Best Things To Do In Iceland: A Guide To The Land Of Fire And Ice

Last Updated: Aug 17, 2023
Reading Time: 14 minutes
By: Shaun

Iceland is a small island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean with a population of about 360,000 people. It is known for its volcanic activity, geothermal energy, and diverse landscape, which includes glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, geysers, and black sand beaches. Iceland is also a land of culture and history, with a rich Viking heritage, a unique language, and a vibrant music and art scene.

Iceland is an amazing destination that offers something for every traveller, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or education. In this article, you will learn about the best things to do in Iceland and how to make your trip unforgettable.

Indulge in the wonders of The South Of Iceland

Diamond Beach | Image by Raphael Panhuber on Flickr

The South of Iceland is one of the most diverse and scenic regions in the country. The south coast makes for the perfect road trip because there are so many amazing things to see close together. Your day can start with a soak in a hot river and end surrounded by black-sand beaches and basalt columns.

Iceland’s scenery is ever-changing and equally impressive at all stops along the way. The south of Iceland stretches from Reykjadalur valley in the west to Vatnajökull National Park in the east, covering about 400 kilometres (250 miles) along the coast. You can explore the south of Iceland by car, bus, or tour and spend one or more days there, depending on your itinerary and interests.

Some of the highlights of the south of Iceland are:

Reykjadalur Valley: This is a geothermal valley that is located near the town of Hveragerði, about 45 minutes drive from Reykjavík. You can hike along a trail that leads to a hot river, where you can soak and enjoy the view of the steamy hills and mountains. The hike takes about an hour each way and is moderately difficult.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: This is one of the most iconic and photogenic waterfalls in Iceland, where the river Seljalandsá falls 60 metres (197 feet) over a cliff into a pool. You can walk behind the waterfall and see it from a different perspective, but be prepared to get wet. The waterfall is visible from the Ring Road and has a parking lot and a shop nearby.
Skógafoss Waterfall: This is another impressive waterfall in the south of Iceland, where the river Skógá falls 62 metres (203 feet) over a cliff into a gorge. You can walk up to the base of the waterfall and feel its spray and power, or climb up the stairs to see it from above.
Sólheimajökull Glacier: This is an outlet glacier that is part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the volcano Katla. You can join a guided tour that will take you to the glacier tongue, where you can see its blue ice, crevasses, and meltwater. You can also try some glacier activities, such as hiking, ice climbing, or kayaking.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: This is one of the most stunning and dramatic beaches in Iceland, where you can see black sand, basalt columns, sea stacks, and caves. You can also admire the view of the Dyrhólaey peninsula and the Reynisdrangar rock formations that rise from the sea. The beach is located near the village of Vík.
Vatnajökull National Park: This is the largest national park in Iceland and Europe, covering about 14% of the country’s surface. It includes the Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest ice cap in Europe, as well as various volcanoes, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. You can visit some of the park’s attractions, such as Skaftafell nature reserve and the Svartifoss waterfall.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: This is one of the most breathtaking sights in Iceland, where you can see icebergs floating on a glacial lake that connects to the ocean. The icebergs come from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. One can admire the lagoon from different viewpoints or join a boat tour that will take you closer to the icebergs.
Diamond Beach: Just off Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is this famous black sand beach. It is named after the ice chunks that wash up on the shore from the lagoon, creating a contrast with the dark sand. You can walk along the beach and see the ice sparkling like diamonds in the sun.

Enjoy The City Life Of Reykjavík

Reykjavík | Image by PDTillman on Wikimedia Commons

Reykjavík is not only the capital and largest city of Iceland, but also the cultural and entertainment centre of the country. Reykjavík has a lot to offer visitors who want to enjoy city life, such as museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Here are some of the best things to do in Reykjavík:

Visit the National Museum of Iceland: This is the main museum of Iceland that showcases its history and culture from the settlement to the present day. You can see various exhibits and artefacts, such as weapons, tools, clothing, jewellery, and manuscripts. You will also learn about the Icelandic sagas, the Viking age, the Christianization of the country, and the independence movement.
The Settlement Exhibition: This museum displays the remains of a Viking longhouse that was discovered under a hotel in 2001. The exhibition uses interactive technology and multimedia to recreate the life and environment of the first settlers in Reykjavík.
The Saga Museum: This museum tells the stories of the Icelandic sagas, which are mediaeval narratives that describe the history and legends of the Viking age. The museum features realistic wax figures, audio guides, and costumes that bring the sagas to life.
The Viking Village: This is a themed hotel and restaurant that resembles a Viking village from the 10th century. You can stay in a traditional turf house, enjoy a Viking feast, or watch a live show with sword fighting and music.
Admire the Harpa: This is a stunning building that serves as a concert hall and a conference centre. It was designed by a Danish-Icelandic artist and an architecture firm and opened in 2011. It has a distinctive glass facade that reflects the light and colours of the sky and the sea. You can see various performances and events in Harpa, such as music concerts, opera, dance, or comedic shows.
Explore the downtown area: This is the heart of Reykjavík, where you can find many attractions, such as Hallgrimskirkja (the largest church in Iceland), Tjornin (the city pond), Laugavegur (the main shopping street), and Austurvollur (the main square). You can also see some of the street art, sculptures, and murals that decorate the city, and you can also enjoy some of the cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs that offer various cuisines, drinks, and entertainment options.

Visit The Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon Geo-Thermal Spa | Image by Giuseppe Milo on Flickr

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous and visited attractions in Iceland. It is located in the west of the country in a lava field near the Keflavik International Airport, about 40 minutes drive from Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon is a large artificial lake that is filled with mineral-rich water that comes from a nearby geothermal power plant. The water has a milky blue colour and a temperature of about 38°C (100°F). The water is also known for its healing properties, as it contains silica, algae, and minerals that are good for your skin, health, and well-being.

To make the most of your visit to the Blue Lagoon, you should follow these tips:

Book your ticket in advance online or by phone, as the Blue Lagoon is very popular and often sells out.
Choose a package that suits your budget and preferences, as the Blue Lagoon offers different options, such as standard, comfort, premium, or luxury.
Bring your own towel, bathing suit, and flip-flops, as they are not included in the standard package and can be expensive to rent or buy.
Use the lockers, and make sure you use the showers before and after entering the water, as they are mandatory for hygiene reasons.
Enjoy the various facilities and services that are available in the Blue Lagoon, such as the sauna, the steam room, the waterfall, the silica mud mask, the massage, or the bar.

The Blue Lagoon is not the only geothermal bath in Iceland, and other baths worth mentioning are Seljavallalaug (one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland), Landmannalaugar (a geothermal area in the highlands of Iceland), Laugarvatn Fontana, and Myvatn Nature Baths.

Explore The Golden Circle

Gullfoss | Image by Ruth Hartnup on Flickr

The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route in Iceland, covering about 300 kilometres (190 miles) and looping from Reykjavík into the southern uplands of Iceland and back. It is the area that contains some of the most iconic and impressive natural attractions in Iceland, as well as some historical and cultural sites. The Golden Circle can be done in one day or more, depending on your pace and preferences. You can rent a car, join a tour, or even take a bus to explore the Golden Circle.

The main attractions of the Golden Circle are:

Thingvellir National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has both historical and geological significance. It is where the first Icelandic parliament, Althingi, was established in 930 AD and where Iceland declared its independence from Denmark in 1944. It is also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a rift valley with stunning scenery and features such as waterfalls, lakes, and fissures.
Geysir Geothermal Area: This is where you can see the famous Geysir, the geyser that gave its name to all geysers in the world. Although Geysir is mostly dormant now, you can still see its smaller but more active neighbour, Strokkur, which erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting water up to 30 metres (100 feet) in the air. You can also see other geothermal phenomena, such as hot springs, mud pots, and steam vents.
Gullfoss Waterfall: This is one of the most spectacular and powerful waterfalls in Iceland, where the river Hvita plunges 32 metres (105 feet) in two stages into a narrow canyon. You can admire the waterfall from different viewpoints and feel its spray and roar. On sunny days, you might even see a rainbow over the waterfall.

There are also some optional stops along the way that you can add to your Golden Circle itinerary, such as:

Kerid Crater Lake: This is a volcanic crater that is filled with turquoise water and surrounded by red rocks. You can walk around the rim of the crater or go down to the lake for a closer look.
Fridheimar Tomato Farm: This is a greenhouse that grows tomatoes all year round using geothermal energy. You can visit the farm and learn about its production process and sustainability practises. You can also taste some of their products, such as tomato soup, tomato jam, or tomato ice cream.
Secret Lagoon: This is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland, dating back to 1891. It is a natural hot spring that has a constant temperature of about 38°C (100°F) and a relaxing atmosphere. You can soak in the water and enjoy the view of the surrounding nature and geysers.

Discover The Diamond Circle

Mývatn

Complementing the Golden Circle is the Diamond Circle, which is a 260-kilometre (160-mile) sightseeing route in the northeast of the country and includes some of the most stunning and diverse natural attractions in Iceland. Just like the Golden Circle, the Diamond Circle can be done in one day, but we do suggest you plan to spend more than a day to take in the many sights in the area.

The main attractions of the Diamond Circle are:

Dettifoss Waterfall: This is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, with a height of 44 metres (144 feet) and a width of 100 metres (328 feet). It is fed by the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which carries sediment from the Vatnajökull glacier. You can admire the waterfall from different viewpoints on both sides of the river, but be careful of the slippery rocks and the spray.
Lake Mývatn: This is a volcanic lake that was formed by a large eruption about 2300 years ago. It has a rich and varied ecosystem, with many species of birds, plants, and insects. It also has many geothermal and geological features, such as hot springs, mud pots, lava pillars, and pseudo-craters. You can enjoy various activities around the lake, such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, or bathing in the Mývatn Nature Baths.
Húsavík: This is a charming fishing town that is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland. You can join a boat tour that will take you to see different species of whales, such as humpbacks, minke, orcas, and blue whales. You can also visit some of the museums and landmarks in the town, such as the Whale Museum, the Exploration Museum, and the wooden church.
Ásbyrgi Canyon: This is a horseshoe-shaped canyon that is part of the Vatnajökull National Park. It is believed to have been formed by a massive glacial flood or by the hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse. You can hike along the trails that lead to the bottom of the canyon, where you can see a pond, a forest, and a rock formation called Eyjan (the Island).

There are also some optional stops along the way that come highly recommended:

Goðafoss Waterfall: This is a beautiful waterfall that has a historical significance. It is where the pagan idols were thrown into the water by Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, a chieftain who decided to adopt Christianity as the official religion of Iceland in 1000 AD. The name Goðafoss means “waterfall of the gods”.
Námaskarð Pass: This is a geothermal area that is located near Lake Mývatn. It has a surreal and colourful landscape, with steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and sulphur deposits. The area has a strong smell of rotten eggs due to the hydrogen sulphide gas that is released from the ground.
Krafla Volcano: This is an active volcano that is located near Námaskarð Pass. It has erupted several times in history, most recently in 1984. You can see some of the craters, lava fields, and geothermal power plants that are associated with the volcano. You can also visit Víti (Hell), a crater lake that has a striking blue colour.

Witness The Northern Lights or The Midnight Sun

Auroras | Image by Lenny K Photography on Flickr

Iceland is a land of extremes, where the sun and the moon play a game of hide and seek throughout the year. Depending on the season, you can witness two of the most amazing natural phenomena in the world: the northern lights and the midnight sun.

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are colourful and dancing lights that appear in the sky when charged particles from the sun interact with the earth’s magnetic field. The northern lights can be seen in Iceland from September to March, when the nights are long and dark. However, seeing them is not guaranteed, as they depend on several factors, such as solar activity and cloud cover.

To increase your chances of seeing the northern lights, you should follow these tips:

Check the aurora forecast online or on your phone app to see the expected activity and visibility level.
Choose a location that is away from light pollution and has a clear view of the northern horizon.
Dress warmly and bring a thermos of hot drink, as you might have to wait for a long time in the cold.
Bring a camera with a tripod and a wide-angle lens to capture the best shots of the northern lights.
Be patient and flexible, as the northern lights can appear and disappear at any time.

If you want to make your northern lights experience more memorable, you can also join one of the many tours and activities that are available in Iceland, such as:

A cruise on a boat or a yacht that will take you to the best spots on the sea to see the northern lights
A snowmobile ride on a glacier or a mountain that will give you an adrenaline rush and a panoramic view of the night sky
A hot tub or a sauna in a remote cabin or a hotel that will let you relax and enjoy the northern lights in comfort and privacy

If you are visiting Iceland in early summer, then you can witness another natural phenomenon, the midnight sun. While Iceland is just outside the Arctic Circle (the area of the planet where the sun does not set during summer), you can still witness this phenomenon in June as the sun sets around midnight and rises at around 3 a.m., but it never gets completely dark.

Conclusion

Godafoss | Image by Ævar Guðmundsson on Flickr

Iceland’s reputation as the land of fire and ice stands well, as the country is full of stunning natural wonders, which together with its vibrant culture make it a country definitely worth exploring.

Whether you’re interested in hiking, exploring glaciers, soaking in hot springs, or just taking in the breathtaking scenery, there’s definitely something for everyone in Iceland.

This list of the best things to do in Iceland is just the tip of the iceberg (pun intended), so make sure you check out our other articles in which we delve deeper into what this incredible country has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iceland known for?

Iceland is known for its amazing natural beauty and rich, diverse culture, cuisine, vibrant arts scene, and lively nightlife. Iceland is home to a variety of natural wonders, including glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, and black-sand beaches.

What are the best things to do in Iceland?

There are many fantastic things to do in Iceland, but one should definitely consider taking a self-drive tour around the Ring Road and visiting regions such as the Golden Circle, the Diamond Circle in the North, Thingvellir National Park, and, of course, Reykjavík.

What is the Ring Road in Iceland?

Route 1, often known as the Ring Road, is a popular way to visit Iceland. It is a 2,100-kilometre (1,300-mile) route that goes around the country. It takes roughly eight to 10 days to finish; however, it is recommended that you take some detours and stay longer to explore more of Iceland.

How long does the midnight sun last in Iceland?

The midnight sun lasts for about two months in Iceland, from late May to late July. However, the exact duration depends on your latitude, as some places are closer to the Arctic Circle than others. For example, in Reykjavik, the capital city, the sun sets for only about three hours around midsummer, while in Grímsey, a small island north of Iceland, the sun does not set at all for about three weeks.

How cold is it in Iceland in winter?

Iceland is not as cold as you might think in winter, despite its name and location. The average temperature in winter is around 0°C (32°F), but it can vary depending on the wind chill factor, the humidity level, and your personal tolerance. The coldest months are January and February, when temperatures can drop below -10°C (14°F), especially in inland areas. The warmest months are July and August, when temperatures can rise above 20°C (68°F), especially in coastal areas.