Aurora Borealis in Iceland by Joshua Earle via Unsplash
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Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Iceland

Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Iceland

Bucket List: 15 Beautiful Places to Visit in Iceland

Iceland, an island of fire and ice, has become one of the world’s top travel destinations for thrill-seeking adventurers and nature lovers looking for something different. In this post, you’ll discover Iceland’s active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, ice fields, and fjords, making it an exciting country to visit.

Reykjavik Iceland
Reykjavik Iceland

On this sparsely populated country, resting at the edge of the Arctic Circle that sits atop one of the world’s most volcanically active areas is just one of the most exciting activities each traveler can ever have.

Indeed, volcanoes and other seismic activity have regularly reshaped parts of the country. Iceland’s volcanoes are a hot topic by themselves and a cool reason to visit Iceland. Get to know more about the Icelandic volcanoes you can check out on your next trip, including the latest volcanic eruption here. As a result, the air is wonderfully clean, and the rugged, unspoiled landscapes remain ripe for exploration and unforgettable adventures. So we are here to help you choose the best places to visit in Iceland.

Reykjavik

Humpback whale in Reykjavik
Humpback whale in Reykjavik

No matter when you plan to travel, whale watching happens year-round, although summer is the most popular time to see these gentle giants. During the warmer months, trips run day and night, including whale watching in the midnight sun.

Tour operators say there’s an 80-95 percent chance of seeing these magnificent creatures, depending on the time of year. Best of all, surfacing often happens near the boats, so you may enjoy a ringside seat for one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.

Other ocean-going tours are also available, such as bird-watching and island visits. Tours are convenient since several types are available, and they depart from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor. Stop for a dinner of fresh cod after you return in one of the many small, rustic restaurants in the harbor area.

Blue Lagoon, Grindavik.

Blue Lagoon, Grindavik by Maarten van den Heuvel via Unsplash
Blue Lagoon, Grindavik by Maarten van den Heuvel via Unsplash

The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa in Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland. It is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors worldwide to soak in its warm, mineral-rich waters.

The Blue Lagoon is fed by water from a nearby geothermal power plant, which is heated by the earth’s natural geothermal activity. The water is rich in minerals, including silica and sulfur, which are said to have therapeutic properties for the skin.

Visitors to the Blue Lagoon can relax in the warm waters, which are comfortable at around 38°C (100°F), while enjoying views of the surrounding lava fields and steam rising from the hot water. A range of spa treatments is also available, including massages and facials using products from the minerals in the water.

The Blue Lagoon is also home to a restaurant, café, and gift shop, offering a range of Icelandic cuisine and souvenirs.

While the Blue Lagoon is a popular destination year-round, it is especially popular in the winter, when visitors can soak in the warm waters while watching the Northern Lights dance overhead.

Spectacular Geysers.

Strokkur Geyser
Strokkur Geyser

Iceland is home to several spectacular geysers, natural features that shoot boiling hot water and steam into the air regularly. Two of the most famous geysers in Iceland are located on the Golden Circle tourist route, a popular destination for visitors to Iceland.

The first geyser is called Geysir, where the English word “geyser” comes from. Geysir is located in Haukadalur valley in southwestern Iceland and has been active for over 10,000 years. While Geysir is no longer as active as it once was, its neighbor, Strokkur, is one of the most active geysers in Iceland, erupting every 5-10 minutes and shooting boiling water up to 30 meters (100 feet) into the air.

The second geyser on the Golden Circle route is the Haukadalur geyser, located near the Hvítá river in southwestern Iceland. Haukadalur is home to several smaller geysers, including the Great Geysir, which was once one of the largest geysers in the world but is now largely inactive. Visitors can still see the Great Geysir and its impressive crater over 18 meters (60 feet) wide.

In addition to Geysir and Haukadalur, several other geysers and hot springs are located throughout Iceland, including the mud pots at Hverir and the hot spring river at Reykjadalur.

Overall, Iceland’s geysers are a unique and spectacular natural wonder, offering visitors a glimpse into the earth’s geothermal activity and a chance to witness one of nature’s most impressive displays.

The Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis.

Aurora Borealis in Iceland by Joshua Earle via Unsplash
Aurora Borealis in Iceland by Joshua Earle via Unsplash

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are among Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions. Auroras are linked to the solar wind, a flow of ions radiating from the sun.

These particles become ensnared in the earth’s magnetic field and collide with atmospheric molecules, causing bursts of energy, which appear as large circles around the poles. This spectacular natural light show is best admired in remote places and is particularly impressive at increased solar activity times.

Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve.

Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve
Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve

Landmannalaugar National Park is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations. The main features of this mystical landscape are the multi-hued rhyolite mountains, the Hekla volcano, and extensive lava fields.

Hiking and horse riding are popular things to do here, and hikes range from a couple of hours to several days. You can visit from June to late September, after which the road is closed. A mountain lodge (Landmannalaugar Hut) with basic facilities accommodates 75 people. Expect raw nature, rugged scenery, and utterly spectacular views.

Maelifell Volcano & Myrdalsjokull Glacier Park.

Myrdalsjokull Glacier Park
Myrdalsjokull Glacier Park

South of Landmannalaugar lies Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park, which can only be visited during summer for safety reasons. Large amounts of rain soak the area, particularly in winter, when roads can be severely damaged. Maelifell volcano is the undisputed jewel-in-the-crown of this wild, rugged glacial landscape.

The perfect cone shape gives Maelifell the look of a classic volcano; however, during the warm season, a great green covering of moss gives it a surreal, otherworldly appearance.

Skaftafell Ice Cave, Vatnajokull National Park.

Skaftafell Ice Cave
Skaftafell Ice Cave

In the south of the country, Vatnajökull National Park is a land of glaciers and magnificent ice caves, which attract adventurers from across the globe. The vast national park is divided into four sections, consisting of the Vatnajökull glacier and its surroundings.

You’ll find several visitor centers; those in Skaftafell Ice Cave and Höfn are open year-round, while Skriðuklaustur and Jökulsárgljúfur are closed in winter. The best time to visit Skaftafell Ice Cave is during winter after heavy rain has washed away the top layer of the glacier.

Askja Caldera.

Askja Caldera by Ronan Furuta via Unsplash
Askja Caldera by Ronan Furuta via Unsplash

In the northern region of Vatnajökull National Park, Askja caldera and the geothermal pool in the Dyngjufj0ll Mountains are not one for the faint-hearted. However, if you’d like to say you’ve dipped in a live volcano, this is for you.

Askja is an impressive 50 square kilometers in size. The surrounding mountain range was formed during volcanic activity, and Askja was partly created by an eruption of burning ash that collapsed the roof of the central volcano’s magma chamber.

The water in Viti, the geothermal pool and volcanic crater, is generally around 30 degrees Celsius. A word of warning, the banks can be very slippery, particularly in wet weather.

Dettifoss Waterfall.

Dettifoss Waterfall by Richard Dorran via Unsplash
Dettifoss Waterfall by Richard Dorran via Unsplash

Dettifoss is a powerful waterfall in northeastern Iceland in Vatnajökull National Park. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland and is known for its raw power and beauty.

Dettifoss is located on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river and is the largest waterfall in Europe in terms of water volume. The waterfall drops approximately 45 meters (150 feet) into a canyon below and is over 100 meters (330 feet) wide.

The water that flows over Dettifoss comes from the melting glaciers of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. The water is a milky grey color due to the sediment picked up from the glacier as it flows toward the waterfall.

Dettifoss is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and canyons, adding to its awe-inspiring beauty. The area around the waterfall is also home to several other smaller waterfalls, including Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss.

Visitors to Dettifoss can access the waterfall from either the river’s east or west side. The east side is accessible by car and has a viewing platform that offers impressive views of the waterfall. The west side requires a short hike but provides a more up-close view of the waterfall.

Kirkjufell Mountain, Grundarfjordur.

Kirkjufell Mountain by Pavol Svantner via Unsplash
Kirkjufell Mountain by Pavol Svantner via Unsplash

Kirkjufell is a mountain located in Grundarfjordur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Iceland, known for its distinctive shape and stunning views.

Kirkjufell translates to “Church Mountain” in English and is so named because of its shape, which resembles a church steeple when viewed from certain angles. The mountain is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including a waterfall called Kirkjufellsfoss.

Kirkjufell has become a popular destination for photographers and tourists, drawn to the mountain’s unique shape and stunning views. The mountain is stunning at sunrise and sunset when the light creates dramatic shadows and colors across the landscape.

Visitors to Kirkjufell can hike to the top of the mountain for even more stunning views of the surrounding area. The hike is considered moderate in difficulty and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete roundtrip.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kirkjufell has also been featured in popular culture, including in the television series “Game of Thrones,” where it was used as a filming location.

Hallgrimskirkja.

Hallgrimskirkja by Ferdinand Stohr via Unsplash
Hallgrimskirkja by Ferdinand Stohr via Unsplash

This visually striking church is one of Iceland’s top attractions, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. It’s the tallest and most recognizable building in the country.

The Black Falls (a basalt rock formation), one of Iceland’s natural wonders, inspired the architectural design. A climb to the top of the 73-meter-high tower is particularly rewarding. You’ll be treated to spectacular views across the city and surrounding landscape here.

At the front of the church is a statue of Icelander Leifur Eiriksson (“Leif the Lucky”), the first European to discover America around AD 1,000. It seems he beat Christopher Columbus by around 500 years or so.

Gullfoss Waterfall.

Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder in southern Iceland, about 100 kilometers east of Reykjavik. It is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations for its beauty and power.

The Hvítá River forms the waterfall, which flows down from the nearby Langjökull glacier. The water drops down two tiers into a deep canyon, creating a spectacular sight. The total height of the waterfall is 32 meters, and the canyon’s width is 20 meters.

The name Gullfoss means “golden falls” in Icelandic, and it is said that the name comes from the golden hue of the water as it tumbles down the falls. The waterfall is awe-inspiring during the summer when the glacial meltwater peaks and the river’s flow is strongest.

Gullfoss Waterfall is part of the Golden Circle tourist route, including the geysers at Geysir and the Thingvellir National Park. It is open to visitors year-round, and several viewing platforms exist to enjoy the waterfall.

Town of Akureyri.

Akureyri Iceland
Akureyri Iceland

Akureyri is known for its stunning natural beauty, with mountains, fjords, and waterfalls surrounding the town. The town has a charming and relaxed atmosphere, with colorful houses, cozy cafes, and restaurants serving delicious Icelandic cuisine.

One of the main attractions in Akureyri is the Akureyri Church, a beautiful Lutheran church in the center of town. The church’s architecture is inspired by the style of traditional Icelandic turf houses, with a unique facade made of basalt columns.

Another popular attraction is the Botanical Gardens, located on the outskirts of town. The gardens feature over 7,000 plant species, including many natives of Iceland. The gardens are open year-round and are especially beautiful during the summer months when the plants are in full bloom.

In the winter, Akureyri is a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports. Several ski resorts are located near the town, offering a range of slopes for skiers of all levels.

Lake Myvatn & Nature Reserve.

Lake Myvatn by Carlo Perez via Flickr
Lake Myvatn by Carlo Perez via Flickr

It is a lake district famous for its wealth of birdlife, rich fauna, and large shallow body of water. It’s estimated that the area was formed around 2,500 years ago by a gigantic lava eruption.

Today, the surroundings are volcanically active, with an eruption occurring as recently as the mid-1980s. Bubbling clay pits, sulphuric fumes, and lava formations all form part of this unique landscape, which is still in flux.

The Pearl Observatory.

The Pearl by Tanya Heart via Wikimedia cc
The Pearl by Tanya Heart via Wikimedia cc

The Pearl Observatory, also known as Perlan, is a unique landmark and observation deck in Reykjavik, Iceland. It is situated atop a hill called Öskjuhlíð, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.

The building is a futuristic dome-shaped structure that houses a variety of exhibitions, including interactive displays about Icelandic glaciers, volcanoes, and earthquakes. There is also a revolving restaurant, a café, and a gift shop on the top floor of the building.

One of the main attractions of the Pearl Observatory is its observation deck, which offers panoramic views of Reykjavik and the nearby mountains. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the building, enjoying the views from both indoor and outdoor viewing platforms.

The Pearl Observatory is also home to a man-made ice cave, where visitors can experience the inside of a glacier and learn about the unique features of Icelandic ice formations.

In addition to its stunning views and interactive exhibits, the Pearl Observatory is also known for its unique design. The building was initially constructed in the 1990s as a hot water storage tank but was later transformed into the iconic structure it is today.

Overall, the Pearl Observatory is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Reykjavik, offering a unique combination of stunning views, interactive exhibits, and innovative design.

So, Have You Decided Where you will go In Iceland for your next trip? Tell us in the comments below.

Hotel Top Picks!

Iceland Travel and Tour Packages

To help you plan your visit to Iceland, we listed places and other amazing places to visit in Iceland. We also listed some of the best Iceland travel and tour packages, excellent flight deals, and accommodation.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of affordable Iceland hotels and resorts via Agoda and Bookings, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about other beautiful tourist attractions in Iceland? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, TwitterInstagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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