Always wanted to visit the land of the midnight sun? From Reykjavik’s one-of-a-kind urban spaces to the glacial majesty of Jokulsarlon, every stop through this magical land brings its own ecological story to discover.

Iceland’s landscape is a dramatic mosaic of glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic fields, and seeing it in a group adds a whole new layer of enjoyment. With expert guides, shared experiences, and a ready-made community of fellow travellers, you can dive deeper into Iceland’s natural wonders while leaving the logistics to someone else.

Let’s explore Iceland together:

Reykjavik

First up we have Iceland’s capital and largest city, Reykjavik, which is a vibrant hub of culture, history and nature. One of Reykjavik’s best known landmarks, Hallgrimskirkja, dominates the skyline, while the famous Sun Voyager sculpture captures sunlight across the harbour, reflecting the city’s connection to the sea.

Urban green spaces like the Reykjavik Botanic Garden display around 3,000 plants, including native mosses, dwarf shrubs and wildflowers. Asmundarsafn Museum sits among sculpted gardens, blending art with nature, while Perlan Museum immerses visitors in Iceland’s glaciers, volcanic activity, and geothermal systems a perfect introduction to the country’s ecology.

Borgarnes

Borgarnes is a small town on the western edge of Iceland, known as the gateway to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Crossing the Hallmundarhraun lava field en route reveals a dramatic expanse of black volcanic rock.

Mosses and lichens thrive here, slowly reclaiming the barren lava with a patchwork of green. The area is a living classroom, showing how volcanic soils shape plant communities and demonstrating the resilience of Iceland’s pioneering flora.

Grundarfjordur

Nestled between fjords and jagged peaks, Grundarfjordur is a picturesque fishing town surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Cliffs and hillsides are home to nesting seabirds and native grasses that sway with the coastal winds.

Seasonal wildflowers add colour, and mosses cling to rocks along the fjords. Travelling through Grundarfjordur highlights how human settlements coexist with native habitats, giving visitors a quiet insight into Iceland’s fragile ecosystems.

Stykkisholmur

Stykkisholmur is a charming harbour town on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, surrounded by islands and rich marine life. Breidafjordur Bay supports puffins and other seabirds, while the harbour’s colourful houses sit amid moss-covered rocks.

The Shark Museum offers cultural insight, but the ecology of the area is just as captivating. Coastal winds, the midnight sun, and native shrubs shape the local flora, creating microhabitats for insects and birds along the shoreline.

Budardalar

A small settlement with strong Viking heritage, Budardalar is surrounded by fields and meadows where wildflowers bloom in summer. The Eiriksstadir Viking longhouse adds a historical dimension to the natural setting.

Native grasses and low shrubs support insects and small birds, while the open fields provide a scenic and ecologically rich backdrop. Group travellers can connect cultural history with the surrounding natural environment, making the stop both educational and photogenic.

Reykholtsdalur

Located in western Iceland, Reykholtsdalur is renowned for Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Geothermal activity creates a warm, mineral-rich environment that supports mosses, ferns, and thermophilic algae.

Nearby waterfalls like Barnafoss and Hraunfossar carve through volcanic rock, lined with native birch and willow trees. Visitors see firsthand how geothermal energy shapes plant communities, creating unique ecological niches that illustrate the dynamic interaction between geology and biology.

Hella

Hella is a fertile town in southern Iceland, positioned near rivers and valleys that support lush vegetation. Waterfalls, greenhouses, and farmlands highlight a mix of natural and cultivated ecosystems.

Fridheimar Greenhouse demonstrates geothermal energy’s role in sustainable tomato production, while nearby Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls showcase moss-covered cliffs and native grasses. The interplay of human innovation and natural processes creates a dynamic ecological experience for travellers.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Iceland, famous for its historical and geological significance. The rift valley sits between tectonic plates, shaping lava plains and birch woodlands.

Dwarf willow, Arctic thyme, and mosses thrive alongside freshwater streams and small lakes. Walking the park with a guide allows groups to see how tectonic activity influences both the landscape and its diverse plant communities, offering a unique combination of history and ecology.

Geysir Geothermal Area

The Geysir area in Haukadalur Valley is one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal zones. Strokkur erupts regularly amid steaming vents and mineral-rich pools, showcasing Iceland’s volcanic energy.

Mosses, heat-tolerant algae, and low shrubs cling to the mineral-rich soil. Extreme conditions create unique microhabitats where plants adapt to hot, acidic environments, offering visitors insight into the resilience and ingenuity of Icelandic flora.

Gullfoss

Gullfoss waterfall, on the Hvítá River in southwest Iceland, is one of the country’s most iconic waterfalls. Water cascades over double-tiered cliffs, creating constant mist that nourishes mosses, lichens, and wildflowers.

Seasonal blooms attract pollinators and create microhabitats for insects. Seeing Gullfoss in a group highlights the interplay between geology, water, and ecological resilience, while giving travellers a shared sense of awe at Iceland’s raw natural power.

Jokulsarlon

Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon in southeastern Iceland is home to drifting icebergs from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Black sands of Diamond Beach provide substrate for mosses and algae that cling to scattered volcanic rocks.

Nearby Fjadrargljufur Canyon is lined with native grasses and dwarf shrubs, while birds feed along the lagoon. The contrast between ice and dark sand illustrates how glaciers shape delicate ecosystems, making this a visually stunning and ecologically rich stop.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon, near Grindavik, lies within a lava field and is world-famous for its mineral-rich geothermal seawater. Silica-tolerant algae and thermophilic microorganisms thrive here, forming a living, ever-changing ecosystem.

Mosses and small plants colonise surrounding lava rocks, adapting to high humidity and geothermal heat. Visitors enjoy a rare opportunity to witness how life thrives in extreme conditions, experiencing Iceland’s ecology firsthand while relaxing in a naturally warm, mineral-rich spa.

Why Iceland is perfect for group trips

Shared experiences

Exploring Iceland as a group transforms breathtaking scenery into unforgettable shared memories. Standing together at Gullfoss, feeling the mist on your face, or sailing among Jokulsarlon’s icebergs, the experience is amplified when shared. Group travel allows travellers to capture these moments together, creating stories and photos to last a lifetime.

Expert guidance

Local guides bring Iceland’s landscapes to life, offering insights into geology, wildlife, and ecology that are easy to miss alone. From lava fields like Hallmundarhraun to Arctic flora in Thingvellir, guides ensure everyone in the group fully appreciates the intricacies of each location.

Stress-free travel experience

Navigating Iceland’s remote regions can be tricky. Group tours manage transportation, accommodations, and daily itineraries, letting travellers focus on the landscapes, taking photos, or simply soaking up the experience without stress.

Safety in remote areas

Iceland’s terrain includes glaciers, volcanic fields, and river crossings, where conditions can change rapidly. Travelling with a group and experienced guides increases safety, allowing everyone to enjoy activities such as short hikes, amphibian boat tours, and geothermal exploration with confidence.

Cultural and social connection

Group travel fosters camaraderie and shared enjoyment of Icelandic culture. Evening strolls in Stykkisholmur, shared meals in Reykjavik, or quiet reflection at Diamond Beach become richer when experienced together, creating bonds and a sense of community that enhances the trip.

Come along on an unforgettable Iceland group tour

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? In June, our expert tour leaders guide a small group through the country’s iconic landscapes, from majestic glaciers and thundering waterfalls to bubbling geysers and volcanic shores, all while you stay in carefully selected accommodation that combines comfort with local charm.

We’re led by founders Graham and Sandra Ross, who have spent over four decades creating unforgettable nature and garden tours for Australians, sharing their passion for exploration and storytelling across the globe.

With friends by your side, every moment becomes a memory—laughing, discovering, and soaking up Iceland’s dramatic scenery together.

Our tours

In Australia we offer short breaks, week-long rambles and longer wildflower safaris. Overseas, we lead tours on four continents. You can join a Ross Tour from Australia, from Europe, from America, or in Asia.

Our guests stay in luxury accommodation, with all bus, ferry or train travel sorted and pre-arranged ahead of time. On the tour, your dedicated guide shares insights into the local history and culture, as well as the best local restaurants and shops.

Our leaders

Our tour leaders, just like who will be guiding you through Iceland, are a carefully selected team with unique expertise in gardens, food, culture, and adventure. When the tour begins, they’ll take you to the best destinations in Australia and around the world. Click here to meet all of our fantastic Tour Leaders.