Iceland, known as the “Land of Ice and Fire”, amazes nature lovers with its varied and breathtaking landscapes. From majestic waterfalls to towering glaciers, hot springs, and lava fields, without forgetting the northern lights that dance in the sky in winter: this country is full of treasures to discover.
Iceland is so grand that just wandering around on the many popular road trip itineraries will allow you to see lots of stunning places continuously and for free.
Here are just a few of Iceland’s remarkable destinations.
1. Reykjavík
Without being the country’s main attraction, the pretty capital is at least worth a short stop, especially as you’ll be landing close to the city.
Architectural masterpieces such as the Harpa concert hall and the famous Hallgrimskirkja church can be found there. There are also plenty of great bars to discover in the evenings. At the National Museum and Saga, you can immerse yourself in Viking culture and learn more about these legendary Nordic people.
You can read 10 things to do in Reykjavík suggested by Laurence, a guest blogger at Flytrippers.
2. Gullfoss Falls
The mighty Gullfoss Falls are among the many waterfalls you can see in Iceland. They are a total height of around 32 meters (105 feet).
This is one of the country’s most visited sites, because as well as being magnificent, it’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Reykjavík. You can simply park nearby and walk a few minutes on the footpath to reach the falls.
3. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Reynisfjara is one of the only beaches in the world that becomes busier during winter! Indeed, this black sand beach is at its most beautiful when it contrasts with the bright white snow. But it’s pretty year-round.
Lying on Iceland’s south coast, Reynisfjara is arguably one of the most dramatic and spectacular beaches in the whole world.
You can read more about Reynisfjara Beach in our post on the rare European beaches that are even more incredible in winter.
4. Katla Ice Cave
To visit the Katla Ice Cave, you first have to go to the village of Vik in southern Iceland and book a guided tour. You’ll need to dress warmly and put on good hiking boots!
After a hectic jeep ride, you’ll be exploring frozen landscapes that seem to come from another world. A visit to an ice cave is a must during your stay in Iceland.
5. Hallormsstaðaskógur
Hallormsstaðaskógur is a protected forest that was declared Iceland’s first National Forest in 1905. It is located in the east of the country, near the town of Egilsstaðir, on the shores of the sublime Lagarfljót lake.
Hallormsstaðaskógur is a peaceful place to take a walk or picnic in the heart of nature. There are also 2 main camping sites (Atlavík and Höfðavík) where you can sleep under the stars.
6. Skaftafell
Skaftafell is a beautiful region in south-east Iceland. More precisely, it lies within the Vatnajökull National Park, known for being one of Europe’s largest national parks.
If hiking is your passion, you’re in for a treat with magnificent trails leading to natural wonders such as the Black Waterfall (Svartifoss) and the Skaftafellsjökull glacier.
7. Reykjahlíd
Reykjahlíð is a small village in northern Iceland, located on the shores of Lake Mývatn. It’s the ideal starting point for exploring the area, including the Mývatn baths and the small Grjótagjá lava cave.
And don’t miss out on Hverir, a geothermal area with hot mud pools. The scenery there is breathtaking.
8. Landmannalaugar
Located in the center of the country in the highlands, the Landmannalaugar region is a delight for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Nature reigns supreme in this part of Iceland. You’ll see colorful mountains, crater lakes, the impressive Sigöldugljúfur canyon, and much more. The hike to Mount Bláhnúkur is a physical challenge, but the views are well worth the effort.
9. Borgarfjörður eystri
Borgarfjörður eystri, in Eastern Iceland, is a valley renowned for its fjords, mountains, and wildlife.
Here, you can admire colonies of seabirds, including the famous puffins. These happen to be the country’s most iconic birds. The region is also renowned for its natural hot springs.
10. Akureyri
Akureyri is located in the north of Iceland. In fact, it’s called it the “Capital of the North.” It’s an ideal destination if you want a mix of natural sites and local culture. Akureyri’s museums and art galleries are a must-see.
You can get to the natural baths of Mývatn in less than an hour from Akureyri. Much closer to the south-west, there are also the impressive Goðafoss waterfalls.
11. Volcano of Reykjanes
In 2021, the Fagradalsfjall volcano on the Reykjanes peninsula awoke after 6,000 years of inactivity. It was the first eruption in the region in more than 800 years! After that, a few small explosions occurred (as recently as May 2024) but don’t worry about that at all, Iceland’s authorities confirm that it’s not dangerous.
If you’re fascinated by geology and volcanic phenomena, this is the destination for you. However, it’s important to remain cautious and follow the safety instructions specific to this region.
12. Lagoons (Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon)
The Blue Lagoon and the more recent Sky Lagoon are famous Icelandic attractions that probably need no introduction. People from all over the world travel to Iceland to bathe and relax in these warm, mineral-rich waters.
The Blue Lagoon, near Reykjavík, is famous for its milky-blue water, attracting a huge number of travelers. At the Sky Lagoon in Kópavogur, you can enjoy THE thing that’s missing from the other one… a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean, directly from the thermal pools.
You can read our post on the Sky Lagoon in Iceland.
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Summary
Iceland is a dream destination for many thanks to its incredibly diverse and preserved landscapes. It’s a country to visit at least once in your life.
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Featured image: Háifoss, Iceland (photo credit: Ben Karpinski)
