What Do in April in Iceland: 15 Activities You Can't Miss

1. Explore the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometer loop from Reykjavik that takes you to three of Iceland’s best spots. Thingvellir National Park is one of them. It’s where two massive tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. You can walk between them at Silfra or Almannagjá. Öxarárfoss waterfall is one of the highlights too, and in April, the melting snow makes the river there swell, so the waterfall looks bigger and stronger. There’s history here too—it’s where the world’s oldest parliament began in 930 AD, and you can almost picture people arguing on those rocks centuries ago.

Next up is Geysir, where hot water blasts out of the ground every 5 to 10 minutes. It’s pretty fun to watch, and the smaller pools nearby have bubbling mud and bright colors that many people miss. Then there’s Gullfoss, a huge waterfall that gets louder in spring as the river grows. In early April, the mist can even freeze on your face, which is a strange but incredible feeling.

The best way to do this route is by renting a camper (or a car), but there are tons of tours available if you don’t want to drive. April’s not crowded, so you can take your time at each stop. If you’ve got extra time, visit Kerið, a crater with red walls, or dip into the Secret Lagoon, a lesser-known hot pool where locals hang out.

2. Relax at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a warm pool about 45 minutes from Reykjavik. The water comes from deep in the earth and has minerals good for your skin. In April, the air’s cool, but the steam rising off the water keeps you comfortable—it’s a nice contrast. There are different experiences, with the more basic starting at $72 (€67). You can even spend the night there.

You’ll need to book ahead because it fills up fast. Mornings or evenings are quieter, and you even have the option to experience it at night. Bring a waterproof phone case for pictures since the steam and the atmosphere will get you incredible pictures. If you want something less busy, Hvammsvík Hot Springs is an hour away and has ocean views that feel wilder. Before you get in, shower and use conditioner—otherwise, the water can tangle your hair. You can grab a drink from the bar while you’re soaking, which adds a little fun to the whole thing.

3. Look for the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are streaks of color in the sky, made when radiation from the sun hits some particles in the air. Early April is your last chance to catch them before the season ends because the nights are still dark enough—by the end of the month, it’s only dark for about 6 hours. You can join a tour from Reykjavik that heads to places like Thingvellir or Hvalfjörður, or you can drive yourself to a spot like Búrfellsgjá lava field where there’s no light to mess up the view. Check the weather for clear skies since clouds will block everything.

They might show up at 10 p.m., or you could be waiting until 2 a.m., so bring a hot drink and hand warmers to stay comfy. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s a museum in Reykjavik (Perlan) with a show about the lights that’s worth seeing. Tours often include hot chocolate and guides who share information and stories about the lights. If you go on your own, Grótta lighthouse near the city is a solid spot.

4. See the South Coast

The South Coast is a two-hour drive from Reykjavik along the Ring Road, and it’s packed with waterfalls and black sand beaches. Skogafoss is a big one—water drops hard, and in April, you might spot rainbows when the sun hits it right. Climb 527 steps for a view over the coast, or poke around the base where there’s a cave tied to old Viking stories. Seljalandsfoss is not as powerful, but it’s also pretty, and you can walk behind it if you don’t mind getting wet. Wear rainproof clothes and shoes to both of them.

Reynisfjara beach has black sand and tall rock pillars that look like something from a movie. The waves can be sneaky though, so stay at least 30 meters away from the water to be safe. At Reynisfjara, snap pictures of the cave at low tide, and then check out Dyrhólaey to see puffins and seals if you’re nearby. The café Svarta Fjaran (or Black Beach Restaurant) has fish and mushroom soups that warm you up, and the staff are super nice.

5. Go Whale Watching in Faxaflói Bay

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbour, boats head out to Faxaflói Bay to find whales. In April, the water’s full of food, so you might see minke whales swimming close or humpbacks jumping up. You might see Orcas if you’re lucky, but that’s less common. The tours use sound gear to find them without chasing, and the sea’s usually calm, though a pill can help if you feel queasy. Bring binoculars and a warm coat since it gets cold out there.

Morning trips have smoother water, and you might catch puffins starting mid-month. If the whales don’t show, there’s a whale exhibit at the harbor with big models to check out. After, grab cod stew at Kaffivagninn by the water—it’s a cozy spot. April’s good because the whales are on the move, and it’s an easy way to see Iceland’s sea life right from the city. If you have time and are planning to visit the north of the country, you can do the tour in Húsavík, which is known as the “whale-watching capital of Iceland”.

6. See the Icebergs at Jökulsárlón

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is four and a half hours from Reykjavik by car along the South Coast. It’s basically a big pool where icebergs break off from a glacier and float around. In April, things warm up a bit, so the ice moves more, and you might hear it crack as it shifts toward Diamond Beach. That’s where the icebergs end up on black sand, looking shiny and pretty in the light. You’ll want a car with snow tires because the roads can still be icy in spring. Get there early in the morning for soft light, which is great for pictures if you’ve got a wide-angle lens to capture the whole scene.

The bad news is that boat tours around the lagoon usually start in May. They take you close to the icebergs, where seals sometimes hang out. Seals like to swim near the bridge, so a zoom lens can help you get a good look at them. Even without the boat tour, visiting is worth it.. For a quieter spot, Fjallsárlón is just 10 minutes west and has fewer people around. If you’re driving east, stop in Höfn at Pakkhús for a lobster roll to wrap up the day.

7. Explore Reykjavik

Reykjavik in April is a small city with a lot to see, and it’s got a cozy feel even though there’s plenty going on. There’s a tall church called Hallgrimskirkja, where you can climb up and see everything around—on clear days, you can see Mount Esja. The National Museum has ancient Viking stuff, like a carved door from 1200 that’s pretty neat to see up close. Another museum, the Settlement Exhibition, shows a house from 871 AD, giving you a peek at how people lived back then. Harpa’s a concert hall with glass walls that look like fish scales, and Laugavegur, the main street, has colorful street art and local shops selling everything from cool souvenirs to locally-made clothes.

You can walk to most places since it’s not super big, but buses are there if you need them. Try some twisted doughnuts at Sandholt bakery, or if you’re feeling brave, taste fermented shark at Café Loki—it’s strong, so chase it with brennivín, the local drink. April might have Easter events with music and chocolate eggs, depending on the dates. On weekends, Kolaportið flea market is open for finding old treasures, and there’s a free walking tour at 11 a.m. from City Hall if you want some local stories. The Punk Museum has a quirky vibe, while Perlan’s glacier exhibit is very interesting—both are worth an hour or so, and with fewer tourists, you can chat with locals who might tell you about hidden bars like Kaldi for craft beer.

8. Meet Puffins on the Westman Islands

To get to the Westman Islands, drive an hour and a half to Landeyjahöfn, then hop on a 30-minute ferry to Heimaey. Puffins return to Iceland in April on the cliffs to have their babies, and Heimaey is a top spot to see them. They’re funny little birds that dive into the water for fish or waddle into their burrows. The cliffs can get windy—some say it’s the windiest spot in Europe—so stick to the paths to stay safe. Book ferry tickets early because storms might mess up the schedule.

Heimaey is not only about puffins. A half-day there is enough to see a lot. Eldheimar Museum tells the story of a 1973 volcano eruption that buried houses in ash, and you can even touch the walls that survived. Hike up Eldfell for a view over the lava fields, or visit the Sea Life Trust Sanctuary to see beluga whales swimming around. Gott café, tucked in a colorful house, is a good spot for coffee. More puffins arrive as April goes on, so by the end of the month, the cliffs are full of them chattering away.

9. Relax in Hrunalaug’s Hot Pot

Hrunalaug is a small hot spring near Flúðir, about an hour and a half from Reykjavik, and the water’s nice and warm at around 38 degrees Celsius. It’s natural but on private land, tucked into a grassy hillside, and costs 500 Icelandic krona. In April, the ground can be muddy from melting snow, but that’s part of what makes it feel real—wear old shoes and bring a swimsuit. They just placed two temporary huts for people to change. It’s tiny, only fitting 5 or 6 people, so go early in the morning if you want it quiet before others show up. Take your trash with you to keep it clean for the next person.

Nearby, Farmers Bistro grows tomatoes using heat from the ground and makes tasty soup with them. Minilik café, also in Flúðir, serves Ethiopian coffee if you’re in the mood for something different. The Secret Lagoon is another hot spring nearby if you want something bigger, but Hrunalaug’s small size and natural setting make it special.

10. Watch Geese at Thingvallavatn

Lake Thingvallavatn is in Thingvellir National Park, an hour from Reykjavik, and it’s a spot where geese from Britain come in April to swim and settle in. They’re noisy—hundreds of them honking and paddling around—and you can watch from the Öxarárfoss trail or Hakið viewpoint if you rent a car to drive the 84 kilometers around the lake. Binoculars make it easier to see them flapping their wings or doing their mating dances. The lake’s got fish like Arctic char, and you can snorkel in Silfra if you’re okay with cold water—visibility is amazing, even at 2 degrees Celsius.

Wear a windproof jacket because it can get windy out there. If you want to fish for trout, grab a permit since they’re biting in spring. The visitor center has maps to help you find the best spots. It’s a calm way to see wildlife mixed with Iceland’s rugged land.

11. Visit Búri Cave

Go to Búri Cave on the Reykjanes Peninsula, about an hour from Reykjavik. It’s a lava tube that’s 1 km long and was formed 2,000 years ago. It was discovered in 2005. You can take a guided tour with Extreme Iceland. You’ll go down 10 meters using a ladder into a dark, icy cave. There are stalactites, and the walls have frozen lava flows. It’s very quiet inside. In April, it’s still cold, around 0°C, so wear warm clothes like thermals, gloves, and hiking boots because the ground is uneven. They give you helmets and headlamps, but be careful on the slippery parts. This cave is less visited than Raufarhólshellir, so it’s a unique experience. The tours are small, so book ahead.

The area around the cave has geothermal activity, like Krýsuvík’s sulfur pools, and you can visit the Bridge Between Continents. After the cave, you can warm up at Hópsnes lighthouse and enjoy the ocean views. The cave can be slippery in April, so walk carefully and enjoy the quiet.

12. Listen to Folklore at a Seyðisfjörður Storytelling Night

Seyðisfjörður is a small town in East Iceland, about seven hours from Reykjavik by car. You’ll drive along Route 1, then take Route 93 into the fjord. It’s a long trip, so better visit as part of your Ring Road itinerary around the island. In April, things are quiet since it’s not tourist season, and locals sometimes get together to tell stories about elves and hidden people over coffee. These aren’t planned events, so ask around at the hostel, like Seyðisfjörður Backpackers, or the Visitor Center at the town hall. They might point you to a cafe or someone’s house where people share tales tied to the mountains and cliffs nearby.

Bring a notebook if you like jotting down stories, and be ready to chat with folks–If you show genuine interest in their folklore, they might open up. Cafes like Kaffi Lára or Kaffi Ilmur are good spots to hang out and listen. April 24, 2025, is the First Day of Summer holiday, and there could be extra gatherings then, though it’s not a sure thing. If you’re there, walk to the Blue Church or hike up the fjord for views—the town’s pretty and calm this time of year, even if you don’t find a storytelling night.

13. See Lambs Near Hella

Go to Hella, which is an hour and a half from Reykjavik. In April, the farms there have lots of lambs because it’s lambing season. Icelandic sheep have been around since Viking times, and they often have twins or triplets. You can visit through South Iceland Tourism and maybe hold a lamb or watch them being sheared. The farmers might tell stories about how they raise the sheep and how wool is essential for them and Icelandic society. Some might even let you feed the lambs with a bottle. The fields can be muddy, so wear boots, and be gentle because the lambs get tired quickly. This is a real look at farm life in Iceland, where there are more sheep than people.

You can also see Hekla volcano from the town or visit the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, which is 20 minutes away. You can buy yarn or cheese at farm stalls, like at Kjarval’s. April is a good time because it’s when most lambs are born. It’s a cozy and real experience, away from the usual tourist spots.

14. Hike to Stórurð’s Boulders

Go to Stórurð in East Iceland, which is seven hours from Reykjavik, near Borgarfjörður Eystri. It has big volcanic rocks and green pools, created by eruptions 10 million years ago. The hike is 5 km round-trip from Vatnsskarð pass and takes 2 to 3 hours. In April, there might be mud from melting snow, so wear waterproof boots and use trekking poles. When you get there, you’ll see that rocks are enormous, the pools are bright, and it’s very quiet. It’s not too challenging, but you need to be somewhat fit. Check the weather at Vedur.is before you go.

You can drive through Egilsstaðir and get snacks there, then stay in Borgarfjörður Eystri, where you can see puffins at Hafnarhólmi in late April. After hiking, you can relax in hot tubs at Mjóifjörður or see Hengifoss waterfall. In April, the colors are beautiful with green against gray rocks. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but the quiet and the unique landscape are worth it.

15. Knit in Ólafsvík

Go to Ólafsvík on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, two and a half hours from Reykjavik. They have knitting circles where you can join locals making lopapeysa sweaters with Lopi yarn, which is light and warm. The patterns, like the “yoke” design, are very old. Bring your own needles (size 4.5 mm), and you can learn and share tips while having coffee. Knitting has always been vital in Iceland because it has kept people warm in winter for centuries, and it’s still a big part of the community.

Nearby, you can see Kirkjufell mountain, which looks like an arrowhead, especially at sunset, or visit Djúpalónssandur beach with old shipwreck pieces, and Snæfellsjökull glacier, which is famous from Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. You can buy yarn at Strikid in Stykkishólmur or eat at Sker’s seafood bar. April has nice light for knitting inside and exploring outside, but bring windproof clothes. Ólafsvík is a good place to end your trip, with both tradition and beautiful nature.

Conclusion

April in Iceland is a mix of rough and gentle, big and small. These experiences—caves, kayaking, lambs, hikes, and knitting—show you a country that’s changing as spring starts. You’ll see more than most visitors with these tips and practical info. What’s catching your eye for your trip? Let me know in a comment, and I can give you more ideas that fit what you like.