Whether you’re just visiting for a few days or staying for a few weeks, Iceland has something for everyone. Everything from stunning turquoise springs to electric green northern lights, this country’s picturesque scenery knows no bounds. The bustling capital city of Reykjavík has enough exciting shops, cafés, and pubs to keep travelers entertained while its natural beauty allows Instagrammers to get their perfect shot. And there are plenty of opportunities for history buffs to learn about this interesting country. Sightseeing options are almost endless, but we’ve rounded up our Top 10 picks for things to do while visiting Iceland.
Relax in the Blue Lagoon
Forty-five minutes southwest of Reykjavík, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular destinations due to its idyllic landscape, mineral-rich blue waters, and soft white mud. The Blue Lagoon has been softening and enriching the skin of tourists and locals for decades.
Unwind in the warm mix of sea and fresh water for the day, or splurge for an overnight stay at the Silica Hotel, where you’ll be treated to complimentary breakfasts, entrance into the Silica Lagoon, and premium access to the Blue Lagoon.
Watch the Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights as the country is afforded stellar views of the spectacle approximately 240 nights a year.
The best time to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking natural phenomenon is from September to March. If the weather is right and the sky is clear, you can see these dancing lights anywhere. However, the best locations are away from the city where there is little to no light pollution. You can hunt for the Northern Lights on your own or take a guided tour.
Tour the National Museum of Iceland
Located in the heart of Reykjavík, the National Museum of Iceland is the perfect spot for everyone from the history buff to the casual traveler. This three-story museum will take you through the entire history of Iceland, from its discovery by the Norse Vikings to the many changes the country has undergone to become what it is today.
A visit to the National Museum of Iceland is guaranteed to have you leaving as an honorary local.
Hike in Þingvellir National Park
A visit to Iceland’s Þingvellir National Park is a must for nature lovers, especially if you’re looking for amazing scenic photos. The beautiful combination of dried magma, lush green moss, crystal blue springs, and towering mountains will leave you mesmerized. It is the only cultural UNESCO World Heritage site located on Iceland’s mainland.
This park has much to offer, such as hiking trails, scuba diving, and the opportunity to camp. Visiting Þingvellir National Park in spring (April, May) and fall (September, October) is recommended because the weather is warm enough to enjoy the surroundings but there are fewer crowds than during the summer.
Go Whale Watching
Iceland is the best place to catch a glimpse of these hulking mammals, whether you’re seeing the tail-end of a minke whale off the coast of Reykjavík or the amazing breach of a humpback in the small northern fishing village of Húsavík. The best time to go whale watching is from late April to early October because the long days during the summer months give warmth to the shallow seas.
Many tour companies provide travelers with the opportunity to see whales. Still, the most popular and best-rated excursion is Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching, recommended on Iceland’s official website.
Admire the Roaring Skógafoss
The Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country and is gorgeous with a 200-foot drop. It is surrounded by lush cliffs, and due to the sheer amount of spray, it regularly creates a single or double rainbow. According to legend, the first Viking settler in this area buried his treasure in a cave behind the falls.
There are two options to view the Skógafoss. Visitors can climb up a set of stairs to a viewpoint above the waterfall and walk alongside the river. Or, walk to the foot of the falls to look straight up to be amazed by its beauty and enjoy the spray. Both options provide beautiful scenic views.
See Iceland’s Famous Geysers
Iceland is world-famous for its geysers, so visiting two of the most famous is a must. Located in the famous Golden Circle, along with Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall, travelers will find Geysir or The Great Geysir. This was the first of its kind to be discovered in Europe in the 1800s and has been attracting tourists ever since. Since an earthquake in 2000, Geysir has been dormant but there’s still a chance that it could spew water up to 230 feet into the air.
Luckily, only a short walk from Geysir travelers will find Strokkur which is very active. This geyser erupts every five to 10 minutes, shooting boiling water up to 100 feet high.
Take a Walking Tour of Reykjavik
Want to learn more about Reykjavík? Consider a free walking tour. Instead of a set price, this tour allows travelers to pay what they think it’s worth. The tour guide takes a group around the city’s main attractions while sharing Icelandic folklore and historical information about Reykjavík and how the city developed.
Travelers of all ages are welcome and can expect to walk approximately one mile during the tour.
Tour an Ice Cave
Iceland — the very name denotes a land covered in ice and certainly, there is much to explore when it comes to glaciers and ice caves that dot the scenic landscape. Due to the country’s location between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans and the geological conditions, the formation of ice caves above and below the earth’s surface is widespread. These were formed by flowing magma and solidified lava, creating stunning tubes and tunnels.
Given Iceland’s fickle weather conditions, it is recommended that travelers see this type of attraction with a tour group rather than trying to visit on their own. Groups tours are also the easiest option with opportunities to be picked up and dropped off in a city like Reykjavíkit,
Visit Stuðlagil Canyon
For visitors looking to take the road slightly less traveled, a visit to Stuðlagil Canyon is the way to go. Located in the eastern part of the country, Stuðlagil Canyon is considered one of Iceland’s best-hidden gems. This natural phenomenon is often mistaken as manufactured. It had been underwater for centuries, but with the recent development of a hydroelectric plant built nearby, the water went from a deep, mighty river to today’s shallow, calm spring.
Photos do not do these colossal basalt columns justice. Consider being cautious and submitting a travel plan while walking through these canyons.
Photo Credits:
Lead Photo — Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
Blue Lagoon — Chris Lawton on Unsplash
Northern Lights — Jonatan Pie on Unsplash
Museum — Pedro Netto on Unsplash
Þingvellir NP — Gunnar Sigurðarson on Unsplash
Whale watching — Kristina Delp on Unsplash
Skógafoss — Spencer Everett on Unsplash
Geysir — Mauro-Fabio Cilurzo on Unsplash
Walking tour — Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Ice Caves — Adam Jang on Unsplash
Stuðlagil Canyon — Freysteinn G. Jonsson on Unsplash