iceland best tourist attractions

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 !

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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.

14 of the best things to do in Iceland

Mar 31, 2024 • 12 min read

Here are Iceland's unmissable experiences © Damon Beckford / Getty Images

Few destinations capture the imagination like Iceland .

This volcanic land of ice and fire, of glacier-carved fjords, of freely-roaming horses, feels like nowhere else on earth. Here, you can take a soak in its geothermal baths and spas, delve into the history and legends of the Icelandic sagas, and explore otherworldly ice caves.

Iceland keeps visitors entranced for entire trips – and for years after. Experience some of that magic with these top things to do.

These are the 12 best places to visit in Iceland

1. See history brought back to life at Iceland's living museums

Iceland revels in bringing history back to life with numerous living museums that invite visitors to step back in time. You might bake bread over an open fire, listen to a story of ancient heroes and heroines, or swing a sword in an epic fight. You can step inside a replica longhouse at Eiríksstaðir  in West Iceland or don VR goggles at 1238 – The Battle of Iceland to get an immersive experience of one of Iceland's most fearsome battles.

Each summer, a historic marketplace near Akureyri is brought back to life for the Gásir Medieval Days . Watch a blacksmith hammer a blade or smell scorched birch as it's transformed into charcoal. See boiling herbs dye wool or have a witch tell your fortune with ancient runes. You can even test your skills with a bow and arrow, or help to egg a thief. The country has plenty of other historic sites and intriguing exhibitions.

Planning tip: For more historic and mythic inspiration, check out the Icelandic Saga and Heritage Association .

Get to know more about Iceland's history with  our guide to Icelandic sagas

2. Soak in geothermal baths and spas

For years the high-end bathing market in Iceland was dominated by  the Blue Lagoon . The milky blue geothermal seawater in the middle of a lava field is still perfect for jetlag recovery – it helps that it's 20 minutes from the airport – but more geothermal baths and spas have popped up in recent years, attracting visitors for their elegant architecture, stunning settings, and unique bathing experiences.

The Mývatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland overlook Lake Mývatn and the surrounding bird-filled wetlands and volcanic landscapes. Situated on the banks of Lake Laugarvatn, Laugarvatn Fontana pipes in natural steam for its steam bath.

If you're looking for solitude, the Canyon Baths by Húsafell include a guided hike through stunning Icelandic wilderness followed by a dip in the secluded geothermal pools. For Insta-worthy views, Geosea in Húsavík overlooks Skjálfandi Bay and its snow-tipped mountains. Vök Baths near Egilsstaðir features geothermal pools floating in Urriðavatn Lake. Right on the capital's doorstep,  Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur brings a fully Icelandic spa experience within reach for visitors to Reykjavík. Relax in the two pools (with swim-up bars) surrounded by woodland at the  Forest Lagoon  just outside Akureyri.

Local tip: Iceland has some serious etiquette rules , especially when it comes to hot springs. You should always shower with soap before taking a dip.

3. Have a night out in Reykjavík

In a country with comparatively high booze prices, Reykjavík 's nightlife is unmatched. Happy hours in Reykjavík usually begin at 4pm – cozy Port 9 and Veður are good places to start. For creative cocktails, head for  Apótek and Slippbarinn  and find a spot on  Petersen svítan 's rooftop bar, which is wonderful on sunny days. If pubs are more your thing, check out KEX Hostel and Röntgen , where there's often live music to boot.

Kaffibarinn and Prikið are good choices if you want to dance the night away. The crowd at Dillon always goes crazy when "rock'n'roll grandma" Andrea Jónsdóttir starts DJ-ing at the weekends, and you'll find a similarly joyful atmosphere at  Kiki Queer Bar .

4. Explore Iceland's caves

From ancient lava tubes to ever-changing ice caves and mysterious artificial caves, Iceland has a range of underground adventures for everyone. Some 200 artificial caves have been carved into sandstone rock between Selfoss and Vík in South Iceland. Irish monks (called Papar in Icelandic) were thought to have created them before or around the time the first settlers arrived in the country, though the theory lacks sufficient archaeological evidence. Guided tours of 12 of these caves are available at the farm, Ægissíða by Hella.

Natural ice caves form in Vatnajökull , Europe's largest glacier, due to geothermal heat or spring thaw. This fleeting, crystalized world of wonder can only be explored with experienced guides. Alternatively, you can visit the artificial ice tunnel in Langjökull  or the ice cave at Perlan in Reykjavík. There are myriad large and small lava caves, tubes and tunnels around Iceland, too, all of which reveal surprising colors and formations like stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over hundreds of years. Guided tours are offered in Víðgelmir near Húsafell, Iceland's largest lava cave, Vatnshellir on Snæfellsnes and Lofthellir near Lake Mývatn.

5. Check local information before hiking near active volcanoes

In Iceland, there are approximately 130 volcanoes, and eruptions occur every three years on average. The most recent activity is near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It started with a series of earthquakes in November 2023  followed by eruptions over the following months. Nearby Geldingadalir, on the doorstep of Keflavík International Airport, has had small-scale eruptions that attracted onlookers with its magnificent (yet intermittent) lava flow since March 19, 2021. Currently the area is unsafe and no one should be hiking in the vicinity, but there are other volcanic spots you can explore on foot. Check for updates with Iceland's Safetravel site or app.

In 1973, the inhabitants of Vestmannaeyjar, an archipelago off the southwest coast, escaped an eruption that started unexpectedly in their town, burying houses in lava and ash. One of these houses is the centerpiece of the museum Eldheimar . 

Hekla , Iceland's most active volcano, was believed to be the entrance to hell, but it has been quiet since 2000. At 1500m (4920ft), it provides an interesting and challenging hike with a panoramic view from the top. At dormant Þríhnúkagígur, you can explore a volcano from the inside . From the top, you're lowered down 213m (699ft) into an enormous and unbelievably colorful magma chamber.

Walk through Iceland's inspiring landscapes with our guide to the top hiking routes  

6. See the northern lights and other celestial phenomena

If luck is on your side, green, purple and red ribbons flow across the dark sky on a clear winter night. The northern lights are beautiful, powerful, hypnotizing; you can sense how small you are under the hue of a celestial phenomenon that dominates the heavens above. It's best to follow forecasts, base yourself far from light pollution and be patient – or book a tour to up the odds. Learn more about the elusive aurora borealis at Perlan or the Northern Lights Center in Reykjavík. 

There are other things to observe in the winter sky above Iceland, too. The Hotel Rangá observatory in South Iceland has a roll-off roof and two high-quality telescopes, bringing you closer to the stars in the sky. 

Planning tip:  If you'd prefer to visit Iceland in the summer , the midnight sun provides for spectacular views, especially in north Iceland. For the summer solstice (June 21) find a good location for observing the sun bouncing off the ocean surface. One idea is the Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn, which was designed as a giant sundial to capture the midnight sun in perfectly aligned gateways.

7. Hike or bike through stunning natural wonders

After the snow melts and the mud dries in summer, Iceland reveals its incredible hiking routes  past stunning natural sites. Two of the most famous trails are Laugavegur from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, past multicolored mountains (2–4 days), and across Fimmvörðuháls from Skógafoss to Þórsmörk, along a series of waterfalls (1–2 days).

In the East, the Stórurð trail – which takes about 5 hours – attracts hikers in growing numbers for its turquoise ponds trapped by huge boulders. In the Westfjords , hiking in the uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve (one to multiple days) provides a closer encounter with nature than most other places. If you'd rather explore Iceland on a bike, popular trails include the geothermal valley Reykjadalur by Hveragerði and the emerald green landscape around Kirkjubæjaklaustur, where Iceland Bike Farm is based.

8. Take a budget-friendly swim with the locals

The most authentic and budget-friendly way to enjoy Iceland' s geothermal energy is at the public swimming pools. Practically every town and village has at least one. The water is warm and welcoming, lounging in the hot tubs is bliss, and some of the views are worth the trip alone. 

This is where the locals go to exercise, socialize and play with their kids. Find your favorites, but among pools worth visiting are Álftaneslaug  for its wave pool, Sundlaug Akureyrar for its thrilling waterslides, Selárlaug for being next to a salmon river, and Hofsóslaug for the amazing view of Drangey Island .

9. Don't miss Iceland's snow sports 

There are so many ways to enjoy the snowy season in Iceland. Find ski resorts near Reykjavík, Ísafjörður , Neskaupstaður , Akureyri and elsewhere in the north , with ski lifts and slopes of varying levels, as well as tracks for cross-country skiing.

The backcountry skiing season lasts through May, with a range of tours on offer, including skiing from the mountaintop to the shore. Kaldbakur mountain by Grenivík is popular among backcountry skiers. It's possible to hitch a ride with a snowmobile up the mountain. The view from the top of Eyjafjörður fjord and Hrísey island is breathtaking. If you're not keen on skiing, you can take a thrilling sleigh ride down the mountain in a custom-made toboggan. 

At Lake Mývatn, you can book a ride with sleigh dogs. For a motorized, action-packed adventure, Skidoo tours are particularly popular on the glaciers in the west and south.

Local tip: If you're looking for a slower-paced type of winter activity, snowshoeing might be your thing, walking up mountains in the north or exploring the black-and-white wonderworld of Dimmuborgir lava field.

10. Get out on the water to see whales and seals

When you're out on the open ocean and feel the salty air and wind in your hair, you sense a special kind of freedom, and if you're paying attention, you might see seabirds catch fish or even a blowing whale. Húsavík is the best place to go whale watching in Iceland, with many tours on offer and a high sighting ratio – even blue whales are occasionally seen here. Tours also go from Hauganes and Reykjavík. Seal-watching tours depart from Hvammstangi. Watching these curious creatures sunbathe in their natural habitat is delightful. Operators in Dalvík and Akureyri also take hopeful whale spotters out on daily excursions.

Alternatively you can sign up for a sea kayaking tour for a slower and more intimate exploration of coastal regions. Find operators in Stykkishólmur and Ögur in Ísafjarðardjúp, among other places. Paddleboarding is also becoming a popular activity in Akureyri. From Ólafsfjörður jetski tours allow people to experience the vertical cliffs of Ólafsfjarðarmúli from below.

Detour : For experiences below the surface, Strýtan DiveCenter takes experienced divers on tours to a unique geothermal chimney on the ocean floor of Eyjafjörður. At Grímsey island, people can dive and snorkel with puffins right on the arctic circle.

11. Sample some Icelandic craft beers

The local beer always says something special about the place you're visiting, and you can add a new frothy dimension to your Iceland trip by touring the country's surprisingly many microbreweries. The craft beer scene is relatively new in Iceland; the first microbrewery, Bruggsmiðjan , was founded in the tiny village of Árskógssandur in North Iceland in 2006. Its product, Kaldi, proved a hit, and in the years that followed, a growing variety of craft beers appeared on the local market. 

Among the most noteworthy breweries in the greater Reykjavík area are Malbygg , RVK Brewing and Lady Brewery . There are also breweries in the rural south, in Vestmannaeyjar off the South Coast, in Siglufjörður in the far north and Ísafjörður in the Westfjords.

12. Try Iceland's fine dining

The Icelandic restaurant scene has come a long way in the past decades. Dill Restaurant earned the country's first Michelin star in 2017 and has since been joined by Óx and Sumac in Reykjavík. The latter draws inspiration from Middle Eastern cuisine. Other top recommendations include  Matur og drykkur  and Moss at the Blue Lagoon , which both emphasize New Nordic dishes with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Outside of Reykjavík, Nielsen Restaurant in Egilsstaðir deserves a special mention for its loyalty to East Icelandic food producers – highlighting local fish, meat, vegetables, grain and dairy – and game, including reindeer. Meanwhile, Norð Austur Sushi & Bar in Seyðisfjörður (open in summer only) combines the best of Japanese cuisine with the freshest Icelandic seafood.

13. Ride Iceland's unique horses

The Icelandic horse is one of a kind. The breed possesses two rare gaits in addition to the "regular" ones, the smooth tölt and fast-flying pace. For centuries Icelanders have relied on the small, sturdy and colorful breed for farm work and carrying them between places in a roadless country. Today, the horses remain Icelanders' most loyal companions as more people practice horsemanship in Iceland than in other European countries. Riding on a good tölting horse in the wild Icelandic nature is an experience like no other. Through the horse's movements, you connect with nature in a new way, and you feel incredibly free as you gallop along narrow dirt paths or across shallow lakes. Tour operators offer anything from one-hour tours for beginners to multi-day tours for experienced riders in different regions of the country in varied landscapes.

Detour:  One of the most popular horseback-riding treks is across the highland on the ancient route, Kjölur.

14. Explore Reykjavík on an outdoor art trail

Combine a walking tour of Reykjavík with a "treasure hunt" where you find as many outdoor artworks as possible. The "Viking ship" sculpture Sólfar by Jón Gunnar Árnason is a given. Fewer tourists pay attention to Vatnsberinn (The Water Carrier) by Ásmundur Sveinsson in the heart of downtown or Útlaginn (The Outlaw) by Einar Jónsson on the corner of Suðurgata and Hringbraut – works by two of Iceland's most famous sculptors. 

Þúfa (The Tussock) is a more recent addition to the capital's outdoor art scene but quickly became a landmark. The 8m-high grassy mound in the Grandi harbor area was created by Ólöf Nordal in 2013, inviting visitors to walk to the top for a view of the city. Outside Reykjavík, Eggin í Gleðivík by Sigurður Guðmundsson represents the eggs of 34 species of birds that nest around Djúpivogur. In Seyðisfjörður , Tvísöngur is a fascinating musical sculpture by German artist Lukas Kühne.

Local tip: Download the multi-language Reykjavík Art Walk app to learn more about the arty side of Iceland's capital. 

This article was first published Oct 20, 2021 and updated Mar 31, 2024.

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30 Best Things to Do in Iceland + MAP

Home | Travel | Europe | Iceland | 30 Best Things to Do in Iceland + MAP

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

40 Best Things To Do In Iceland: Ultimate Iceland Bucket List

March 14, 2023 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   Leave a Comment

Are you looking for the best things to do in Iceland ? This guide has some of the most amazing places to visit in Iceland.

When people think of the best activities in Iceland, they often think of hot springs, glaciers, and waterfalls. And while Iceland does have all of those amazing natural wonders, it has even more to offer!

This magical country also has stark black sand beaches, winding canyons, adorable churches, and gravity-defying rock formations. Basically, the list of interesting places in Iceland can go on and on!

Whether this is your first trip to Iceland or you have been many times in the past, we bet you will find something new and exciting to see in this amazing country!

We have broken this list down by region so you can easily use it to write your own Iceland itinerary.

No matter when you are plan n ing to go to Iceland , there will be something epic to see!

Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private  Iceland Facebook Group  and sharing your photos and asking for tips and tricks.

Best Things To Do In South Iceland

Soak in the warmth of the blue lagoon.

If you are looking for what to do in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is undeniably one of the most popular attractions in the Land of Fire and Ice!

There are a ton of hot springs in Iceland and the Blue Lagoon, found just outside of Reykjavik, is one of the most notable because of its iconic, milky blue color.

This color comes from a mix of algae, silica, and minerals. The minerals are great for your skin and the constant 102-degree Fahrenheit water will relax your muscles.

This is easily one of the best Reykjavik hot springs , but it can be a bit pricey. Check out our tips on traveling to Iceland on a budget .

Book Here: Blue Lagoon: Entry Ticket with Drink, Towel, and Mud Mask

Hike To Bruarfoss Waterfall

There are so many stunning waterfalls in Iceland , and the Bruarfoss Waterfall is one of them!

While Bruarfoss Waterfall is quite small in comparison to the other Iceland waterfalls, it’s the colors that make it stand out.

With its brilliant, turquoise water, this waterfall pops with dazzling hues. These colors actually make it one of the most popular stops of the Golden Circle .

The easy hike to the waterfall is about 2.2 miles and very scenic with two other waterfalls along the way.

Watch the Eruption of Strokkur

Another Golden Circle attraction is Strokkur, an epic geyser in the Haukadalur Valley.

This geyser is very active, shooting into the sky every five to ten minutes. It usually reaches heights of about 50 to 60 feet but has been known to break 100 feet.

Interestingly, this geyser is found next to Geysir. This is where the word geyser comes from, however, it is no longer active.

This is one of the best day trips from Reykjavik . If you are traveling with your family, it is also one of the best things to do in Iceland with kids.

Book Here: Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater

Hike Through Þakgil Valley

Þakgil, or Thakgil, Valley is filled with marvelous hikes through a greenery-laden canyon. The name means “Roof Canyon.”

Just as Iceland is filled with so many different geographical features, Þakgil Valley is as well. While you can hike through canyons, you can also venture to glaciers and trek to waterfalls.

There is also one of the best campsites in Iceland here. Make sure to check out our complete guide on camping in Iceland !

Feel The Spray Of The Gullfoss Waterfall

The Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the country, making it one of the most fun things to do in Iceland. Its name means “Golden Falls.”

It’s so powerful you can feel the waterfall mist fleck your face. As a matter of fact, the mist of this 105-foot waterfall often creates a colorful rainbow during summer in Iceland , making a picture-perfect image.

If you want to see a waterfall that does not require a hike, Gullfoss is for you. It is only a short walk to the main viewpoint.

Book Here: Reykjavik: The Golden Circle Day Tour

Take A Dip In The Reykjadalur Hot Springs

Reykjadalur Hot Springs is one of the coolest hot springs in Iceland !

Typically, when people think of a hot spring, they think of a warm, natural pool. Reykjadalur Hot Springs is a little different, in that it is a river rather than a pool.

To reach Reykjadalur Hot Springs, you will have to hike for about an hour and the trail is steep. The hike boasts a beauty of its own, including untouched waterfalls and grazing sheep.

Keep in mind that there are no changing rooms here, only partitions that provide a little privacy.

Even so , this is one of the cool things to do in Iceland for a great memory!

Book Here: Private Reykjadalur Hike & Hot River Geothermal Tour

Peek Behind The Magic Of The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Typically, you can view waterfalls from in front or above. The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall provides an alternate viewing experience as you can venture behind this cascading 200-foot waterfall!

While you can visit the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall at any time of the year, do know that the path behind the waterfall may close temporarily in the winter for your safety.

The waterfall is only a short walk from the parking lot.

Book Here: From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip

And Then Find The Gljufrabui Waterfall

While everyone goes to see the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, most have no idea that the Gljufrabui Waterfall is not far away!

To reach the Gljufrabui Waterfall, head right from Seljalandsfoss and continue until you see a sign for the Gljufrabui Waterfall. You’ll see a cavern with a river, and you’ll have to hop through the river on the rocks (preferably in waterproof boots).

Then, when you finally reach the cavern, you’ll find the Gljufrabui Waterfall. When you look up, you’ll be standing at the base of a 130-foot waterfall and a natural skylight.

It truly feels like an otherworldly place and should be on any Iceland itinerary!

Peek At The Skogafoss Waterfall From Above

Many of the best things to do in Iceland are hopping from one waterfall to another. Why not add the Skogafoss Waterfall to your list?

This 200-foot waterfall can be viewed from both the base and from the top.

Both views are wonderful, but, if you’re adventurous enough to climb the 500 steps to the top, you can continue your adventure with an extended hike along the Skoga River to hunt for a few more breathtaking Icelandic waterfalls.

Book Here: South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik

Explore The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

Situated on the Solheimasandur black sand beach, the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck looks like it was swiped from a dystopian Hollywood movie set.

In 1973, this DC-3 US navy plane crash-landed on the beach. Mercifully, everyone onboard survived, but the wreckage has remained for nearly fifty years!

It is a moderate 4.6-mile hike to the plane. It is a must-see in Iceland!

Book Here: From Reykjavik: South Coast, Plane Wreck, & Beach ATV Tour

Enjoy The Natural Set-Up Of The Hrunalaug Hot Springs

Hrunalaug Hot Springs is one of the small gems of Iceland. There are three different pools of warm water (all of different temperatures), so you can find the one you like best.

This wonderful hot spring can only hold about ten people before it starts feeling crowded, so plan accordingly!

If you do choose to visit Hrunalaug Hot Spring, please be respectful! Many recent visitors have not treated the hot spring well, causing the owner to consider closing it down.

Please do your part to keep this wonderful Iceland gem preserved and open.

Stare In Awe At Haifoss Waterfall

At over 400 feet, Haifoss Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. It’s accompanied by the just-as-tall Granni Waterfall, making this pair a force to be reckoned with.

You’d think this would be one of the busiest places to visit in Iceland, but that’s not the case. You need a 4×4 in Iceland to reach these flowing waterfalls, and it’s often closed off during the winter months.

All of that said, it’s one of the best stops on the South Coast and a must-do in Iceland.

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Landmannalaugar & Háifoss Waterfall Tour

Catch A Stunning View of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach From Dyrholaey

While you’ll have to venture off the paved road for a little bit, Dyrholaey is definitely worth a stop, especially if you’re tackling Iceland’s Ring Road .

In addition to a natural stone arch, Dyrholaey also presents unparalleled views of Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

This is one of the best free things to do in Iceland if you love views!

Visit Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Then, after you’ve seen Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach from above, head down to the beach itself to see the stark black sand close up.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is one of the best black sand beaches in Iceland , due to its stark color, towering basalt columns, and roaring waves.

Make sure not to get close to the water and keep your eyes on the waves. The sneaker waves are dangerous and are known to take lives.

This beach is one of the best things to do in Vik !

Book Here: Iceland: Full-Day South Coast, Black Beach & Waterfalls Tour

Discover the Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is one of the best experiences you can have! This natural phenomenon is a sight to behold and is an Iceland bucket list activity.

The dancing lights can be spotted all over the country from September through March. There’s even the chance to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik if you are not able to venture far.

For the Northern Lights to be visible, the conditions have to be right. The sky needs to be dark and clear.

For the best chance to see the lights, consider booking a Northern Lights tour with experts who know where and when to look.

Check out our guide on photographing the Northern Lights too so you can capture some gorgeous photos while enjoying one of the top things to do in Iceland at night!

Book Here: Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Take A Game of Thrones Tour

Most Game of Thrones fans know that the most of otherworldly landscapes of the show are actually in Iceland.

While the filming locations for Game of Thrones are all around the country, most of them are along Iceland’s South Coast. So why not take a Game of Thrones tour during your time in Iceland?

You will see some of the most impressive landmarks in Iceland!

Best Things To Do In Southeast Iceland

Take in the views of fjadrargljufur canyon.

Between the astounding depth and brilliant greenery, the beauty of Fjadrargljufur Canyon lives up to the rest of Iceland’s attractions.

It is easily one of the best canyons in Iceland !

And in the winter, when snowflakes dust the canyon, it transforms it into a completely different landscape of wonder.

Recently, Fjadrargljufur Canyon has gained a lot of popularity. While lots of visitors can be great, many visitors have chosen to wander off the designated paths, consequently destroying some of the canyon’s beauty.

If you do choose to visit, please be respectful of the canyon and its rules! Moss, especially, should not be touched or stepped on. This is one of our top Iceland travel tips .

Get Your Fill Of Waterfalls In Mulagljufur Canyon

Mulagljufur Canyon rivals the depth and greenery of Fjadrargljufur Canyon while also boasting a couple of waterfalls.

Over the course of the 1.5-mile hike, you’ll meander through muddy pathways and cross over rivers before reaching the 164-foot Mulafoss and 400-foot Hangandifoss.

Because Mulagljufur Canyon is rather well-hidden, there’s a good chance you’ll have this Iceland hidden gem all to yourself.

Gape At the Towering Basalt Columns Surrounding The Svartifoss Waterfall

While the 65-foot Svartifoss Waterfall isn’t the tallest of Iceland’s waterfalls, it is still special enough to make it onto this list of the best things to do in Iceland.

What it lacks in height, it makes up for in towering basalt columns. These black, octagonal columns surround the flow of water until it reaches its natural pool at the base.

If you do choose to visit the Svartifoss Waterfall in Skaftafell Nature Preserve, be sure to pay attention to the signs and stick to the designated areas.

The natural landscape around this waterfall is particularly fragile, so please do your part to try to preserve it!

Take A Glacier Tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a unique natural wonder. Once upon a time, it was a full-on glacier, but, over time, it has melted to become Iceland’s largest lake (although it does still include large chunks of the glacier).

During the summer months, the ice continues to melt, and the waters teem with wildlife. During winter in Iceland , these same waters start to refreeze.

Basically, every time you visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, it will look completely different.

The best way to immerse yourself in the wonder of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is by taking a glacier tour by boat.

Then, you’ll be able to sail through all of the hidden iceberg nooks rather than simply seeing what is visible from the shore. This is one of the best Iceland activities!

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Adore The Glacier Chunks Gracing The Black Sand Of Diamond Beach

Arguably just as cool as a glacier tour of Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a visit to Diamond Beach.

Located just across the highway from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach is littered with frozen glacier chunks!

When contrasted with the obsidian color of the sand, Diamond Beach makes for a truly one-of-a-kind landscape. It will also look different each time you visit.

Book Here: Reykjavik: South Coast Waterfall Tour with Diamond Beach

Best Things To Do In East Iceland

Stand in the shadow of the towering vestrahorn mountain.

Situated on the Stokksnes Peninsula, Vestrahorn Mountain is one of Iceland’s most memorable mountains.

There’s really no question of why this mountain made it onto this list of the best places to go in Iceland. The sharp gray peaks topped with a sprinkle of white snow contrast with the ebony-colored sand below.

As if this striking picture was not enough, you can also capture the coolest picture with Vestrahorn’s reflection in the waves of the black sand beach.

Then, add the warm colors of a sunrise or sunset, and it’s like pure magic. It is definitely one of the best Iceland photography locations !

Skip Along The Rainbow Street To The Sky Blue Church

In the tiny town of Seydisfjordur is one of the most adorable churches in Iceland : the Seydisfjordurkirkja Church.

A rainbow pathway leads through the town’s shops to this tiny powder-blue church. It’s sure to put a smile on your face!

The drive to one of the cutest towns in Iceland is picture-perfect as well. You will cruise through the mountains before coming down into the fjord.

It is one of the best places to visit in Iceland !

Tackle Two Hikes At Once To Hengifoss And Litlanesfoss

At a staggering 420 feet, Hengifoss is the third-highest waterfall in Iceland.

Unfortunately, it takes three miles of moderately difficult hiking to see it. Fortunately, your efforts will not go unrewarded as, in addition to Hengifoss, you’ll also see the 100-foot Litlanesfoss about halfway through your journey.

In other words, you’ll get to see two waterfalls for the effort of just one!

Bask In The Otherworldly Landscape of Studlagil Canyon

We often forget the world can change and shift, creating new, beautiful landscapes. Studlagil Canyon is one of those new creations.

In 2009, humans played a small role in the creation of Studlagil Canyon when the hydroelectric plant Karahnjukavirkjun was built.

This allowed the bright blue waters of the Jokla glacial river to lower, revealing the orange and gray basalt columns.

You do not want to miss one of the best things to do in East Iceland !

Best Things To Do in North Iceland

Soak in the power of dettifoss waterfall.

Dettifoss is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland. As a matter of fact, it’s been given the title of the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe!

As you stand alongside this rush of water, you’ll feel dwarfed by its sheer massiveness – in the best way possible, of course.

There are two different viewpoints to see Dettifoss: The East and the West. While they are both lovely, I recommend choosing just one, because they are an hour apart.

Book Here: From Akureyri: Private Dettifoss Waterfall Jeep Tour

Take A Dip In The Myvatn Nature Baths

Often dubbed the Blue Lagoon of the North, the Myvatn Nature Baths are a perfect way to escape the cold Icelandic air.

The temperatures of the different pools hover between 97 degrees Fahrenheit and 104 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect temperature for soaking.

This is one of the best things to do in Iceland for adults who want to relax.

Book Here: Mývatn: Myvatn Nature Baths Admission Ticket

Watch Whales Breach In Husavik

Husavik is known as the whale capital of Iceland as these marvelous creatures often like to settle here during the summer months.

I recommend taking a whale-watching tour to get a better view of the whales, but you can also spot them at certain places along the shoreline, including the Geosea Spa.

This is one of the best places in North Iceland for a soak!

Book Here: Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide

Take In The Beautiful Hvitserkur Rock Formation

Through the natural rise and fall of powerful waves, Iceland has become home to a myriad of fascinating rock formations, including the Hvitserkur Rock Formation.

With two arches carved through the base, many have decided the rock formation looks like an animal, although people haven’t been able to agree on which one.

Some say an elephant, some say a rhino, and some say a dragon. I guess you’ll just have to visit for yourself to decide!

Beam In the Beauty Of Godafoss, The Waterfall Of The Gods

Hands down, one of the best things to do in Iceland is visiting Godafoss.

The name of this stunning semi-circle of cascading water actually means “Waterfall of the Gods,” and this natural landmark certainly lives up to its name.

As if the waterfall wasn’t beautiful enough on its own, it settles into an eye-catching turquoise pool at the base. The two-mile loop trail is so worth it!

This epic waterfall is also one of the best things to do in Iceland in winter . It looks amazing surrounded by snow.

Book Here: From Akureyri: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall Day Trip

Head Off The Beaten Path To Aldeyjarfoss

Iceland has a lot of waterfalls and basalt columns. For another chance to see them together, visit Aldeyjarfoss.

Found on the Skjalfandafljot River, this 65-foot waterfall is one of the best places to visit in the highlands of Iceland.

From the parking lot, it is only a ten-minute walk to the viewpoint.

Best Things To Do In West Iceland

Veer off the ring road to the westfjords.

When most people visit Iceland, they stick to the Ring Road. Little do they know, they’re missing out on the Westfjords , which should definitely be added to everyone’s Iceland itinerary!

Hands down, the best thing to see in the Westfjords is the Dynjandi Waterfall. This waterfall flows down a set of natural lava rock steps, creating an almost lace-like quality to it.

But if you’re tired of Iceland’s waterfalls, you can also venture to the Dragnes Hot Pots, spot the puffins at the Latrabjarg Cliffs, or gape at the red sand of Raudasandur Beach.

Test Your Balance As You Head Off On The Natural Bridge At Arnarstapi

Located on the Snaefellnes Peninsula , the little town of Arnarstapi rarely gets the recognition it deserves. The village is adorable, the fish and chips is delicious, and the people are kind.

If there’s one stop you have to make in Arnarstapi though, it’s the natural archway known as Gatklettur. If rock formations really pique your interest, take your time exploring the nearby area, because it’s filled with them!

There is a natural stone bridge nearby perfect for a cool photo-op too!

Book Here: From Reykjavik: Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full-Day Tour

Photograph The Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellfoss Waterfall

The most photographed mountain in Iceland is Kirkjufell Mountain. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may know it as Arrowhead Mountain.

This soaring mountain is accompanied by the wonderful Kirkjufellfoss Waterfall, both of which look gorgeous no matter the time of year.

If you’re really up for an adventure, you can hike to the top with the help of a guide, but most people just choose to take pictures from afar.

Book Here: Reykjavik: Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Day Trip

Check Out The Hraunfossar Waterfall And Barnafoss Waterfall

The Hraunfossar Waterfall and Barnafoss Waterfall are another pair of lovely Icelandic waterfalls.

Hraunfossar Waterfall cascades down a rugged obsidian terrain, creating an entrancing lacy effect with many small streams. The glacial water here is a gorgeous blue you will love.

Barnafoss Waterfall cascades powerfully through a rocky gorge, spaying light blue water.

Each waterfall is found on an easy boardwalk path. This is one of the best places in West Iceland !

Book Here: Reykjavik: Silver Circ le, Canyon B aths, and Waterfalls Tour

Tackle The Trail To The Glymur Waterfall

At a staggering 650 feet, Glymur Waterfall claims the title of Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall, making it one of the best things to do in Iceland.

But the trail to Glymur Waterfall is not easy. With sections steep enough to warrant using ropes and a few river crossings, the 4.5-mile hike to the Glymur Waterfall is not for the faint of heart.

Watch The Waters Boil At Deildartunguhver Hot Springs

While you can enter most of Iceland’s hot springs, you can’t enter Deildartunguhver Hot Springs – but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit.

With temperatures reaching nearly 400 degrees Fahrenheit, these hot springs are a tribute to the powerful geothermal activity reverberating throughout Iceland.

Best Things To Do In Reykjavik

Climb the tower of the hallgrimskirkja church.

One of the most popular things to do in Reykjavik is to visit the Hallgrimskirkja Church. This iconic building towers over all of the others in the city, making quite a statement.

It is free to enter the church. There is a small fee to climb the tower, but it offers stunning views of the city, so it’s worth it.

The church has a very modern design completely different than other churches in Iceland.

Make sure to check out our full Reykjavik itinerary !

Book Here: Reykjavik: Sightseeing Walking Tour with a Viking

Marvel At The Sun Voyager Sculpture

The dream-like Sun Voyager sculpture was created by the artist Joe Gunnar.

Made of stainless steel, this boat-shaped structure glistens in the sunlight and looks particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.

Trek Up Mount Esja

Mount Esja is often called the “city mountain,” because it is located just 20 minutes outside of Reykjavik.

Once you reach the end of this five-mile hike, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city and beyond. It is one of the best hikes in Iceland !

This list just scratches the surface of the best things to do in Iceland. There are just so many amazing attractions in Iceland

We’re excited you’re considering what to see in Iceland and where to go in Iceland. Please let us know in the comments section if you have any questions or just want to share what you think are some of the top things to do in Iceland. 

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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.

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.

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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.

James Hartshorn/Getty Images

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

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

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

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

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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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 Top Tourist Attractions in Iceland

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

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.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Iceland

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Top 10 Attractions in Iceland: Your Complete Guide

Discover breathtaking sights, relaxing spas, and cultural highlights in our guide to the land of ice and fire..

February 10, 2023

In this article, discover the very best of Iceland. You’ll learn about the national parks and the waterfalls that offer some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, as well as the cities and spas that shouldn’t be missed.

While we’re here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions visitors have when planning their Iceland trip. Get ready to be inspired.

• Start planning your trip with our Iceland day tours

1. Þingvellir National Park

We’ll kick off our list of Iceland’s top attractions with a place that combines fascinating history with stunning natural beauty. That’s Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Þingvellir is one of the three attractions that make up the Golden Circle , Iceland’s best-known travel itinerary (alongside Gullfoss and Geysir covered below). But there’s so much to see that it’s more than worth a trip all by itself.

For example, on a visit to Þingvellir discover the original home of Iceland’s parliament. Established in the tenth century, the Alþing is widely recognised as the oldest parliament in the world. And it first took place here, on this rugged and expansive landscape.

Þingvellir also boasts Iceland’s largest natural lake, Þingvallavatn. Its biggest draw is Silfra, the trench that’s caused by the movement of the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates. Here, you can literally swim between two continents, in some of the clearest water in the world.

Alternatively, take a walk in the trenches and canyons formed by the warping earth. It’s as fascinating as it is beautiful.

• Visit this incredible national park on a Þingvellir tour or learn more in our Þingvellir travel guide
• Check out our guide to the Golden Circle , or discover more with a Golden Circle combo tour

2. Gullfoss waterfall

In a nation famed for its waterfalls, Gullfoss is perhaps the most impressive. Here the torrents of the Hvítá river thunder through a tight canyon and tumble down two distinct cascades. The roar of the waters is astonishing.

Another stop on the tour of the Golden Circle, Gullfoss waterfall deserves its place on any list of top attractions in Iceland. Whether the surrounding landscape is draped in snow or in its beautiful summer green, it’s a gorgeous destination that sums up the wonder and magic of Iceland.

As the water kicks up spray, Gullfoss becomes draped in rainbows. It’s an unforgettable experience.

• Book a Gullfoss waterfall tour with us, or add a glacier tour to your Golden Circle experience
• Find out more about the waterfall in our guide to Gullfoss

Want to experience the surprise and thrill of Iceland’s volcanic activity up close? There’s no better place than at the Geysir geothermal area.

In fact, this is the very place that gave its name to the phenomenon now known as geysers, the holes in the ground from which boiling water bursts high into the sky. Visit Geysir and you’ll stand beneath steaming jets of water created by geothermal activity beneath the earth.

These days, The Great Geysir itself—once a very active geyser—is dormant. But its neighbour, Strokkur, will keep you more than entertained. Erupting every six to 10 minutes, it’s a brilliant display.

While you’re here visiting the Haukadalur valley, don’t miss the fumaroles and bubbling mud pools too.

What to pack for Iceland

Heading to Iceland? It’s worth thinking carefully about what you’ll need to take with you. But with changeable weather and a huge range of possible activities and adventures, that’ll depend on when you’re coming and what you’re going to get up to. There are a few things that are certainties. You’ll regret not bringing warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, and your camera. However, there’s a lot more to consider too.

Find out everything you need to know here: What to Pack for Your Iceland Trip

4. Blue Lagoon

Sometimes you need a break from breathtaking landscapes and miracles of geology. Luckily, one of Iceland’s top attractions offers the perfect place to unwind.

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous spa, famed for the colour and therapeutic benefits of its waters. If you’ve had a busy schedule of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than to dip into its warm waters and relax.

People have been bathing here since the early eighties, when the lagoon was created. Locals swear by the healing powers of its water, with Iceland’s National Health Service even approving visits for the treatment of psoriasis.

In winter, it can be a particularly welcome experience. What’s more, you can gaze at the northern lights that dance above your head as you chill.

You’ll find the Blue Lagoon out on the Reykjanes peninsula, about 45 minutes south from Reykjavik.

• Visit the spa on a Blue Lagoon tour or on the Keflavík transfer directly from the airport.
• Alternatively, find out more facts about the Blue Lagoon

5. Northern lights

There’s no doubt that the northern lights are one of the most magical sights you can see anywhere on the planet. Visitors rightly flock to Iceland to catch a glimpse of these dancing colours that illuminate the night sky during winter.

They come because Iceland’s known as one of the world’s best places to see the northern lights. Produced by the violent collision of solar particles with our atmosphere, the aurora borealis is best seen at the north and south poles. Thanks to its dark winter skies and vast landscapes empty of polluting light, Iceland’s the perfect backdrop for this green, red, and blue display.

But not all experiences of the aurora are the same. You can see the northern lights by boat, or from a northern lights tour taking you wherever the conditions are best on any given night.

• Find out more in our northern lights guide

Safe travel in Iceland

Iceland is officially the safest country in the world. That’s thanks to friendly locals, a trusty transport system, and historically low crime rates. It’s also been recognised as one of the best destinations for women travelling alone too.

That said, with vast wildernesses and volatile weather, it’s always wise to be clued up on safety when travelling in Iceland. Knowing driving rules, for example, or how to hike safely, really is a must.

Find out everything you need to know in our guide to safe travel in Iceland .

6. Reykjavik

Too many visitors to Iceland simply pass through the capital city on their way to more famous natural sights. But they’re missing out. The reality is that Reykjavik has some of Iceland’s top attractions and best insights into true Icelandic culture.

Where to start? Reykjavik’s harbour—the beating ancient heart of the city—can be a good place. Along the city’s scenic and historic waterfront, you’ll find sights including Harpa, one of the city’s most important buildings and cultural hubs. And, a short distance away, you’ll discover the Sun Voyager, probably Iceland’s most iconic sculpture.

Head into town and you can visit Hallgrímskirkja, the church built in the shape of a waterfall. Or stroll along the city’s downtown streets, such as the Laugavegur, full of charming cafes, bars, and boutiques.

If you’re after a more educational experience, try Iceland’s National Museum, showcasing a thousand years of Icelandic history. Or check out the Lava Show, where you can see real lava flow.

From heated beaches to the Reykjavik catwalk , there’s so much more to see and do in town. Check out our Reykjavik day tours for more.

• Ride a Hop-on Hop-off bus in Reykjavik , or see Reykjavik by helicopter

7. Seljalandsfoss waterfall

If Gullfoss stakes a claim to being the most powerful waterfall in Europe, then Seljalandsfoss is certainly up there with the most elegant. Located on the south coast of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is a must-see attraction for anyone staying in Reykjavik.

The waters that you’ll see at Seljalandsfoss come straight from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, which melts to form the Seljalands river. Here, they plunge into a deep bowl, creating a veil across a mysterious cave behind.

One thing that makes Seljalandsfoss particularly special is that you can walk behind the falling water, to look out through the mist to the landscape below. Of course, you’re likely to get a little wet with all that spray, so it’s best to pack a waterproof jacket.

• Take a trip to Seljalandsfoss with us, or check out our guide to Seljalandsfoss to find out more

Discover Vík village

At the heart of Iceland’s south coast is the tiny village of Vík. With roots in the ninth century, it’s a mysterious place steeped in myth and folklore. Here, sailors have met a sorry end and trolls have been transformed into the sea stacks that you’ll see off the coast.

If you’re journeying through South Iceland, it’s a great place to stop off. Discover the village itself, or use it as a base to visit the Mýrdalsjökull glacier or the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. While you’re here, don’t miss Reynisfjara beach, with its basalt columns and black sands.

See Vík on a south Iceland tour

8. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

With its floating icebergs, black sands, and its passing wildlife, there’s no doubt that Jökulsárlón is one of the most glorious sights anywhere in Iceland.

Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon, created by the melting ice of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. Now the deepest lake in Iceland, Jökulsárlón didn’t exist at all before the 1930s, but it has been growing quicker and quicker ever since. In the last 50 years, it’s quadrupled in size—and it’s only going to get bigger.

You may have seen its iceberg-strewn waters before. It featured in James Bond films including Die Another Day , as well as in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Batman Begins . It’s not hard to see why it’s become a favourite filming location. It’s a completely otherworldly place.

Visit on a Jökulsárlón tour or as part of a longer south coast tour . Or find out more in our guide to Jökulsárlón .

9. Skaftafell

If you’re a nature-lover who has come to Iceland with an appetite for wonder, you may have got your fill already. But leave some room for Skaftafell, one of the most splendid of our country’s delights.

With miles of hiking trails connecting glaciers with black-sand plains, mountains, and waterfalls, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can head up to the foot of a glacier, or marvel at Svartifoss, the unforgettable waterfall.

Skaftafell used to be a national park of its own, but these days it has been incorporated within the larger Vatnajökull National Park. Yet you’ll notice how it retains its unique character and a remarkably pleasant climate. What’s more, as you walk its many trails, you might even catch a glimpse of the Arctic fox.

• Take a tour of Skaftafell or find out more in our Skaftafell guide

10. Vatnajökull National Park

Finally, we couldn’t put together a list of Iceland’s must-see attractions without mentioning the mighty Vatnajökull National Park. Covering as much as 13% of the whole surface of Iceland, and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s enormous and unforgettably beautiful.

One of the main draws here is the glacier that gives the park its name. Vatnajökull, Europe’s second-largest ice cap, covers 8% of Iceland and is up to a kilometre thick in places.

There are many ways to explore the glacier. For example, you can zoom across the ice on a snowmobile tour, or take a glacier walk to see it close up. Or, for those of you who like to bag a peak, you can hike Hvannadalshnúkur , Iceland’s highest mountain.

Whatever you want to do in Vatnajökull, you won’t need much convincing that you’re in a very special place.

Discover Iceland’s national parks

Today there are three national parks in the country: Vatnajökull, Þingvellir, and Snæfellsjökull. Together, they cover the majority of the 25% of Iceland under environmental protection.

Home to the most incredible sights in the country, Iceland’s national parks should be on every visitor’s travel itinerary. Hosting historic sites, natural wonders, and some of Iceland’s most captivating wildlife, there’s really something here for everyone.

Find out more: Iceland’s National Parks: Your Guide

Frequently asked questions about Iceland’s top attractions

Want to know more about the top attractions in Iceland? Here, we answer some of the most common questions.

What should you not miss in Iceland?

With so much to see in Iceland, it’s tough to say with any certainty what you shouldn’t miss. It’ll depend on what you prefer to do—and how much time you’ve got to do it.

That said, we’d recommend you make sure you cover some of the following:

• A spa experience. Whether at the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon, Iceland’s spas are world-famous for a reason.
• A glacier adventure. It’s known as the Land of Fire and Ice, after all. Whether you hike, snowmobile, or visit the caves beneath the ice, some sort of glacier experience is a must.
• A cultural attraction. Iceland’s culture is overshadowed by its gorgeous scenery. But from Christmas traditions to arts and music to Iceland’s truly unique cuisine, there’s a whole way of life to get to know.
• A coastal visit. Iceland is one of the few places on earth that combines glaciers with coastal wonders. Don’t miss sea stacks, black-sand beaches, and opportunities to see whales. The truth is that this list could go on. Discover more in our top 15 must-see places in Iceland.

What are the top 3 tourist attractions in Iceland?

It’s hard to whittle them down to three! Try these three:

• Iceland’s national parks. Between Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull, you’ll discover everything from crisp glaciers to glorious coastlines.
• The Golden Circle. Well-known across the world, the Golden Circle is the itinerary that features some of Iceland’s most spectacular sights.
• Reykjavik. From spas to cultural experiences, Reykjavik offers so much. And it’s just a short distance from some of the best Iceland has to offer.

What special things does Iceland have?

There’s so much that’s special to Iceland:

• Glaciers, black-sand beaches, volcanoes, and geysers
• Opportunities to walk—and even swim—between continents
• Over ten different types of whale
• Untouched wilderness
• A unique cuisine, featuring sheep’s head, fermented shark, and more.

What is Iceland proud of?

Icelanders are proud of their country’s natural beauty and its unique culture—and welcoming visitors to the nation from all over the world.

There’s a lot to be proud of here. From gender equality and low crime rates to a very transparent political system, it’s a great country to be part of.

What is the coolest thing in Iceland?

Take your pick of the coolest thing in Iceland:

• A naturally warm river in Reykjadalur valley
• The chance to see volcanoes erupt, such as in Geldingadalir
• The serpentine Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
• The Diamond Beach, where crystal ice on black sand
• The Westfjords, an area where Arctic foxes roam.

What is Iceland's most frequented attraction?

Iceland’s most popular attraction is likely the Blue Lagoon, the calming and therapeutic spa just outside of Reykjavik. It deserves all of its popularity.

What attracts visitors to Iceland?

Visitors to Iceland typically come for the nature. Here you’ll find one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, with glaciers, volcanoes, and mighty black-sand plains. And you’ll have some of the best opportunities to see whales.

Another main draw is the northern lights. It’s an otherworldly and completely unforgettable experience.

See top attractions in Iceland with Reykjavik Excursions

Visit Iceland and see some of the world’s most incredible natural sights. From glaciers and active volcanoes to the magical northern lights, Iceland truly offers something for everyone.

At Reykjavik Excursions, we can show you the best of Iceland. We run tours from the capital to Iceland’s top attractions throughout the year. Our local guides will ensure you’re comfortable, safe, and getting the most from your trip.

Or, if there’s something else you want from your visit, just let us know. We can arrange completely custom group trips to suit your needs.

Start planning your Iceland adventure by exploring our day trips from Reykjavik .

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Northern Lights Tour

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Litli-Hrútur Eruption 2023 - The New Eruption near Fagradalsfjall on the Reykjanes Peninsula

Once again, the enthralling spectacle of Iceland's Reykjanes volcano is back in the limelight! After 11 months of peaceful dormancy, the volcano is now alive and kicking, treating locals and tourists to another captivating visual performance. If you've been yearning for an adventure that's truly out of this world, this might just be your calling!

12 Best Tourist Attractions in Iceland

Iceland is home to some of the most stunning and unspoiled lands in the world.

Beautiful waterfalls, active volcanoes, lava fields, bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and Iceland’s glaciers make the country a top destination for nature lovers.

If you’re planning on visiting Iceland, it’s good to know at least a few of the main Iceland tourist attractions and must-see locations.

Whether you’re looking for wildlife, a powerful waterfall, jaw-dropping scenery, or thermal spa treatments, there is plenty to see in Iceland. 

The Best 12 Attractions in Iceland

• 1. Blue Lagoon

One of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in Iceland is Blue Lagoon off of Ring Road. The blue waters in the middle of a lava field contain high amounts of sulfur and silica, which can help with skin problems. 

The Blue Lagoon is about a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, and you’ll need to purchase tickets in advance of your trip if you plan on taking a dip. 

Iceland is home to quite a few thermal springs and rivers, with many of them free to the public and lacking the tourist crowds found at Blue Lagoon. To help locate all of them, you can use this handy map of hot spring locations .

• 2. Iceland’s Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a popular, 186-mile route that starts in Reykjavik and takes you to many interesting sites and natural wonders, including Thingvellir National Park. 

If you opt for a rental car, you can go on an unguided adventure. Guided tours are also available, and an organized tour is a great way to get more information on all the sites you’ll be visiting. 

A Golden Circle Tour is a natural beauty and one of the best things to see in Iceland. You can do it all in one day if you choose, but breaking the route up over two days seems to be the best way to spend your time.

• 3. Gullfoss Waterfall

If you are looking for top places to visit in Iceland, you can opt for the beautiful Icelandic waterfall called Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Waterfall. The waterfall came from a crack in the earth’s crust and, today, appears to drop into the depths of the earth as it falls. 

The waterfall has three separate drops and flows nearly perpendicular to the original current right after the first one. This phenomenon gives off stunning visual effects and is unique among Icelandic waterfalls.

In total, the waterfall drops 230 feet, with individual falls of 36 ft, 69 ft, and 104 ft in height. While crowded during the day, there are fewer people at night. Since the falls are also an amazing place to view the Northern Lights, Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Iceland. 

• 4. Geothermal Areas

Of course, there are a few geothermal hot spring locations throughout Iceland, like those on the Reykjanes Peninsula. 

Geysir Geothermal Area, also called the Valley of Geysers, is a fascinating stop in southwest Iceland. The namesake geyser, “Geysir,” has been dormant for quite a while. However, another geyser named Strokkur is still active and about one-third of a mile from Geysir. 

Strokkur erupts every five to ten minutes and shoots water over one hundred feet into the air. While Geysir used to spew water up to 260 feet up, currently, you’ll have to settle for Strokkur.

Furthermore, the Secret Lagoon used to be a well-kept local secret until a farmer who bought the land popularized it as an attraction. It’s the oldest known pool in Iceland, and despite becoming popular, is much cheaper and less crowded than the famous Blue Lagoon.

Secret Lagoon doesn’t have the same milky-blue water as its more famous counterpart. Still, the water stays at a constant temperature between 100 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit and even has a small geyser that erupts every five minutes. 

Finally, Fontana Geothermal Baths sit between popular attractions and offer some much-needed relaxation after a day of exploring. The facilities at the baths are modernized, taking away some of the natural charm other springs have. Despite this, it still has beautiful scenery and a resort. 

• 5. Kerid Crater

Located near Iceland’s south coast, Kerid Crater is a perfectly circular volcanic crater believed to have formed by a collapsing magma chamber. The crater itself has aquamarine water and green moss, and red-hued soil covers its rim, completing the natural beauty.

Not all tours stop at the location, even though it’s one of the best places to visit, so you’ll need to book a tour that includes the crater on its itinerary or go on your own. It’s a steal of a deal considering the entry cost is around $4 US. 

• 6. Bruarfoss Waterfall

A powerful and stunning waterfall, Bruarfoss is known as the bluest waterfall in Iceland. One of the most compelling sites to see in Iceland, you’ll need to use hiking trails to get there.

The quickest route to the waterfall is just a short walk, but this path crosses private land, and the family who owns that land got tired of hundreds of tourists walking across it every day. Now, you have to take a trail to see the falls, where you’ll have to walk about an hour each way.

The hike is well worth it, though, and the long walk has lessened the number of tourists, making it a peaceful location to observe the natural beauty of the falls. 

• 7. Popular Beaches

Diamond Beach, located in eastern Iceland, gets its name from the large chunks of ice that break off Vatnajokull Glacier and dot the beach. The blue ice is a sharp contrast to the black sand of the beaches, truly living up to Iceland’s name as the “Land of Ice and Fire.” 

This beach is one of the top attractions of the Ring Road and is directly off of Highway One in South Iceland. One of the most photographed places in Iceland, at sunrise, the ice seems to glow orange in the sunlight. 

On the south coast of Iceland, you’ll find the small town of Vik and the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Stunning basalt cliffs line the shores, and the striking Reynisdrangar sea stacks stand 200 feet out of the water. 

On Reynisfjara beach, the cliffs host nesting puffins and sea birds in the summer, and the 300-foot high sea arch, Dyrholaey, is near Vik as well. If you visit, keep in mind that the currents and waves of the beaches are exceptionally strong, and “sneaky waves” can randomly come high above the tide line and pull you out. 

Combining the frigid water of the North Atlantic Ocean with the currents makes the beach as dangerous as it is beautiful, and visitors should stay at least 100-feet from the water. 

In northern Iceland, the pink sand of Rauðasandur Beach sits in the Westfjords and features the largest seabird cliff in Europe. The beach gets its color from the crushed scallop shells that have accumulated over millennia and are an excellent place to spot puffins and other seabirds in North Iceland. 

• 8. National Parks

Thingvellir National Park is on the famous Golden route on the mid-Atlantic ridge and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate. The plates shift about a half-centimeter each year, forming the Almannagjá crack that is large enough to walk through. 

Thingvellir is also a famous location where you can snorkel or dive between the tectonic plates. The park houses the Öxarárfoss waterfall, Pingvallavatn Lake, and one of Iceland’s oldest churches, Thingvallakirkja.

Vatnajökull National Park in southern Iceland encompasses all of the Vatnajökull Glacier and an extensive surrounding area, including the lands that used to be the Skaftafell National Park and Jökulsárgljúfur Parks. The Vatnajokull Glacier is Europe’s largest glacier, covering 3,100 square miles. 

Sightseeing tours are available through the Icelandic highlands, as well as glacier hiking and boat tours of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the deepest lake in Iceland. In the park, you can also see an ice cave. 

Finally, Snæfellsjökull National Park is a volcano covered in a glacier. It’s one of the best places in the world for hiking and is right next to the Vatnshellir lava cave. You can hike trails or take self-guided driving tours of the landscape. 

• 9. The Aurora Borealis

You can’t visit Iceland without seeing the Aurora Borealis . Best seen from September to March, the Northern Lights are one of the most magical Icelandic attractions. 

You’ll need to be north of the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights, and seeing them depends on favorable weather conditions. You can try taking a guided tour to maximize your chances. 

• 10. Catch the Midnight Sun

Being so far north, Iceland is one of the best places to experience the Midnight Sun. During the Summer Solstice, the sun shines 24 hours a day, a strange natural occurrence for most people. 

• 11. Go Whale Watching

Whales are central to Iceland’s culture, and the best place for whale-watching tours is in Husavik, located in Northeast Iceland. If you plan on doing a whale watching tour, book it in advance because these tours are a hugely popular tourist attraction. 

• 12. See Reindeer in the Wild

You can find wild reindeer in the Eastfjords. While they aren’t native, this land is the only region of the country where they freely roam. You can also take jeep tours to view reindeer and the other wildlife in the area.

Although these are some of the best places to visit in Iceland, this list is still incomplete. It would take far too long to list out all of the natural phenomenon, cultural sites, and other gorgeous locations to see when you go to Iceland. 

The country is one of the most pristine natural landscapes you can find in the world, and while the capital city has plenty to do, you should venture out and immerse yourself in as much of Iceland’s natural beauty as you can. 

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Eric has been a travel addict since he finished college and a writer since he could hold a pen.

A native of Florida, he loves traveling and visiting unique places all over the world and has an ever-growing collection of travel tips and experiences.

Eric is a digital nomad, a fan of slow travel. He has been traveling for the last 7 years, and has visited over 40 countries.

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.

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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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South Coast of Iceland: 31 Attractions and Awesome Things to Do

I celand is one of the most magical, surreal countries that I have ever had the privilege of visiting. The combination of black igneous rocks, jagged mountains, volcanic eruptions, basalt columns, black sand beaches to explore, hot springs to soak in , open, flat expanses covered in moss… the country is an incredible destination and nature lover’s dream.

South Iceland is a top destination for many travelers in Iceland. Reykjavik, the capital city, is located in southern Iceland, and there are a huge number of waterfalls, hot pots, massive glaciers to hike , and natural attractions along the south coast of Iceland. You could spend days, weeks even, in just this portion of the country. 

Traveling around southern Iceland is very easy – the roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, and distances are manageable.

Top Sights and Attractions: South Coast Iceland

If you are wondering what to see in Iceland, here’s your guide to some of the top sights and attractions that you absolutely should not miss when you visit this incredible country. 

Things to Do in Reykjavik

Before you get out into the countryside of Iceland, you must explore Reykjavik. Reykjavik can be explored in less than a day, but there are some attractions here that you really should not miss!

Hallgrímskirkja

The biggest church in Reykjavik is the Hallgrimskirkja church, a relatively new church (built in 1986) that has quickly become an icon of Iceland.

This church is designed to mimic the natural landscapes of Iceland, with a distinctive curved shape and tall, skinny “columns” that are very reminiscent of the basalt columns found in Svartifoss or Reynisfjara (more on both of those places, below). You can also go up in the tower to enjoy the views over Reykjavik. 

Skólavörðustígur Street

Skólavörðustígur Street starts at the Hallgrimskirkja church, and continues down through the city. After a few blocks, it turns into a rainbow road, where the street has long, colorful horizontal stripes in rainbow order.

The street was painted to show friendliness towards the LGBTQ community, but it’s also very appropriate for Iceland – as they naturally get tons of rainbows due to their numerous waterfalls and low-angle sun.

Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall is a beautiful concert hall right on the coast of Reykjavik that hosts world class performances, as well as different conferences and events.

Like the Hallgrimskirkja church, the concert hall’s architecture is designed to imitate the unique beauty of Iceland. The outside is made of small hexagonal pieces of glass layered together, designed to resemble Iceland’s basalt landscape. 

Whale Watching

Iceland is one of the best places to go whale watching in the world, and there are a number of good whale watching companies that run out of Reykjavik.

The best time to go whale watching is in summer, when whales migrate to the waters around Iceland. You can often see blue whales, sperm whales, minke whales, and humpback whales around Reykjavik, though you may also see orcas. 

Things to Do in the Golden Circle Area of South Iceland

The “Golden Circle” in Iceland is 3 different attractions that you can visit in one easy loop as a day trip from Reykjavik. As such, these locations – Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss – are some of the most visited spots in the country, but are still incredible places to see nature. 

Included in this section are a couple of other stops that easily fit when visiting the Golden Circle. 

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is an incredible spot in Iceland, both politically and geologically. Politically, it was the site of the Iceland parliament, which met here between 930 and 1798.

Geologically, Thingvellir is the location of the Almannagja Gorge, which is the divide between the North American tectonic plate and the Eurasian tectonic plate. This is the only spot in the world where the rift between tectonic plates is above ground (and not deep in the ocean). 

Other options of things to do in Thingvellir include multiple hiking trails, visiting the Oxararfoss waterfall, or fishing in Lake Þingvallavatn

Kerid Crater

The Kerid Crater is an old volcanic crater with a small lake at the bottom. The Kerid Crater is notable both for its shape and for its colors – the deep red soil contrasts with the green-blue water and the surrounding green moss and vegetation. You can walk around the rim or even descend down to the water’s edge.  

Gullfoss is a powerful and commonly visited waterfall in Iceland , with an upper and lower viewing deck located a quick, 5 minute walk from the parking lot. The upper deck is higher above the falls, whereas the lower deck is right at the top of the falls. If you want to get close to the falls, the lower deck is what gets you there.

 The river cascades over a few, small ledges before plunging 100 feet over a tall cliff, into a narrow gorge below. It’s actually rather difficult to see the bottom of the falls at Gullfoss, as the ravine is pretty tight and the mist is quite strong. 

Geysir is a collection of small bubbling hot springs and large, explosive geysers. When you arrive, you’ll walk through a pathway lined with steaming, bubbling mud pots.

Nestled within these pots is Strokkur, a geyser that regularly and dramatically erupts, shooting a pillar of water anywhere from 50-100 feet (15-30 meters) in the air. These eruptions occur every 5-7 minutes, so you will definitely be able to see at least one during your visit. 

Other Places to Visit in South Iceland

Blue lagoon.

One of Iceland’s most popular attractions, the Blue Lagoon is nevertheless a can’t-miss spot when visiting South Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is a large hot spring spa, with steam rising off the milky blue waters, and lava rocks lining the curving edges of the pools. While there, you can get a drink from the poolside bar and apply a mud mask from the silica mud formed naturally around the pools. 

The lagoon does get busy, so it’s recommended to make your reservations to come first thing in the morning, or right before closing. Head to the very back of the pools for the most secluded spots. 

Fagradsafjall Volcano

The Fagradsafjall volcano is located about 30 minutes from Reykjavik, and is one of the most recent volcanos to actively erupt in Iceland. It erupted during 2021, and was a top tourist attraction during the months of eruption.

Today, the volcano is largely dormant (although eruptions do start and stop randomly every year or so), but the lava fields that Fagradsafjall created are very fresh and very expansive. You can still hike out to the lava fields and marvel at the vastness of the lava, and examine the intricacies of the newest rocks on earth. 

The Hruni hot springs (or Hrunalaug) is a super charming hot pot in the middle of rolling hills in the countryside. There are 3 pools at Hrunalaug, the largest is lined with a stone wall, the middle is a small pond, and the smallest is a tiny little plunge pool.

Make sure you have some cash on you – there’s a box at the parking lot that asks for a 1000 krona (or $10) donation for the upkeep of the hot pot. 

Reykjadalur Thermal River

The Reykjadalur Thermal River is one of the best and most unique things to do in south Iceland – instead of soaking in a hot spring that is a pool of warm water, you actually get to sit in a hot river.

To get there, you’ll have to hike about 1 hour into a hilly area. There are sections that are steep, but the views are fantastic. The very final section of the hike starts following along the river, but you’ll know you’ve reached the bathing portion when you start walking on a boardwalk along the river. 

The stream is pretty shallow and slow-moving, so it’s totally safe for all ages. There’s a little bit of moss on the rocks in the river, but it actually felt really nice!

Bruarfoss is a gorgeous waterfall with milky, ice blue water. This waterfall is fairly unique, in that there isn’t one ridge that the falls go over; rather, there are dozens of streams of water falling several feet over a curved ridge.

There are two ways to see Bruarfoss – the first is to park in the parking lot and walk 5 minutes to the falls, and second is to park about 2 miles away and hike along the river to the falls. 

Gljúfrabúi 

Gljúfrabúi is one of the most unique waterfalls in Iceland, and it is actually located inside of a cave. The cave isn’t deep at all, but the only entrance is through the stream coming off the waterfall, so you’ll have to wade through the ankle deep water for about 35 feet (10 meters) to reach dry land inside the cave. 

Once you’re inside, you can fully appreciate the water streaming 125 feet  (38 m) over a ridge in the roof of the cave, which is partially open to the sky. Fun fact: Gljufrabui means “one who lives in the canyon”. The whole effect is surreal and enchanting. 

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is located just a stone’s throw away from Gljufrabrui, and is a popular waterfall in Iceland, as visitors can walk a path that goes behind the falls, creating a very cool perspective. Seljalandsfoss is 200 feet (60 m) tall, and is just a quick walk from the parking lot. 

Skógafoss is possibly the most famous waterfall in all of Iceland, and is a very easy one to visit in south Iceland. Water rushes over a 200 foot (60 m) cliff, plunging down in one big drop next to moss-lined rock walls.

Interestingly, although the falls themselves are very powerful, the stream at the base of the falls is fairly calm and lowkey.  Be prepared for a very strong mist and stiff wind created by this thunderous and spectacular waterfall. 

Seljavallalaug

Seljavallalaug is one of the oldest hot springs in Iceland, and is a scenic location to view. Seljavallalaug is actually a swimming pool that is built into the ground, with one edge of the pool backing up to the side of a hill, and is more of a heated pool than *hot* spring.

The entire pool is set in the middle of a very hilly area, and the peaks of the hills around the pool are really beautiful. The pool has an interesting history – it was built to teach Icelander children to swim during a time when most people couldn’t swim. 

Sólheimasandur Airplane

The Sólheimasandur plane is an abandoned, crashed plane on a solitary black sand beach in south Iceland. It’s about a 4 mile (7 km) round trip, easy walk out to the plane, where you can admire and explore the crash site against the stark background. 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Thanks to all the volcanic activity in Iceland, there are quite a few beaches in Iceland that are black sand beaches. The most famous of all these black sand beaches is Reynisfjara Beach, which in addition to the coarse, dark sand, also has tall, black, basalt columns lining one edge of the beach.

These basalt columns are also a remnant of volcanic activity, and create a totally otherworldly scene on the beach. Stay far away from the water’s edge at Reynisfjara, as sneaker waves will without warning break high and strong on the beach. 

Svartifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajokull National Park, near the Skaftafell Terminal. To see this waterfall, you’ll need to hike about 1 mile (1.5 km) to arrive at the falls, which are some of the most impressive in Iceland. The waterfall flows over a curved ridge, with long “stacks” of basalt columns visible on the cliff face. 

Vatnajokull/Skaftafell Glacier

The Vatnajokull Glacier is the largest glacier in Iceland, covers 11% of the country, and includes over 30 smaller named arms of the glacier. A couple of these arms are the Skaftafell and the Falljokul glaciers, which are notable because you can actually go hiking on them. 

You do have to go with a tour guide to hike a glacier in Iceland, due to the inherent danger in climbing a massive hunk of ice with cracks, fissures, caves, and sink holes.

Still, doing a glacier hike is one of the top experiences you can have in south Iceland, as you’ll get to admire the blue tint of the ice, see the deep craggs of the ice face, climb through ice canyons, drink from a glacier stream, and see the massive ice fall, a tall cliff face that looms above you. 

Jokulsarlon

On the very south side of Vatnajokull National Park is Jokulsarlon, commonly referred to as “Glacier Lagoon.” Glacier Lagoon has one of the most incredible landscapes in south Iceland, as ice chunks break off of the glacier and float in the lagoon.

These icebergs of varying sizes and shapes float through the lagoon, and then through a small channel out to sea. You can admire the ice from shore, or even go on a boat tour or kayak tour through the lagoon. This is definitely a spot not to be missed in south Iceland. 

Diamond Beach

Once the icebergs leave Jokulsarlon and are out at sea, the waves toss and turn them, “polishing” them up. Some of these icebergs are then actually pushed back onto the black sand beaches that line the shores nearby. These beaches are known as “Diamond Beach,” as the blocks of ice shine and sparkle brilliantly, a sharp contrast to the black sand on which they sit. 

Fjallsarlon

About 15 minutes away from Jokulsarlon is Fjallsarlon, which is another, smaller glacier lagoon. This lagoon is both smaller in area and the ice that floats in the water is much, much smaller, sometimes only shards. However, Fjallsarlon has the advantage in that you can actually have a great view of the glacier in Fjallsarlon (it’s very far away in Jokulsarlon), and while the ice is smaller, there is so much more ice in Fjallsarlon. 

Hoffell Hot Pots

The Hoffell Hot Pots are a series of 5 small, man-made tubs inset into the ground, and surrounded by stones and vegetation, with hills and mountains in the background.  

Vestrahorn on the Stokksnes Peninsula

The Stokksnes Peninsula is a small little jut-out of land that holds the Vestrahorn mountain, a tall, dramatic, singular mountain that ends abruptly right at the water’s edge.

The viewpoint at Stokksnes is an incredible vantage point. The bay is extremely shallow and surrounded by a fine black beach, and during high tide it completely fills up with calm water creating a spectacular reelected view of the Vestrahorn. It feels like something out of a fantasy.

Múlagljúfur Canyon

Múlagljúfur Canyon is a gorgeous, deep, moss-lined canyon in south Iceland. A waterfall plunges from a high cliff at the back of the canyon, and the stream winds its way through the bottom of the ravine. Hiking through Múlagljúfur canyon is a delight, as you can walk a trail right at the edge of the top of the cliffs, and admire the undulating, green canyon walls in front of you. 

Foods to Try and Best Places to Eat

Icelandic hot dogs.

Hot Dogs in Iceland are made with lamb, and make for a very popular meal. You can get good hot dogs in just about any gas station, but the best place is the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand in Reykjavik. 

Sheep (and lambs) are the most common domesticated animal you’ll see in Iceland, and the meat makes it into a lot of dishes, including a delightful lamb stew. 

For anyone wanting to be adventurous, hakarl, aka fermented shark, is something you should try! Small chunks of the fermented shark are served on toothpicks, and traditionally washed down with Brennivin, a strong liquor similar to vodka.

Hakarl is truly disgusting – it smells like harsh chemicals, and has a very fishy and chewy taste. But it’s also definitely a cultural experience, is really only a small bite, and you’ll have bragging rights after!

Langoustines

Being on the coast, seafood is a popular and delicious food to eat in Iceland. Langoustines are particularly good on the south coast of Iceland, and the best way to eat them is on a langoustine pizza at Ishusid Pizzeria in the town of Hofn. 

Best Hotels in South Iceland

Many people who visit south Iceland choose to camp in campervans or RVs, and regular towns with regular hotels are few and far between. However, there are still some really beautiful hotels to stay in in South Iceland. These are a few top picks: 

Reykjavik: The Fosshótel Rauðará Hotel

The hotel is centrally located in downtown Reykjavik, and offers free parking in the city. Read Fosshotel Rauðará reviews at TripAdvisor and find the best prices at Hotels.com or Booking.com .

Vik: Hotel Vík í Mýrdal

Hotel Vík í Mýrdal is a nice, modern, centrally located place to stay in Vik, close to Reynisfjara Beach, the Sólheimasandur plane, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and Seljavallalaug.

The beach views are absolutely amazing! You can see the sea and the Reynisdrangar Pillars from here. The cliffs are really impressive, and there are lots of birds around, including puffins on Mt. Reynisfjall, just a short distance away.

They offer a free breakfast buffet and have a happy hour, restaurant, and bar.

Read Hotel Vík í Mýrdal reviews at TripAdvisor and find the best prices at Hotels.com or Booking.com .

Hveragardi: The Greenhouse Hotel

This is a beautiful property with tons of windows and plants, not far from the Thermal River. Hiking, swimming, fishing, golfing, biking, and riding are all nearby. This is a great choice in winter if you want to see amazing views of the moon, stars and Northern Lights.

Read Greenhouse Hotel reviews at TripAdvisor and find the best prices at Hotels.com or Booking.com .

7 Fun Facts about Iceland

• The Iceland Parliament that was formed and held at Thingvellir was the world’s oldest parliament
• Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world – you can feel secure and comfortable traveling around the country. 
• Iceland has the most waterfalls per square foot in the world. Seriously, everywhere you look in Iceland, you will see a waterfall. 
• The Vatnajokull Glacier in south Iceland, in addition to being the largest glacier in the country, is also the largest glacier in all of Europe. 
• Iceland’s water is naturally very fresh and clean, as much of it comes directly from glacial runoff. 
• There are very few trees and no large forests in Iceland, especially in south Iceland. 
• Reindeer are a common sighting in Iceland, especially as you head east. 

Best Time to Visit South Iceland

Iceland can be a great place to visit throughout the year, however, the seasons are very different. During the winter , there is very little light, with just a few hours of light during the middle of the day, and high wind and snow can happen anytime. However, tourism is very low during this time and the chance of seeing the northern lights is high.

Summer is the complete opposite – there is absolutely no darkness, the sky stays light all day long. Summer is still chilly in Iceland, and you can expect to still need winter gear when visiting during summer, as highs are often in the 40’s-60’s. There’s no chance of seeing northern lights, but you can admire the midnight sun. 

Fall and spring look like more “typical” days, with a defined daytime and nighttime, and chances of seeing northern lights. Winds can be high and temperatures very cold, but it’s a great time to visit the country. 

The Wrap Up

Despite having visited many of the great cities of Europe, majestic deserts, stunning mountains, and tropical paradises, Iceland is still the most incredible trip I have done.

You will find a huge variety of dramatic landscapes and features to experience and make lasting memories. So take these tips and go plan your south Iceland adventure!

Recommended Travel Resources

• Travel Insurance: World Nomads .
• Transport: CheapOAir and Skyscanner (Best Sites to Research Flight Prices) 
• Best Car Rental Deals: Rentalcars.com
• Best Sites to Find Hotel Deals: Hotels.com and Booking.com
• My Favorite Hotel Review Website: TripAdvisor
• Best Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide

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Guide To Westman Islands: Iceland's Explosive Pearl

The unrivaled beauty of the south coast.

Travel Guide to the Westman Islands

Related tours

Related blog posts.

The Westman Islands, Iceland's south coast pearl, is rather underrated by tourists. Small enough to be explored in a day, it’s much more beautiful than you think. Join us as we take an in-depth look at this pearl of an island.

With 15 islands and around 30 rocks, the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago is more than a tourist attraction. It's home to around 4500 island inhabitants. According to the New York Times , it's one of the top travel destinations for 2024 - the perfect place for new and seasoned travelers.

Below, we'll look at the islands' ins and outs. We'll explore the islands' history, how they formed, and how you can get there. Also, we give you a list of places worth seeing and activities to participate in.

The Westman Islands History

Volcanic eruptions dictated the island's history. They formed and shaped the island as we know it today. The recent Vestmannaeyjar volcano eruptions created the island of Surtsey, a popular tourist attraction, and almost filled Heimaey's economically important harbor.

Around 875 CE, the island got its now iconic name - Vestmannaeyjar, an Icelandic word for island of west men. The name originates from Gaelic enslaved people, whom the Old Norse called west man. After a horrific event (that’s too graphic to describe), the island earned its now iconic name.

Today, thanks to Vestmannaeyjar - Iceland transportation and infrastructure improvements, the archipelago is as accessible as the main island. Still, the only inhabitable part of the archipelago is the main island of Heymaey.

Getting to the Westman Islands

Getting to the main island of Heymaey is the hard part. However, you can use different forms of transportation to get to and around the islands.

Ferry schedule

Westman Islands ferry is the most convenient and fun way to visit the islands. Why? Because you get to see the beauty of the islands from up close. However, it is crucial to account for the different travel times.

During wintertime , you're going to have to take a 3-hour ferry ride from Þorlákshöfn, around 23 miles (45.6 km) away from the capital city of Reykjavík.

During summertime , you should take a 30-minute ferry ride from Landeyjarhöfn, around 80 miles (130 km) from Reykjavík.

So, if you have a rigorous schedule to follow, ensure you account for the time of travel (to and from the islands).

You can also visit the Westman Islands by domestic flights. However, they come with their cons and pros. While the flights are less frequent, they are quicker, taking around 30 minutes. As you fly, you'll also get a bird's view of the archipelago, its islands, and rocks.

Transportation options

On the island, you can get around in a variety of ways.

You can bring your car to the islands. However, you'll have to pay extra for the transportation.

You can rent a bike or an ATV if you want to go off the road .

There are boat tours that take people around the island.

On the other hand, you can experience everything on foot , at least on Heimaey Island.

Westman Islands Attractions

The islands are packed with sights to see. From volcanoes to funny rock formations, we compiled the best ones below.

Eldfell Volcano

Eldfell volcano - a pain of the past and the main attraction today. Located on Heimaey Island, it serves as a tourist attraction today. It's hard to miss this 660-foot (200-meter) tall volcano. People can walk up to the crater itself and see the belly of the beast. No wonder why, then, it's on the itinerary of many multi-day tours .

If you are up to it, you can visit the Eldheimar Museum. It looks at the volcano's history and how destructive it is. More on that later.

Heimaey Harbor

Named after the island, it's the economic lifeline of the archipelago. It allows ships from mainland Iceland to anchor and unload food, water, and other vital resources. So, when 1973 the Eldfell volcano erupted, people started to panic. As the lava floated down, the danger of filling in the harbor became an almost real possibility.

Luckily, the harbor evaded destruction. Today, it's a gateway to the island for tourists and inhabitants alike. If you ever plan to visit the Westman Islands, you'll encounter the harbor and the moss-covered cliffs yourself. Nearby, you can find the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, which holds a Guinness world record for being the first of its kind.

Surtsey Island

Unlike Heimaey and Iceland islands, Surtsey is sinking slowly into the water due to erosion. However, while it's on top, we enjoy the ashy island. Starting to form during the eruption of 1963, Surtsey Island grew over the four years. When the eruptions ended, the island was 1 square mile (2.7 square kilometers) large.

Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site . While you can’t enter the island itself, there are boat tours that go around it. However, if you don’t have the time, you can visit the Eldheimar Museum to find out more about it.

Eldheimar Museum

As mentioned above, Eldheimar Museum explores the Vestmannaeyjar volcano eruptions that both shaped and almost destroyed the island. Primarily focusing on the Eldfell volcano, the museum looks at life before, during, and after the eruption. Visitors can also learn more about the history of Surtsey Island.

This museum near Eldfell is much more intriguing than you’d expect. It displays lava-ruined houses and is a must-see if you’re hiking to the volcano. For the self-guided tourist, there are audio guides that explore the history of the eruptions.

Stórhöfði Peninsula

You can't miss the Stórhöfði peninsula on the southern side of the main Heimaey island. On the surface, it's a peninsula on an island, part of an archipelago. Inception of beauty. It has cliffs, beaches, rocks and black volcanic sand.

However, what makes the peninsula truly special is the Puffin colony that resides there. If you decide to go to the Westman Islands during the summer seasons, you'll get to see one of the largest colonies of Puffins in Iceland. It is best to do so with a boat tour so as not to disturb the bird population.

Elephant Rock

Islands are interesting, and interesting rock formations are fascinating. This is the case with the Elephant Rock . As the name gives it away, it's a rock that looks like an elephant. Elephant rock. Catchy and beautiful.

Nobody knows the exact date when it formed, but many believe it was during the 1973 eruption. In the next decades, the rock became a tourist attraction. If you want to see it yourself, take a boat tour. You'll get to see it in all its glory. However, if you're planning to visit by car, be careful. The slippy cliffs can ruin your whole vacation experience.

Things to do in the Westman Islands

The fun continues beyond sightseeing. If you have the time (and money) Westman Islands offers many activities to participate in. Some of them are seasonal, and others are not. Either way, we compiled the best activities and listed them below.

Puffin watching tours

You can't leave the Westman Islands archipelago without seeing puffins - the national bird of Iceland. They're funny-looking and dot the islands. These islands have the largest puffin colony in the world.

But what's so interesting about bird watching? Well, despite how it sounds, puffin-watching is rather fun. During the mating seasons of April to August, people see puffins in their natural habitat. There are guided tours that allow you to watch puffins without disturbing them.

Volcano hiking and sightseeing

If you’re up to it, hike up to the more prominent volcanos on the archipelago. Seeing the destructive force up close is as exciting as it sounds. Luckily, you'll find most of them on the home island of Heimaey. 

You can hike up a volcano like Eldfell in multiple ways:

For the best experience, it is best to go with a guided tour . It's the safest and quickest way to reach the more awe-inspiring locations.

If you feel brave, you could go on a self-guided tour . However, the freedom of travel comes with some obvious drawbacks, like getting lost.

Boat tours around the islands

Sometimes, you should sit down and enjoy the view. A boat tour is just that - a lovely, calm way to experience the island. Of course, if the weather is right. 

You can find boat tours that allow you to see sights as:

• Elephant rock.
• Smaller islands of Westman Islands
• Heimaey harbor.
• Puffin mating spots.
• Surtsey island.
• Heimaey Island coast and cliffs.

Visit the Aquarium and Natural History Museum

Visit the Aquarium and Natural History Museum located in the center of Heimaey. There, you'll see Iceland from a more natural point of view. Why is it an activity? Because there is so much to see and experience in just one place.

The museum part displays stuffed animals of different species. These species come, mate, and live on the island. Also, the museum has quite a rock collection. 2000, to be exact, collected by a single couple. However, the museum displays only a few of them.

There's also an aquarium . There, visitors can see the fish caught around the islands. If you time your visit, you'll see the fishes mating and breeding. FYI, to ensure their health, fresh seawater gets pumped into the tank.

Cultural events and festivals

Depending on the month, visitors can attend various festivals and cultural events.

If you're up for some music, the Hljómey Music Festival happens around the last Friday of April. The festival happens all over downtown Heimaey. It marks the beginning of summer on the Westman Islands.

If you're up for some fish dishes, try out Matey Festival . It happens during the early days of September. During the festival, visitors can taste fish dishes created by world-class chefs.

One festival takes it all - Þjóðhátíð . Celebrated at the beginning of August, it started in 1874 and continues to this day. It is the largest festival in the Westman Islands and probably Iceland. It's celebrated with bonfires, music, and loads of people. What more can you ask?

Accommodation and Dining

If you're staying on the island longer than a day, you should plan out your accommodations. Luckily, there are a variety of hotels and campsites to choose from.

Named after the island chain itself, Hótel Vestmannaeyjar is located at the prime spot in the center of the town. It includes everything a Nordic hotel would have: a sauna, spa, and massage salon for people to wind down.

Are you looking for a more luxurious spot? Westman Islands luxury offers just that - undisputed luxury in the form of ocean villas and pier apartments. You get the luxury of mainland Iceland but the outside view of the Westman Islands.

If you're looking for a more chill place to sleep, go no further than Glamping and Camping . The catchy name lives up to the quality of the accommodations. It's cheap, and you can live like a hobbit in The Lord of the Rings .

But what about food? After a long day of tourism, there's nothing better than a tasty deal. Luckily, you can find a lot of food choices on these islands. 

If you're looking for more family-style cuisine, then Gott is the answer. A family of food lovers owns it. The menu includes tasty-looking main dishes and desserts. 

Tasty food at little to no cost to the environment? Look no further than Slippurinn's . It's family-owned, too! The restaurant mixes traditional Icelandic with Modern techniques to create some tasty-looking dishes. The restaurant uses local ingredients to make their dishes.

Beer, pizza - what else can you want? At Pítsugerðin , people can find cold beer and wood-fired pizza. It is a perfect place to wind down after a day of hiking or a long boat tour.

Westman Islands Travel Tips

Every Vestmannaeyjar travel guide has the places and then the tips. These are our travel tips. They are here to make your journey fun and as safe as possible.

• It's best to visit the Westman Islands between June and September. The weather will be nice, the seas will be calmer, and you'll get to the islands quicker.
• Besides the essentials , we suggest packing sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle (best reusable), and a pack for daily hikes. It all depends on how long you intend to stay on the islands.
• You're going to take pictures. Guaranteed. Charge your phone or camera beforehand.
• The largest island of Heimaey is populated for a reason. If you're going to this Westman Island, don't stray too far from it.

FAQs About the Westman Islands

What are the westman islands famous for.

Magnificent beauty and richness. Despite its size, the Westman Islands are brimming with sights to see and activities to participate in.

Is the Westman Islands volcano still active?

The last recorded volcanic eruption on the Westman Islands occurred in 1973. However, if history has anything to say, the island chain sees an eruption happening at least once in a century.

Are there puffins on the Westman Islands?

The islands host the largest colony of Puffins in the world. You can find most of them on Heimaey Island.

Can you camp on the Westman Islands?

The days of pitching your tent anywhere and everywhere are over. If you want to camp on the Westman Islands today, staying at a designated place is best. 

The Herjólfsdalur campgrounds have everything you might need on your one or two-day camping trip. It's located in a valley, so the campsite blocks out some of the wind. The campsite is open from mid-May to mid-September. Also, if you're up for some sport in the evening, there is a nearby golf course.

How long should I spend on Vestmannaeyjar?

One day is just enough to see the main sites of the islands. However, if you want to take a longer hike, get to know the culture, and fully appreciate the view, you should stay for two or more days.

Is it worth visiting the Westman Islands in winter?

Of course! While, yes, summer is the better of the two, the winter season itself offers some clear-cut pros for tourists.

• With fewer tourists around, you'll get the chance to converse with locals and explore the Heimaey island independently.
• You'll get a different view of the Westman Islands, as the islands and rocks will be covered in snow.

However, there are some drawbacks, too.

• You'll have to take a longer ferry ride. It usually takes several hours at best.
• You'll have to spend a lot of time. So make sure you have plenty of that.
• The weather…

All in all, make sure to visit the islands during both summer and winter.

What to Wear Snorkeling

How to Spend 6 Days in Iceland

What to Wear in Iceland

Puffins in Iceland - Everything You Need to Know

Icelandic food

Westman Islands, Volcanoes & Puffins Tour

5 Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula And South Iceland Tour

3 Day South Coast & Golden Circle Tour

Iceland is the puffin watching capital of the world. Bird watchers and scientists from all over the globe come to Iceland to see this interesting species for themselves. Thanks to their incredibly cute and funny appearance, puffin watching ...

Top 15 Icelandic Volcanoes

List of volcanic eruptions in iceland.

Iceland is nicknamed the land of ice and fire. The fire represents the abundance of volcanoes and volcanic systems tucked away in the colorful landscape. Here are the top 15 Iceland Volcanoes!

Heimaey Island

Visit this pearl in the ocean.

Heimaey Island is the main spot to see when visiting Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands. The Westman Islands are an archipelago of 15 islands and some rock stacks that were formed approximately 11,000 years ago.

Heimaklettur Hike in Vestmannaeyjar

Hike the home rock.

Heimaklettur, the highest mountain in the Westman Islands, is a popular hiking destination in Iceland. Find out about the area and the trail in our expert guide.

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7 Best Places To See The Next Solar Eclipse In 2026

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of a total solar eclipse at these 7 incredible locations in 2026. Don't miss out on this celestial phenomenon.

• Solar eclipse lovers can look forward to the next event on August 12, 2026, moving across Spain, Iceland, Siberia, and Greenland.
• Top places to see the total solar eclipse in 2026 include Greenland's Scoresby Sund, the Grotta Lighthouse in Reykjavík, and the Akranes Lighthouse in Iceland.
• Some places like Gijon and Palencia in Spain will only offer a partial eclipse viewing but are still great destinations for travelers.

The last solar eclipse happened in the United States in April 2024, while in mainland Europe, it happened in 1999. Now, it will be less than two years before the next total solar eclipse. Although the excitement has cooled down since the most recent episode, nothing has changed for solar eclipse lovers. Their attention is now on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when the next eclipse is predicted to occur.

This will be a special eclipse moving across Spain, Iceland, Siberia, and Greenland (not in any order). In Iceland, it will be the first eclipse since 1954, and for the Spanish, it will be the second time they will see the phenomenon. Since position matters, those interested in seeing it need to place themselves strategically.

Unfortunately, the total solar eclipse will not be visible in many places. Just like some cities in the USA offered incredible views of the solar eclipse in 2024 , some areas will provide better viewing in Europe. Here are some great locations to catch the total solar eclipse in 2026.

10 Best Stargazing Hotels In The US Where You Can Sleep Under The Clearest Skies

7 scoresby sund, greenland, the best place for those who want to experience the totality of the solar eclipse.

It's predicted that the north of Spain, Iceland, and the coast of the remote country of Greenland could be cloudy during the solar eclipse. However, those taking a cruise ship in the latter, particularly Scoresby Sund, found on the west of Ittoqqortoormiit, will have a clear view of the eclipse.

Greenland's Scoresby Sound is the longest fjord in the world , and interestingly, it lies within the totality path of the eclipse. So, those viewing from this location can witness the moon fully covering the sun. The corona, the outer part of the sun, will also be visible as well as twilight, although briefly.

Also, the region offers stunning scenery as towering mountains, glaciers, and fjord systems surround it. With such unique features, guests can expect a unique backdrop, making the viewing experience even greater. The only challenge is that it can only be accessible by boat, and taking transportation and tours are a bit costly and limited, especially during peak season.

7 European Vacations Under $1,000

6 grotta lighthouse, reykjavík, iceland, great for those who want to see the eclipse while prioritizing convenience and proximity to reykjavík.

Grotta Lighthouse is close to the middle of Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, which offers plenty of things to do . It is another excellent place for solar eclipse viewing. Due to its proximity to Reykjavík, guests can easily find accommodation, transportation, and dining options.

This scenic location is on an incredible rocky outcrop that offers a scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean. As such, it can improve the viewing experience, especially for those coming to Reykjavík for sightseeing. Additionally, since it is on the outskirts of the city, it may offer a clearer view than the downtown area, especially when it is cloudy.

10 Places To See The Northern Lights In The US

5 akranes lighthouse, iceland, offers plenty of eclipse viewing space and a scenic view out to sea.

One of the main things that makes Akranes a great viewing place is that it lies within the path of totality. So, guests will enjoy a total solar eclipse. It is located on the west coast of Iceland, which can be easily reached by car from Reykjavík. That makes it more convenient compared to other remote locations.

The charming town also offers an open view of the horizon, especially towards the north, where the viewers can see the eclipse. Accessibility is essential to capture the full spectacle of the eclipse. The town is also home to many modern hotels, cafés, and restaurants. Even without the solar eclipse, many people flock here to enjoy the tourist attractions.

10 Best Stargazing Hotels Around The World Where You Can Sleep Under The Clearest Skies

4 gijon, spain, suitable for those visiting for other activities besides solar eclipse viewing.

The path of totality, where the moon fully covers the sun, is further north and passes across Iceland, Greenland, and some parts of Russia. Nevertheless, Gijon is still an excellent place for those who don’t mind a limited solar eclipse experience.

Those visiting here can expect a partial viewing experience of the event. This means that the moon will cover a part of the sun, but it won’t do so completely. So, visitors will miss out on the whole corona experience and the twilight effect. But those who don’t mind can enjoy a partial eclipse experience.

Top 10 Historical Landmarks And Attractions To Visit In Spain

3 palencia, spain, perfect for those who want to witness a partial eclipse, enjoy historical sites, and relax on beaches.

Spain will not experience a total solar eclipse, and most of the best viewing places will only showcase the event partially. Still, for travelers whose main focus is not on the solar eclipse, it is a great destination.

Like Gijon, Palencia will also experience a partial eclipse. So, while the moon will cover the sun, it will not cover the whole sun, and guests can still get a glimpse of the solar eclipse.

Because of its location, Palencia might have a high percentage of the sun being blocked compared to other parts of southern Spain. However, don’t expect a total eclipse here.

10 Best Places To See The Northern Lights Around The World

2 cala vadella, ibiza, spain, this town will experience a partial eclipse but it’s perfect for those who want a vacation in spain at the same time.

The path of totality lies further north, making it hard for Spanish people to see a total solar eclipse. However, travelers who find themselves in Spain can head to this town to enjoy a partial eclipse. Due to its location, Cala Vadella has a slightly higher percentage of the sun obscured, but there still won’t be a total eclipse.

The Ibiza Islands are the perfect place for those looking for affordable vacation spots in Spain , and the charming town of Cala Vadella, part of the Ibiza Islands, is ideal for nature lovers and people who love to party. So, if the solar eclipse is not the main event and you don’t mind seeing it partially, it is a perfect destination.

10 Things To Do In Ibiza That Will Show You The Island's Vibrant Culture & Natural Beauty

1 northern tip of the taymyr peninsula, russia, a destination for experienced adventurers with the skills and resources to be in a remote environment.

Most parts of Russia will not experience the 2026 solar eclipse, but the extreme zone in the north is predicted to. The Northern Tip of the Taymyr Peninsula is a remote and sparsely populated area that will experience the event briefly. The eclipse will last only for a few minutes, but that is enough to fascinate any onlookers.

It’s wise to note that because of the remoteness, many people will find it challenging to get here, and even those who manage are not guaranteed great weather or a clear view of the solar eclipse.

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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Money latest: These are the most in-demand holiday destinations this year

Welcome back to our Money blog, where we bring you all the latest consumer and personal finance news and tips. This week we're kicking off by talking about holidays (seeing as the sun has finally come out), and we're answering a reader's Money Problem on an undeclared management fee.

Monday 6 May 2024 12:32, UK

• The most in-demand holiday destinations this year
• Interest rates, inflation and fuel prices: What you need to know about economy this week
• Money Problem: My daughter discovered undeclared £600 management fee after buying her flat - can we complain?

Essential reads

• GoFundMe and loan sharks: How Britain's poorest are burying their loved ones in 2024
• Cinema first is back - so should movie lovers unsubscribe? 
• 10 biggest mistakes people make in job interviews I Tell us your job interview mistakes/stories/tips in the comments box
• State pensions 'could be in doubt for future generations'
• New ISA rules were supposed to help savers - they've just made everything more complicated 
• Train strikes in May - everything you need to know

Ask a question or make a comment

By Emily Mee , Money team

Scroll through GoFundMe and it won't be long before you see them.

There's a widow left with her husband's financial struggles. Three young siblings trying to raise funds for their mum's send-off after her sudden death. A 25-year-old domestic violence victim whose family want to give her the send-off she deserves. 

There are scores of pages like this as an apparently increasing number of Britons struggle with funeral costs.

These costs have risen 126% in the last two decades, according to a recent report from SunLife. 

Where families would once have paid £1,835 for a basic funeral, they are now looking at costs of £4,141 on average. 

"People can't afford to bury their dead," says Pastor Mick Fleming, who runs the charity Church On The Street. 

He frequently spends his time helping families pay for funerals and providing his services as a minister for free, although he says there is simply too much demand for his small charity to help everyone. 

Government or local authority grants are available to help families with funeral costs, but Pastor Mick says these can come too late as undertakers will often require a partial payment upfront. 

There's an even darker side to this, too. 

"What we're now seeing is people who are poor can't walk into the bank and get a bank loan - the economy's tough at the minute," Pastor Mick says. 

"They can't get legitimate access to money so they can't borrow it and pay a decent standard rate back, so they have to go to loan sharks."

Many then find it impossible to pay the loan back and face threats from the criminals who lent them the money, says Pastor Mick.

He recalls: "There was a middle-aged lady, she had to borrow the money to bury her son. 

"She couldn't pay the money back so then she started to get threatened and intimidated. People turning up at the house. 

"It was pretty horrendous. She was getting suicidal. She was heartbroken already and she just couldn't get the money together."

The pastor says he was able to negotiate on her behalf - something he is now having to do as part of his charity work - but "you can't do that for everybody". 

A funeral without a service

The number of funeral-related fundraisers increased by 22% on GoFundMe last year, figures shared with Sky News reveal. 

Individual donations to these fundraisers increased by almost 400,000.

Many of these are trying to avoid their loved one being given a public health funeral, which is what happens if families are unwilling or unable to pay. 

Local authorities are legally obliged to carry out funerals in this case, but they are given little guidance from the government on what this should entail - meaning each council will have its own policy on what is or isn't included. 

In some cases, a service will not be offered and a person will be cremated or buried without the presence of family members. 

Other times, the family may be allowed to attend but they might not be able to get involved in the service. 

Generally, people will be cremated, unless they have asked not to be for religious or cultural reasons. 

Those who are buried will often have a grave with no marker, or they may be placed in a communal grave. 

"For someone that's lost a child or a husband or a wife or any loved one where you just haven't been able to provide closure, there's a sense of guilt that goes with it," Pastor Mick says.

As long as funeral costs remain eye-wateringly high, families across the country will be dealing with that guilt. 

This week will see the Bank of England announce its latest interest rates decision - and experts believe borrowers will have to wait longer to see rates come down. 

Policymakers appear set to hold out for stronger signs the cost-of-living crisis has abated, with economists widely expecting the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to keep rates at the current level of 5.25%. 

Rates have been held at this level since August last year. 

At the last meeting in March, just one member of the MPC voted for rates to be cut by 0.25 percentage points, but the remaining eight members voted for no change.

Philip Shaw, chief economist at Investec, said: "This broad direction illustrates that collectively the committee is moving gradually towards a rate cut.

"It seems unlikely though to be ready to bite the bullet just yet and the Bank rate looks set to remain on hold at 5.25% for the sixth consecutive meeting."

Andrew Goodwin, chief UK economist for Oxford Economics, said data on services inflation and private sector regular pay growth has "likely extinguished any remaining hopes of a move in May".

As for whether rates could be cut in June or August, he said it is likely to be a "close call". 

Economists at HSBC are also expecting the first rate cut to come in June.

Interest rates are used as a tool to help bring down UK inflation. 

The brewing giant has announced it will invest £39m in revamping 600 of its pubs across the UK - a move that will create more than 1,000 new jobs. 

The investment plan will also see pubs in its retail arm, Star Pubs & Bars, revitalised to appeal to those working from home. 

Sixty-two pubs will be reopened this year and 94 sites are set for full refurbishments. 

The remaining pubs will receive varying upgrades. 

Heineken said it wanted to "broaden each pub's use and appeal" in response to an increase in people working from home, giving customers more reason to visit throughout the day.

The refurbished pubs will have dividing screens to create separate areas for different types of customers. 

Lawson Mountstevens, chief executive at Star Pubs & Bars, said: "Fundamentally, the changes in people's working habits means that in a lot of these suburban locations, you've got more people who are around those areas a lot more.

"It's not rocket science. Those people are looking for pubs of a certain standard."

Aldi remained the cheapest supermarket last month, new analysis shows. 

The retailer has won the crown of cheapest supermarket every month so far this year, according to research by Which?. 

An average basket of 67 popular groceries cost £112.90 - more than £30 cheaper than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose. 

A basket of comparable items in Waitrose would cost £144.13 on average. 

Here is the breakdown for each supermarket... 

• Aldi - £112.90
• Lidl - £115.23 
• Asda - £126.98
• Tesco - £128.17 
• Sainsbury's - £131.02 
• Morrisons - £134.87 
• Ocado - £136.86 
• Waitrose - £144.13. 

Food price inflation has slowed to 4.5%, its lowest level since February 2022. 

Despite being the most expensive, Waitrose and Ocado were the only grocers to win new shoppers in the first three months of the year, according to research by Kantar. 

Every Monday we get an expert to answer your money problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

"My daughter recently bought a flat and has since learnt there is an extra £600 a year management fee that was not declared by the vendor during the sales process. We have been told that the vendor was heavily involved in negotiating the management contract. Can we complain?" J Mills

Serena Amani, managing director at Monarch Solicitors , has this advice...

The general principle when buying a property is "buyer beware", which means the onus is on the buyer to perform their due diligence before contracting to purchase.

The buyer's conveyancing solicitor interrogates the contractual documentation and raises relevant enquiries to ensure the full facts and obligations are available to the buyer to make an informed decision.

In this situation, it appears the seller has failed to disclose the management fee - we assume relating to the services provided to the estate.

We can't give specific advice as we don't have access to the contractual documentation. However, we would suggest:

• To check if the obligation to pay a management fee is set out in the lease if it is a leasehold property, or the transfer deed if it is a freehold property. These documents should contain what services are provided and what the related charges are. The most common scenario is that of a leasehold flat. In this situation the services shall be set out under the service charges section. Generally, there is a provision that allows a management company to charge a management fee as a percentage of the overall service charge bill which is shared among all the leaseholders based on the size of their apartment.
• If the obligation to pay the management fee is in the contract and your conveyancer failed to notify you of this obligation, there is a potential negligence claim against the conveyancer which can be pursued through their complaints process and escalated to the legal ombudsman.
• In the rare instance that the management fee is not stipulated in the contract, then you may wish to contact the management company to obtain certified accounts for the services provided and ask them on what contractual basis they are charging a management fee. Management companies are obliged by statute to provide this information.
• If there is no contractual basis or the fees are unreasonable then you may consider bringing a claim before the property tribunal. The tribunal has the power to make a ruling on the reasonability of the management fees. It should be noted that it can be a long and arduous process and legal fees are not always recoverable even if successful.
• Where a seller has supplied misleading information about a property that materially influenced the decision to purchase the property, this could give rise to a claim for misrepresentation. Likewise, intentional concealment of this information during the sales process could constitute a breach of contract or misrepresentation. 

For more specific advice, you may wish to contact a property lawyer experienced in the conveyancing process and service charge disputes.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about.  Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via - and please leave your contact details as we cannot follow up consumer disputes without them.

• The form above - make sure you leave a phone number or email address
• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog"
• WhatsApp us  here .

The long-awaited arrival of the sun in the last few days may have got you thinking ahead to the summer... which for many means holidays.

New analysis sent to the Money team has revealed the holiday resorts that Britons have been searching for over the last few months - although it's not a particularly sun-soaked destination that has come out on top.

Amsterdam is the most in-demand holiday destination for the UK, according to a study by Desert Safari Dubai Tours. 

The company looked at Google search data over the past 12 months to find which holiday destinations were most popular in the UK, using terms such as "holidays to", "flights to" and "trips to". 

Some 57,507 searches were carried out each month for trips to Amsterdam. 

The second most in-demand was Dubai , with an average of 52,544 monthly searches. 

Here is the rest of the list...

• New York - 51,169 
• Paris - 43,326 
• Tenerife - 43,305
• Barcelona - 41,664
• Dublin - 38,801
• Gran Canaria - 33,907
• Milan - 28,549
• Istanbul - 28,097

Meanwhile, data from holiday booking site Expedia suggests Britons are chasing the sun over the summer. 

Its trending destination data shows a 50% increase in searches for mainland Greece - while its islands of Santorini and Corfu remain popular. 

Interest is also surging in Mediterranean gem Malta (up 25%), seen as a more affordable destination. 

Searches are also up 50% for Albania , which has seen a surge in interest due to social media. 

The short-haul hotspot of Tunis has seen searches rocket by 130%. 

We're back for another week of consumer news, personal finance tips and all the latest on the economy.

This is how the week in the Money blog is shaping up...

Today : Every week we ask industry experts to answer your Money Problems . Today, a Money blog reader believes they may have been misled when buying their flat - but what can they do?

Tuesday : This week's  Basically...  explains everything you need to know about the Bank of England, ahead of Thursday's base rate decision. 

Wednesday : We speak to the chef at Tom Kerridge's two-starred pub The Hand And Flowers in Buckinghamshire for his Cheap Eats.

Thursday : It's decision day for the Bank of England, and while interest rates are expected to be held at 5.25%, we may learn more about when a cut will come.  Savings Champion  founder Anna Bowes will be back with her weekly insight into the savings market.

Friday : We will be getting the latest GDP figures on this day - which could signal the UK is no longer in recession. Plus, we'll have everything you need to know about the mortgage market this week with the guys from Moneyfacts.

Running every weekday, Money features a morning markets round-up from the  Sky News business team  and regular updates and analysis from our business, City and economic correspondents, editors and presenters -  Ed Conway ,  Mark Kleinman ,  Ian King ,  Paul Kelso  and  Adele Robinson .

You'll also be able to stream  Business Live with Ian King  weekdays at 11.30am and 4.30pm.

Bookmark  news.sky.com/money  and check back from 8am, and through the day, each weekday.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

You filled out the job application, got the call (they're interested, phew!), but now... it's interview day.

If the thought of selling yourself to a stranger brings you out in a cold sweat, you're not alone - but you can help yourself by not making the following common mistakes...

1. Not dressing app ropriately

Paul Webley, managing director of Blaze Media Digital Marketing Agency in Merseyside, says: "If you are coming for an interview in a marketing agency, dress smart. No need to be in a suit. It's cute if you are but just dress how you would expect to dress in the job and, if in doubt, err on the side of being slightly smarter.

"With us, there are loads of photos of the team in the office on the website and socials (which you should have looked at) so there is no excuse."

Tell us your interview mistakes/stories/tips in the comments box

2. Handshake mishaps

Paul's second interview mistake is: "This one is a real pet hate and probably doesn't matter as much in the current world but... learn how to shake a person's hand. You have to do this within every job from time to time.

"There is nothing more off-putting than a limp shake. Having a firm, polite handshake is a basic human skill in business and beyond."

3. Complaining

This is another one from Paul: "We had someone a few months ago tell us that they didn't think they should have to come into the office for an interview. This was for an office-based role. If they don't think it's worth coming in then the job is not going to be for them."

4. Not checking your tech

Tas Ravenscroft, senior consultant at recruitment firm Cherry Pick People , says: "Overlooking details like the interview location or the platform being used (such as Teams), and not testing your tech beforehand, can disrupt the interview process. This is especially crucial as most first interviews are now conducted via video conferencing."

5. Bad mouthing previous employers

Tas says: "We see that candidates sometimes feel too comfortable on interview and decide to talk about their past experiences (if aggrieved) negatively, which is a big NO. Instead, my advice is to focus on the lessons learned and how you've grown from challenges in your career."

6. Not asking questions - or asking about benefits or sick pay policy

Tas says: "There are no right or wrong answers to this, but asking questions at the end of the interview is a big YES. It shows you're interested, engaged and would like the opportunity to either progress or land the role.

"I'd say in your first interview, ask about company culture, day to day tasks, expectations of this role, who's the best performer and why? 

"Questions I'd stay away from are benefit-related questions, or I recently had someone ask what the sick pay policy was like in the first interview… Safe to say they didn't get invited back. If you work with a recruiter, you will have salary and benefits info before, so no need to ask on interview."

7. Not showing enthusiasm

For Mike Carlucci, managing director of Reading-based Italian-food importer  Tenuta Marmorelle , this is a big one: "A lot of people at the moment are applying for everything and anything. They apply for hundreds of jobs.

"The result is that you get applicants who are not enthusiastic or passionate about the role or sector as they see it just as a job. There are few people looking for actual careers at the moment. In our industry, the food industry, you need to have passion and enthusiasm."

8. Talking too much

Andrew MacAskill, founder of Executive Career Jump , says: "Sometimes this is down to nerves, other times it is down to overthinking and often it is due to the questions being too broad, which leads to them saying lots and hoping the right answer is in there somewhere."

Ian Nicholas, global managing director at Reed , says a common slip-up people make is to carry on talking after giving their answer.

"Some interviewers may purposely leave a pause just to see how the interviewee will react under the pressure - so be confident in what you've said and know when you've finished."

9. Under-preparation

Habiba Khatoon, director of Robert Walters UK , says: "This means they haven't researched the company, are unaware of the key aspects of the role they are interviewing for and can't make connections between their CV and experience and the role.

"Most interviewers can easily catch on when a candidate has turned up unprepared and when they do, they can lose interest in that candidate quite quickly."

Italian food importer Mike agrees: "It is so important to spend five minutes to go on to the website, see what the company does, how they started and any general information you can get. This really makes someone stand out from the 100s of applicants."

10. Being late - or too early

James Rowe, managing director of the Recruitment Experts , says: "I would suggest arriving 20 minutes early to give you time to prepare, but don't walk through the door too soon! Turning up five to 10 minutes prior to your interview start time shows you're punctual but won't rush the hiring manager… they need breaks too!"

By Brad Young , Money team

Almost half of Britons (45%) subscribe to two or more streaming services, according to comparison website Finder, but box office figures show the theatre-going experience is making a comeback. 

The pendulum is swinging back from streaming-first to theatre-first releases, and streaming platforms like Amazon and Apple are making moves on to the big screen with the likes of Saltburn and American Fiction, or Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon. 

That means movie-lovers are facing a conundrum, according to a senior media analyst: should they prioritise spending cash on trips to the cinema or on streaming if they want to see the biggest and best movies? 

"People are making decisions on 'what am I going to allocate to the movie theatre experience, what am I going to allocate to streaming?'" Paul Dergarabedian, of Comscore, told the Money blog.

Cinema's revival is real, according to Philip Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association. 

"Certainly the major US studios see the theatrical experience, the big screen experience, as where they want their major films to be and then benefitting from the promotional buzz that comes from that," Mr Clapp said. 

Disney chief executive Bob Iger said last year that theatrically released films were "great sub drivers".

"We benefit greatly from the power of our great films, they drive so much engagement and so much interest in our platforms," he said, pointing to Moana, Marvel, Star Wars and Avatar.

Mr Clapp added this year was a "key stepping stone" to an offering similar to before the pandemic, but cinema wouldn't be back to full strength until next year.

In the pandemic, studios experimented with straight-to-streaming releases, which continued even after restrictions fell away.

Mr Dergarabedian said: "When the pandemic hit it was a real stress test on the industry because a lot of people thought theatrical was dying on the vine and that it would be going away at some point in the near future - and then the pandemic accelerated that demise in the minds of some."

But audiences have voted with their feet and instructed studios they want more variety: international films, stadium concert films, videogame adaptations, prestige films and horrors.

Smile, a Paramount horror movie on a $17m budget that could have been straight-to-streaming, had a "great result" at the box office, said Mr Dergarabedian, as did Five Nights at Freddy's. 

Low and mid-budget movies have been the slowest to recover but are returning to the big screen, making the theatre offering more diverse this year, Mr Clapp added.

Mr Dergarabedian said Universal's "diverse portfolio" was the one to beat: it spent the last year putting out everything from action films like Fast X, prestige movies like Oppenheimer, animations like Migration and some spookier offerings too.

Going theatrical still comes with a risk, the analyst said. A flop on the big screen leaves studios with a big hit to their bottom line, having spent large amounts on distribution and marketing. 

But films "tend to have more value" once they arrive on a streaming platform if they were released in cinemas first, including lower budget movies.

Each week, Money blog readers share their thoughts on the subjects we've been covering, and over the past seven days your correspondence has been dominated by these topics...

Brexit rule changes

• Our feature on manifesting
• The prospect of disability payments becoming vouchers

Britons could face higher food prices, and even empty supermarket shelves, as new post-Brexit border fees were introduced this week, industry figures warned.

These comments - while perhaps not representative of the whole country - are definitely reflective of the majority view in our inbox...

It's almost like Brexit was a terrible idea… To think our politicians would do anything but make things worse was beyond naive. People let their prejudice override common sense that most politicians look out for themselves and not the country's best interests… Joe

Others suggested the government should be turning its eyes to the issue rather than elsewhere...

Food prices rise even though they told us they would fall and yet the priority is sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. Isn't it about time the UK started to listen to people's problems rather than a very loud minority? Lee

Several people suggested the solution was growing all our own food - which is often talked about, but producers and importers point out the UK climate makes it less achievable to mass produce certain foods at a low cost than in southern Europe.

Disability vouchers?

Reports this week suggested disabled people could receive vouchers instead of monthly payments under proposed government changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The story resulted in a backlash among our commenters... 

Absolutely barking mad. Disabilities aren't an option. Can't be fixed with words. And can happen to anyone at anytime. Time to get a grip. Rob

Others suggested it was a symptom of a wider failure within the system...

I don't know how the government can take away vital PIP money and say they can replace it with better mental health support. My daughter is waiting for a PIP assessment and also an assessment for ADHD - the latter's wait time is currently four years. Matmac33

Can you 'manifest' financial success? 

Moving to our manifesting feature, which prompted a lot of cynicism. If you haven't read it yet, you can do so  here ... 

Some of our readers are believers... 

I manifest things in my life. Be it money, people or events I've had dreams about, there's more magic in the universe than most people know of. Steve

I believe in manifestation in terms of positive thinking. You'll never get anywhere if you're always assuming the worst. But you do have to put the leg work in for what you want, it won't fall in to your lap. Jim Carrey didn't get that £10m acting job sitting under a tree! Caroline D

Others, well, not so much...

Why are you giving space to this specious guff manifestation? Does it work for the poverty-stricken, starving millions without basic infrastructure and education, or those suffering in warzones across the world? I wonder what they want "manifesting" in their lives? FM1

"Manifesting", what a load of rubbish! I can't believe this is one of the top stories on Sky News. David

And finally, in our weekly round-up of your comments...

This comment section is a COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME. Sky NEVER publishes its readers' views. John Hammond

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