Iceland is a year-round destination as nature is continuously providing a memorable show of endless waterfalls, volcanic terrain, gigantic glaciers, and volcanoes. Head to the island nation in the winter for a chance to see the astonishing aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, and in the summer to avoid the harsh winter weather and have safer road conditions. But, the shoulder seasons of fall and spring still have plenty to offer those bound for Iceland thanks to enticing itineraries with Backroads crafted to allow visitors to discover the “Land of Fire and Ice”.

The country lives up to its nickname with 130 active and inactive volcanoes and with over 10 percent of the country being covered by glaciers. There’s no other place on Earth like Iceland. With an array of Backroads itineraries to choose from, every type of traveler is sure to find their perfect Icelandic vacation. From hiking, walking, and adventure tours—there are many ways to experience this once-in-a-lifetime destination.

The carefully crafted trips take guests to witness Iceland’s most dramatic natural sights, from otherworldly black-sand beaches, visiting migrating puffins, to voyages to look for whales. All Backroads tours in Iceland include premier accommodations with the exception of Iceland by Sea Ocean Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour where you’ll sleep on a small luxury ship!

If you prefer to explore on wheels, join Backroads for the off-road adventure of a lifetime. Buckle into a Super Jeep for a memorable drive traversing across rocky lava beds, glacial outflows, and rivers near Katla Volcano on the Glaciers & Coast Multi-Adventure. On this itinerary, you’ll visit powerful waterfalls such as Svartifoss (also known as Black Falls) with water pouring from hexagonal lava columns, walk on a glacier in Skaftafell National Park, and soak in a geothermal pool, all while taking in Iceland’s rugged landscape that offers non-stop awe-inspiring vistas.

For those feeling a bit more adventurous, there’s the Golden Circle & Volcanic Highlands Multi-Adventure which will have you trekking through lava fields and lunar-esque landscapes at Hveradalir. You’ll have plenty of waterfall experiences—from visiting the hidden Gljufrabui waterfall to walking the Fimmvörðuháls and passing over 25 cascades on the “waterfall way.” For a relaxed adventure consider the Dolce Tempo Iceland Multi-Adventure where you’ll get to walk behind the massive Seljalandsfoss waterfall, go for a trot on an iconic Icelandic horse, learn about the country’s folkloric culture of fairies and trolls, and raft the glacial Hvítá River at a relaxed pace.

Families headed to Iceland will enjoy sharing the experience of searching for the majestic Northern Lights together on the Iceland Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour – For Families winter wonderland trip. On clear nights during the winter months the colorful display of light dazzles as it dances across the sky. On this journey, you’ll also take a winter walk through the World Heritage site of Thingvellir National Park.