# How to practice your hobby in Iceland – from cooking to cold water-swimming - URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/how-to-practice-your-hobby-in-iceland/ - Published: 2023-11-10 - Last updated: 2026-08-19 > Though Iceland is a popular road trip destination, it is also the perfect place to enjoy your hobby and learn about the island's way of life. Though Iceland is a popular destination for road trips, it is also the perfect place to enjoy your hobby and at the same time get to know the way of life on the island. ### **Iceland‘s signature activities – the Classics** ### **Hiking** Have you ever dreamt of Iceland‘s landscape on foot and leaving the buzz of civilization behind for a few days? Many trails can be found in Iceland’s national parks and nature reserves. Take your pick, but these multi-day routes are a good place to start: Laugavegur, Fimmvörðuháls, Lónsöræfi, Hornstrandir, and  Vatnaleið. [Guided hiking tours](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4ba&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d47d) are offered in various difficulty levels during the summer season. The selection is huge. [Trail running](https://runningin.icelandreview.com/running-calendar/), a growing sport among Icelanders, is also practiced competitively over the summer.    ### **Horseback Riding** Galloping along black beaches, trotting over lonely heaths, or crossing rivers on horseback sounds like a dream to many riders: Experiencing the horse's gait on home terrain makes for a riding vacation never to forget. [Horse-riding trips](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4ba&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d48e) are offered throughout the year, but the selection is somewhat limited during the winter months. From two-hour midnight-sun rides to two-week highland horse trekking, there's plenty to choose from. Helping to herd the sheep down the mountains during the [September sheep round-ups](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4ba&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d48e) also makes for an exciting trip for advanced riders. The area most famous for that is the Skagafjörður in North Iceland. *Image: The view comes free - back country skiing makes for an unforgettable experience* ### **Winter Sports** It's time to experience what Iceland is famous for: snow and ice! With a season that ranges from November until May, [winter sports](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/winter-sports/) enthusiasts have a lot of time to enjoy the perks of snowy slopes. Hlíðarfjall in Akureyri and Bláfjöll in Reykjavík invite Alpine Skiers, snowboarders, and cross-country skiers. Snowshoeing and guided off-track cross-country skiing tours are also available. For those who don’t want to propel themselves under their own power, snowmobiling tours are a popular pastime in North Iceland as well as dogsledding. For even more adventurous back-country skiing, heli-skiing and glacial mountain skiing make for an incredible experience in Iceland’s winter wonderland! ### **Fishing** Iceland is a mecca for river fishing, fly fishing, sea angling, and even ice fishing. Some of the most famous salmon fishing rivers in Iceland are Vatnsdalsá, Láxá í Aðaldal and Laxá í Kjós, Hofsá and Selá and Jökulsá á Brú, amongst many others. What they all have in common is their beautiful setting in tranquil landscapes. [Fishing lodges](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4ba&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d4a8%2C5ec7d096a90548233654d4a7%2C5ec7d096a90548233654d489) provide ambitious anglers with equipment as well as food and board after long angling days. The biggest salmon in Iceland was caught in August 2023 in Hvitá river near Selfoss and measured 118 centimeters (46.5 inches). Fishing permits for many rivers are issued [here](https://veidikortid.is/um-veidhikortidh/). ### **Golf** Iceland boasts fifteen 18-hole and forty-six 9-hole golf courses scattered throughout the country, inviting golfers from around the world to test their skills against the backdrop of lava fields and spectacular landscapes. Golfing season typically runs from May to September, including the midnight sun period in June, a dream for golfers who have always wanted to indulge in their hobby all night long. Check out the [Arctic Open Golf Tournament](https://www.arcticopen.is/en/the-tournament) in Akureyri. *Image: From hot to cold and back - perfect conditions for cold-water swimming can be found all around Iceland* ### **Water water water** ### **Swim around Iceland** We are not saying you should literally swim around Iceland, but Iceland has a distinct swimming pool culture. Iceland’s abundant amount of geothermal energy can heat [over a hundred outdoor swimming pools across the country](https://sundlaugar.is/en/), which usually consist of one large warm water swimming pool and various hot tubs. A fun idea for your round-trip around Iceland could be trying to swim in as many pools as possible, making it a wellness trip par excellence – challenge accepted? ### **Cold-water swimming** Have you ever considered taking a dip in the icy waters of our lakes and shores? The popularity of cold-water swimming has also increased in Iceland. There are numerous sea-bathing groups around the country, as well as cold-water swimming retreats and classes. The knowledge of its positive effects on the immune system and mental health has also arrived in most local swimming pools, where cold tubs can now be found. A great spot to learn about cold-water swimming is [Nauthólsvík Beach](https://nautholsvik.is/en/), a manmade lagoon at the shore in Reykjavík. During the summer, warm water is pumped into a small lagoon area, heating the seawater up to 19 degrees (66 degrees F). During winter, the ocean water is about 5 degrees (41 degrees F). Several hot tubs help warm the body again after a dip in the ocean. ### **Diving**  The selection of [diving and snorkeling spots in Iceland](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/diving-in-iceland/) is nothing less than spectacular. Getting underwater here means exploring geologically unique sites and coming closer to the middle of a country that is still in the making. [Local diving companies](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4ba&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d499%2C5ec7d096a90548233654d480) offer tours for certified scuba divers with different difficulty levels. The most popular diving spots include the Silfra fissure in Þingvellir National Park, rivers and lakes with submarine hot springs, such as Lake Kleifervatn or the Litlaá River, wreck diving in Seyðisfjörður, and snorkeling with puffins at the Arctic Circle. Already packing your drysuit? *Image: High-quality produce, creativity and fun make for a great dinner* ### **Culinary trips** Iceland may not be the first country that comes to mind when seeking culinary experiences. However, when it comes to food, Iceland can do more than serve its famous hot dogs. Three Michelin-starred restaurants, including [Dill, Moss, and Óx](https://guide.michelin.com/en/is/restaurants), create exclusive meals with the finest produce Iceland has to offer. Want to start a bit smaller? How about a [Reykjavik food tour](https://yourfriendinreykjavik.com/tour/reykjavik-food-lovers-tour/) that introduces you to Icelandic cuisine in a fun and entertaining group experience? If you would rather lay your hands on Icelandic ingredients yourself, cooking classes such as those provided by [Salt eldhús](https://salteldhus.is/en/product/cook-and-dine) or [Creative Iceland](https://creativeiceland.is/culinary-arts-cook-and-lunch-cooking-school-class-iceland) allow you to create your own Icelandic dish, providing you not only with a meal but also great memories. ### **Beer-circle** Throughout the last five years, beer breweries have popped up in every corner of the country, and a trip along the Ring Road 1 is therefore the perfect opportunity to visit. Don‘t drink and drive, though! Iceland has a zero alcohol limit. You can find the [map of Icelandic beer breweries and all about their crazy ideas here.](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/icelandic-beer-wild-ideas-at-the-arctic-circle/) *Image: Art can be found everywhere, even in the most unexpected places: Here the installation in the Djúpavík herring factory, "Hvít sól_White sun" by IYFAC* ### **Creative** Iceland holds a special place in the Guinness World Records ranking, as it has more writers per capita than any other country. Does the reason for it lie in our saga tradition? The inspiring landscape surrounding us? We don‘t know, but our lively music and art scene supports the idea that it's easier to be kissed by a muse in Iceland than elsewhere. If you need an inspirational boost or want a change of scenery, there are many possibilities for visiting Iceland for a creative retreat. If you thrive in the company of others, you can apply for one of our artist residences around the country, which host artists from all over the world. Painting holidays, photography workshops, [writing workshops](https://icelandwritersretreat.com/), and tours for handicraft enthusiasts are available throughout the year. If solitude is what you are seeking, renting a cottage by the sea is always an option! ### **Film tours** Do you know Iceland mostly from movies? Then it's time to visit the actual shooting locations. Interstellar, Batman Begins, James Bond, Star Wars, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Game of Thrones, True Detective... the list goes on and on. Iceland offers 35% reimbursement on film production costs, as well as a vast variety of filming locations, which attracts an increasing number of international filmmakers to shoot in Iceland. As a cinema enthusiast, you might be delighted to know that many scenes are easily accessible to visitors. Find [your favorite movies in the list of movies made in Iceland](https://filminiceland.com/made-in-iceland/) and come here to join a [location tour](https://www.visiticeland.com/article/famous-film-sights/) around Iceland.