Summer sports in Iceland: Where to go, and what to wear

Summer in Iceland feels different to summer anywhere else in the world. The days are long as they stretch endlessly through the midnight sun, temperatures remain refreshingly cool, and the landscape entices us to explore limitless possible activities.

Iceland’s mountain trails, coastal paths, football pitches, geothermal pools, and volcanic highlands feel made for adventure during the long summer days. Sometimes the many Icelanders and tourists trekking across the country’s natural wonders, mean the landscape seems to vibrate with movement.

Read on for Icewear’s list of top summer sports in Iceland together with the natural sites to practice and enjoy them together with the gear checklists you need to prepare.

Mountain and trail sports#

Popular summertime activities in Iceland include mountain and trail sports. When you’re trekking across volcanic terrains and glaciers being outdoors in such a landscape frequently creates a profound experience. The environment is transformed by wind and elevation, a morning hike can undoubtedly turn into a veritable adventure.

Due to the ever-changing weather conditions in Iceland, together with the shifting weather across altitudes and terrains, Icelanders always approach hiking and other trail sports with kit versatility as a priority. Layering is key, and lightweight insulation becomes essential.

Here are some specific outdoor sports with destinations together with your ideal packing lists for the most popular mountain and trail sports in Iceland.

Hiking#

Woven into the weekend culture of Iceland, hiking is one of the main tourist draws as well. Iceland has mountain and glacier hikes, multi-day routes, and renowned experiences that have become the stuff of folklore.

Hiking the trails during the extended daylight hours of summer are even more appealing because the trails remain brightly lit well into the night. You can explore for longer, stay to enjoy viewpoints, including Iceland’s celebrated waterfalls and geothermal valleys.

Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s most famous hiking destinations, it’s where colourful mountains rise against lava fields and steaming vents. Many hikers begin multi-day adventures there, including sections of the Laugavegur Trail, which has worldwide recognition.

Closer to Reykjavík, Glymur offers you a scenic canyon hike featuring waterfalls and river crossings.

However, your hiking options across the island, are truly unlimited.

Because terrain and the weather and all hiking conditions can rapidly change, packing thoughtfully matters just as much as your trail choice.

• Waterproof outer shells

• Hats and gloves especially for higher elevations

• Waterproof hiking trousers

• Moisture-wicking base layers

• Lightweight fleece or wool mid-layers

• Wool socks - merino wool is especially recommended

Trail running and ultra running#

It’s no surprise that Iceland has become an increasingly popular destination for trail and ultra runners. The long daylight hours with cool summer conditions allow runners to stay cool on multiple-day, frequently epic adventures.

An example is the famous Laugavegur Ultra Marathon, it’s one of Iceland’s most popular endurance events. The marathon takes runners across highland terrain, river crossings, volcanic deserts and steep climbs.

Another celebrated event is the Westfjords Running Festival in northwest Iceland. It combines endurance running with some of Iceland’s most remote scenery.

For those staying closer to Reykjavík, the capital’s trail system includes coastal paths, surrounding hills, and connections to some of Iceland’s lava landscapes.

To pack for running in Iceland, make sure you include:

• Caps, neck gaiters and gloves for areas with wind exposure

• Weather-resistant shorts, leggings or tights

• Lightweight weatherproof jackets

• Breathable layers

• Hydration-compatible outerwear

Team and field sports#

Summer sports are rooted in everyday community life in Iceland. Whilst Iceland’s landscapes capture the imagination of tourists, football and handball are normal summer team sports across Iceland.

You can explore the most popular team sports in Iceland, and plan where you can watch a match.

Football in Iceland#

Football is a favourite sport worldwide, and Iceland is no exception. As temperatures rise and summer officially begins, local matches and youth tournaments start to fill pitches.

Travellers are likely to discover Iceland’s football culture in and around Reykjavík. Any tourists interested in using the pitches may need to work around scheduled games.

To pack for having a kick about or playing in football matches in Iceland, breathable clothing is the name of the game. For instance, make sure you pack:

• Quick-drying athletic shirts

• Shorts or leggings designed for movement

• Thermal warm-up layers

• A wind-resistant training jacket

• Favourite football boots

Handball#

Holding a unique position in Icelandic culture handball enjoys widespread participation across all age groups, handball is part of Iceland’s recreational athletic identity. Organised tournaments and local games are everywhere during the summertime.

To pack to participate in handball in Iceland’s summer conditions, make sure you differentiate between clothing designed for movement and recovery so that you remain comfortable when waiting between matches. You’ll want to pack:

• Comfortable joggers and jumpers you can throw on as outer layers

• Breathable base layers with quick-dry fabric

• Light mid-layers designed for movement

In the water#

Iceland doesn’t offer crystalline beaches; it’s not a destination for tourists looking for a tan. However, Iceland does provide seemingly endless options for geothermal pools as well as many once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling experiences.

Here’s what you need to know for time in the water during Icelandic summers.

Public swimming pools and hot tubs#

Everyday pool culture is widely popular in Iceland. Although visitors often associate Iceland’s geothermal culture with luxury lagoons and remote hot springs, public swimming pools have a special place in Icelandic culture. 

Almost every town across the island has an outdoor pool complex that’s naturally heated with geothermal energy, which means they are open all year round. Most facilities combine swimming pools for laps with multiple hot tubs. In fact, going back and forth between cooler water and hot tubs is part of the experience.

Swimming actually has deep cultural importance in Iceland, swimming lessons are mandatory for Icelandic children. Public pools originally became widespread after Iceland saw an urgent need to improve water safety among fishermen.

Many pools stay open late into the evening, they’re a popular meeting place for teenagers, families and young adults who gather there. Many private homes often have personal hot tubs.

Some of the country’s most popular swimming complexes include Laugardalslaug in Reykjavík, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur. The Hofsós swimming pool in northern Iceland overlooks dramatic fjord scenery that can be enjoyed whilst swimming. Most public pools require showering before entering the pool, subsequently soap is always provided.

To prepare for Icelandic swimming pool culture, be sure to pack:

• Swimwear

• A quick-drying towel

• Waterproof flipflops sandals or sliders

• Water bottle for longer visits

Geothermal experiences#

A distinctive aspect of Icelandic summers is the relationship between the mild cool at times outdoor air versus the enveloping warmth of a geothermal pool.

To imagine what to expect combine cold water, volcanic energy, and outdoor wellness culture.

Some of the most popular hot springs and geothermal sites in Iceland are found in and around Reykjavík, the most famous being the Blue Lagoon.

There’s also Hveravellir, Landmannalaugar, and Myvatn which is sometimes referred to as “The Blue Lagoon of the North”.

To prepare for a geothermal or hot spring experience, be sure to pack:

• Your favourite swimwear

• Comfortable waterproof sandals or flipflops

• A soft, comfortable outer layer ready to pop on if needed before or after

• A water-resistant bag to carry your kit

Snorkeling between continents#

Not just reserved for Caribbean reefs. Snorkelling is popular in Iceland, which may not be something you’d expect. Thanks to the filtered glacier water, underwater visibility can exceed 100 meters.

Snorkelling in Iceland offers an exclusive natural experience. Embedded in Þingvellir National Park, not far from Reykjavík, you can snorkel at Silfra, the fissure where two tectonic plates meet - and with them, the Eurasian and North American continents.

The experience is often referred to as “swimming between two continents.”

Specialised suits and equipment are provided by the professionals who take you on the expedition, therefore your packing list should focus on what to pack for before and after entering the water, suggested:

• Dry socks

• Insulated outerwear

• Warm base layers

• Remember whatever else you want to spend the day at Þingvellir National Park

The best way to experience an Icelandic summer is to move across it. That may mean hiking across a volcanic highland or joining in at a football match in the capital. The choice is yours.

It’s also up to you how you prepare, remember though that your preparation shapes your enjoyment. With notoriously unpredictable weather conditions, including the varied terrain, elevation, wind, mist, and geothermal heat, careful planning for changes with adaptable clothing is crucial to enjoying summer sports in Iceland.

It’s that understanding of adaptability that has shaped Icewear’s outdoor apparel for over half a century. Every item in the catalogue is designed in Iceland and inspired from generations of outdoor experiences. You can browse some of the best summer sportswear below.

Notice how the realities of Icelandic summer are reflected, taking you one step closer to the perfect Icelandic summer sports adventures when you visit.