Sports in Reykjavík

The active programmes in Reykjavík are short: three entries, all of them fitting into a day with no overnight stay. The cheapest is a dip in the ocean at Nauthólsvík beach inside the city limits — a swim in cold water, then a warm-up in the hot pool beside it. One hour, 30 dollars; the most affordable entry in the whole Icelandic catalogue after the self-guided quest. The beach is open year-round and the lagoon water is geothermally warmed.

Snorkelling in hot springs takes three hours at 147 dollars. You float in a dry suit issued on site: the water itself is geothermally warmed, but in winter the air drops below zero, and that, rather than depth, is what the suit is for.

The longest programme is the hike into Landmannalaugar, a region of rhyolite mountains in the central highlands reached by all-terrain vehicles in summer: fourteen hours including the drive, 148 dollars. The route crosses coloured slopes and obsidian fields; the climbing is moderate, but weather up there turns fast. GetExperience lists 3 active programmes in Reykjavík, from 30 to 148 dollars, with gear included in the price. Dates are picked in the calendar, with online card payment.