Riddled with gorgeous steep-cliffed glaciers and windswept national parks, the places to visit in Iceland beg a visit. Whether you’re looking for the quiet charm of old Viking villages, or the dazzling natural resplendence of its volcanoes and lakes, these tourist attractions will leave you asking for more. From steep waterfalls to nature reserves, Iceland is home to some of the most beautiful attractions in all of Europe. The glacial lakes in the country are some of the best tourist attractions in Iceland- whether it is the chilling beauty of Jokulsarlon or the warm and milk-blue waters of the Askja Caldera, each attraction here is more special than the last one.
Those looking for a quiet vacation can also opt to visit one of the many fishing villages here, which are some of the best places in Iceland. From Hella with its whale spotting activities to the snow-capped mountains of Siglufjörður, these little towns and villages are the pride of Iceland. Several Iceland attractions also serve as prominent vantage points to enjoy the northern lights from, with the Kirkjufell mountain and Mount Esja being two of the best of such points.
Must Visiting Places
1. Reykjavik
This is a walkable city with many museums, restaurants, attractions, public art, and entertainment. You will enjoy walking up and down the city streets and perhaps stop into one of the many artsy and boutique shops to buy a wool sweater or lava pottery.
You can also book a Reykjavik Food Walk Tour and nibble your way through Reykjavik’s food scene enjoying local cheeses, or try an authentic Icelandic hot dog. Some of the best resorts in Iceland are in Reykjavik, so you can base yourself in the city and take day trips. An extremely popular way to visit nearby areas is on a South Coast Full Day Tour by Minibus from Reykjavik.
2. Akureyri
Akureyri is the fourth largest municipality in the country. The well-paved roads, cute little houses, and charming cafes add to the beauty of this town.
Akureyri is packed with a myriad of attractions, including cafes, pools, hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural baths. The top places to check out in the town of Akureyri, include Laufas Turf Houses, Myvatn and Grjotagja hot spring, Dettifoss waterfall, Godafoss waterfall, Asbyrgi canyon, Lake Mývatn, Akureyri Art Museum, and the Akureyri Botanical Gardens.
3. Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a geothermal spa found on the Reykjanes Peninsula .The Blue Lagoon is an outdoor spa where you can enjoy from massages to cocktails amid gorgeous surroundings to relax and rejuvenate yourself, enclosed by impeccable nature. You also get overnight accommodation and dining options here. The hot spring features innumerable healing elements that occur naturally.
4. Gullfoss Waterfall
Magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall lies around 90 minutes west of Reykjavik and is one of the best waterfalls in Iceland. The river Hvítá plummets into a canyon, which forms three-step terraces, creating a powerful torrent. Gullfoss encompasses two cascades; the upper one drops 11 meters, while the lower one cascades about 21 meters.
Torrents of water flow over Gullfoss at an average rate of 109 cubic meters per second, although heavy floods have recorded an astonishing rate of nearly twenty times that.
5. Watch Spectacular Geysers
This highly active hot spring area lies in the southwest of Iceland beside the Hvítá River and is a favorite stop along what’s known as the Golden Circle. Boiling mud pits and around 100 other smaller exploding geysers are waiting to be explored here. Every few minutes, Strokkur shoots water 30 meters into the air. Visit the Geysir Center for exhibits and informative presentations year-round. One popular day tour to the area is the Golden Circle Classic Day Trip from Reykjavik.
6. The Northern Lights
The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, are among the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Auroras are linked to solar wind, a flow of ions radiating from the sun. These particles become ensnared in the earth’s magnetic field and collide with atmospheric molecules, causing bursts of energy, which appear as large circles around the poles.
Since the appearance of the northern lights is unpredictable, most hotels and lodging operators can provide you with nightly predictions before you go to bed and add you to an overnight call list.
7. Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve
The main features of this mystical landscape are the multi-hued rhyolite mountains, Hekla volcano, and extensive lava fields. Hiking and horse riding are popular things to do here, and hikes range from a couple of hours to several days. A mountain lodge (Landmannalaugar Hut) with basic facilities accommodates 75 people. Expect raw nature, rugged scenery, and utterly spectacular views.
8. Maelifell Volcano & Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park
South of Landmannalaugar lies Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park, which for safety reasons can only be visited during summer. Large amounts of rain soak the area, particularly in winter, when roads can be severely damaged. Maelifell volcano is the undisputed jewel-in-the-crown of this wild, rugged glacial landscape. The park is full of volcanoes, hot springs, and other remarkable sites. To the west of Myrdalsjökull is a smaller glacier, Eyjafjallajökull (Island Mountain Glacier). A popular and thrilling way to explore is by snowmobile.
9. Harpa
Nighttime is one of the best times to see the array of colorful lights emanating from this honeycomb-shaped structure. Harpa is a treasured landmark in Iceland, attracting international performances ranging from violinists and classical music to performing arts. This venue makes for a great night out in the heart of the city. Enjoy dinner at one of Harpa’s two restaurants and go for a stroll outside along the waterfront after the performance.
10. The Skaftafell Ice Cave
In the south of the country, Vatnajökull National Park is a land of glaciers and magnificent ice caves that attracts adventurers from across the globe. This vast national park (one of three in Iceland) is divided into four sections and consists of Vatnajökull glacier and its surroundings.
If seen at the right time, the cave is bathed in spectacular blue light. Group visits to all areas can be arranged off-season. The treks get you on the ice for an unforgettable experience to see glacial cracks and caves and even drink fresh water from small pools on the surface.
11. Hella
Initially home to Irish settlers, the town has gradually developed into a thriving tourist hub. The gushing Ytri-Tunga is an ideal spot for amateur fishing, although travelers at Hella can also partake in a number of other sports such as sledding and horse-riding. Hiking is also a popular activity here, particularly at the hauntingly beautiful Hekla, the active volcano looking at a distance.
12. Búðir
Búðir is home to Búðahraun, the sweeping lava field that now serves as nature reserve here. Jet black lava rocks and windswept grasses cover the hamlet in all directions, adding to the beauty of the place. Other attractions here include the petite and picturesque church of Búðakirkja, known for its 17th century designs, and the gorgeous Bjarnarfoss waterfall.
13. Langjökull
One of the best places in Iceland for snowmobile safaris, Langjökull is home to some of the best high altitude hiking trails in the country. Near its highest peaks is a man made tunnel, offering a gorgeous drive tour into the interiors of the icy glacier. Home to several glacial lakes, Langjökull also forms a major part of The Golden Circle, which is Iceland’s most scenic tour route.
14. An Active Volcano
In the northern region of Vatnajökull National Park, the Askja caldera and the geothermal pool in the Dyngjufjöll Mountains are not for the faint-hearted. However, if you’d like to say you’ve taken a dip in a live volcano, then this is for you.
The water in Viti, the geothermal pool and volcanic crater is generally around 30 degrees Celsius. A word of warning, the banks can be very slippery, particularly in wet weather.
15. Dettifoss Waterfall
Dettifoss, in the north of Vatnajökull National Park, truly is a breathtaking example of the raw power of nature. Along easy paths from Dettifoss, Selfoss is a smaller waterfall around one kilometer upstream with a drop of around 10 meters. Below Dettifoss, the Hafragilsfoss waterfall tumbles 27 meters into a steep canyon. It’s more advisable to drive than walk to Hafragilsfoss. A powerful mist surrounds the waterfall on all sides, making it one of the most dazzling places to see in Iceland. A small observation platform before the falls offers fantastic front seat views to it. Several hiking trails snake their way across the falls, offering some splendid views of the area.
16. Kirkjufell Mountain
Dotted about the surroundings, you’ll discover small streams and waterfalls. During winter, Kirkjufell is a great place to watch the awe-inspiring northern lights. Eyrbyggja Heritage Centre holds exhibitions on Grundarfjördur’s seafaring history and is the information center for the whole peninsula.
17. Vík í Mýrdal
The city houses the crashed DC 3 plane which attracts more than a million visitors to Iceland. The unique black sand beach is also one of best places to visit in Iceland. Places To Visit In Vestmannaeyjar Black Sand Beach, Dyrholaey, Reynisfjara Beach, Myrdalsjokull Glacier, Vik Church, and more. Paragliding with Tandem, stroll on the unique black sand beach, explore the geologic formations of Myrdalsjokull Glacier, and more.
18. Vestmannaeyjar
Owing its existence to the underwater volcanic eruptions, Vestmannaeyjar is a distinct archipelago located on the southern coast of Iceland. Comprising of famous volcanoes like Helgafell, and Eldfell, the islands of Surtsey and Heimaey are the best ones to be explored when in Iceland. Places To Visit In Vestmannaeyjar Eldheimar, Saeheimar Aquarium, The Brothers Brewery, Lyngfell Stables, Storhofdi, and more. Boating at Heimaey island, go puffin watching, relish a delicious lunch at the famous Gott restaurant, and more.
19. Arnarstapi
Located at the foothills of Mount Stapafell, Arnarstapi is quaint, little fishing town that serves as a great offbeat destination in Iceland. Places To Visit In Arnarstapi: Gatklettur, Port Arnarstapi, Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss Statue, Jules Verne Monument, and more. Explore Ytri-Tunga – the seal beach, visit the Black little church, discover the Vatnshellir cave, relish delicious fish soup at Gamla Rif, and more.
20. Mount Esja
Rising to a height of about 900 meters above sea level, the mountain serves as one of the best trekking destinations in Iceland. Little rivers snake their way across the mountainside, adding to the charm of the place. The waters of these rivers are said to be clean enough to be drunk directly. The flat-topped mountain is also known for its stunning views of the glaciers, and is regarded as a great viewpoint for the Northern Lights.
21. Lake Myvatn & Nature Reserve
A little over an hour’s easterly drive from Akureyri is Myvatn in northern Iceland. It is a lake district famous for its wealth of birdlife, rich fauna, and large shallow body of water. Bubbling clay pits, sulphuric fumes, and lava formations all form part of this unique landscape which is still in flux.
One of the most interesting scenic features of Myvatn is the rootless vents formed by the volcanic eruption. While the landforms resemble craters, they did not have a lava flow, but the volcanic activity still resulted in their creation, adding to a stunning and unique appearance around the lake.
22. Dyrholaey
Offering staggering views of the Iceland coast, Dyrholaey is often visited by tourists for its stunning views. A historic lighthouse dots the shore, flashing at the sea every few minutes. The most prominent attraction at Dyrholaey, however, is its rock arch promenade, formed through erosion over several hundred years. The area is also scattered with wildlife like Eider ducks and Atlantic puffins, making it one of the best tourist places in Iceland for birdwatchers.
23. Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This postcard-perfect peninsula flaunts diverse landscapes, including stunning rock outcrops, rugged coastlines, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches, beautiful churches, small charming fishing villages, vividly colored lighthouses, and breathtaking volcanic structures.
Visitor can spend time admiring the breathtaking Gerðuberg basalt cliffs, sampling the water of the Ölkelda Mineral Spring, and enjoying seal sighting tours at the Ytri Tunga beach. You can also take a refreshing dip in the Lýsuhólslaug swimming pool, visit the echoing Sönghellir cave, experience hiking a glacier at Snæfellsjökull National Park, and take an exploration tour of the Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge.
24. Vatnajokull National Park
Constituted by Skaftafell National Park and Jokulsargljufur National Park, Vatnajokull National Park features diverse landscapes, including glacial ice, geothermal activities, and shimmering rivers. The volcanoes of Snaefell, Kverkfjoll, and Askja, along with mountain Herdubreid form one of the major attractions of this park. Flaunting an electric blue color, the intriguing ice caves offer a sight to behold. One of the most adventure-friendly places to visit in Iceland, Vatnajokull National Park also offers a host of other adrenaline-pumping activities, including snowmobiling, ATV rides, and ice climbing.
25. The Pearl Observatory (Perlan)
Originally the site of the city’s gigantic thermal water tanks, “Perlan” as it’s known locally is one of Reykjavik’s landmark buildings. The hill is particularly pleasant, with bicycle trails an footpaths zigzagging up and down. The observatory affords stunning views over the city. Also on-site is a revolving restaurant, as well as gourmet and souvenir shops.
26. Golden Circle Route
Situated at east of Reykjavik, the Golden Circle encompasses three important locations – Geysir area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Visitors are enjoy breathtaking attractions, including thundering waterfalls, quaint villages, charming geysers, impressive historic sites, Icelandic horse farms, Lutheran churches, and dramatic cliffs.
