33 Of The Absolute Best Things To Do In Iceland

A comprehensive list of the absolute best things to do in Iceland, with my recommendations on where to go and what to see in the land of fire and ice.

There are so many incredible things to do in Iceland. A trip to Iceland is any nature and wildlife lover’s dream. People who go rave about it, end up going multiple times. It’s an expensive country to travel to, but worth the investment for sure.

Any time of the year is good to visit Iceland. Some people may prefer to go during the summer months, when it’s easier to hike. Others choose to go in the winter, for higher chances of seeing the northern lights.

Iceland is packed with volcanoes, and I have a mild obsession for volcanoes so I was in my element here. I have hiked many (like Mount Batur in Indonesia) and a trip to Iceland is bound to include a volcano or two. Keep reading for more!

If you are considering a trip to Iceland, here is a selection of the best things to do in Iceland, and the best places to visit.

33 Unmissable Things To Do In Iceland

Explore Reykjavik

To me, there is no visiting any country without spending at least a couple of days in the capital city. Seeing Reykjavik certainly is one of the top things to do in Iceland.

It is a really charming city, and I would like to see the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, which actually is a Lutheran church. It’s one of the coolest places to visit in Iceland, especially if you have a passion for quirky architecture.

Reykjavik is also the best place in the country to discover traditional Icelandic food – it’s really unknown outside of Iceland and it’s surprisingly delicious, so you shouldn’t miss the opportunity. I did this food tour, which was fantastic and great value.

> Here’s a great alternative for a walking tour of Reykjavik with a Viking

Soak up in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa only 40 minutes away from Reykjavík and one of those places that, as touristy as they are, you really should make a point to visit. Besides, the natural hot springs are really beneficial for your health and skin.

Getting from Reykjavik to Blue Lagoon is very easy and you can visit independently. Just make sure you book your ticket in advance, as it is the most popular place to visit in Iceland. Alternatively, you can book a bundle which includes transfers here.

TOP TIP: The water may be great for your skin, but it’s terrible for your hair. Avoid getting it wet at all costs!

Explore Reykjanes Peninsula

Home of the Blue Lagoon and easily accessible from either Reykjavik and Keflavik Airport, this part of the country is sadly often overlooked, as it’s truly impressive. The best part is that you can reach it on a regular car. However, you will need a 4×4 for some of the most remote areas.

Among the highlights of this part of the country there are Valahnúkamöl Cliffs, close to the scenic Reykjanesviti Lighthouse; Seltún Geothermal Area; Strandarkirkja, a 12th century Lutheran Church in Selvogur; and Garður, home of the first lighthouse ever built in Iceland.

If you do have a 4X4, you can also visit Krysuvikurberg Cliffs. 

Witness the eruption of an active volcano

Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice. And as you may know, the Fagradalsfjall Volcano has been erupting since 2021. I was lucky enough to witness its activity a few months after the volcanic activity started.

The landscape around the volcano has changed a lot. But fortunately, it is still possible to safely get relatively close to the red hot lava and witness this marvel of nature.

I would recommend joining a tour with a geologist/volcanologist that can safely take you close to the activity and learn all about what you are seeing.

Embark on a whale watching adventure

If you love observing wildlife, you’ll be happy to know that this really is one of the best things to do in Iceland. Husavik, in the north of the country, is one of the best places in the world to observe humpback whales and minke whales. 

Grundarfjörður, in the Snæfellsnes peninsula is where white beaked dolphins and killer whales like to show up, although the killer whales can be seen only further away from the coast.

TOP TIP: Make sure to pick tour operators that are responsible, and that in no way cause any danger to the animals, when whale watching. I used Gentle Giants for this tour, who are one of the most responsible operators in Husavik.

A whale watching tour in Iceland is an incredible and unique experience and a must for nature lovers doing an Iceland Ring Road itinerary. One thing to keep in mind is that it takes time and patience to spot animals in their natural environment, and that sighting one is never guaranteed. It’s the beauty of nature.

However, Gentle Giants quoted a 90% chance of seeing humpback whales, so the chances are high! And they delivered!

If you’re not able to get to Husavik, you can still go whale watching from Reykjavik. 

For more wildlife and for a taste of local life, you may want to visit Heimaey Island – it’s a great place to see puffins. You can get there from Reykjavik, but need to take a ferry so you will have to coordinate accordingly.

See the Northern Lights

In order to see the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) in Iceland you will need to get out of the city, so you will need to hire a car.

There is too much light pollution in the city, so you will need to be somewhere dark. Although when they are really strong, you can see them even with some level of light pollution. 

The best months to spot them are March and September.

> Check out one of the most popular northern lights tours

Visit Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park is so close to Reykjavik that it would be a pity to miss it. It is a series of volcanic ridges, canyons and waterfalls such as those of the Oxara River. 

Other gems in the area include sites like the Silfra fissure and the Peningagja pond, which actually is a rift lake that glimmers with coins that have been thrown there more than 100 years ago. The glimmering is especially striking on sunny days.

Last but not least, Thingvellir is a hikers’ paradise, and history lovers will enjoy the remains of Iceland’s first Viking parliament, which was established in 930.

> Check out these guided tours to Thingvellir National Park

Dive (or snorkel) between two continents

Did you know you can dive between two tectonic plates in Iceland? 

Located within the Thingvellir National Park, Silfra Fissure is the divide between the North American and the Eurasian continental plates. It was formed in 1789, when a major earthquake in the area opened up several fissures, Silfra being one of them.

It is considered one of the top 10 diving sites in the world due to the vivid colors underwater.

The water is extremely cold, so you are supplied with a dry suit that will help you keep you warm. But don’t worry if you are not a diver. You can snorkel it too.

> Book your Silfra Fissure diving tour or snorkeling tour

See the geysers 

The first thing I learned in geography class about Iceland was that there are geysers. These are due to the volcanic activities that go on underneath the surface. 

The best known geyser in Iceland is the one that gives the name to this geological feature – Geysir or The Great Geysir. It is one of the main attractions on the famous Golden Circle route.

But there are geysers scattered all around Iceland, and seeing them is one of the best things to do.

Drive the Golden Circle of Iceland

The Golden Circle of Iceland is the most popular tourist route in the country, and it goes from Reykjavik into the southern uplands of Iceland and back. It is approximately 250 km long and it’s a popular day trip from Reykjavik.

It includes some of the most geological wonders in Iceland. One of them is the Gullfoss waterfall, a mighty sight located in the canyon of the Hvítá river. 

If you have enough time, I would recommend spending a few days exploring this 3-day Golden Circle tour.

Get soaked at Gullfoss Waterfall

No trip to Iceland would be complete without a visit to Gullfoss Waterfall. This majestic waterfall roars to amaze visitors in south-western Iceland. It is one of the most dramatic and beautiful waterfalls in the world (much like Yosemite Falls, in California).

Water flows over a series of stepped rocks and terraces and eventually plunges over a drop of 32 meters in a crevice, looking like it’s almost disappearing!

One of the prettiest sights is the rainbow that often appears right above it, thanks to the tiny drops of water that float in the air. This really is one of the most incredible places to visit in Iceland.

And at Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls

Two hours east of the airport, this is one of the most impressive places to visit in Iceland and it is completely free to visit. 

Skogafoss is one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, with a drop of 60m and a width of 25m.

You can walk up to it and you are guaranteed to get drenched by the spray, which creates the most stunning rainbows.

About 10 minutes drive from Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss is another great waterfall to visit. You can walk behind it for a different perspective of the waterfall.

Go horse riding on an Icelandic horse

Icelandic horses are known for their friendly character, intelligence and their small size. Their gentle temperament makes them ideal for horse riding, especially if you are a beginner.

I went Icelandic horse riding in the North of Iceland and it was the gentlest easiest horse ride I’ve ever done. The landscape was stunning, but the actual ride was the most memorable experience. Don’t miss out on this experience of a lifetime.

You can also go horse riding on an Icelandic horse from Reykjavik by joining this tour.

Go off the beaten path to Skalholt

Skalholt is located right on the edge of the Hvítá River. Seemingly unimportant, this used to be one of the most powerful spots in the country from the 11th century, and used to be the most important place for Icelandic Catholicism.

The oversized Skalholt Cathedral dominates the city nowadays. This was entirely rebuilt in the 1900s, to include some elegant Danish stained glass.

Venture out to the famous plane wreck 

In 1973, a United States Navy DC plane crashed on the black beach at Sólheimasandur, in the south coast.

Luckily, there were no casualties, but there are many theories on why the plane crashed. Some say that it run out of fuel, some say that it landed due to icing conditions.

Whatever caused the crash, the wreck is still on the black sand beach and it is possible to visit independently or as part of a really fun ATV quad bike tour.

To visit it independently you need to park in the parking lot just off Road 1, and take a short walk for about an hour on a well marked track. I’d recommend going first thing in the morning, as early as 6-7am (light conditions permitting), as it gets really busy as the morning goes on.

It’s a very surreal sight, like entering some sort of dystopian film. One of the most unique things to do in Iceland and a very good reason to venture out to it.

Go puffin spotting at Dyrhólaey

The best time to see puffins in Iceland is between May and September, and one of the best places to see them is Dyrhólaey, near Vik on the south coast. 

These cute little creatures will hang out on the cliff, and you can get relatively close to them as they don’t really fly off. However, please be respectful and don’t get too close or try to touch them.

FUN FACT: Did you know that the collective noun for puffins is a ‘circus’ of puffins? I think it’s very fitting!

While you are here, you will also be able to enjoy the stunning views of the cliffs, the Dyrhólaey Arch, the striking rock formations, the historic lighthouse and breathtaking views over Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, one of the most spectacular black sand beaches in Iceland.

You could easily spend hours here. You can visit Dyrhólaey as part of a day tour from Reykjavik. 

Feel mesmerized by Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that float out to sea, and land on Breiðamerkursandur. This beach is covered in icebergs, which have earned it the name of Diamond Beach. Needless to say, it’s one of the top things to do in Iceland.

Not far from Jökulsárlón you can also go to the lesser visited Fjalljökull Glacier Lagoon and Stokksnes Beach. Guided tours of Jökusárlón usually include a stop to the scenic Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.

If you are traveling between April and October, the best way to appreciate this lagoon is on a boat tour. This tour leaves from Reykjiavik and it includes a visit to Diamond Beach as well as other stops too.

Visit Vatnajökull Glacier

The Vatnajökull National Park is home to the glacier of the same name.

This really is one of the most impressive places to visit in Iceland. It’s the largest glacier in the country, with a surface of almost 8,000 square km and around 30 glacier tongues.

The best way to visit Vatnajökull Glacier is on a guided tour which includes a number of activities such as an ice trek or visiting ice caves. These are some of the best options to enjoy this natural wonder.

And Vatnajökull National Park

Vatnajökull National Park is one of the coolest places to visit in Iceland.

Located in the south east and central part of the country, it offers varied landscapes (from meadows to waterfalls like Dettifoss) to lowlands such as Skaftafell as well as glacial fields.

The wetlands are home to reindeer too. Last but definitely not least, Eldgja Canyon is a fantastic place to learn more about volcanic geology.

Go hiking in Myrdalsjokull Glacier Park

More volcanoes! Myrdalsjokull Glacier Park is one of the best places to visit in Iceland.

It is a series of volcanoes covered in ice (how cool is that?). It’s a place that is ideal for hiking, though it is recommended to join a tour.

Spots like the Fimmvorduhals pass and the ridges of Eyjafjallajokull are magnificent sights.

Go further afield to Landmannalaugar

Getting off the beaten path in Iceland is one of the most rewarding things to do. And one of the hidden gems often overlooked is Landmannalaugar.

What makes it particularly attractive aren’t just the volcanoes (this is Iceland we are talking about, after all!) but also the hot springs, and the surrounding mountains.

This is also a great area for hikers, with the many hiking trails in the region. A must see which can be visited on a day trip from Reykjavik, especially if you are thinking of hiking in winter.

Discover Grundarfjordur

If you have a thing for small, sleepy fishing towns, you must visit Grundarfjordur.

Located on the edge of  the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this is where some of West Iceland’s most unique coastal formations make their way up towards the waters of the Greenland Sea.

The nearby national park is one of the best places to visit in Iceland for hiking, and Grundarfjordur itself is home to a lovely summer folk festival hosted by the local Viking Foundation (I mean, who doesn’t want to go to a Viking festival?!).

It’s also the perfect spot to take photos of the iconic Mount Kirkjufell. 

You can easily visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on a guided tour from Reykjavik.

Drive along the Ring Road and hike volcano Grabrok

The Ring Road in Iceland should be on everyone’s road trip bucket list. At 1,332km (828 miles) long, it circumnavigates the island of Iceland, connecting uninhabited areas.

And with volcanoes everywhere in Iceland, driving along the Ring Road is a great way to see them as you go along. 

Make sure to hire a car, drive around and then go hike volcano Grabrok, which is actually not active anymore – but apparently the views of Borgarfjordur, a fjord in the west of Iceland, from the top are spectacular. It really is one of the coolest things to do in Iceland.

If you are a bit unsure about driving in Iceland, you can still explore the Ring Road on a multi-day tour. It’s a bit more expensive but it’ll be worth not missing out on it.

Explore Höfn

Höfn is a tiny fishing town located in southern Iceland, with only a couple of thousand inhabitants. It’s built on a series of gorgeous small islets and peninsula. 

It’s close to Vatnajökull National Park and the perfect base to explore the east of the country.

The cuisine of Höfn is famous for its lobster. They even celebrate the Lobster Festival every July, so if you happen to be in Iceland in July, make sure you don’t miss it.

Feel like a Viking in a Viking Village

Ok, maybe calling it a village is a bit of a long shot. Located in the stunning area of Stokksnes, it is actually a replica Viking Village that was built as a movie prop by Universal Studios, but was never used.

Still, the ‘village’ has been built in a very realistic way and the level of detail is magnificent. Plus the natural setting with the magnificent mountains in the background is truly breathtaking. Definitely worth a visit!

While you are here, stop at the Viking Cafe for a snack and to take in the surroundings of one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. 

These are all fun things to do in Iceland, and you shouldn’t miss out on them.

Discover Hjörleifshöfði and Yoda Cave

I discovered Hjörleifshöfði by accident and I’m so glad I did! I saw a sign on the road while driving the Ring Road and decided to go and investigate.

Hjörleifshöfði is a 220m high tuya cliff formed by a volcanic eruption under a glacier. The cliff is named after Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson, the first settler in Iceland, who landed in Hjörleifshöfði with his Irish slaves.

Legend has it that he was killed by his slaves, then fled to the Westman Islands with the women. Ingólfur, Hjörleifur’s brother, then found them and killed them as revenge. Hjörleifur is said to be buried on a mound on top of Hjörleifshöfði. The hike up there is absolutely stunning!

A bit further down from the bottom of the cliff you will find Yoda Cave (also known as Hjörleifshöfði Cave). Not only is its opening shaped like the fictional character, but it is the filming location of Yoda’s Cave in the Star Wars Rogue One movie.

A magical spot whether you are a Star Wars fan or not!

Discover Iceland’s northern capital, Akureyri

Thought to be the northern capital of Iceland, Akureyri counts less than 20,000 people. This fishing port and seaside city is a real gem.

The center is packed with cafes and teahouses, and the main shopping street, Hafnarstraeti, is a series of lovely boutiques and craft stores. Akureyri Church makes for an interesting building. Visiting is really a must-do.

> Make sure to check out this guided tour in Akureyri

Hike around Asbyrgi Canyon

Another place that should not be missed on your Iceland itinerary is Asbyrgi Canyon. Located in the north-east part of the country, it amazes visitors with its gorges and ridges.

The edges run for more than 3 km and go up to 100 meters in height. It is a hikers’ paradise! One of the highlights here is visiting Dettifoss Waterfall, known to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. 

Roads 861 and 862 will take you to Asbyrgi and Dettifoss Waterfall respectively.  

Venture out to Tröllaskagi Peninsula

Home of the lovely Siglufjörður, one of the prettiest fishing villages in Northern Iceland, venturing out to Tröllaskagi Peninsula is one of the best things to do in Iceland. 

Not only is the village a gorgeous place to visit, but Road 76, which will take you there, offers impressive views.

On the way there, you can stop in Hofsós, a small village that has one of the oldest trading ports in the country and is home to a stunning infinity pool. Another place worth a visit is Grafarkirkja, the oldest church in Iceland.

Another cool place to visit in Northern Iceland is Hvitserkur, a rhino shaped rock that can be easily reached on a short detour from the Ring Road. It is said to be a troll by local legends.

Visit Lake Myvatn

East of Akureyri, Lake Myvatn is famous for its beautiful landscape of volcanic plug holes that bubble up mud pools.

The lake itself is thought to be the result of a volcanic eruption more than two millennia ago, and it’s now a bird watchers’ paradise, as well as a fantastic place to hike.

The sulphuric Myvatn Nature Baths complete the picture (they are a fantastic alternative to the crowded Blue Lagoon!) – you can get your tickets here.

But there is so much more to see and do in this area than just the lake itself!

Visit the colorful geothermal area of Hverir, take a walk in the giant lava fields of Dimmuborgir, and drive up to the Viti volcano crater nearby.

Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall is just a short drive from Myvatn, and so is Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland. For this and many more ideas, take a look at this guide with the best things to do in Myvatn.

Goðafoss Waterfall, which means the waterfall of Gods, is located right off the Ring Road, and is easy to visit too.

Head to the Westfjords

The Westfjords Peninsula is among the top places to visit in Iceland. This is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the country, and a perfect place to visit for people who enjoy walking.

Places like the Hornstrandir Reserve, complete with Arctic foxes and seal pods, and the Latrabjarg are absolutely fabulous. Other things to do in this part of Iceland include sea kayaking, cliff walking, and walking to Raudasandur.

Or the East Fjords

This stunning part of Iceland is a great place to spot reindeer, puffins (best spotted in Borgarfjörður Eystri).

The village of Seydisfjordur, one of the most picturesque villages in Iceland. Here you will find the famous rainbow street leading up to a cute little blue church.

In this part of the country you will also find one of the most striking landscapes I have ever seen – Stuðlagil Canyon. It’s a canyon flanked by magnificent basalt columns with an emerald river running through it. Don’t miss this marvel!

There are also some great hiking trails and waterfalls in the East Fjords, and the hot pools of Laugarfell should also not be missed. Visiting this part of the country is one of the best things to do in Iceland.

Explore the Icelandic Highlands

The Icelandic Highlands are not accessible during the winter months, so this is for you only if you are visiting Iceland between mid June and mid September.

This is one of the most remote places to visit in Iceland, and you will need a good 4X4 vehicle and – preferably – a local guide. 

Some of the places you should not skip in the region include Kerlingarfjöll, Háifoss Waterfall, and Landmannalaugar. You can visit on day trips departing from Reykjavik such as this one.

Have you ever been on a trip to Iceland? What are your favorite things to do in Iceland?
Let me know in the comments!

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