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Iceland captivates you with its ice caves to its steaming geysers. There are also towering volcanoes, picturesque landscapes, thermal baths, Northern Lights, and magnificent waterfalls. It’s very difficult to feature the best of the best places in Iceland, where every square inch is a natural paradise. However, we have listed 10 of the most attractive places to visit in Iceland that have brought the country into the tourism spotlight. So, read on!
Top 10 Places To Visit In Iceland
Westfjords
Westfjords, a large peninsula in the northwestern part of the country, is one of the best places to visit in Iceland. Home to dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, the Westfjords are among the lesser-known places in Iceland. It is roughly a five-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital city of Reykjavik and is accessible only during the summer months from May to October. The stunning fjords, gorgeous waterfalls, hot pools, endless beaches, and bird cliffs will astound you. So, make your Iceland trip memorable with a visit to Westfjords.
Highlights: Vigur Island, Vestfirdir Tunnel, Dokkan Brugghús, Sheep Farming Museum, Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and more.
How to reach: The best way to reach the remote Westfjords region from Reykjavik is via road during the summer months.
Thingvellir National Park
The lovely park with breathtaking views is not far from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with immense historical and cultural value. The park is the most sought-after geological wonder as you can walk between two continents, the Eurasian and the North American continental plates. Another amazing feature is the crack between the plates called the Silfra fissure. It is the only place on Earth where you can swim between the two continents. You are welcome to walk the fascinating geological trail alongside the edge of the North American plate and the Almannagja gorge which ends with a charming Oxarafoss Waterfall. The park is also home to Lake Pingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake. Do keep an eye out for Arctic foxes, minks, various species of ducks, golden plovers, and common snipes. Add this adventure to your itinerary which is worth it!
Highlights: Almannagja, The Law Rock, Drekingarhylur (the drowning pool), Öxarárfoss waterfall and more.
How to reach: You can reach Thingvellir National Park from Reykjavik via road by minibus.
Blue Lagoon
Grindavik’s Blue Lagoon is a UNESCO geo-park with sprawling geothermal black lava rocks interspersed with milky blue waters. This is among the most attractive places with stunning visual appeal. Another spectacular feature of the Blue Lagoon is that its waters maintain a constant temperature of 102 F all year round, making it ideal for soaking away any type of body ache. The hot tubs and pools with their steamy mineral-rich water and healing soft silica mud are crowd pullers. The geothermal spa is man-made with its warm waters coming from a nearby geothermal plant called Svartsengi. Don’t miss out on one of the best attractions on your Iceland trip, just at a distance of 47 km by road from the capital.
Highlights: Midnight Sun, Northern Lights, Silica Mud Mask, Sauna and Steam Rooms, a Human-Made Waterfall, a Relaxation Cave, an In-Water Bar, the option to book an In-Water Massage and more.
How to reach: You can reach Blue Lagoon by car which is just 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík.
Reykjavík
Reykjavik, the capital, is a good place to start your Iceland tour. Here, you can explore the smoking lava fields, go on daily hikes in Borgarfjordur, or simply relax on a black sandy beach. You can also visit Puffin Island to witness the local wildlife and the majestic Dynjandi Waterfall on your Iceland trip. Also, the best time to visit Iceland is during the Reykjavik Film Festival in September. So, add the capital to your Iceland tour where every bar, restaurant, and corner is bustling with excitement and entertainment.
Highlights: Perlan, Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre, National Museum of Iceland, Hallgrímskirkja Church, Whale Watching, Northern Lights Cruise from downtown Reykjavik and more.
How to reach: The most popular way to reach Reykjavik City Centre from the Keflavik Airport is by FlyBus which takes around 45 minutes.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon Lagoon is a surreal place with luminous-blue icebergs. Here, the procession of icebergs floats around before meeting the Atlantic Ocean. The lagoon is formed by the melting glaciers of the Vatnajökull National Park. Another beautiful attraction is the sapphire blue crystal ice cave called Breiðamerkurjökull which is an offshoot of the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap. A boat ride amid the icebergs is a highly recommended activity. You can also choose to wander the lakeshore for a memorable time. Another great feature here is that you can go seal-watching in Jokulsarlon, all year round. Did you know that the ten-square-mile lagoon has also been featured in films like Batman Begins and Die Another Day?
Highlights: Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon boat tours, Ice cave Tours, Blue Ice Cave, Northern Lights and more.
How to reach: You can reach glacier bay via road from Reykjavik which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Another spectacular place to visit in Iceland is the Geysir geothermal area. It’s a hot spring in the Haukadalur valley. It is located along the world-famous Golden Circle sightseeing route and can be reached in an approximately one-hour drive from Reykjavik. Although the Geysir is no longer active, its neighbour Strokkur is not to be missed. Every five to ten minutes, hot bursts of boiling water from it reaches a height of up to 40 metres. The area is surrounded by mud pits, hot springs, and fumaroles. The hot springs are free to visit all year, and you can even see the Northern Lights over the hot springs, which is a spectacular sight.
Highlights: Gullfoss Waterfall (nearby), Geysir Golf Course, Blesi, Strokkur, Northern Lights and more.
How to reach: You can reach the Geysir Geothermal area via road which is at a distance of 107 km from Reykavik.
Vatnajökull National Park
The Vatnajökull National Park, Europe`s largest national park is a gorgeous place to visit in Iceland. It is a combination of two previously-established national parks – Skaftafell in southeast Iceland and Jökulsárgljúfur in northeast Iceland. The beauty of this Iceland tourist destination is that it protects the mighty Vatnajökull, the world’s largest ice cap outside of the poles. The flow of outlet glaciers from the ice cap is spellbinding. So, indulge in the diversity of the landscape with a visit to the park on your Iceland trip.
Highlights: Vatnajökull Glacier, Skaftafell, Svartifoss Waterfall, Skaftafellsjökull , Svinafell Glacier and more.
How to reach: The best way to reach the park from Reykjavik is to rent a car or a camper van and explore at ease.
Fagradalsfjall Volcano
One of the most popular places to visit in Iceland is the Fagradalsfjall Volcano, especially for those looking for a volcanic hike with a geologist tour. Additionally, the Fagradalsfjall Volcano site is close to many popular tourist spots such as the Blue Lagoon and is an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. Due to easy access, many locals and tourists visit the site. Fagradalsfjall is a tuya volcano formed in the Last Glacial Period on the Reykjanes Peninsula. So, don’t miss the chance of witnessing fresh lava fields up close.
Highlights: Fagradalsfjall Helicopter Tour, Lake Kleifarvatn, Lava Fields, Guided Volcano Hikes with a Geologist and Volcanologist and more.
How to reach: You can reach Fagradalsfjall via road in a 55-minute drive from the capital.
Husavik
Yet another best place to travel in Iceland is Husavik, Europe’s whale-watching capital. Sail out to the bay from the Husavik harbour on a traditional Icelandic oak ship. The enchanting sights will leave you in awe of Mother Nature. Skjálfandi Bay is known for its diverse marine life, including whales of all shapes and sizes. Keep an eye out for the acrobatic humpbacks and the giant blue whales. Sail back to Húsavík harbour and enjoy the stunning day during your Iceland trip for a memorable time.
Highlights: The Whale Museum, Gamli Baukur Restaurant, Húsavík Adventures Whale Watching, GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths, Whale Watching With North Sailing and more.
How to reach: A convenient way to reach Husavik from Reykjavik is by flying with Eagle Air
Videy Island
Last but not least, Videy is among the best places to visit in Iceland. You can take the ferry to this peaceful Iceland place from Reykjavik. Be enchanted by the island’s unique combination of historical significance and natural beauty. Videy Island enchants you from Yoko Ono’s famous ‘Imagine Peace Tower’ to Richard Serra’s ‘Milestones’. There are daily sailing tours during the summer and weekend sailing tours during the winter. So, visit this paradisal island, which is only a few minutes’ ferry ride from the city’s shores.
Highlights (in and near): Imagine Peace Tower, Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, Laugavegur shopping street, Tjörnin Pond, Sundhöllin swimming pool, BirdLife in Videy Island, Viðeyjarkirkja Church.
How to reach: You can take a ferry from the old harbour in Reykjavik to Videy.
Iceland with its beautiful landscapes and mystical natural beauty is worth it. So, don’t miss the magic and mystery of this Nordic island nation. Book a tour today!
