tourist attractions in iceland

30 Best Things to Do in Iceland + MAP

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Deciding what to do in Iceland is the most difficult part of planning a trip to this beautiful country, as the Land of Fire and Ice is full of majestic landscapes.

Since we love this country so much, we run Iceland photo tours every year. We’ve been to the island many times, so we’ve gotten to explore its most impressive spots, and now we’re sharing our tips! To help you plan your trip, I’m going to tell you about the most beautiful places to visit in Iceland.

But before I do so, I want to tell you that there are several ways to tour this country. The best option is to rent a car in Iceland so you can freely explore the island at your own pace. However, if you don’t want to drive, you can book many excursions from Reykjavík  or take advantage of one of the top  Iceland vacation packages , which include transportation and accommodation.

Now, let’s dive into the best  things to do in Iceland  so you can start planning the trip of your dreams!

1. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, the coolest thing to do in Iceland

The  Blue Lagoon  has become one of the must-see  attractions in Iceland , and for good reason.

Nestled in the middle of a lava field, this milky-blue geothermal bath is just 45 minutes from the capital city of Reykjavík and it’s said that the lagoon’s silica and sulfur-rich waters have medicinal properties that can soothe some skin ailments.

To bathe in the Blue Lagoon, you’ll need to buy a ticket, and since it’s one of the most  beautiful places in Iceland , it’s very popular, so I suggest purchasing one in advance. Our guide to  Iceland’s Blue Lagoon  has all the information you need.

Enjoying a soak in the Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular activities to do in Iceland, but if you don’t want to pay, there are several free options such as the Reykjadalur thermal river. I recommend reading our guide to  Iceland’s hot springs  to find a natural pool along your route that fits your budget.

2. Gullfoss, the famous waterfall in Iceland’s Golden Circle

Gullfoss  is one of the most popular  landmarks in Iceland  thanks to its immense beauty. It’s considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country and is also known as the Golden Waterfall. Lying within the course of the Hvítá River, Gullfoss has become one of the most important stops in  Iceland’s Golden Circle .

Visiting this waterfall is one of the best things to do in Iceland because its waters seem to disappear into the depths of the earth. In reality, the waterfall was formed from a crack in the earth’s crust. When you look at Gullfoss head-on, you can see that the waterfall is made of three falls within a 230-foot canyon. The smallest one is about 36 feet high, while the other two are 69 feet and 105 feet high.

Moreover, Gullfoss is one of our favorite places to see the Northern Lights in the Golden Circle. The area is usually crowded with tourists during the day, but if you’re willing to wait until nightfall, you can see the lovely aurora in peace.

3. Geysir & Strokkur geothermal area, an impressive place to visit in Iceland

If you’re wondering  what to do in Iceland ‘s Golden Circle, check out the geothermal area of ​​the  Haukadalur Valley . Also known as the Valley of Geysers, this is where you’ll find  Geysir , the first geyser discovered in the world. This impressive natural phenomenon expels hot steam, gases, and water from inside the earth, making it an awesome  place to go in Iceland .

While Geysir has been inactive for a long time, you can catch another geyser, Strokkur, erupt about a quarter-mile away. Strokkur can launch jets of steam and water as hot as 194° F to a height of nearly 100 feet. This may seem unimpressive compared to the 260 feet that Geysir was used to reach, but when you see it in person, it’s quite remarkable.

This area is certainly a cool place to visit in Iceland, and the eruptions occur every 5-10 minutes, so you won’t have to wait too long to enjoy this natural spectacle. From my experience, getting there around sunrise is the best time to go, as Strokkur’s jets of steam look amazing at this hour.

4. Thingvellir National Park, a unique place in Iceland you can’t miss

As you may have guessed by now, the Golden Circle is a  must-see in Iceland . Along with the Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area, the Golden Circle is also home to  Thingvellir National Park .

This national park is one of  Iceland’s best attractions  and was even declared a  UNESCO  World Heritage Site since it’s where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate. Curiously, these plates shift about half a centimeter every year, creating the  Almannagjá crack , which you can currently walk through.

Another interesting  sight to see in Iceland ‘s Thingvellir National Park is the Law Rock, where the world’s first Icelandic parliament,  Alþing , was located. This area is also where you’ll find the  Öxarárfoss waterfall ,  Pingvallavatn Lake , and  Thingvallakirkja , one of Iceland’s first churches.

Plus, Thingvellir is where you can do one of the coolest activities on the island: snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure in Pingvallavatn Lake. It’s one of the most unique experiences because you can dive between two continents. If you want to snorkel here, you’ll need to book a tour like  this one .

5. Bruarfoss, the most beautiful waterfall to see in Iceland

Bruarfoss  is one of the most beautiful waterfalls to  visit in Iceland . It’s also within the Golden Circle, about 9 miles from the town of Laugarvatn.

To get to the waterfall, you have to pass through an area that is privately owned, and ever since the owners decided to cut off access, it’s been harder to get to Bruarfoss.

Now you must park in the official car lot and walk about 45 minutes along the Brúarà River. Trust me, the walk is well worth it because the waterfall is one of the most spectacular  sites in Iceland .

What makes this waterfall especially beautiful is its intense turquoise water, which has earned it the nickname Blue Waterfall of Iceland. Also, now that the area is less accessible, it’s one of the most tranquil  things to do in Iceland .

6. Black sand Beach of Iceland and Vík

Vík , the southernmost town in the country, is one of the   best  places to visit in Iceland  thanks to its beautiful landscapes and interesting attractions.

Here, you’ll find  Reynisfjara Beach , also known as Black Sand Beach of Iceland , which is one of  Iceland’s top attractions . While beautiful, it’s also quite dangerous due to its strong and sometimes lethal “sneaker waves” that can drag you out to sea.

6. Black Beach of Iceland and Vík, two top attractions in Iceland

What differentiates  Reynisfjara  from the other black sand beaches is the  Reynishverfi , the striking basalt cliffs where puffins and seabirds nest in the summer. Also, in this area are the  Reynisdrangar  sea-stacks, protruding cliffs that rise nearly 200 feet out of the water. Many locals say they look like petrified trolls.

Vík offers plenty of other  things to do in Iceland , such as visiting the 300-foot-high arch of  Dyrhólaey  near Reynisfjara Beach. If you go, be sure to also check out the Dyrhólaey lighthouse, from which you’ll get a panoramic view of the black sandy beach of Solheimafjara.

I recommend taking full advantage of your time in Vík and also stopping by the  Víkurkirkja Church , which looks like something out of a postcard. Its white walls and red roof look striking against the beautiful Icelandic landscape.

7. Take a Zodiac boat through the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

If you’re looking for  fun activities in Iceland , I highly recommend taking a Zodiac boat tour through the  Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon .

Jökulsárlón  is one of the must-see places to add to your Iceland itinerary. Seeing how the large blocks of blue ice break off the glacier is a unique experience, and if you want an up-close view, I suggest booking  this tour .

During your Zodiac boat tour, you’ll cruise among the icebergs of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and approach the area where the glacier breaks up. Plus, it’s not uncommon to see seals playing in the ice or lounging on the icebergs, so keep an eye out!

Since the tour uses a small boat, you’ll avoid hitting the icebergs while also being able to get closer to the glacier and maybe even see some ice fall from the giant natural structure.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most  adventurous things to do in Iceland . The impressive Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon is the deepest lake on the island, and the ice that forms its icebergs is believed to be over 10,000 years old.

8. Diamond Beach, one of the top attractions in Iceland

Although Reynisfjara Beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the world,  Diamond Beach  is a worthy rival. This beach also has black sand, which contrasts with the chunks of ice that break off the Vatnajokull glacier and travel through the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon to reach the shore.

It is precisely this contrast of blue ice with volcanic black sand that makes Diamond Beach one of the most popular  attractions in Iceland , as well as one of the most photographed. Here, you can truly see why Iceland is considered the Land of Fire and Ice.

If you’re looking for the best time to visit this place, I suggest going at sunrise when the ice takes on an orange glow. Besides, visiting Diamond Beach is one of the top  things to do in Iceland  if you’re traveling along the  Ring Road , as it’s right at the foot of Highway 1.

9. Hallgrímskirkja & other places to visit in Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík , the capital of the country, is one of the  best cities to visit in Iceland . Among the many  things to do in Reykjavík ,  Hallgrímskirkja  is a must-see. This Lutheran church has a peculiar shape that reflects the hexagonal basalt columns you can see throughout the island.

Hallgrímskirkja’s bell tower is just over 245 feet high, so you can see it from different points in the city. If you want to climb to the top of the tower, you’ll have to pay 1000 ISK (about USD 8.30) for a ticket, but it’s worth it for the amazing views.

9. Hallgrímskirkja & other places in Reykjavík, one of the best cities to visit in Iceland

In addition to this beautiful church, Reykjavík is also home to the  Harpa Concert Hall , which has a futuristic appearance that contrasts the Hallgrímskirkja church. Other places of interest are the famous  Sun Voyager sculpture and the artsy downtown area of  Laugavegur , where you can see cool street art. I also recommend getting a  ticket  to the  Perlan Museum , which is dedicated to the incredible geography of Iceland.

Visiting Reykjavík is one of the  coolest things to do in Iceland , and there are so many attractions to see here. I recommend getting the  Reykjavík City Card , which grants you free admission to several sites, as well as unlimited bus rides and a ferry trip to Viðey Island, another popular spot.

10. Seljalandsfoss, the Icelandic waterfall you can walk behind

Seljalandsfoss  is one of the  waterfalls in Iceland  you must see since, in addition to its beauty, you can walk behind the cascading water.

This waterfall is one of the most incredible  sights to see in Iceland , and it’s especially convenient if you’re traveling the Ring Road. Seljalandsfoss is over 195 feet tall, and there is a small cave just behind the water so you can see the falls from behind. Of course, since it’s one of the most popular things to do in Iceland , the area is always full of tourists, but it’s still worth going to.

Another Icelandic waterfall that’s very close to Seljalandsfoss is  Gljúfrabúi , also known as the Hidden Waterfall or the Secret Waterfall of Iceland. While it’s smaller, at just over 130 feet, it’s much less crowded. Plus, it’s inside a cave, so it’s one of the most magical waterfalls in the country.

I recommend taking advantage of your visit to Seljalandsfoss by taking the short walk to Gljúfrabúi; you won’t regret it!

11. Skógafoss, another famous waterfall in Iceland that you must see

Skógafoss  is another  beautiful place in Iceland  that I recommend visiting. Also known as the Perfect Waterfall, it’s located at the end of the Skógá River, just inside the village of Skógar.

The waterfall has a drop of over 195 feet, but what really makes it spectacular is the surrounding area. The waters cascade over black stones that get covered in green moss in summer and snow in the winter, and the color contrast makes Skógafoss one of the most stunning  landmarks in Iceland .

Another feature that makes Skógafoss special is that you can view it from below or above, although to do the latter you’ll have to climb more than 400 steps. If you can do it, the views are well worth it, and you’ll also find the start of one of  Iceland’s best hiking trails ,  Fimmvörðuháls . It’s a 15.5-mile route that goes to Thórsmörk and passes through glaciers, waterfalls, and lava fields.

While you’re at Skógafoss, I recommend visiting  Kvernufoss , one of Iceland’s secret waterfalls. It’s on the other side of Skógar, and it’s just a 15-minute walk along the path, which is next to the Skógar Museum.

12. Visit Lake Mývatn, an awesome thing to do in North Iceland

Visiting  Lake Mývatn  is one of the best  things to do in North Iceland . The thermal lagoon has become one of the top options for travelers who want to escape the crowds that swarm to the Blue Lagoon. Not only is Lake Mývatn much quieter, but it’s cheaper and just as enjoyable.

The lagoon’s waters have an average temperature of 100° F and come from alkaline natural springs, which is said to make bathing here beneficial for your skin. To be sure that you’ll be able to soak in the hot spring, purchase a  ticket  in advance.

Moreover, next to the lake is the  Hverir geothermal area , also known as Námafjall, and it’s known for its fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and geysers. You can find other  must-see places in Iceland  around here, like the  Grjótagjá Cave , which is a lava cave with a small interior lagoon. While it’s impressive, it’s way too hot to bathe in this pool.

There are other cool  things to see in Iceland ‘s Lake Mývatn area, such as  Dimmuborgir . Its name means “dark castles,” and here you’ll find some unusual volcanic formations that resulted from steam eruptions that took place beneath hot lava. The caverns and carved rock structures are often called the catacombs of hell by Icelanders, so it’s quite the sight!

Finally, I recommend hiking to the summit of the  Hverfjall volcano , from which you’ll get incredible views of the lake. Nearby, you can see the  Krafla volcano, Vití crater , and the  Leirhnjukur lava fields , all of which I recommend visiting if you have time.

13. See the Kerid crater, a must-do in Iceland

A good number of  Iceland’s main attractions  are concentrated in the Golden Circle, including the  Kerid crater .

This crater was formed over 6,500 years ago and stands out for its circular shape and aquamarine lake, which contrasts the surrounding reddish rocks and green moss. You’re not allowed to swim in the lake, but it’s one of the most  unique places in Iceland  worth visiting. You can sit on one of the benches by the lake and enjoy the scenery.

A few years ago, you could visit the crater for free, but now you have to pay 400 ISK (about USD 3.30) to enter. It’s a small price to pay to see this Iceland hot spot !

14. Svartifoss & Skaftafell National Park, two famous landmarks in Iceland

The  Skaftafell National Park  is another  must-see place in Iceland , and here you can find the  Svartifoss waterfall . Also known as the Black Waterfall, the water cascades onto basalt columns, and it’s this contrast of colors that makes it one of the  best waterfalls in Iceland .

This waterfall will leave you speechless any time of year, but it’s at its most beautiful in autumn when the surrounding vegetation turns a lovely orange color.

If you like hiking, then you must do the  Kristínartindar  route, which is one of the  best hiking trails in Iceland . The trail passes through Svartifoss and gives you sweeping views of the glaciers, fjords, and waterfalls that make up Skaftafell National Park. If you’re not sure  what to do in Iceland ‘s national park, I also recommend visiting the  blue ice caves , which I’ll describe below.

15. Visit an ice cave and hike on the Vatnajökull glacier

Hands down, the  best place to go in Iceland  in the winter is an  ice cave . Visiting one of these caverns is like traveling to a magical world, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Of all the excursions out there, I recommend  this tour , which will give you the chance to see the most spectacular ice formations. As you enter the blue ice cave, your guide will explain how the glaciers form and how they’re being affected by climate change.

The tour also includes a hike through the Svínafellsjökull glacial tongue, an incredible  attraction in Iceland  that originates from Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. If you go on a clear day, you can see  Hvannadalshnúkur , the highest point on the island, so it’s a great  thing to do in Iceland  if you love landscape photography.

16. DC-3 Plane Wreck, Iceland’s abandoned plane

The  DC-3 Plane Wreck  is another curious  sight to see in Iceland . This plane belonged to the U.S. Navy, and it crashed on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur in 1973. While the pilot survived, the accident left the aircraft useless, so it was abandoned on the beach. Now, it’s a popular tourist spot in  Iceland to visit .

Until a few years ago, you could get to the wreck in a private car, but now the area is fenced off. So, you can either walk an hour to the crash site or  take this shuttle , an option I recommend if you’re short on time and don’t want to walk.

Moreover, just across the road from the plane wreck is the Sólheimajökul glacier, so be sure to take advantage of visiting it. You can even do  this guided hike , which is another  interesting thing to do in Iceland  if you have a few hours and you’d like to immerse yourself in the environment.

17. Whale-watching in Húsavík, one of the most popular activities in Iceland

For me, one of the  best things to do in Iceland  is  seeing whales in the wild . Witnessing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat will be one of the highlights of your trip. We took  this tour from Húsavík in northern Iceland since it’s considered the whale capital of the country. It was an incredible experience because we were surrounded by beautiful landscapes in addition to seeing cetaceans and seabirds.

Since these are wild animals, each whale-watching tour is slightly different, and the guides can’t guarantee that you’ll see cetaceans. However, the whales are around the island all year, so, depending on when you go, you’ll have higher chances of seeing them. If you travel in the summer, it’s best to book an excursion from Húsavík or Akureyri in the north. Whale-watching tours from Reykjavík are available throughout the year.

Another thing to remember is that the whale species vary depending on the season. You’ll likely see minke whales, humpbacks, white-nosed dolphins, and porpoises in the summer. If you want to see killer whales, it’s better to go in the winter.

This is one of the top  activities in Iceland , so I recommend reading our guide on  Iceland’s whale-watching tours .

18. See the Northern Lights, the best thing to do in Iceland in the winter

Seeing the Northern Lights  is one of the top  things to do in Iceland  since the island is one of the best places in the world to see auroras. If you dream of seeing this magical celestial show, the  best time to travel to Iceland  is from September to March.

That said, you must consider other factors, such as cloud cover and solar activity. In other words, even if you visit Iceland  during Northern Lights season, you may not see the auroras if the weather conditions are unfavorable.

If it’s your first time hunting auroras, it’s best to book a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík . An expert guide will take you to the spots where you’re most likely to see them, and you’ll be able to repeat the tour for free if you don’t see any the first time.

This is the  best thing to do in Iceland in winter  and to get the most of it, I recommend reading our guide with everything you need to know to  see the Northern Lights in Iceland .

19. See puffins and the midnight sun, one of the best things to do in Iceland in summer

Although the Northern Lights are one of the most popular  things to see in Iceland , there are other spectacular sights to see on the island in summer. This is when the midnight sun occurs, and tens of thousands of puffins arrive on the island.

You can see the  midnight sun  during the summer solstice, which occurs around June 21 in regions above the Arctic Circle. During the midnight sun, the area sees 24 hours of sunlight a day, so it’s one of the most  interesting things to see in Iceland .

There are many ways to enjoy this natural phenomenon, but if you want to make the most of your time, I suggest  this tour , which combines whale and puffin-watching with the midnight sun.

Seeing puffins  is another fun  summer activity in Iceland , particularly from April to August when the birds settle on the island to nest. You can find them in different parts of Iceland, although the best place to see them is in Reynisfjara, the black beach I mentioned earlier. You can also book  this tour  to see puffins while cruising on Reykjavík’s Old Harbour.

20. Stokksnes, one of the most amazing stops on Iceland’s Ring Road

Iceland’s Ring Road  is the most popular route in the country where you can find famous Icelandic landmarks, including the  black beach of Stokksnes .

This beach is in the southeast part of the island and stands out for its black dunes covered with golden straw and the impressive views of the  Vestrahorn  mountain in the distance. It’s no wonder why such an idyllic place is one of the  top attractions in Iceland .

To get to Stokksnes, you must go through the private area at the  Viking Café , so if you’re not staying at this hotel, you’ll have to pay 900 ISK (about USD 7.50). If you look at the visitor reviews, you’ll see that many travelers say that it’s not worth it, but if you’re into photography, it’s a  must-see in Iceland , and we always include it in our  Iceland photo tours .

Besides, Stokksnes is also home to the Viking village where they shot the popular  Vikings  series, so it’s quite interesting. It’s also a good  place to visit in Iceland  if you want beautiful views without the tourist crowds.

21. Dettifoss and Selfoss, two beautiful places in Iceland you should see

Dettifoss and Selfoss are two other waterfalls to see in Iceland. Both are within the course of the same Fjöllum River in northern Iceland.

Dettifoss  is the largest waterfall in the country (and all of Europe) and is located between two waterfalls, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. Dettifoss has a drop of nearly 150 feet, and it’s nearly 330 feet wide. The water flow can vary depending on the time of year, but it’s always an impressive sight to see.

The  Selfoss  waterfall is considered one of the country’s most impressive falls. While it’s only 36 feet tall, it has a peculiar, elongated shape that makes it one of the  most beautiful places in Iceland . During your visit, I suggest also seeing the  Hafragilsfoss  waterfall, which is lesser-known but still magnificent.

To get there, you’ll need a 4×4 to drive on Highway 864, which is unpaved but leads to the best views. If you don’t have the appropriate vehicle, you can take Highway 862. It’s paved, but the views from here aren’t as good.

22. Visit the Godafoss waterfall, another thing to do in northern Iceland

Goðafoss , also known as the Waterfall of the Gods, is another  beautiful place in Iceland  that you should see.

It lies within the course of the Skjálfandafljót River and is within walking distance of the Ring Road. At 40 feet high and about 100 feet wide, it’s quite impressive.

This  Iceland attraction  also has a legend surrounding it, which says that when the Christians came to the island, they threw the statues of the Norse gods into the water, which is why Goðafoss is called the Waterfall of the Gods.

If you have a 4×4, you can take advantage of your visit to Goðafoss and also see the  Aldeyjarfoss  and  Hrafnabjargafoss  waterfalls, two other  Icelandic landmarks . Aldeyjarfoss is my favorite waterfall, and, like Svartifoss, it cascades over black basalt columns. However, Aldeyjarfoss is much taller, and its deep blue water is mesmerizing. Hrafnabjargafoss is upstream.

23. Kirkjufell & the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, some of the best places in Iceland

Kirkjufell  is one of the top  Iceland tour spots  and the most photographed mountain in the country, thanks to its appearance in  Game of Thrones . At 1,520 feet high, its peculiar conical shape makes it easily recognizable. It’s a must-see on Iceland’s  Snæfellsnes Peninsula  and is especially beautiful at sunset or at night during Northern Lights season.

One of the drawbacks of this place is its popularity, so you’ll find quite a few tourists here. If you want to visit the  Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall  at sunset with the Kirkjufell mountain in the background, you’ll have to get there about an hour beforehand to secure a good spot.

While you’re on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, I suggest also visiting  Arnarstapi and Hellnar , two charming fishing villages. It’s best to hike the trail that goes from one town to the other so you can enjoy the landscapes full of cliffs, nesting seabirds, and the Gatklettur Arch.

Another interesting  place to go in Iceland ‘s Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the  Vatnshellir lava cave , which is about 8,000 years old. You can walk up to 650 feet into the cave, and it’s within the  Snæfellsjökull National Park , a great area for hiking. The peninsula is also home to the famous black  Búdakirkja church  and  Ytri Tunga beach , where you can see wild seals.

24. Landmannalaugar, the most popular area to visit in the Highlands of Iceland

If you’re looking for  things to do in Iceland in summer , I recommend going to  Landmannalaugar , the most popular area in the  Icelandic Highlands . You’ll need a 4×4 to cross the F-roads that lead to this area, which is where you’ll find one of the most active volcanoes in the country, the  Hekla volcano .

Landmannalaugar stands out for its beautiful rhyolite mountains, its fascinating hiking trails, and its hot springs, which have an average temperature of 98.6° F to 104° F.

In addition to its hot springs, Landmannalaugar’s main attraction is  Brennisteinsalda , Iceland’s most colorful mountain. It’s close to a campsite as well as longer hiking trails. If you have the time and enjoy hikes, I recommend the  Laugavegur route , which takes 3-4 days and leads to Thórsmörk. There is also the  Bláhnúkur route , known as the blue mountain, which takes just 4-5 hours.

On the way to Landmannalaugar, you can stop at a few other cool  places in Iceland ‘s Highlands. For example, there are the  Haifoss and Granni  waterfalls and the lovely lakes of  Bláhylur ,  Ljótipollur ,   and  Frostastaðavatn . I also recommend the  Sigöldugljufur Canyon and its many waterfalls, and the Stutur Volcanic Crater, also known as the apple volcano for its small size, perfect shape, and red and green color, depending on the season.

25. Thórsmörk, one of the most remote places to see in Iceland

Thórsmörk , while one of the most remote places, is another  must-visit in Iceland . I don’t recommend going there on your own, not even in a 4×4, because you have to ford a few large and potentially dangerous rivers. Instead, it’s best to book a bus to Thórsmörk  here  or take  this tour  from Reykjavík.

This mountainous area is perfect for lovers of nature and hiking, so if you’re like us, this is one of the  best attractions in Iceland . Besides, some of the most important  hiking trails in Iceland  pass through this valley.

The two most popular routes are  Fimmvörðuháls , which connects Skógar with Thórsmörk; and  Laugavegur , which connects Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk. The first is about 18.5 miles, while the second is 34 miles, so you’ll need several days to complete either of the two.

If you don’t have the time, you can do a shorter trail, such as  Valahnukur , which is less than 3 miles. There is also the  Tindfjöll Circle , which is just over 10 miles. Whichever route you take, you’ll be in for a treat since Thórsmörk has some of the most magical landscapes on the island.

26. Fly over Iceland’s glacial rivers by helicopter

Some of the top  sightseeing tours in Iceland  are the  helicopter rides over the country’s glacial rivers . I can tell you that seeing the island and its vast geography from a bird’s eye view is an incredible experience.

To get the most of your flight, I recommend reading through our guide on the  best helicopter tours in Iceland , as there are many excursions and they each have something unique to offer. Of course, all of them will introduce you to Iceland’s various landscapes, including glacial rivers, lava fields, volcanoes, and lakes. Moreover, if you’re into photography like us, you’ll have plenty of things to shoot!

We did  this tour , which allowed us to customize our itinerary based on our preferences. We were able to see some of the most amazing places in Iceland, such as the Katla volcano, Thingvellir National Park, Vatnajökull glacier, several geysers, and other incredible sights. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I encourage you not to miss out!

27. Hveravellir and Kerlingarfjöll, two incredible sites to see in Iceland’s Highlands

In the  Highlands of Iceland , you’ll find plenty of interesting places, including  Hveravellir and Kerlingarfjöll . They’re both accessible via the F-35 road, which runs from the northern part of the island to the south.

Hveravellir  is a geothermal area with several natural pools. This was one of our favorite  places to go in Iceland , and we loved it so much that we spent a night in the mountain refuge here. Not only are the thermal baths wonderful, but the landscape is also quite spectacular.

Kerlingarfjöll  is another awesome area to  visit in Iceland  within the Highlands, especially if you like hiking. Here, you can spend the whole day walking among rhyolite hills, valleys, glaciers, and areas teeming with geothermal activity. The most striking thing about Kerlingarfjöll is that in the summer you can see snow on the taller peaks. Don’t worry if you’re short on time because you can still take the Hveradalir route, which is the best of all the trails.

While you don’t have to ford any large rivers to get to Hveravellir or Kerlingarfjöll, keep in mind that they’re in the Icelandic Highlands, so you can only visit during the summer months because the roads are too dangerous in the winter. You’ll still need a 4×4 in the summer, so if you have any concerns, be sure to read our article on  how to drive in Iceland .

28. Fjadrargljufur, the canyon you must see in Iceland

The  Fjadrargljufur Canyon  is another impressive  attraction in Iceland  that you can’t miss. It’s in the southern part of the island and has become one of the most magnificent places to visit, as the canyon is nearly 330 feet deep and over a mile long.

It’s estimated that the canyon took 9,000 years to form as the Fjaðrá River slowly eroded. Also, the type of moss that grows on the canyon’s edges is very fragile, so the Icelandic government had to close the area to prevent foot traffic from trampling it. There is a designated pathway, so if you visit, stay on the trail. Destroying a natural marvel that took thousands of years to create just for a photo isn’t worth it!

Along with the  Sigöldugljufur Canyon , Fjadrargljufur is one of my favorites. That said, I can’t forget the  Stuðlagil Canyon  in eastern Iceland, specifically in the Jökuldalur glacial valley. It’s a bit out of the way, but it’s so beautiful that it’s part of most Ring Road itineraries.

This canyon stands out for its numerous basaltic columns that contrast the intense blue of the glacial river. You can visit this popular  Icelandic site from the east or west sides, although I recommend the longer route that goes through the eastern side. This way, you can descend to the river and get amazing views.

29. Reykjanes Peninsula and the best things to do near Iceland’s airport

The  Reykjanes Peninsula  is another  scenic place in Iceland  that you should visit. This is where you’ll find the Blue Lagoon, as well as Keflavik International Airport. So, you can maximize your time on your day of arrival or your return trip to this area.

Along with the Blue Lagoon, the Reykjanes Peninsula is popular for the recent eruption of the  Fagradalsfjall volcano , which resulted in some incredible sights.

Scientists still aren’t sure how long the lava in this area will last, but regardless, the peninsula has other interesting sites to check out. This includes the famous  Krýsuvík geothermal area , where you’ll find the Seltún geothermal field. It’s full of fumaroles, bubbling pools, and hot springs.

The peninsula is also home to the  volcanic rock cliffs of Valahnúkamöl ; its postcard-perfect scenery makes it a  must-see in Iceland . I also recommend  this tour , which takes you to the  Thrihnukagigur volcano .

In case it’s Northern Lights seasons, I recommend going to the area around lakes Kleifarvatn and Gígvatnsvatn . This is one of my favorite  places in Iceland  to see the auroras. If the  Northern Lights forecast  is good, another spot I recommend is  Straumur við álverið .

30. West Fjords, the most remote area to visit in Iceland

Finally, another  tourist attraction in Iceland that you shouldn’t miss is the Westfjords. This beautiful place is full of interesting sites, such as the Dynjandi waterfall . Also known as the wedding veil for its willowy appearance, it’s one of the country’s tallest waterfalls. Part of what makes it so stunning is that it’s made of seven falls that, together, reach nearly 330 feet high.

Also in this area, you’ll find the  Latrabjarg cliffs , which are home to several species of seabirds, including the crowd-pleasing puffins. Visiting these cliffs and seeing the cute birds is one of the  best things to do in Iceland in the summer .

Raudasandur Beach  is another  must-see in Iceland , as its sandy beaches have a distinct pink color.

Last but not least, I recommend going to  Ísafjörður  and taking a boat to the  Hornstrandir Nature Reserve . Since it’s a remote area and you can only get there by boat, you won’t find too many tourists. It’s worth the extra time and effort because the striking landscape is full of hiking trails that you can explore. This region is also the home of the arctic fox, so if you’re lucky, you might spot one!

Now you know all the  best places to visit in Iceland , the Land of Fire and Ice! I suggest taking a look at our tourist maps of Iceland , so you can locate all your preferred attractions and organize your trip much more easily.

Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries on earth, so I know you’ll like this place as much as we do. Also, I’ve written a guide on  where to stay in Iceland , which I’m sure will be helpful as you plan your trip.

If you have any questions about these  places to visit in Iceland , you can leave me a comment below, and I’ll help as much as I can. Now, all that’s left to do is wish you a happy journey!

Ascen Aynat

12 replies on “ 30 Best Things to Do in Iceland + MAP ”

Amazing island need to go back soon

I can’t wait either. We will come back to Iceland in three weeks!

Am very glad that I found your blog. I will be on a tour for most of my time in Iceland this August, but am spending an additional 4.5 days on my own at the end. I am renting a car from Lotus and have reserved lodgings through Airbnb and Booking.com. It was difficult to find reasonably priced lodgings in South and East Iceland. I will not have my own bathroom, but will have a sink in my room. For my 3 choices, I snagged the last available room. My guest houses all had great ratings and look like they have personality. Meanwhile I did try unsuccessfully to download your maps into maps.me. I probably need to find a teenager. However, I am getting wifi in my rental car so I can use google or maps.me for my navigation. With wifi I will be able to make phone calls if necessary using Whatsapp or Vibr. Am looking forward to my adventure. Thank you for a very thorough blog. I you want me to provide you feedback on my lodging choices, I will be happy to do so. The guest house in Djupivogur sounds amazing. As I do not have much time, due to having to get a COVID test in Reykjavik the day before leaving, I am spending 2 nights in Kirkjabaejarklaustur with the one night in Djupivogur in between those 2 nights. This is an attempt to reduce the hours driving each day and to reduce driving time back to Reykjavik to under 3.5 hours so I can get my test and still have time to prowl afterwards. My tour does not go further South east than Vik, but does cover Akureyri, Godafoss, and Lake Myvatn in the North. Now to figure out how to pronounce these names.

Hi Debbie, We usually switch from one accommodation to another every day so we can be closer to the attractions we want to visit, is that your plan?

Hi there, thanks for all the incredible info!! This has made my trip planning so much easier. 🙂 I noticed though that you didn’t mention any of the volcano and lava tube tours in your list. One of the main things calling me to Iceland is the volcanoes. Have you done any of those tours and do you have any recommendations or advice about them at all? Thank you!

Thanks for your message!

There are many volcanoes in Iceland but none of them are spitting lava at the moment. On the other hand, there are a few Volcanic caves that you can visit throughout the island. In the post, we mentioned the one I took in the snæfellness peninsula, in the cave where Jules Verne was inspired to write “Journey to the center of the earth”. I highly recommend that cave, it wasn’t very expensive and you really feel like being in another world 😉

This is probably the best travel blog I’ve ever read! Incredibly informative and accompanied by some absolutely stunning photos! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience in this wonderful article!!

Thanks Kevin for your kind words about our blog! 😉

Hi thanks for a really informative piece on visiting Iceland. My primary reason for visiting is to see the spectacular icebergs and glacial lagoons. When would you recommend a visit to see these at their best? Wendy

You can (still) find small “icebergs” and pieces of ice in the Glacial lagoon throughout the year. The amount of ice will depend mainly on the season (more in early spring, less in summer), but it depends on the glaciers. Going in late march you’ll have high chances of seeing big chunks of ice in Iceland 😉

Hello, Thank you for all the helpful information! Your photos are beautiful! I was looking at your gallery of Iceland and there was one photo that I couldn’t quite place. It looks like a panorama of a lake surrounded by mountains with a peak in the background. On the slideshow it located between Sigöldugljufur and Skogafoss. Would you mind sharing where you went for that shot? Thank you so much!

Hi, Thanks for your beautiful words about my work!

That photo was taken in the Icelandic highlands. It was taken from a vantage point in the way towards landmannalaugar. To be honest, I don’t even know if that location has a name, I was just struck by its beauty!

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25 Best Things to Do in Iceland, Glacier Lagoons and Volcano Treks Included

Experts recommend how to explore the Nordic country.

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There are few places in the world quite as magical as the country of Iceland. From natural wonders like Gullfoss Waterfall and the Northern Lights to the buzzing culinary scene and fascinating history and culture of this Nordic island, Iceland has much to offer travelers.

If you’re planning a trip to the land of fire and ice, it can be challenging to narrow down what sights and activities to put on your itinerary. I experienced this myself when I planned a hot springs tour around the country a couple of years ago; this time, I turned to the pros for advice.  Travel + Leisure spoke with three local experts to gather their thoughts on the best of Iceland. Davíð Logi Gunnarsson, head guide of Nordic Luxury , shared his favorite museums, food and drink, and outdoor activities to check out; Dofri Hermannsson, expert hiking guide and owner of Reykjavik Erupts , shared top hikes to tackle and small businesses to frequent; and Aggi Sverrisson, executive chef at Moss Restaurant at the Retreat, offered restaurant and bar recommendations for every type of occasion. Without further ado, here are 25 of the best things to do in Iceland. 

The National Gallery of Iceland

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The National Gallery of Iceland is located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik and has more than 14,000 pieces in its expansive collection. The gallery features 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century works celebrating and preserving Icelandic culture, and there is a large variety of international art as well. “From traditional to contemporary works, [The National Gallery of Iceland] offers a captivating glimpse into the nation’s creative heritage,” says Sverrisson.

The Akureyri Art Museum

The Akureyri Art Museum is located in the center of Iceland’s second-largest city, and its collection focuses solely on visual arts. Showcasing work from both local and international artists, the museum serves as a cultural hub for the artistic community in North Iceland. Explore the museum at your own pace or visit on a Thursday, when guided tours are available.

Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum

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Fermented shark is one of Iceland’s most unique culinary traditions, and you can take a deep dive into the connection between Iceland and Greenland sharks at the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum . Located in West Iceland on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this museum highlights the destination's long history of shark fishing, the fermentation process, and the importance of these predators to Icelandic culture. You can even try fermented shark yourself here.

National Museum of Iceland

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This museum showcases paintings, statues, and other artifacts from Iceland’s storied past. It’s located within walking distance from Reykjavik's center and is the perfect way to spend a rainy day or lazy afternoon in the city.

“A local favorite, this restaurant is tucked away on the western edge of Reykjavik and is surrounded by the sea in a nature reserve,” says Gunnarsson. “It’s cozy, and the menu emphasizes locally sourced ingredients while drawing inspiration from the simplicity of Italian cuisine.” While the restaurant is great to visit any time of year, winter can bring the backdrop of a lifetime, when you might see the Northern Lights right from your table.

Moss Restaurant

Courtesy of Moss Restaurant

Moss is a fine-dining restaurant located inside The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon in Grindavík. The restaurant's innovative tasting menu features the best of Icelandic meat and produce, and it was awarded its first Michelin star earlier this year. With breathtaking views of the mystical Blue Lagoon, a meal at Moss makes for an unparalleled culinary experience.

Monkeys is the perfect place to kick off a lively night out in Reykjavik. Located near the popular Laugavegur street, the eclectic Nikkei restaurant boasts bright and colorful decor that complements the exotic dishes and spectacular cocktails it serves. “The Peruvian Japanese-inspired menu showcases a large selection of small dishes and tasting menus bursting with flavors that celebrate the palate,” says Gunnarsson.

Pakkhús Restaurant

For some of the best seafood in the country, head to Pakkhus Restaurant in Höfn. Set in a converted warehouse along the harbor, the unpresuming restaurant features a top-class menu focused on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Sverrisson notes that the restaurant’s specialties include unique langoustine creations, so make sure to add one or two fresh lobster dishes to your order.

Kaffibarinn

One of the oldest bars in the city, Kaffibarinn is a staple of Reykjavik’s nightlife scene. During the day Kaffibarinn operates as a coffee shop, but at night tourists and locals alike flock here for the high-energy DJ sets, the hip atmosphere, and of course to dance all night long. “This is the place to see and be seen,” Gunnarsson says.

Accoridng to Sverrisson, Port 9 is "A pioneer in Icelandic wine culture.” Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Reykjavik, the intimate wine bar has an unbeatable selection of international wines, plus small bites to nibble on between pours. The inviting ambiance of the wine bar makes it the perfect spot for a date night or small group tasting.

Even though it’s located on the busy Laugavegur street, this cozy bar feels more sophisticated than your typical brewery. “[Kaldi] is popular with locals and offers a great selection of Icelandic microbrews,” says Gunnarsson. “This place is bustling every evening, so be early.”

Grotta Lighthouse

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Escape the city lights with a leisurely hike from downtown Reykjavik to the Grotta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. “On a summer evening, it is great to hike from Harpa Conference Hall towards the lighthouse,” says Hermannsson. Stunning sunsets are a treat in the summer, and in the winter months the clear skies are perfect for watching the Northern Lights.

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If you have access to a car, Hermannsson recommends driving to the base of Mount Esja , which is located about 50 minutes outside of Reykjavik in the southwest region of Iceland. Arrive ready for a heart-pumping hike at this year-round spot. There are many different hikes to choose from, and signage along the way to keep you on the path that best suits your experience level. Once you reach the nearly 3,000-foot summit, you can take in the jaw-dropping views of the city, the bay, and beyond.

Litli-Hrútur Volcano

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Hiking a volcano is one of the most thrilling adventures you can embark on in Iceland, and Litli-Hrutur is the newest eruption. This particular hike is no easy trek, and since conditions are ever-changing, make sure you’re adequately prepared if you want to make the journey. “For a full experience, hire a local expert guide who knows everything about the volcanic activity of the Reykjavik area," says Hermannsson. "It really makes the Earth come alive under your feet."

Landmannalaugar

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“ This otherworldly landscape captivates even the most experienced hiker,” Gunnarsson says of Landmannalaugar. “Located in the highlands of Iceland, the colorful mountains, hot springs, and steam vents in this unique place provide an unforgettable landscape and a silence that only a few have experienced in nature.” The best time to visit is mid-June to mid-September, when the long summer days allow you to take in as much of the boundless beauty of the reserve as you can.

Þjórsárdalur

Scenic views take on a new meaning on this hike alongside Þjórsá, Iceland’s longest river. The breathtaking trek leads to Háifoss, one of the tallest and most dramatic waterfalls in Iceland. Along the way you’ll encounter much more natural beauty, including the Búrfell Forest and Fossalda mountain.

Kaffitar is a small coffee chain with four cafes located around Reykjavík. Founded in 1990 by Adalheidur Hedinsdottir, the company is now one of the leading coffee names in Iceland, in part thanks to its emphasis on nurturing relationships with the farmers who supply its coffee beans. “[Hedinsdottir's] specialty coffee and the original cafe she opened were a hit, and now she runs several cafes, still getting her beans directly from farmers in South America," says Hermannsson.

Skool Beans

Joshua Schumacher

Skool Beans is Iceland’s smallest micro-roaster. On the southern coast of Iceland inside a classic yellow school bus, you will find this unique café in the small town of Vík. “The rustic ambiance, as well as the exemplary coffee and chocolates, make for the best casual conversations with fellow travelers,” notes Gunnarsson.

Reykjavík Röst

What better way to start your morning than a cup of coffee with a great view? Located near the water on the Old Harbor, Sverrisson dubs Reykjavik Röst “one of the best coffee shops” in the city. “It offers all your standard coffee drinks, as well as maple sage lattes, keto coffee, and magic mushroom coffee. It also has a great selection of Icelandic cakes and traditional pastries, as well as amazing views.”

Blue Lagoon

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This geothermal spa has gained international fame as a modern wonder of the world. Located in a black lava field in Grindavik, visitors can soak in the milky-blue waters known for their healing properties due to the silica and sulfur found in the water. Just 15 minutes from the Keflavik Airport, it’s the perfect activity right after landing or just before leaving Iceland

Hallgrímskirkja

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One of Reykjavík's most historic landmarks, this gorgeous church rests on top of a hill in the center of Reykjavik and stands out due to its height and distinctly shaped spire and side wings. Built to resemble basalt columns, the 244-foot church is the tallest in Iceland, and in addition to operating as a church it serves as an observation deck. “My favorite way to visit is to go up the bell tower and take in the panoramic views of the city from the observation windows,” says Gunnarsson.

Set on the coastline of Reykjavik, Sólfar (or Sun Voyager) is a striking sculpture meant to serve as an ode to the sun. Created by Jon Gunnar Arnason, the stainless steel sculpture was inspired by world expeditions and symbolizes light, hope, and the promises of undiscovered territory. Check out the artwork at sunset for a stunning view that will leave you just as inspired as Arnason was when he created this masterpiece.

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“Awe-inspiring in its perfect conical shape, this ancient volcano sits like an island of greenery in a vast field of black sands and glacial streams,” says Gunnarsson. Standing more than 2,500 feet above the highlands of Southern Iceland, Mælifell is a monstrous volcano and an ode to Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. It's a must-see for adventure seekers, but note that due to its remote location, Mælifell is only accessible in the summer months. Those who manage to make it to this natural wonder will marvel at its truly majestic setting.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

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Jökulsárlón is Iceland’s most famous glacier lagoon, with massive icebergs looming over Jökulsárlón lake. “This is one of Iceland’s most popular landmarks, and it's the deepest lake in the country,” notes Sverrisson. “It’s located on the south coast and offers awe-inspiring views of floating icebergs, black-sand beaches, seals, and so much more.”

Grjotagja Cave

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This small lava cave is a hidden gem on Iceland’s famed Ring Road. Located near Lake Myvatn, the inconspicuous hideout is known for the bubbling geothermal hot springs found inside the cavern walls. The jagged rocks and turquoise waters make Grjotagja a hauntingly beautiful landmark to visit.

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27 Top Attractions & Things to do in Iceland

Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland is a country of sharp contrasts. A place where volcanically active hot spots and enormous glaciers can be found side by side. Where dark winters are offset by the summer’s midnight sun. A country where strange and desolate landscapes lay just outside the colorful capital of Reykjavik.

Set in an isolated spot in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Nordic nation is amongst the most sparsely populated in Europe. While expansive lava fields, endless tundra and glinting glaciers coat much of its interior, fabulous fjords and black sand beaches punctuate its long, indented coastline. The island is also home to a huge number of impressive waterfalls, each more breathtaking than the last.

See also: Where to Stay in Iceland

Needless to say, almost all of Iceland’s main tourist attractions in Iceland relate to its arresting array of natural riches. Whale watching tours and trips to see the Northern Lights are also popular things to do.

Certainly one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Iceland is an absolute treat to travel about with its spectacular landscapes and scenery wherever you look.

27. Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Often featured in travel magazines and on TV shows, Fjadrargljufur Canyon will definitely provide some of your best photos in Iceland (and that’s really saying something!). Its stunning, moss-coated cliffs and winding river lie just off the Ring Road, along the South Coast.

Stretching two kilometers in length, the dramatic-looking gorge was formed some two million years ago during the last Ice Age. Plunging up to a hundred meters deep, its sheer cliffs make for fantastic viewing what with the Fjadra river below and pretty waterfalls cascading down their grey and green rock faces.

From the car park, it is just a short hike up hill to three lovely viewpoints overlooking the incredible canyon. Although the isle is home to so many spellbinding nature spots, we still found this to be one of the most special places we came across.

26. Kerid Crater

Sparkling in the sun, the Kerid Crater stands out delightfully against the dark slopes of the collapsed volcano all around it. Located along the Golden Circle, just outside Selfoss, it is a nice spot to stop by quickly on your way to the Geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss Falls and Thingvellir National Park.

One of several crater lakes in the area, its colourful caldera is thought to have been created roughly 6,500 years ago after an enormous eruption. Visitors can amble along its rugged rim and walk down a short flight of steps to the glittering waters down below. Unusually for Iceland, there is a small fee to visit the fascinating nature site.

As it is the color of the rocks and reflective surface that make the lake so remarkable, we probably wouldn’t recommend visiting the crater in winter when it is usually covered in snow.

25. Diamond Beach

Although Vatnajokull National Park boasts lots of unique landscapes and astounding natural sights, Diamond Beach (Fellsfjara) still manages to shine bright. A photographer’s dream, its striking black sands and the large ice chunks dotted about them lie right next to Jokulsarlon Lagoon along the South Coast.

Almost sure to be unlike any beach you’ve ever visited before, its dark, volcanic sands create quite the contrast with all the white fragments of icebergs that wash ashore. Its arresting scenery perfectly encapsulates just why Iceland is endearingly known as ‘the Land of Ice and Fire’.

For the best photos and views, try and head here around sunset which is when the sea and small bits of ice are so magically lit up in a myriad of warm colors. From afar, it almost looks like thousands of diamonds have been scattered about the black sands of the beach.

24. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

One of the most isolated parts of the isle, the humongous Hornstrandir Nature Reserve occupies the northernmost reaches of the Westfjord peninsula. As it is so hard to get to, its mountains, meadows and fjords are completely untouched and unspoiled with loads of birds and Arctic foxes living here.

Established in 1975, it protects a vast swathe of rich but fragile vegetation that mostly only survives because barely any people visit. The hardy hikers and birdwatchers that do make it here are in for a treat with Hornvik Bay’s colossal cliffs and jagged rock formations being just one of its main sights.

If you are not up for days spent trudging about bogs and through rough terrain or just don’t have the gear, you can always take a guided tour. A couple of companies run challenging but rewarding hikes to its windswept wilderness where you can see nesting birds, seals and foxes in their natural habitat.

23. Dyrholaey

Sometimes skipped by visitors short on time, the small peninsula of Dyrholaey is yet another of the South Coast’s most picturesque parts. Asides from panoramic views of breathtaking black beaches, basalt columns and sea cliffs, it has some cute little puffins and a historic lighthouse for you to see.

Once a volcanic island, the promontory merged with the mainland at some point in the distant past with its sheer, rocky cliffs towering 120 meters in height. From up high next to the 1927 Dyrholaey lighthouse, you can gaze out over the renowned Reynisfjara Beach and a stupendous sea arch being pulverised by the waves below.

As it is set at the southernmost tip of Iceland and is quite exposed, watch out for the sudden gusts of strong winds that sweep the clifftop. While we found it rather unpleasant being buffeted about and left before long, it didn’t seem to bother the hundreds of puffins that nest amidst the cliffs below.

22. Mount Kirkjufell

Thanks to its cylindrical shape, nearby waterfall and the swirling Northern Lights overhead, Mount Kirkjufell is one of west Iceland’s most photographed landmarks. Although it is now often overrun by Instagrammers trying to get the perfect photo, you have to visit if you can as there is something strangely captivating about its unique setting and scenery.

Featured in Game of Thrones as the ‘arrowhead mountain’, the 463-meter-high hill rises dramatically above the sea and the rest of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Situated just outside of the small village of Grundarfjordur, it lies by the wonderful little waterfall of the same name with several small streams and some stunning coastline also located nearby.

As several people have sadly died up on its steep sides over the years, you can no longer climb the mountain though there is some great hiking to be had in the region. At night, lucky visitors can often see the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis dancing about the dark skies above its distinctive cone.

21. See wild Reindeer in Eastfjords

As it is one of the least developed areas along the Ring Road, roadtrippers can sometimes spy huge herds of wild reindeer ambling about the achingly beautiful Eastfjords. In total, around 6 – 7,000 of the charming creatures now inhabit its snowy mountains, glimmering glaciers and green valleys.

The largest animals on the island, they were actually only introduced to Iceland in the late 1800s by royal decree. While most of the herds slowly died out over the decades, those in the remote reaches of the Eastfjords have thrived despite the harsh winters, cold weather and limited food supply.

As they mostly roam about the far-off highlands in summer, your best bet is seeing them in winter when the reindeer migrate to the lowlands, closer to human settlements, in search of food.

20. Akureyri Botanical Gardens

When people imagine the Nordic nation’s astounding scenery and nature, they don’t tend to include immaculately manicured gardens full of pretty flowers and water features. A very pleasant surprise, the Akureyri Botanical Gardens can be found towards the outskirts of the ‘Capital of North Iceland’.

Created by a group of local women in 1912, the country’s first public park now contains over 7,000 species of plants, flowers, trees and shrubs. Most of these actually hail from overseas with blooming poppies, dahlias and even sunflowers all spied alongside its tranquil paths and green open spaces.

One of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world, it lies just south of the Arctic Circle with a cute cafe and some rustic wooden houses dotted about its grounds. It actually ended up being one of our favourite stops in the north just because it was so unexpected and looked so different from the rest of the wild, rugged region.

Askja is a huge caldera that is located in the Dyngjufjoll Mountains. It is a popular day tour that takes approximately 11 to 14 hours in total to complete. To reach Askja, visitors must first travel through Odadahraun, which is Iceland’s biggest desert.

The landscape in this area is so otherworldly that two American astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, actually trained here before rocketing to the moon in 1969. A popular spot in Askja for visitors is a geothermal lake that can be found in a crater called Viti.

This lake is filled with warm milky blue water that visitors can bathe in, if they so choose. Lake Askja, the second deepest lake in Iceland, can also be found in this caldera.

18. Breidavik Beach

Breidavik Beach is, arguably, Iceland’s most beautiful beach. It boasts pretty turquoise blue waters, rugged cliffs that have been carved by glaciers and a wide stretch of golden sand.

It is a lovely area to go camping or to explore on an ATV as it is not a huge tourist destination. It is, however, the closest town to the Latrabjarg bird cliffs, which is Europe’s largest sea-bird cliff and home to millions of birds, including northern gannets, razorbills and puffins.

Because many of the birds in this area, especially the puffins, have become accustomed to humans, the cliffs have become a popular spot for bird lovers and photographers to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures.

17. Dettifoss

Having said that, you can’t visit Dettifoss and not be blown away by the sheer power and majesty of the mighty waterfall. Part of the popular Diamond Circle route which includes the ‘nearby’ Husavik and Lake Myvatn, it is certainly a must-visit when you’re in the north.

Said to be the most powerful waterfall in the whole of Europe, the 100-metre-wide falls plunge their way 45 meters down the side of a colossal canyon. The churning wall of white water makes for an absolutely incredible sight with the dull roar you hear beforehand only increasing the anticipation.

Featured in the film Prometheus, it is set in the northern part of Vatnajokull National Park with the smaller Selfoss and Hafragilfoss waterfalls also lying nearby. While the viewpoint on the west side is easier to reach, the one to the east arguably affords you an even better view as you get a lot closer to the fabulous falls. It does, however, involve a long, bumpy drive along an uneven gravel track.

16. Hallgrimskirkja

An important symbol of Iceland’s national identity, the huge Hallgrimskirkja sits atop of a large hill overlooking the rest of Reykjavik . One of the capital’s standout sights, its unique Expressionist-style architecture makes for some phenomenal photos with the views from its tower being just as good.

Designed to resemble the distinctive basalt columns found all about the island, the massive modern cathedral was built between 1945 and 1986. While it is renowned for its curved spire and side wings that are so striking and unusual, its nave and sanctuary are much more traditional in comparison.

After basking in marvelous panoramas over the city, sea and far-off snowy mountains from its 74.5-metre-high belltower, check out the superb statue of Leif Erikson below. Standing triumphantly atop a pedestal, it depicts the famous Icelandic explorer who is assumed to have discovered the Americas 500 years before Columbus did.

15. Svartifoss

After having visited Hallgrimskirkja, you can hardly fail to notice its resemblance to the remarkable wall of hexagonal basalt columns found at Svartifoss. Located a couple of hours’ drive northeast of Vik along the Ring Road, it is yet another of Vatnajokull National Park’s most popular landmarks.

Meaning ‘black waterfall’ in Icelandic, it is so named due to all the dark lava columns that lie either side of its sparkling white waters. These make for some fantastic photos thanks to the clean-cut look of the columns that almost seem have been chiselled into individual pillars by hand.

To reach the waterfall, visitors have to hike a couple of kilometers along a winding path which takes you past a few other falls and some fine viewpoints. While the trail isn’t too taxing, it does get a bit slippery in places and is mostly uphill. Afterwards, you can always carry on to the Skaftafellsjokull glacier nearby or explore the rest of the national park of the same name.

14. Snorkel Silfra

One of the most unforgettable things to do in Iceland, this exciting experience sees you actually snorkel between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Even if you don’t fancy plunging into the freezing cold water, just go. There’s a reason why Silfra is rated one of the top dive destinations in the world.

Part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the gigantic underwater rift lies at one end of Thingvallavatn Lake and reaches a maximum depth of 63 meters in some places. Several companies run both snorkel and scuba dive trips here with expert instructors guiding you through the iconic abyss.

Once you’ve put on your dry suit and slipped into Silfra’s crystal-clear waters, you’ll instantly forget the sub-zero conditions and focus on the scenic rock formations of the fissure on either side. While it is a bit pricey, slowly swimming past the jagged walls of two continents is a thrilling feeling that we thought was worth every penny.

13. Skogafoss

Another of Iceland’s innumerable natural sights that regularly features in films, travel brochures and TV shows is the spectacular Skogafoss. Set along the South Coast, not all too far from both Vik and Dyrholaey, its thundering waters are a must-see for their size, scale and splendor.

One of the largest waterfalls in the country, its white curtain of water cascades its way off the top of a cliff that used to make up part of the island’s coastline. Standing at the bottom of the 60 meter falls and gazing up is a humbling experience with its fine spray often producing a lovely double rainbow on particularly sunny days.

If you want to see it from the top, you can always climb up its flight of 430 steps and take some pics of Skogafoss from the precipitous viewing platform overlooking it.

12. Reynisfjara Beach

With its inky black sand, rugged basalt columns and large crashing waves, Reynisfjara Beach can appear at times almost otherworldly. This gorgeous beach, which is also home to comical puffin birds, is located near the village of Vik on Iceland’s south coast.

Not surprisingly, this beach’s strange appearance has inspired at least one tale. According to local legend, the basalt sea stacks that can be seen in the ocean were formed when two trolls tried to drag a three-masted ship to the shore during the night. But they were unsuccessful and when the sun rose, the daylight turned the trolls to stone.

A word of warning — the raging waves at this beach can be very dangerous so tourists are warned to keep their distance.

Sprawling across a massive part of northern Iceland are the reflective waters of Lake Myvatn which has long been considered one of the world’s best places to birdwatch. Conveniently located right by the Ring Road, the volcanic area also has soothing natural baths and unusual looking lava fields for you to explore.

Formed around 2,300 years ago by a large basaltic lava eruption, the shallow lake is still surrounded by all kinds of fabulous volcanic landforms. Amidst its lava pillars and pseudocraters, you can spot hundreds of species of waterfowl such as tufted ducks, common loons and whooper swans.

As its name means ‘Midge Lake’ in Icelandic, make sure to bring insect repellent if you don’t want a miserable time constantly swatting mozzies away from your face. Somewhat similar to the mineral-rich Blue Lagoon, the Myvatn Nature Baths are heavenly to soak in while the Dimmuborgir lava fields also attract lots of attention.

10. Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is a protected national shrine that was the open-air site of Iceland’s parliament from the 10th to 18th century. Because of this, it holds a very important place in this country’s history.

Over the years, Thingvellir has also been the site of many large gatherings and celebrations. In June 1994, for instance, a celebration for the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Icelandic Republic was held at this site.

Thingvellier, which sits on the rift between the European and the American tectonic plates, is also known for its unique geological features. Today, Thingvellir, which was made a national park in 1930, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland.

9. Seljalandsfoss

In a country of what seems to be a million waterfalls, each mightier and more majestic than the last, Seljalandsfoss still manages to standalone. This is because visitors can actually walk behind its over 60-meter-high falls and gaze out at the jet white waters tumbling down before them.

Yet another of the South Coast’s standout sights, the ginormous glacier-fed waterfall lies just off the Ring Road, in between Hella and Vik. Although the colossal cliffs and Gljufrabui waterfall next to it already look impressive, the sizeable cave behind the falls is the reason why most people visit.

Due to its huge popularity, we’d recommend visiting either very early or late in the day so you miss all the crowds and tour buses. It’s also worth wearing something waterproof or bringing a towel and change of clothes as you could end up getting soaked on very windy days.

8. Husavik Whale Watching

Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland. Husavik, which sits on Skjalfandi Bay, is considered to be one of the best places in the world to see whales. The waters of the bay are rich in plankton, which attracts large numbers of baleen whales that feed on the small organisms.

Some of the most common whales seen in Skjalfandi Bay are humpbacks, blue and minke, but many other species have also been seen near Husavik. In addition to whales, visitors should keep an eye out for the puffins. These adorable birds nest in large colonies in this area.

7. Vatnajokull Ice Caves

Visitors to Iceland have the opportunity to embark upon a very unique excursion — exploring ice caves that have been carved by rivers of meltwater deep underneath the Vatnajokull Glacier.

Inside of these caves, explorers will discover a mesmerizing world where they will be surrounded by surreal blue ice formations. In some areas, black volcanic ash trapped in the ice have created a ribbon effect against the blue.

Tours of these caves, which are also known as Crystal Caves, can only be done in the winter, as there is always a danger of collapse during the warmer summer and spring months, and visitors should only enter them with a trained guide.

6. Laugavegur Trail

One of the best ways to get to know Iceland is by foot on the Laugavegur. At 79 km (49 miles), Laugavegur is Iceland’s longest hiking trail, stretching from Landmannalaugar to Skogar.

This popular trail takes hikers through some of this country’s most gorgeous scenery and past geysers, glaciers, hot springs and waterfalls. Experts recommend that hikers plan on taking about five days to cover the trail if they want to enjoy it a leisurely pace.

It can, however, definitely be done in more or less time. Hikers can either pitch a tent along the way or rent one of the huts that can be found on the trail.

5. Haukadalur Geothermal Area

If you want to see steaming hot springs and spurting geysers, then the Haukadalur Geothermal Area is definitely the place to go. One of only a few such fascinating sites in the entire world, its smallish yet surreal valley can be found along the Golden Circle, not too far from Gullfoss.

Since the eighteenth century, tourists have flocked to see its otherworldly landscapes regularly erupt with boiling water bursting up into the air and mud pots bubbling away below. While the fountain-like Strokkur is very dependable and emits a column of water and steam roughly every five minutes or so, Geysir, from which we get the word, now only rarely erupts.

Keep your camera at the ready as the giant geysers and whispy smoke of all the fumaroles make for some marvellous photos and videos.

4. Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is one of the first things that comes to most people’s minds when they think about famous tourist attractions in Iceland. This geothermal spa is located in Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula.

The manmade lake is fed by superheated seawater vented from a nearby lava flow. Many people believe that its milky blue waters, which contain minerals, silica and algae, can actually soothe and improve certain skin conditions, such as eczema.

It is important to note that travelers who want to enjoy a dip in the Blue Lagoon should book well ahead of their visit. This attraction is so popular that it is often sold out.

3. Gullfoss

Gullfoss means Golden Falls, and it gets its name from the brownish hue of its water. These falls are truly magnificent and are known for being the largest volume falls in all of Europe.

It is also notable for having two distinct drops that are at right angles to each other. From the main overlook, the view is slightly obscured, so it appears as if the lower falls plunges away into an abyss. Today, it is hard to imagine that this popular tourist attraction was almost lost.

At one time, foreign investors proposed to build a hydroelectric powerplant on it. But a local woman fought vehemently against the project, even threatening to throw herself over the falls if the plant was constructed. Thankfully, her efforts paid off and Gullfoss was saved.

2. Watch the Northern Lights

Although Iceland boasts an almost endless list of amazing mountains and beaches, geysers, glaciers and volcanos, one of its top attractions is something that isn’t linked to an actual site. Also known as aurora borealis, the Northern Lights are an unpredictable natural phenomenon that you won’t forget in a hurry!

Predominantly seen in high-latitude regions, the swirling polar lights are created by solar winds and charged particles interacting with the Earth’s magnetic fields. In reality, this means that a bewitching display of different dancing colours are painted across the dark night’s sky.

Loads of tours take you out to see the unusual occurrence with the best times being between August and April during the colder, darker months of the year. Sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, watching the Northern Lights swirl about above was one of our favorite parts of our whole trip around Iceland.

1. Jokulsarlon Lagoon

Almost outdoing the spectacular natural light show are the ever-changing ice formations that bob all about the gorgeous Jokulsarlon Lagoon. Featured in films like Die Another Day and Tomb Raider, it is yet another of Vatnajokull National Park and the South Coast’s must-see sights.

Said to be the deepest lake in all the country, it lies at the head of the glistening Breidamerkurjokull glacier from which chunks of ice break off and slowly float around the bay. While some are big and blue, others are small and milky white with the lagoon’s shimmering surface and the snow around it only completing the picture-perfect scene.

Visitors can either hike along its shores, clamber about the glacier or take scenic boat trips amongst all the icebergs. What’s more, sleek seals can often be spotted swimming about or hanging out on its great chunks of drifting ice.

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

20 Best Places To Visit In Iceland (+ Unique Attractions)

December 27, 2021 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   Leave a Comment

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Iceland for your upcoming trip to the land of fire and ice? We’ve got you covered with 20 of the most awe-inspiring, unique locations all around the country. 

Iceland’s appeal lies in its remarkable natural landscape making it an outdoor playground for adventure enthusiasts. From thundering waterfalls and imposing mountains to relaxing hot springs and unusual beaches, there’s more than enough to capture your attention for the duration of your visit. 

The landscapes throughout the country vary greatly. One moment you’ll find yourself traveling through a lava rock-filled volcanic landscape, and the next you’re watching icebergs float to shore. Though this list we’ve put together of places to visit in Iceland covers only a fraction of the beauty this country has to offer, it’s a great place to start. 

Relax In The Mineral-Rich Waters Of The Blue Lagoon

As one of the most iconic tourist locations in the country, the Blue Lagoon should certainly be on your list of the top places to visit in Iceland. Relax in luxury as you soak in the mineral-rich, healing, milky-blue waters and enjoy the unique lava rock-filled scenery surrounding you. 

What once was an accidental collection of discarded water from a nearby geothermal power plant has now become a breathtaking lagoon complete with a swim-up bar along with options to pay more to enjoy the spa, restaurants, and hotels on property. Though even the base price to enjoy the lagoon is expensive, it’s worth it to have the experience at least once. 

Located nearby the Keflavik International Airport, the Blue Lagoon is a common first stop upon arriving in Iceland or last stop on the way out. Whenever you choose to visit, be sure to book well in advance as its ever-growing popularity makes it nearly impossible to book last minute. 

Where To Stay: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

Hike Through The Vast, Impressive Landscape At Thorsmork

In the summer months when the weather is favorable and road conditions are decent, Thorsmork is one of the best places to visit in Iceland. This beautiful nature preserve is a valley located in the highlands making it tricky to reach, but serene and peaceful once you’re there. 

Because the valley is hard to reach, especially for the average tourist, you must be driving a high clearance 4×4 car that is suitable for tackling the numerous river crossings and rocky terrain. Another option is to hire a local guide who will drive you in their super Jeep to make the process easier. 

Thorsmork is one of the best Iceland vacation spots for experienced hikers eager to explore the vast and rugged landscape. Consider trekking to the top of Valahnukur for particularly impressive views. 

Where To Stay: Volcano Huts Þórsmörk

Snorkel the Silfra fissure

Thingvellir National Park , along Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle route, is one of the best places to visit in Iceland for a number of reasons including the fact that you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel between two continents . 

In the national park you’ll find the Silfra fissure, the space between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. Naturally filtered glacier water from Thingvallavatn Lake fills the fissure making it some of the cleanest and clearest water you’ll ever have the opportunity to experience. 

These pristine conditions make the fissure ideal for snorkeling as you can see practically everything and anything around you within 100 meters.

If you decide you’d like to take part in this remarkably unique experience, go ahead and book a tour where you’ll be given a dry suit and other proper snorkel gear and be led through the fissure by a guide. As one of the top attractions in Iceland, you’ll want to book your tour well in advance particularly if you plan on visiting during the high season summer months. 

Where To Stay: ION Adventure Hotel

Learn About Icelandic Culture And Enjoy Great Food In Reykjavik

Much of Iceland’s appeal lies in its unique, diverse natural landscape. It’s a hot spot for adventure enthusiasts who love the great outdoors. That being said, its charming capital city should not be overlooked. If you’re wondering where to visit in Iceland, Reykjavik is a great place to start . 

Reykjavik offers a wonderful glimpse into Icelandic culture, provides excellent dining options , and is the perfect spot to shop for a souvenir to take home. 

The city is full of great museums including Perlan’s “Wonders of Iceland,” the Settlement Exhibition with an excavated Viking longhouse at its center, and the Arbær Open Air Museum which provides a home for preserved old sod roof Icelandic buildings. Each museum is unique, fascinating, and highly educational. 

However you choose to spend your time in the city, a trip downtown is not complete without a visit to the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church with the statue of Leif Erikson standing guard out front. An admission fee will get you to the tower at the top of the church where you are graced with a 360-degree view of Reykjavik and beyond. 

Where To Stay: Fosshotel Reykjavík

Climb To The Top Of The Cascading Dynjandi Waterfall

The Westfjords is one of the best places to visit in Iceland, and Dynjandi is arguably its crowning glory. Dynjandi is a series of seven cascading waterfalls with the largest, thundering waterfall being at the top. 

The waterfall is unlike any of Iceland’s other major waterfalls in appearance. We realize Iceland has many other spectacular waterfalls, most of which are closer to Reykjavik but the unique sight of Dynjandi is one you won’t want to miss. Reaching widths of 30-60m and a height of 100m, the waterfall streams down the mountainside like a brilliant, sparkling bridal veil. 

If you’re not in the mood for hiking, a striking view of the seven waterfalls can be seen right from the parking lot. If however you’d like to make your way to the largest waterfall and pass the other six along the way, a short but steep hike of around 15 minutes will allow you to get an up-close view of this natural beauty. 

Where To Stay: Hotel Isafjordur – Horn

Visit Iceland’s Only Stave Church On Heimaey

Vestmannaeyjar is a series of islands off the south coast of Iceland, the largest of which is called Heimaey. Its abundance of adorable puffins, fascinating volcanic landscape, and breathtaking views make it one of the best places to visit in Iceland. 

That’s not all that makes the island unique and worth visiting however. Down by the harbor you’ll find the Heimaey Stave Church, a gift from Norway to commemorate the 1000 year anniversary of Iceland adopting Christianity. 

This pitch-black church also happens to be the only stave church in Iceland. With lava rock and the ocean nearby, the whole area with the church as the centerpiece makes for a spectacular scene. 

Where To Stay: Hotel Vestmannaeyjar

Marvel At The Icebergs At The Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon And Diamond Beach

In the southeast lies the Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach , two of the most beautiful places in Iceland. At the Glacier Lagoon, deep blue and white icebergs with streaks of black float in the lagoon with a majestic glacier in the background. 

If you’re visiting in the summer you can choose to take a boat tour and explore the icebergs up close getting a more accurate picture of their size and imposing nature. This icy beauty is one of the top places to visit in Iceland for tourists. 

Across the street you’ll find Diamond Beach where the smaller iceberg chunks float up to the shore. Enjoy walking along the beach, winding your way through the sparkling icebergs. 

The black sand of the beach provides a stark contrast to the icebergs creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. It’s particularly magical at sunset when the sky lights up and casts a beautiful yellow hue over the surroundings. 

Where To Stay: Skyrhúsid Guest House

Admire The Power And Beauty Of Skogafoss Waterfall

One of the best places to go in Iceland when driving the south coast is the thundering waterfall, Skogafoss . Iceland’s south coast is full of impressive waterfalls, and this is no exception. 

To get a taste of the size and scope of the waterfall, follow the pebble path and take a stroll up to its base. Bring a raincoat and brace for the spray that inevitably comes with viewing a powerful waterfall that close. 

Another option is to climb roughly 500 steps to the top of the waterfall. Your quads might feel the burn but the views from above are worth it. Watching Skogá river transform into a waterfall as it plunges over the edge of the cliff while birds soar by is a breathtaking experience. 

Take a moment to turn around and look back towards the parking lot and admire the sprawling landscape of the south coast while you’re at it. 

Where To Stay: The Garage

Hike To The Brilliant Blue Bruarfoss Waterfall

The size of Bruarfoss pales in comparison to many of Iceland’s other waterfalls, however its brilliant blue water cascading down the rocks makes it one of the best places to visit in Iceland. The color is so remarkable it almost looks as though it’s been painted. 

Reaching Bruarfoss required 4 miles of round trip hiking which can be a deterrent to some, but makes for a much more peaceful experience for those willing to make the trek. Your hike will take you by a couple of smaller waterfalls as well making the journey all the more worth it. 

Typing “Bruarfoss Waterfall Official Parking” into Google Maps will get you to the right spot. From there the hiking path is easy to find. 

Where To Stay: Farmhotel Efstidalur

Photograph The Postcard-Worthy Kirkjufell Mountain

Kirkjufell (Church Mountain) is one of the most iconic places to visit in Iceland. It was featured in the Game of Thrones TV show and is found on a postcard or two in every souvenir shop in the country. This cone-shaped mountain is found on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula . 

Though it’s possible to hike to the top of the mountain with a guide and some serious energy exertion, the best view of Kirkjufell is from the three-tiered Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall where you can capture the postcard image of the waterfall in the foreground and the mountain in the background. 

The landscape is beautiful at any time of year and is worth visiting multiple times to experience it in different seasons. In winter, brilliant white snow drapes itself over the mountain while portions of the waterfall freeze into icicles. In the summer, a coat of mossy green covers the landscape and wildflowers dot the scene. 

Where To Stay: Hotel Búdir

Drive The Iconic Golden Circle Route To Gullfoss, Geyser, And Thingvellir

The iconic Golden Circle route features Thingvellir National Park, Geyser, and Gullfoss, three major Iceland tourist attractions you won’t want to miss. Spanning 190 miles of Iceland’s dramatic landscape, the Golden Circle offers the perfect introduction to the natural wonders this remarkable country has to offer.

You can choose to drive the route yourself in a rental car or book a Golden Circle tour to have it all planned out for you.

Thingvellir National Park is a historic gem that provided a home for Iceland’s first parliament back in 930 AD. It also gives you the rare opportunity to cross over or snorkel through the great rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. 

At Strokkur geyser in the heart of the geothermally active Haukadalur Valley, you’ll have the opportunity to watch an impressive eruption roughly every 5-7 minutes. The area is also home to Geysir, though this geyser has been inactive for many years now making its active neighbor Strokkkur the star of the show. If you walk the area you’ll also find an abundance of rising steam and holes of boiling water. 

The Gullfoss waterfall completes this remarkable trio and is truly a sight to behold. You’ll see the Hvita River thundering down in two sections as it goes crashing into a deep crevice. As you get closer to the waterfall you’ll feel its spray. On a sunny day, you might be fortunate enough to see a rainbow span the width of the waterfall.

Where To Stay: Frost and Fire Hotel

Walk On Water On The Stokksness Peninsula

Vestrahorn Mountain (nicknamed “Batman Mountain”), with its jagged peaks, sits along the edge of the ocean surrounded by black sand, tufts of seagrass, and beautiful purple arctic lupines in the summer. This imposing mountain is located on the Stokksness Peninsula and is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. 

An 800 ISK entrance fee paid at the Viking Café gives you access to the beach and the Viking village film set beside Vestrahorn. Though this area is stunning regardless of the circumstances, it becomes even more spectacular when a thin layer of water coats the beach right up to the mountain, and as you make your way over the sand staring at the reflection of the mountain, it looks as though you’re walking on water. 

If you have the opportunity, you might consider visiting this landscape at sunrise or sunset to see the vibrant colors frame the mountain and reflect in the water. On high aurora activity nights, you might be lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights dancing over the mountain as well. 

Where To Stay: Glacier World-Hoffell Guesthouse

Soak In The Warm Waters Of The Hrunalaug Hot Springs

Between the public pools, hot springs , and hot rivers, it’s important you pack a swimsuit for your trip. One of the best places to visit in Iceland if you’re looking for a relaxing soak in the middle of nature is the Hrunalaug Hot Springs.

A large hot pot and a smaller, bathtub sized hot pot await you surrounded by a landscape that bursts with green grasses, moss, and yellow flowers in the summer. These hot springs are becoming increasingly popular so we suggest heading there in the early morning or late evening to avoid the larger crowds. 

Though the hot pots were built up and fortified for human use, they struggle to accommodate the increasing tourist crowds and often destructive or careless behavior of visitors. Please pick up after yourself and leave the area around the hot pots (including the small changing hut) clean so others can enjoy the beauty of this unique experience as well. 

Where To Stay: Guesthouse Fludir – Grund

Hike Through A Steam Filled Valley To The Reykjadalur Hot Springs

A hike in Reykjadalur Valley has everything. It gives you a chance to explore the beautiful Icelandic landscape, stretch your legs and get your heart pumping, see a waterfall, walk through steam, befriend some sheep, and soak in a hot river. 

The Reykjadalur Hot Springs is one of the best places to visit in Iceland in the summer when the hills are lush and green and the midnight sun allows for late-night hiking in the soft glow of a sun that seemingly refuses to set. 

A 45-minute hike of moderate difficulty will take you to the bathing section of the river where cold and hot water mix to create the perfect temperature. Lining the river are wood partitions where you can change and leave your belongings, and where sheep occasionally sunbathe. 

The river is sectioned off by small rock walls with the deepest pockets and best bathing sections being right by each wall. When you’ve had your fill of the river and feel rejuvenated, you’ll make the mostly downhill hike back to the parking lot.

Where To Stay: Hotel Örk  

Take Pictures At The Sight Of The Eerie Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

There is an abundance of stunning black sand beaches all over the country, but the 1973 DC-3 Navy plane crash makes Solheimasandur Beach particularly unique. Much about this wreck remains a mystery, but we do know that everyone survived the crash and the hollow fuselage was left behind. 

The remains of the white plane lie in stark contrast to the black sand and you’re left with a rather eerie and dramatic scene. Tourists flock to the site of the wreck which remains one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. This is truly one of the best things to do in Vik!

There are a number of options for reaching the site. The first is to walk 2 miles through a flat, black rock/sand-filled landscape. Though there’s not a lot to see along the way and the wind can prove difficult at times, it’s a great way to stretch your legs and used to be the only way to reach the plane. If you’re short on time or just don’t feel like walking you can pay to take a shuttle bus to and from the site for a quick and easy trip.

Where To Stay: Volcano Hotel

Take In The Breathtaking Site Of The Tall And Powerful Haifoss

Haifoss along with its slightly smaller (but still mighty) neighbor Granni are two of Iceland’s most beautiful and impressive waterfalls . However, because they are located at the edge of the highlands and require some skillful navigating to reach, they’re far less frequented than Iceland’s other south coast waterfalls. 

Haifoss should definitely be on your list of places to go in Iceland in the summer. The roads are typically inaccessible in the winter meaning summertime might be your only opportunity to visit. Besides that, the vibrant green moss of summer gives a splash of life to the scene. 

Once you make it to Haifoss, you can take a small stroll from the parking lot to view the waterfall from a distance allowing you to capture the full image of the waterfall thundering down the cliffside. If you have plenty of time to spend at this location, you can also choose to hike down closer to the waterfall. 

Where To Stay: Rjúpnavellir

Walk Around And Behind The Towering Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

South Iceland is full of stunning waterfalls and Seljalandsfoss will be your first stop on your south coast waterfalls adventure. Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular places to visit in Iceland because of its beauty and its proximity to Iceland’s Ring Road . 

This 200-foot stunner is easily visible from the road. A path will lead you from the parking lot to the waterfall where you can continue around the backside of the waterfall. Come prepared with rain gear because the spray from this powerful waterfall will hit you particularly on windy days. 

Surrounded by wildflowers and greenery in the summer, and sparking ice/snow in the winter, this narrow but formidable waterfall is the perfect way to kickstart your south coast adventures. 

Where To Stay: Paradise Cave Hostel & Guesthouse

Watch Crashing Sleeper Waves At The Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

It can be argued that the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is not only one of the best places to visit in Iceland, it’s also the country’s most popular black sand beach. As you look out towards the raging Atlantic Ocean with basalt columns behind you, you’ll understand why. 

The area is also home to many unusual rock formations including two that rise out of the sea as well as the natural bridge, Dyrholaey, in the distance. The black sand, dark rock formations, and turbulent seas make for a stormy and somewhat ominous, but impressive scene. 

As you enjoy the spectacular scenery, be sure to stay on the lookout for sleeper waves. These large, dramatic waves are mesmerizing to watch, but they pose a threat to the unaware tourist who ventures too close. 

Where To Stay: Hotel Kría

Admire The Sheer Power And Force Of Dettifoss 

If you’re looking for powerful waterfalls that will leave you picking your jaw up off of the floor, then Dettifoss is one of the best places to visit in Iceland. By the time you reach northern Iceland you’ve no doubt seen a whole collection of impressive waterfalls along the way, but you haven’t experienced true power until you’ve watched the glacier water of Dettifoss plunge over the cliff’s edge. 

Dettifoss has been labeled the most powerful waterfall in Europe. You have the privilege of observing this beast from either side, though you’ll need to decide on a side (or choose both) ahead of time as they require different driving routes and parking lots that are an hour apart. 

If you’re looking to get right up close to the waterfall then the east side is the way to go. Either option however will allow you to experience the beauty and sheer power of Dettifoss. On both sides, just a quick walk from the parking lot will put you face to face with this impressive force of nature. 

Where To Stay: Nordic Natura

Sit And Soak In The Cascading Beauty Of Godafoss

As you travel through the north of Iceland you’ll want to take time to stop at Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods. This beauty is drastically different from Dettifoss, the other of North Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. 

Godafoss presents itself in a half-circle of elegantly streaming water that collects in a brilliantly blue pool at its base. It’s not a particularly tall waterfall but its unusual shape and width is where its beauty lies. As a result of its unique nature, it remains one of the most popular things to see in Iceland. 

Some of the best views can be found from the west side where you can stand or sit level with the top of the waterfall. If you’d prefer to walk down to the pool, make your way to the east side where you’ll find a path down. 

Where To Stay: Hotel Laxá

We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to explore and immerse yourself in the remarkable landscapes of Iceland. You’re in for a real treat as this country has nothing but unique, memorable experiences to offer. 

With so many spectacular sites, it’s hard to go wrong when choosing which thrilling Iceland vacation spots to visit. If you’d like some help picking the best of the best, we hope this list will provide you with the guidance you need. 

If you have any questions or comments as you go about deciding which of these locations you must see in Iceland while visiting, please feel free to send us a message below.

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25 Absolute-Best Places to Visit in Iceland (+Things to Do & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

There is so much written about Iceland that it can get really overwhelming to figure out where exactly to go and what are the best places to visit in Iceland . In this article, we cover some of the most popular areas but also some lesser-known places that I think are worth visiting in Iceland the most. Find out!

Good to know: This article with top things to do in Iceland was initially published after our second trip to Iceland. In the meantime, we have visited Iceland 6 times, and so it was time to update it. I’ve now been to Iceland in all seasons and traveled in pretty much all regions. While there is still so much more to be explored, I feel that I can now give you a much better idea of the best areas to visit and the very best places to see in Iceland.

While the list now contains more than the initial top 10 places, it does not list every single attraction or landmark separately. We also didn’t include all the details about everything that you can do in Iceland.

The aim of this article is to give you an overview of the most beautiful areas, the best things to do, and the nicest places in Iceland that are worth visiting the most . So that you have a good idea of where to travel in Iceland without getting too overwhelmed with all the details.

BEST OF ICELAND IN A NUTSHELL: * MUST-SEE:  South Coast, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Golden Circle, Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes Peninsula. * MUST DO: Blue Lagoon  and/or  Sky Lagoon (book well ahead!!!). * FUN TO DO: Glacier hiking ,  whale watching ,  Silfra snorkeling . * WINTER:   Ice caves  and  Northern lights . * MUST TRY: Icelandic hot dog ( pylsur ), Skyr, lamb, fish stew ( plokkfiskur ). * WHERE TO STAY:   Where to stay in Iceland  –  Where to stay in Reykjavik  –  Where to stay in Snaefellsnes Peninsula .

TIP: If you are looking for more information about each area mentioned in our guide below, please make sure to read the more detailed articles that we link to from this post. If you are looking for ideas on how to plan your trip and day-by-day itinerary suggestions, please check our guides below:

• 4-day South Coast itinerary .
• 7-day winter itinerary .
• One-week Iceland itinerary for summer months .
• Iceland Ring Road itinerary in 10 days .
• Iceland itineraries for any duration (1-14 Days) .

Without further ado, here is a list of the best places to visit in Iceland :

1. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is not coincidentally the first one mentioned on this list. If there is one place that you really don’t want to miss in Iceland, then it’s Jokulsarlon.

The glacier lagoon is just amazing and the scenery changes all the time. Icebergs move all the time and no two visits are ever the same. In addition to the lagoon itself, you should also visit the so-called Diamond Beach , just across the road. When the weather conditions are favorable, you can see the most extraordinary ice formations scattered all over the beach. Shining in the sunlight like huge diamonds…

For me, this beach is even more special than the lagoon itself. Especially on a sunny winter day or at sunset. Magical!

TIP: You may want to check out the nearby Fjalljökull glacial lagoon as well. It’s smaller and less touristic than Jökulsárlón, and it’s very nice too. Nearby Stokksnes headland is also well worth a visit.

How to visit: You can see the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon from ashore, or take a boat tour (May-Oct) between the icebergs. You can choose between an amphibian boat or a zodiac tour.

2. South Coast – Vík Beaches

Iceland’s South Coast is one of the most visited areas in the country and rightly so. This area is simply stunning!

The picturesque village of Vik and the nearby Reynisfjara beach and the impressive coastline are well worth it in any season. Vik black sand beach was once ranked as one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world.

TIP: Don’t miss the nearby Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and the stunning rock formations visible from there.

How to visit: There are several parking areas along the coast near Vik. You’ll need a car to get here. Alternatively, you can visit with a South Coast tour from Reykjavik .

Important! Be VERY careful on this beach – the waves here are unpredictable and it’s very dangerous to walk close to the water. Even if the water looks calm, stay as far away as you can. Under no circumstances go into the sea at Reynisfjara beach!

LEARN MORE : Best Stops & Attractions of Iceland’s South Coast

3. Golden Circle

By far the most popular place to visit in Iceland is the so-called Golden Circle . The Golden Circle, formerly also known as the Golden Triangle, refers to three main locations – Thingvellir National Park , Gullfoss waterfall , and Geysir area with a very active Strokkur geyser.

Thingvellir National Park is best known for its continental divide, the Mid Atlantic Ridge. It’s a place where you can see the opening between the tectonic plates of Europe and North America. It’s a beautiful area to explore on foot. Don’t miss the somewhat hidden Öxarárfoss waterfall.

Gullfoss , or The Golden Waterfall, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Must see!

You just cannot go to Iceland and not see a geyser erupt! Geysir area is a geothermal area where the mother of all geysers – Geysir – is located. While Geysir hasn’t been active in a long time, there is a smaller geyser called Strokkur that erupts at regular intervals every 5-10 minutes. So you never have to wait long in order to see it.

TIP: While extremely touristy, the Golden Circle is popular for a reason. If you can, visit early in the morning or late in the evening in order to avoid the biggest crowds.

How to visit: You’ll need a car to explore the Golden Circle. Alternatively, there are lots of organized Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik .

4. Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Somewhat lesser visited than the previously mentioned places, Snæfellsnes Peninsula is another region that you really should see in Iceland. This is one of the places that you can quite easily in all seasons.

Best known for its picturesque Kirkjufell mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, this area has so much more to offer than that! Volcanic landscapes, rugged coastlines, stunning rock formations, countless waterfalls, beautiful beaches, colorful lighthouses, quaint little villages, and tiny picturesque churches… These are just a few of the reasons to visit Snaefellsnes.

TIP: If you are visiting in summer and have the time, I recommend at least 2 days for this area.

How to visit: You’ll need a car to get around. Alternatively, join one of the guided Snaefellsnes day tours from Reykjavik .

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Snaefellsnes Best Things to Do in Snaefellsnes Peninsula

5. Blue Lagoon & Sky Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular tourist attraction and is considered the no. 1 must-visit place in Iceland. It’s a huge outdoor geothermal pool with a distinctive blue or milky blue color and nice warm temperatures.

Good to know: Blue Lagoon is extremely popular so it’s essential to reserve your tickets in advance. You can book tickets here .

How to visit: Blue Lagoon is located close to Reykjavik KEF airport and you can either get there by car or by taking a Blue Lagoon bus transfer from Reykjavik . It takes about an hour to get there from the city and you will probably spend at least 2 hours in the water, so count at least 4 hours for your visit.

TIP: You can also visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to or from the airport. Bus transfers are available for Keflavik airport as well (see the link above).

Alternative: Instead of Blue Lagoon (or in addition to), you may want to visit the amazing geothermal pool Sky Lagoon . It’s been opened a few years ago and has quickly become a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

Sky Lagoon is located in Reykjavik, much closer to town, and offers amazing sea views and a unique Spa ritual. You can reserve your tickets here (also here, you really have to book in advance!).

6. Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls

After Gullfoss, these are the most visited waterfalls in Iceland. Located along the South Coast, both – Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss – are among the must-see landmarks in Iceland.

Skogafoss is a really majestic waterfall. It’s so photogenic that if you ever see pictures of a waterfall in Iceland, it’s most likely to be Skogafoss. You can also climb the stairs all the way to the top of the waterfall for some great views of the area.

Seljalandsfoss is the only Icelandic waterfall that I know of where you can walk behind the falling water. In the winter, the waterfall is partially frozen and the whole area around it looks like an ice skating rink, so the walk behind it is usually closed. It’s still nice to see and worth a short stop. But it’s most magical when you can walk behind this waterfall and experience how special this place is. Prepare to get wet!

TIP: Don’t miss the hidden Gljúfrabúi waterfall located inside the gorge just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss. It takes just a few minutes to visit – follow the path to the left from Seljalandsfoss and you’ll see informational panels on the right side.

Myvatn Lake in the North of Iceland is another place you really should visit in Iceland. This area is very diverse and has a lot to offer, especially in the warmer season.

Here are some of the best things to do at Myvatn: a walk to the caldera of Krafla volcano and the lava fields, short walk to the pseudocraters at Myvatn Lake , Leirhnjukur hiking trail, Dimmuborgir area of remarkable lava formations and the 45-minute walk to Kirkjan lava tube structure.

Námaskarð geothermal area is also a must-see in North Iceland! It’s an easily reachable compact area with bubbling mud pools and colorful steaming geothermal features. You have to prepare for the smell though.

Myvatn Nature Baths are also not to be missed. This geothermal pool offers beautiful views, and it’s less busy and cheaper than the Blue Lagoon. However, it’s changed a lot in recent years, and so if you travel here in summer, expect it to be very busy. You may want to book your tickets in advance here too!

How to visit: You’ll need a car to get to Myvatn. If you are stopping in Akureyri on a cruise ship, you can visit Myvatn with this popular shore excursion .

LEARN MORE: Things to Do in Myvatn

8. Húsavík

Known as the best place to see whales in Iceland , Húsavík definitely deserves a mention as one of the best places to visit in Iceland as well. If you are visiting Northern Iceland in summer, whale watching in Husavik is a must.

The town is very picturesque too and you can visit the Húsavík Whale Museum .

GeoSea – geothermal sea baths are also very popular and boast stunning sea views. It’s one of the most scenic pools in Iceland.

TIP: There are many whale watching tours that run from Husavik , but they’re extremely popular and have to be booked in advance. One of the best options I always hear people mention is this tour with Gentle Giants .

How to visit: You’ll need a car to get to Husavik.

9. Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

Located just a short drive from Reykjavik, Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel is one of the most unique places to visit in Iceland.

This underground lava tube was created by a volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago and is one of the longest lava tubes in Iceland. It’s definitely the easiest one to access and you can visit here all year round.

Good to know: The lava tunnel can only be visited with a guided tour. Tours take about 1 hour and there are several time slots during the day, depending on the season.

How to visit: If you have a car, you can easily drive here on your own (just don’t forget to book a time slot for your visit so that you are sure to have a spot). Alternatively, this is a very nice 3-hour excursion from Reykjavik, and there are several companies organizing tours here.

10. Westfjords Region

If you want to get a bit off the beaten path in Iceland and discover some of its most impressive, vast landscapes, then you really should consider visiting the Westfjords region .

It’s quite far away from everything, however, distances are immense, and most roads are gravel. So it’s best to travel here in summer and come well prepared.

Some of the most beautiful places not to be missed in the Westfjords are Dynjandi waterfall (most beautiful waterfall in Iceland), Látrabjarg bird cliffs (best place to see puffins in summer), Rauðisandur beach (endless red sand beach; unique in Iceland), and Ísafjörður town.

You’ll need at least 2-3 days to see the whole region and it will be rushed, but you can also see the main attractions in 1-2 days.

How to visit: You’ll need a 4WD or a 4×4 vehicle in the Westfjords. Make sure that your car insurance covers driving on gravel roads.

TIP: The easiest way to get to the Westfjords is by taking a car ferry from Stykkishólmur on Snaefellsnes Peninsula. That way, you can also just come for one or two days and see the landmarks on the southern side of the Westfjords region.

LEARN MORE: Westfjords One Day Itinerary

11. Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell NP is one of the easiest-accessible and most beautiful National Parks in Iceland. It, therefore, deserves a mention on every list of the best places to visit in Iceland.

There are many short hiking trails in this park. The most popular hike is that to Svartifoss – a waterfall surrounded by impressive black basalt columns.

If you have a few hours to spare, consider the Svartifoss – Sjónarsker – Sel walk and the walk to the glacier Skaftafellsjökull. Alternatively, the Svartifoss – Sjónarnípa hike is somewhat longer but even more impressive.

How to visit: Skaftafell NP is located just off the Ring Road in the south of Iceland. You can easily get here in a regular car. There is a Visitors’ Center where you get more information and find detailed hiking maps.

12. Icelandic Highlands

The biggest part of Iceland has hardly any roads and is very little explored, but if there is one part of Iceland that is worth visiting more than anything else, it’s the Icelandic Highlands !

Since the highlands are so vast and there are so many beautiful hidden gems, it would be impossible to mention even a small part of them. At the same time, most areas are very remote and require local knowledge and super jeeps with oversized tires in order to visit them… Furthermore, the highlands are only accessible from approximately mid-June to mid-September.

Some of my favorite places in the highlands that are somewhat easy to visit are Kerlingarfjöll , Háifoss , and Landmannalaugar . Haifoss waterfall is quite easy to visit on your own as well.

How to visit: You’ll need a good 4WD or a 4×4 for all of the places mentioned above, but the easiest way to visit is by joining a tour. If you want to get a taste of what the highlands are about, the most popular highlands tours are those to Landmannalaugar. You can check availability and book Landmannalaugar tours here .

LEARN MORE: Icelandic Highlands Tour with a Private Driver

13. Reykjanes Peninsula

One of the easiest areas to visit in Iceland from this list, the Reykjanes Peninsula is often overlooked by most Iceland visitors. Their loss! This stunning area close to Keflavik airport and Reykjavik city is home to the popular Blue Lagoon and is well worth a visit too.

With colorful geothermal areas, endless lava fields, and stunning rugged coastlines, Reykjanes Peninsula is like the best of Iceland in a nutshell.

Don’t miss the Valahnúkamöl Cliffs at Reykjnesviti Lighthouse and Seltún Geothermal Area . Bridge Between Continents is another nice spot, just as Strandarkirkja and Garður . Krysuvikurberg Cliffs are really beautiful too, but require a 4 WD vehicle to get there.

How to visit: You can easily visit most of the attractions of the Reykjanes Peninsula by yourself with a regular car. Alternatively, join one of the guided tours from Reykjavik . Some areas require a 4WD or even a super jeep.

LEARN MORE: Ultimate Guide to Reykjanes Peninsula

14. Recently-Active Volcanos

This is the newest addition to the best things to do in Iceland – hiking to one of the recently erupted volcanos!

In March 2021, there was an eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The nearby Geldingadalir valley was filled with burning lava and the scenery was changing daily. The volcano quickly became the new most popular sight in Iceland attracting locals and tourists alike.

More recently, in August 2022, another volcano erupted just near the first site – Meradalir .

In the summer of 2023, Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted again, but this time it didn’t last long. In the winter of 2023, there was another massive eruption in the same area. It even triggered some evacuations and closures.

At the moment of the last update, these volcano eruptions have stopped. But many of the eruption sites remain a very popular place to see in Iceland, attracting lots of tourists every day.

Good to know: The easiest way to get to the volcano eruption sites is by car or by joining a tour (on foot or by helicopter). There are quite a few volcano tours available . Most of them include pick-up/ drop-off in Reykjavik and some also visit a few of the main highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula or include tickets to the Blue Lagoon.

15. Tröllaskagi Peninsula

If there is one area in North Iceland that seems to be completely overlooked by international tourists, it’s the beautiful town of Siglufjörður and its surroundings, aka the Tröllaskagi Peninsula . It’s simply stunning!

The fishermen’s town Siglufjörður is extremely picturesque and The Herring Era Museum is well worth a visit. But probably even more impressive is the scenic drive to get there. Road 76 which leads from Varmahlíð to Siglufjörður is probably the most beautiful scenic drive in Iceland.

TIP: Make sure to stop at Hofsós swimming pool . Don’t miss the Grafarkirkja (said to be the oldest church in Iceland)! Víðimýrarkirkja and Glaumbær Farm & Museum are also worth a visit.

How to visit: You’ll need a car to explore this area.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Siglufjörður and Trollaskagi Peninsula

16. Heimaey Island

Part of Iceland’s Westman Islands, Heimaey Island is the biggest island and one of the most beautiful places in Iceland.

It’s a place where you can get acquainted with the more traditional way of living in Iceland and feel what it’s really like to live on a remote island. Especially if you visit off the main season.

The landscapes here are stunning, and in summer, you can see lots of puffins on the island. There is also a whale sanctuary where you can see white Beluga whales.

How to visit: You’ll need to take a ferry to get here. Private tours from Reykjavik are also possible, but very expensive. For comparison, be sure to check this option as well – the prices depend on your group size.

LEARN MORE: Visiting Westman Islands

17. Dettifoss & Asbyrgi

There are two more places in Northern Iceland that are well worth visiting and deserve a mention among the best things to do in Iceland – Dettifoss Waterfall and Asbyrgi Canyon .

Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall. With 100 meters (330 ft) in width, a drop of 44 meters (144 ft), and an average water flow of 193 m³/s, this is the place where you feel the power of nature as nowhere else in Iceland. Must see!

Asbyrgi Canyon is a somewhat lesser-known place located between Dettifoss and Husavik and it’s well worth a short stop or a longer visit. It always amazes me how such completely different landscapes can be so close to each other and the tranquility of Asbyrgi is just incomparable to the roaring powerful Dettifoss.

How to visit: Road #862 to Dettifoss is paved and easily accessible (road #864 is not and requires a 4WD). Road #861 to Asbyrgi is also paved. However, road #862 north of Dettifoss is gravel and it’s best to have a 4WD if you are planning to drive here. Alternatively, you can reach Asbyrgi from Husavik.

18. Vatnajökull Glacier

With so many glaciers in Iceland, it’s hard to pick just one to mention as the best one to visit. However, Vatnajökull Glacier is the largest ice cap in Iceland. So if you visit just one glacier in Iceland, it will likely be this one.

With a total area of +- 7,900 km 2 (3,100 sq mi), Vatnajokull is immense. It has around 30 glacier tongues (outlet glaciers), each with its own name, and so it’s likely that you’ll see those names mentioned in the description of various glacier tours and activities.

How to visit: You can see various glacier tongues from the Ring Road in southern Iceland. But the best way to visit glaciers in Iceland is by booking a glacier hiking tour , visiting the ice caves , and snowmobiling . Keep in mind that you need to book an organized tour for any activities where you go on the glacier itself.

In winter – from about October to March – you can also see some of the most beautiful natural ice caves in Iceland. You can only visit with a tour and you should book in advance. There is also one place – Katla – where you can visit a natural ice cave in the summer as well . This is the best tour that goes to Katla ice cave and it departs from Vik. There is also a day tour that visits this ice cave from Reykjavik.

READ ALSO: Glacier Hiking in Iceland

19. East Fjords

Another region that is often overlooked by travelers who just drive the Ring Road from South to North is the East Fjords . It’s a stunning region that is well worth visiting if you pass eastern Iceland!

The nicest towns are probably Eskifjörður and Seyðisfjörður , the latter is famous for its colorful rainbow path leading to the church. In season, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a good place to see puffins.

There are also lots of waterfalls in the area, hiking trails, Laugarfell hot pool, and Petra’s Stone collection in Stöðvarfjörður…

The eastern part of Iceland is where you’re most likely to see reindeer.

How to visit: You will need a car to visit the East Fjords.

20. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon near Kirkjubaejarklaustur used to be one of my favorite places in Iceland. It was so peaceful and undiscovered. Nowadays, it’s so popular that the walking path along the side of the canyon had to be closed so that nature could recover a bit.

There are other incredibly beautiful canyons in Iceland, but this one is the easiest to access. So if you want to visit a canyon in Iceland, Fjaðrárgljúfur is well worth a trip. Just please be respectful to nature and obey the signs.

How to visit: You’ll need a car to get here. This Jokulsarlon day tour also stops at Fjadrargljufur.

21. Goðafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss , meaning the waterfall of Gods, is one of the most visited waterfalls in Northern Iceland.

It’s extremely beautiful and especially on a sunny day. Often, you can see a rainbow over the falls and it looks simply magical.

How to visit: Located just next to the Ring Road, Godafoss is very easy to get to by car. All North Iceland tours that visit Myvatn stop here as well. Paved walking paths connected by a pedestrian bridge allow you to see the waterfall from two sides of the river.

22. Hvitserkur

Hvitserkur is a beautiful rhino-shaped rock along the northern coast of Iceland. While the rock itself is very impressive, the entire area around it is simply phenomenal.

We were not sure if it was worth the long drive, but it absolutely is. I, therefore, think that Hvitserkur deserves to be mentioned among the most beautiful places in Iceland. If you are driving in the north anyway, this is just a rather short detour from the Ring Road.

How to visit: You’ll need a car to get here. The road is gravel but in good condition.

LEARN MORE: Hvitserkur

23. Reykjavík

While I think that Iceland’s beauty lies mostly in its nature and people rather than its towns, no list of the best places in Iceland would be complete without mentioning its capital city, Reykjavik .

Reykjavik has changed beyond recognition in the past years and it has more to offer to tourists than ever before.

In the past, I would have told you that one day is more than enough to see all the highlights, which include the views from Hallgrimskirkja church tower, discovering the streets of the colorful town center , feeding ducks at the Reykjavik Lake Tjörnin , visiting Harpa concert hall, seeing the Sun Voyager statue, and visiting some museums.

However, there is now so much more to see and do in Reykjavik than that, with new amazing attractions opening up all over the city all the time. So if you do have some extra time to spare, plan a few days in Reykjavik (see here our guide on where to stay in Reykjavik ).

TIP: My favorite museum that I absolutely recommend in Reykjavik is Perlan . Here you can find our guide to Perlan, the best museum in Reykjavik .

Other great attractions include FlyOver Iceland , Whales of Iceland , Magic Ice Bar , and the geothermal pool with cliffside ocean views, Sky Lagoon .

LEARN MORE: Top Things to Do in Reykjavik & Reykjavik 1-Day Itinerary

24. Langjökull Glacier

Langjökull is the second-largest glacier in Iceland. Its name means “the long glacier”.

Because of its proximity to the popular Golden Circle, it’s easy to visit Langjökull glacier when you are touring the area or on a day trip from Reykjavik. It’s also possible to reach the glacier from Húsafell which is closer to Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Important: Keep in mind that you need to go with a local guide who knows the area and potential dangers. You can see what kinds of tours are available here .

The glacier is vast and rather diverse, so there are some unique glacier tours here. There are also some ice caves that you can visit. There is a man-made ice cave that is accessible the whole year round, but there is also a natural ice cave , which is much more impressive, of course.

For many years, the most popular way to visit Langjökull Glacier was by snowmobile which allows you to cover big distances in a short time (there are snowmobile tours starting from Reykjavik or from the Golden Circle).

But if you want to see the ice caves of Langjokull, you should opt for a glacier truck tour instead. You can visit a man-made ice cave from Húsafell , but we recommend the newly-discovered natural ice cave that you can visit from the Golden Circle side instead. This recently launched glacier truck tour is one of the best options if you want to visit a natural ice cave near Reykjavik!

No matter which tour you choose, a visit to Langjökull Glacier is one of the most amazing experiences in Iceland. It will definitely make your trip so much more memorable!

25. Akureyri

For those of you who are wondering why Akureyri is at the bottom of this list… While I think that it’s a nice place to stop for an hour or two if you have plenty of time in Iceland, I also believe that there are so many nicer places to see in North Iceland that are worth your time more.

That being said, if you go to Akureyri, take some time to walk through the old town and also don’t miss the Botanical Gardens . The new attraction here is the geothermal pool called Forest Lagoon . Akureyri is also a popular place for whale-watching excursions .

There are also some nice places to see nearby, so you could use Akureyri as a ‘base’ location for exploring more of Northern Iceland.

If you are just passing by, you may want to stop at the Christmas House just outside of town.

So, this is our guide to some of the very best places to visit in Iceland.

I hope that it will inspire you to discover this beautiful country beyond its most popular tourist attractions like the Golden Circle, Reykjavik, and the South Coast.

Below, is a video showcasing some of our favorite places in Iceland . Take a look! And further down, you can find links to our other guides that should help you plan your own dream trip to Iceland.

How to plan a road trip in Iceland:

• Itinerary Suggestions: Iceland itinerary for 1 to 14 days
• The musts: 4 days in Iceland
• Best summer itinerary for one week: 7 days in Iceland
• Complete Ring Road: Iceland’s Ring Road in 10 days
• Winter trip: Iceland winter itinerary for one week
• A bit off the beaten path: 10 days in Iceland (summer only)

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Iceland

Planning a trip to Iceland and have questions? Please check our recommended articles below and in our Iceland travel guide .

If you have a specific question about any of the places mentioned in this article or want to share your favorite landmarks or attractions in Iceland, feel free to leave a reply below.

More tips for your trip to Iceland:

• Good to know: Iceland Travel Tips
• When to go: When to Visit Iceland – Summer vs. Winter
• Airport transfers: How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget: How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Packing: What to Wear in Iceland in Winter & What to Pack for Iceland in Summer
• Tours: Best Tours and Day Trips in Iceland & Best Winter Day Trips from Reykjavik
• Winter trip: Tips for Visiting Iceland in Winter & Northern Lights in Iceland
• For at home: Nordic Gifts

READ ALSO: Northern Lights in Iceland

TIP: Planning a trip to Iceland and have questions? Join our Facebook Group for Iceland and Scandinavia Travel !

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Gustavo Correa

Monday 11th of March 2024

Hi, Jurga. Very nice and interesting your blog. I'm planning a trip with my family to see the Auroras borealis. I know to see Auroras borealis is very dependent from the time and place you go, is it Iceland a place where you can see the auroras borealis with great certainty? Any recommendations on best dates and place to go for it? Thanks, Gustavo

Monday 1st of April 2024

@Jurga, thanks a lot for your prompt answer. Very valuable and precise information. I'm already reviewing the options in Tromso and will give you feedback on my experience. Already subscribed to your Newsletter. Regards. Gustavo

Tuesday 12th of March 2024

Hi Gustavo, Iceland is a good place to see auroras, but it's impossible to predict. If it's cloudy for days in a row, you may not see anything. But if you are lucky, you may see them multiple times during your winter trip. For more practical information, take a look at our guide to the Northern Lights in Iceland for more information. Also remember that there are so many other great things to do in Iceland in winter! That being said, if auroras are your main interest, then consider other places that are closer to the aurora circle = the chances of seeing them are higher. One of the best places for the Northern Lights in the world is Tromso in Northern Norway. But also there, if you are very unlucky with the weather, you may not see them. The good thing is that being that close to the aurora circle, you can see some amazing displays even when the aurora activity is very weak. That's not the case in Iceland where you need a much higher solar activity in order to see really strong auroras. Here you can find our guide to the Northern Lights in Tromso. Whatever destination you choose, the longer you stay, the more chances you have.

Wednesday 29th of November 2023

Darn if I wasn't booked up for the next 2 years I would go here next summer. I can plan this for 2026 though.

Friday 1st of December 2023

Thursday 30th of November 2023

Ha ha, life's too short for all the trips we want to make, isn't it... But if you are making plans for the future, you really can't go wrong with visiting Iceland. It's so different than anywhere else. In the meantime, enjoy all your other trips!

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Hi, Your blog is great and super helpfu!! I love all of the details. I am going to Iceland in February (less than a month). I am doing a 5 day tour that includes a hike on a glacier. I am going a few days early and have 1 day to do an excursion. I am debating between the Glacier Lagoon and Kalta Ice Caves. We will not be going to Vik on the tour. Any thoughts on which is better? If you recommend the ice caves, I was planning on use viatour, but the Kalta tour is no longer available. Any suggestions on tour companies? Thanks, Alissa

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

@Jurga, Hi Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately, I can't get my money back and have already booked my tickets. Here is the tour that I am doing. I have some free time in in Reyjavick on my own before the tour starts and was thinking of doing an excursion. Unfortunately, 2 excursions won't work. I tried to past the website and highlights for my tour, but I couldn't. I will email you the link. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Hi Alissa, I'm not sure I'm following - you are going on a 5-day tour in winter and it doesn't include Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and doesn't visit any ice cave??? All the best winter tours - even those that take just 2-3 days include both of these in their itinerary (see a 3-day tour and a 2-day tour). Plus, the ice caves that these tours visit are nicer than Katla, but they are too far to visit from Reykjavik in just a day (that's why it's best to go on a 2-3 day tour). Not knowing what you will see on your tour, it's difficult to suggest much. Except that maybe you should book another tour that has a better itinerary... Sorry, but I can't imagine how they wouldn't at least include Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in a 5-day itinerary... It's really one of the must-see places in Iceland. Or are you talking about some other glacier lagoon? Or maybe you didn't read the description of your tour in detail... Anyway, if you want to visit Katla, there are still plenty of tours available for February (see on GetYourGuide - it's better than Viator anyway ;)). Hope this helps. Have a great time in Iceland - no matter what you end up visiting, you'll love it!

Friday 28th of January 2022

thank you so much i got all of my homework done because of this!

Glad to help, Landon. We have lots more info and travel itineraries for Iceland that can help you plan the trip. Happy travels!

Sunday 22nd of August 2021

Hello, this article is very helpful. My daughter wants to go to Iceland for her sweet 16 and I was wondering what the odds of us catching the northern lights in November are? What do you recommend so that I can make her bday memorable? Thanks in advance!

Thursday 6th of October 2022

@Jurga, You recommend not driving on your own - would you say this is due to unpredictable weather or because it is generally not safe to drive on your own in Iceland? Wondering if when I visit, if my home base is in Reykjavik, would it be a good idea to rent a car for a couple days to do a few day trips on our own as opposed to hiring a guide for a few?

Tuesday 24th of August 2021

Hi Jessica, in general, November is a great time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, but it remains a natural phenomenon (and the weather will have a big impact as well), so you can never guarantee that you'll get to see them. I was once in Iceland in November for a week and we had the best weather and the most amazing aurora displays a few times during the trip. But you can also have snowstorms and cloudy skies and not see much. So don't plan the trip just for the auroras - there's so much to see in Iceland and the Northern Lights will be just a nice extra if you get to see them.

I recommend either staying in Reykjavik and booking day tours or taking a multi-day tour with a local guide/driver if visiting Iceland in November. Don't drive on your own! If you stay in Reykjavik, you can visit some cool geothermal baths - Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, and take some nice tours. There are just so many choices, it's hard to suggest something specifically not knowing what your interests are. This might give you some ideas: * Best half-day trips from Reykjavik * Best winter tours from Reykjavik Don't miss the Golden Circle and especially the South Coast! There are also museums, nice restaurants, and other activities in town. Here are just a few suggestions: * Perlan museum * Fly over Iceland experience

For more info on the Northern Lights, please check this article: Northern Lights in Iceland.

One more recommendation comes to mind - you could stay in Reykjavik for the majority of the trip and book a 2-day tour for the South Coast. 2 days is a good time to see the highlights of the South Coast and visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon which is quite far to be done in a day. In addition, most 2-day tours include a visit to an ice cave and that can be the most amazing experience that your daughter will never forget! Take a look at this highly-rated 2-day tour for more info.

Hope this helps.

16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Reykjavik

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik sweeps you off your feet with its quaint and vibrantly colored coastal homes, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and reminders of the country's Viking history at every turn. In a city of only 215,000 people, Reykjavik is quiet, whimsical, historical, and artistic.

The land of fire and ice is naturally stunning, so the backdrop is memorable no matter whether you stroll the charming downtown streets, indulge in a sightseeing excursion, or relax in one of the city's 17 thermal pools.

The best view of Reykjavik is from the tower of Hallgrímskirkja church , in the heart of the city. Reykjavik is a mecca of stunning architecture and cultural attractions. You will feel the deep roots of Viking history meshed with the contemporary energy of modern creativity.

While there are so many things to do within the city itself, its location enables easy day trips to many must-see spots, like the Blue Lagoon and natural waterfalls in the countryside. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Reykjavik, public thermal pools and the signature northern lights are just part of the scene, so you can sprinkle those elements in when you have time.

Plan your travels through the city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Reykjavik.

1. Ride to the Top of Hallgrímskirkja Church

2. spend an evening at harpa, 3. visit perlan museum of icelandic natural wonders, 4. take a whale watching tour, 5. walk the streets in downtown reykjavik, 6. take a dip in a thermal pool, 7. view the northern lights at aurora reykjavik, 8. visit the settlement exhibition, 9. plan a day trip to mount esja, 10. explore the old harbour area, 11. step back in time at the arbaer open air museum, 12. hike on videy island, 13. see bruarfoss waterfall, 14. watch the sunset from the grotta lighthouse, 15. learn about volcanic activity at the volcano house, 16. reykjavik maritime museum, where to stay for sightseeing in reykjavik, map of things to do in reykjavik, reykjavik, iceland - climate chart.

The most prominent landmark in Reykjavik is Hallgrímskirkja church in the city's center. Since it can be seen from almost anywhere in Reykjavik, it is an easy way to navigate and it should be one of your first stops. The national monument is as stunning on the inside as it is on the outside.

It was built as a tribute to Icelandic poet, Hallgrimur Petursson. The magnificent 25-ton pipe organ inside the church is one of its finest attractions. Construction on the Hallgrimskirkja church took more than 40 years, and it has become a symbol of Reykjavik.

After you explore the main chapel, buy a token in the gift shop and ride the elevator up almost 74 meters to the steeple. This is the best view of the city.

Address: Skólavörðuholti, Reykjavik 121

Even if you do not attend a concert at the Harpa concert hall, this extraordinary landmark is one of the best places to visit in Reykjavik. The award-winning architecture of the building is uniquely artistic. The honeycomb exterior is eye-catching in the daylight and mesmerizing at night as the windows change in a rainbow of colors.

There are two restaurants inside serving authentic Icelandic food, and the small gift shop sells unique gifts, many from local artists. If you can catch a concert in Harpa, plan on extra time before or after to enjoy dinner and a stroll by the water around the venue.

Address: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavik

The Perlan Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders is a stunning building with new, state-of-the-art exhibits focusing on the many natural wonders of the country, from the cliffs and volcanos to the sea life around the island.

One of the most impressive exhibits is a replicated ice cave that you can explore at a chilling 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The glacier exhibition examines the history of glaciers in Iceland, as well as the future outlook for these natural wonders.

The Perlan planetarium is an immersive audio-visual experience where you can experience the Northern Lights even if you do not get to see them in the countryside during your visit. When you visit Perlan, head to the observation deck for a 360-degree panoramic view of Reykjavik.

Address: Reykjavik 105

Official site: https://www.perlanmuseum.is/en/

Iceland is surrounded by ocean, and for tourists, whale watching is one of the most popular things to do. The excursions provide up-close encounters with humpback and minke whales. You will likely see other wildlife on the tours such as dolphins.

Several tour companies, including Elding, Special Tours, and Whale Safari, run regular trips out of the Old Harbour. Depending on the time of year that you visit, there could be specialized tours available, like those offered during months where there is midnight sun (June-August) with trips that depart late at night.

Plan some time during your visit to Reykjavik to explore the downtown area. It is unlike any downtown scene you have ever experienced. Instead of kitschy souvenir shops, you will find independent boutiques selling unique items, like Icelandic wool clothing and volcanic rock pottery. Take your time to enjoy the shops and fine eateries serving up traditional fare.

The best place to start a sightseeing tour in downtown Reykjavik is on Laugavegur, considered the Main Street in the city and one of the oldest. It is lined with places to shop for handmade woolen sweaters, locally crafted jewelry, and pottery made from volcanic rock. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from when you feel like stopping and a number of museums to visit.

Let your stroll take you to the waterfront walkway to feel the ocean breeze and observe the fine art and architecture in the city. In the late afternoon, position yourself near the waterfront Solfar sculpture to enjoy one of the most majestic sunsets you will see in Iceland.

One of the top things to do in Reykjavik is to relax in the public thermal pools. The 17 pools located around the city are filled with Iceland's natural geothermal water. The thermal pools are Reykjavik's community meeting spots that provide a natural therapy for the mind and soul.

These communal pools are an important part of the Icelandic culture and one way for you to truly immerse yourself in the customs of the country, not to mention the healing qualities from soaking in them. If you have time, be sure to take a day trip to the Blue Lagoon for the ultimate thermal pool experience.

If you plan to experience the northern lights during your time in Iceland, you will want to prepare with a visit to Aurora Reykjavik. The interactive center uses advanced technology and multimedia experiences to showcase the wonder of seeing the northern lights. Exhibits share the stories related to the Aurora Borealis throughout Iceland's history.

Step inside the Northern Lights Theater, where the captivating blue and green aurora borealis filmed from all over Iceland is projected onto a seven-meter wide screen with music. The center offers instruction on camera settings for when you set out on your own to photograph this natural wonder, and you can book guided northern lights tours.

Address: Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Official site: https://aurorareykjavik.is

Read More: Best Places to See the Northern Lights

One of the best ways to acclimate yourself to Icelandic culture is with a visit to The Settlement Exhibition museum. The museum is operated by the Reykjavik City Museum , but it is located in a separate building and requires a couple of hours to visit. Guided tours are available, but the museum layout makes it easy to explore on your own.

Learn about the first Vikings settlement in Reykjavik through preserved archaeological artifacts. Digital interactive displays take you back several centuries to experience primitive Icelandic life and give you a new appreciation for the Viking influences that you will see throughout the city.

Address: Adalstraeti 16, Reykjavik 101

The majestic presence of Mount Esja in the distance of Reykjavik is one of the best day trips you can take during your visit. Enjoy Iceland's fresh air by hiking one of the main trails around the mountain. Each path up the mountain is marked with signs indicating the level of difficulty.

Mount Esja is suitable for both casual hikers and extreme day trippers. You can hike to the top, at 914 meters, and sign the guestbook, or turn around at the more common stopping point just short of the peak at a rock called Steinn. Take note that the path beyond the Steinn is rather difficult, so only experienced climbers and hikers should attempt it.

Strolling through the Old Harbour area of Reykjavik gives you a true sense of Icelandic culture. This section of the city has some of the best views of the bay and Mount Esja. It is also the departure point for whale watching tours and puffin excursions.

Many of the vibrant colored buildings in the Old Harbour district are renovated fishing sheds that are repurposed into stores, cafes, and restaurants. There is an eclectic energy in the Old Harbour from the collision of historical Scandinavian influence and a hip and modern flare.

The Arbaer Open Air Museum is a small village with more than 20 historical Icelandic homes for you to explore. Walk the grounds to see how village homes were built over the years and take a peek inside for a glimpse of authentic Icelandic life. This is an interactive way to learn about the unique history of Iceland as you walk through this restored village and farm.

As Reykjavik experienced development and moved away from its settlement roots, many of these buildings were relocated from the city center to preserve the country's heritage. The museum opened in 1957 and remains an interactive experience with a glimpse into Reykjavik's origins.

The museum has regular changing exhibitions and public events like craft days that make for great times to visit.

Address: Kistuhylur 4, Reykjavik 110

The allure of Videy Island is almost too difficult to resist. Thankfully, you can visit the island and enjoy a spectacular view of the Snaefellsnes peninsula and the mainland. This island is significant because it was one of the first areas settled in Iceland.

The natural elements, from wildlife to vegetation, are abundant, making this a favorite spot for photographers, artists, and those looking to soak up the peaceful natural beauty of Iceland. There are several trails available for both pedestrians and cyclists. A point of interest during your visit to Videy Island is the Imagine Peace Tower artwork by Yoko Ono.

You do not have to go far to experience one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland . The Bruarfoss waterfall in Reykjavik showcases natural blue water in a color that does not seem real. The full waterfall is a series of cascades from converging springs.

It is not surprising that the Bruarfoss is a popular waterfall to photograph. If you plan to visit, carve out time to get here because depending on weather conditions, the trails may be slippery, and navigating is sometimes difficult. Pack a pair of sturdy shoes and you should be fine. The view of the waterfall is worth the extra room that the shoes will require in your suitcase.

The small Grotta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula in north Reykjavik is a great spot to take in a sunset or just go for a morning walk. The lighthouse has been here since 1897, erected on farmland. It is a popular place to visit for tourists, mostly because of the views of the landscape.

This is a great bird-watching location, especially in the summer, as many species are known to nest on the rugged coastline. If you plan to visit the Grotta Lighthouse, you will want to take into account the timing of the low and high tides.

A small and quirky museum in Reykjavik that is worth visiting is the Volcano House. In the land of fire and ice, the presence of volcanos is an important part of life and history. The Volcano House is a great museum to learn about volcanic eruptions, which happen on the island about every five years.

The Volcano House has mineral and geology exhibits, as well as a Volcano Cinema, where the fiery eruptions come to life. Be sure to stop into the gift shop where you will find minerals and lava jewelry for sale.

Address: Tryggvagata 11, Reykjavík

Official site: http://www.volcanohouse.is

With so much of Reykjavik's history reliant on the maritime industry, a visit to the Reykjavik Maritime Museum puts much of the present-day culture into perspective. The museum is appropriately located in the Old Harbour.

You will see exhibitions that showcase how early Icelandic settlers relied on fishing as their main industry. You will also see stories and artifacts that relate to the lives of Icelandic fishermen and women who cultivated this important industry for the country.

Address: Grandagarður 8, 101 Reykjavík

The lodging options in Reykjavik range from eco-focused hotels to luxury apartments with hotel servicing. You can also find a wide range of pricing.

Luxury Hotels:

• You can live like a local during your stay in Reykjavik at the Black Pearl apartments, which feel like a home but have hotel amenities. The Black Pearl is centrally located in downtown Reykjavik and close to many of the main attractions.
• Two other luxury hotel options in downtown Reykjavik are the Reykjavik Residence Hotel , which also has apartment-style accommodations, and the boutique Kvosin Downtown Hotel .

Mid-Range Hotels:

• If you want to keep a home base close to city tourist attractions, Hotel Lotus is within walking distance of many sights and bus routes.
• The Hotel Leifur Eiriksson is also centrally located in downtown making it easy to walk or catch the bus to nearby attractions.

Budget Hotels:

• The cheapest lodging in Reykjavik is in hostels in the city, and there are quite a few, including the Circle Hostel located downtown and close to a number of restaurants and attractions.
• A budget-minded hotel in the city with just the basics is the 4th Floor Hotel that is centrally located and just a few blocks from the waterfront.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Iceland: For most travelers visiting Iceland , Reykjavik is the home base for exploring. You can easily take day trips to other parts of the island or make it your starting point for driving the Ring Road on your own . If you are looking to spend a bit of time resting and relaxing on your vacation, Iceland has some lovely resorts.

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27 Absolute Best Things to do in Iceland

Home » Blog » Europe » Iceland » 27 Absolute Best Things to do in Iceland

There are so many incredible things to do in Iceland it can be overwhelming to try and plan your trip. We’ve rounded up the top adventures, sights to see and culinary experiences so you can create your own Iceland bucket list.

With active volcanoes, black sand beaches, rushing waterfalls and glacial lagoons, Iceland is a nature-lover’s haven. And for those who get excited by culture and foodie delights, there are plenty of charming towns, historic sights and elevated culinary experiences to make your heart pitter-patter.

With so many things to do in Iceland, where is one to start? Well, we think we have a pretty darn good list to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Whether you’re an adventure junkie seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience or you have an affinity for the finer things in life, Iceland is sure to knock your travel socks right off. Before you know it you’ll be planning a return trip to this spectacular country. (We’re already dreaming about our third visit!)

Without further adieu, let’s dive into our curated list of the very best things to do in Iceland – complete with insider tips so you can start planning your own Icelandic adventure!

Iceland Travel Guide

For more tips and advice for planning your trip to Iceland, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).

• How many days do you need
• Iceland itinerary
• Best time to visit
• How to get around
• Tips for visiting
• What to pack

Top things to do in Iceland

If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Iceland, here are our top recommendations: 

• Go on an epic road trip
• Soak in as many hot springs as possible
• Discover the Golden Circle
• Hike the Fimmvörðuháls trail
• Chase waterfalls
• Explore Reykjavik

Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these things and more ideas of fun things to do in Iceland. 

1. Go on an epic road trip 

Iceland is a country made for road tripping. If you have more than 3 days, we’d highly, highly recommend renting a car , or better yet, a campervan , and hit the road to explore!

Outside of Reykjavík, it’s very difficult to experience much of this country without your own vehicle. 

Pack your favorite snacks, crank the tunes and roll down the windows… well, maybe not – it gets pretty cold in Iceland – and prepare for the road trip of a lifetime!

Use our Iceland road trip planning guide to help you plan your trip. 

Here are some of the top Iceland road trips we’d recommend:

• South Iceland: See the highlights of Iceland’s southern coast on this perfect Iceland itinerary
• Ring Road : If you have the time, we highly recommend doing a road trip around the entire Ring Road that encircles the country. 
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula: If you’re pressed for time, or just want to see something different, check out the beauty on this peninsula just a few hours north of Reykjavik.
• Golden Circle : An absolute must on your first trip to Iceland, see #3 for details!

Want to save time and energy on planning?

We’ve traveled to Iceland 3 times now and spent weeks living in a campervan, traveling around the country. We’ve been able to explore a lot of what Iceland has to offer!

We’ve compiled our experience to create the  perfect Iceland itinerary . Our itinerary is for 7-9 days and meant to be explored while traveling in a campervan. It includes the  highlights of the southern coast of Iceland. 

We’ll send you our complete 7-9 day customizable itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your  perfect Iceland itinerary  today!

2. Soak in as many hot springs as possible  

Being that Iceland is known for its geothermal activity, it should come as no surprise that hot springs are about as numerous as sheep. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point. 

From rustic hot pots in the middle of nowhere to bougie hot spring resorts where you can enjoy a massage, a facial and Prosecco all while soaking in tepid waters *Blue Lagoon, cough, cough*, there are quite a variety of hot springs to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure and don’t mind a bit of effort (or algae!) or you prefer being pampered and would prefer your soaking experience be algae-free, visiting a hot spring (or 5!) in Iceland should definitely be on your itinerary. 

Our favorite Iceland hot springs

• Fosslaug : Small riverside pool requiring a short and easy walk to reach
• Hrunalaug : A very natural hot spring that looks like a scene out of Lord of the Rings
• Reyklajular Thermal River : A picturesque geo-thermal river that requires a roughly 1 hour hike in
• Sky Lagoon : Luxury bathing near Reykjavík with pools overlooking the ocean
• Blue Lagoon : Iceland’s most famous hot spring known for its milky-blue color
• Myvatn Nature Baths : Located in north Iceland, this is a great alternative to the Blue Lagoon without the crowds. 
• Secret Lagoon : Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, although far from “secret” as the name would suggest

We’ve created a list of our favorite hot springs in Iceland , including our own personal tips and things you should know before you don your bikini. 

This round-up includes an array of different soaking options — from totally free and little-known hot springs to the luxurious resorts that are known around the world.

3. Discover the Golden Circle

Driving the Golden Circle is sort of a rite of passage on most visitors’ first trip to Iceland. This route encircles three major attractions:

• Thingvellir National Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Geysir 

Lucky for you, we have an entire guide to the Golden Circle , packed with useful tidbits and hidden gems along the way.

4. Hike the Fimmvörðuháls trail

While this suggestion may not be for every traveler, if you are an avid hiker you’ll definitely want to put this trek on your Iceland bucket list. 

This 15.5-mile trail brings you through some of the most dramatically diverse landscapes in the country , making it one of the best hikes in Iceland .

Sound like fun? We’ve written a super comprehensive guide to the Fimmvörðuháls hike so you can know exactly what to expect!

5. Go chasing waterfalls

Iceland has the highest concentration of waterfalls of any place we’ve ever visited in the world. (And that’s saying a lot for two people who live in the Pacific Northwest!)

There are waterfalls everywhere. You’ll be driving and BOOM – you’ll see one waterfall after another. 

And these aren’t just trickles, friends. I’m talking about legitimate, gushing waterfalls. 

So how do you determine which waterfalls are worth seeing? That’s a tough question to answer, but we’ll get your started with a list of our top recs.

Our favorite waterfalls in Iceland

• Gullfoss waterfall : Often hailed as the most famous waterfall in Iceland
• Brúarfoss : An off-the-beaten path attraction and possibly the bluest waterfall in all of Iceland
• Glymur waterfall : The second tallest waterfall in Iceland
• Seljalandsfoss waterfall : Can walk behind the falls⁠—best to see at sunset
• Gluggafoss : A quick detour from Ring Road and much less crowded
• Kirkjufellsfoss : A good one to photograph with a a cone-shaped mountain looming in the near distance
• Skógafoss waterfall : Another ultra-popular site, but very cool to see and you can walk right up to the water
• Dettifoss waterfall : The largest waterfall in Iceland by volume!

We’ve put together a list of the best waterfalls in Iceland – from the uber famous (and rightly so!) Skógafoss to seldom-visited falls that require a bit of effort to reach.

6. Explore Reykjavík 

Despite being a relatively small capital city, Reykjavík is absolutely packed with fun things to do. With next-level restaurants that’ll impress even the snobbiest of foodies to eclectic and colorful street art , this city is sure to charm just about any traveler.

While exploring downtown Reykjavík, be sure to wander the colorful streets , take advantage of the vibrant food and nightlife scene , and experience some free sightseeing along the way.

We’ve rounded up our top things to do in Reykjavík so all the research has basically been done for you!

7. Wake up with a view 

We may be biased, but we think camping is the best way to experience all the beauty and adventure that Iceland has to offer . Whether you choose to pitch a tent or rent a campervan in Iceland , you’re in for one hell of an adventure!

While campervanning around Iceland, we fell asleep under the stars and woke up with coffee next to waterfalls. We ventured to remote canyons and hidden hot springs. And we made memories we’ll be talking about for years.

If that sounds dreamy to you, be sure to check out our complete guide to camping in Iceland . It legitimately has everything you need to know to prepare for a trip of a lifetime. Plus, we’ll answer all your burning questions, so it’s good to check out if you’re on the fence.

8. Stay at unique accommodation

There are all sorts of cool places to stay at in Iceland – bubble hotels, farm stays, mountain huts, and luxurious “cabins” made of glass (perfect for *hopefully* seeing the Northern Lights!).

One of the best ways to find cool accommodation in Iceland is to search on Airbnb using their filters. You can set it up so it only shows you “unique stays” or “stays with hot tubs”, for instance. 

Want a shortcut? We rounded up some of the best Airbnbs in Iceland just for you!

9. Try Icelandic cuisine

One of our favorite things to do while traveling anywhere in the world is to indulge in the local flavors because: 

a) we like to eat (!!!) 

b) it gives you a glimpse into the culture and how locals live

And Iceland was no exception. We ate our way through the country, all in the name of “research”. 

Icelandic cuisine is heavy on seafood, lamb and potatoes, and can be described as a whole as “comfort food for a cozy fall day”. (Well, at least that’s how I like to describe it!)

We’ve rounded up all the best foods to try in Iceland so you have a go-to checklist of dishes to sample on your trip. And we’ve also explained which foods you can skip during your trip to Iceland.

Calling all foodies! If you too love eating on your travels (hey, let’s be friends!), we’d highly recommend doing a food tour with Reykjavík Food Walk . Use the discount code TWS10 when you check out to get 10% off your tour price.

10. Take a hike!

No, we’re not telling you to get lost.

Hiking in is one of the absolute, all-time, CAN’T-MISS things to do in Iceland. This country was absolutely made for exploring on foot. 

Whether you’re an avid hiker or you’re simply up for a bit of a heart-thumping adventure on your trip to Iceland, there are plenty of trails around the country that’ll make you fall head-over-hiking boots. Corny, but true.

As hiking enthusiasts ourselves, we’ve done quite a bit of trekking around this jaw-dropping country and we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Iceland hikes to share with you.

11. Walk on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Iceland’s coast is dotted with black sand beaches. With all of the volcanic activity on this island nation, it’s easy to see why. While traveling in Iceland, be sure to stroll along at least one black sand beach – there are plenty to choose from. 

One of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in Iceland is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach . Situated on Iceland’s south coast not far from the small town of Vík, this is a good black sand beach to add to your itinerary.

12. Visit the tranquil (but eerie) Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

Built in 1923, this is one of the oldest public pools in all of Iceland (some accounts claim it is the oldest). We’ve visited this hot pool twice – once in 2016 and again in 2021 – and we enjoyed our visit both times. That said, there are a few things you should know…

Seljavallalaug is a 25-meter outdoor public pool fed by a natural hot spring . The water in the pool is lukewarm (not hot), and the bottom of the pool has algae so it’s a little slippery in places.

It didn’t bother us, but don’t expect clean, pristine water here. There was also some trash around left from other visitors and graffiti in the changing rooms when we visited. 

The facilities are minimal , changing rooms are separated by gender, but there are no doors, just stalls, so it’s not that private. There are no toilets here either. 

The “hike in” is an easy 20-minute walk along the riverbed to reach this pool. On our most recent visit, we were the only ones there for a while.

Find out exactly how to get there and everything else you need to know in our guide to visiting Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool .

13. (Try to) see the Northern Lights

Gazing up at a sky dancing in hues of green is on many-a-travelers’ bucket lists. And while seeing the Aurora Borealis in person is an experience that you will cherish forever, I’m going to pop in and be a bit of a buzzkill…

You have to be very lucky to see the Northern Lights. If you go into your trip expecting to see this natural phenomenon, you very likely may be disappointed.

But if you go in with an open mind and a few tricks to hopefully help you spot them, this may be a highlight of your trip.

Tips for seeing the Northern Lights

• Plan your trip right
• Download a Northern Lights app (it’s one of our top Iceland app recommendations )
• Watch the weather
• Try again and again
• Set an alarm

14. Go whale watching

Being that Iceland is an island nation, there are plenty of opportunities to go whale watching. The two most popular spots are in Husavik (a small town on Iceland’s northern coast) and in the waters just outside of Reykjavík.

While it is never guaranteed that you will see whales – they are wild creatures, after all – you do have a pretty good chance of spotting these gentle giants breaching. 

Our experience:

We went whale watching with North Sailing and while it was fun to be out on the water on a rare sunny and hot Icelandic day, we didn’t get very lucky with spotting whales. We saw a small minke whale from a distance, but that was it.

That said, we appreciate that laws in Iceland prevent tour companies from chasing whales or using sonar technology to find them. This makes it a much better environment for the whales, and even more special when you do get to see them up close.

Insider tip: If you tend to get seasick, be sure to take medicine or natural remedies with you.

15. See puffins

If you are traveling to Iceland during the spring and summer months, you have a good chance of spotting these cuties if you know where to look. 

Iceland is one of the best places to see these charismatic black and white birds, as more than half of the world’s Atlantic puffin population make a visit to Iceland each year. From late March to late August, it is estimated that between 8 and 10 million puffins flock to Iceland, forming large breeding colonies.

With their cute, clown-like faces and playful nature, these birds are incredibly fun to photograph. Just be sure to maintain your distance (use a zoom lens!), and never feed them (or any wild animal, on that note).

Fun fact: Did you know that puffins mate for life?!

Best places to spot puffins in Iceland:

• Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands): This is the largest puffin colony in the world, but it requires a bit of effort to get here as you will need to take a ferry to the island.
• Dyrhólaey: This cliffside on Iceland’s south coast is where we have seen puffins on two separate trips. While not the largest colony, this is a convenient place to spot them as most visitors driving the Ring Road will pass by this location.
• Látrabjarg: These remote cliffs in the Westfjords are a great place to see puffins if your itinerary brings you to Iceland’s sparsely populated western region. 
• Lundey & Akurey Islands: If you want the best chance of spotting puffins without venturing far from Reykjavík, this is your best bet. You can catch a short boat ride from the city’s old harbor to these uninhabited neighboring islands that are known for Iceland’s favorite bird. In fact Lundey translates to “puffin island”. 
• Borgarfjörður Eystri: This cliffside area is located in the east fjords, and 1 1.5-hour detour off of the Ring Road. Those who make the journey will be rewarded with the sight of nearly 10,000 pairs of puffins that call nesting at Borgarfjörður Eystri home each summer.

16. Wander cute Icelandic towns

For a small country, Iceland has a surprising number of super cute towns. Well, I suppose that’s a subjective statement, but if you think fishing villages flanked by mountains, colorful buildings and a quaint atmosphere is cute , then you’ll surely agree with me. And if you don’t think that’s a winning combination, you may want to check your pulse.

Here are some of the cutest towns in Iceland (in our opinion!):

• Seydisfjordur

17. Snorkel between continents

Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure is an experience you can’t get anywhere else in the world. This is the spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. They are pulling apart slowly and have created a rift that can be seen above ground and just below the water’s surface. 

The water hovers around around 36°F (2°C) year round (yes, this tour can be done during any season). Because of the near-freezing temps, you won’t see much underwater life, but this place boasts visibility up to 100 meters (330 feet), which is unparalleled and an experience in and of itself. 

Are you a scuba diver? This is ranked time and time again as one of the best places to dive in the world. The catch? You must either carry a certification for dry suit diving or you must have 10 logged dry suit dives (one of which must have been during the last 2 years).

18. Be wowed by Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

One of the coolest – both literally and figuratively – natural  wonders in Iceland are the glacier lagoons. 

Whether you’re driving around the whole Ring Road or you’re just exploring Iceland for a handful of days, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the best stops you can make.

It is utter magic. Imagine giant chunks of ice in all shades of blue floating in a body of water in front of you as sea birds swoop down from above and seals break the water’s surface with their whiskered noses. 

While you can book a glacier lagoon kayak tour or a motorized boat excursion, simply just walking around the lagoon and enjoying the sight from shore is an experience that you won’t soon forget.

After getting your fill at Jökulsárlón Lagoon itself, be sure to make your way to the nearby Diamond Beach where you can see ice chunks that have washed up on the black sand shore

Good to know: Jökulsárlón is undoubtedly the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland, but it’s not the only one. Fjallsárlón is not far from its more popular sister, but it’s pretty cool to check out this lesser-known lagoon if you have the time. 

19. Hike to Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

There aren’t many places in the world where you can see a plane wreck on a black sand beach… Come to think of it, this may be the only one.

The Sólheimasandur plane wreck is on Iceland’s south coast, not far from the town of Vík, and is popular with photographers and travelers seeking a unique sight . Near the ocean’s edge, you’ll find the remains of a 1973 U.S. Navy plane that crashed at this spot after running out of fuel. Thankfully, everyone on board survived.

Visiting this popular spot is easy. You simply park in this lot , and follow the marked path for a little more than 2 miles (3.5 km) until you reach the wreckage. In total, this is a 4.5-mile (7.25 km) walk.

Good to know: The walk to the plane is kind of long and very boring. It’s flat, so you won’t have to worry about elevation gain, but it’s important to pack plenty of layers and rain gear.

20. Explore the magical basalt columns of Studlagil Canyon

Located in eastern Iceland, Studlagil Canyon is quite a gem. With towering black basalt columns set against (sometimes) turquoise waters, this otherworldly place is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Getting here can be a bit confusing, so we created a guide to Studlagil Canyon complete with a free map, precise directions and insider tips we wished we would have known before our visit.

21. Photograph Icelandic churches

As you drive around Iceland, you’ll see quaint churches dotted all throughout the countryside and in each town, no matter how small. Some of these churches have a rich history which is typically documented on a sign outside the building. 

If you see one that strikes your fancy, pull over, get out of your car and explore a bit. Oh, and don’t forget your camera because Icelandic churches are next-level photogenic.

22. Taste rye bread that was baked underground

Experience for yourself the power of harnessing geothermal energy by sampling bread that was baked underground. This method of cooking was once used out of necessity, but today it is more or less as a way to taste history.

While on the Ring Road, you can stop at Laugarvatn Fontana, where they lead daily Rye Bread Tasting Tours. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and walks you through the baking process. As a group, you’ll uncover a pot that has been underground for 24 hours, and you’ll place a new one near a thermal spring for another tour group to collect the following day.

It is quite interesting to learn about the process, but the best part is trying the finished product. The rye bread is dense and sweet, almost like cake. And topped with a generous amount of smjor (Icelandic butter) and smoked trout, it is absolutely addicting, and definitely a food you should try in Iceland .  The details: This tour runs daily at 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and costs 1700 ISK per person ($13).

23.  Meet Icelandic horses

You won’t drive very far before seeing your first Icelandic horse. These beauties are smaller than the horses you may be used to, and they have short legs and a thick coat of fur. 

Oftentimes, these horses will gather at a fence alongside the road, as if begging for a photo. If you can safely pull over, this is usually considered just fine. 

However, there are a few things you should not do:

• Don’t park improperly. Make sure that if you pull over, other cars have enough space to pass. Better yet, search for a designated pull-out as stopping on the side of the road is strongly discouraged. 
• Don’t ever cross over the fence , as this would be trespassing on private property.
• Don’t feed the horses, as this can cause them to have excess food. Just imagine if you were a farmer and 10 visitors a day fed your horses. This means you don’t have any control over what’s being fed to them and they may be developing bad habits. 

If you want a more intimate experience with Icelandic horses, you may want to look into a horseback riding tour. They run all over the country – from remote farms to those just outside of Reykjavík that can pick you up from your hotel.

24. Try glacier hiking

Hiking on a glacier is one of the most unique and adventurous experiences you can have in Iceland. Being that the glaciers are actively melting, this may not be something visitors can do in years to come, so this truly may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The best place for glacier hiking in Iceland will be at Vatnajökull National Park, which is a vast expanse encompassing the majority of Iceland’s glaciers.  

Glacier hiking is an activity you must do with a guide, and there are quite a few tour companies to choose from. 

A guided tour includes all the equipment you’ll need, like a harness, an ice axe, crampons and a helmet, as well as a guide who is experienced with the area and glacier safety.

Insider Tip: After doing a bit of research, we read many recommendations that suggested choosing a 5-hour glacier tour over a 3-hour tour, as you get to see much more of the glacier itself. Being that it does take a bit of time to actually reach the glacier, we’d agree with these recommendations.

During the tour, you’ll traverse a pretty large section of a glacier and see some pretty incredible sights. You may even be lucky enough to be (safely) lowered into a small ice cave, which feels like an entirely different world.

Are you visiting Iceland in the winter? You may want to also look into visiting an ice cave with a tour guide. This looks like a pretty incredible experience, but with the exception of a couple, most ice caves can only be visited during the late fall and winter months.

25. Learn about volcanoes

Being that Iceland is a volcanic island, it makes sense that it is a great place to learn about, well, volcanoes. 

Now how you choose to learn about them is up to you, but we have a few fun suggestions:

Go to the Lava Show in Vík

How would you like to see real lava up close? Well, this is your chance!

The Lava Show , located in the small town of Vík, boasts that it is the “only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity”. And whew, we can attest that it is quite a unique experience. During this 1-hour long show, you’ll have front row seats as you watch molten lava (1,100°C / 2,000°F) flowing right in front of you. 

The creator of this experience, Júlíus, is extremely passionate about all things volcanoes and lava, and makes it an entertaining and educational show for both adults and children.

Do the “Inside the Volcano” experience

Have you ever thought about going inside a volcano?! Yep, you read that right – inside! On this tour, guests board a cable lift and descend 120 meters (400 feet) to the bottom of the crater for an experience you can’t get anywhere else. At more than $330 per person, there’s no doubt this is a huge splurge, but the reviews seem to speak for themselves. While we haven’t personally done this tour, it does sound like a pretty cool way to learn about volcanoes.

Hike, hike, hike!

If you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that Iceland has some incredible hiking opportunities. And many of the hikes in Iceland are through volcanic landscapes including lava fields. 

In our opinion, there’s no better way to learn about something than by getting up close and personal with it. Plus, it won’t cost you a thing, which is a bonus if you’re traveling Iceland on a budget .

26. Scope out traditional Turf Houses

Turf houses are quite the sight to see, but if you don’t know where they are on the map, you may just miss them. These historic relics give us an idea of how people once lived in Iceland, though their purpose today is only the preservation of the past.

Why did people build turf houses? The answer is quite simple. While much of Iceland was once forested, people cut down trees for construction, almost completely eliminating this resource from the small island nation. Since lumber was hard to find, Icelanders resorted to a different method of building. 

Turf houses were already popular in neighboring Scandinavian countries and being that the sod provided extra insulation, it was an easy choice. Turf houses were known for keeping the temperature stable throughout the year, staying cool in the summertime and keeping residents warm through the long winter months.

Where can you find turf houses? There aren’t that many remaining, but here are a handful to check out:

• Skógar Museum
• Church in Víðimýri
• Glaumbær Farm & Museum
• Laufás Museum

Note: Some of these are museums that allow visitors to enter the houses in exchange for admission. If you’d simply like to see a turf house from the outside, that’s okay too.

27. Walk the rim of colorful Kerið Crater

Perhaps the most colorful stop along Iceland’s Golden Circle is the aquamarine lake that sits inside Kerið Crater. The crater itself is a volcanic caldera, flanked by red volcanic rock and bursts of lime green moss in a shocking display of Mother Nature’s artistic side.

Good to know: Kerið Crater is pronounced “kair-ith”, as the “ð” symbol in Icelandic has a “th” sound.

After purchasing a ticket for 400 ISK ($3) at the trail entrance , you can walk the gravel trail that encircles the rim of Kerið Crater. 

This loop trail is just under a mile long and is relatively flat and easy and shouldn’t take much more than a half hour in total (including photo stops). You can also descend on a staircase down towards the water for a different perspective.

Find the stats and trail notes here.

How many days do you need in Iceland?

In order to get a good taste of all that Iceland has to offer, we’d suggest spending a minimum of one week in Iceland. If you happen to have more time than that, great! 

There is so much to see and do in this country you could spend months here and not get bored.  

We think 7-9 days is the perfect amount of time to soak up plenty of the highlights and get to know the country a bit better. 

Perfect Iceland itinerary

Raise your hand if you don’t want to spend hours of time researching and you just want all the info right at your fingertips!

If your hand is up, keep reading…

If you  like  the research, all the power to you! Feel free to use our itinerary outlines as a starting point as well as our Iceland guides for more ideas (we’ve got a bunch of them!):

• Ring Road Iceland: Can’t-Miss Stops!
• Actually Cool Things to Do in Reykjavik
• Best Iceland Waterfalls + Exact Locations
• Where to Get the Best Pictures in Iceland (+ photography tips!)
• Beautiful Iceland Hikes
• Dreamy Iceland Honeymoon Experiences
• …the list goes on! (See ALL of our Iceland content here )

But if you want to save some hours of your life, we’ve already put in more than enough for you and us combined.  Trust us.

And we’re happy to share everything we learned  — from digging through reviews, Youtube and all sorts of Internet rabbit holes, as well as actually traveling  in  Iceland on 3 separate occasions.

We’ve put together the perfect Iceland itinerary for your first visit. This itinerary includes day-by-day instructions, photos and tips that will help you plan your road trip through southern Iceland and the iconic Golden Circle.

In this 7-9 day itinerary, you’ll find:

• Can’t miss sights and experiences 
• suggestions for what to order
• the best campsites to stay on the route
• unique stays along the way
• Insider Tips
• Suggestions for extending this trip

We’ve spent hours of research putting this all together, just for you!

In full transparency, this is a  paid itinerary  since it has taken an incredible amount of time for us to create. 

However, we keep all of our paid itineraries affordable –  just  $17 for an entire 7-9 day itinerary . We think this is an incredible value considering almost all your planning will be done for you!

Best time to visit Iceland

In general you’ll have the best weather and opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities during the summer months, from June – August . 

If viewing the Northern Lights is what you seek, visiting during the shoulder seasons of September – October and February – March are when we’d recommend.

While you’ll have chances of cold weather year round (yes, even in the summertime!), you’ll most likely want to avoid traveling to Iceland in winter if you don’t do well in frigid temperatures.

For an in-depth guide on the regional seasons, weather patterns and other factors, check out our complete guide to the best time to visit Iceland . 

How to get around Iceland

There  aren’t many options for public transportation in Iceland, outside of the capital city of Reykjavik. For this reason, we’d highly recommend renting your own vehicle to explore more of the country at your own pace. 

Having a rental car in Iceland will give you the freedom you need to explore the country fully on an epic road trip . Plus, it may be cheaper than you think, especially if you decide to tent camp along the way instead of paying for expensive accommodations. 

We’ve rented cars in Iceland on two separate occasions and found it to be incredibly convenient! 

We have an entire guide to renting a car in Iceland that will walk you through the ins and outs, including where we found the best rental deals and tips for driving (hint: you won’t want to skip this section!). 

By campervan

Exploring Iceland in a campervan was a dream trip of ours for many years. When we finally made it happen, I can honestly say it lived up to our expectations in every possible way.

The great thing about renting a campervan in Iceland is that you’ll save tons of money on accommodation costs. 

Check out our Iceland campervan rental guide where we break down all of the FAQs about traveling Iceland in a campervan, plus tell you about the best Iceland campervan rental company which we just so happen to have an exclusive discount code for .

Tips for visiting Iceland

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, here are the top tips to make the most of your visit:

• Plan your itinerary in advance. Iceland offers a wide range of breathtaking natural wonders and attractions, so it’s important to plan your itinerary in advance to maximize your time. Identify the places you want to visit, prioritize them based on your interests, and map out a realistic route. 
• Pack for diverse weather conditions. Iceland’s weather can change on a dime and it’s not uncommon to experience 4 seasons in just one day. Be prepared for a mix of sunshine, rain, wind, and potentially even snow, depending on the season.
• Download these essential apps before you go. We tested out all the recommended Iceland travel apps on our latest trip and there are a few we could not live without!
• Rent a car or campervan to explore. Renting your own vehicle is highly recommended in Iceland, as it allows you to explore the country at your own pace and venture off the beaten path. 
• Respect the environment and practice Leave No Trace .  Iceland’s natural beauty is fragile, and it’s essential to be a responsible traveler . Stay on designated paths and trails to minimize damage to the delicate ecosystems. Respect any signs or guidelines for conservation areas and wildlife protection. 
• Book an airport shuttle. If you need to get to Reykjavík from the airport, or vice versa, skip the taxis and instead book a shuttle bus. Unless you have a large group of people traveling together, this will save you money! Flybus is the most popular airport shuttle service that runs from Keflavik airport to Reykjavík and back.  

What to pack for traveling to Iceland

One of the most frequently asked questions we get from people planning a trip to Iceland seems to be what to pack for Iceland and what to wear on your trip. 

Here are some specific items we’d recommend packing for Iceland:

• bug repellant (solids are the way to go)
• insulated water bottle and thermos
• reusable straw & reusable bag ( say no to single-use plastic! )
• gloves, winter hat, scarves
• thermal long underwear (for highland activities and travels)
• sun protection
• portable charger
• travel umbrella
• backpack with rain cover
• waterproof jacket (the outer layer should be water and windproof)
• hiking pants or rain pants
• hiking boots (or winter boots depending on the time of year you travel)

Get our complete Iceland packing list , packed with insider tips and valuable information in this downloadable PDF. All you have to do is click below to enter your email and we’ll send it straight to your inbox, completely FREE!

Are you planning a trip to Iceland?

We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our  Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Perfect Iceland Itinerary
• Fimmvörðuháls Hike: Guide to Iceland’s Best Day Hike
• Iceland Campervan Rental Guide (+ Exclusive Discount)

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About Iceland

Visa information, geography of iceland, general information, the northern lights, volcanic eruptions, sustainable travel, iceland academy, plan your trip, how to get there, accommodation, things to do, map your journey, getting around, visitor numbers, carbon footprint, destinations, the regions, scenic routes, national parks, trip suggestions, towns & villages, inspiration, food and beverages, escape the ordinary.

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VOLCANIC ACTIVITY ON THE REYKJANES PENINSULA

Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has witnessed a surge in seismic activity, including several volcanic eruptions. Despite this, Iceland has remained a safe and open destination for travelers. For a detailed look into the recent volcanic activities and their safety implications, the Icelandic Meteorological Office offers insights through this informative video.

Embark on the journey of a lifetime in Iceland!

With our new interactive map feature, you can easily plan every step of your adventure. From cozy accommodations to unforgettable activities, the possibilities are endless. Dream big, plan smart, and chart your path with our personalized itinerary feature. Make the most of every moment in Iceland!

Take the Icelandic Pledge

Are you visiting Iceland? Be a responsible tourist and take the Icelandic pledge. Encourage your friends to do the same!

Looking for things to do?

Regions of Iceland

Iceland is typically divided into 7 different geographical regions. Each region differs slightly in respect to culture and landscapes, but are uniquely Icelandic. Find your favorite part of Iceland.

Iceland is a popular travel destination. Sometimes, certain places can be busier than others. Skip the hectic tourist traffic at the most popular destinations and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Iceland. Use our tourist counter to see peak visitor times and plan accordingly. 

Appreciate our towns & villages

Did you know that there are over 100 towns and villages to explore throughout Iceland? We encourage you to stop and look into these charming, beautiful, and often quirky places. History, art, nature, local cuisine, and year-round swimming pools abound. You might be surprised at what you find!

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Iceland is open for travel. Check volcano updates here .

Attractions in Iceland

Spectacular range of tours available all around iceland.

Attractions

Attractions map

• Volcanoes, lava fields & craters
• Cities & Towns
• Fjords & Valleys
• Hot Springs, Geysers, SPA
• Hiking & Trekking Trails
• Islands & Peninsulas
• Lakes & Lagoons
• Travel itineraries
• Museums, theatres, churches & other
• National Parks
• Rocks & capes

Top Attractions in Iceland

Volcanoes, lava fields and craters in iceland, beaches in iceland, canyons in iceland, caves in iceland, cities and towns in iceland, fjords and valleys in iceland, geothermal hot springs, geysers, spa in iceland, glaciers in iceland, hiking and trekking trails in iceland, islands and peninsulas in iceland, lakes and lagoons in iceland, travel itineraries in iceland, museums, theatres, churches & other objects in iceland, mountains in iceland, national parks in iceland, rocks and capes in iceland, waterfalls in iceland.

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Top 10 BEST Tourist Attractions in Iceland Every Traveler Should Visit

Here is a comprehensive list of the tourist attractions in Iceland worth visiting.

Dubbed as the land of ice and fire, Iceland has emerged as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, especially for nature lovers and thrill-seeking adventurers.

Among its iconic attractions are breathtaking active volcanoes, steamy hot springs, scenic lakes , blue lagoons, massive glaciers, impressive fjords, mystical geysers, ice fields, and many more. It’s the ultimate getaway for thrill, fun, and adventure.

Seismic activities such as volcanic eruption have constantly reshaped different parts of the country. In 1963, for example, a new island called Surtsey formed off Iceland’s south coast.

One way to explore the island on your own for several days to a week is via a rental car which can take you across the Ring Road.

This road makes a complete circle around the country. Visitors can also avail of organized tours, which will take them to some of the country’s premium destinations.

Don’t miss seeing the following tourist attractions in Iceland on your visit.

Table of Contents

1. Whales on their Natural Habitats

Iceland’s surrounding waters teem with whales, and instead of hunting them, the locals introduced whale watching as a way to conserve them while boosting the economy.

Summer is the best time to visit these gentle giants, although whale watching takes place all year round.

Trips can run day and night during the warmer months, and during these periods, tourists can also view the popular midnight sun . Depending on the time of the year, there’s an 80-95 percent chance of seeing these iconic creatures, according to tour operators.

2. Blue Lagoon

One of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal spas is the Blue Lagoon, which tourists can reach via a 40-minutes drive from Reykjavik.

It features a natural bathing pool with pale blue water that mirrors the sky. When the attraction became a local hit in 1976, a whole Blue Lagoon industry emerged.

The underground hot springs’ water temperature reaches 37-39 degrees Celsius. Visitors will not only experience relaxation or relief but skin healing as well.

Enjoy swimming in the pool while interacting with locals and other tourists. One of the tubs at the edges of the lagoon offers natural mud that you can rub on your face and skin. Locals claim that this mud has health benefits.

LOOK HERE:  From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, and Blue Lagoon Tour

WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in Iceland 

3. Incredible Geysers

Iceland is home to numerous geysers of which the Strokkur Geysir is the most popular and accessible. Nestled in the southwest part of the country, it takes some 50 minutes of drive from Reykjavik to reach it.

It’s part of the Golden Circle route beside the beautiful Hvita River. It features around 100 smaller exploding geysers and large boiling mud pots.

The geyser shoots water 30 meters into the air every few minutes. Near the site is the Geysis Center where visitors will find a variety of informative presentations and exhibits about the country’s geology.

LOOK HERE :  From Reykjavik: Golden Circle 8-Hour Private Tour

4. The Mystical Northern Lights

Also known as Aurora Borealis, the mystical Northern Lights are Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Local legends say that these lights are works of unseen deities and spirits embedded in the country’s rich mythology. It’s best to drive to remote and darker places to get a better view of the Northern Lights.

Most lodging operators and hotels provide tourists with nightly predictions before they sleep since the lights’ appearance is unpredictable.

LOOK HERE: Reykjavik 3-Hour Small-Group Northern Lights Tour

5. Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve

Tourists venturing into the south of Iceland should not miss visiting Landmannalaugar National Park, a critical ecological and geological reserve. It’s best known for its rhyolite mountains with various hues, including extensive lava fields and the Hekla volcano.

Among the popular things to do here are horse riding and hiking , which can range from two days to a week. The park is only open from June to late September.

Expect completely breathtaking views, pristine nature, and rugged views. There is a mountain lodge with basic amenities and facilities. It can accommodate up to 75 guests.

LOOK HERE: Reykjavik, Iceland: Landmannalaugar Super-Jeep Tour

6. Myrdalsjokull Glacier Park & Maelifell Volcano

Myrdalsjokull Glacier Park lies in the south of Landmannalaugar and can only be visited during summer for safety reasons. During winter , heavy rains soak the area and cause severe damage to the roads.

The undisputed jewel-in-the-crown of this park is the perfect-coned Maelifell Volcano. The warmer months give the volcano a surreal and otherworldly view with lavish green mosses carpeting its slopes.

There are also other volcanoes worth exploring in the area, including rugged landscapes, glaciers, and hot springs.

7. Vatnajokull National Park

Dubbed as the land of magnificent ice caves and glaciers, Vatnajokull National Park nestles on Iceland’s southern part.

It is one of the only three national parks in the entire country , but it covers vast and diverse areas. Among its iconic attractions are the impressive Vatnajokull glacier and the mystical Skaftafell Ice Cave.

When chasing the ice caves, it’s best to visit during the winter months. Visitors with an adventurous spirit can avail of a guide to take them for a lifelong glacial trek. Explore the glacier’s cracks and caves and sip fresh water from various small pools on the surface.

8. Askja Caldera

Askja Caldera lies in the northern region of Vatnajokull National Park. It’s the perfect getaway for those chasing extreme thrills and adventures. The caldera covers around 50 square kilometers, and it emerged when the roof of the central volcano’s magma chamber collapsed.

The water in the volcanic crater and the geothermal pool is typically around 30 degrees Celsius. During the wet weather, the banks become slippery, so take extra caution when strolling around.

9. Dettifoss Waterfall

Dubbed as the most powerful waterfall in Europe , Dettifoss cascades for more than 45 meters and with a width of 100 meters.

Visitors standing on the ground at its top can feel the earth-shaking. The east side of the Jokulsa River has a better road, so it’s best to approach the waterfall from here.

Visitors who continue trekking for one kilometer upstream will find the lovely Selfoss Waterfall, which has a height of 10 meters. Then there’s the Hafragilsfoss, which cascades for 27 meters towards a steep canyon.

WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in Iceland

10. Kirkjufell Mountain

Mt. Kirkjufell is one of the striking landmarks of Grundarfjordur, a small town that takes 2.5 hours to reach from Reykjavik. Kirkjufell offers breathtaking views of fjords and the adjacent mountain range.

Hiking to the mountain will lead one into crystal-clear streams and breathtaking waterfalls. It’s also an ideal spot for viewing the Northern Lights during winter.

After assaulting the mountain’s peak, it’s time to visit the Eyrbyggja Heritage Center, which showcases exhibitions about the town’s seafaring history.

So those are some of the best Iceland attractions you should visit for a fun-filled and meaningful experience. Visiting these attractions will not only satisfy your craving for adventure and exploration but also lead you into a deeper understanding of the rich Icelandic culture and history.

Check out these activities in Iceland

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Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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Best Things to do During a layover in Iceland: Hidden Gems Near Keflavik Airport

N estled on the rugged shores of Iceland, Keflavik Airport is more than just a transportation hub; it’s the gateway to a land of natural wonders and enchanting landscapes. Trust me, I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it’s an adventure waiting to happen. As my plane touched down, I couldn’t help but be excited for the choices of visiting cascading waterfalls, geothermal wonders, and dramatic coastlines that unfolded just beyond the airport.

If you find yourself on a layover in Iceland , consider it a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in Iceland’s awe-inspiring beauty. Turn that brief layover into an unforgettable encounter with nature’s treasures. From the mesmerizing Blue Lagoon, where I soaked away my travel fatigue, to the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula, exploring the capital of Reykjavik every moment is a chance to discover the hidden gems that make Iceland an extraordinary layover destination. Don’t waste a minute; adventure awaits just outside the terminal!

What are the top layover tours in Iceland?

Below are some popular tours during layovers in Iceland and don’t forget to check out our 5 tips for your first trip to Iceland .

• The Golden Circle Tour: This is a must-do tour for layover travelers. It covers popular attractions like Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and the iconic Gullfoss waterfall. Here are the best Golden Circle tours .
• Blue Lagoon Tour: The world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is only a short distance from Keflavík International Airport. A truly unique experience to Iceland with stunning landscapes and a chance to unwind in the mineral-rich waters. You can book your ticket with roundtrip transfer from the airport with Get Your Guide.
• South Coast Tour: Explore the breathtaking landscapes along Iceland’s south coast , including the stunning Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the charming village of Vík. Check out the best South Coast of Iceland tours .
• Reykjanes Peninsula Tour: The Reykjanes Peninsula, where the airport is located, is known for its stunning natural landscapes and unique geological features. Reykjanes Peninsula top attractions are the geothermal area of Seltún, the dramatic lava fields of Krýsuvík, and the Bridge between Continents.
• ATV or Snowmobile Tours: ATV or snowmobile tours are available near the airport for those seeking adventure. Explore Iceland’ s rugged terrains, volcanic landscapes, and glacial areas exhilaratingly.

Remember to check the duration and timing of these tours to ensure they are suitable for your layover schedule. Enjoy exploring Iceland’s natural wonders, even during a short visit!

Stopover Airlines in Iceland, Keflavik Airport

Many airlines that fly to Iceland frequently offer passengers the choice of a stopover or layover, which allows travelers to discover the country’s wonderful attractions during their trip. These airlines include:

• Delta Air Lines
• Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) 
• British Airways
• American Airlines

Passengers can explore Iceland’s mesmerizing landscapes, geothermal marvels, and cultural abundance during their layovers, lasting from a day to several days. It is highly recommended that travelers inquire with their respective airlines regarding the availability of specific layover programs and the wide array of possibilities that can turn a mundane layover into an exciting escapade on this captivating Nordic island.

How do you spend a short layover at Iceland Airport?

Here are some activities you can consider during a short layover in and near Keflavík Airport in Iceland:

• Explore the Airport: The airport offers various amenities and facilities to make your layover comfortable. You can browse through duty-free shops, enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, grab a coffee, or simply relax in designated seating areas.
• Visit the Saga Museum: Located within the airport, the Saga Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s Viking history and sagas through lifelike wax figures and interactive displays. It’s a great way to learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage.
• Take a Guided City Tour: If you have a few hours, consider taking a guided tour of Reykjavik with a Viking as your guide. Many tour companies offer short excursions specifically designed for layover travelers, allowing you to see key landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, and the vibrant downtown area.
• Visit the Viking World Museum: Located about 10 minutes from the airport, the Viking World Museum offers a chance to learn about Iceland’s Viking heritage. You can explore their exhibition on Viking ships and history and see a replica of a Viking longship.
• Walk along the Coast: Near the airport, there are beautiful coastal paths to enjoy a leisurely walk. Take in the fresh air and stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean, and spot some local bird species along the way.
• Go Horseback Riding: Experience the unique Icelandic horse by riding in the picturesque countryside surrounding the airport. Several riding stables in the area offer short rides suitable for layover visitors.
• Explore the Reykjanesviti Lighthouse: Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, close to the airport, the Reykjanesviti Lighthouse is a charming landmark. Enjoy its coastal location, view the panoramic views, and spot some seabirds.
• Relax in a Local Café: Iceland’s café culture is thriving, so why not find a cozy café near the airport to relax and enjoy some Icelandic treats? Sip a warm cup of coffee or try traditional pastries like kleinur or pönnukökur.

How much time do I need to explore attractions near Keflavik Airport?

The time required to explore attractions near Keflavík Airport will depend on the specific attraction and your available layover duration. Here’s a general overview of the time you might need for some popular attractions:

• Blue Lagoon: The famous geothermal spa is 20 minutes from the airport. To fully enjoy the experience, you should allocate at least 2-3 hours, including transportation time, changing, and relaxing in the mineral-rich waters. Book your Blue Lagoon ticket with airport transfer .
• Reykjanes Peninsula: This area offers stunning landscapes and attractions like the Reykjanesviti Lighthouse and the Bridge Between Continents. Exploring the peninsula and visiting a few key sites takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the specific stops and transportation.
• Viking World Museum: Located about 10 minutes from the airport, this museum offers an insight into Viking history. Visiting here usually takes 1-2 hours, giving you time to explore the exhibition and learn about Iceland’s Viking heritage.
• Coastal Walks: If you wish to enjoy a leisurely walk along the coast near the airport, you can allocate 1-2 hours, depending on how far you wish to walk and the time available.

What public transportation and accommodation options are available near Keflavik Airport during a layover?  

When it comes to public transportation options near Keflavík Airport, there are a few choices to consider for your layover:

• Airport Shuttle: The airport offers a convenient shuttle service called Flybus that operates between the airport and Reykjavík. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, with multiple stops in the city center. This option is ideal if you want to explore Reykjavík during your layover.
• Rental Cars: If you prefer more flexibility and independence, you can rent a car directly from the airport. Several car rental agencies are available, allowing you to explore attractions near Keflavík Airport and beyond at your own pace. Just ensure you have the necessary driving licenses and insurance.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. They offer a convenient and efficient way to travel to your desired destination. However, remember that taxi fares in Iceland can be quite expensive, so checking the rates beforehand is advisable.

As for accommodation options near Keflavík Airport, several hotels and guesthouses are available to suit different budgets and preferences. Many offer shuttle services to and from the airport, making it convenient for layover travelers. It’s recommended to book in advance and check for any specific requirements or policies regarding short stays or check-in/check-out times.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to plan your transportation and accommodation options well in advance and consider the duration of your layover to ensure you make the most of your time comfortably and efficiently.

Q. Can I visit the Blue Lagoon during a layover at Keflavik Airport?

Visiting the Blue Lagoon during a layover at Keflavik Airport is possible. The lagoon is located approximately 20 minutes away from the airport and can be accessed through various transportation options.

Q. What are the top tourist attractions near Keflavik Airport?

The top tourist attractions near Keflavik Airport include the Blue Lagoon , Reykjanes Peninsula with its lava fields and geothermal areas, and the Viking World Museum, showcasing Iceland’s Viking heritage.

Q. Are there any guided tours available for layover passengers?

Yes, guided tours are available specifically designed for layover passengers near Keflavik Airport. These tours typically cover the most popular attractions allowing layover passengers to make the most of their limited time and explore the highlights of Iceland.

Q. How to spend an overnight layover in Iceland?

Consider booking accommodation near Keflavik Airport or Reykjavik to make the most of an overnight layover in Iceland. In addition to the Blue Lagoon , use the extra time to relax explore the city’s vibrant downtown, visit landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church, or indulge in Icelandic cuisine.

More Articles About Iceland

• 23 Strange, Fun and Weird Facts About Iceland
• 50+ Spectacular Things To Do in Iceland
• 35 Amazing Things to Do in Reykjavik
• South Coast of Iceland: 31 Attractions and Awesome Things to Do
• 7 Fabulous Hot Springs and Lagoons in Iceland
• Iceland’s Hot Golden Circle Tour Including the Secret Lagoon
• 5 Awesome Tips for Iceland Travel (For a First Visit)

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Maps of Iceland

Iceland Quick Facts

Where is iceland, the weather in iceland, what language do they speak in iceland, what is the capital of iceland, what are the regions of iceland, what is the currency in iceland, iceland road map for travel plans, iceland ring road driving map, iceland ring road and westfjords map, westfjords map.

• The Golden Circle & West Iceland Driving Map
• Iceland's South Coast Driving Map

Map of Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Map of north iceland, lake myvatn geothermal area, asbyrgi canyon map.

• Map of Iceland's Natural Attractions
• Map of Iceland's Waterfalls
• Map of Iceland's Hot Springs and Swimming Pools
• Map of Iceland's Volcanoes

Reykjavik Maps

• Map of Reykjavik's Main Attractions
• Map of Reykjavik's Nightlife
• Map of Reykjavik's Swimming Pools
• Map of Iceland's Towns & Villages
• A Driving Tour of Iceland's Towns and Cities

Map of Akureyri

Husavik map, map of selfoss, plan your trip to iceland.

Find the map of Iceland you need with these 20 Icelandic attraction maps. We have created all the essential maps of Iceland's must-see attractions in Google Maps to easily help you navigate where to go. 

Whether you're looking for waterfalls, volcanoes, or fun things to do, these maps will help you find anything you need to locate in Iceland. We also recommend browsing Iceland's largest selection of tours . Or, if you prefer to drive, hire a rental car or book a self-drive tour . Go here to find the cheapest hotels in Iceland  before you book your trip. 

Organizing an itinerary in a foreign country can be overwhelming, especially if you haven't been before. Most guests want to know what to do and where to go before they arrive. Should you stay in one place, take day tours, or head to a different city every night? Where can you find the most beautiful natural wonders, what are the primary sites around where you're staying, and how to reach the best tourist attractions in Iceland?

• Find out exactly What to Do and Where to Go in Iceland

This is where an Iceland sights map would come in handy.

We have created a variety of Iceland traveler maps to help you plan your perfect trip, such as the best routes around the country, the most beautiful waterfalls , and where to go in Reykjavik. Even travelers who don't like planning ahead will find a map of Iceland's attractions helpful for simple navigation.

• Discover the Best Attractions by the Ring Road of Iceland

You can rent a car in Iceland and  book a self-drive tour or guided vacation package  that will schedule your route, accommodation, and activities. The following maps can help you visualize what is ahead and get excited about your journey. In addition to this, all individual self-drive and vacation packages come with a map attached.

Want to know more about Iceland before your trip? Let's look at a few useful facts to learn more about the country.

Before diving into the various maps of Iceland, firstly, let's answer where Iceland is on the world map. Iceland is a European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Norway and Greenland. Most of Iceland is just south of the Arctic Circle , though the tiny island of Grimsey is within the limits of the Arctic Circle.

• Read more: Where is Iceland?
• See also: Iceland and Greenland - What's the Difference Between the Countries?

The average temperature in the capital, Reykjavik is around 54 F (12 C) in summer and about 33–35 F (1–2 C) in winter. But the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, with sunshine and snowstorms being minutes apart.

Its high latitude means you can experience the midnight sun in the summer and long nights in the winter, ideal for seeing the northern lights .

Iceland's official language is Icelandic , but most Icelanders also speak and understand English.

The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik , on the edge of the Southern Peninsula in the Southwest. About 135,000 people live in  Reykjavik , about one-third of the country's population. If you include the surrounding townships of the Capital Region , the population is about 220,000.

Iceland is divided into eight regions. Take a look at the map of Icelandic regions below — the regions are marked with numbers.

Image by NordNordWest on Wikimedia Commons

These regions are:

• Capital Region
• Southern Peninsula
• West Iceland
• Northwest Iceland
• Northeast Iceland
• East Iceland
• South Iceland

There's a bit of overlap between Northwest Iceland and Northeast Iceland. Sometimes, they're collectively referred to as North Iceland . Sometimes, the Icelandic Highlands , located in central Iceland, are referred to as a region of their own.

Iceland's currency is the Icelandic krona. Some larger hotels might accept payment in euros or US dollars — but you should always check before you travel. It's also important to check the exchange rate when you are preparing for your trip. Most places in Iceland do take credit cards, even taxis, but it's always wise to carry some Icelandic currency to be sure.

While many travelers to Iceland are happy to stay in Reykjavik and travel out each day, some also wish to travel around the country on an epic road trip.

Booking a self-drive tour can help organize this for you, with accommodations being booked in advance as you traverse the country. These driving maps of Iceland can help you pick which places to go if you're planning your trip independently.

The most comprehensive road trip is to go around the entire Ring Road.

This is a road map of Iceland with all the main sights marked in varying color tags. Feel free to zoom in to look at each attraction's location.

Iceland's Ring Road (Route 1) is a popular route that circles the entire island.

This Iceland attractions map includes the most famous waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, and beaches along the route. It's also easy to stray a little off the Ring Road to include some of the lesser-known attractions in Eastfjords or the beautiful Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland .

If you want to visit Iceland's northern or eastern regions, you should aspire to drive the whole circle from Reykjavik.

It's roughly the same distance to drive from Reykjavik to the town of Egilsstadir in East Iceland via the northern or southern routes. And the two routes show a vastly different side of the country.

Popular self-drive tours

10-day self-drive tour of the complete ring road of iceland with top attractions & snaefellsnes, best 1-week summer self-drive tour of the ring road of iceland & golden circle, best 7-day northern lights self drive tour through south iceland to jokulsarlon ice cave.

It's possible to drive the Ring Road in six days, but the longer you take, the more sites you can see and the longer you can spend at them. For example, you can do a 10-day self-drive tour of Ring Road and the Snaefellsnes peninsula .

The Westfjords are Iceland's second most remote area behind the uninhabited Highlands. It's cut off from the Ring Road and requires a bit of a detour to reach. But by adding it to the trip, you'll fully encircle Iceland, as seen on this second Iceland driving map.

Many of the roads in the area are gravel, and snowstorms on mountain passes can happen even in summer, so you'll need to take your time as you drive from one scenic fjord to another.

The Westfjords are barely accessible during winter due to heavy snowfalls, closed roads, and even avalanche threats, but they are magical in summer. So think of this as the off-beat Iceland attractions map.

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to the Westfjords of Iceland

You can take the ferry Baldur between Stykkisholmur and Brjanslaekur in the Westfjords to decrease driving time, with an optional stop at the tranquil Flatey island , one of Iceland's hidden gems .

If you want to spend two weeks exploring the whole country at an affordable price, this 14-day budget Ring Road self-drive tour is for you.

For those who prefer a bit more luxury and an ensuite bathroom during your stay, this 14-day self-drive around Iceland and Westfjords tour is also available.

You can also explore the beautiful Westfjords on your own. See the Westfjords map below for its top attractions:

The capital of the Westfjords region is the town of Isafjordur . With a population of just over 2,500, it makes an excellent base for exploring the sights of the remote Westfjords.

These sights include the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve , home to Arctic foxes and some of Iceland's most notable birds , like Arctic terns and black guillemots. If you want to go birdwatching, visit the Latrabjarg bird cliffs . The cliffs are 9 miles (14 kilometers) long and are the largest bird cliffs in Europe, so it's a great place to see the famous Atlantic puffin.

While in the Westfjords, you can also visit the 'Jewel of the Westfjords,' the stunning  Dynjandi waterfall  with its cascading flow down dramatic cliffs. We also recommend seeing  Raudisandur beach , which is unusual for Iceland as its sands are naturally reddish-pink rather than the typical volcanic black.

Try this two-day wildlife tour to see what animals you can spot, or go on an 11-hour hiking tour through the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve . The Westfjords also have excellent opportunities for kayaking — you could even see whales or dolphins on this 2-hour kayaking tour  departing from Isafjordur.

The Golden Circle & West Iceland Driving Map

This map of Iceland attractions features the best locations in Southwest Iceland, including the Golden Circle sites and the many highlights of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

The Golden Circle is the country's most popular sightseeing route and an excellent choice for those who find the Westfjords too remote or visit in the winter.

You can visit the Gullfoss waterfall , the Geysir geothermal area , and Thingvellir National Park . It also includes natural sights like the Hraunfossar waterfall and human-made attractions such as the world-famous Blue Lagoon .

Since the capital is located in the center of the west's attractions, you can visit all major sites while staying in Reykjavik. Think of this as a highlights map of Iceland if you want to see the area's top sights in just a few days.

While traveling in  West Iceland , you may want to spend more than a day exploring the Snaefellsnes peninsula. This two-day West Coast and Snaefellsnes peninsula winter tour is a great option to make the most of each location, whereas this six-day winter self-drive tour of the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes peninsula is tailored towards northern lights hunting.

Iceland's South Coast Driving Map

The landscape of the  South Coast of Iceland  is known for its dramatic volcanic deserts and beautiful waterfalls. It has quickly become one of the most popular routes because it's close to Reykjavik and accessible. In one day, you can enjoy a round trip of visiting black sand beaches, taking a glacier hike tour , and exploring waterfalls and volcanoes.

You can reach the magnificent Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon in two days, and if traveling between mid-October and March, you can explore the insides of  ice caves .

If you're traveling to Iceland in the winter, the South Coast, the Snaefellsnes peninsula, and the Golden Circle are the three routes with good accessibility year-round.

If you want to enjoy all three of these routes on a budget, this seven-day self-drive tour of South Iceland is highly recommended.

If you only have a few days in Iceland and want to spend time on the South Coast, you can take a two-day summer South Coast tour or a two-day winter South Coast tour that will take you to all the highlights.

• Discover more: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland's South Coast

Skaftafell Nature Reserve is located within Vatnajokull National Park  in Southeast Iceland. You can see where the nature reserve is located on the map of Skaftafell below.

The nature reserve is a hiker's paradise with many hikes available, whether it be a day hike or a multi-day journey. It makes a suitable base camp for anyone who wants to climb Hvannadalshnukur , the highest peak in Iceland. Take a Hvannadalshnukur climbing tour to ensure you can hike up safely with the expertise of a local guide.

Other popular routes in the area include a walk up to Svartifoss waterfall  with its iconic basalt columns and another to Svinafellsjokull glacier , an outlier glacier of Vatnajokull. You can also take a 3.5-hour Glacier Hike on the Fallsjokull glacier  with a licensed guide.

Also nearby is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, a large lake filled with enormous icebergs that break off from a glacial tongue and drift slowly out to sea. The lake is the deepest in Iceland and is also home to many seals that might say hi to visitors. The best way to experience this unique natural wonder is a  boat tour of the Jokulsarlon lagoon to experience the icebergs up close.

Top South Coast Tours

Best ice cave tour in vatnajokull glacier starting from jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 2 day ice cave tour with south coast waterfalls & jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 3-day northern lights tour of iceland’s golden circle & south coast with ice caving & glacier hiking.

North Iceland is known for its deep fjords, beautiful lakes, and interesting cultural sites. It takes about a 6-hour drive to reach the north while departing from Reykjavik.

It's also home to the second-largest settlement outside the Capital Region, Akureyri . You can also visit the ' whale watching capital of Europe' Husavik , the beautiful Lake Myvatn and the stunning Asbyrgi canyon.

Many of the attractions are also covered in the Ring Road map, but down below, you can find more detailed maps of Lake Myvatn and Asbyrgi Canyon:

Lake Myvatn is definitely worth a visit while exploring North Iceland. The lake is the fourth largest in the country and is dotted with small islands. It's in a highly active geothermal area with many unique geological features and hot springs. You can take a dip in the geothermal water at Myvatn Nature Baths , which has large pools of warm mineral-rich water as well as two steam baths. Booking admission to the Myvatn Nature Baths is a great way to unwind after a day of exploring this beautiful area.

As you can see on the map of Myvatn lake above, the lake is also close to Krafla volcano and the Viti crater . The region is excellent for birdwatching and even the arctic fox can sometimes be spotted near nesting sites.

You can take a one-day tour of Lake Myvatn from Akureyri . Alternatively, if you're traveling in winter, you can go on an incredible dog-sledding tour  pulled by adorable Siberian huskies.

• See more: A Complete Guide to Lake Myvatn

Asbyrgi Canyon in Northeast Iceland is best known for its horseshoe shape. There's a lot of interesting folklore surrounding the canyon — legend has it that it was formed by the footprint of Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.

The canyon is on the Diamond Circle route , about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Husavik . Take a look at the map of the Diamond Circle below.

If you visit Asbyrgi canyon, don't forget to stop at the nearby Jokulsargljufur canyon and Dettifoss waterfall , the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. The whole area is an excellent place to see the northern lights, and there are tours dedicated to helping visitors do just that. Try this northern lights tour from Akureyri , or sign up for a 10-hour Diamond Circle tour to see all the best sights in the area.

Map of Iceland's Natural Attractions

Iceland is world-renowned for its incredible natural wonders, including waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanoes, with fascinating towns and villages along the way.

The following maps are a great place to start if you seek such natural and cultural delights.

Map of Iceland's Waterfalls

Iceland's rugged landscape, with its wealth of  glaciers and rivers, means there are more waterfalls than you can count all around the country. You don't even need to leave the city borders of Reykjavik since there's a waterfall found right in the valley of Ellidaardalur !

It would be impossible to try to count all the waterfalls that exist in Iceland. Many of them have no names, and new ones form each year from melting glaciers or changes in the ground due to earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

You can find a map of some of Iceland's most dramatic, powerful, and beautiful waterfalls above.

Gullfoss waterfall is Iceland's most famous waterfall. Its name, meaning 'Golden Falls,' is earned for its remarkable beauty and the rainbow crown that forms above it on sunny days. You can find it on the world-renowned Golden Circle route.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Skogafoss waterfall are a pair of popular and easily accessible waterfalls on the South Coast. They're 19 miles (30 kilometers) apart, connected by the Ring Road. Near them are other smaller waterfalls you can explore while there. Taking a minibus tour of the South Coast will not only bring you to both of these waterfalls, but you will also get to take part in an exciting glacier hike!

Only a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, you can find  Gljufrabui waterfall . It is tucked between two cliffs, forming a hidden cave about 0.5 miles (800 meters) from Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Hiking up the trail at the top of Skogafoss waterfall will lead you to around 30 more waterfalls, one after the other.

Dettifoss waterfall, featured in the opening scene of the motion picture Prometheus , can be found in Northeast Iceland.

Glymur  in the Westfjords is the tallest waterfall in the country that can be easily accessed. Another must-see waterfall in the Westfjords includes  Dynjandi , with its cascading water flowing down a tall cliff, making it a very dramatic sight.

Iceland is known for its hexagon-shaped basalt columns, which has even inspired some of the country's architecture. Svartifoss waterfall in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve has water flowing down a backdrop of black basalt columns, making it a very special waterfall.

• See also: The Basalt Columns of Iceland

The smaller waterfalls are still impressive due to their picturesque nature or location, like Kirkjufellsfoss, which nestles close to the cone-shaped Kirkjufell mountain on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, or Hraunfossar falls , which trickles out of the lava in the western part of Iceland.

No matter which direction you decide to go, you'll surely find some impressive waterfalls.

While driving the Ring Road or through the Westfjords, you'll see more than you can count, providing countless photo opportunities and some magnificent sights.

• See also: Waterfalls in Iceland

Map of Iceland's Hot Springs and Swimming Pools

One thing you'll notice while driving around Iceland is that every town and village, no matter how small, will have a swimming pool .

The Greater Reykjavik area has a whopping 17 of them! In addition to the swimming pools in Reykjavik , there are also several hot springs and spas around the country you can bathe in, both human-made and natural.

You can easily find the swimming pools, as there will be a sign pointing the way to each one within each town, and since Iceland's towns and villages are small, finding them takes just minutes.

Arguably, the most stunning swimming pool in Iceland is the swimming pool in Hofsos , which boasts an undisturbed ocean view of Skagafjordur bay in North Iceland.

The natural pools are harder to pin down as many do not appear on Google Maps. But it's such a treat that we've added the ones we can find to this map of Iceland with attractions. Some are in the middle of nowhere, with no roads near them. Others are unmarked, so it's best to ask the locals if there are any hot pools in the vicinity.

The pools also vary in look, size, and temperature. Some natural hot springs are forbidden to enter because of danger (high temperature or falling rocks) or to protect the pools and the delicate surrounding nature.

If the hot springs are on private land, you need to ask for permission before entering the pool.

The above map is for a two-week summer hot spring self-drive tour that lists many pools, spas, geothermal areas, natural hot springs, and notable attractions along the route.

Deciding which pools to seek out will depend on what you're looking for. If you want modern comforts like a changing room, showers, and bathrooms, you'll be looking for something quite different from a natural pool that requires you to disrobe outdoors in the sun, rain, wind, or snow.

The Blue Lagoon is a world-famous geothermal water spa on the Reykjanes peninsula . It has showers, restrooms, changing facilities, on-site massages, a bar, a cafe, a restaurant, and even a hotel if you want to spend the night or have private access to the lagoon. Make sure to book your ticket to the Blue Lagoon early, as admission is limited and demand is high! 

With a small geyser bubbling nearby, another hot pool is the historic  Secret Lagoon by the town of  Fludir in South Iceland. It is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, built in 1891, but was transformed in the 21st century into a comfortable, warm geothermal pool. It has become more popular to end a tour of the Golden Circle by relaxing in the Secret Lagoon .

The Sky Lagoon is the perfect option if you'd prefer to stay in the capital region. Located in Kopavogur , it has a large geothermal pool with additional facilities, including a cold mist room, sauna and steam room, as well as a restaurant and an in-pool bar. It was opened in 2021 and has already gained a lot of popularity.

You can also head to Fontana Spa by Lake Laugavatn , where you can enjoy a sauna that's built right on top of a steaming geyser with a beautiful lake view. To lower the sauna's temperature, you simply open the door to let in some fresh air. The Myvatn Nature Baths in North Iceland offer a similar experience if you're exploring the region.

Krauma is one of the newest spa additions in Iceland, located right next to Deildartunguhver hot spring , the hot spring with the highest flow of water in the all of Europe. Getting a ticket to Krauma will grant you access to their sleek hot tubs and saunas, and don't forget to check out the stylish restaurant on-site.

Other new spas include the Geosea baths in North Iceland, fed with naturally heated saltwater, and the Vok Baths in the east.

• See also: The 30 Best Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland

Map of Iceland's Volcanoes

There are around 130 volcanoes in Iceland, although most are dormant.

The sheer amount of volcanoes means not all would fit on a map, but you can see the most notable ones above.  

Some of them are very picturesque from afar, such as the Snaefellsjokull volcano, which crowns the Snaefellsnes peninsula and, in clear weather, can be seen from the capital.

It's also famous for being the entry point to the Earth's core in Jules Verne's science fiction classic from 1864, Journey to the Center of the Earth .

Other volcanoes require challenging but spectacular hikes to reach, such as Eyjafjallajokull , which is found right by the famous  Fimmvorduhals trek. This volcano became world-famous in 2010 when its eruption grounded flights all over Europe for weeks, as well as puzzling news anchors and journalists attempting to pronounce its name.

You can also explore beautiful volcanic craters that are easy to hike up to and around, such as Hverfjall and Kerid . You can even enter the now dormant caldera of a volcano with the Inside the Volcano tour . It's the only caldera on Earth where you can descend into it and explore its vast and colorful magma chamber.

Other volcanoes are tucked away in the Highlands , such as Bardarbunga volcano  or Holuhraun volcano , where their destructive powers can change the landscape but do no harm to towns or villages nestled on the country's shores. Even so, the effects of the ash on farmland and air travel can still be catastrophic.

• Learn more: Iceland's Volcanoes: The Complete Guide

Almost all guests will spend at least one night of their holiday in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. Naturally, we have more than one map of Reykjavik for you.

Map of Reykjavik's Main Attractions

If you're looking for a detailed map of Iceland, then you also need a dedicated map of Reykjavik. Iceland's capital is full of interesting attractions, including impressive architecture, art galleries, museums, parks, and markets.

The most iconic landmark is the 245-foot (74.5-meter) tall Hallgrimskirkja church , visible from almost every angle in Reykjavik and beyond the city limits. From its top, you have a great view of the city (although visitors must pay a small fee, around 7 USD, to take the lift up the tower). You can find another viewing platform at Perlan , or The Pearl, which also houses several exhibitions, a cafe, and a restaurant.

The Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center is an attraction due to its impressive architecture, featuring a glass facade lit up with LED lights, and its many concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. Make sure you check the events calendar for Harpa before your visit.

• See also: Sightseeing in Reykjavik

For a little natural beauty in the city, visitors can enjoy the views of the pond  Tjornin , located right next to Reykjavik City Hall . The City Hall is open to all visitors, with many art showings and music events throughout the year.

If you're curious about the Icelandic art scene, then there are dozens of art galleries, museums, and street art exhibits from which to choose. The main art galleries have been included in the map above. Furthermore, you can find many smaller ones on the main shopping streets of Laugavegur , Skolavordustigur, Hverfisgata, and the surrounding streets.

• See also: Art Galleries in Reykjavik

You can also find many sculptures throughout the city. The most famous one is most likely  Solfarid, or The Sun Voyager , with its impressive seaside view of Faxafloi bay . We recommend a museum for Iceland's greatest sculptor, the Einar Jonsson Museum , located next to Hallgrimskirkja, with a beautiful sculpture garden with free entry behind it. If you venture to Laugardalur , Reykjavik's recreational area, you can also visit the Asmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum .

Laugardalur also has a botanical garden, a family park and zoo, the country's largest swimming pool ( Laugardalslaug ), a football stadium, a skating rink, and a campsite. 

See also: The Top 20 Festivals in Iceland

See also: Top 10 Things to do in Reykjavík

Outdoor markets are uncommon in Iceland, but you will find the fleamarket Kolaportid by the Old Harbor . In 2017, a food market opened at the  Hlemmur bus stop , called 'Hlemmur Matholl,' and another food market, 'Grandi Matholl,' opened shortly after that near the harbor.

If you want to leave the city center for some beautiful sunset views or to see the northern lights in the winter, then head to the lighthouse at Grotta  peninsula. Another unique place just outside the city is  Videy island , which can be reached by ferry departing from the harbor, where you can see the historical Videyjarstofa and the  Imagine Peace art installation  by Yoko Ono. Alternatively, you can head to Ellidaardalur valley to enjoy a midnight picnic right next to a waterfall within the city's borders.

Map of Reykjavik's Nightlife

It's easy to navigate Reykjavik's nightlife on foot, especially if you're staying in the city center. There aren't many nightclubs, as most of Reykjavik's nightlife venues lead double or triple lives as cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, music venues, and clubs.

You'll find almost all the bars you'll need on or by Reykjavik's main shopping street: Laugavegur. It can take as little as a few seconds to go from one bar to the next in this lively Nordic capital.

• See also: Nightlife in Reykjavik
• See also: Happy Hour - Reykjavik's Cheapest Bars

If you're planning on barhopping, you could start by sipping on a cocktail at your hotel. Many of the upscale hotels in Reykjavik double as popular hangout places for fancy cocktails with house restaurants where you can have a glass of wine or two with your meal.

If you're more into craft beers, there are a few locales where you can start your night instead. The best bars for craft beer in Reykjavik are Skuli Craft Bar, MicroBar, and Bryggjan Brewery.

See also: Where to Stay in Reykjavik

Following a drink at a hotel or a craft beer bar, you can go to one of the hostels, such as Loft Hostel or KEX Hostel , where there's usually live music or stand-up comedy.

Here, the crowds are more relaxed, and it's easier to mingle with strangers when you're both laughing or enjoying the same live jazz. To end the night, choose between many bars that double as nightclubs, with music playing long into the night (most venues close at 5 AM on weekends).

See also: Icelandic Music

Tjarnarbio, Idno, and Thjodleikhusid host theater performances, live music, and improv comedy throughout the week and are great spots to check out. If you're looking for live rock music, Dillon, Gaukurinn and Lemmy's are the best choices downtown.

Bio Paradis is not just a great spot to watch classic Icelandic films (with English subtitles) or international art-house films. It also serves beer and has a cozy sofa area surrounded by movie posters frequented by locals looking to relax or play games.

• See also: Secret Reykjavik

Map of Reykjavik's Swimming Pools

You can find hundreds of swimming pools all over Iceland. Many Icelandic swimming pools would be considered spas in other countries but still have an unbeatable entry price.

The largest pool in Reykjavik and all of Iceland is the Laugardalslaug swimming pool , which sports both an indoor and outdoor pool, saunas, a massage room, seven hot tubs, and also a cold tub. If that wasn't enough, there's also a large gym next door called with the secluded spa for an additional cost.

The most central swimming pool in Reykjavik is the historical  Sundholl Reykjavikur . It is the oldest swimming pool in Reykjavik but was renovated in 2017 with an additional outdoor pool, sauna, as well as hot and cold tubs. Two other swimming pools are relatively close to Reykjavik's city center, Vesturbaejarlaug and Seltjarnarneslaug. Both are outdoor (heated) pools with several hot tubs and saunas.

Map of Iceland's Towns & Villages

Reykjavik is the only actual city in Iceland. The other settlements in the country are small by the global standard and considered towns or villages. Each one has its own distinct character and charm, with at least a few places of note that are worth a visit. Below, you'll find a map of some of the most famous or popular towns in Iceland to help plan your trip:

The largest town outside of the capital region is Akureyri , with a population of about 20,00, sometimes called 'the Capital of the North.' Other popular towns across Iceland are Selfoss in South Iceland , Egilsstadir , the largest settlement of East Iceland , and the secluded Isafjordur in the Westfjords. Selfoss has just under 7,000 people, while Egilsstadir and Isfjordur have roughly 2,500 people living there.

The largest towns in West Iceland are Borgarnes and Stykkisholmur , with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants.

These smaller towns tend to have limited numbers of grocery stores , hotels, and restaurants compared to Reykjavik. However, you should be able to find the basic amenities you're looking for. Researching your destination before traveling is a good idea to ensure you have enough food and supplies for your stay.

A Driving Tour of Iceland's Towns and Cities

If you're planning to tour Iceland's towns, look at the towns and cities map below. The map has a suggested route for your trip that visits some of Iceland's most notable towns and cities.

The route can be done in seven days, but you'll definitely want more time than this to explore all the sights and attractions you'll pass along the way. The route starts and ends at Reykjavik and passes through towns such as Vik , Selfoss , Hofn , Egilsstadir, Husavik , and Isafjordur. You can learn more about some of these towns below.

Akureyri is called the "Capital of the North" as it is the largest town in Iceland outside of the Greater Reykjavik Area. It's the cultural hub of North Iceland and has plenty to keep visitors occupied during their stay. The below map of Akureyri shows some of the best things to do in the area.

Attractions in Akureyri include the Laufas turf house , the northernmost botanical garden in the world , a swimming pool, and the Akureyrarkirkja church , with its iconic stairs leading up to the church door. In the winter, you can go skiing on Mount Hlidarfjall , one of the best ski resorts in the country. There's also a fun Christmas House , which celebrates Christmas year-round and sells all sorts of festive trinkets and treats.

You can also drive to Dalvik to take the ferry to Hrisey island , a beautiful and tranquil place with an interesting history.

Husavik is a small town in North Iceland and one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. Most boat tour operators offer 100% sighting rates in the summer months. The water is home to baleen whales, dolphins and porpoises, and Arctic puffins are also often seen in the area. Browse a wide range of whale-watching tours and book before you travel.

Husavik was also featured in the 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga . There's now a bar inspired by the film in the town, Jaja Ding Dong Husavik.

Beyond whales and films, it's a beautiful place to visit and has a fascinating history. Take a look at the below map of Husavik to see some of the best things to do while visiting there.

Selfoss is a town in South Iceland with a population of just under 7,000 people. It's about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Reykjavik. You can see a map of Selfoss and some of the best things to do here.

Selfoss is a good base if you want to explore the sights of the Golden Circle, but it's also close to the world-famous Geysir hot springs. From Selfoss, you can also reach Kerid crater,  Ingolfsfjall mountain  and the hot springs valley of Reykjadalur .

You'll find an interesting church and a museum dedicated to the chess player Bobby Fischer, who became an Icelandic citizen in his later years, in the town itself. The town is also home to the 'Sumar a Selfossi' (Summer in Selfoss) festival, with musical acts and a fete.

Organizing a trip to a new country can be tricky. But with the maps of Iceland in this article, you'll be ready to go no matter what type of vacation you're planning. The only thing left to do now is to book your trip and start having fun!

Is there an Iceland travel map missing that you'd like to see on this list? Did these maps of Iceland with attractions help you plan your trip to Iceland? Log in to Facebook to see or add to the comment section below!

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Get away from the crowds in Iceland with these 10 alternative experiences

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

From farming to festivals, here are Iceland's best alternative tourist experiences © Maridav / Shutterstock

The Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, Glacier Lagoon… sure, Iceland 's  big hitters are absolutely worth the visit but can also become quite crowded.

Why not include something different in your itinerary, something that might surprise and delight? Here are some of Iceland's great off-the-radar experiences – many of which are summer-only activities – that will help you understand the people, culture and history of your host nation a little better.

1. Become a farmer of the past

In a Reykjavík suburb, you can visit an ancient turf farm. Árbær, the farm after which the suburb Árbær is named, is mentioned in sources dating as far back as 1464 but archaeological analysis has shown that people have lived there since the 10th or 11th centuries.  Árbær Open Air Museum comprises a cluster of old houses in addition to the turf farm, and in summer and at special occasions visitors can participate in old-fashioned farm work, such as haymaking.

Planning tip: If it fits your schedule better, other turf farms welcome visitors in the summer:  Glaumbær ,  Laufás and  Grenjaðarstaður in North Iceland,  Bustarfell in East Iceland and  Skógar museum in South Iceland.

These are the 12 best places to visit in Iceland

2. Boil an egg in a hot spring in Hveragerði

Iceland is bubbling with geothermal energy, so better put it to good use! At the  Geothermal Park in Hveragerði, about a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík, you can boil an egg in a hot spring, try delicious hot spring bread and cover your hands and feet in healing mud. Combine your visit with a walk along the warm river in  Reykjadalur valley and soak in a natural hot spring. It's a fairly easy route best done in the summer season. During rain and the spring thaw, the path can be too muddy, and when the valley is covered in snow, there's the added risk that you might accidentally step into hot springs and get burnt.

Planning tip: Up for the adrenaline kick of a lifetime? Soar down to Hveragerði, superman style, on Iceland’s  longest zipline .

3. Go for a run through Iceland's epic natural scenery

If you like to run, why not test your running skills in the wild Icelandic nature? Trail races are picking up speed in Iceland. Many come for Laugavegur Ultra, a 55km-race (35 miles) in the highlands from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk. But there are myriad possibilities, including the Mývatn Marathon , with the full-distance marathon and a 9.4km (5.8-mile)  Lava Run . Check the online list of races and pick one that's right for your level of challenge. Of course, you don’t have to participate in a race – just lace up your trainers, tap into the power of nature all around you as you jog through a forest, up a mountain or along the seaside.

Local tip: Want to go sightseeing while running in Reykjavík? Check out these two routes by  Running in Iceland , which take you past some of the capital’s main landmarks.

4. Catch your own food at sea

A visit to Iceland is not complete without a boat trip. Try out your sea legs and test your luck at sea angling with one of the tour providers from Reykjavík harbor (including Elding and Special Tours ). Afterwards, the catch is cooked on board – the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted! Further afield in the pristine Westfjords ,  Iceland Sea Angling and  Iceland Pro Travel offer sea angling, while  Fisherman has a seafood trail tour. In North Iceland, combine sea angling with a  whale watching tour .

Planning tip: Sea angling tours are available in summer, only.

5. Be immersed in slow travel with a stay at the Wilderness Center

Usually, you’re not allowed to touch objects in a museum, let alone sleep there! The  Wilderness Center is based at the innermost farm in Fljótsdalur valley, East Iceland , approximately an hour’s drive from Egilsstaðir. The farmhouse, built in 1940, has been meticulously renovated as a museum-cum-guesthouse. It’s located on the doorstep of the eastern highlands, the most expansive wilderness in Northern Europe. A beacon of slow travel, it’s a place to relax in all seasons, enjoy wholesome homemade food, join one of the many tours available and immerse yourself in the center’s unique exhibition about life on the edge of the world.

Detour: The 20-km (12-mile)  waterfall trail goes from the Wilderness Center to Laugarfell in the highlands along a glacial river, through spectacular landscapes and past 15 waterfalls. Afterwards, have a soak at the hot springs at Laugarfell.

Get to know more about Icelandic culture through its incredible music scene

6. Observe the birds in Borgarfjörður

Borgarfjörður Eystri is a wonderful little village in East Iceland, surrounded by colorful mountains, which once inspired one of Iceland’s most famous painters, Jóhannes Kjarval. Every summer, about  10,000 pairs of puffins nest there, favoring a little islet outside the village called Hafnarhólmi . There’s a birdwatching house on the islet, where you can sit and watch the puffins flying in and out of their burrows, as well as the puffins’ neighbors, the fulmars, kittiwakes and eider ducks.

Planning tip:  The popularity of Borgarfjörður Eystri has increased in recent years, so it’s better to book accommodation a long time in advance. For a good night's sleep with a twist, try  Blábjörg , where you can head to the spa to bathe in beer and seaweed.

7. Watch the sun not set in Grímsey

Grímsey island is the only place in Iceland which stretches across the Arctic Circle and so it’s the most natural place for watching the midnight sun. If you’re not sure where the Arctic Circle is exactly, look out for the artwork  Orbis at Globus by Kristinn E. Hrafnsson, a sphere which marks its location. A  Summer Solstice Festival is held in Grímsey in late June, around the longest day of the year. It’s a family festival with walks, bout tours and other happenings, and visitors are invited to celebrate with the locals.

Planning tip: To get to Grímsey, you can either  fly from Akureyri or take  the ferry from Dalvík .

8. Ski across Strandir

Strandir is the Westfjords’ easternmost region and it’s big on cross-country skiing.  Strandagangan is a cross-country race held in March with 5km (3-mile), 10km (6-mile) and 20km (12-mile) competitions, followed by a cake buffet. If you’d rather not compete but would still like to ski, you can join courses for beginners or tours for advanced cross-country skiers at  Laugarhóll . Nothing beats gliding through the snow, breathing in fresh, crisp air in stunning snow-covered landscapes.

Detour: Don’t miss the beachside  hot tubs at Drangsnes , which are the perfect place to relax after skiing all day.

9. Slide down a mountain on a toboggan

Do you like playing in the snow but prefer a trusty toboggan to skis and snowboards? Lucky for you,  Kaldbaksferðir in Grenivík have had toboggans specially made for adults. They will take you up Kaldbakur mountain on a snowcat and, after enjoying the spectacular view of Eyjafjörður fjord, you can slide back down the more than 1000-m (0.6-mile) slope. Skiers and snowboarders are welcome, too. And if you do get cold feet, you can take the snowcat back down.

Planning tip: The tour is usually available from January through May.

10. Party outside into the bright summer night

Throughout summer, festivals are held in all corners of the country, where people camp, party and listen to live music. Tap into the Icelandic festival spirit and celebrate with the locals, discover the joys and woes of camping just south of the Arctic Circle and find your new favorite Icelandic band .  Bræðslan in Borgarfjörður Eystri is very popular and quickly sells out. The festival summer culminates at Verslunarmannahelgi, Merchants’ Weekend, in early August. This is when  Þjóðhátíð in Vestmannaeyjar, the biggest and longest-running outdoor music festival, is held. Visit Iceland has a guide to festivals held through the year.

Local tip: Not a happy camper? Reykjavík has  a festival , too.

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