Exploring Forest Bathing and Back-to-Nature Detox Trends in Iceland Summer Escapes
05/01/2025, Richmond TW9 2JA // PRODIGY: Feature Story //
Over recent years, trends and recognition of work/life balance, the harms of digital screens, and the huge importance of mental health have extended beyond our day-to-day lives and influenced the types of holidays more and more of us choose to book—swapping sweltering heat and crowded beaches for serene wildlife, tranquil vistas, and fresh air that gives us a real break.
Amid this backdrop, Iceland has emerged as a high-demand destination. It offers warm but comfortable summer temperatures, miles of greenery, mountains, and rural countryside, and incredible experiences, from caving and hiking to whale watching and bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon.
The experts in Icelandic travel at the Baltic Travel Company have shared some tips, advice, and guidance for anybody thinking about escaping the rat race with a summer escape in Iceland and highlighted some of the beautiful destinations and sites they recommend most.
What Makes Iceland Such a Special Destination in the Summer?
During the summer months, Iceland is a world away from the stresses of everyday life. With lush green landscapes, almost 24 hours of daylight owing to the Midnight Sun season, and sunny but cool weather, this is the optimal time to soak in the natural hot springs, explore the scenery, and visit areas inaccessible in the winter.
For many guests, Iceland's sheer majesty, scale, and wildness make it the perfect spot to indulge the senses, connect with nature, and see astonishing species of animals without a queue or traffic jam in sight.
The busiest period is in July, but that doesn't mean busy in the sense of crowds and bottlenecks, even for visitors staying in and around Reykjavik, given that many of the best activities are in more rural areas.
You might like to swap a day in the city for a tour of the Golden Circle, one of the most stunning sights, taking in Þingvellir National Park. You could also head to a unique lava tunnel—the Raufarhólshellir —which is just 30 minutes from the city, or venture inside a glacier surrounded by thick ice walls deep within Langjökull.
There is something for everyone, and if you'd prefer a luxurious spa experience, Iceland won't disappoint, with the iconic Blue Lagoon and countless other smaller natural springs, exclusive resorts and pampering treatments that will help you relax and unwind.
Experiencing the Best of Nature During an Icelandic Summer Holiday
If there's one thing Iceland does better than anywhere else, it's nature, with expansive hiking routes that offer remarkable views over panoramic scenery and options to enjoy camping during the extended daylight hours surrounded by waterfalls, forests and mountain peaks.
Iceland is extremely safe. You'll find varied, well-positioned camping sites with rules that safeguard the natural habitats and ecosystems around designated areas in the national parks. You can also rent a tent or a static yurt.
Another great way to capture the spectacle of the vast glaciers, soaring waterfalls and charming villages is to consider a fly/drive holiday, with the Ring Road often named one of the best road trips in the world, and perfect for a summer getaway.
You can follow a pre-configured route with recommended stops that take you from geysers to gigantic lakes and lagoons. It is a unique experience for families and avid explorers who want to customise their tour and spend as long as they wish at each destination.
Regardless of the holiday or package you choose, when the roads open and the ice melts, we strongly recommend keeping an eye out for puffins, whales, with whale watching tours through the Icelandic waters a great excursion, and seals basking in the sun along the coastlines.
Wild Escapes for an Unforgettable Icelandic Summer Escape
Our recommendations are always tailored to you and your party, but we often hear from guests who want an experience less ordinary and to use their valuable holiday time to connect, spend quality time together, and detox entirely from their devices, phones, and work or school routines.
Iceland provides some amazing experiences that fit this brief, including the Thrihnukagigur crater, where you can travel 120 metres towards the centre of the earth, explore the inside of the volcano, and see the only accessible magma chamber on the planet—this site is only open in the summer.
The Westfjords are another breathtaking destination, a peninsula characterised by dramatic landscapes. The thunder of the waterfalls is just slightly gentler during the summer season and far safer to visit.
You can stop in Ísafjörður, the capital, to try authentic local cuisines, enjoy the refreshing waters of Dynjandi Waterfall, the largest in the Westfjords, and head to Rauðasandur Beach on the south coast with its red sand – and home to the Rauðasandur festival on the first weekend in July.
If you've dreamed of seeing Iceland's black sand beaches in person, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west might be more suited, with Kirkjufell mountain, the Snæfellsjökull stratovolcano and glacier, and beautiful towns like Arnarstapi where you'll find guest houses, camping and welcoming restaurants.
Popular Summer Getaways in Iceland from the Baltic Travel Company
We hope we've showcased some of the many reasons Iceland is a fantastic destination and well worth a summer adventure! If you'd like to review some of the packages currently available for this summer, we've curated a small selection to indicate the inclusions and what you can expect from the experience.
Our Active Iceland Holiday is an eight-day package departing between 1st June and 31st August. It includes everything from whitewater rafting to a Golden Circle tour, ATV off-road rides around the Reykjanes Peninsula, and, of course, a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon spa.
You'll be able to ride the famous Icelandic horses, head off for a whale and seabird cruise from Reykjavik harbour, and experience a hiking challenge with ample time to rest and put your feet up or spend free time shopping, fishing or snorkelling as you wish.
The Solar Eclipse Escape in Iceland is an equally wonderful holiday. It is a five-day experience currently taking bookings for 2026, with exciting outdoor excursions and the wonder of the eclipse as a highlight.
Read more about Baltic Travel Company- The Baltic Travel Company Experts Explain Why Northern Lights Travel Is Growing 9.8% Year on Year
About Baltic Travel Company
We specialise in crafting unique, tailor-made travel experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of Europe and the Baltic region. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated travel experts are committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise to ensure your Baltic adventure exceeds your expectations. From cultural city breaks to the inspiring northern lights and breathtaking natural landscapes, our carefully curated itineraries highlight the very best of the Nordic Region, Scandinavia, The Baltic Region, Poland, Slovakia and more. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, embark on a journey of discovery with Baltic Travel Company – your ultimate travel partner in exploring the hidden gems of the Baltics.
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