Introduction to Iceland's Top Attractions
You may be considering a trip to Iceland to see some of its stunning and unique landscapes. Iceland is a gorgeous country with a variety of natural sights that attract visitors from all over the world. From erupting geysers to grand waterfalls to black sand beaches, Iceland has many places for you to explore. Here is a guide to the top 10 most popular visiting places in Iceland to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
1. The Blue Lagoon
No trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the world-famous Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is a man-made pool filled with warm, mineral-rich geothermal water that people from across the globe come to soak in. With its bright blue water surrounded by black lava rock, it’s an otherworldly place where you can relax and rejuvenate your skin as you take in the fresh air. Be sure to book your tickets early, as time slots fill up quickly at this top destination.
2. Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular driving routes in Iceland. It conveniently connects Þingvellir National Park, the erupting Strokkur geyser, and the stunning Gullfoss Waterfall. At Þingvellir National Park, you can stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. You’ll see Strokkur geyser erupt 30-40 meter tall water spouts every few minutes. Lastly, Gullfoss Waterfall has an impressive two-stage cascade into a deep river gorge that will leave you in awe. Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle gives you a perfect taste of the country’s natural wonders.
3. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
One fascinating place you must visit is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This large glacial lake fills with blue-hued icebergs that break off from Europe’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull glacier, and float out toward the sea. You can take a boat tour of the peaceful waters surrounded by floating ice sculptures as curious seals pop their heads up around your vessel. Or walk along the black sand beach adjacent to the lagoon where large ice chunks wash up on shore as part of their long journey out to sea. Seeing the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon icebergs shine under the midnight sun is an unforgettable Icelandic scene for you to witness.
4. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Iceland has many black sand beaches due to its volcanic terrain, but Reynisfjara beach on the South Coast stands out as incredibly beautiful. It's the perfect spot for you to take an evening stroll beside the North Atlantic Ocean as you look across expansive views and see stacks of hexagonal black basalt columns that resemble a mystical cave. Be careful walking too close to the pounding waves and beware of sneaker waves that could suddenly pull you into the sea. Keep your eyes peeled for puffins along the cliffs in summer when these cute birds nest on the offshore rock peaks. Visiting Reynisfjara's onyx sand beach framed by stunning hexagonal basalt columns makes for an exceptional Icelandic coastal experience.
5. Snæfellsjökull National Park
Take a drive out to Snæfellsjökull National Park in western Iceland to explore volcanic craters, lava tubes, and the iconic Snæfellsjökull glacier ice cap. Tour the Vatnshellir lava cave formed over 8,000 years ago to walk below ground amid colorful rock walls and strange lava formations. Or climb up the glacier on a guided ice walking tour while keeping an eye out for the crater that inspired Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. Witnessing Snæfellsjökull National Park’s volcanic landscape coated with slowly moving ice allows you to discover Iceland’s adventurous ice-capped charm.
6. Landmannalaugar Highland Region
For a look at some of Iceland's most vibrant landscapes, head for the Landmannalaugar highland region. Accessible only by 4x4, this area situated in south Iceland contains colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and the northern reaching section of the Laugavegur hike. Bring your swimsuit and soak in one of many naturally heated pools with views unlike anywhere else as full rainbow displays shine across the hills. You could spend days exploring Landmannalaugar’s sensational hues and unique terrain accessible only once summer mountain roads become ice-free.
7. Skaftafell Ice Cave Tour
Roll up your sleeves for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of squeezing through narrow ice passages on a guided ice cave tour from Skaftafell. Each fall, specially trained guides scout glaciers across Iceland in search of naturally formed ice caves inside the breath-taking 500 kilometer squared Vatnajökull ice cap. If the conditions are right, visitors can tour these unique frozen chambers hidden beneath the glacier to gaze up at radiant blue towering ice walls and sparkling ceilings. Just dress super warmly as you’ll be supplied with safety gear including helmets and crampons to safely traverse across the ancient solid ice. Descending into a naturally formed glacial ice cave surrounded by the deepest glowing blue hues makes for an extraordinary opportunity for your Icelandic journey.
8. Kirkjufell Mountain & Waterfall
Situated on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell mountain rises dramatically over a nearby cascade. Photographers flock here to capture a perfect snapshot with the shapely mountain aligned beside the waterfall as boats glide across the nearby fjord. Or take a short hike to the top of Kirkjufell’s 463-meter peak for panoramic North Atlantic Ocean views. At sunset when golden hour light blankets across mossy hillsides, you’ll have a magnificent vantage point as the mountain's sharp slopes appear to glow while the neighboring waterfall shimmers. Kirkjufell mountain with its almost too perfect shape reflecting across sweeping Icelandic landscapes makes this a top place for you to appreciate the island’s picturesque natural beauty.
9. Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógafoss waterfall on the South Coast drops 60 meters in a dramatic curtain that kicks up its own perpetual mist. A staircase alongside the cascades takes you to the top for aerial views looking down the white water torrent. Look for rainbows forming through the mist on sunny days. Then check out the unique Skógar Folk Museum’s turf-roofed houses nearby showcasing Iceland’s cultural heritage. Listen for the loud roar of Skógafoss echoing against the towering rock coastline, then contrast that with Icelandic tranquility once you climb above the mighty falling water.
10. Geysir Hot Springs Area
No compilation of Iceland’s top places to visit would be complete without the Geysir Hot Springs area in Haukadalur Valley. While the “Great Geysir” itself is currently dormant, its neighbor Strokkur geyser erupts frequently, launching snaking pillars of water 20-40 meters skyward much to the crowds’ delight. Splash your face with the mineral-rich pond waters steaming alongside bubbling hot pots. Witness how Iceland’s volcanic forces create a dynamic landscape as well as appreciate Geysir for being the first spouting spring that led to similar erupting waters around the world being named “geysers”.
Conclusion
From steaming ground hot pots to sparkling ice caves and towering waterfalls to stark volcanic peaks, Iceland offers seemingly endless options for jaw-dropping nature. Use this guide highlighting the top places to visit in Iceland to help you experience the best attractions this Nordic island nation has to offer. Whether you seek relaxing geothermal soak, heart-racing glacier climb, or to capture that perfect photograph, Iceland delivers unbeatable destinations. So start planning your trip to take in the stunning and thrilling landscapes of this not-to-be-missed travel gem.