Apr 15, 2020
Iceland

Summer in Iceland: what can’t I miss?

islandia verano

Planning your trip to Iceland for next summer? Looking for what you can’t miss on a trip to the island of ice and fire? In this post we reveal the keys to you!

Summer in Iceland. Must-seen places you should visit.

The first of all is to decide in which month you are going to travel to Iceland, depending on this you will have a different time and more or less hours of light, as well as there will be open roads and some that are not.

May: A perfect month to find little influx of travelers. Warm, not very rainy and with enough hours of light to enjoy the island. Most of the roads are open, although the Highlands are usually still closed. Possibility of finding snow in more isolated areas of the north, the west and east fjords. Puffins and whales have already arrived in Iceland. Perfect for our private tours.

June & July: You’ll get almost 24 hours of daylight. It depends on the year we can enjoy fresh occasional rains. Opening of the main Highland roads. Puffins, whales and all kinds of wildlife can be found on the island. July is the perfect month to go on a hiking trip through Iceland and enjoy the Highlands as well as the wild nature.

August: Little by little the rains are returning. It is the perfect month to combine adventure travel with a visit to the south coast of Iceland or go around the island. The hours of darkness return, and with them the northern lights. It is an unusual phenomenon on these dates, but it can occur at the end of the month. The puffins will be gone by the end of the month.

September: It is usually a much wetter month than the rest, from the middle of the month we can find snow and ice in the Highlands. A perfect month to visit Thórsmörk (the valley of the god of thunder) and see the first flower changes to make way for autumn.

Popular & Secret places within Iceland

In Iceland, there is a distinct juxtaposition between the well-known, tourist-packed destinations like the Golden Circle or the south coast, and the lesser-explored regions such as the Highlands of Iceland or the mountains of the Eastern Fjords. It is often debated whether Iceland still harbors any truly unexplored locations, as it seems that every corner has been traversed. Yet, we hold the belief that there are hidden gems nestled within its landscape, places that remain concealed and accessible to only a fortunate few.

While Iceland has undoubtedly gained popularity as a travel destination, there are still enigmatic corners waiting to be unveiled. These hidden gems possess an air of mystery, evoking a sense of excitement and intrigue for those adventurous enough to seek them out. They offer a chance to escape the crowds and immerse oneself in untouched natural beauty.

These elusive spots can be found tucked away in remote areas, far from the beaten path. Perhaps it is a secluded waterfall cascading down a moss-covered cliff, or a hidden hot spring nestled amidst rugged terrain. It could be an ancient lava cave with its secrets locked away beneath the surface, or a pristine valley that remains virtually untouched by human presence.

What sets these hidden gems apart is the sense of exclusivity they offer. Discovering and accessing them often requires a greater degree of effort and exploration. It may involve traversing challenging terrains, enduring unpredictable weather conditions, or seeking guidance from local experts who possess invaluable knowledge of the land.

Final advices: always check the weather website & road website.

Our personal recommendations

  • Icelandic Highlands [Hidden gem]:
    Dusty roads, unpaved roads, colorful mountains and endless mossy slopes determine this landscape straight out of a sci-fi movie. Although people know Landmannalaugar just a few venture to go a little further. Our always recommended Langisjór is one of the many hidden gems that we visit on our summer trips.
  • South Coast [Popular place]:
    The South Coast of Iceland encompasses several of the most spectacular attractions on the island. Black sand beaches (Reynisfjara and the cliffs of Dyrhólaey), waterfalls (Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, among others) and glaciers (Sólheimajökull and Myrdalsjökull).
  • Thórsmörk, the valley of Thor [Hidden gem]:
    Birch forests, hiking through stunning landscapes and amazing views of the volcano that erupted in 2010. Even so, to get to Thórsmörk you have to ford the Krossá river and have experience and a good 4×4 XL (not just any 4×4). You can see our daytour to Thórsmörk with a guide and a modified vehicle.
  • Vatnajökull National Park [Popular place]:
    Undoubtedly, you cannot miss the impressive glacial tongues of Vatnajökull on a trip to Iceland, along with the spectacular glacial lagoons of Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón, and the Diamond Beach where all the icebergs are stranded. Also here we can enjoy the incredible trekkings offered by the Skaftafell National Park.
  • Snæfellsnes National Park [Popular place]:
    Jules Verne’s inspiration for his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. A dream place, framed in the incredible scenery of small fishing villages among ancient lava fields, collects all the island’s ecosystems on a 100km peninsula.
  • The forgotten obsidian valley [Hidden gem]:
    Sorry, this place won’t be revealed in this post! Nor are we going to reveal which is the best natural hot spring in Iceland, where the red and green crater is located, or how to get to the turquoise lake.
    See our Iceland adventures
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