Iceland, a land forged by the dramatic interplay of fire and ice, offers an unparalleled travel experience. This Nordic island nation, with its vibrant capital and breathtaking landscapes, promises an adventure unlike any other.
For those planning their first, or even a return, trip to this captivating country, prepare to be enchanted by its natural wonders and unique culture.This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the best of Iceland, ensuring you make the most of your journey and discover all the incredible things to do in Iceland.
From the bustling city life to the serene, untouched wilderness, Iceland presents a diverse array of experiences that cater to every kind of traveler, inviting exploration and promising unforgettable memories.
Things to do in Iceland during your visit
Iceland is a vast paradise, full of natural wonders that can impress even the most seasoned travelers. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most highly recommended destinations among travelers. If you love nature and its beauty, Iceland is a must-have on your travel bucket list. Check out the list below for things to do in Iceland.
Reykjavik: the vibrant capital
Your Icelandic adventure will most likely commence in Reykjavik, the charming capital city. It offers a delightful blend of culture, history, and modern amenities, easily explored on foot due to its compact size. You can quickly get a genuine feel for its unique atmosphere.
One of the absolute highlights of Reykjavik is its vibrant swimming pool culture. The local city pools are lovely, clean, and offer a variety of soaking bath temperatures. Remember to turn on the cold water first when using the taps, as everything is geothermally heated and can be very hot, often accompanied by a sulfurous scent you will quickly grow accustomed to.
Beyond the pools, visit the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church for panoramic city views. Stroll along Tjörnin lake, a tranquil oasis, or admire the striking Sun Voyager sculpture along the waterfront.
Reykjavik is also a culinary delight. For a late-night bite, Hlöllabátar is a popular spot. If you enjoy seafood, Seabaron is highly recommended for its amazing skewers, and the Reykjavik Fish Restaurant offers fresh catches. For a taste of local flavor, try a traditional Icelandic hotdog.
Icelandic Street Food is known for its traditional soup with free refills. For breakfast or a sweet treat, Braud and Co is famous for its delicious cinnamon rolls and coffee. You can also explore the Grandi Mathöll food hall for a variety of options.
If you are looking for unique souvenirs or warm clothing, the Red Cross thrift store is a great place to find Icelandic wool socks and gloves. The Iceland History Museum is also worth a visit if you have spare time and an interest in the country’s past. And do not forget to take advantage of the incredibly fresh and delicious drinking water, available straight from the tap everywhere you go.
Geothermal wonders: soaking in nature’s embrace
Iceland’s unique geological activity manifests beautifully in its numerous geothermal wonders, offering unparalleled opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. These natural hot springs and lagoons are integral to the Icelandic way of life.
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, a destination that often sparks debate. While some consider it a tourist trap, many find it a truly unique and worthwhile experience. The milky-blue water, rich in silica and minerals, combined with thick steam, creates a sense of privacy and tranquility, even when bustling.
While expensive, many visitors feel the one-of-a-kind setting and therapeutic properties justify the cost. It remains an iconic part of the Icelandic travel experience, often becoming a highlight.
If you seek excellent value and a stunning natural setting, Hvammsvik Hot Springs comes highly recommended. Many cannot praise this place enough, often citing it as a hidden gem. Similar to the Blue Lagoon, Hvammsvik features salt water, contributing to its unique and invigorating feel.
It is frequently cited as a much better alternative to other, more expensive lagoons, providing a comparable luxurious experience without the hefty price tag. Consider this a must-visit for a relaxing soak amidst beautiful and unspoiled surroundings.
For a more natural and adventurous hot spring experience, head to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River. This is a unique opportunity to bathe in a naturally heated river, where warm water flows down from the hills, mixing with colder streams to create perfect bathing temperatures. The best part, it is entirely free to enter, though there is a modest 1000 ISK charge for parking.
To reach the bathing area, you will embark on a scenic hike through a picturesque valley, surrounded by steaming vents and bubbling mud pots. This is an excellent option if you are looking for an authentic outdoor experience and enjoy a bit of hiking before your well-deserved, relaxing soak in nature’s own bathtub.
The journey to the river is as rewarding as the destination itself, offering stunning views and a sense of true wilderness adventure.
The golden circle: iceland’s iconic trio
The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular tourist route, encompassing three iconic natural attractions: Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park. While possible in a single day, more time allows for deeper appreciation.
Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, is a magnificent sight, with powerful cascades plunging into a deep canyon. The Geysir geothermal area is home to Strokkur, a geyser erupting every few minutes, sending water high into the air.
Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is historically significant (site of Iceland’s parliament) and geologically fascinating, sitting on the divergent boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
You can even snorkel between the continental plates here. Many visitors spend around four hours exploring Thingvellir, soaking in its history and landscapes.
South coast spectacles: black sands and glacial ice
The South Coast of Iceland is a region of dramatic beauty, though often crowded. It is renowned for its iconic black sand beaches, where powerful Atlantic waves crash and glacial ice washes ashore, creating ethereal scenes. Driving from Vik to Jökulsárlón can be challenging due to strong winds.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a mesmerizing destination where massive icebergs calve from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float serenely. The sight of these ancient ice formations, tinged with blue, white, and black, is unforgettable. You can spend half a day to a full day here, exploring ice caves (seasonal). Boat tours can be canceled due to high winds, so check conditions beforehand.
Vik (Vík í Mýrdal) is a charming village near famous natural attractions. Reynisfjara black sand beach, with its basalt columns and powerful waves, is a must-see, but exercise caution due to dangerous sneaker waves.
Vik also hosts a unique Lava Show, offering insight into Iceland’s volcanic activity. For shopping, Katlawool offers Icelandic wool products. Two nights in Vik are generally sufficient.
Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, offers incredible adventure opportunities. This vast ice cap is ideal for traditional hiking and glacier trekking. Many describe glacier hiking as an amazing and unforgettable experience, allowing you to walk on ancient ice formations and explore ice caves (seasonal). The sheer scale and beauty of Vatnajökull are awe-inspiring, making it a highlight for active natural experiences.
Beyond the south: diverse landscapes and wildlife
Venturing beyond the South Coast reveals more of Iceland’s incredible diversity, from peninsulas encapsulating the island’s beauty to vibrant northern towns and unique wildlife encounters.
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, “Iceland in Miniature,” packs incredible variety into a small area, offering a condensed version of Iceland’s diverse natural beauty. A journey around this peninsula is spectacular, revealing dramatic coastlines, charming fishing villages, black sand beaches, and the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier. A full day is recommended to explore its highlights.
Akureyri, the “Capital of North Iceland,” serves as an excellent base for exploring the northern region. This picturesque town, nestled at the end of a long fjord, offers a more relaxed pace than Reykjavik. It can also be a strategic location to “bunker down” during bad weather. From here, you can easily access other northern attractions.
East of Akureyri lies the unique and geologically active Lake Myvatn area. This region is a wonderland of geothermal activity, volcanic craters, and diverse birdlife. You could easily spend one to two days exploring Myvatn, immersing yourself in its otherworldly landscapes. Discover pseudo-craters, lava formations, and bubbling mud pots. The lake itself is beautiful, and the surrounding area offers numerous hiking opportunities.
Further north, on the coast, you will find Husavik, widely regarded as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. If you are keen to spot these magnificent creatures, Husavik is the place to be. A half-day to a full day is recommended to enjoy a whale-watching tour and explore this charming northern coastal town. Even if you do not see whales, the boat trip offers stunning views of the coastline and a chance to experience the serene beauty of the Arctic waters.
Waterfalls Galore: nature’s masterpieces
Iceland is often referred to as the land of a thousand waterfalls, each possessing unique charm and power. Godafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” is visually stunning and historically significant, marking Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. A visit of one to two hours is usually sufficient.
Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, is a force of nature with immense glacial water thundering into a canyon. Its sheer power and spray are awe-inspiring. Allocate around four hours for your visit. Seljalandsfoss is a unique waterfall allowing you to walk behind its cascading curtain, offering an immersive experience. Be prepared to get wet, but the experience is well worth it. It is a popular and accessible stop.
Just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is a hidden gem concealed within a narrow canyon, requiring a wade through a shallow stream. The reward is a magical and intimate experience.
Skogafoss is another magnificent waterfall known for its impressive width and height, often producing rainbows. You can walk to its base or climb stairs for panoramic views. Some visitors spend several hours exploring hiking trails beyond the falls.
Unique Icelandic experiences and practicalities
Beyond the well-known natural attractions, Iceland offers a plethora of unique experiences and practical considerations.
Kerið Crater, part of the Golden Circle area, is a striking volcanic crater lake with vibrant blue-green water contrasting with reddish-brown rock. You can walk around the rim or descend to the water’s edge, offering unique geological sights and stunning photographs.
Exploring Iceland’s volcano areas offers a profound connection to the Earth’s raw power. Organized tours are available, or self-guided hikes on well-marked trails are possible, but never hike alone due to rapidly changing conditions. In Reykjavik, the Lava Show provides a safe way to witness molten lava.
Driving the entire Ring Road (Route 1) is the quintessential Icelandic road trip, offering a comprehensive journey around the island. While possible in six to seven non-travel days, allocating more time (ten to fourteen days) is recommended to savor the experience.
The route showcases diverse natural beauty, and driving is generally easy. A tip for avoiding crowds: most drive clockwise, so going counter-clockwise might mean fewer people.
If you visit Iceland during the summer months (May to August), you can witness charming puffins. Hiking along their nesting cliffs is a favorite activity. Remember that puffin sightings are seasonal. Experience the unique Icelandic horse, known for its friendly temperament and fifth gait, the tölt. Horse riding tours are available in various locations, offering a memorable way to explore the landscape.
Icelandic cuisine offers a blend of traditional and modern flavors. For budget-conscious travelers, shopping at Bonus grocery store is recommended for staples like rye bread, Skyr, Icelandic malt drink, and licorice candy. Traditional Icelandic hotdogs are widely available.
Fish and chips are common, but quality varies. Icelandic Street Food offers traditional soup with free refills. For drinks, buy alcohol at duty-free upon arrival, as it is expensive in Iceland due to high taxes and regulations.
Conclusion
Iceland, with its dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique geological wonders, truly offers an unparalleled travel experience. From the charming streets of Reykjavik to the majestic glaciers and powerful waterfalls, every corner of this Nordic island nation invites exploration and promises unforgettable memories.
Whether you are soaking in geothermal lagoons, hiking across ancient ice caps, or marveling at the Northern Lights, the sheer diversity of things to do in Iceland ensures that every traveler will find something to captivate their spirit.
This land of fire and ice is not just a destination, it is an adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your soul, encouraging you to return again and again to uncover more of its magic.
