Iceland is an amazing place for exploring on foot or by sea, where there are great hiking opportunities and waterfall views without too many other people around. Plus, puffins love this part of the world too!
Iceland is best explored via car. The main roads are well-maintained and offer smooth driving conditions; however, you should remain mindful of both weather and road conditions when making this choice.
1. The Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun is one of the most stunning natural phenomena found in Iceland. Between May and August, its warmth illuminates northern areas without ever setting, making for breathtaking sights and longer days to take advantage of everything Iceland has to offer.
Going to popular sites during the midnight sun can also help to avoid crowds, such as seeing the famous Golden Circle after sundown will provide a much calmer and relaxing experience as crowds dissipate.
Sleeping through the midnight sun may be challenging for light sleepers, but most hotels are prepared for it with dark curtains designed to block out light. A sleeping eye mask or sleep mask could also help facilitate restful slumber at this time of night.
2. Glaciers
Iceland boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, from waterfalls and active volcanoes to snowcapped glaciers – with these incredible glaciers being among its greatest draws.
People travel from around the world to witness glaciers’ beauty and experience their mystique up close – either driving alongside them or hiking within them on guided hikes. While glaciers can be fascinating at any time of year, winter offers visitors the best chances for viewing an underground glacier cave or seeing Northern Lights dancing through the night sky.
Iceland draws tourists for its incredible horseback riding opportunities. Famous for their signature “tolt gait,” Icelandic horses offer riders of all skill levels an unforgettable experience on comfortable and stable mounts that offer spectacular views across Iceland’s rugged terrain – it truly provides an unforgettable experience as well as unique souvenirs!
3. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon has become one of Iceland’s signature attractions and must-sees during any visit to this island nation. Situated within Svartsengi Lava Field on Reykjanes Peninsula and approximately 20-30 minutes drive from Keflavik International Airport or Reykjavik respectively, visitors typically visit either immediately after landing or as part of a guided package tour or self-drive itinerary.
The Blue Lagoon provides a relaxing environment, said to provide both physical and spiritual rejuvenation. Enjoy dining at Moss and Lava restaurants which boast breathtaking views of lava fields surrounding it, or use its packages including towel use as well as shower gel, shampoo and body lotion use; their locker service allows visitors to securely store belongings; additionally a robe is included with their Comfort Package!
4. Geysir
Geysir is one of Iceland’s and the world’s most iconic attractions, often featured as part of the Golden Circle sightseeing route which also includes Gullfoss Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park (Iceland’s first parliamentary body was formed here). The word ‘geyser’ derives from an Old Norse word meaning to gush; Great Geysir continues erupting every 5-10 minutes! You can visit Geysir via self-drive tour or booked spot on one of many tours visiting Iceland.
Iceland can be visited any time of year, but September offers the highest chances of seeing the northern lights and exploring snowy landscapes. Rent a car or campervan and start discovering all of the reasons Iceland is such a sought-after travel destination.
5. Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss Waterfall, located on the Golden Circle, is one of the most captivating waterfalls in Iceland. The cascading cascade cascades down towering basalt cliffs for a jaw-dropping sight – you can walk right up close for an up-close experience or hike up to its viewing platform for even better views.
Folklore stories surrounding this breathtaking waterfall abound, such as one recounting a Viking who tried to throw their treasure into its cascade, only for its handle to break and disappear into thin air.
On a sunny day, visitors to Skogar Falls may see rainbows dancing through its spray. This phenomenon is most frequently witnessed during summer months; however, its beauty remains stunning year round. Lodging and dining options in its vicinity offer guests ample accommodations, while nearby Skogar Museum serves as an added cultural attraction that should not be missed!
6. The Northern Lights
Visit Iceland to experience one of its most mesmerizing natural spectacles – the Northern Lights! You might not see them every night, but when conditions permit it’s one of Iceland’s most captivating natural phenomena.
Winter is the optimal time for viewing the Northern Lights, when long nights provide clear skies. Though you could witness them during summer as well, weather might be too warm and outdoor activities won’t provide as many opportunities.
Plan your trip around the solstices for maximum Aurora Borealis viewing opportunities, using this website as a resource to monitor cloud cover or any other elements that might limit your view of this stunning light show. Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and waterfalls will no doubt tempt visitors back again and again, but there’s so much more that awaits visitors back here that a second visit should definitely happen!
7. Black Beaches
Iceland’s black beaches are among the country’s most distinctive features, having formed from once red-hot lava flows and featuring hauntingly beautiful and hauntingly haunting beauty. Their dark sand inspires all sorts of emotions in visitors – one must visit at least once!
Reynisfjara is one of the world’s best-known black beaches, known for its dramatic basalt cliffs that rise out of the sea and unique rock formations like Reynisdrangar sea stacks – said to have been created by trolls while trying to drag ships ashore before being caught in sunlight and turned to stone! According to legend, these formations were left by them when caught trying to move their ship closer to shore but instead became part of nature itself instead.
Reynisfjara makes for an exciting side trip on any tour around Iceland. Plan your visit in summer when there’s more sunlight and less tourists!
8. Icebergs
Iceland offers unique experiences that many will never have access to again, which explains why so many book trips here to tick items off their bucket lists.
Iceland offers everything from Northern Lights viewings and black lava beaches, to self-guided Ring Road tours that enable you to easily see many of its most striking attractions – everything from volcano landscapes and natural hot springs, as well as unique attractions.
Take a guided trip to Jokulsarlon for an incredible glacier lagoon and its drifting icebergs, some of which even wash up on nearby Breidamerkurandur sand beach, where their bright blue hue stands out against the black sand beach – something you may wish to frame and hang as a reminder that you were once standing here!
9. Geothermal Areas
Icelanders love nothing more than getting wet in hot springs to relax. Enjoy taking a dip in the blue waters of the Blue Lagoon or exploring other natural hot springs throughout Iceland to find relief year-round.
Geysir Geothermal Area is the place to go to witness geysers in all their splendor. Here you’ll find a variety of bubbling geothermal phenomena – Strokkur is particularly impressive, spraying water every five or ten minutes and drawing crowds of visitors from near and far!
At this area you’ll also find mud pools, solfataras (boiling sulphur pits), and fumaroles. Crater Lake Graenavatn offers stunning emerald hue due to high concentrations of sulphur – making this an excellent place to experience Iceland’s geological forces! Tectonic plates run throughout Iceland constantly shifting, and you can feel their impact all around.
10. The Food
Icelanders take great pleasure in enjoying delicious cuisine. In cities, cafe culture can be found flourishing; many places provide hot thermoses of coffee to both tourists and locals alike.
Lamb is a great option, but don’t be intimidated to try something more adventurous. A popular menu item in Iceland is hangikjot: smoked lamb throat served with bechamel sauce, boiled potatoes, red cabbage and jam – as is puffin (small black and white birds with vibrant orange feet and beaks).
Iceland offers so much for any visitor – geysers, waterfalls, volcanic beaches and unique cuisine are just a few things that await discovery here! A visit will leave lasting memories.