What to see in Iceland

Hot Spring

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited places in Iceland. It is an outdoor geothermal spa with wonderfully warm, healing water that beckons travellers to take a moment to relax while exploring the island. [btn "Compare Iceland flight prices" /go-skyscanner] Nature or powerhouse? While it may seem like the Blue Lagoon is a natural phenomenon, this is not the case at all. In fact, the water here comes from excess water from the nearby…

Road, Natural formation, Hot Spring, National Park

Golden Circle is a very popular tourist area for road-trips near Reykjavík, including several natural attractions. Thanks to the varied environment you will get to know a bit of all forms of Icelandic landscape. Due to its shape on the map, the Golden Circle is often also called the Golden Triangle. [btn "Compare car rental prices" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-zlaty-okruh] How long is the Golden…

Hot Spring

Geysir is historically the first spring of gushing water from the depths of the Earth, recorded in written documents as early as 1294. Because of its uniquely documented origins, it is referred to as The Great Geysir, even though it is actually a sub-average geyser in terms of activity and the height of the water column ejected above the surface. After all, literally a few steps away from the Geysir you can admire the much larger and more…

Hot Spring

Strokkur Geyser is one of Iceland's most visited natural sights and is located only about 20 metres from the more famous Geysir. [btn "Compare car rental prices" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-strokkur] Iceland's most active geyser While the Geysir geyser of all geysers is inactive for years at a time, Strokkur, on the other hand, is one of the most active geysers in Iceland. It has been spewing a…

National Park

Þingvellir National Park (transliterated as Thingvellir, often incorrectly also Pingvellir) is one of Iceland's busiest tourist spots and one of the world's most geologically significant sites. Because it's on the Golden Circle and relatively close to Reykjavik, you're likely to encounter the largest crowds of tourists here, but you'll still enjoy plenty of privacy thanks to the vastness of the place. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland"…

Waterfall

Gullfoss, which translates to "Golden Waterfall", is one of Iceland's most attractive natural sights and is one of the most visited waterfalls on the island due to its easy accessibility on the Golden Triangle route. Two cascades and golden water Gullfoss Waterfall is located on the Hvítá River and is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland, with the highest flow of any European waterfall during the spring thaw. Gullfoss boasts two main…

Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is one of the most touristy places in Iceland due to its beauty, easy accessibility and location near other interesting places. However, it is definitely worth a visit as Seljalandsfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. [btn "Compare prices for flights to Iceland" /go-skyscanner] 60 metres from the cliff Seljalandsfoss is fed by the glacial river Seljalandsjá, which drops suddenly from a cliff more…

Waterfall

Skógafoss is one of Iceland's most famous and beautiful waterfalls, along with nearby Seljalandfoss. Over 25 metres wide, the Skógá River falls here from 60-metre cliffs that once marked the coastline, which is now 5 km further south. These cliffs stretch for several hundred kilometres, separating the coast from the Icelandic highlands. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label…

Lake, Glacier, Black sand beach

The area around the huge glacial lake Jökulsárlón is one of Iceland's "must-sees" and one of the most beautiful places in the world for photographers. The ever-expanding lake, now about 20 square kilometres in size , is dotted with ice floes of all sizes, creating a magical setting whatever the weather. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-jokulsarlon] A lake in a…

Black sand beach, Cliff

Reynisfjara is probably Iceland's most famous beach, with its dark black volcanic sand and impressive backdrop of cliffs, caves, rocks and lush green meadows. According to many rankings, Reynisfjara is even considered the most beautiful beach in the world. Because of its shape, it is also known as Black Sand Beach, and although there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of black beaches in Iceland, the name "Reynisfjara" will help search engines or…

Mountain

Kirkjufell Mountain on the Snæfellsnes peninsula is one of the most famous and photographed places in Iceland. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-kirkjufell] Its popularity is partly due to its unique roof shape over steep cliffs and partly due to its location. The mountain is surrounded on three sides by the sea and on the fourth side you'll find the beautiful…

Mountain, National Park

Landmannalaugar translates to Rainbow Mountains and is one of the most beautiful and popular hiking spots in all of Iceland. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-landmannalaugar] The small mountain area, with hills reaching heights of up to 1,100 metres, is renowned for its colourful soil, which is made up of the magmatic minerals rhyolite and obsidian, creating…

Mountain, Black sand beach

The small Vestrahorn mountain range on the southeast coast is one of the most photographed places in Iceland. The dramatic and precisely defined mountain range in an orphaned landscape creates a mysterious and magical panorama. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-vestrahorn] The highest mountain is Klifatindur, 847 metres high. Due to the close proximity to the…

Cliff, Cape

Cape Dyrhólaey is the southernmost point of mainland Iceland, and its small rocky peninsula with a rocky sea gate attracts many travellers to visit. Dyrhólaey lies just off Iceland's most beautiful beach Reynisfjara and the nearest town is Vík í Mýrdal. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-dyrhoaley] Cliffs and rock window The biggest attraction of the Dyrhólaey…

Waterfall

Although Dynjandi is not a waterfall visited by the masses, in our opinion, it is definitely and by far one of the most monumental waterfalls in Iceland and can be rivalled only by the notorious Seljalandsfoss. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-dynjandi] A considerable disadvantage for many tourists, and a great advantage for many other tourists and local…

City

Reykjavík is the capital and by far the largest city of Iceland, where all cultural and administrative institutions are concentrated, and where there is the largest selection of hotels, restaurants and shops. Reykjavík will almost always be the destination for at least your first and last night in Iceland, thanks to Keflavík KEF International Airport, located about 40 km from the city. [btn "View hotels in Reykjavik" https://www.booking.com…

National Park, Glacier

The former Skaftafell National Park, now part of the large Vatnajökull National Park, is one of Iceland's most beautiful mountain and glacier areas. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-skaftafell] The vast landscape of mountain meadows, spiky peaks and large permanent glaciers is reminiscent of the Alps at times, but every now and then you'll come across…

National Park, Cliff

Hornstrandir is a very isolated nature reserve located in the Westfjords and the northernmost tip of Iceland. It will amaze you with its dramatic landscape and beautiful nature completely untouched by man - in fact, no people have lived on the 580 square kilometre peninsula since the 1950s. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-hronsrandir] The peninsula with the…

Lake, Hot Spring, Cave, Volcano, Spa

Lake Mývatn is located in the northern part of Iceland about 85 km from the 4th largest city Akureyri. Thanks to the tectonic fault that runs through the place, you will find here practically all the typical Icelandic landscape features - lakes, geothermal springs, volcanic craters, waterfalls and caves. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-myvatn] The landscape…

Waterfall

The Dettifoss waterfall is often considered the most massive waterfall in Europe in terms of mass flow, but with a flow rate of around 200 to 500 cubic metres per second, it is the 2nd most massive after the Rhine Falls in Switzerland. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-dettifoss] Dettifoss lies on Iceland's second longest river, Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which flows…

Monument

The wreckage of an old Dakota DC-3 army plane is a well-known site in South Iceland, its rusting fuselage slowly disappearing due to the harsh Icelandic weather. The wreckage lies in black volcanic sand in the orphaned landscape of a wide lava field (called Sólheimasandur), and the skeleton of still silvery-grey steel contrasts strongly with its dark surroundings. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is…

Valley

The valley of Þórsmörk (commonly spelled Thórsmörk) is a beautiful piece of land in the south of Iceland, made up of a huge and wide black lava field through which the river Krossa flows and many jagged ravines or rocks. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-thorsmork] Þórsmörk is sandwiched between three glaciers - Mýrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull and…

Village, Black sand beach, Cliff

The village of Vík í Mýrdal, known as Vík for short, is the southernmost inhabited place in Iceland and also a very popular tourist stop on the circular route around the island. [btn "View accommodation - Vík í Mýrdal" https://www.booking.com/city/is/vik-handelssted.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-vik] The village of Vík lies in a specific microclimate and is the most influenced by the Gulf Stream of all Iceland. This is why the area around…

Valley

The monumentally wide Ásbyrgi Canyon is one of the most beautiful and interesting places in eastern Iceland. Due to the fact that it doesn't lie on the main Ring Road, it's not as well visited, which means you'll often be all alone here. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-asbyrgi] A wide valley with a 100-metre cliff Ásbyrgi Canyon measures more than 1km at its…

Waterfall

In western Iceland, the Langjökull volcano formed the 2nd largest glacier and at the same time created extensive lava fields, but the one that is mainly known to tourists is located on the easily accessible western side of the glacier. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-hraunfossar] Lava Falls The rock associated with the lava field here is very porous, partly…

Village, Natural formation

The village of Arnarstapi, or Stapi for short, is a popular tourist destination on the elongated Snæfellsnes peninsula. Although Arnarstapi is very small with only a few dozen inhabitants, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in western Iceland. It serves as an ideal starting point for hikes and overnight stays while travelling around western Iceland, as well as for expeditions to the 1,400-metre high Snæfellsjökull glacier. [btn …

Valley

Stuðlagil Canyon, transliterated as Studlagil, is an extraordinary natural attraction located in a remote part of eastern Iceland. The Jökla River, with its bright blue-green coloured water, has cut its way through massive basalt columns resembling the shape of an organ, creating a gorge up to 30 metres deep in places. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-studlagil…

Hot Spring

The idyllically beautiful valley of Reykjadalur is the perfect place to stop for a few hours during your journey along the Golden Circle. In summer, the lush green landscape of rounded hills covered in grass and heather is beautified by the Reykjadalsa river, steaming volcanic fumaroles and thermal springs. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-reykjadalur] …

Volcano

A popular stop on the alternative extended route of the so-called Golden Triangle is the beautiful Kerið lake located at the bottom of a volcanic crater. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-kerid] The caldera originates from a volcanic eruption that occurred here about 3,000 years ago, creating a depression about 170 metres wide and less than 55 metres deep. The…

Tourist town

The town of Húsavík is one of the most popular destinations in northern Iceland and an ideal starting point for excursions to the deserted peninsulas of the northeast coast, as well as many important natural sights. [btn "Search accommodation - Húsavík" https://www.booking.com/city/is/husavik.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-husavik] Húsavík's main attraction is undoubtedly whale watching. While there are many places in Iceland where…

Waterfall

Glymur Waterfall is one of the most popular short rides from Reykjavik and at 198 metres it was the highest in Iceland. However, in 2011 it was overtaken by Morsárfoss at 240 metres, which was created by the melting glacier in the Skaftafell reserve, but is very difficult to access. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-glymur] The Glymur flows out of the marshy…

Valley

The mysterious, jagged canyon of the Fjaðra River invites you to take a short detour on Iceland's Ring Road 1. The steep canyon walls, up to 100 metres high, plunge into the depths rather unobtrusively amidst a lush green undulating landscape. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-fjadragljufur] The river meanders wildly along the canyon floor and the jagged rocks…

Waterfall

At 122 metres, Háifoss is Iceland's fourth highest waterfall and is located in a relatively remote area near the Hekla volcano. Just a few dozen metres to the right of the main Háifoss stream, the smaller Granni waterfall flows down the rocks. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-haifoss] The two waterfalls are formed by the Fossá River, which at this point flows…

Waterfall

At 128 metres, Hengifoss is the third highest waterfall in Iceland and, thanks to its artificial-looking backdrop of two-coloured rocks, is certainly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in this remote part of eastern Iceland. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-hengifoss] Red and black rocks and views of the region The narrow silvery ribbon of the waterfall…

Volcano

Located right in the middle of the Icelandic highlands, the Askja stratovolcano is a massive volcano with a crater more than 4 km wide, which was formed by a huge eruption in 1875. Askja measures 1,516 metres above sea level and attracts visitors to the 11 square kilometres large Öskjuvatn Lake with its turquoise glowing water, as well as a completely desolate landscape with no signs of civilisation. [btn "Compare 4x4 car prices in Iceland"…

Mountain, Hot Spring

The beautiful volcanic mountains of Kerlingarfjöll are located in the central and relatively inaccessible part of Iceland, which makes the mountains a beautifully peaceful and quiet place without crowds of tourists. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-kerlingarfjoll] Covering about 100 square kilometres, the mountain range is characterised by a barren landscape…

Cliff

If you're looking for deserted and remote places where the land turns into the open ocean, the wind whips you mercilessly in the face and nature shows its rugged but beautiful face, head to the westernmost tip of the Westfjords and indeed of Iceland. Your journey will take you to the monumental cliffs of Látrabjarg, which stretch for more than 14 km and often reach heights of over 400 metres! [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https:/…

Sandy beach, Fjord

On your way to the Látrabjarg bird cliffs on the westernmost tip of Iceland, you will not miss the tiny village of Breiðavík with its long, wide and open beach facing the endless ocean. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-breidavik] The village itself, or rather a cluster of houses, consists of one Hotel Breidavik Guesthouse with (for Iceland) very reasonable…

Fjord, Tourist town

The town of Seyðisfjörður lies in a remote area of the Eastfjords, set in an orphaned but beautiful landscape. It is a popular place for a 'jumping off' point from the ring road around Iceland, 25 km away. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-seydisfjordur] As well as tourists, Seyðisfjörður also welcomes hundreds of travellers from mainland Europe once a week -…

Waterfall

Goðafoss is one of the best known and most accessible waterfalls in northern Iceland. The flow of the Skjálfandafljót River falls here from a height of 12 metres, so Goðafoss is definitely not the highest waterfall in Iceland. However, with a width of over 30 metres and a wide horseshoe shape reminiscent of Niagara Falls, it is definitely one of the most beautiful. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is…

Glacier

One of the many ice chutes of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, is called Svínafellsjökull and, together with the neighbouring Skaftafell, is one of the most easily accessible glacial tongues. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-svinafell] With Iceland's highest mountain, Hvannadalshnjúkur (2,110m above sea level), as a backdrop, the incredible shapes of…

Glacier

Sólheimajökull is the closest easily accessible large glacial outlet to Reykjavík and a popular stopping point on the Ring Road. Sólheimajökull is 8 km long and is the longest tongue of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-solheimajokull] You can walk around the lake, which is formed by the melting glacier, and walk on solid ground up to…

Natural formation

One of the few "must-see" attractions in the northern part of the Ring Road is undoubtedly the sea rock of a completely unique shape. Over 15 metres high, the basalt formation is located in a shallow area just a few metres from the shore, and anyone looking at the rock will conjure up a different image. [btn "Compare car rental prices - Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-hvitserkur] In general,…

Sandy beach

One of Iceland's most beautiful beaches, Rauðisandur is located in the beautiful and secluded Westfjords area just a short distance from the famous Látrabjarg bird cliffs. Over 9 km long, the flat beach lies in a completely uninhabited area of bare hills and stands out among other beaches in Iceland because it is not made up of black volcanic sand. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid…

Hot Spring

The Hveravellir geothermal area is one of the most remote tourist spots and is located on the only road running across central Iceland. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Iceland" https://booking.com/cars/airport/is/kef.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-hveravellir] Since time immemorial, the Hveravellir springs have served as a rest stop on the long journey from the north of Iceland to the south, and this is no different today. The thermal…

Archipelago, Volcano

Vestmannaeyjar, or Vestman Islands, is a small volcanic archipelago of about 15 islands about 10 km south of Iceland. Only one of them is inhabited, the largest island Heimaey with the town of Vestmannaeyjar, which has a population of less than 4,000. [btn "Search accommodation - Vestmannaeyjar islands" https://www.booking.com/city/is/vestmannaeyjar.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-vestmannaeyjar] In Vestmannaeyjar you can enjoy complete…

Island

Grímsey is located about 40 km off the northern coast of Iceland and is the most popular place for day trips in the north. With its 5.3 square kilometres and relatively flat terrain, Grímsey can be easily circumnavigated on foot in a couple of hours and you can enjoy several local attractions. [btn "Search accommodation - island Grímsey" https://www.booking.com/city/is/grimsey.en-gb.html?aid=2380460;label=p-island-grimsey] There is a pleasant…