From awe-inspiring glaciers to geothermal springs and active volcanoes, nature is always at the forefront in Iceland. Even in the nation’s bustling capital of Reykjavik, sea and mountain views steal the show. This land of fire and ice, cut off from the rest of Europe for centuries, has a unique cultural heritage of literature, music, and cuisine that you will also find captivating.
With their independent character and strong sense of community, the Icelandic people are as enchanting as any of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations. Iceland, illuminated by the Northern Lights in the winter and the midnight sun in the summer, offers a travel experience unlike anywhere else on the planet.
1. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon, located on the Reykjanes peninsula less than an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, is the most popular tourism destination in Iceland. This manmade lake is nourished by seawater that has been superheated by a nearby lava flow. The geothermal waters contain beneficial minerals such as silica, but the opportunity to unwind in a steaming lagoon surrounded by black lava rocks is what draws the most visitors. In addition to a restaurant with a view of the lagoon, a 35-room resort offers a variety of luxurious amenities, including wellness treatments, saunas, steam baths, and a fully-equipped fitness center.
2. Golden Circle Route
Historic locations, quaint villages, geysers, and waterfalls can be found in the region immediately east of Reykjavik. Multiple tour companies offer all-day excursions along the roads and highways collectively referred to as the Golden Circle Route. The most popular tours include stops at Gullfoss, where the enormous “Golden Falls” cascade through the Hvita river canyon, and the Geysir hot springs, from which the term “geyser” derives. ingvellir, the ancient site where the Icelandic nation was founded in 930, is typically included in the excursion.
3. Vatnajokull National Park
Vatnajokull National Park, which contains the largest glacier in Europe, is so expansive that it comprises approximately 14 percent of the country. The most frequently visited section of the park is the southern territory of Skaftafell, where pathways lead past glacial tongues with blue tints and waterfalls. Hardy explorers can ascend the Vatnajokull glacier or explore the Lakagigar, a long row of volcanic craters. The park has an abundance of readily accessible features, such as the mighty Dettifoss waterfall, which is renowned for the sheer volume of water that cascades over its edge.
4. Jokulsarlon
Few Icelandic travel experiences are more unforgettable than the sight and sound of an iceberg calving from a glacier and smashing into the ocean. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the finest location to observe this display of nature’s strength. This iceberg-dotted lake in southeast Iceland was formed by the melting ice of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, a significant attraction in its own right. The lake’s slow-moving floating icebergs are visible from the island’s Ring Road, but nothing beats seeing them up close from the deck of a tour boat.
5. Reykjavik
Reykjavik occupies a remarkably large area for a capital city with a population of around 120,000, spanning the Seltjarnarnes peninsula in southwest Iceland. The majority of trips commence at the visitor center near Lake Tjornin on the city’s west side. The National and Saga museums are must-visit destinations due to their exhibits detailing Iceland’s Viking heritage. Take the elevator to the observation terrace of the modern Hallgrimskirkja church east of the lake for a panoramic view of the capital. Laugavegur’s central thoroughfare is also worth investigating due to its diverse selection of shops, bars, and restaurants.
6. Myvatn
Myvatn, which was formed by a river of hot lava thousands of years ago, is the finest location in Iceland for bird watching. More than one hundred species frequent this lake to feed on the midges that lend it its name, Myvatn. In addition to attracting visitors, the so-called pseudo-craters that dominate the landscape were formed by underwater volcanic eruptions. The finest location for viewing the craters is on the south shore of the lake, close to the rural community of Skutustadir. Dimmuborgir, the lava fields to the east of Myvatn, feature a forest of pillars, caverns, and rock formations formed as water drained away.
7. Thingvellir National Park
As the site where the Icelandic parliament was founded in the 10th century, ingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park has significant historical significance for the island nation. The park’s location in a rift valley at the boundary of two main tectonic plates gives it geological significance. The valley’s cliffs, fissures, lakes, and evidence of volcanic activity demonstrate the force of the shifting earth in a dramatic manner, as it is surrounded by mountains on three sides. Iceland’s first national park is a popular day trip destination from Reykjavik, with trails that allow you to see the finest sights in two to three hours.
8. Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar, located within the Fjallaback Nature Reserve in the interior highlands of Iceland, is renowned for its scenic hiking trails. Located at the edge of a lava field, this flat, readily navigable region is also renowned for its natural hot springs. Short journeys through the lava field and ascents of nearby Mt. Blahnjukur, one of the rhyolite mountains that ridge Landmannalaugar’s graveled plains, are popular excursions. During the peak season, tour companies make regular day excursions to the region, and basic accommodations are also available for overnight stays.
9. Husavik
Husavik, a tiny fishing village tucked into a sheltered cove in northern Iceland, is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the top whale-watching destinations in Europe. From the excursion boats, minke, humpback, and blue whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises, are the most frequently observed species. The Husavik Whale Museum displays several life-size carcasses and provides a wealth of information about whales as well as the history of whaling in Iceland. The 1907-built wooden church of Husavikurkirkja is also worth a short visit.
10. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve in Westfjords is the best place to view Iceland in all its natural splendor. The Hornstrandir is the ideal destination for nature-loving adventurers, despite its challenging terrain of jagged mountains and sheer sea cliffs. As there are no stores or services within the reserve, travelers must be prepared for any emergency. The Hornbjarg, a sky-high sea cliff located at the northernmost point of the reserve, is a hiking enthusiast’s top bucket-list destination. During the summer, guided tours are offered that allow you to appreciate this world-class experience in relative safety and comfort.