15 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Iceland

Iceland is a land of otherworldly landscapes, where towering waterfalls, active volcanoes, and massive glaciers create a natural playground unlike anywhere else. As someone who has explored its breathtaking scenery firsthand, I can confidently say that this Nordic island is one of the most unforgettable travel destinations in the world.

Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights, soaking in the Blue Lagoon, or hiking through Þingvellir National Park, Iceland offers adventure, culture, and relaxation in equal measure.

Iceland’s Ring Road is the ultimate way to experience the country’s top attractions, taking you past black sand beaches, geothermal hot springs, and the iconic Golden Circle. From the vibrant streets of Reykjavík, where you can visit Hallgrímskirkja Church and enjoy authentic Icelandic cuisine, to the remote Westfjords, home to dramatic cliffs and puffin colonies, every part of Iceland has its own unique charm. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you can trek across Vatnajökull Glacier, dive between two continents in Silfra Fissure, or witness the raw power of Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall.

In this guide, I'll take you through the best things to do in Iceland, from hidden gems to famous landmarks, ensuring you make the most of your trip. Whether you're planning a short stopover or a full Icelandic road trip, get ready for an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, Viking history, and natural wonders.

Top Things to do & Must-see Places in Iceland

Iceland is that remote island-country that most of us put on the map after the air chaos caused by the awakening of one of its many volcanoes with unpronounceable names, the Eyjafjallajökull . However, the land of fire and ice has much more to offer than volcanoes with exotic names (which also!) and in this article we tell you which are the best things to see and do in Iceland:

Iceland recommendations

1. Reykjavik

A good first step to get to know a country is to visit its capital … So Reykjavik couldn’t be left out of this list . It may not be among the top destinations in Europe, but this small city where most of the country’s population is concentrated is well worth a visit. Marvel at the strange architecture of the Hallgrímskirkja church , enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Old Harbour or taste the best dishes of the local cuisine, these are just some of the things you can do in Reykjavík.

It's a good idea to base yourself here if you only have a few days to travel around Iceland and thus make daily excursions. And to get to know the city in a short time, there's nothing better than signing up for a free tour with which you'll learn many interesting facts about the city, the country and its inhabitants.

⭐ We tell you the best things to see and do in Reykjavik.

If you prefer to visit Iceland on a tour, this 8-day circuit takes you to some of the most incredible sites on the island.

rainbow street in reykjavik

2. Golden Circle, a must-see in Iceland

Just a short drive from the capital is one of Iceland's most famous tourist routes , the Golden Circle , with must-sees such as Þingvellir National Park , the impressive Gullfoss waterfall and the Haukadalur Valley (or Valley of Geysers).

It is in the Haukadalur valley that you can witness one of the most amazing natural phenomena this country has to offer: the eruption of a geyser. The Strokkur geyser steals the show on its own merits, and with its regular explosion every 5-10 minutes it is a real spectacle. Believe me, you will want to see it again and again. If you are lucky you may even witness the awakening of Geysir , also called The Great Geyser , the oldest known geyser. Its last major eruption occurred in 2000 and reached 120 meters!

⭐ Don't miss the must-sees on Iceland's Golden Circle .

Thingvellir National Park, one of the best things to see on the Golden Circle

And even though you may find it hard to believe, Iceland is a paradise for diving lovers , so if you dare to dive into its icy waters, you can enjoy a unique experience diving between two continents in Silfra , the freshwater fissure that separates America from Europe and is located in the Golden Circle. There are also 3-hour snorkeling tours . Without a doubt, it seems to us to be one of the best experiences you can enjoy on a trip to Iceland.

Tip: The best way to explore the Golden Circle is to rent a car (or even better, rent a van ), but if you don't have that option, there is a Golden Circle tour that organizes day trips visiting the main attractions in the area with guides in Spanish. Or this cheaper one in English .

3. Waterfalls to see in Iceland

If there is one thing that Iceland does not lack, it is waterfalls . You will find it difficult to choose your favorite among so many wonders. Dettifoss, Godafoss or Skogafoss are just some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country , and yes, they will leave you speechless.

The best thing is that all (or most of them) are easily accessible. They usually have a main parking lot (sometimes for a fee), from where trails start that will take you to the best viewpoints or panoramic points . It will be your chance to put your skills as a photographer to work and use those neutral density filters that you were so excited to buy (or am I the only one?).

⭐ Here we tell you our 10 favorite waterfalls in Iceland .

Dettifoss, an impressive Icelandic waterfall

4. Best hot springs in Iceland

Another of the best things to see and do in Iceland is to relax like a raisin in the warm waters of one of the thermal baths that are spread throughout the country. Sounds good, right? There are some for all tastes and "almost" for all budgets...

From the well-known (especially among Instagrammers) " Blue Lagoon" , to the more modest Mytvan Nature Baths , to small free natural pools like Hrunalaug .

A tip : if you decide to go to any of them, get your tickets through Getyourguide or Tiqets because they are usually a bit cheaper.

⭐ We tell you which are the best thermal baths (paid and free) in Iceland .

rober floating in the hot springs of myvatn

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5. Jökulsárlon Glacier

It's all about water, but in this case, icy water! The Jökulsárlon glacial lake is incredibly beautiful. The peace you breathe while contemplating the infinite shades of blue of the icebergs that fill its waters and listening to the overwhelming roar of the ice... will leave you frozen! 😉 It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Iceland. Don't miss it!

Other interesting visits in the glacier area of southern Iceland :

Skaftafell National Park : Located in the southeast of Iceland, this park is an oasis of stunning nature, merging glaciers, mountains and unique vegetation. Highlights include hiking trails leading to the Svartifoss waterfall, famous for its black basalt columns. Skaftafell is part of the huge Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe's largest glacier.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier Tongue : One of the most accessible glacier tongues in Iceland, located near Skaftafell, this glacier offers spectacular landscapes of blue ice and deep crevasses. Its imposing beauty has been the setting for films such as “Interstellar.”
Fjallsárlón Glacier : Fjallsárlón is a glacial lagoon located at the foot of the Fjallsjökull glacier. Here, visitors can observe the impressive icebergs floating in the lagoon, with the imposing glacier as a backdrop. It is an ideal place to contemplate the majesty of the ice and its surroundings.

iceland glacier

6. Snaefellsness Peninsula

The Snaefellsness Peninsula is a must-see in the country, and you could say that this strip of land that juts out into the ocean is like a good summary of all the best things about Iceland . Lava fields, a glacier, beaches with spectacular waves full of wildlife and even a movie set (well, more like from the very famous TV series Game of Thrones).

The list of things to see and do in these inhospitable lands is very long, so if you don't have much time, you can take a day tour of Snaefellsnes visiting the main attractions with a guide in Spanish. And yes, of course there are also tours of Game of Thrones locations .

⭐ These are the places to visit on the Snaefellness Peninsula .

best waterfalls in iceland: kirkjufellsfossar

7. Remains of the military aircraft (and "secret" aircraft)

Reach the abandoned remains of an old American military plane ( Solheimasandur ) that made an emergency landing more than 40 years ago, and take great photos emulating Instagram influencers.

While in the past it was quite a challenge to get there and only the most intrepid would venture to do so, over time word spread so much that the owner of the land decided to prohibit access to cars, forcing the curious to park their vehicles and walk a good distance . Apparently today you can reach the remains of the plane on a paid bus... if you don't want to walk, of course.

Tip : On our last visit to the country we discovered another plane, much more accessible and without tourists. We are talking about the DC-3 airplane wreck . In the post on what to see in the south of Iceland we talk in detail about its history.

abandoned plane iceland

8. Vik (and surroundings)

On this list of the best things to see and do in Iceland, we couldn't miss visiting the small town of Vik . With its endless beaches of volcanic sand and its imposing three black rock "trolls", it has become one of the most famous postcards in the whole country .

Some of the most interesting stops to make here are:

Dyrhólaey Cliffs : This beautiful area is ideal for taking spectacular photos of the lighthouse and the black beaches between the majestic cliffs. During the summer, it is common to spot puffins.
Reynisfjara Beach : Known for its black sand and impressive basalt columns, this beach is also one of the most dangerous in the world. At the entrance, you will find a traffic light indicating the level of danger depending on the tides, so it is crucial to pay attention and not underestimate the warnings.
Vik Church : Situated on a small hill, it offers a stunning view of the black beach of Vikurfjara in the background.
Black Crust Pizzeria : one of the best restaurants to eat in Iceland . A pizza costs around €20, and water is free. They also have vegan options.
Gígjagía (Yoda Cave) : This cave, whose entrance resembles the silhouette of the famous Star Wars character Yoda, is a truly curious place worth visiting. Whether you are a fan of the saga or not, the cave offers a unique experience and is only a two-minute detour from the Ring Road, making it very accessible.

cliffs in vik, iceland

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9. Eastern Fjords

The East Fjords are an almost obligatory stop for all those who are travelling the circular road that goes around the country. Djúpivogur is the gateway to this quiet area of Iceland, where you will find some charming little towns such as Seyðisfjörður , as well as mountains with waterfalls, impressive views and the famous puffins (May-September).

We based ourselves in Egilsstaðir and ended the day in style by visiting Vök Geothermal Baths . It was a brutal experience and if you're up for it you can even take a dip in the frozen lake between one hot bath and another.

⭐ Here we tell you about our tour of the East Fjords of Iceland .

eastern fjords

10. Myvatn (and surroundings)

One of the places that drove us the craziest in Iceland was the Myvatn area, which, by the way, is also one of the most diverse in the country . Here you can spend the day among fumaroles, thermal baths, pseudocraters, picturesque villages and even climbing volcanoes! A set of experiences that make Myvatn one of the most popular destinations in the whole country.

Note the main places of interest:

Hverir Geothermal Area – Immerse yourself in a world of bubbling mud pools, steaming fumaroles and vibrant colours. Hverir is a geothermal spectacle that will make you feel like you are on another planet.
Myvatn Hot Springs : With its mineral-rich thermal waters and surrounded by volcanic landscapes, it offers a unique rejuvenating experience, perfect for unwinding. Buy your ticket in advance online .
Lake Myvatn : Discover this oasis of biodiversity in northern Iceland , with abundant bird life and curious volcanic formations.
Skútustaðir pseudocrater route: Why pseudocraters? Because these formations never emitted magma, but were created by explosions when the lava came into contact with the water in the lake.
Hverfjall Volcanic Cone: If you want to see a really big crater, the dark Hverfjall volcanic cone rises up just a short distance from Lake Mývatn. Gather your strength and climb the steep slope to walk around the entire circumference of the crater and marvel at the stunning views from there.
Krafla Volcano – with a mesmerizing blue lake in its crater known as Viti. You can venture to the rim to enjoy the stunning panoramic views it offers.
Dimmuborgir Lava Fields : Ideal for a walk among rock formations of solidified lava, where you can find natural arches of volcanic stone.
Grjótagjá Cave : a must-see for Game of Thrones fans, as this is where Jon Snow and Ygritte… you know 😉

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11. Northern Lights

Continuing with nature shows, if you visit the country in autumn or winter, go hunting for the Northern Lights. Download the Aurora APP to see the Northern Lights forecast for the next few days. Remember that the best time to see the Aurora in Iceland is from October to March.

We traveled in mid-April and were not lucky (but curiously in mid-May we saw an incredible aurora in Ireland hehe).

12. Midnight Sun

And if you travel to Iceland in summer, don't sleep a wink while looking at the midnight sun. Both are natural spectacles that you won't forget. Now, you won't sleep a wink unless you bring an eye mask with you: put it in your backpack!

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13. Whale watching in Húsavik

Travel to Húsavik to see whales. Seeing animals in their natural habitat is one of the most beautiful experiences that we as travelers can enjoy, so never forget to choose the most animal-friendly activities. And if you are not sure about this, don't do it! This whale watching tour on a traditional Icelandic boat in Husavik is a good and responsible option.

Summer is the best time for whale watching in this part of the country, but they can sometimes be seen in the months before and after.

14. Icelandic horses

And continuing with the animal world… You will be amazed by the beautiful Icelandic horses that you will find throughout your journey through the country. More like ponies than the horses we are used to, they are small but robust and Icelanders are very proud of them. In fact, the importation of horses is prohibited , thus protecting the Icelandic horse (the only breed on the island) and helping it to suffer fewer diseases.

horses-iceland

15. Try Icelandic food

It won't be in our top 10 of world cuisines, to be honest, but it does have some typical dishes that are well worth trying. Especially Skyr , a kind of mix between yogurt and cheese, with more than 1000 years of history and multiple health benefits. Could there be a better letter of introduction?

Continuing with culinary delights and the Icelandic local food, in Reykjavík you can taste the famous Pilsur (or Icelandic hot dog). Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is a modest beach bar that boasts of having the best in the whole city and even Bill Clinton himself wanted to check if it was true! Do you dare to try the “con todo”?

More things to do in Iceland

If you have more time on your road trip through Iceland , here are some other ideas to continue exploring Iceland:

The Westfjords are much less well-known than the Eastfjords and are often off the beaten track. Perhaps that's because getting around this wild region, which has only a few kilometres of asphalt and many more of gravel instead, is not easy. Needless to say, you'll need your own 4x4 and a lot of patience if you decide to venture into this land of witches, wizards and supernatural creatures. But the rewards are breathtakingly beautiful landscapes that are hard to describe in words.
One of the most curious things you can see in Iceland are the grass houses . For more than a thousand years, these peculiar constructions protected their inhabitants from the extreme weather conditions of this country. In their construction, a material that acts as a natural insulator is used: peat . A perfect fusion between nature and architectural creativity that results in sustainable and cozy homes.
If you like to move your legs, you can't miss the famous trekking in the highlands of Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk . For four days your eyes will be treated to an overdose of incredible landscapes: volcanoes, waterfalls, mountains of surprising colors... and much more! You can choose between trekking with an organized group or going as free as a bird. If you choose the latter option, you should know that it is very likely that there will be no places available in the shelters and you will have to sleep in a tent. If you do not have enough time, it is possible to do other one-day trails in the area .
A real adventure, when the weather conditions allow access to the trails that cross the interior of the country, is to reach the Askja volcano . The inhospitable region where the volcano is located was a training camp for NASA astronauts in the Apollo program. Is it because of its similarity to lunar landscapes? The journey to reach the mythical volcano must be taken very seriously, so if you are not sufficiently prepared, it is best to book an organized tour and avoid unpleasant surprises.

what to see in iceland, houses with grass roofs

We hope you enjoyed this article and that it has made you want to visit this small and extraordinary country. Do you know of any more things to see and do in Iceland ?

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