Active Travel in Iceland

From Light Adventure to Full-Throttle Thrills — Tailored Just for You

At Iceland Luxury Tours, every journey is built around your interests. Whether you prefer gentle sightseeing with minimal walking, or you’re hungry for adrenaline — snorkelling between continents, snowmobiling on glaciers, riding ATVs, fishing remote rivers, golfing at midnight, trail running, climbing, or mountaineering — we design the perfect mix.

Some activities are easy to plug into any itinerary. Others require deeper planning, local knowledge, and expert logistics. That’s where we shine.

Below is an overview of what’s possible during your private adventure in Iceland — and how we make it seamless.

Fishing in Iceland

Can I go fishing during my Iceland Luxury Tours trip?
 Absolutely — Iceland is a world-class fishing destination.

If fishing is the main purpose of your trip, we can pursue famous salmon rivers. But because permits are often sold in multi-day blocks, they can be harder to secure for spontaneous or short visits.

But don’t worry — there are plenty of excellent lakes and rivers where permits are accessible, affordable, and perfect for a half-day or full-day adventure.

And most importantly:
 we always pair you with a local fishing expert.
 Because— as every seasoned angler knows — local knowledge is king.

What can you catch in Iceland?

  • Atlantic Salmon – the crown jewel 
  • Brown Trout 
  • Arctic Char 

Many popular rivers require fly-fishing only, but there are numerous family-friendly spots where spinners and live lures are welcome.

Ocean fishing?

Possible — and fun to combine with whale watching — but the truly iconic Icelandic fishing experiences are freshwater.

Fishing season

Generally May through September, with a few hardy exceptions for those willing to embrace cold fingers and early / late  -season conditions.

 

Golfing in Iceland

Can I go golfing during my Iceland Luxury Tours trip?
 Yes — and you absolutely should if you enjoy the game.

Golf is Iceland’s second most popular sport, and courses can be found almost everywhere. Many are beautifully laid out in lava fields, on cliffsides, or beside iconic natural landmarks — including a spectacular course in the Westman Islands.

And during midsummer, you can even play a full round at midnight, under the Arctic sun.

A phenomenal story to take home.

Trail Running in Iceland

I’d love to do some running or trail running…
 No problem at all.

We can:

  • Find a local race for you to join 
  • Choose accommodations with amazing morning/evening running routes 
  • Pair you with a local trail-running powerhouse to guide you in Icelandic nature 

Running is a huge part of Icelandic culture. Notable races include:

  • Reykjavík Marathon (August) 
  • Laugavegur Ultra Trail Run (Mid-July) 

Perfect on active itineraries throughout the country.

Hiking in Iceland

If you enjoy hiking, you’re in the right country.

We have an entire post dedicated to day hikes and private trekking options:
 Hiking in Comfort – Our Favorite Private Day Hikes

We tailor the distance, difficulty, and scenery to match your comfort level — from relaxed walks that reveal more of each sight, to full-day world-class hikes like Fimmvörðuháls or Kristínartindar.

Climbing & Mountaineering

Can I climb mountains, rock, or ice in Iceland?
 Yes — both beginner-friendly and advanced options exist.

Mountaineering

  • Hvannadalshnúkur (Iceland’s highest peak): 
    • 12–14 hours 
    • ~2,000 m (6,500 ft) ascent 
    • Mostly roped glacier travel 
  • Eyjafjallajökull and Mount Hekla also make great objectives for peak-baggers. 

Ice Climbing

World-class ice climbing is available in winter. The best months for Ice Climbing will be January and February with some harder to access north facing climbs in conditions longer.

Rock Climbing

Limited compared to big climbing countries, but we do have worthwhile trad and sport climbing areas for visitors who want to add a day of climbing to their adventure in summer will not be disappointed 

Skiing, Ski-touring & Heli-skiing

Iceland is not known for big ski resorts — our lifts are small and mostly for locals.
 But ski touring and heliskiing?
 That’s another story.

The best skiing happens in North Iceland, around The Troll Peninsula & Akureyri

 

Best season

Late March through April for ski touring
 Heliskiing can extend into June in good years.

If you’re a skier, this is one of Iceland’s most underrated world-class adventures.

Mountain Biking in Iceland

Yes — and it’s fantastic.

Iceland has:

  • Wild, natural trails shared with hikers 
  • Dramatic landscapes you won’t find anywhere else 
  • A few purpose-built trail systems 
  • Excellent rental options for half-day or full-day outings 

If you want a burst of adrenaline during your private tour, mountain biking is a great option.

Active Travel, The Luxury Way

Every activity we add to your itinerary — from a simple morning run to a technical climb — is:

  • Tailored to your fitness level 
  • Matched to the weather and season 
  • Optimized with local experts 
  • Seamlessly integrated into your private tour 

You choose the intensity.
 We handle the logistics.
 Together, we create the adventure.