’s democracy began at the world’s first parliament site

• Visit in combination with interior mountain passes and highland routes

• See clear springs, lava fields and historic trails in a half-day visit en route to wilder terrain

While Nat Hab spends limited time here, Thingvellir offers vital context for understanding how Iceland’s unique landscape and cultural identity have evolved together.

Reykjanes Peninsula & Seltun Geothermal Area

One of Iceland’s most geothermally active regions, the Reykjanes Peninsula features lava fields, steaming vents and recent volcanic eruptions tied to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Why Should I Go to the Reykjanes Peninsula?

• Witness ongoing volcanic activity—seven eruptions occurred in 2024 alone

• Explore colorful sulphuric vents and boiling mud at Seltun Geothermal Area

• Walk through Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel—one of Iceland’s longest lava tubes

• Learn about plate tectonics at the visible boundary between continents

This region is often skipped by tourists heading straight for the South Coast or Golden Circle, but it’s one of Iceland’s most dynamic and accessible geological zones—perfect for a day of discovery before or after your main itinerary.

Laki Craters & Skaftareldar Volcanic Zone

One of Iceland’s most destructive volcanic systems, the Laki Craters are a 15-mile chain of fissures and cones formed during the 1783 Skaftareldar eruption, one of the deadliest in recorded history. Located in the remote central highlands, this vast lava landscape reshaped Iceland’s environment, agriculture and population and remains one of the country’s least visited volcanic regions.

Why Should I Go to the Laki Craters?

• Hike among volcanic craters, lava domes and explosive fissures from the 1783 eruption

• Learn how the Skaftareldar eruption altered Iceland’s climate, food systems and population

• Visit little-known waterfalls such as Fagrifoss in a rarely traveled highland setting

• Access one of Iceland’s most isolated regions by private 4x4 vehicle

Few travelers reach this stark volcanic corridor, but those who do gain rare insight into Iceland’s geologic power and the resilience shaped by catastrophe.

Edlgja Chasm & Ofaerufoss Waterfall

Iceland’s largest volcanic canyon, Edlgja was formed by massive fissure eruptions in the 10th century and lies deep within the central highlands. Accessible only on foot, the canyon features towering basalt walls, moss-covered slopes and Ofaerufoss, a dramatic two-tiered waterfall hidden within its depths.

Why Go to Edlgja?

• Explore Iceland’s largest volcanic canyon, carved by ancient fissure eruptions

• Hike to Ofaerufoss, a rarely seen double waterfall in a remote wilderness setting

• Combine with Landmannalaugar and the Fjallabak region for a deeper highlands experience

Edlgja offers some of Iceland’s most secluded and visually striking hiking, far removed from the country’s more traveled routes.

Nat Hab’s Approach to Exploring Iceland

Nat Hab explores Iceland through small-group itineraries designed to reach remote volcanic landscapes beyond standard touring routes. Travel may include chartered flights, 4x4 vehicles or private boats, depending on the journey.

Guests stay at locally owned inns and remote ecolodges, with meals sourced from Iceland’s land and surrounding seas. Whether traveling on Wild Iceland Explorer, Iceland: Circling the Land of Fire & Ice or the Ultimate Iceland Photo Expedition, Nat Hab provides access to raw, immersive Iceland well beyond cruise ports and tour bus stops.