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WHAT'S NEW IN ICELAND 2025: EXPLORE A FRESH WAVE OF WELLNESS, ADVENTURE, AND HISTORY (Islande)
Iceland continues to captivate travellers in 2025 with new experiences that go beyond the ordinary. |
Catégorie : Europe - Islande - Économie du secteur
- Tourisme
Ceci est un communiqué de presse sélectionné par notre comité éditorial et publié gratuitement le mercredi 03 septembre 2025
 Crédit photo © Inspired by Iceland
From relaxing geothermal lagoons and hair-raising heli-rafting to fascinating exhibitions and whale watching, the Land of Fire and Ice sets the tone for unforgettable adventures for all kinds of travellers.
Wellness openings and updates
Laugarás Lagoon
Set to open in September 2025, Laugarás Lagoon is the latest addition to The Golden Circle, Iceland's famous tourism route.
The lagoon is a two-level luxury retreat for ultimate relaxation, set against Iceland's stunning natural landscape. The lagoon presents a selection of bathing experiences, including a cascading waterfall.
For a more tranquil setting, the grotto is tucked into the corner of the lagoon and after a soothing soak, unwind in one of the two forest saunas, offering health benefits and views over the Hvíta River and its surroundings.
The two swim-up bars offer guests a selection of refreshing beverages as they relax in the lagoon. With Lerki and Ösp admissions, guests can enjoy one complimentary drink of choice.
Ylja Restaurant will be a signature dining experience curated by renowned Icelandic chef Gísli Matt, highlighting seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
For more information, please visit https://laugaraslagoon.is/
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
The Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn was founded in 1929, but a recent refurbishment has enhanced the experience with contemporary comforts.
Conveniently located for travellers on the Golden Circle route, the baths are a great way to slow down and enjoy the serenity of the landscape; guests are invited to soak in natural pools, bubbling hot springs, and a lake that stretches as far as the eye can see. A particular highlight is the region's geothermal bread, which uses a traditional recipe and is baked in the hot ground.
For more information, please visit https://www.fontana.is/
Sky Lagoon
Sky Lagoon, Reykjavík's oceanfront geothermal lagoon, has taken its seven-step Skjól wellness ritual to the next level.
The property's recent expansion offers a transformative wellness journey with a second sauna that features Iceland's largest single-pane glass window, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors finish their ritual with a shot of antioxidant-rich crowberry juice, for a healthy taste of the local landscape.
For more information, please visit https://www.skylagoon.com/
Hotel openings and refurbishments
Höfði Lodge
Höfði Lodge is a luxury adventure lodge in northern Iceland, located just 25 minutes from Akureyri.
The property offers 40 rooms with spectacular views of Eyjafjörður, one of the longest fjords in Iceland. On-site facilities include a restaurant, rooftop bar, spa, and a gym. Further afield, guests can also enjoy activities such as heliskiing, whale watching, hiking, and horse riding, with the lodge also offering customisable tour packages and transportation options, including a 10-minute helicopter transfer from Akureyri Airport.
For more information, please visit https://hofdilodge.com/
Hotel Akureyri
Hotel Akureyri is a charming micro-hotel located in the heart of the city of the same name.
With a four-storey extension added in summer 2024 – including a new lobby, bar, lounge, and 52 rooms – the boutique bolthole offers modern comforts, top-of-the-range facilities, personalised experiences, and excellent value. Alongside its elegant rooms, Hotel Akureyri is home to the popular North restaurant, which focuses on sustainable, local ingredients sourced from the region.
For more information, please visit https://www.hotel-akureyri.com/
Skáld Hotel
Opening in summer 2025 as part of Hilton's Curio Collection, the Skáld Hotel will be the first internationally branded countryside property in North Iceland, bringing elevated luxury to the heart of Akureyri.
Tastefully designed to emphasise Iceland's history and culture, the 70-room hotel will offer the perfect base for a tranquil escape amid the region's natural beauty; the property's serene fjord-side setting and intimate scale promise a restorative retreat for travellers to the north.
New accomodation
Heiðin Houses
Heiðin is a new accommodation option just outside Akureyri in North Iceland, offering modern, well-designed houses in the peaceful surroundings of Vaðlaheiði.
Each 125-square-metre house has four bedrooms and sleeps up to eight guests, making them ideal for families, groups, or anyone seeking a quiet stay with fjord views but needing the convenience of being a six-minute drive from Akureyri. Currently, five houses are available, with two more opening by the end of July.
Openings will continually periodically through until 2026, where once finished – twelve houses will be available. Bookings can be made via the Heiðin website, Airbnb, and Booking.com.
For more information, please visit https://www.heidin.is/do-explore
New tours and attractions
Whale watching
The family-run business Friends of Moby Dick now offers whale watching tours in Húsavík, a vibrant town on the northeast coast of Iceland. Boats are equipped with the latest technology and safety equipment, and passionate guides are on hand to share their knowledge and love of the whales in Skjálfandi Bay. Gentle Giants, North Sailing, and Húsavík Adventures also offer tours to the protected Skjálfandi Bay.
Heli-rafting
Arctic Rafting recently launched its first heli-rafting tour on the Markarfljót River in collaboration with Asgard Beyond. Adrenaline seekers take a scenic helicopter ride up the Markarfljót canyon, which was carved out by glacier water and is up to a staggering 160 meters deep in parts.
The helicopter then lands inside the canyon, where participants start their epic journey on the river to the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, past glaciers, waterfalls, and basalt columns. This is a sightseeing adventure like no other.
To book, please visit https://arcticrafting.com/
Water safaris
Ribsafari in Vestmannaeyjar offers tours of the puffin colonies on Elliðaey and Bjarnaey, where visitors can observe the impressive seabirds in their natural habitat. The tour also visits Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar's only inhabited island, and the lava fields created by the 1973 volcanic eruption.
A particular highlight is the stop at a sea cave, where guests can experience the unique acoustics with music. Local guides offer insight into the islands' history, volcanic activity, and wildlife for a fun yet informative adventure.
To book, please visit https://ribsafari.is/
New exhitions
World in Words at the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies
The Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies presents the new World in Words exhibition, which showcases an impressive variety of medieval Icelandic manuscripts.
These historic texts offer invaluable insights into the ideas and stories of Iceland's past, from epic poetry to reflections on life and society. Through immersive technology, visitors can explore the dynamic world of medieval literature and experience readings, videos, and games that bring the ancient stories to life.
The World in Words Manuscript Exhibition is a permanent exhibition. Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10-17pm, closed on Mondays.For more information, please visit https://arnastofnun.is/en/front-page
Chronicles of the Earth at the Kópavogur Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in the city centre of Kópavogur has expanded its permanent exhibition with the exciting addition of the Chronicles of the Earth exhibition, which offers a fascinating insight into the history of our planet, the evolution of life, and the relationships between animals and plants.
This family-friendly museum is free and suitable for visitors of all ages. For more information, please visit https://natkop.kopavogur.is/en
Live music performance at the Bakkastofa Cultural Center
The Bakkastofa Cultural Centre in the historic village of Eyrarbakki offers visitors an intimate introduction to Iceland's rich heritage with its Saga Musica program.
This engaging live music performance explores Iceland's historical and literary past in a dynamic, contemporary format, offering a unique and entertaining experience. Guests can also enjoy storytelling sessions that explore local folklore and traditions. As well as these cultural performances, visitors can explore the nearby heritage museum at Húsið, one of Iceland's oldest houses, and Eyrarbakki Church.
For more information, please visit https://www.bakkastofa.com/english
About Visit Iceland
Visit Iceland, the official destination marketing office, aims to attract travelers to Iceland. We work effectively on promoting and marketing to consumers in cooperation with the tourism industry under the umbrella brand of Inspired by Iceland. We are a platform for cooperation with effective network with domestic and foreign tour operators and other stakeholders in Icelandic tourism.
 Forest Lagoon
Crédit photo © Business Iceland
 Crédit photo © Inspired by Iceland
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