Iceland is a unique location with plenty of natural wonders, waiting to be explored. Packed with many tourist attractions, there is something for everyone. Accommodation is plentiful with options to suit all budgets, and the food is fresh, tasty, and locally sourced.
The country is best known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with a plethora of waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, lava tunnels, and geysers. In addition, the diverse wildlife is a must-see, with Iceland being home to puffins, dolphins, and whales.
The best time to visit is in the summer, as you will be able to access everything the country has to offer. The most special time is June because of the equinox. You will be able to see more as the days are longer, with sunset being around midnight.
A perfect trip for families or couples, Iceland will give you memories for a lifetime. Below are the sights you should see if you are planning a vacation to the Land of Ice and Fire.
10. Blue Lagoon
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40 minutes from Reykjavík, The Blue Lagoon is the most famous hot springs location in Iceland. Besides relaxing in the geothermal spa, other services are offered for your wellbeing. Guests can enjoy float therapy, which is a relaxing experience where you float on the mineral-rich water. It improves muscle and bone health as well as detoxifies your skin. Furthermore, the Blue Lagoon is famous for its skincare, and you can purchase Icelandic produced products for your face and hair.
Whilst taking a relaxing break, you should stay at one of the luxury hotels at the resort. Aside from top-notch accommodation facilities, Blue Lagoon also hosts a Michelin star restaurant called Moss. The head chef is the renowned Aggri Sverrisson. He made his name by being the mastermind of London’s Texture Restaurant and Champagne Bar. Whilst dining at The Moss, you are treated to striking views of the lagoon and the astonishing surroundings. With two menus available; à la carte and vegan, the food is of the highest quality and from local farms. In addition, the unique wine cellar is made from centuries-old lava. It is stocked with world-class wines from around the globe. A memorable experience!
The place to stay has to be The Retreat Hotel. Suites are modern and minimalist, furnished with local textiles. We recommend you book The Lagoon Suite, having a private artificial lagoon and terrace, with spectacular views of Icelandic scenery. Also, you have access to the Retreat Spa, which will keep you super relaxed during your visit.
9. Northern Lights
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A grand spectacle that can be seen from August to March, the Northern Lights are an incredible sight. Also known as Aurora Borealis, it is one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena. The display occurs as a result of a collision between particles released by the earth and the sun. As the wonder occurs in the Arctic, Iceland is the perfect location to appreciate it.
Experts recommend that the best place to view it is at the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. As it’s unpredictable to catch a glimpse, having your own vehicle is paramount. Northern Lights are sporadic, as they are only visible at night and with a clear sky. The best way to experience it is with a motorhome. With an RV, you can stay the night in the wilderness, watching the mesmerizing sky. A reputable company like Campervan Iceland offers affordable campers to maximize the experience.
8. Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve
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A geothermal wonderland, with breathtaking natural beauty, Landmannalaugar will put you back in touch with nature. With lava fields, hot springs and countless hiking trails, there is plenty to do. Furthermore, the vast area is dotted with black sand beaches as well as geysers and waterfalls.
A memorable trail is Frostastaðavatn and Ljótipollur Lakes. The hike will take 3 – 4 hours and is 7 miles long. On the walk you will come across dazzling lakes as well as impressive rock formations. Whilst there, it provides quaint views of Norðurnámur Hill, perfect for your Instagram account! Other than hiking, you can immerse yourself in the culture by renting an Icelandic pony and travelling through the wilderness.
7. Mælifell Volcano
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Iceland is famous for its volcanoes, and Mælifell is the most spectacular. Standing at 791 meters tall and surrounded by a desert of black sands, it is a sight to behold. The volcano formed after the last ice age, when glaciers started to retreat. The spot is only accessible in the summertime, as in the rest of the year the paths and roads are dangerous due to snow.
Mælifell means measuring hill in the Icelandic language, and it is one of 10 hills across the island. Many years ago, they were used by Viking settlers to measure distances and to find bearings of the terrain. Nowadays, it is a popular hiking destination, with the most common route being Laugavegur. The trek is 34 miles long, therefore many tourists decide to camp along the way and make it a multiple day tour. Nonetheless, if a hike is not for you, the other option is to use a 4X4.
6. Skaftafell Ice Cave, Vatnajökull National Park
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Vatnajökull National Park encompasses the notion of Iceland’s nickname: The Land of Ice and Fire. The most fascinating landmark is that of the ice caves. With many tours available, the experience is like something out of science fiction. The color of the caves is vivid blue and will give you a memorable time exploring the natural wonders of Iceland.
Whilst on the tour, you will be provided with glacier gear including; an ice axe, a helmet and ice spikes. Make sure to wear enough clothing as it can be very cold and having a good raincoat is paramount. Be advised that the tour is available from October to March and lasts around 2 hours. Outside the ice cave tour, there is plenty to do at Vatnajökull National Park. It is one of the 3 national parks of Iceland, and is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another popular attraction is Diamond Beach, a typical Icelandic black sand beach, but with a lagoon with floating icebergs. The contrast from dark to light is a wonderful sight to behold.
5. Dettifoss Waterfall
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Iceland is famous for its natural wonders, in particular its water ones. The Dettifoss Waterfall is one of the countries most visited and is located in the Vatnajökull National Park. It is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe and is situated on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river. It stands at 144 feet tall and is 330 feet wide and is the second largest waterfall in Iceland after Urriðafoss.
Many movies have been filmed at the location, with the 2012 blockbuster Prometheus being the most well known. Hikers can access the falls within 90 minutes, being a lot shorter and safer than the other hikes on our list. Nearby is the town of Akureyi, known as the capital of the north, being an excellent place to stay the night and enjoy a beer at a local pub.
4. Hallgrímskirkja
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One of very few man-made wonders in Iceland, being 244 feet tall, Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran church located in Reykjavík. It took 41 years to build, opening in 1986. The church is named after renowned Icelandic poet Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614–1674), author of the Passion Hymns.
The building is open all year around from 10am – 5pm, with the views from the observation tower giving a magnificent panoramic view of the city. The design of the church is striking, emulating Iceland’s trap rocks, mountains and glaciers. Moreover, it is viewed as an important symbol for the country’s national identity.
3. Lake Myvatn & Nature Reserve
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Lake Myvatn is an animal lover’s dream, with diverse wildlife as well as volcanoes and of course a beautiful lake. Its name derives from the lake of the midges, as there is a huge presence of them in the summer. So be careful and remember to pack some insect repellent! If you enjoy fishing, you can appreciate a relaxing day on the lake, which is rich in brown trout and Atlantic salmon.
The environment around the water is quintessentially Icelandic. With volcanoes, glaciers and mountains, it is the perfect place to go on a hike. For fitness enthusiasts, a marathon is hosted every year in the summertime. Nonetheless, most will visit because of its delightful scenery, with Námaskarð Pass being a particular highlight. Lake Myvatn is a geothermal area with bright clay, looking like a different planet!
2. Vestmannaeyjar
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Vestmannaeyjar is an archipelago located on Iceland’s south coast. In 1973 it made the headlines with the eruption of the Eifel volcano. The disaster destroyed 20% of the town, but there is still much to see. A boat tour is unforgettable around the scattered islets with squawking seabirds as well as towering cliffs. Also, the area is known for its flowers and its diverse wildlife, being an ideal location to catch a glimpse of puffins.
The archipelago is also rich in natural wonders such as the lava fields of Askja. It is accessible for a few months of the calendar year and the sight is majestic, with Hengifoss waterfall being the centerpiece. Nearby, at Húsavík, you are able to go whale watching by taking a boat tour. The experience is exhilarating, being just yards away from the planet’s largest creature. Notably, tours operate from May to September, with a whole host of amazing sea-life to see. These include; harbor porpoise, white-beaked dolphin, minke whale, humpback whale and the blue whale.
- Raufarholshellir Lava Tunnel
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Raufarholshellir is a fairytale-like lava tunnel spanning 4461 feet, and a guided tour will leave you captivated. Situated underground, you will explore the rainbow colored walls and striking rock formations. Whilst on the tour, you will be hiking through where lava used to flow over 5000 years ago! The tunnel is located in a convenient place, being 35 minutes away from Reykjavík and can be accessed throughout the year.
An interesting fact is that the land is owned by the Seventh Day Adventist Church and is rented to tour companies. As the cave is unique and full of ice stalagmites, it is a popular filming location. The Netflix series Sense 8 and the 2014 film Noah are two examples of productions made at the site.
Why You Should Visit Iceland – Our Opinion
Mother nature has given Iceland some of the most breathtaking sceneries in the world. A peaceful, idyllic island that will help you get back in touch with nature. Often dubbed “a hikers’ paradise”, the country has thousands of hiking trails. Getting around is simple, as the Ring Road circles the entire island in a loop, making landmarks accessible.
When it comes to accommodation, many tourists decide to stay in Reykjavík, having options from 5-star hotels to hostels. To assist, Wow Travel has written a piece on the 11 best hotels in Reykjavík. Another option to experience Iceland is by taking a campervan. It will give you the freedom to roam around, and stay at many of the island’s campsites. When it comes to cuisine, the food is locally sourced with the most famous dish being fermented shark meat, which is a delicacy. Regardless if you’re on a budget or not, there are a great deal of eateries, ranging from Michelin starred restaurants to small cafés.
The real crown in the jewel is the Icelandic people, known for their hospitality, kindness and Viking literature. Overall, a trip to Iceland is something unique, and will provide memories for the rest of your life.
Best Restaurants in Iceland:
Moss Restaurant – Holding a coveted Michelin star, Moss provides exquisite Icelandic cuisine in a unique location at the Blue lagoon. Overlooking glaciers, fjords, mountains and hot springs.
DILL – Founded in 2009. DILL uses the freshest ingredients, and offers an exceptional dining experience with wines from around the world.
Reykjavik Kitchen – A family owned restaurant located in the heart of Reykjavík, the eatery has amazing food, a great atmosphere and helpful staff.
