Top 25 Must-Do Experiences in Iceland

Iceland is renowned for its diverse and dramatic landscapes, which uniquely feature volcanic activity beneath a serene blanket of snow and ice. Located at high latitudes, this Nordic nation boasts various geothermal phenomena, leading to the emergence of celebrated natural spas, including the Blue Lagoon and historic hot springs. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant capital, Reykjavik, which is well-regarded for its hidden culinary and nightlife offerings. Nature enthusiasts will find endless exploration opportunities, including volcanoes, geothermal lakes, dazzling glaciers, underground caves, and national parks populated with wandering reindeer. Additionally, Iceland possesses a rich tapestry of myths and legends, inviting travelers to explore stories of trolls, elves, giants, and other mystical beings that imbue the land with intrigue.

Here are the best activities to experience in Iceland:

1. Visit Snæfellsjökull National Park

Snæfellsjökull National Park is located on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, distinguished by its iconic glacier, Snæfellsjökull. Visitors can also explore remarkable lava tubes and fields, all while encountering a diverse range of native flora and fauna. The park offers ample opportunities for whale watching and bird watching, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers. Ample hiking trails are available, allowing visitors to ascend and traverse the glacier, depending on the season. Interestingly, this glacier is prominent in Jules Verne’s novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

2. Admire the Dynjandi Waterfall

Dynjandi is renowned as one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Westfjords region of Iceland, situated adjacent to Dynjandivogur Bay. Visitors ascend through a series of smaller streams leading to the magnificent waterfall, where the powerful waters cascade dramatically. The area surrounding the waterfall is a protected nature reserve, which also features camping facilities for those wishing to linger and appreciate the beauty of the falls—although it should be noted that the sound of the thundering water can be quite loud.

3. Go hiking at Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is characterized by its remote and rugged terrain, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. The scenery features dramatic sea cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and picturesque mountain bluffs. Hikers may encounter beautiful Arctic foxes, seals, and occasionally whales. The ideal time to visit is during the summer months from June to August, as the weather can be unpredictable outside of this period, possibly resulting in park closures.

4. Observe the Tectonic Plates

The Tectonic Plates can be observed at Þingvellir Plain, where the gap between North America and Europe is evident as the plates shift apart. This geological activity creates dramatic cracks and fissures in the landscape, resulting in the formation of rivers, lakes, and rugged valleys. Visitors can follow paths along the fault lines for a firsthand experience of this natural phenomenon. Noteworthy features include the Öxará River, which cascades from one plate, creating a series of spectacular waterfalls, as well as the Drekkingarhylur Pool.

5. Spend time on Rauðasandur Beach

Rauðasandur Beach captivates visitors with its unique pink and red sands, situated alongside the Látrabjarg Peninsula. While sunbathing may not be prevalent due to Iceland’s weather conditions, one can enjoy seaside walks while appreciating the crashing waves and the clear turquoise lagoon. A stroll along the shoreline allows for sightings of the local seal population, or visitors may embark on a coastal trail leading to the renowned Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs, a must-see for avid bird watchers.

6. Swim in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon stands out as one of Iceland’s premier geothermal spas, featuring striking turquoise waters comprised of heated seawater. These mineral-rich waters are widely recognized for their therapeutic properties, attracting numerous visitors annually seeking relief from various skin conditions and other health concerns. The facility includes a clinic for therapeutic treatments in addition to a luxury spa experience.

7. Visit Viking World

The Viking World Museum offers an immersive experience that transports visitors back to the Viking Age. It features a 9th-century replica of the Viking ship known as the Icelander, which famously sailed across the Atlantic in 2000. Guests can explore the ship, and learn extensively about Viking history through various exhibitions. The museum also showcases Norse mythology, a Settlement Zoo, and a Viking playground for additional engagement.

8. Hike along Asbyrgi Canyon

Asbyrgi Canyon, located in northeastern Iceland, features a striking horseshoe shape, extending 3.5 kilometers in length and 1 kilometer in width. A central cliff offers panoramic views of the canyon’s sides. The base of the canyon is adorned with lush forests of pine, birch, and fir. According to local legend, the canyon is believed to be the home of the ‘Hidden People,’ mystical beings thought to have inhabited the region for centuries.

9. Enjoy the black sand of Djúpalón Beach

Djúpalón Beach, located within Snæfellsjökull National Park, is celebrated for its dramatic black sands and distinctive rock formations, resembling both trolls and mythical churches. Visitors will discover beautiful rock arches and clear pools dotting the beach, alongside remnants of the Eding, a ship that ran aground in 1948. Djúpalón serves as one of the area’s more accessible beaches, with straightforward asphalt roads leading directly to its shores.

10. See the Northern Lights

Iceland is regarded as one of the premier locations globally for witnessing the Northern Lights, also referred to as Aurora Borealis. Visitors may be fortunate enough to observe this mesmerizing phenomenon from Reykjavik; however, traveling to Seltjarnarnes often increases the likelihood of sightings, away from the effects of urban light pollution.

11. Check out the animals on Puffin Island

Located just half a mile from Reykjavik lies the uninhabited islands of Akurey and Lundey, renowned for their delightful puffin populations. Akurey, in particular, is noted for its sizeable puffin community, along with a variety of other wildlife, including cormorants, ducks, seagulls, and guillemots. Visitors can journey by boat from the mainland to observe puffins nurturing their young in their natural habitat.

12. Photograph Hallgrimskirkja Church

Hallgrimskirkja Church, located in Reykjavik, holds the distinction of being the tallest church in Iceland. An elevator transports visitors to the top for a stunning view of the city’s landscape. Designed to mimic the nearby Svartifoss Waterfall, the church is also notable for its statue of Leif Ericsson, who is famously credited with discovering North America in 1000 AD, centuries before Christopher Columbus.

13. Travel along the Golden Circle Route

For those with limited time in Iceland, the Golden Circle Route presents an efficient way to see many of the country’s most celebrated sights. Highlights along the route include the famed Thingvellir National Park, Tectonic Plates, historical Icelandic Parliament site, and the Strokkur Geyser. The excursion concludes with visits to Gullfoss Waterfall and Kerid Crater Lake.

14. Bathe in Lake Myvatn Geothermal Area

Approximately 90 kilometers from Akureyri, Lake Myvatn is recognized as the fourth largest lake in Iceland, formed as a result of a major volcanic eruption over 200 years ago. The region is still known for ongoing volcanic activities, with numerous volcanoes scattered throughout the landscape. Rich in folklore, the area is characterized by dramatic lava formations dubbed Dark Cities, purportedly the site where Satan fell from grace, only to be expelled by mischievous elves. Several geothermal pools offer warm bathing experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes.

15. Hike in Skaftafell Park

Skaftafell Park encompasses an impressive area of 4,800 square kilometers, showcasing some of the planet’s most exceptional landscapes. This diverse terrain features dense forests, black volcanic sands, and flowing glacial rivers, paired with an iconic ice cap. Hikers can navigate various trails that direct them to remarkable sites, such as the Black Fall, where a waterfall cascades over dark basalt cliffs, and a stunning lagoon adorned with floating icebergs.

16. Have a drink at Olgerdin Brewery

Olgerdin Brewery holds the distinction of being the oldest brewery in Iceland, founded in 1913. The establishment produces a variety of alcoholic beverages, including traditional Icelandic beers. Visitors can partake in tours that recount the brewing process through the ages, while also tasting products like schnapps, beers, and even honey wine reminiscent of the Viking Era.

17. Explore Thingvellir National Park

For those looking to experience wilderness without straying too far from Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park is conveniently located just 45 minutes away. This park features the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Tectonic Plates, alongside a variety of attractions, including the Silfra Diving Spot, which is frequently hailed as one of the world’s premier diving destinations located directly above the rift between the North American and European tectonic plates.

18. Visit Husey

Husey, situated in eastern Iceland, is positioned between two powerful glacial rivers and encircled by the majestic Eastern Mountains. This region is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, featuring 175 distinct plant species and 30 varieties of birds. Depending on the season, visitors may encounter graceful reindeer roaming the area, as well as seals basking on the riverbanks.

19. Dive into the Seljavallalaug Pool

The Seljavallalaug Pool, established in 1923, is among the country’s oldest swimming pools. Nestled at the base of a mountain, the pool is replenished by water cascading down the rock face, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy soothing geothermal waters while surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery.

20. Drive to Helka Volcano

Helka Volcano is noted as one of the most active volcanoes in the world, standing at a height of 1,500 meters. It erupted for the first time in 1104 and has been active intermittently ever since, earning its reputation as the “Gates of Hell.” The volcano has also served as a backdrop for numerous films, most recently represented as an alien landscape in the movie Prometheus.

21. Go whale watching

Whale watching does not require a remote location; enthusiasts can join whale-watching tours departing from the central harbor in Reykjavik throughout the winter months. The waters surrounding Iceland are home to an impressive 23 different whale species, including humpback and minke whales. Additionally, those on a whale watching excursion may also view puffins, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds.

22. Ride a skidoo at Langjokull Glacier

Set in the mountains, Langjokull Glacier is one of Iceland’s prime locations for outdoor activities such as skidoo riding, offering visitors a chance to traverse its pristine surface while enjoying the invigorating mountain air and clear blue skies, characteristic of Iceland.

23. Marvel at Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall is possibly the most iconic waterfall in Iceland, located along the Hvítá River. The name ‘Golden Falls’ derives from the golden hue of the sediment within the water, which glimmers in sunlight, giving the waterfall a captivating appearance. Rising an impressive 32 meters, visitors can view it from both the base and the summit of its cascades.

24. Descend into the Leidarendi Lava Caves

The Leidarendi Lava Caves are celebrated for their vibrant lava formations, featuring stunning stalactites and flowing rock shapes within. The caves are formed from solidified lava deposits over the years and are easily accessible for day trips from Reykjavik, allowing guests to explore the intriguing underground chambers while utilizing a flashlight for illumination.

25. Climb Mount Esja

Mount Esja, located near Reykjavik, rises to an altitude of 914 meters. Composed of volcanic sediment and basalt, it is known for its diverse rhyolite rock colors. The mountain not only dominates Reykjavik’s skyline but also offers impressive views of the city for those who hike to its summit. Various trails cater to all skill levels, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging paths for seasoned climbers.