Reykjavik Leisure

As Reykjavik is known for its geothermal springs and swimming pools, water activities are a favourite among visitors. The six main hot springs in Reykjavik are open throughout the year, and there are also outdoor swimming pools here. During the winter months, the outdoor ponds freeze over and ice skating becomes a popular activity. Trekking is also popular, and there are ample opportunities for adventure in the area around the capital. Some of Iceland’s best hiking however is in the remote areas of Reykjanesfólkvangur, or in Landmannalaugar, Látrabjarg and Hornstrandir.

Other sports enjoyed by locals and tourists include golf, tennis and horseback riding.  Two of Reykjavik’s golf courses, the Korpulfsstadir and the Grafarholt, are open to the public. In terms of spectator sports, football is the favourite. At the end of each summer, the city hosts the Rey Cup, which is a soccer festival (www.reycup.com).   

Horseback riding

You’ll find several horse farms around Reykjavík that offer horseback riding tours. Sample tours include half-day rides to Mount Helgafell and the lava fields, or longer rides to Reykjanes and Þingvellir. It’s also possible to organise tours to Raudholar volcano and Elliðavatn lake. Arrangements can be made through your hotel.

Snowmobile riding

 Exploring Iceland’s glaciers by snowmobile is a very popular activity for locals and visitors alike. Snæfellsnesjökull glacier on Snæfellsnes, which is the westernmost peninsula of Iceland, draws the most attention. From the top of the glacier, weather permitting, there are fantastic views of the North Atlantic, which appears to come up to the edge of the mountains.

Bird-watching

Although bird-watching may not provide the adrenaline rush of snowmobile riding, it is an opportunity to venture out into the wilderness. Látrabjarg, in the West Fjords, is a popular destination, where you can see the largest razorbill colony in the world. The cliffs here are also home to a number of other precipice-nesting species. No matter if you’re a bird lover or merely curious, a visit to the Westman Islands is the place to spot the rather peculiar-looking Icelandic puffin.

Whale-watching

Whale-watching is the most popular activity in the country, and no matter where you might be located in Iceland, there’s sure to be a boat ready to head out for a sighting of breaching humpback or minke whales. Húsavík, in north Iceland, is actually considered Europe’s whale-watching capital.

Elding Whale Watching is family-owned, and one of the better-known operators. The company has two whale-watching boats: the Elding, which is a 130-ton cruiser with a capacity of 150 passengers, and featuring three viewing platforms; and the Elding II, a 30-ton luxury motor yacht which can carry 38 passengers (tel: +1 354 555 3565; website: www.elding.is).