Iceland is a land of contrasts where volcanoes, glaciers, geysers and black-sand beaches sit close together on a compact island. In just one or two weeks you can experience an extraordinary range of scenery, from thundering waterfalls to glacier lagoons and steaming geothermal fields. Here are ten of the country most popular attractions, along with practical tips on how to plan your visit.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is the best-known day trip in Iceland and lies within easy reach of Reykjavik. It combines three sites that showcase the island geology and history, and you can drive the whole loop in a single day.
- Thingvellir - a UNESCO World Heritage national park where the Althing parliament was founded in 930 and where two tectonic plates slowly drift apart. You can walk through the Almannagja rift between the continents.
- Geysir and Strokkur - in the Haukadalur geothermal area, Strokkur erupts every few minutes, sending a column of hot water high into the air, while the original Geysir is now mostly dormant.
- Gullfoss - a powerful two-tier waterfall on the Hvita river that plunges into a deep canyon, often crowned by rainbows on sunny days.
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa with milky-blue, silica-rich water, located on the Reykjanes peninsula near Keflavik Airport. It makes an ideal first or last stop on any trip, perfect for arrival or departure day. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, as it often sells out.
The South Coast waterfalls
- Seljalandsfoss - you can walk behind the curtain of water when conditions allow, for a unique perspective. Bring a rain jacket, as the spray is heavy.
- Skogafoss - a broad, thundering waterfall where rainbows often form in the spray on sunny days. A staircase leads up to a viewpoint at the top.
Reynisfjara and Vik
Reynisfjara is a famous black-sand beach near the village of Vik, with hexagonal basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks offshore. Always beware of sneaker waves, which arrive without warning and can be dangerous - keep well back from the water.
Jokulsarlon and the Diamond Beach
Jokulsarlon is the glacier lagoon where icebergs break off Breidamerkurjokull and drift towards the sea. Across the road lies the Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice glitter on the black sand like jewels. Boat tours on the lagoon run in summer.
Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell on the Snaefellsnes peninsula is one of the most photographed mountains in the country, especially with its nearby waterfalls in the foreground. It is a favourite spot for both sunsets and, in winter, the northern lights.
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar in the Highlands is known for its rhyolite mountains streaked in red, yellow and green, plus natural hot springs where you can bathe. The area is only accessible in summer via mountain roads and often requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Dettifoss
Dettifoss on the Jokulsa a Fjollum river is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, where an immense volume of water crashes into Jokulsargljufur canyon. It lies in the northeast, far from Reykjavik.
Myvatn and Godafoss
In the north, the Myvatn area offers pseudo-craters, geothermal fields, hot springs and rich birdlife. Nearby stands Godafoss, often called the waterfall of the gods, with its elegant curved shape.
Reykjavik
The capital blends culture and nature. Do not miss Hallgrimskirkja with its viewing tower and Harpa, the striking concert hall by the harbour with its colourful glass facade. The old town and harbour area are full of restaurants and museums.
Practical tips
- The Golden Circle and the South Coast are the best day trips from Reykjavik and suit travellers who are short on time.
- Rent a car to travel freely, but always check the weather on vedur.is and road conditions on road.is before setting off.
- The north, the Eastfjords and the Highlands need more time and often a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Dress in layers and always carry windproof and waterproof clothing, whatever the season.
A few more places worth mentioning
While the sights above are the most popular, the country is full of further gems. Reykjadalur offers a warm river you can bathe in after a short hike, the Diamond Circle in the north links Godafoss, Myvatn, Dettifoss and Asbyrgi, and Snaefellsjokull glacier presides over the west. If you have more time, it is well worth mixing the famous highlights with quieter areas where fewer travellers go.
How to plan your trip
For a short visit of three to four days, it makes sense to focus on Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the Blue Lagoon and the South Coast. For a week or more, you can drive the entire Ring Road and add the North and the Eastfjords. Book popular experiences such as the Blue Lagoon and ice-cave tours in advance, and always leave some slack in your itinerary for the weather, which can change plans overnight.