With its striking combination of expansive natural landscapes, rich traditions and refined culture, Iceland offers many opportunities for meeting and incentive groups to create memorable encounters. Reykjavík, the compact capital, serves as an excellent base thanks to its range of hotels, distinctive attractions and flexible event venues. From the city it’s easy to balance business with exploration of the island’s most remarkable sights.
The Golden Circle—Iceland’s most well-known sightseeing route—is a natural starting point for groups seeking iconic scenery. Offered by many local tour operators, the route typically stops at Thingvellir National Park’s dramatic rifts and gorges, the erupting hot springs of the Geysir geothermal area, and the thunderous falls of Gullfoss.
For wildlife-focused groups, whale-watching excursions depart regularly from Reykjavík. Operators run a variety of vessels, from rigid-inflatable boats for larger groups to more intimate boats for experiencing marine life and coastal landscapes. Thrill-seekers can choose helicopter tours with companies such as Norðurflug, which run short scenic flights over the city and bay as well as longer excursions that fly over volcanic activity and dramatic terrain.
© Nordurflug Helicopters
Icelandic cuisine blends traditional Nordic ingredients with modern culinary techniques, with fresh seafood and lamb featured widely on menus. Reykjavík’s restaurants provide varied atmospheres suitable for group dining, from cozy local bistros to contemporary fine-dining rooms. Perlan Exploratorium, for example, can host groups of up to 1,000 in a restaurant located beneath a glass dome that sits atop hot-water tanks, offering panoramic views of surrounding mountains and coastline.
Other notable dining options include Skal, known for its Icelandic and international dishes; Matur & Drykkur, which offers a seasonal six-course tasting menu; and Fish Mrkt, a sleek, Asian-influenced seafood restaurant—each well suited to group meals and special events.
Reykjavík’s hotels reflect the city’s polished hospitality scene, ranging from classic to contemporary properties. Expansion and renovation projects are continually adding capacity and amenities: Hotel Reykjavík Grand, for instance, is developing a new 134-room tower expected to open in 2028, which will include expanded meeting facilities, a spa, restaurants and bars.
Current group-friendly properties include the 253-room Reykjavík EDITION, the city’s only five-star hotel, offering more than 5,400 square feet of private meeting and event space; and the 252-room Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, which provides roughly 2,007 square feet of event facilities across 17 meeting rooms.
© Blue Lagoon
Also centrally located, the 163-room Iceland Parliament Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, features seven meeting rooms, including the historic Ladies School in a building dating to 1874. Groups seeking outdoor access and easy trail connections should consider the 220-room Berjaya Reykjavik Natura Hotel, which offers proximity to cycling, walking and running routes.
Meet in Reykjavík, the city’s convention and business bureau, provides support and resources for MICE planners coordinating events in Iceland.
UNIQUE VENUES
Iceland’s dramatic landscapes double as unforgettable event settings. The Blue Lagoon showcases the country’s geothermal waters and spa culture; its meeting spaces overlook the milky-blue lagoon and rugged lava fields, while the on-site LAVA restaurant seats up to 500 guests. Groups staying at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland gain expanded access to these facilities and a more private experience.
The Whales of Iceland exhibition presents 23 life-size whale models representing species that inhabit nearby waters. Enhanced by ambient lighting and sound, the space can host private events for up to 500 guests and provides an immersive, educational backdrop for receptions or presentations.
For arts-focused gatherings, the Reykjavík Art Museum offers rotating exhibitions and event spaces that can accommodate large audiences. Harpa Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference Centre delivers flexible facilities for up to 3,500 attendees and is a striking modern landmark for conferences and performances. Gamla Bíó, a former opera house and cinema, now serves as a unique venue for concerts and private events with capacity for roughly 750 guests.