33 Best Places To Visit In Iceland (+ Map)

With unique geology, dramatic landscapes, and charming towns, the land of fire and ice is like no other place. Discover hidden hotspots and popular marvels in our guide to the best places to visit in Iceland.

Iceland is unlike anywhere else.

With a fragile crust stretched across two tectonic plates, Iceland has a diverse and intriguing landscape.

Stand in a 45-kilometre caldera. Wander through steaming lava fields. Witness the northern lights dance across an open horizon.

In a country that’s no bigger than the state of Kentucky, there’s a greedy stash of stunning places to visit in Iceland.

Our first trip to Iceland was over 20 years ago. Four visits later, we’re still discovering exactly what this country has to offer.

MAP: PLACES TO VISIT IN ICELAND

You can find all our favourite places to visit in Iceland on the map below. They are colour-coded by the different regions of Iceland. Our guide on the best places to stay in Iceland uses the same structure to help you plan.

SOUTH WEST ICELAND

1. GOLDEN CIRCLE

The Golden Circle is a driving loop that visits three of Iceland’s most popular sights. It is easily accessible from Reykjavík. The main stops on the Golden Circle are Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir.

• Thingvellir (Þingvellir) – Set in a dramatic location between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, Thingvellir was the Icelandic parliament from 930 until 1798.
• Gullfoss – Known as Golden Falls in Icelandic, Gullfoss is a dramatic Waterfall, wedged into a crevice of the Hvítá canyon.
• Geysir – The famous spouting spring, which gives the region its name, erupts around 3 times a day, but the nearby Strokkur goes off every 15 minutes.

All the details for this fantastic road trip are in our guide to driving Iceland’s Golden Circle.

2. BLUE LAGOON

There are plenty of hot springs in Iceland, but none are more famous than the Blue Lagoon.

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.

The Blue Lagoon is near the airport, so it’s a good place to visit at the start or end of your trip. This is how we did it on our most recent Iceland itinerary.

Advanced bookings are required at bluelagoon.com

3. FAGRADALSFJALL VOLCANO

Dormant for over 800 years, Fagradalsfjall Volcano came to life in 2021 and has erupted every year since, with the last in August 2025.

The area is now deemed stable by the local authorities, with no new significant eruptions. Before you visit, check the information at Visit Reykjanes for any recent volcanic activity.

There are several hiking paths around the volcano, each leading to a different viewpoint. New paths open up as the activity changes the landscape. The paths are well-marked, but some are uneven and involve steep hills. The latest information is on Visit Reykjanes.

We have more information on our guide to the Fagradalsfjall Volcano site.

4. REYKJADALUR HOT SPRINGS

Meaning ‘Steam Valley’, Reykjadalur is a beautiful river with reeds, succulents, and mosses that thrive in the heated waters.

Around 1 hour’s walk up the river, there are natural hot pots where you can soak in the thermal river. The water is a perfect 36°C–40°C (96°F–104°F), and the views of the surrounding mountains are incredible.

We’ve visited many, and this is one of our favourite geothermal pools in Iceland.

Reykjadalur is easily accessible at just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík. From the parking lot, it’s a 1-hour walk through a scenic valley to get to the bathing area.

You can read more on our guide to Reykjadalur Hot Springs.

5. REYKJAVÍK

Reykjavík is the capital and largest settlement in Iceland, and most trips to Iceland will start and finish here.

It is an attractive city with charming old streets, museums, and a cool attitude. Here are some of the best things to do in Reykjavík:

• Take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík’s magnificent 74-meter-high church steeple.
• Visit the extraordinary Harpa Concert Hall with its honeycomb-like design.
• Understand Iceland’s environment at the Perlan Museum of Icelandic Natural Wonders.
• Stroll around the Old Harbour for a taste of Icelandic culture.

Our 3-day Iceland itinerary has more information about visiting Reykjavík.

6. SECRET LAGOON

The Secret Lagoon is the oldest swimming pool in the country and another of our top geothermal pools in Iceland.

An active nearby geyser heats the water to a delightful 38-40°C (100 – 104°F).

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.

Secret Lagoon is located in the town of Flúðir, a 5-mile (8-kilometre) detour from the Golden Circle. It’s around a 1 hour and 40 minutes’ drive from Reykjavík.

SOUTH CENTRAL ICELAND

7. SELJALANDSFOSS

Seljalandsfoss is a picturesque waterfall near the south coast. It was once a sea cliff, and even from the car park, it’s easy to make out the coastal formation.

A trail leads you behind the falls for a unique perspective, and the waterfall is lit at night, creating a moody atmosphere.

After doing the trail behind the falls, continue the short distance to Gljúfrabúi, another waterfall flickering behind a narrow canyon cavity.

Read our comprehensive guide to Waterfalls in Iceland for more.

8. SKÓGAFOSS

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most recognisable waterfalls. It has a 25-meter-wide cascade dropping 60 meters over a rocky, moss-covered cliff face.

The walls surrounding the waterfall were once the coastline (as with Seljalandsfoss mentioned above), which has since receded to its present location. 

Located right by the Ring Road, it’s an unmissable Icelandic attraction that is very easy to get to.

9. DYRHÓLAEY & 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.

It’s most famous for Reynisfjara, the black-sand beach.

There are several easy-to-get-to viewing platforms and a great place to spot puffins.

We have more information on our guide to Visiting Dyrhólaey.

10. FJAÐRÁRGLJÚFUR CANYON

Fjaðrárgljúfur is an unpronounceable canyon in southern Iceland.

The canyon is 100 meters deep and over 2 kilometres long. Its sheer walls are twisted into jagged shapes, with moss-covered rocks forming mini side canyons over the years.

There are several lookout points a short distance from the car park along an easy path that follows the canyon edge.   

Fjaðrárgljúfur is 154 miles from Reykjavík, just off the Ring Road on Road 206.

SOUTHEAST ICELAND

11. SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK

Skaftafell is a wilderness area on the south coast within Vatnajökull National Park. It has a host of hiking trails that explore the mountainous edges of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap.

There are two highlights in the park well worth hiking to.

• Sjónarnípa viewpoint – This is a breathtaking rocky peninsula overlooking an immense tongue of the glacier. It’s a 1-hour hike from the parking lot.
• Svartifoss – A beautiful cascade dropping between black basalt columns.

It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the loop of both Sjónarnípa and Svartifoss.

12. JÖKULSÁRLÓN & BLACK DIAMOND BEACH

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is fed from the mouth of Breiðamerkurjökull, a small section of the much larger Vatnajökull ice cap.

The stunning lagoon pool is dotted with icebergs that can be several stories high. They range from clear crystal to deep blue, often stained with volcanic ash.

Jökulsárlón flows to the nearby Black Diamond Beach which is a magnificient natural attration in Iceland.

13. VESTRAHORN

Vestrahorn is a dramatic saw-tooth mountain ridge surrounded by a tidal lagoon offering some of the best landscape photography in Iceland.

The mountains 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.

It’s still slightly off the tourist trail, so read our guide about Visiting Vestrahorn with all the information you need.

EASTFJORDS

14. SEYÐISFJÖRÐUR

Seyðisfjörður is a colorful town in the east of Iceland, known for its collection of early 19th-century wooden houses.

The setting, on the edge of a lagoon, is beautiful.

The town has a vibrant, welcoming culture with a cool local art scene, some great cafes, and several festivals throughout the year.

Seyðisfjörður is located at the innermost point of the fjord of the same name, and getting here is a scenic drive over the Fjarðarheiði mountain.

15. HENGIFOSS

Hengifoss is one of the most striking waterfalls in Iceland, with red and black rings forming a backdrop to the slender 128-meter falls.

The falls are a 2.5-kilometre (1.5-mile) 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 more basalt columns.

There are toilets at the car park (free) and a food truck serving delicious vegan soup and homemade ice cream.

16. STUÐLAGIL CANYON

Stuðlagil is a steep-sided, narrow canyon that has become an Instagram favourite. Perfectly vertical columns twist to gnarled shapes pointing down the river.

Stuðlagil Canyon is in the Jokuldalur Valley in eastern Iceland. It’s 70 kilometres (43 miles) from the town of Egilsstaðir and 140 kilometres (87 miles) from the popular tourist destination of Myvatn

It’s an absolute highlight in Iceland, and you can read all the details in our guide: Visiting Stuðlagil Canyon.

NORTHERN ICELAND

17. MÝVATN

Mývatn is an active volcanic area in central north Iceland with a wide array of geological features. It’s an interesting pit stop on the Ring Road itinerary.

You’ll find steaming lava fields, bubbling mud pots, a huge fissure in the earth’s crust, and excellent geothermal hot springs.

There’s no specific town, just a collection of outdoor experiences, spread over a wide area.

We have a dedicated guide to Visiting Mývatn, Iceland, with more details.

18. HÚSAVÍK

Húsavík is a fishing village on the north coast of Iceland with a collection of charming colorful houses centered around a small marina.

The main reason for visiting Húsavík is for whale watching.

From May to September, whales can often be seen from the coast, but to increase your chances, take a Traditional Whale Watching Tour with a specialised guide. In July, humpback whale sightings are almost guaranteed.

19. DETTIFOSS

Dropping 44 meters 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.

Surrounded by a lunar-like landscape in the Vatnajökul National Park, the falls are fed from the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River, which flows from an icecap and feeds several other waterfalls in the area.

Dettifoss is around 45 minutes from Myvatn. The west side of Dettifoss is the easiest access point with a paved road from the Ring Road and a large car park.

20. GOÐAFOSS

Goðafoss is another popular waterfall, more renowned for its beauty than sheer power.

Cascading over a wide horseshoe shape, the falls are between 9 meters and 17 meters 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.

Goðafoss is on the Ring Road in the north of Iceland. It’s a 30-minute drive from Akureyri, the capital of the north, and 40 minutes from Mývatn.

HIGHLANDS

21. ASKJA

Askja is a large volcano situated in the Dyngjufjöll Mountain Range, which is part of the Vatnajökull Glacier National Park.

The main caldera was formed over 10,000 years ago when the roof of the large magma chamber collapsed in on itself. This caused a whopping 45 square kilometer caldera.

It’s a fascinating place to visit with two interlinking calderas. But it’s a difficult place to get to.

To see if it’s for you, read our Complete Guide to visiting Askja.  

22. KERLINGARFJÖLL

Kerlingarfjöll is a small but stunning mountain range wedged between two glaciers in Iceland’s highlands.

The valley, with its rust-coloured rhyolite hills, features steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and boiling rivers coursing through a colourful area devoid of vegetation.

The best road to Kerlingarfjöll is the 35 Kjölur Road from Blönduós in north Iceland. This is an unpaved F-road, so a 4×4 vehicle is required. The drive should take about 2 hours and 45 minutes one way.

We have more information in our guide to Visiting Kerlingarfjöll.

23. LANDMANNALAUGAR

Landmannalaugar is a wilderness area in the highlands, situated within a massive caldera. Striking, colourful mountains, huge rusty craters, and steaming lava fields combine to create a wild and scenic area.

There are several interesting hikes in the area, or you could just admire this incredible scenery.

It’s one of the most accessible sights in the highlands, at around 180 kilometres (111 miles) from Reykjavík.

Here are our Landmannalaugar guides to help you plan:

• Getting to Landmannalaugar
• Best hikes at Landmannalaugar
• Complete guide to Landmannalaugar

24. SIGÖLDUGLJÚFUR CANYON

Sigöldugljúfur Canyon is a stunning, sheer-sided gorge with a turquoise river running along its base. Several waterfalls cascade over the moss-covered edges, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

It’s an easy 5-minute detour off the F208 on the way to Landmannalaugar, and well worth a visit.

There’s a car park on the right-hand side of the road, from where it’s a 10-minute walk up to the falls. Alternatively, a new track to the left takes you directly to the falls; however, there is limited parking in this location.

25. LJÓTIPOLLUR

Ljótipollur is a blue lake that sits in the red-stained 4-kilometre-diameter crater. The blue waters under the red rim, with the Landmannalaugar mountains behind it, are stunning.

There’s a new car park just off the F208, which is a 5-minute walk to the rim.

There are no facilities at the car park, but it’s a great stop on the way to Landmannalaugar.

26. HAIFOSS

In our opinion, Haifoss is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Iceland. The River Fossá drops 120 meters as a slender cascade down a sheer rockface layered in multiple shades of orange, brown, and green.

A second waterfall, Granni, drops just beside it, creating a magnificent dual waterfall in a massive, deep canyon.

Haifoss is 20 minutes along Route 332 (off Route 32) near the Golden Circle. It’s an excellent stop on the way to Landmannalaugar.

27. 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.

It’s an incredible place to visit in Iceland with breathtaking scenery and some of the best hiking in the country.

All the information about visiting is in our Guide to Thórsmörk.

28. MAELIFELL

Maelifell is a green, cone-shaped volcano that rises from a massive expanse of black sands called Maelifellsandur.

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.

The easiest route to get to Maelifell is the F232 from the south, which leaves the 209 road near Hrífunes in south Iceland. It takes around 3.5 hours to drive there and back and involves a few small river crossings, so a 4×4 vehicle is required.

All the necessary information is in our guide to Visiting Maelifell, Iceland.

29. HAFRAHVAMMAGLJÚFUR

Hafrahvammagljúfur is an 8-kilometre canyon in a remote part of the highlands. It drops 200 meters below the barren landscape that surrounds it, creating an awe-inspiring scene and a rewarding place to visit in Iceland.   

The gorge begins at the Kárahnjúkavirkjun Dam, one of Iceland’s largest hydroelectric power plants.

The best viewing point is from a recently constructed viewing platform, which is a short walk from the Hafrahvammagljúfur car park.

30. LAUGAVALLALAUG THERMAL SPRINGS

Laugavallalaug is an entirely natural hot spring, deep in the highlands, close to Hafrahvammagljúfur (mentioned above).

Quite literally in the middle of nowhere, a naturally heated waterfall drops into a small lagoon pool overlooking a wide valley.

Laugavallalaug is down a rugged but scenic track off the west side of the F910, around 1 1-hour drive from Stuðlagil Canyon.

The track is easy to drive but bumpy. There is free parking around a 5-minute walk from Laugavallalaug.

Find more scenic hot springs in our Best Geothermal Pools in Iceland post.

31. LANGJÖKULL GLACIER

Langjökull is the second largest ice cap in Iceland, after Vatnajökull, stretching 50 kilometres long and 20 kilometres wide. In some places, the ice is up to 580 meters thick.

The glacier lies in a very active geothermal area, with two volcanic systems extending in opposite directions beneath the ice. One of which feeds the hot springs at Geysir.

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.

WEST ICELAND

32. WESTFJORDS

The Westfjords are a rugged peninsula of mountains cut by massive fjords in the northwest corner of Iceland. It’s a wild landscape, isolated from the rest of the country by large inlets.

The remoteness of the Westfjords gives it a local charm and a slower pace that are hard to find in some of Iceland’s more tourist-focused areas.

The highlights are Látrabjarg Cliffs, one of the most important bird habitats in the world; Rauðisandur, a 10-kilometre-long black-sand beach; and Dynjandi, a spectacular waterfall.

Read our guide on the best Things To Do In The Westfjords for more details.

33. SNAEFELLSNES & KIRKJUFELL

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often described as a mini-Iceland.

A large glacier, red craters, basalt columns, dramatic coastal roads, and beautifully shaped mountains all combine to offer a compact version of Iceland’s best attractions.

See the amazing Gerðuberg Basalt Cliffs, visit the Búðir Black Church and admire the Lóndrangar Rock Pinnacles.

The most popular highlight at Snaefellsnes is Kirkjufell, the waterfall featured in Game of Thrones.

MORE ICELAND READING

• To help with your vacation planning, read our guide on planning your Iceland trip.
• We’ve put together 6 Iceland Itineraries covering 3, 5, 7, and 10 days with optional adventurous activities.
• Read about driving in Iceland which includes important tips and information.
• To make the most of Iceland, you may want to venture on the mountain F-Roads which get you to the most interesting places.
• For accommodation suggestions, read our guide to the best places to stay in Iceland.