Popular Sports to Play in Iceland

Published on April 30, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Iceland is not just about its volcanoes, glaciers, and northern lights. The country is also a vast open-air playground, where sport is an integral part of everyday life for locals as well as the experiences offered to travelers. Despite a population of just over 370,000 people, the island “punches above its weight” in many disciplines, from team sports to outdoor adventures.

This article provides a detailed overview of the most attractive sports to practice in Iceland, with a particular focus on outdoor activities that travelers can easily incorporate into their stay.

Cycling: from bikepacking to volcanic singletracks

In Iceland, the bicycle is both a means of gentle exploration and a demanding sport. The terrain, gravel roads, and F-roads of the Highlands make it a paradise for road, gravel, mountain bike, and bikepacking enthusiasts.

Pedaling brings you closer to the landscapes: cliffs, black sand beaches, lava fields, glaciers, and fjords unfold at a human pace, far from the windows of a rental car.

Road, gravel, MTB, bikepacking: one country, four ways to ride

The variety of terrain is such that you can almost choose your Iceland based on your bike.

First, road cycling relies on a well-maintained network of main roads. Outside the Reykjavik area, traffic is generally moderate, though it increases in summer. Major road routes like Route 1 (the famous Ring Road) are well-suited for long-distance travel.

Gravel cycling comes into its own as soon as you leave the main arteries. Unpaved roads are everywhere in the Highlands and rural areas: tracks crossing black sand deserts, remote mountain passes, peaceful fjords… This is the dream terrain for those who want to get off the main tourist flow without necessarily seeking the technicality of an MTB singletrack.

Mountain biking, meanwhile, takes full advantage of the shapes left by volcanoes and erosion: natural trails in reserves, descents on rhyolite ridges, paths winding through lava flows and glacial rivers. Areas like Heiðmörk near Reykjavik, Bláfjöll (Blue Mountains), or the surroundings of Hafnarfjörður concentrate many routes developed by local clubs, including the very active Icelandic Mountain Bike Club.

Major cycling routes: circumnavigating Iceland… or almost

Several routes have become true classics for cyclists worldwide. They require serious preparation, however: distances, elevation gain, and weather are not to be taken lightly.

A first table outlines some of the major loops and traverses:

The Ring Road, or Route 1, forms a paved loop of over 1,300 km around the island. Many amateur cyclists have recorded their versions of this tour, for example an “Iceland Ring Road Loop” of 1,433 km with 32,060 m of positive elevation gain, or a route called “HAR 2021” of nearly 2,000 km. Depending on fitness level and weather, expect between 10 and 18 days to connect the main cities and iconic sites.

The Golden Circle is shorter and more accessible. In two or three days, you cover between 230 and 300 km, connecting must-see places like Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. The terrain is less severe than in the Westfjords, making it an ideal introduction to Icelandic bike touring.

More rugged, the Westfjords Way (about 950 km) winds through the fjords and cliffs of the Westfjords, with over 12,000 m of cumulative elevation gain. This loop is best suited for seasoned cyclists capable of tackling consecutive climbs and dealing with fickle weather. The most favorable period is between late June and August.

From Reykjavik to the fjords: where to ride in practice

Even without setting off on a major crossing, there are countless routes of a day or a few hours, sometimes right from urban areas.

Around Reykjavik, several loops let you explore the capital by bike without tackling big climbs. A “Reykjavík City Loop” of 15.8 km accumulates only 70 m of ascent, while the ride out to Grótta lighthouse (“Grótta Lighthouse Ride”) covers 41.6 km with 350 m of elevation gain. These routes often follow the coastline, passing by the “Sun Voyager” sculpture, Nauthólsvík geothermal beach, or the Seltjarnarnes peninsula.

More technically, there are steep climbs to nearby peaks, for example a 8.7 km track called “hjólað upp og niður esju” which climbs 562 m on the slopes of Esja, the mountain overlooking Reykjavik.

A table helps visualize the diversity of distances and elevations recorded in the cycling community:

On the Snæfellsnes peninsula, a complete loop between 150 and 200 km can be done in two or three days, combining rocky coasts, black sand beaches at Djúpalónssandur, Lóndrangar cliffs, and the slopes of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Villages like Grundarfjörður or Ólafsvík offer welcome services (accommodation, supplies).

In the north, around Akureyri, Húsavík, and Lake Mývatn, the terrain is less rugged than in the Westfjords, but the geological variety is exceptional: Dimmuborgir lava fields, Hverir’s muddy and sulfurous areas, Goðafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, Ásbyrgi canyon. From here, loops like the Diamond Circle, connecting Húsavík, Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss, and Mývatn, also depart.

Note: some tunnels are off-limits to bicycles (Vadlaheiði near Akureyri, Hvalfjörður north of Reykjavik). You then need to take the old roads that go around the fjords, often more pleasant for cyclists.

Logistics, safety, and the cycling community

Reykjavik concentrates a large portion of bicycle-related services: rentals, workshops, specialized shops, guided tours (from a two-hour ride to multi-day expeditions). E-bike excursions are offered, for example around Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes, or electric MTB in mountain bases.

Figures show the country has fully embraced this sporty mode of travel: over 2,270 cycling routes referenced and about 450,000 km recorded by the community. The most active months are May and July, when days lengthen and roads thaw.

In remote areas, especially the Highlands, you need to be very self-sufficient: little or no cell service, almost no shops, rapidly changing weather (rain, strong wind, even summer snow). Always bring enough food, plenty of water, several warm and waterproof layers, and a complete repair kit—this is essential.

Finally, several projects aim to further structure long-distance cycling, such as integrating Iceland into the EuroVelo 1 route, the great European Atlantic coast cycling route.

Fishing: a national passion and an angler’s paradise

If you talk to Icelanders about their hobbies, there’s a good chance fishing will come up quickly. About 20% of the population picks up a rod at least once a year, whether by a lake, river, or at sea. Beyond recreation, fishing is at the heart of the country’s history, economy, and identity for over a thousand years.

Between salmon rivers and large volcanic lakes

Iceland’s territory is crisscrossed by rivers fed by glaciers and lakes born from volcanic activity. These waters harbor highly sought-after species: Arctic char, brown trout, sea trout that migrate up rivers, and of course Atlantic salmon.

Among the lakes, certain names consistently appear in anglers’ guides:

On the river side, names that make fly anglers dream are numerous: Fossá, Laugardalsá, Miðfjarðará, West and East Rangá, Þjórsá, Varmá, Brúará, Holá, Laxá í Aðaldal, Sog, Vatnsdalsá, Ytri-Rangá… These salmon and trout rivers are among the most renowned in the world for their water clarity and quality of fish populations. Some enforce strict “catch and release” to preserve unique strains, like at Þingvallavatn or rivers such as Fossá or Miðfjarðará.

Seasons, permits, and rules to follow

Fishing in Iceland is heavily regulated, mainly to protect ecosystems. There is no “public domain”: all fishing rights belong to landowners or associations, and you always need permission.

For freshwaters (lakes and rivers), a permit is mandatory. The most organized often go for the “Icelandic Fishing Card” (Veiðikortið), a seasonal card granting access to over 35 lakes, many of which are very good for trout and char. Depending on sources and year, its price varies from around 6,900 to 9,900 ISK per season.

A few key rules apply almost everywhere:

– Hours limited between 7 a.m. and sunset, with a maximum of 12 hours of fishing per day;

– Night fishing is prohibited;

– Gear must be systematically disinfected if the angler has fished abroad, to prevent the introduction of diseases;

– In many areas, catch and release is mandatory (no-kill), especially for salmon;

– General prohibition on catching salmon and trout at sea: these species may legally only be fished in freshwater;

– Limitation on net fishing days for salmon (Tuesday to Friday only).

The seasons vary by species:

The bulk of the recreational fishing season is nevertheless between spring and autumn, often set from April 1 to October 20, with variations depending on the watercourse.

Where and how to fish in practice

For a traveler, sport fishing in Iceland comes in two main formats: self-organization (rental car, fishing card, permit and accommodation reservations) or guided excursions.

– Lake Laugarvatn is about 75 km from Reykjavik and fits perfectly into a Golden Circle itinerary;

– Lake Mývatn is about 60 km from Akureyri;

– The West Rangá River is less than 90 km from the capital.

Towns like Reykjavik, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, Selfoss, Hella, Borgarnes, Blönduós, Laugarvatn, or Flúðir serve as good bases with accommodation, shops, and sometimes fishing stores.

Guided excursions are very numerous. They cover lake fishing, river fishing, and sea fishing, often combined with other activities like whale watching (Húsavík), Golden Circle tours, or nature outings around Lake Mývatn. Some services include preparing the fish right on the boat or a barbecue on land.

In any case, fishing in Iceland is not just about the catch: it’s also a deep immersion in the culture. Fishing associations and cooperatives carefully manage their waters, the water quality of the rivers is such that you can often see fish swimming, and even celebrities like Eric Clapton come here to hunt the biggest salmon.

Golf: swinging between lava, ocean, and the midnight sun

Surprising for anyone who imagines Iceland as a simple desert of rocks: the country has one of the highest golf courses per capita in the world. There are about 65 courses, including about fifteen 18-hole courses, all open to visitors.

Golf shaped by the elements

The golf season generally runs from late May to early September, with optimal conditions peaking between June and August. This is when daylight barely fades: up to 22 hours of daylight per day, allowing for late tee times, even competitions under the midnight sun.

The courses take advantage of the raw landscapes: fairways snaking over lava fields, greens perched above the ocean, prevailing winds that increase the difficulty. The natural terrain is largely preserved, in a logic quite close to original Scottish golf, resulting in layouts that are both beautiful and technical.

Some iconic courses

A quick overview of the main golf destinations highlights the originality of the Icelandic offering:

At Brautarholt, you literally play on the edge of cliffs, with several tee shots overlooking the Atlantic. The course, designed by Edwin Roald and Michael Kelly, quickly received international rankings nominations. All-inclusive packages offer transport from Reykjavik, 12- or 18-hole green fees, and club rental.

In Akureyri, the Arctic Open attracts night golf enthusiasts each year: tee times are scheduled from late afternoon until just before 1 a.m., with players completing their rounds in the pastel light of the midnight sun.

On the Vestmann Islands, the Vestmannaeyjavöllur club is set in the crater of an ancient eruption. Here, you play surrounded by volcanic slopes, with the sea and cliffs as a backdrop and, in season, the ballet of puffins nesting on nearby cliffs.

Vestmannaeyjavöllur, golf club

Playing at night: the midnight sun experience

The midnight sun period, roughly from mid-May to mid-August with a peak around the solstice, gives Icelandic golf an unreal atmosphere. Between early June and late July, you can book tee times in the middle of the night on many courses. The eye adjusts to this continuous light, and no artificial lighting is needed.

Nighttime temperatures remain cool (about 7–12 °C), with wind often present: it’s best to bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, and a thin hat. Clubs highlight this experience as a major tourist draw, like the Arctic Open in Akureyri or Brautarholt’s offers.

Hiking and trekking: walking in an open-air geological laboratory

Walking is arguably the most intuitive activity in Iceland. Hiking trails cover the entire country, but certain areas stand out for their reputation: the Highlands, the Westfjords, the south and north coasts, the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and the areas around the major glaciers.

Landmannalaugar, Laugavegur, Þórsmörk: the mythical trio

At the heart of the Highlands, the Landmannalaugar area concentrates everything that makes Icelandic hikes special: rhyolite mountains in shades of orange, green, purple, or red, solidified lava fields, crater lakes, and natural hot springs where you can bathe after your walks.

From this base camp, several day hikes are renowned: the ascent of the Brennisteinsalda volcano, recognizable by its yellow sulfur deposits, the climb to the summit of Bláhnjúkur (940 m), or the walk to the crater lake of Ljútipollur. But the big star is the Laugavegur trek.

This long-distance trail (not to be confused with the shopping street in Reykjavik that shares the name) connects Landmannalaugar to the Þórsmörk glacial valley over about 55 km. It is usually completed in two to four days, sleeping in successive mountain huts (Hrafntinnusker, Álftavatn, Hvanngil, Emstrur) or camping nearby.

From Þórsmörk also begins the Fimmvörðuháls, a 22 km route that descends to Skógar on the south coast. This traverse, located between the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, often starts at the foot of Skógafoss waterfall and climbs a valley lined with over 20 waterfalls, then crosses ash fields and passes near the Magni and Móði craters, born from the 2010 eruption. With about 1,259 m of positive elevation gain, it’s a challenging hike, but one of the most spectacular in the country.

Westfjords, Eastfjords, Mývatn: diversity of walks

More remote, the Hornstrandir nature reserve, at the tip of the Westfjords, offers a radically different face: cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, no roads or villages, populations of Arctic foxes, multi-day treks between isolated coves and vertiginous cliffs like Hornbjarg. Access is by boat from Ísafjörður, and complete self-sufficiency is required.

The Lake Mývatn region is another major hiking hub: craters, pseudocraters, steaming lava fields, solfataras. Short walks like the Leirhnjúkur loop (4.5 km), the trail on Námafjall mountain (2.4 km), or the areas around Dettifoss and Selfoss allow you to dive into this still-active geology.

Glaciers, canyons, and mountains: terrain for all levels

In Vatnajökull National Park, around the Skaftafell visitor center, several well-marked trails lead to highlights like Svartifoss waterfall, the Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue, or the summit of Kristínartindar for the more active. Further southeast, the Jökulsárlón site and “Diamond Beach, where ice blocks wash up on black sand”, complete this glacial picture. Glacier walks, like on Svínafellsjökull or Sólheimajökull, are only accessible with certified guides, crampons on, and safety equipment, as crevasses can be deadly if you make a mistake.

Several iconic sites also lend themselves to moderate difficulty hikes: Glymur, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall (6.9 km loop with a river crossing), Hengifoss near Egilsstaðir, the Stuðlagil canyon with its basalt columns, Þakgil with its many trails in a green gorge setting, Múlagljúfur in the southeast, or more family-friendly circuits around Gullfoss and Þingvellir.

On all these hikes, the same principle applies: check the length, elevation gain, weather conditions, and adapt the route to your level. Some sections are unsuitable for children or people prone to vertigo.

Horseback riding: exploring the island at the pace of the tölt

It’s impossible to talk about popular sports in Iceland without mentioning horseback riding, as the Icelandic horse is so much a part of the cultural landscape. A direct descendant of Viking mounts, genetically isolated for over a thousand years, this small, sturdy horse is famous for its gentle temperament and especially its unique gaits.

The Icelandic horse: a unique partner

The Icelandic horse is smaller than most European or American riding horses, making it reassuring for beginners. Icelanders attribute to it intelligence, calmness, obedience, and a friendly temperament. These qualities make it a very safe companion for riders of all levels, including children and those with no experience.

Two additional gaits distinguish this breed: the tölt, a four-beat gait that is extremely comfortable even at good speed, giving the feeling of floating without jolts, and the “pace” (or skeið), a very fast lateral gait used mainly in competition. These characteristics are the result of long-term selection over centuries, aimed at producing enduring mounts capable of covering long distances over difficult terrain.

From two-hour rides to multi-day treks

Horse riding offers are plentiful: one source listed 111 different options across the country. You’ll find the full range: 1- to 2-hour rides to discover the Icelandic horse, half-day or full-day outings, and genuine 2- to 8-day treks with accommodation on farms or in huts.

Short rides, often offered about 30 minutes from Reykjavik, introducing the tölt on easy trails, are suitable for all. Guides take care to assign each rider a horse suited to their size and experience, give basic safety instructions, and supervise the outing. Photo stops and sometimes snacks (homemade cakes, hot drinks) are included.

A special feature of some long-distance rides is traveling with a herd of free-roaming horses, with the mount being changed regularly to spare the animals and allow the rider to experience different temperaments.

Where to ride and with whom

The main tourist regions – south Iceland, Snæfellsnes peninsula, Reykjavik area, Þjórsá valley, south coast towards Vík, East and Westfjords, Þórsmörk – have numerous riding farms.

Many outings combine horseback riding with other activities: horseback ride and swim in a hot river, riding followed by a rafting trip on the Hvítá, horse + snorkeling in the Silfra fissure at Þingvellir, horse + ATV, horse + glacier hike on Sólheimajökull, horse + whale watching, etc.

Prices are variable depending on duration and service, but you’ll find, for example, rides around 18,400 ISK for a few hours, and full days or combos around 34,900 ISK. Multi-day stays can reach higher amounts, sometimes quoted in pounds or euros by international agencies.

Finally, Icelandic riding remains alive in traditions: national competitions (Landsmót), horse and sheep roundups at the end of summer (réttir) where special tours allow you to participate in gathering the animals with the farmers.

Winter sports: from skiing to ice cave exploration

With a winter that roughly runs from late November to March, Iceland offers a perfect setting for snow sports, though snow cover remains highly dependent on weather conditions. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and exploring caves under glaciers are among the key activities.

Ski resorts and backcountry skiing

The country has several ski areas for different levels. Near Reykjavik, the resorts of Bláfjöll and Skálafell offer alpine skiing and snowboarding with rentals and ski schools. In the north, Hlíðarfjall above Akureyri is one of the country’s largest areas, generally open from November to May depending on snow conditions, with illuminated slopes that sometimes allow skiing under the northern lights.

Backcountry skiing – even ski mountaineering – is especially developing on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula (Troll Peninsula), between deep fjords and jagged peaks. This is where heli-ski and “cat ski” offers are concentrated, with a season that can run from late February through June. Off-piste routes also exist in valleys like Tungudalur.

Cross-country skiing, meanwhile, is a popular way to enjoy the landscapes, with trails of varying difficulty in several regions.

Snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice caves

Another big star of the Icelandic winter: snowmobiling. Numerous excursions depart daily – and often year-round – onto the major glaciers, especially Langjökull (the second largest on the island) and Mýrdalsjökull. These trips are often combined with other visits like the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) or the south coast (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull, Jökulsárlón). Operators typically provide waterproof suits, helmets, gloves, and sometimes boots.

Natural ice caves are one of the most photographed winter activities. Under the Vatnajökull ice cap or in glaciers like Kötlujökull (linked to the Katla volcano), translucent cavities form each year, sculpted by meltwater. They are in constant evolution: what exists one winter may have completely disappeared the following summer. For obvious safety reasons (risk of collapse, crevasses, temperature changes), these visits are only done with specialized guides.

Other winter activities

Iceland also allows diving and snorkeling year-round, notably in the Silfra fissure at Þingvellir, where you literally swim between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates in water of exceptional clarity (in a dry suit, of course).

Finally, geothermal pools and spas – from the Blue Lagoon to a multitude of public or private baths – become a sport in themselves for some: hot water gushing from the earth’s core is at the heart of a true bathing culture, which takes on an even stronger dimension when it’s snowing all around.

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding: gliding among icebergs and fjords

Water sports are not reserved for tropical latitudes. In Iceland, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) find their place on glacial lagoons, calm fjords, lakes partly heated by geothermal energy, or more turbulent rivers.

Kayaking: from glacial lagoon to remote fjord

Historically designed by Inuit peoples for hunting and transport, kayaking evolved into a sport in Europe in the 19th century, eventually becoming an Olympic discipline from 1936 onwards. In Iceland, it has found a perfectly suited playground: deep fjords, indented coasts, lagoons filled with icebergs, and swift glacial rivers.

Today, virtually all trips offered to travelers use very stable sit-on-top kayaks, easy to access, where you sit (not kneel, as in a canoe) using a double-bladed paddle. This type of boat is particularly suitable for beginners, families, and group navigation, as it limits the risk of capsizing.

Among the prime kayaking sites:

On Jökulsárlón or Heinabergslón, paddling among ice blocks offers a unique perspective on the glaciers and glacial tongues feeding these lagoons. On Breiðafjörður or around Kirkjufell mountain, you navigate more open waters, sometimes combining the trip with fishing or wildlife observation.

Multi-day circuits also exist, for example a 6-day expedition in Hornstrandir and Ísafjarðardjúp, with nights in an isolated guesthouse (Kvíar Lodge, a 1921 farm equipped with a sauna) and camping on wild beaches.

Stand-up paddleboarding: a gentler water sport

SUP, for stand-up paddleboarding, involves standing or kneeling on a large board, often inflatable, and moving using a single-bladed paddle. It is both an exercise in balance, gentle muscle work, and a very peaceful way to explore a body of water.

In Iceland, this discipline finds its place on calm waters: lakes, lagoons sheltered from wind, protected fjords. Spots like the Akureyri harbor, Hvalfjörður fjord, the coastline around Grótta lighthouse at Seltjarnarnes, the areas around Arnastapi and Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes, or Lake Laugarvatn are well suited for these outings.

As with kayaking, guided tours include all necessary equipment. Variations of the practice (SUP yoga, touring, small wave surfing initiation, fishing from the board) are still marginal, but the global trend suggests they will gain ground in the coming years.

A remarkably dense sports culture for a small country

Beyond these outdoor sports, Iceland is astonishingly athletic in almost every field. Football remains the most practiced activity, with about 23,000 registered players, nearly 200 regulation-size pitches (indoor and outdoor), and over 100 mini-pitches in schools. The journey of the men’s national team – Euro 2016 quarterfinalist, qualified for the 2018 World Cup – has reinforced this passion, as have the good results of the women’s team, regularly present at the European Championships.

Emerging sports are also thriving: Iceland has an impressive record in CrossFit (several women’s world titles), is developing cricket with clubs bearing evocative names (Reykjavík Vikings, Kópavogur Puffins…), and maintains a strong tradition of traditional wrestling (glíma), recognized as a national sport and inscribed on the intangible cultural heritage list.

Infrastructure follows: ubiquitous geothermal pools, gyms, basketball courts, ice rinks, climbing walls. Sports education is compulsory up to age 19, and the economic boom of the 2000s allowed the construction of many indoor complexes, including covered synthetic football fields, providing quality training year-round despite the weather.

In conclusion: an island where sport is a way of living the landscape

Whether it’s completing a bike tour of the island, casting a fly on a salmon river, hitting a few balls between ocean and lava fields, following a guide onto a glacier, crossing a rhyolitic desert on foot, or feeling the tölt of an Icelandic horse on an ancient track, practicing a sport in Iceland always means coming into direct contact with nature.

The country’s small size has not hindered its appetite for sports; quite the contrary. It has encouraged an exceptional density of clubs, facilities, and events, coupled with a certain creativity in using every corner of this volcanic island as a playground.

For the visitor, this means one thing: whatever your favorite sport, you will likely find a way to practice it in Iceland – or discover a new one – in a setting you will never forget.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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