The land of fire and ice, in my opinion, is a bucket list destination for many (myself included). Volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs are all part of the attractions in Iceland!
Iceland, located between Greenland and Scotland, is Europe’s third largest island. Its volcanic origin is evidenced by the 140 volcanoes on the island, of which 26 are still active!
As Iceland has a lot of waterfalls, the ten most beautiful ones are presented in a separate article!
Table of Contents
Iceland attractions
Reykjavik
The capital is not large, so it can be explored in just half a day. Visiting the cozy streets, shops, and walking along the seaside promenade is a must.
The city’s landmark is the 75-meter tall Hallgrímskirkja, an evangelical church. You can go up the tower – for an entrance fee – where a wonderful view of the city awaits. In front of the church stands a statue of the Viking Leif Ericsson.
One of its most popular attractions is the Maritime Museum. The Óðinn warship, which has been in use for many decades, is located at the harbor. Guided tours are available daily to view it from the inside.
I think few know, but one of the world’s weirdest museums is here: the Icelandic Phallological Museum. In other words, the Penis Museum. Animal phalluses and phallic objects can be viewed here.
It’s worth walking around Tjörnin, a lake located in the downtown area.
Viðey Island
This uninhabited small island lies northeast of Reykjavik, accessible by a short boat trip.
There are great hiking opportunities on the island, worth taking a stroll. On the island is Videy House, the country’s first building made of stone.
Boats depart to the island from three harbors. All information can be found here!
Golden Circle
Many tours start from Reykjavik, one of the most popular being the Golden Circle (also translated as Golden Triangle).
Most tourists choose this because it allows experiencing several of Iceland’s attractions in one „circle” (e.g., geyser, thermal bath, waterfall).
Þingvellir National Park is famous for being the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which are only 7 km apart from each other.
Here lies the island’s largest lake, Þingvellir Lake. Additionally, the site is of historical significance: the Vikings established the world’s first parliament in this region.
In the Haukadalur valley, there’s Geysir, which unfortunately has not been active for a few years.
However, next to it is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, shooting water vapor up to 10-20 meters high with a loud explosion.
The tour’s „final destination” is Gullfoss waterfall. The Hvítá river cascades down three steps, the last two from heights of 11 and 21 meters, then continues its journey in a 70-meter deep canyon.
Some tours also stop by the Secret Lagoon. The Gamla Laugin is the country’s oldest hot water pool, with a temperature around 40°C.
There’s also a small geyser by the lake, which occasionally erupts.
Here you can book tickets for the Golden Circle!
Since most of the attractions are located along the coastline and around it, I’ll present the sights in a clockwise direction starting from Reykjavik.
Hvitserkur Rock
This is a stunning, 15-meter-high basalt rock that stands on the Vatnsnes Peninsula.
Its unique shape was formed by erosion, and many liken it to a drinking elephant or a dragon emerging from the ocean. Several pillars at the base of the rock stabilize it and resist erosion by the sea.
With changes in weather and light conditions, the appearance of the rock constantly changes, making it especially popular.
Akureyri
Often referred to as the capital of North Iceland, as it’s a significant port and fishing center.
Its biggest tourist attraction is whale watching. Several boats leave the port daily so that visitors can see whales in their natural habitat.
Myvatn Lake
Iceland’s 4th largest lake was formed by a volcanic eruption. Its average depth is only 2.5 meters.
It’s advisable to come prepared with mosquito repellent, as there are plenty of blood-suckers here. The lake’s name translates to „mosquito lake.”
On the southern side of the lake, there’s a developed trail where you can take about a 1.5 km walk around a crater.
In the nearby lava fields’ depressions and caves, many natural hot springs can be found, several of which are suitable for bathing. One such place is the Myvatn Nature Baths, which I will introduce among the baths.
It’s worth trying the warm water of the Grjótagjá cave. The 40-50 degree Celsius water has a beautiful greenish hue. After the outside wind, it’s particularly pleasant to sit next to the steaming water in the humid cave.
Ásbyrgi Canyon
This is a massive, horseshoe-shaped depression. The canyon is 3.5 km long and 1 km wide. The vertical rock walls that form its sides can be up to 100 meters tall!
The canyon is covered in dense forest, and a path winds through it to the small Botnstjorn lake.
A 250-meter-wide island-like mountain in the middle of the canyon separates it. This is Eyjan, from where you have a great view of the surroundings.
You can park and walk to the nearby canyon at the visitor center next to Route 85.
Stuðlagil Canyon
Not far from the main road number 1, on the banks of the Jökulsá á Brú river, this stunning canyon was formed.
Its main attraction is the unique basalt columns, which rise in columnar formations from the blue waters of the river. These impressive geological formations can be seen in various places along the canyon walls, occurring at different heights and thicknesses.
It has recently become popular after the inauguration of a hydroelectric power plant reduced the river’s water level, making the columns visible.
The most beautiful part of the canyon is accessible by car, followed by an easy walk to view this marvelous natural formation.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
On the southeastern coast, at the edge of Vatnajökull National Park, lies this lagoon. Route 1 runs directly beside it. If you’re passing by, definitely stop!
The melting water from the glaciers descending from the mountains has created a lake, which is also Iceland’s deepest lake (248 meters). This lake then found a small passage to the ocean.
Boat tours are available on the lake, although they are quite expensive.
Diamond Beach
Located near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the beach gets its name from the diamond-like sparkling ice blocks scattered across its black sand.
These ice fragments originate from the nearby glacier, breaking off and drifting through the lagoon’s waters into the sea. The tides and waves then bring them back to the shore, where they shine like glittering crystals against the dark sand.
The sight is especially magical during sunrise or sunset, when the light refracts through the ice fragments.
Heimaey
Close to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall in the south, there’s a small island that offers a great excursion opportunity. It’s the largest and only inhabited island of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago.
Besides hiking, you can also observe puffins, which are present in large numbers.
Dyrhólaey
One of the southern coastlines offers a fantastic view: to the north is the Myrdalsjökull glacier, and to the east, black lava columns are visible.
Dyrhólaey is a 120-meter peninsula extending into the sea, formed from lava.
The coastline has a „beach”, Reynisfjara. Be careful with swimming, as the cold water and strong currents can be dangerous!
Vatnajökull
Iceland’s largest contiguous ice field. It is located in the southeastern part of the island, covering more than 8% of the country’s area.
Interestingly, several volcanoes and volcanic lakes are found under the ice field. One such lake is Grímsvötn.
Skaftafell
Located on the southern edge of the Vatnajökull ice field, it’s one of Iceland’s most visited tourist destinations. The visitor center, located beside Route 1, is the starting point for tours.
From here, you can approach the Skaftafellsjökull glacier, which is accessible to everyone without mountaineering experience.
About 2 km from the visitor center, you can also reach the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall.
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Not far from Dyrhólaey beach, it can be observed up close.
The glacier pushes into a lake, and the various shades of ice provide a fantastic view.
Hekla
The most active volcano on the island, it last erupted in 2000. Past eruptions have been devastating, hence it is called the „Gateway to Hell”.
Due to its activity, it is not climbable, but it is worth visiting for the beautiful view.
Interestingly, part of Ridley Scott’s film Prometheus was shot here!
Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon
The Fjaðrá river has carved its way through lava fields and rocks over millennia.
The canyon is approximately 2 kilometers long, and its depth can reach up to 100 meters in places. Its vertical walls and rocks covered in green moss offer a wonderful sight.
There is a developed tourist path along the canyon, so a walk here is definitely a must. Especially since you can take brilliant pictures from almost everywhere!
Outdoor hot springs
Thanks to volcanic activity, the island has many hot springs, several of which are accessible as outdoor thermal baths. I’ve already mentioned one above, the Secret Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon
Located between Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport, Iceland’s most famous bath is one of the world’s cleanest outdoor pools.
Tourists come not only for the 37-39 degrees Celsius thermal waters but also for the beauty of the surroundings.
It was formed when seawater heated by a nearby geothermal power plant collected on the lava. Its creamy blue water is due to the high silica content.
It has beneficial effects on the body, treating several skin problems.
Myvatn Nature Baths
Located in the northeastern part, many consider this lagoon better than the Blue Lagoon.
Since it is far from the capital, the crowd is more bearable, and the view of the surroundings is also prettier.
Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths
Located 75 km from Reykjavik in the Golden Circle area. It has four pools of different temperatures and, of course, a few saunas.
If someone finds the Blue Lagoon expensive, this is a great choice, as it’s almost half the price.
Seljavallalaug
Just a 10×25 meter outdoor pool, but the surrounding view makes it worth trying. It’s one of the island’s oldest pools.
It’s also a perfect place for children, as it’s designed with an area where they can learn to swim.
Víti in Askja
After the 1875 eruption of the Askja volcano, water collected in a crater.
Beside the large lake, Víti in Askja is a small lake with a mud-like, sulfurous substance where you can bathe. The lake has a very pleasant temperature.
The two lakes are about a 2.5 km easy walk from the parking lot.
Northern Lights
The aurora borealis, a key attraction of a trip to Iceland, deserves special mention.
The northern lights are a temporary luminous phenomenon caused by charged particles (primarily protons and electrons) entering the atmosphere at the Earth’s north and south poles.
Its shape is varied, constantly changing. Often it resembles curtains, arched bands, or radial structures.
It is most visible from the beginning of October to the end of March. The conditions require a clear sky and preferably an observation spot away from artificial light.
You can check this site to see when you might catch the northern lights!
