It’s an issue that tour providers the world over are grappling with: how to encourage tourism yet at the same time minimise the negative impacts it might have on the environment and, by extension, on our global climate. Scientists have demonstrated that climate change has tangible effects on the planet, not least rising sea levels and melting glaciers. The Arctic region, of which Iceland is on the fringes, is likely to be one of the worst affected and it falls to every one of us to play our part in analysing our behaviour enabling us to reduce our carbon footprint.
In recent years, as visitor numbers have soared, the Icelandic authorities have had to be proactive in managing tourism to protect the country’s fragile landscapes and vegetation. It’s a tricky job to strike the right balance between embracing the economic benefits that come with a buoyant tourist industry and the need to conserve and protect the very landforms and scenic views that have attracted them in the first place. Educating tourists and taking firm action to curb unwanted behaviours are both necessary parts of the process.
Within this context, carbon-neutral travel is a vital component. In iceland, such tours will appeal to affluent travellers who are keen to embrace sustainability yet are reluctant to miss out on the adventures that characterise self-drive itineraries. Activity Iceland’s premium carbon-neutral self-drive packages demonstrate that it’s possible to be eco-conscious without compromising on exclusivity, quality and comfort. Upscale and fully-customisable, these luxury Iceland vacations offer an irresistible alternative to standard tours.
What Might a Carbon-Neutral Tour of Iceland Look Like?
Sustainable travel packages can take many forms, offering endless possibilities for exploring Iceland responsibly while minimizing your environmental impact. At the heart of our approach is creating bespoke tours fully customized to your interests, preferences, and travel style. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature enthusiast, or cultural explorer, we can craft a carbon-neutral itinerary that aligns perfectly with your vision.
To spark your imagination and get the planning started, we’ve curated a selection of sample itineraries that showcase the best of what a sustainable journey in Iceland can offer. From eco-friendly self-drive adventures through the island’s dramatic landscapes to guided tours powered by renewable energy, these examples provide a glimpse into the diverse experiences available.
These packages are meant for inspiration, but in reality, our team of expert travel designers crafts each and every vacation package uniquely tailored to each customer. Simply share your budget, time frame, an overview of the travelers’ ages and interests, your goals, and the experiences you want to enjoy. With that, we’ll create a personalized package that fits your needs and ensures an unforgettable carbon-neutral Icelandic adventure. Ready to make your dream trip a reality? Let’s get started.
Our TOP 3 Most Popular Iceland Carbon-Neutral Self-Drive Vacation Packages
Adventure-Packed Carbon Neutral Premium Self-Drive Iceland Tour (8 days)
On our Adventure-Packed Carbon Neutral Premium Self-Drive Iceland Tour you’ll find out just how fun eco-friendly luxury travel can be. Starting in Reykjavik, get to know Iceland’s compact, historic and utterly charming capital city on foot. You might choose to ascend the elevator in Hallgrimskirkja to gaze out over the city’s colourful rooftops.
Alternatively, visit museums devoted to the sagas or Iceland’s maritime history to discover more about the events that shaped a nation. Get a flavour of what’s to come at FlyOver Iceland, a motion ride that is the ideal introduction to the country’s incredible landscapes. Venture inside Raufarhólshellir – better known to visitors as the Lava Tunnel – which was formed during an ancient volcanic eruption, or take a tour of the spectacular Víðgelmir lava cave.
Travel a little further to the Hengill volcanic area, where you can blow off some steam with a stimulating e-bike ride in an area known for its geothermal energy. Over the next few days, explore further afield. In Thingvellir National Park, snorkel through the crystal clear water of Silfra Fissure.
Tour the South Coast where you’ll visit waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, interspersing them with beaches such as notorious Reynisfjara, whose black sand is regularly battered by powerful sneaker waves. In nearby Vik, set out on horseback to ride through this lovely stretch of the Icelandic coastline.
Sampling Iceland’s luxurious geothermal spas, such as Sky Lagoon, Krauma Geothermal Pool or Hvammsvik Hot Springs, is the ideal way to round off a day’s activities.
Sustainable Iceland Family Adventure (8 days)
Our Sustainable Iceland Family Adventure is a CO2 neutral treat for visitors no matter what their age. Designed with children in mind, you’ll begin your tour in kid-friendly Reykjavik. There are plenty of activities that will engage, inspire and entertain, from the sight of molten magma at close quarters at Lava Show to the chance to walk through an artificial ice cave at Perlan.
On the Reykjavik Food Lovers’ Tour, you’ll all have the chance to taste quintessentially Icelandic foods such as lamb soup, skyr, hot dogs and – if you can stomach it – hákarl (fermented shark). Leaving the city behind, you can descend into Raufarhólshellir, a magnificent 5200 year old lava cave, and tour one of the world’s largest geothermal power plants, Hellisheiðarvikjun.
In your roomy Tesla, you’ll tick off some of the most recognisable sights in the Icelandic countryside, touring popular locations such as the striking South Coast and the ever-popular Golden Circle route. Seize the opportunity to venture off the beaten track as you drive alongside tranquil Hvalfjörður and loop the Silver Circle. Get the adrenaline pumping on a river rafting expedition and hike on a glacier in the company of an experienced guide.
With the chance to participate in some uniquely Icelandic activities, such as finding out how to bake rúgbrauð using heat from the earth and mastering the tölt – a fifth gait that only Icelandic horses can do – this promises to be one of the most memorable family vacations you’ve ever had.
Activity-Filled CO2 Neutral Self-Drive Tour (5 days)
If you prefer to spend your vacation doing things rather than sightseeing, then our Activity-Filled CO2 Neutral Self-Drive Tour is likely to be a good fit. You’ll kick off your itinerary in Reykjavik, where you might choose to take a hike along the Sculpture and Shore Walk. Highlights include the iconic Sun Voyager, historic Höfði House and the quirky Recycled House.
Continue to stretch your legs as you make your way along the Laugardalur valley, site of the Laundry Pools where in the past people would have come to do their washing taking advantage of the naturally warm water. Leaving the city behind, find out more about how geothermal heat plays a vital role in creating sustainable energy for today’s population with a visit to the Geothermal Exhibition at Hellisheiðarvikjun Power Plant. Onwards to Vik, South Iceland’s adventure capital, where first up is a Glacier Discovery tour on Sólheimajökull glacier.
You’ll pull a pair of crampons over the soles of your hiking boots to give you that all-important grip as you navigate the fractured surface of the glacier with an expert guide, dodging crevasses and remarking on the vivid blue tones of the ice. Back at the coast, don a different helmet as you mount a sturdy Icelandic horse for a memorable ride along the area’s black sand beaches.
Perhaps you’ll manage to pull off a tölt as you gaze out at Reynisdrangar sea stacks, located just offshore. Later, take a seat indoors as volcanic rock is superheated and poured right in front of you as you learn about one of the most powerful natural phenomena on earth at Lava Show, an educational experience that will augment your understanding when you later visit Raufarhólshellir.
Detour back via the Golden Circle, where you’ll follow in the footsteps of ancient lawmakers at Thingvellir National Park and witness the jaw-dropping spectacle of Strokkur geyser erupting. Back in the capital, round off a memorable trip on Rekyjavik’s Secret Spots and Hidden Gems tour, the chance to see a side to Iceland’s largest city that many travellers overlook.
How do we achieve tours that are carbon-neutral?
We take a number of steps to ensure that we can advertise our tours as carbon-neutral. Let’s take a look at how we create sustainable travel packages.
- Firstly, you’ll be driving around in a Tesla Model Y; with a range of up to 524 kilometres on a single charge, it copes admirably with a day’s sightseeing. By using an electric car such as this, you’ll minimise the extent of transport-related emissions as you travel around the country and take part in activities. If you don’t already own an electric vehicle at home, it’s a valuable opportunity to test drive one for an extended period of time.
- Next, you’ll experience Iceland’s commitment to renewable energy first-hand as you enjoy the benefits of heating and electricity that comes from a sustainable source: geothermal heat beneath the ground. Education is also key; as part of your itinerary you might choose to take a guided tour of the Hellisheiðarvikjun Power Plant, where you’ll learn about the processes and technology involved in harnessing energy in this way.
- Also, many of the activities you’ll be able to enjoy as part of your carbon-neutral package are outdoors and don’t require motorised transport. For instance, there are multiple opportunities to hike through the beautiful Icelandic countryside, though you can choose to rely on horsepower of the original kind as you saddle up for a group riding excursion.
Where exclusivity and eco-consciousness go hand in hand, luxury travel has never been so exciting. You can opt to follow one of these sample itineraries but we are also happy to alter the route and activities to put together a fully customised tour that’s unique to you.
Take a look at these and other vacation packages that we offer for inspiration – we’ll then work with you to design a carbon-neutral tour that incorporates everything you’ve asked for.
