There are so many amazing places to visit in Iceland it’s hard to know where to start. With unique geology, dramatic volcanic landscapes and charming towns, these are our favourite things to do in Iceland.
Iceland packs a punch.
With a fragile crust, stretched across two tectonic plates and a soul-satisfying personality, there are places to visit in Iceland that are unlike anywhere else in the world. Standing in a 45-kilometre caldera; wandering through steaming lava fields, and witnessing the northern lights, Iceland invokes the senses and baffles the mind.
In a country that’s no bigger than the state of Kentucky, Iceland has a greedy stash of iconic things to do, mesmerising landmarks, geological wonders and breath-taking wild vistas. There are adventurous excursions to isolated locations, and easy road trips along tourist-tempting sights.
This guide was decades in the making. Our first trip was over 20 years ago, and 4 visits later we’re still discovering exactly what this country has to offer.
We’ve organised the top places to visit in Iceland by region. Find the places that interest you the most, then use our other guides to help plan and book your Iceland experience.
01 – Planning your Iceland trip
02 – Recommended Iceland Itineraries
Booking your trip via the links on this page (or on our book page) will earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark.
IN THIS GUIDE
PLACES TO VISIT IN ICELAND
MAP / THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND
You can find all our favourite places to visit in Iceland on the map below. They are colour-coded for each of the different regions of Iceland: southwest, south central, southeast, eastfjords, north, the highlands and west Iceland.
All of these destinations are accessible by a 2WD car, except the locations in the highlands marked in red. To access these places, you’ll need a 4×4 rental car, to join a tour or take the highland bus.
How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTHWEST ICELAND
1 – GOLDEN CIRCLE (THINGVELLIR, GEYSER, GULFOSS)
The Golden Circle is an iconic loop of three of the best places to visit in Iceland and is easily accessible from Reykjavík. The main stops on the Golden Circle are Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and Geysir.
Þingvellir was the site of the Icelandic parliament from the year 930 until 1798. It’s set on a dramatic location between the north American and Eurasian tectonic plates with a clearly visible fault line. Þingvellir is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gullfoss – Golden Falls – is a dramatic Iceland Waterfall, wedged into a crevice of the Hvítá canyon. It falls down a curved staircase in two stages creating a magnificent plume of spray.
Geysir is the famous spouting hot spring that can reach up to 70 metres. It erupts around 3 times a day, but the nearby Strokkur is much more frequent throwing plumes of water into the air every ten to fifteen minutes.
2 – BLUE LAGOON
There are plenty of hot springs in Iceland, but none are more famous than the Blue Lagoon. Located 50 kilometres (31 miles) south of Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon is just 20 minutes’ drive from Keflalvík airport, so it’s the perfect thing to do in Iceland at the start or end of your trip.
Although artificially pooled, the water in the Blue Lagoon is naturally heated from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. The milky blue appearance is due to the high content of silica which you can rub on your face to rejuvenate the skin. Soaking in the pools as steam drifts into the air gives it a magical, ethereal feel and it’s a highlight of any visit to Iceland.
The Blue Lagoon has facilities including restaurants, a 5-star hotel, treatment spa and gift shop. Entrance including the silica mud mask, towel and 1 drink is ISK 8,490 ($58 / £50 / €59). Advanced bookings are required – bluelagoon.com
3 – FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO
Dormant for over 800 years, Fagradalsfjall Volcano came to life in 2021. Spewing molten lava into the air it became Iceland’s latest eruption. After 5 months the lava flows died down, but in August 20222 the fissure reopened, and lava flowed again for 2 weeks.
Today there is no more vivid illustration of Iceland’s continually changing landscape.
The steep-sided volcano is in the Reykjanes peninsula in the southwest of Iceland, just 1 hour’s drive from Reykjavík. From the car park, there are several hikes around Fagradalsfjall. Each head to a different viewpoint where you can see the eruption site and the long winding trail of black steaming lava.
4 – REYKJADALUR HOT SPRINGS
Meaning ‘Steam Valley’ the whole Reykjadalur area pulsates from the activity beneath the earth’s surface. There are bubbling mud pots & steaming vents surrounded by billowing reeds, succulents, and moss-covered rocks that thrive in the heated waters.
The highlight of visiting is the Reykjadalur Hot Springs, where you can soak in a series of beautiful hot pools set in a thermal river. The water is a perfect 36°C – 40°C (96°F – 104°F) and the views over the surrounding mountains are wonderful.
Reykjadalur is 45 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík, and the thermal river is a 1-hour walk from the car park.
Read More – Our favourite thermal pools in Iceland
5 – REYKJAVÍK
Reykjavík is the capital and largest settlement in Iceland. While the country is blessed with unique natural landmarks, most vacations in Iceland start or end with a visit to the capital.
It is an attractive city with charming old streets, museums, a decidedly cool Icelandic attitude and plenty of things to do. Visit the iconic church, Hallgrímskirkja, the modern concert hall, Harpa and the National Museum of Iceland
In the centre, most action takes place in the downtown area near the Laugavegur shopping street. Try a coffee from Reykjavík Roasters and lunch at Icelandic Street Food.
6 – NORTHERN LIGHTS
During the months of September through April, the Northern Lights produce a stunning night-time show. On clear dark nights green streaks of light flash across Iceland’s skies creating an other-worldly scene.
While visible all over Iceland, Reykjavík during the winter months is a popular place to see them. To get the best views, leave the light pollution of the city behind and head out to Grótta Lighthouse or up onto Perlan & Öskjuhlid Hill.
This Northern Lights bus tour includes entry to the Aurora Museum in Reykjavík on the day of the tour.
7 – SECRET LAGOON
The Secret Lagoon is the oldest swimming pool in the country and another of our favourite geothermal pools in Iceland.
An active nearby geyser provides resource-rich water at just the right temperature to enjoy a hot soak. Consistently between 38-40°C (100 – 104°F), soaking in the Secret Lagoon is a wonderful thing to do in Iceland in summer or winter.
Traditional Icelandic showers are available for use before using the pool and there’s a small café area to buy snacks and drinks. Otherwise, the Secret Lagoon has been kept delightfully natural. It’s the perfect place to relax in Iceland.
Pre-booking is recommended – Secret Lagoon tickets.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH CENTRAL ICELAND
8 – SELJALANDSFOSS & SKÓGAFOSS
Iceland is blessed with a host of dramatic waterfalls. Two of them, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are just 25 minutes’ drive from each other right by the Ring Road. For details on how to include these two icons on a road trip, read our Iceland Ring Road itinerary.
Skógafoss is one of the most recognisable waterfalls in Iceland with a 25-metre-wide cascade dropping 60 metres over a rocky moss-covered cliff face. Located just off the Ring Road, it’s an easy place to visit on any Iceland road trip.
Seljalandsfoss is also a 60-metre drop. The cascade is thinner and usually contains much less water, but a thin, rocky trail allows you to walk behind the falls. The waterfall is lit at night, creating a moody atmosphere and making it a must-see attraction in Iceland that you can experience without the crowds.
9 – DYRHÓLAEY ARCH & REYNISFJARA BLACK SAND BEACH
The Dyrhólaey Peninsula is the southernmost point of mainland Iceland and a picturesque stretch of coastline. It’s a popular stop on the Ring Road with excellent views along the coast and out towards the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier as it slowly creeps towards the coast.
Dyrhólaey is an important habitat for birdlife with puffins nesting here from May to September. Get up close as they rest on the rocks between fishing trips out to sea.
The peninsula also has glorious views over Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. One of Iceland’s most picturesque locations, the stack of rocks just offshore is a wild and dramatic scene.
We’ve included Dyrhólaey and the black sands beach on several of our Iceland itinerary ideas, alternatively read our complete guide to visiting Dyrhólaey.
10 – FJAÐRÁRGLJÚFUR CANYON
Fjaðrárgljúfur is an un-pronounceable canyon in southern Iceland and one of the most scenic places to visit.
The canyon is 100 metres deep and over 2 kilometres long. Its sheer walls are twisted into jagged shapes with moss-covered rocks formed into mini side canyons from years of erosion. There are several lookout points a short distance from the car park along a path that follows the canyon edge.
The beauty of the area was not lost on Justin Bieber who shot the video clip for I’ll Show You at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTHEAST ICELAND
11 – SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK
Skaftafell is a wilderness area within Vatnajökull National Park with a host of hiking trails that explore the mountainous edges of Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland.
There are two highlights in the park well worth hiking to. The first is Sjónarnípa viewpoint, a breathtaking rocky peninsula overlooking an immense tongue of the glacier. The second is the Svartifoss waterfall, a beautiful cascade dropping between black basalt columns.
It’s a 1-hour hike each way to Sjónarnípa or 2 hours, and 30 minutes to complete a loop of both. There are plenty of facilities onsite including parking (ISK 700 payable on this app), public toilets, a café and several cool food vans. Ice Cave Tours of the glacier also depart from the visitor centre.
12 – VATNAJÖKULL CRYSTAL CAVE
Crystal Cave is located in the depths of the Vatnajökull glacier. Formed each summer by the flow of a glacial river, light filters through the icy ceiling creating a mystical atmosphere.
The cave varies in size each year but it is often large and cavernous. The different depths of the crystalline ice create a range of colours from white to blue and the strange shapes shimmer in the light.
The cave is only accessible in winter months (November through March) when the ice is more stable. This ice cave tour, explores for around 1 -1.5 hours with expert guides who locate new caves each year.
13 – FJALLSÁRLÓN & JÖKULSÁRLÓN GLACIAL LAGOONS
Fjallsárlón is a glacial lake fed by the Vatnajökull ice cap and one of the unmissable attractions in Iceland. The slow march of the glacier ends at a lagoon pool where icebergs drift on the stillness of the surface.
Nearby, Fjallsárlón’s more famous big brother, Jökulsárlón is a larger lagoon pool, fed from the mouth of Breiðamerkurjökull, a tiny section of the much larger Vatnajökull ice cap. Dotted with icebergs that can be several stories high and stained with the volcanic activities of centuries past, Jökulsárlón flows to the nearby Black Diamond Beach where nature serves up a spectacular sight. Large blocks of ice rest on the black sand beach before being swept up by waves and carried out to sea.
Jökulsárlón is on the Ring Road and easy to visit by car. Alternatively, book a day trip from Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón which includes a boat trip on the lagoon.
14 – VESTRAHORN
Vestrahorn is a dramatic saw-tooth mountain ridge surrounded by a tidal lagoon offering picture-perfect reflections. It’s located in the southwest corner of Iceland around 1 hour from Jökulsárlsón.
The area comprises 3 mountain ranges, Vestrahorn, Eystrahorn and Brunnhorn – nicknamed “Batman Mountain” thanks to the peaks resembling the caped crusader. They were formed 8-11 million years ago by the cooling of magnesium and iron-rich magma. This mineral combination has given Vestrahorn its distinctive and foreboding green-black appearance.
Vestrahorn is just off the Ring Road but the only way to see it at sunrise or sunset is to stay at the Viking Café which owns the landmark. The entrance is ISK900.
More details are in our guide to visiting Vestrahorn.
PLACES TO VISIT IN THE EASTFJORDS
15 – SEYÐISFJÖRÐUR
Seyðisfjörður is a colourful town in the east of Iceland, known for its collection of early 19th-century wooden houses. Occupying a picturesque setting on the edge of a lagoon, Seyðisfjörður is located at the innermost point of the fjord of the same name and is accessed by a scenic drive over the Fjarðarheiði mountain.
The town has a vibrant, welcoming culture with a cool local art scene, some great cafes and several festivals throughout the year.
The Blue Church with its rainbow flag footpath has concerts throughout summer to showcase different styles of music including Icelandic folks, blues and jazz. To soak up the setting, hike along the Fjarðará to Fjarðarselsvirkjun through a forested area with several waterfalls.
See Seyðisfjörður on our Ring Road itinerary.
16 – HENGIFOSS
Hengifoss is one of the most striking waterfalls in Iceland due to the red clay and back basalt rings formed on the backdrop to the slender 128-metre falls. In a slightly remote part of the east of the country, it’s an adventurous but scenic place to visit in Iceland.
The falls are a 2.5-kilometre walk from the car park which should take around 1 hour each way. Don’t miss the smaller waterfall, Litlanesfoss around halfway along the walk which is framed by a parade of basalt columns.
Views of Hengifoss start appearing around 40 minutes after leaving the car park but the full curve of the ringed amphitheatre is best at the end of the viewing platform.
There are toilets at the car park (free) and a food truck serving delicious vegan soup and homemade ice cream.
17 – STUÐLAGIL CANYON
After the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant was built in 2009, the water levels of the Jökulsá á Brú river dropped, revealing one of Iceland’s most incredible natural formations, the basalt columns of Stuðlagil Canyon.
Rising either side of a river that changes colour with the seasons, Stuðlagil is a steep-sided narrow canyon that has become an Instagram favourite since its unveiling 10 years ago. Perfectly vertical columns eventually twist to gnarled shapes pointing down the river.
All the details are in our guide to visiting Stuðlagil Canyon.
PLACES TO VISIT IN NORTHERN ICELAND
18 – MÝVATN
Mývatn is an active volcanic area in central north Iceland with a large array of geological features that make it an interesting pitstop to get a taste of the diversity this amazing country has to offer.
Some of the best things to do in Mývatn include Dimmuborgir, a unique landscape where lava drained into the lake forming bazaar pillars of lava; Grjótagjá, a small cave with a thermal pool and a large obvious fissure that extends towards the Hverfjall crater; and Hverir – a burnt orange geothermal landscape of bubbling mud pots and steaming vents.
There are so many places to visit in the Mývatn area, it is well worth spending a few days.
19 – HÚSAVÍK
Húsavík is a fishing village on the north coast of Iceland with a collection of charming colourful houses centred around a small marina, but the main reason for visiting Húsavík is for the whale watching.
From May to September, whales can often be seen from the coast, but to increase your chances take a Traditional Whale Watching Boat Tour with a specialised guide. In July humpback whale sightings are almost guaranteed and from April to August puffins can be seen fishing in the waters.
The town is also at the tip of the Diamond Circle & Arctic Coast Way. These road trips will take you to Ásbyrgi, a unique horseshoe-shaped canyon, Hljóðaklettar a collection of strange, shaped basalt columns, and the mighty Dettifoss waterfall.
20 – DETTIFOSS
Dropping 44 metres into a narrow canyon, Dettifoss is the largest waterfall by volume in Iceland. It’s estimated that over 3 million US gallons per minute thunder over the falls. They are fed from the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River which flows from Vatnajökull and feeds several other waterfalls in the area.
The west side of Dettifoss is the easiest access point with a paved road from the Ring Road and a large car park which is accessible throughout the year.
There’s an upper and lower viewpoint and given the power of these mighty falls, you can expect to get wet at both. It’s a popular destination and witnessing the sheer power of the falls is one of the best things to do in Iceland.
21 – GOÐAFOSS
Goðafoss is another popular waterfall in Iceland, more renowned for its beauty than sheer power.
Cascading over a wide horseshoe shape, the falls are between 9 metres and 17 metres high. The low-lying lava fields that surround the area give the water a blue-green pattern, making Goðafoss one of the most picturesque places in Iceland.
The “waterfall of the Gods” is rich in folklore with tales of Christianity, trolls and pagans adding their own brand of mystery to Goðafoss. There are plenty of opportunities to keep an eye out for mystic creatures on the viewing platforms which are on both the west and east side of the falls.
Goðafoss is on the Ring Road in the north of Iceland. It is 30 minutes’ drive from Akureyri, the capital of the north, and 40 minutes’ from Mývatn.
PLACES TO VISIT IN THE HIGHLANDS
22 – ASKJA
Askja is a large volcano situated in the Dyngjufjöll mountain range which is part of the Vatnajökull Glacier National Park in the Iceland Highlands. Its main caldera was formed over 10,000 years ago when the roof of the large magma chamber collapsed in on itself causing a depression which resulted in a whopping 45 square kilometre caldera.
It’s a fascinating destination in Iceland which has 2 interlinking calderas from a subsequent eruption and 1 larger crater. In addition, the 2014 volcanic eruption at nearby Holuhraun which left behind an 85 square kilometre lava field, has made Askja an important location for scientific study.
Self-driving to Askja involves an adventurous but achievable journey on some of Iceland’s more challenging F-roads. All the details are in our guide to Askja.
23 – KERLINGARFJÖLL
Kerlingarfjöll is a small but stunning mountain range wedged between two glaciers in Iceland’s highlands. Tucked into the snowy peaks around Kerlingarfjöll, Hveradalir is a valley of rust-coloured rhyolite hills wounded with steaming vents, bubbling mud pots and boiling rivers coursing through the valley devoid of vegetation.
A wonderful hike leaves from the Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort and over a high, snowy pass before dropping into the geothermal area. Here a series of wooden pathways rise and fall over the colourful mountains as steam rises all around. All the details are on our guide to Kerlingarfjöll.
To get here you’ll need to drive a 4×4 along the 35 Kjölur Road. As the well-used rail between Gullfoss and the north coast, it’s one of the easiest F-Roads in Iceland to drive.
24 – LANDMANNALAUGAR
Landmannalaugar is a wilderness area on the edge of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, situated within a massive caldera. Striking colourful mountains, huge rusty craters and steaming lava fields combine to create a wild and scenic area that’s an unmissable place to visit in Iceland.
There are several hikes in Landmannalaugar – many of which can be completed in one day. Our favourite is the Bláhnúkur Mountain (Blue Peak) hike, which is a challenging, but thoroughly rewarding climb up the top of a blue-green mountain with sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Landmannalaugar can be accessed by a 4×4 on mountain roads or on tours from Reykjavík and southwest Iceland, making it one of the easiest places to visit in the highlands. There are so many great sights on route that simply getting to Landmannalaugar is an experience in itself.
25 – HAIFOSS
In our opinion, Haifoss is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Iceland. Here, the River Fossá drops 120-metres as a slender cascade down a sheer rockface layered in multiple colours of orange, brown and green.
A second waterfall, Granni, drops just beside it, creating a magnificent dual waterfall in a massive, deep canyon. With green fields on the top and several tributaries of the river charging towards the falls, it’s a spectacular sight.
Haifoss is close to the Golden Circle, but it requires a 4×4 vehicle for a small patch of road that is not regularly maintained. It’s 20 minutes along Route 332 (off Route 32) and it makes an excellent stop on the way to Landmannalaugar.
26 – THÓRSMÖRK
Three mighty rivers all converge on a thin slither of land called Thórsmörk. Located beneath huge moss-covered mountains and dwarfed by the mighty glaciers of Mýrdalsjökull, Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull, the rivers have carved sweeping shapes through the valley floor.
The best thing to do in Thórsmörk is to hike up to a viewpoint and stare down over the scene. There’s a trail for everyone from the 40-minute hike up to the magnificent viewpoint overlooking Mount Valahnúkur, to the 6-hour Tindfjöll circuit.
This remote wilderness is one of the best places to visit in Iceland but getting here is not easy. The road crosses some fast-flowing rivers, making it inaccessible in a normal 2WD or 4×4. Fortunately, it’s only 150 kilometres from Reykjavík, and highland buses and super jeep tours run from a number of stops in southwest Iceland.
All the details are on our guide to epic things to do in Thórsmörk.
27 – MAELIFELL
The green cone-shaped volcano of Maelifell rises out of a massive expanse of black sands called Maelifellsandur. The contrast of the huge green cone surrounded by the flat expanse is one of the most awesome spectacles of the desolate beauty of Iceland.
The best view of Maelifell is from the summit of Rauðibotn, a colourful crater with walls a deep shade of rust. From here the green cone rises above the black sands with the aqua swathe of the Hólmsá River in the foreground and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier behind you.
Fortunately, there’s a relatively easy way to self-drive to Maelifell in a 4×4 and experience one of the best things to do in Iceland.
28 – HAFRAHVAMMAGLJÚFUR & LAUGAVELLALAUG
Hafrahvammagljúfur is an 8-kilometre canyon in a remote part of the highlands. It drops 200 metres below the barren landscape that surrounds it creating an awe-inspiring scene and a rewarding place to visit in Iceland.
The gorge starts from the Kárahnjúkavirkjun Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in Iceland. The best viewing point is from a recently constructed viewing platform which is a short walk from the Hafrahvammagljúfur car park.
Just nearby, Laugavallalaug (sometimes referred to as Laugavellir) is a hot spring and a beautiful oasis, quite literally in the middle of nowhere. Sitting under this naturally heated waterfall as it drops into a small pool overlooking a wide valley, with temperatures that settle at around 40°C (104°F), is a rejuvenating secret experience in Iceland.
29 – LANGJÖKULL GLACIER
Langjökull is the second largest ice cap in Iceland, after Vatnajökull, stretching about 50 kilometres long and 20 kilometres wide. In some places, the ice is up to 580 metres thick.
The glacier is in a very active geothermal area with two volcanic systems stretching out in opposite directions underneath the massive expansive of ice, one of which feeds the hot springs at Geysir.
A man-made tunnel has been carved into the ice where you can take a tour to learn more about the unique geology of Langjökull. To see the best of the glacier you’ll need to join a snowmobile tour, but it is possible to drive to one of the tongues of the glacier in a 4×4 using the 551 and 550 Kaldidalur roads.
PLACES TO VISIT IN WEST ICELAND
30 – LÁTRABJARG CLIFFS
The Látrabjarg Cliffs is one of the most important bird habitats in the world, vital for the survival of many species including razorbill, puffins, and guillemots. Stretching for 14 kilometres and rising to a height of 400 metres, this westernmost point of Iceland is also an exciting place to visit.
Dramatic, precipitous edges overlook the ocean with puffins nesting and feeding beside the path, completely unbothered by tourists walking behind them. In other places, thousands of noisy birds cling to sheer-sided rocky cliffs that zig-zag along the coast.
The Látrabjarg Cliffs are 1 hour’s drive from Patreksfjördur in the Westfjords. There are no facilities at the car park.
31 – WESTFJORDS
The Westfjords is a rugged peninsula of mountains cut by massive fjords stretching out to the Atlantic Ocean in the northwest corner of Iceland. It’s a wild landscape, isolated from the rest of the country by large inlets. A remoteness that gives it a local charm and a slower pace.
There are several interesting places to visit in the Westfjords that make the long trip worth it. Rauðisandur is a 10-kilometre sweeping beach of red and golden sand. Dynjandi is a spectacular waterfall that cascades down a series of tiered staircases. Flateyri is a small community nestled under massive mountains with a thriving local bar scene.
Only 10% of tourists come to the Westfjords, so it’s an ideal place to visit in Iceland to get off the beaten track and escape the busy Ring Road.
More details are in our guide to the best things to do in the Westfjords.
32 – SNAEFELLSNES & KIRKJUFELL
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often described as a mini-Iceland. A large glacier, red craters, basalt columns, dramatic coast roads, beautifully shaped mountains and one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland, Kirkjufellsfoss, act like a compact version of everything you’ll find on an Iceland trip.
Kirkjufell which featured in Game of Thrones, is a pint-sized mountain by Iceland standards at 463 metres, but it’s triangle shape and location as the backdrop to the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall enrich its popularity. The Búðir Black Church is worth a visit and the Lóndrangar Rock pinnacles is a dramatic stretch of coastline with views across the Snæfellsjökull glacier.
Located just 2-hours from Reykjavík, Snaefellsnes is a great destination in Iceland if you are short on time and want to see a snapshot of what Iceland has to offer.
PLANNING YOUR ICELAND TRIP
Iceland is an excellent destination for semi-adventurous travellers who like to get off the beaten track and immerse themselves in stunning scenery. Here’s some more reading from us to help plan your journey to the land of fire and ice.
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MORE READING // ALL ICELAND GUIDES
A BIG THANK YOU
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I’d go anywhere if I had the chance to see some puffins! I looked into a tour while we were in Iceland for a day, but the tour left before our flight arrived. Oh well, next time! #FarawayFiles
That’s a shame. They are very cute, awkward little things. Plenty of reasons to go back to Iceland!
Iceland is high on our list of places to visit. It looks absolutely stunning. Love that you’ve focused on the natural hidden gems #FarawayFiles
Thanks, Nicky. If there’s one place that’s full of natural hidden gems, it’s Iceland. So many interesting places packed into one little island.
Another great post! You’ve visited some amazing places, and as Iceland is a popular destination these days I appreciate that you’ve highlighted some of the off the beaten path places. How many days do you recommend that one need to really explore this amazing country? Did you stay in one spot and then do day trips, or did you require multiple accommodations? Thank you for sharing on #farawayfiles
Hi Hilary, we’d recommend 10 days in Iceland to give you enough time to see everything. We moved around a fair bit to cover the whole island, so roughly 2 nights in each place. We’re about to put out an itinerary so stay tuned for that. One thing to keep in mind is that Iceland is very expensive so you really want to see things as quickly as possible!
You’ve really captured the otherness of Iceland’s landscape which is exactly what you set out to do. Over the last few years I’ve wondered whether Iceland is just too crammed with tourists to appeal to me but you’re beginning to convince me that there are lots of hidden spots in this beautiful country . Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Hi Clare, apart from the big tourist spots, Iceland is surprisingly quiet. The tour buses tend to stick to a well-proven path, so if you avoid that its bliss. Particularly, if you head to the highlands you might not see another car for hours.
What stunning photos! And where are all the other tourists? Svartifoss Falls looks amazing, those rock formations are incredible. #FarawayFiles
Yes, both places are amazing. If you get off the famous ring road a bit the tourists thin out considerably!
I visited Reykjavík at the end of December so had a very different sightseeing experience – dark and icy! Would love to back in the summer to explore more of the island and definitely go whale watching. #farawayfiles
I was in Reykjavik in March a few years ago and it was cold and dark then, so I can’t image what it is like in December. The Northern Lights must be amazing at that time of year though?
We did a road trip around Iceland in March this year and it is such an incredible place, you get to the point where you run out of superlatives, it is so beautiful.
Love your photos around Kerlingarfjöll, unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to go there. #farawayfiles
Shame you didn’t make it to Kerlingarfjöll. Just another reason to go back I guess!
Ahhh amazing! I am going to Iceland next June and I’m so excited! Definitely pinning this post for later!
Excellent. Hope our Iceland guides come in useful for you. Our 10-day itinerary will be out soon.
Wow! What amazing landscapes. I knew Iceland was special but I did not expect this – your photos are incredible. It really is such an unusual place to visit I really want to make time now to do so. Your article will be bookmarked for your future visit. Thanks for great information.
Thanks, Jane. Glad you found it useful.
Iceland has been in my wishlist since very long. However we need to get our International Drivers Permit. Without it there is literally no point going there and depending on public transport.
Seeing the whales and puffins is definitely the icing on the cake! Krafla’s landscape looks very fascinating. The black sand and the white ice fragments is just wow! Driving through difficult terrain with 4×4 is totally worth the views at Landmannalaugar. Looking at Svartifoss, I immediately thought of Giant’s Causeway and you’ve indeed mentioned the same! 🙂
You certainly do need a car to see Iceland properly. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get the permit you need soon. It’s a stunningly beautiful country, so it’s well worth the effort to see it properly.
Iceland is like an alien world! Those are awesome geological features… And a dip in the Blue lagoon seems so relaxing! Iceland has always been on my list. This post has given me a great guide. Thank you for this!
The Blue Lagoon is great, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to thermal pools in Iceland. There are so many dotted around the country that are a lot more rustic than the Blue Lagoon.
The Icelandic landscapes run out of superlatives. I am super glad you decided to focus on the unique scenes of Iceland. I have seen the tourist route and seeing your out of this world photos make me want to do a road trip. Sigöldugljufur Canyon would be at the top of my list. Saved for later!
Thanks, Adele. It’s such a photogenic country.
Clearly I missed so many things when I was in Iceland, but it gives me an excuse to return! I’d love to try and catch a sighting of humpback whales, and a clumsy penguin or two! I didn’t even know about the hidden canyons that you mentioned; it’s quite a find. Your photos are incredible, and give me the desire to want to go back.
Thanks a lot, glad you liked it. There’s so much to see on such a small island. It’s really good to get away from the major tourist centres that are struggling with the influx of people and see a bit more of the country. Hope you make it back again sometime soon, Lisa.
Iceland is wonderful and having many natural attractions which are very photogenic. Your photos tempts me to book the tickets right now. Hiking in colorful Kerlingarfjöll looks very beautiful and the views are splendid. Driving through black sands, lava fields must be really unique thing to do here. Your Black Beach photo is stunning.
Thanks, Yukti – glad we inspired you to look at Iceland. Kerlingarfjöll was probably our favourite part of Iceland. Such a unique landscape.
Wow, Iceland! <3 One of my favorite destinations in the whole wide world! I definitely agree with the Whale watching at Húsavík. This is one of the best spots to spot whales and high on my list! Vattnajökull is also one of my personal favorites and I would personally recommend it to any of my friends who are heading to Iceland.
It sure is a great destination. Thanks for your comments Ann.
Iceland as a country itself has so much to offer and must be on every traveller list for sure. I visited this beautiful country few years ago and must admit was absolutely awesome. My favourite was the Blue Lagoon and the geysers without a doubt and the Black sand beach in vik. I would love to watch the Humpback whales and would surely want to return to this country once again. Thanks for bringing back loads of memories of Iceland
There are so many great memories to be made in Iceland. Thanks for stopping by, Amar.
Great post and beautiful photos!
It’s worth mentioning that some of these places and activities are only accessible in summer/early fall and the puffins only grace us with their presence in summer. Other places, like Svartifoss waterfall, although they are accessible in winter they can be almost impossible to reach without good crampons. Just FYI for all the folks bookmarking this post 🙂
Thanks a lot. You are quite right, the window for visiting many of the sights is only a few months over summer. You can check out the best times to visit on our 10 day Itinerary. Thanks for your comment.
The photos of Iceland that you have clicked are incredible. I am amazed at the beauty of the Dettifoss. Being a fan of Game of Thrones, Iceland is a perfect place for me to visit. Blue Lagoon is a place where I can spend hours in.
We did spend hours in the Blue Lagoon. Wine and beer in a warm pool with cold misty air floating above – whats not to like! Thanks for your comment.
Blue Lagoon was great experience during winter 🙂
wonderful place to go! love reading your blog.