Summary
Wild, windswept and adorned with icecaps from the southern regions to the Arctic north, Iceland is characterized by steaming volcanoes and captivating fishing villages, rough canyons and massive fjords, effervescent hot springs and thriving vodka bars. This article highlights 15 top destinations that should be part of every travel itinerary when visiting this Scandinavian island (in addition to its exceptionally fresh fish, of course!).
Let us explore the premier places to visit in Iceland:
1. The Blue Lagoon
Bubbling and steaming amid the rocky cliffs of the Reykjanes Peninsula, approximately 40 kilometers from the island’s capital, Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon ranks as one of Iceland’s most frequented tourist sites. Despite its geothermal nature, the site is relatively young, having originated from the residual openings of a geothermal power plant in the 1970s.
Nevertheless, the mesmerizing location amidst the surrounding ridges around Grindavik is truly captivating, and the waters are rich in minerals—responsible for the shimmering, whitish appearance and the renowned healing properties of this lagoon. Visitors can also indulge in in-water massages, guided explorations of the unique geothermal area, and luxurious lounge amenities.
2. Gullfoss Waterfall
Travelers will discover the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall cascading over the escarpments in southwestern Iceland. Known for being one of the most dramatic cataracts globally, it flows over a series of stepped rocks and terraces before plunging into a 32-meter high crevice, producing its distinct appearance as if it vanishes into the Icelandic underground.
The falls are often graced by rainbows or enveloped in mist, while during the summer, the adjacent hills and ridges are adorned in a lush green cover—a splendid backdrop for hiking along the banks of the Hvita River.
3. Grundarfjordur
The quaint fishing village of Grundarfjordur lies on the icy edge of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where some of West Iceland’s most intriguing coastal formations meet the waters of the Greenland Sea.
While hiking and rock climbing are abundant in the surrounding national park, Grundarfjordur is particularly renowned as the ideal vantage point for witnessing (and photographing) the striking silhouette of Mount Kirkjufell, which resembles a rocky shark fin amidst the waterfalls and coves of Snaefellsnes.
4. Myrdalsjokull Glacier Park
Covered in ice year-round, the towering ridges of the mighty Katla caldera host Iceland’s wild and arctic Myrdalsjokull Glacier Park. This snow-clad expanse encompasses hundreds of square kilometers and is the fourth largest of its kind in Iceland.
Known for its ethereal appearance, verdant peaks rise above ice-carved valleys, metamorphic formations tower over the crevasses, and quicksand pools lurk at the edge of Solheimajokul—one of the glacier’s most striking offshoots. Guided hiking is exceedingly popular here, with trails like the Fimmvorduhals pass and the ridges of Eyjafjallajokull offering thrilling adventures.
5. Landmannalaugar
A deep-cut valley nestled in the southwest of Iceland’s renowned Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Landmannalaugar is a hidden treasure destination showcasing everything from boiling volcanic hot springs to ochre-hued mountain ridges.
Hiking trails envelop the region, while a campsite situated centrally in Landmannalaugar, along with a separate mountain hut, provides outdoor enthusiasts with a base for accessing the famous Laugavegur trail. The pièce de résistance of the area is undoubtedly the peak of Brennisteinsalda—a captivating combination of obsidian lava sheets and iron-streaked, sulphur-laden ridges visible from the trail.
6. Reykjavik
Simultaneously sophisticated and eccentric, extravagant yet vibrant, Reykjavik presents a compelling experience as the northernmost capital city worldwide. The charming downtown area, characterized by painted timber homes, is dominated by the towering and iconic spire of Hallgrimskirkja—now a symbol of the city—while numerous hearty Scandinavian vodka bars and taverns populate the streets.
In proximity, the stunning Tjornin lake provides an aquatic charm, and the Alpingi parliament building exudes 19th-century elegance. The center is energized by notable attractions such as the National Gallery of Iceland, the Hafnarhus, and the captivating ancient ruins of the 871±2. In short, Reykjavik is a destination not to be overlooked!
7. Vatnajokull National Park
Dominated by the expansive ice fields of the Vatnajokull glacier—the largest outside the Arctic Circle—the Vatnajokull National Park spans over 13,000 square kilometers across southeast and central Iceland. The area is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, ranging from flower-filled meadows and roaring waterfalls (be sure not to miss the famed Dettifoss Fall!) in the Skaftafell lowlands to the windswept, crevasse-marked glacial fields atop the mountains.
The wetlands are home to roaming reindeer, while the towering Hvannadalshnukur (the highest point in Iceland) rises prominently above the rugged interior of the Eldgja canyon, showcasing some truly remarkable volcanic geology—there is so much to discover!
8. Borgarnes
Borgarnes may appear as a modest structure of whitewashed timber nestled between coastal plains, the rising peaks of the Hafnarfjall massif, and the waters of Borgarfjordur, to the north of Reykjavik. However, this quaint fishing town has deep historical significance, mentioned in the pages of the Egils Saga, and later became a commercial hub for all of West Iceland.
This heritage allows travelers to immerse themselves in various shopping experiences and visit the Settlement Centre Museum, which details the early days of Borgarnes, while enjoying nearby attractions such as coastal hiking, whale watching, and the distinctive hot springs!
9. Asbyrgi Canyon
Winding through the rocky interior of northeastern Iceland, the sculpted gorges and ridges of Asbyrgi consistently evoke awe. The sheer edges of the canyon extend for over three kilometers and reach heights of a staggering 100 meters at various points.
Hiking trails penetrate deep into the river-formed, glacial valley, meandering past tussock meadows, willow and birch groves, and the ancient remnants of Ice Age cliffs. The location is steeped in Norse legend, believed to have been formed by the galloping footfalls of Odin’s mythical horse, Sleipnir.
10. Skalholt
Often overlooked for the larger attractions in the southern region, such as Gullfoss Waterfall and the Golden Circle, Skalholt is located on the gentle fields bordering the Hvita River.
This small, snow-dusted locale in the wilderness was once one of the most influential centers in Iceland from the 11th century, recognized as the heart of Icelandic Catholicism. Currently, the town features the grand Skalholt Cathedral, which was substantially reconstructed in the 1900s, adorned with exquisite Danish stained-glass windows.
11. Akureyri
The self-designated capital of North Iceland often surprises visitors with its charm. Despite a modest population of 18,000 people, this seaside port city on the shores of Eyjafjordur creates a significant impact. The city center is filled with a variety of unique cafes and tea houses, while Hafnarstraeti shopping street showcases numerous boutiques and craft shops.
Moreover, the twin spires of Akureyri Church mirror the snow-draped peaks surrounding the town, and the local penchant for mayo-drenched, fry-laden hamburger buns has turned into a legend in its own right. Akureyri is undoubtedly worthy of a visit!
12. The Westfjords
Angular and protruding like rocky fingers into the icy waters of the Greenland Sea, the diverse formations of the Westfjords peninsula rank among Iceland’s most breathtaking natural phenomena. A paradise for walkers, the area is home to locations such as Hornstrandir reserve, frequented by Arctic foxes and colonies of seals, along with Latrabjarg (the westernmost point in Europe, not including the Azores).
Also prominent is Isafjordur, beautifully positioned on a sandbank at the ocean’s edge, with a history that dates back to the 9th century. Popular activities here include sea kayaking, cliff walking, and enjoying the scenic Raudasandur beach.
13. Lake Myvatn
Located just east of Akureyri, the so-called northern capital, Lake Myvatn presents an extraordinary landscape characterized by craggy craters, curious volcanic formations, bubbling mud pools, and much more. It is believed that the lake formed after a volcanic eruption over two millennia ago, and today it is a favored spot for birdwatchers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Key attractions in the vicinity include the Namaskard mud pools, the black lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the hikeable Vindbelgjarfjall, reaching just over 500 meters above sea level, and the sulphurous Myvatn Nature Baths—which are great alternatives to the more crowded Blue Lagoon!
14. Thingvellir National Park
A harmonious blend of volcanic ridges, continental rifts, dramatic canyons, and the flowing waters of the mighty Oxara River, Thingvellir National Park potentially represents the most exquisite natural enclave in Iceland. Conveniently located near Reykjavik, it boasts significant sites such as the Silfra fissure and the Peningagja pool—an enchanting rift lake shimmering with coins from over a century ago.
Thingvellir serves as a hiker’s paradise, showcasing rugged cliff paths and challenging mountain ascents, while those interested in history and culture will appreciate discovering the remnants of Iceland’s first Viking parliament established here in 930.
15. Hofn
Featuring a striking location among small islets and finger-like peninsulas in the Atlantic waters off Hornafjordur, Hofn epitomizes a classic southern Icelandic fishing town.
As one of the preferred gateways to East Iceland and the Vatnajokull National Park, Hofn serves as an excellent choice for travelers keen to explore the country’s premier natural attractions. A folk museum, the Ice Land Glacier Exhibition, and perhaps the finest lobster restaurants in Europe create an ideal environment for a one or two-day stay, allowing visitors to appreciate the rustic, salt-kissed ambiance of the local seafaring community.
