BP On The Ground: Immersive Wilderness Experiences In Iceland

From the vibrant streets of Reykjavik and the geothermal wonders of the Blue Lagoon to the glaciers of the South Coast, the volcanic landscapes of Mývatn and the remote valleys of the Troll Peninsula, Iceland offers an incredible diversity of experiences rooted in nature, adventure and exclusivity.

In a recent research trip to personally vet luxury accommodations, private experiences and extraordinary adventures throughout Iceland during the summer, members of our Travel Expert team embarked on a journey through Reykjavik, the South Coast, Glacier Lagoon, the East Fjords, Mývatn, Akureyri and the remote Troll Peninsula.

Here, they share some of the highlights of their Icelandic adventure…

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Reykjavik

Our journey began in Reykjavik, Iceland’s stylish and compact capital city. Set between the sea and surrounding mountains, Reykjavik combines contemporary Nordic design, vibrant culinary experiences and fascinating culture while serving as the perfect gateway to Iceland’s extraordinary natural landscapes.

Walking Tour Around Reykjavik

One of our first experiences in Iceland was exploring Reykjavik on foot alongside a local guide.

The city’s compact center is wonderfully walkable, with colorful streets, contemporary architecture, cozy cafés and excellent restaurants all within easy reach. During our time in the city, we visited several of Reykjavik’s cultural highlights, including Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall and the historic Old Harbour, each offering its own perspective on Iceland’s unique heritage and modern identity.

Helicopter Experiences

Another highlight of our time in Reykjavik was learning more about the extraordinary helicopter experiences available throughout Iceland.

Helicopter journeys provide access to some of the country’s most spectacular and remote landscapes, from glaciers and volcanic regions to hidden ice caves and isolated fjords that are otherwise difficult to reach.

During our visit, we met with two of Iceland’s leading helicopter operators to gain a deeper understanding of the exclusive experiences available to guests. We also enjoyed a scenic helicopter flight over Reykjavik, taking in breathtaking aerial views of the city’s colorful rooftops, surrounding lava fields, rugged coastline and distant mountains.

The Reykjavik EDITION

During our stay in Reykjavik, we also visited The Reykjavik EDITION.

Situated beside Harpa Concert Hall on the city’s waterfront, the hotel continues to stand out as one of Reykjavik’s leading luxury properties. Its contemporary Nordic design, elegant accommodations, excellent spa facilities and vibrant dining scene make it an exceptional base for travelers beginning or ending their Iceland journey.

The Blue Lagoon

From Reykjavik, we continued to the Blue Lagoon region, one of Iceland’s most iconic destinations.

Surrounded by ancient lava fields and steaming geothermal waters, the Blue Lagoon offers a unique combination of spectacular natural scenery and world-class wellness experiences.

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The Retreat

During our visit, we revisited The Retreat, one of Iceland’s most celebrated luxury hotels.

Built directly into the surrounding lava fields, the property blends seamlessly with its dramatic natural setting through elegant Scandinavian design and understated luxury.

One of the highlights of our stay was experiencing the hotel’s exclusive private lagoon, reserved solely for guests. Offering a quieter and more intimate atmosphere than the main Blue Lagoon, it provides a wonderfully peaceful setting to relax while surrounded by Iceland’s remarkable volcanic landscapes.

We also revisited the property’s signature Blue Lagoon Ritual, a multi-step wellness experience inspired by Iceland’s unique geothermal environment and natural minerals.

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Iceland’s Southern Coast

The next leg of our journey took us along Iceland’s spectacular South Coast, a region renowned for its dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and volcanic landscapes.

One of the country’s most iconic regions, the South Coast offers endless opportunities for adventure while showcasing some of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural scenery.

Snorkeling In Silfra

One of the most memorable experiences of our journey was snorkeling in Silfra, the famous fissure located within Thingvellir National Park.

Floating between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates through remarkably clear glacial water was an unforgettable experience. Visibility beneath the surface was extraordinary, revealing vibrant shades of blue and striking underwater rock formations unlike anywhere else in the world.

During our visit, we also gained valuable insight into the logistics of the experience, allowing us to better understand how to create the smoothest and most exclusive experience for future travelers.

The Golden Circle & Friðheimar

Our journey continued through Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, where we visited some of the country’s best-known natural wonders.

Highlights included Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal landscape surrounding Strokkur geyser, where powerful eruptions and steaming vents offer a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic activity.

One of the culinary highlights of our journey followed at Friðheimar, a family-run tomato farm powered entirely by geothermal energy.

Dining inside the greenhouse surrounded by rows of vibrant tomato plants created a uniquely Icelandic experience. The combination of fresh local ingredients, exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality made this one of the standout meals of the trip.

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Seljalandsfoss & Iceland’s Waterfalls

Continuing along the South Coast, we revisited several of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls.

One of the highlights was Seljalandsfoss, where a pathway allows visitors to walk behind the cascading waterfall for a truly unique perspective.

Nearby, we also visited the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall, tucked away within a narrow canyon, before continuing to Skógafoss, where powerful torrents of water plunge dramatically over towering cliffs, creating one of the South Coast’s most spectacular natural scenes.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Continuing east, we arrived at the spectacular glacier lagoon region surrounding Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón.

This part of Iceland is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery, where vast glaciers descend toward black sand beaches and floating icebergs drift peacefully across glacial lagoons beneath towering mountains.

Snowmobiling On Eyjafjallajökull

Adventure continued with a private snowmobiling excursion across Eyjafjallajökull glacier.

After ascending the mountainside in specialized vehicles, we set off across expansive snowfields surrounded by volcanic peaks and sweeping glacier views. Iceland’s ever-changing weather added to the sense of adventure, creating an unforgettable experience in one of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.

For travelers seeking an even more exclusive experience, helicopter transfers directly onto the glacier can transform the excursion into an extraordinary day of adventure.

Fjallsárlón Zodiac Excursion

One of the highlights of our visit was a Zodiac excursion across Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Navigating between floating icebergs beneath the towering glacier face provided an unforgettable perspective of Iceland’s extraordinary glacial landscapes. Compared with some of the country’s larger glacier lagoons, Fjallsárlón offers a quieter and more intimate experience.

For travelers seeking an even more exclusive adventure, private island picnics and champagne lunches can also be arranged on the lagoon.

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Diamond Beach

Nearby, we also visited Diamond Beach, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural attractions.

Depending on the season and tides, glistening fragments of glacial ice wash ashore onto the black volcanic sand, creating a striking contrast that has become one of Iceland’s most photographed landscapes.

Private Villas In Southern Iceland

Throughout the South Coast and Golden Circle region, we also visited several private luxury villas.

Offering exceptional privacy, flexibility and generous living spaces, these exclusive-use properties provide an excellent alternative to traditional hotels for families and groups traveling together. Combined with tailored adventure programs and helicopter access, they create an ideal base for exploring southern Iceland.

Iceland’s Northern Coast

From the glacier region, we continued our journey north through Iceland’s remote East Fjords toward the country’s spectacular northern coast.

The route revealed a constantly changing landscape of winding coastal roads, dramatic mountain passes, tranquil fishing villages and vast untouched wilderness. While the journey is long, it offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Iceland’s most remote and least-visited regions.

Mývatn

Our journey then brought us to the Mývatn region, one of Iceland’s most geologically fascinating destinations.

Surrounded by volcanic craters, lava fields, geothermal vents and snow-covered mountains, Mývatn showcases the extraordinary natural forces that have shaped Iceland over thousands of years.

Dimmuborgir Lava Fields

One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the dramatic lava formations of Dimmuborgir.

Walking through the labyrinth of volcanic rock formations and winding lava corridors felt almost otherworldly, particularly with a blanket of snow still covering much of the landscape during our visit.

Hverfjall & Geothermal Landscapes

Our exploration of the region continued with visits to Hverfjall crater, Grjótagjá cave and the geothermal landscapes surrounding Hverir.

Steam rising from the earth, bubbling mud pools, sulfuric vents and colorful mineral deposits created some of the most dramatic scenery we encountered throughout our journey, offering a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic origins.

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Whale Watching In Dalvík

Another highlight of our time in northern Iceland was a private whale watching excursion from Dalvík.

Surrounded by dramatic fjords and snow-capped mountains, we ventured into the fjord system aboard a private RIB boat in search of Iceland’s remarkable marine wildlife.

The smaller vessel allowed us to explore more freely while creating a more intimate experience on the water, making this one of the most memorable wildlife encounters of the journey.

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Deplar Farm

The final stop on our Iceland adventure was Deplar Farm, an extraordinary luxury lodge hidden within a remote valley on the Troll Peninsula.

Surrounded by rugged mountains and untouched wilderness, Deplar Farm offers an exceptional combination of luxury hospitality and year-round adventure, making it one of Iceland’s most exclusive retreats.

Throughout our stay, we experienced the property’s warm Scandinavian design, outstanding wellness facilities and beautifully integrated architecture, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

One of the aspects that impressed us most was the flexibility of the experience. Rather than following fixed itineraries, activities are carefully adapted according to the weather, snow conditions and each guest’s interests, allowing every stay to feel highly personalized.

We also explored the surrounding valley, visited several of the property’s remote outposts and experienced firsthand how adventure and luxury come together in this remarkable wilderness setting.

Enjoy Immersive Wilderness Experiences In Iceland

The activities and experiences available throughout Iceland can be tailored to the interests and travel preferences of each group.

Whether exploring glaciers by snowmobile, snorkeling between tectonic plates, discovering geothermal landscapes by helicopter, cruising among floating icebergs or relaxing at some of Iceland’s finest luxury lodges, every itinerary is thoughtfully designed to showcase the country’s extraordinary natural beauty.

With every research trip we embark upon, we continue to broaden our expertise across the destinations we operate. Experiencing hotels, exclusive activities and private adventures firsthand allows us to stay up to date with Iceland’s finest luxury experiences while strengthening relationships with our trusted guides, pilots, hospitality partners and local experts.

For more information on our luxury Iceland tours, contact one of our Travel Experts today.