6 Activities in Iceland for Adrenaline Junkies

Sky Diving

One of the most sought-after adrenaline rush activities is SkyDiving. More than three million people jump out of airplanes every year! While it is terrifying to the average person, it provides a high for those seeking adventure. Imagine being 14,000 feet in the air and getting ready to jump out of a plane. You can expect approximately 60 seconds of freefall time at this altitude. There are other jumps that go even higher with longer fall time, but you usually need to work up to that. So where can you go in Iceland to get your skydive fix?

Iceland Boogie has bucket list jumps for you to take on. This includes your skydiving jump ending on Iceland's largest glacier, Glacier, Langjökull. When the jump is over, keep your fun going by exploring the glacier. 

Another option is their Vestmannaeyjar-islands jump. See the Pompei of the North, which was a result of the January 23rd, 1973 volcanic eruption. An eruption that occurred on the outskirts of Vestmannaeyjar, on Heimaey Island. If beaches are more your scene, then indulge in the Famous Black & Yellow Beaches of Iceland skydive. Whatever you're seeking for SkyDiving, Iceland Boogie has got you covered.

River Rafting

Hit the open water with a White water rafting experience. This recreational water sport has become very popular over the years. Rafting is when you and 4-8 other people take an inflatable raft down white water rapids on a river. It can be extremely thrilling with exciting twists and turns around every curve.

Experience the excitement and beauty of the glacier river Hvítá, which is situated at the heart of the Golden Circle. Arctic Rafting hosts a River Fun Rafting trip, which is recommended for beginners. The tour goes from Gullfoss waterfall, a glorious canyon that descends down, creating the perfect scenario for a fun rafting experience. The Hvítá river originates from the Langjökull glacier and has a perfectly balanced mix of serene canyons and adrenaline-pumping waves and rapids. The rafting trip is extremely scenic and will provide astonishing views for you to enjoy.

If you are looking for an even bigger rush, then try out the Kayak River Ride, which is “Only for the brave!”. Navigate your own tandem inflatable kayak down the Hvítá River. The guides will be on a safety kayak next to youtube to ensure your safety. The route is challenging and they tell you to be prepared since you will probably flip your kayak and need to brave the mighty glacial waters. Luckily the safety guides will be there to help you! Whitewater rafting is a refreshing ride for adrenaline junkies, especially in Iceland’s arctic waters.

Ice Climbing

A sometimes dangerous, yet riveting activity in Iceland is ice climbing. Iceland is 11% covered by glaciers, so it is the perfect place to do it. There are 269 named glaciers, including ice caps, outlet glaciers, mountain glaciers, alpine, piedmont, cirque glaciers, and ice streams. While Glaciers may be spotted in many places in the country, you cannot climb all of them. Luckily though, the ones you can climb can be visited year-round.

Sólheimajökull and Falljökull outlet glaciers in Southern Iceland is a well-known spot for ice climbs. You can take a tour of the glacier with Get Your Guide. The tour begins with a fifteen-minute hike to the base of Sólheimajökull. The tour guides will show you how to gear up, and provide the proper gear for you as well. Then you will make your trek into the glacier. From here get ready to climb the ice wall! You will learn the basics and techniques of Ice Climbing. Once you are comfortable, the guides will bring you to other locations so you can try different climbing in different locations. A stimulating activity to try at one of the most captivating places in Iceland.

Take A Volcano Tour

Volcanoes are thrilling and unusual. This is why exploring an active volcano can provide you with quite the adrenaline rush. Knowing that it could explode at any minute or has done so in the past is compelling. There is truly no better way to embrace it than by going inside of one. Thrihnukagigur Volcano is the only place in the world where it's recommended to investigate a magma chamber from inside the volcano.

You can take a tour with Inside The Volcano, which is operated by 3H Travel, a fully licensed tour operator in Iceland. They provide the right gear and equipment while guiding you through the volcano.

The tour features a 45–50 minute hike, which will bring you to the crater. You will then descend 1400 feet to the bottom of the crater in an open cable lift. There are only two ways to get to the Volcano, the hike being one of them. The other option is to use a helicopter, which may be a bit more expensive. The volcano's last eruption was over 4000 years ago. Scientists say there is no chance it can erupt again, but never say never. Volcanoes are unpredictable, and climbing inside of you can provide you with a massive adrenaline rush.

Arctic Surfing

You have to be a brave adrenaline junkie to try out arctic surfing. It takes an adventurous soul to ride swells in frigid Arctic water, but it is so worth it. There are about fifty surfers living in Iceland today. While it may not be similar to surfing in the warm turquoise waters of Hawaii, it provides a whole new experience. The Icelandic backdrop of mountains and black sand can really take your breath away. Iceland has over 3000 miles of mostly untouched coastline, attracting more and more arctic surfers each year.

Like a majority of adrenaline activities, arctic surfing can be dangerous. The weather in Iceland can become inconsistent, wind storms can come out of nowhere, and temperatures can be dangerous. You have to make sure you are in a well-known area for Arctic surfing and we recommend going with a guide until you are comfortable.

If you want to try Arctic surfing in Iceland you can during your future trip. Iceland has surf schools located on the island. Arctic Surfers provide yours and schools for you. You can also rent your surfboard and wetsuit from them. So you don’t have to worry about flying yours in. Tours range from private lessons to a five-day surf school. Learn more about Iceland’s surfing scene, such as where to go, when to go, and the history behind it.

Ice Caves

You really can’t complete your Iceland adrenaline list without venturing into an Ice Cave.

Ice caves are common at Vatnajökull National Park. Crystal Cave is the most famous one in the area. It is also the largest glacier in Iceland. Crystal Cave has been shaped by the flow of the large glacial river each summer. A truly stunning place to explore, with the proper gear of course.

Blue Iceland is a tour operator that delivers all of the unique Ice Cave and Hiking Tours. The Crystal Blue Ice Cave Adventure is one of the most popular adventurous trips. You will depart from the Glacier Lagoon, driving off-road to Iceland’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The fun drive will provide gorgeous views of the surrounding nature. When you arrive at the ice cave, they will provide you with equipment. The guides will then bring you inside the Crystal Ice Cave. Once you enter, you will get a view that you will never forget, An exhilarating trip inside a sensational blue ice cave. 

Whether you want to climb inside a volcano or jump into arctic waters, Iceland has got you covered. Be sure to always go with a guide or tour when trying these activities. Iceland welcomes all adrenaline junkies to experience the island's once-in-a-lifetime thrills.

FAQ

How do people in Iceland have fun?

The opportunities are endless for having fun in Iceland. The top activity on the list is taking a road trip! That is followed by seeing the northern lights, walking on a glacier, and waterfall chasing. Seriously, you will never run out of entertaining and beautiful things to do in this country.

What are the dangers in Iceland?

The most dangerous part of Iceland is the weather and unusual terrain. The most hazardous conditions range from storms, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and avalanches. All are pretty rare, except for storms and avalanches if enough snow falls.

Can you base yourself in Reykjavik?

If you have a quick weekend in Iceland then Reykjavik can be your base. Especially if you are taking tours from the city. It really depends on what you want to see. If exploring West Iceland, Reykjavik could stay as your base. But if venturing out east, you may want to rethink it.