Top 10 things to see and do in Iceland
Known as the Land of Ice and Fire, Iceland is a country of contrasts. Those who only visit the Golden Circle are missing out on a wealth of experiences and incredible sights. Below are my top 10 things to see and do in Iceland. They are strewn across the entire country, so I recommend hiring a campervan and hitting the road – you won’t regret it!
Skógafoss
Standing at the foot of Skógafoss, you can’t help but feel tiny. It’s one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls for a reason—not just because of its sheer power, but because of the perfect rainbows that arch through its mist on sunny days. If you’ve got the energy, climb the 500-plus steps to the top; the view of the coastline and the river snaking toward the horizon is worth every bit of the calf-burn!
Glacier Lagoon
There’s something truly otherworldly about Jökulsárlón. Watching massive, electric-blue icebergs drift silently toward the ocean feels like stepping onto a different planet. I actually cried when we came here because it was so beautiful. We even saw seals playing between the ‘bergs. Make sure you also cross the road to “Diamond Beach,” where these chunks of ice wash up on the black sand like giant, glistening crystals. It’s a quiet, ethereal experience that stays with you long after the ice has melted.
Whale Watching
There’s no feeling quite like the anticipation of scanning the horizon and finally seeing a massive tail fluke slip beneath the waves. Whether you head out from the charming northern town of Húsavík or straight from Reykjavik harbor, seeing humpbacks or minke whales in their natural habitat is a humbling reminder of the ocean’s magic. We went on this eco-friendly tour from Husavik and saw 15 whales! It was one of my favourite days in Iceland and I can’t recommend it enough.
Dynjandi
Tucked away in the remote Westfjords, Dynjandi is often called the “Jewel of the Westfjords,” and it absolutely lives up to the name. Shaped like a massive bridal veil, water runs down a series of rocky steps that get wider as they fall. It’s a bit of a journey to get there. But standing at the base of that thunderous, tiered white water makes you feel like you’ve discovered a beautiful secret at the edge of the world. It’s my favourite waterfall in Iceland, but check out some others in this blog post.
Westman Islands
A short ferry ride brings you to the Westman Islands. It’s a place where the history is as dramatic as the scenery. You can hike up Eldfell, a volcano that erupted unexpectedly in 1973, or head to the cliffs to spot puffins nesting in the summer. It has a tight-knit, cozy island vibe that feels completely distinct from the mainland. And the kind of place where I could have lingered a lot longer.
Hot Springs & The Blue Lagoon
After days of hiking and exploring, there is nothing—and I mean nothing—better than sinking into Iceland’s geothermal waters. Whether you’re soaking in the world-famous, milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon or finding a hidden “hot pot” in the middle of a field, it’s the ultimate Icelandic ritual. It’s a moment to slow down, and soak in the raw energy of the earth. Tickets for the Blue Lagoon can be purchased in advance here, along with additional treatments.
Black Sand Beach
Reynisfjara is moody, dramatic, and a little bit wild. Between the towering hexagonal basalt columns and the roaring Atlantic waves, it feels like a fantasy movie set come to life. Just be sure to keep a respectful distance from the water—those “sneaker waves” are no joke!
Reykjavik
Iceland’s capital is small in size but massive in personality. From the colorful rooftops and the striking Hallgrímskirkja church to the world-class food and quirky bars, it’s a city that feels incredibly creative and welcoming. Spend an afternoon wandering the street art-lined lanes or grabbing a legendary Icelandic hot dog. Don’t miss the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, built to resemble Svartifoss’ basalt columns. Reykjavik is the perfect, cozy home base for your Arctic adventures.
Lava Fields
Driving through Iceland often feels like traversing the moon. And nowhere is that more apparent than in the vast lava fields. Covered in thick, spongy green moss that has taken centuries to grow, these jagged landscapes are a reminder of the volcanic fire that built this island. We were lucky enough to visit a year after an eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It meant we could visit the fresh lava fields which had cooled enough to walk on parts of it. A unique experience for sure!
Dettifoss
Get ready to feel the ground shake. Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Standing on its rim is a sensory overload in the best way possible. The sheer volume of glacial water plunging into the canyon creates a roar you can feel in your chest. It’s not “pretty” in a delicate way; it’s raw, intimidating, and absolutely magnificent.
These top 10 things to see and do in Iceland are just a snippet of what the country has to offer. There are also glaciers and canyons to traverse, geyser eruptions to witness and beautiful churches to visit. If you are planning an Iceland adventure let me know and I’d be happy to advise on any and all activities!
