Leisure Activities in Iceland

Iceland is an ideal tourist destination. Many activities are described below. There is a long tradition in Iceland of golf and fly-fishing. Golf courses are found in almost every small town and there are at least five courses in Reykjavík. Many offer spectacular ocean scenery. Fly-fishing for trout and salmon is a unique opportunity in Iceland, but salmon licenses can be expensive. All fishing rivers are privately owned. Bird shooting for ptarmigan and geese is popular in the fall. The general public participates actively in sports like skiing, jogging and swimming – no surprise when you see the wonderful selection of swimming pools, which are heated from the country's ample geothermal resources. Chronic fascination with cars is a widespread complaint that manifests itself in the most unlikely practices. The most popular form of motor sport is a kind of autocross where specially adapted 4 x 4 vehicles are pitted against each other on an almost impassable course of steep slopes, mud pits, sand and water. Huge crowds of spectators gather to watch the spectacle. Snowmobiling is also popular all year round, on glaciers in the summer.

Golf in Iceland
Source: Iceland Tourist Board

Activity Vacations
Activity vacations are offered all over Iceland. These vacations may feature river rafting, hiking, glacier tours, fishing, horseback riding, boat tours, whale watching, swimming and summer skiing. For further information, contact a travel agent or the Icelandic Tourist Board, e-mail: info@icetourist.is.

Bird-watching
Some places in Iceland are a paradise for bird-watchers. Látrabjarg in the West Fjords is the largest birdcliff known in the world. A great variety of cliff-nesting species can be found there, including the largest razorbill colony in the world. The Westman Islands are known for many kinds of seabirds, and are home to Iceland's largest puffin population. Lake Mývatn in the north has more species of breeding ducks than any other place in Europe. The Great Skua colony on the sands in south Iceland is the largest in the world. Seabirds such as puffins can be seen in many places, as well as eiders, Arctic terns, waders and passerine birds. Some tour operators organize tours for bird-watchers in early summer.

Hiking
More than half of Iceland is over 400 m above sea level, and a large part of the island is covered by lava, glaciers, lakes and sand. Few places in Iceland have marked walking paths, but hiking is a favourite pastime for Icelanders and tourists alike.

Horseback riding
Numerous farms and tour operators throughout Iceland offer horse riding tours from 1 hour up to 10 days (see brochure from the Farm Holiday Service). Please note that all equestrian equipment must be disinfected before arrival. For further information please contact travel agencies.

Skiing
Winter skiing is available in many parts of the country. Skiing resorts with both cross-country and downhill skiing are found throughout Iceland. Summer skiing is possible at Kerlingarfjöll, close to the Hofsjökull glacier in the interior. A ski-school is operated there from the end of June until the end of August. Weekend stays can be arranged at the school. Accommodation, food and rental of equipment can be provided for guests who are not registered at the school.

Cycling
Bikes can be rented in Reykjavík and in various places around Iceland. For further information on biking tours please contact travel agencies or tourist information centres.

Fresh water fishing
Iceland is famous for its salmon and trout fishing. The main season for salmon fishing is from about June 20th to mid-September. Trout fishing varies from one river/lake to the next, but the normal season is from April/May until late September/October. During winter, ice-fishing is quite popular. For salmon fishing, permits must be reserved well in advance, but trout fishing permits can be obtained at short notice, often the same day.

Salt water fishing
Sea angling is becoming a popular sport in Iceland. The season begins late in May and lasts until the end of August with several tournaments in different parts of the country. For further information, please contact local tourist information centres and travel agencies.

Glacier tours
Tours are offered to explore the glaciers in Iceland on snowmobiles. Please contact a travel agent.

Golf
All the major golf courses in Iceland are open to visitors. Green fees are moderate. Midnight Golf in Iceland - The Arctic Open: At Akureyri Golf Club in the north, golf can be played with the sun shining at midnight. At the end of June a 36-hole open international match is held. Tee-off is just before midnight and playing continues until the early hours of the morning. For further information contact local tourist information centres and travel agencies.

Reykjavík Marathon
The Reykjavík Marathon is an annual and international event.

River Rafting
River rafting is offered in several locations in Iceland, at varying degrees of difficulty. Professional guides ensure safety. Please contact a travel agent.

Swimming
Swimming is a very popular activity all year round in Iceland. Most towns and villages have outdoor or indoor swimming pools filled with water from natural hot springs. The mean temperature of the water in the pools is about 29 degrees Celsius. In many places there are also saunas, a jacuzzi, solariums and hot pots with temperatures ranging from 36 to 44 degrees Celsius.