22 Must-See Attractions in Iceland for Your Ultimate Adventure

It’s almost impossible to whittle down a list of things to do in Iceland to the very best. The country has so much to offer in terms of geological wonders, unique tour experiences, and truly intriguing hotels. Whether you have two weeks or just a long weekend, there’s plenty to keep you busy any time of the year.

Iceland’s natural attractions are surely the main motivation for traveling here, but the tours local companies have created around these highlights are done in such a thoughtful way, from paragliding over southern Iceland’s waterfalls to exploring Vatnajökull’s icy blue Crystal Caves.

Visit the Black Sand Beaches

Reynisfjara is a must-see for a couple of reasons: its black sand beach is unlike any other beach in the world, when you pair it with the intense wave patterns and moody weather. Make sure and take note of the incoming tides, as the sneaker waves on this beach are incredibly dangerous.

While you’re there, don’t miss Reynisdrangar — the basalt rock columns lining the east side of the beach. There are also a number of caverns that are accessible during low tide.

Sleep in a Transparent Bubble Hotel

The Five Million Star Hotel is not only the most accurately named hotel in Iceland, but it’s also one of the most unique. Located on a farmer’s private property, this hotel consists of a handful of transparent bubble rooms and a community kitchen and bathroom. Unlike other areas in Iceland, this property is covered in trees, providing just enough privacy.

If you visit during the wintertime, you may get lucky and catch the Northern Lights in the middle of the night.

Explore the Abandoned DC-3 Airplane

Numerous airplanes have made crash landings along Iceland’s coastline, but the DC-3 may be one of the most famous. Located on private property, it requires some hiking to find it (but there are signs that will guide you, as well as the consistent stream of visitors heading to and from the plane). There’s a parking lot off the road for those looking to visit this site.

No one knows exactly why this airplane crashed, but all seven crew members escaped safely and the wreckage has remained since. This popular spot for photographers boasts the contrasting black sand beach surrounding the plane.

Soak in a Hot Spring at the Secret Lagoon

Iceland is renowned for its hot springs — both public and remote — and The Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin as it’s locally known, is a beloved spot for locals. Located a 90-minute drive from Reykjavik near Fludir, this lagoon provides locker rooms, refreshments, and parking for visitors.

Enjoy the sights of small geysers lining the hot spring, as well as the original changing house that contributes to the quaint ambiance of the location.

Get an In-Water Massage at Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is popular, so there’s no avoiding the crowds. However, the ethereal blue waters and incredible spa offerings provide excellent incentives for weary travelers seeking relaxation before or after their flights. (The Blue Lagoon is conveniently located a short drive from the airport, making it a significant first or last stop.)

The spa services vary, but the in-water massages are a favorite for a reason. If you’re staying at The Retreat hotel, you can opt for a massage in your own private lagoon, enhancing the overall experience.

Drive Through Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Located south of the Westfjords, you’ll discover the stunning Snaefellsness Peninsula. This region serves as a haven for road-trippers. In the span of a day, you can marvel at the famous Budirkirkja, walk on top of a volcanic crater, descend into an inactive lava tube, and explore an ancient root cellar all in one trip.

Moreover, the drive itself takes you through enchanting fields dotted with moss-covered rocks. It doesn’t get much more scenic than this journey!

Snorkel Silfra Fissure

Silfra Fissure, located within Thingvellir National Park, is a unique spot where two tectonic plates (the North American and Eurasian plates) meet and are slowly moving apart at a rate of 2 centimeters per year. Here, you can snorkel or scuba dive through this narrow passage, guided by local experts from Iceland Adventure Tours.

The water remains a chilly 36 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making a dry suit necessary for a comfortable exploration. Due to the cold temperatures, there isn’t much wildlife or plant life thriving in this area; however, this allows you to glimpse an eerie yet fascinating piece of geological history. The rocks lining the fissure are thousands of years old, and the water is remarkably clear, thanks to volcanic rock filtration.

Watch the Sunset at Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is one of the most beautiful locations to witness the sunset in Iceland. Situated just across the street from the Glacier Lagoon, this area is characterized by hundreds of ice formations washing ashore daily. Observing the setting light piercing through the ice shards is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Take a Cooking Class at Salt Eldhús

The daily cooking classes at Salt Eldhús in Reykjavik focus on both cooking and savoring delicious dishes. They provide lunch or dinner Cook and Dine classes that showcase the brilliance of Icelandic cuisine. This four-hour course offers a deep dive into specific ingredients, including Arctic char, lamb, skyr, wolffish, and more.

At the end of the session, you’ll receive print-outs of the recipes, allowing you to recreate these delicious meals at home.

Hike to Glymur Waterfall

Iceland’s second-highest waterfall is well worth the half-day hike to get there. In fact, the hike to Glymur is not merely about the waterfall; you’ll also encounter stunning caves, rivers, and fjords along the way. The hike begins approximately an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, where you can find a parking lot and signs detailing the attractions you’ll encounter.

Ensure you pack hiking shoes, poles (if you have them), and plenty of water. The incredible views make the trek worthwhile, yet this waterfall is notably more challenging to access than some of the other famous falls like Seljalandsfoss and Gulfoss.

Tour the Crystal Caves

This is one of those experiences that requires a reservation with a tour group. The Crystal Caves — located in Vatnajökull and renowned for their striking blue color — are constantly changing due to ice melt, necessitating a visit with someone who can guide you through the shifting tunnels.

Your guide will take you on a hike on the glacier and into the ice caves. The glacier is positioned on the east side of the country, about a five-hour drive from Reykjavik. Due to the temperature sensitivity of the caves, these tours are generally available only between November and March.

Go On a Horseback Ride at Eldhestar

Icelandic horses are not only cute but also possess a unique fifth gait called trolting. This unique style involves at least one hoof remaining in contact with the ground at all times. Several stables throughout the country offer rides, but Eldhestar — roughly a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik — offers an Elfin Tour that includes local folklore to enrich your experience.

Their tours are available year-round and also feature convenient hotel pick-up from Reykjavik.

Take an ATV Tour on the Black Sand Beaches

Sure, you could drive yourself to the black sand beaches, contend with the crowds, and take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. However, consider taking an ATV ride across the beach with Arcanum. This exhilarating tour will have you traversing small rivers, bouncing across beach dunes, and visiting the abandoned airplane — all within a small group of fewer than ten participants.

Moreover, if you’re fortunate, you’ll have the opportunity to pause at a bubbling stream, where you can sample the incredibly fresh water flowing down from the glacier. This exhilarating tour is offered daily throughout the year.

Bake Bread Underground at Fontana Spa

Icelanders are exceptionally resourceful, and their ingenuity extends to baking as well. Fontana Spa, situated along the Golden Circle near Thingvallavatn, continues to practice the art of baking bread underground using geothermal heat. Each day, they provide tours that invite curious guests to gather the loaves freshly baked by extracting them from their underground ovens.

After learning about the baking process, visitors can sample this dense, sweet rye bread, typically enjoyed with a pat of butter.

Hike to the Abandoned Farms in Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park once hosted the country’s parliament, spanning the 10th through 18th centuries. Today, it showcases a wealth of attractions, from waterfalls to geysers. The park offers a beautiful hiking experience, but if you’re keen on getting off the beaten path, focus on the region’s abandoned farms. There are eight farms to explore, each with varying degrees of preservation (some are merely remnants of walls with visible roadways leading to the former homesteads).

Explore more about how to find these ruins through Nordic Adventure Travel.

Visit Seljavallalaug Hot Spring

Be warned: This “hot” spring isn’t as warm as you may expect. Built in 1923, this is one of the oldest swimming pools in the country. The 25-meter pool is located near Seljavellir but will require a relatively quick hike to access.

Originally, this was a pool where children learned how to swim. Today, both locals and visitors enjoy relaxing around the pool. There is no admission fee; however, note that the pool is only cleaned once a year, which often leaves it covered in slippery algae.

Paraglide Over a Waterfall

Paragliding Iceland offers year-round tandem flights in the Reykjavik area. However, if you want to explore further, consider visiting between April and October when you can participate in the paragliding day tour. You’ll have the opportunity to see the black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and lava fields from above during your flight.

No matter which tour you select, you’ll experience a wholly unique view of this extraordinary country.

Hike Through Þórsmörk

This nature reserve in Southern Iceland spans the mountain ranges and valleys between three rivers: Krossá, Þröngá, and Markarfljót. Consequently, it serves as an incredible hiking destination for serious walkers. While hundreds of trails wind through this area, two paths have emerged as the most popular: Fimmvörðuháls and the Laugavegur. The former leads into the hills underneath Eyjafjallajökull, while the latter takes you to the Landmannalaugar hot springs.

These routes are best suited for experienced hikers; nevertheless, guided tours are also available to facilitate your exploration of the area.

Kayak Through the Glacier Lagoon

While the glacier lagoon is breathtaking on its own, Arctic Adventures’ kayak tour enables you to venture offshore and closer to the glaciers. From June to September, you can hop in a kayak and glide through the mirror-like waters, and if you’re fortunate, you might even encounter seals, as the lagoon serves as their habitat.

Take a Northern Lights Boat Tour

There’s a good chance you’ll catch the Northern Lights without booking a tour if you visit during the dark, winter months. However, if you’re a fan of boats and wish to experience Iceland’s nightlife accompanied by a beer, consider exploring Special Tours’ Northern Lights Boat Tour. You’ll set sail from Reykjavik, and your guide will share fascinating insights about the Northern Lights along with other folklore while you await the aurora borealis.

Spot Whales on a Boat Tour

If you want to encounter whales during your trip to Iceland, plan your visit during the summer months. Over 20 species of whales — from Orcas to Minke — migrate around the island in warmer climates. Many tour companies offer excursions from Reykjavik, as well as aboard boats in Akureyri, Husavik, Olafsvik, and Hauganes.

Guide to Iceland provides an extensive list of companies offering whale sightseeing tours.

Go Puffin-Watching at the Látrabjarg Cliffs

This location not only represents the most westerly point of Iceland (and Europe) but also hosts millions of seabirds that nest among the cliffs during summertime. Among these birds, you’ll find the charmingly clumsy puffins.

Trails offer close access to the cliff edges while keeping the nesting birds protected. Additionally, you may observe locals foraging for eggs and feathers along the cliffs, an activity that is highly regulated.