Amazing Things To Do In Iceland
Dubbed as the land of fire and ice, Iceland is one of the fascinating destinations on earth. From dramatic landscapes to unsurpassed natural phenomena, this country is packed to the brim with exciting things to do and see.
If your trip to Iceland is just around the corner, here are top things you should add to your itinerary;
Enjoy Whale-Watching
Nestled between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. Iceland is set in a unique position that makes it a haven for whales. The subarctic waters of Iceland are home to over 20 species of whales and dolphins, making it one of the best places in the world for whale-watching.
Every year, thousands of whales migrate to Iceland to enjoy the warmer waters of the Atlantic while taking advantage of the shallow waters of the Arctic to feed on smaller fishes easily.
Kick Back and Relax in the Blue Lagoon Outdoor Spa
Nothing compares to dipping in the graceful milky blue-waters of the famed Blue Lagoon. Sitting in the warm waters of this geothermal spa is not only relaxing but also detoxicating!
Located in the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest Iceland, this is probably one of the most popular attractions in the country.
With an average temperature of 102 F° throughout the year, you can plan your visit to this steamy mineral-rich spa whenever time favors you.
Take in The Breathtaking Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
With a depth of approximately 800 feet, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is the deepest natural lake in Iceland and an extraordinary sight to behold.
This glacial lake boasts a dramatic landscape of ice burgs floating on water, and thanks to its unworldly appearance, the lagoon has been featured in several films, including the famous Game of Thrones.
You can enjoy a boat ride or go kayaking in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, or you can stand at the shores and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Visit the Impressive Diamond Beach
Diamond beach is a stunning black volcanic sand beach situated by the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
Glacier floats into the lagoon after an ice burg breaks away from Jokulsarlon until it eventually melts entirely into the ocean.
The appearances of the Iceberg changes in size and color during the process - from differently vast shades of blue to small hand-sized diamond-like ice cubes.
These stranded pieces of ice drift ashore, where they create a picturesque scene with the natural volcanic black sand making it a dramatic contrast in color and texture.
Get Memorized by the Northern Lights
Iceland is almost synonymous with the Aurora Borealis, and it's one of the best places on earth to witness this spectacular natural show.
The stunning dancing colors in the sky are mysterious as they are captivating and thanks to the vast wilderness Iceland has to offer, you can chase the Northern lights from different parts of the country.
The best time to visit Iceland for the northern lights is between October and March.
Enjoy Delicious Icelandic Cuisine
You don't have to be a foodie to enjoy Icelandic cuisine. Although the country is more famous for its natural landscape than its menu, Iceland is fast growing into a gastronomic paradise.
Because the most inhabited areas of Iceland have always been along the coastline, the traditional Icelandic cuisine is highly dependent on seafood.
You can sample the cuisine from local restaurants, but food tours are always a great place to start if you're yearning for a more profound culinary adventure.
Experience the Scenery on Horseback
Iceland is not a popular destination for wildlife, but you can find a lot of horses. With their small stature yet robust bodies, horses offer you a unique way to explore the beautiful land of Iceland.
The Icelandic horses are not only appealing to the eye, but they also boast unique gaits that make riding on their back even more fun.
Whether you're an avid horseback rider or completely new to the experience, you'll find a tour that's perfect for your skill level.
Admire the Majestic Dynjandi Waterfall
Perched in the remote Westfjords, Dynjandi is downright the most beautiful attraction in the region.
It's made up of a series of seven waterfalls cascading rugged mountain ranges, with the main cascade dropping over 100 meters off the mountain cliff.
The most impressive and the largest of them is singularly known as Dynjandi, and it's often juxtaposed with a bridal veil due to its shape.
By the way, if camping in a pristine natural setting sounds like a good idea to you, there is a camping site nearby where you can enjoy listening to the thundering waters of Dynjandi Waterfall all night.
Explore the Famous Black Sand Djúpalón Beach
Djúpalón Beach is found within Snæfellsjökull National Park, and it's renowned for its iconic black sand plus dramatic rock formations.
In addition to the quirky scenery, you can stroll around the four lifting stones that ancient sailors in the region used to measure men's strength before allowing them to sail. There is also a shipwreck from the 18th century that was washed ashore by the waves.
The small black pebbles spread on the beach makes strolling around the area a delightful experience.
Take a Stroll around Hallgrimskirkja Church
Set on a small hilltop in the capital city, Hallgrimskirkja Church is the most iconic and photographed attraction in Iceland.
In addition to its state-of-the-art design, this church was built to reflect the Icelandic landscape characterized by majestic mountains and glaciers.
You can enter the church for a modest fee and enjoy this architectural wonder up close. Alternatively, you can hike up the hill on which the church is set, marvel at the church's design, and have a bird's eye view over the surrounding areas.
Tour Along the Scenic Golden Circle Route
With astounding scenery and terrain spanning the entire country, there is no better way to explore Iceland than on the road.
The Golden Circle Route is popular among tourists as you get to see most of the attractions that this land has to offer in just a single drive.
Stretching 186 miles, this route leads you to Gullfoss Waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and Geysir Geothermal Area – some of Iceland's most renowned natural attractions.
Visit in Lake Myvatn Geothermal Area
If you're a fan of the famous Game of Thrones, Lake Myvatn Geothermal Area might be familiar to you as several scenes were filmed here.
Situated on a point where Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, Myvatn Geothermal Area has gone through many geothermal activities over the years, and it boasts an otherworldly landscape.
Packed with volcano craters, natural hot springs, bubbling mud, and stunning lava fields, this place is a wonder for anyone who admires nature, and it's one of those few places that makes you feel as if you're on a different planet.
Explore the Leiðarendi Lava Cave
Located approximately 25 minutes drive from Reykjavík, Leiðarendi Lava Cave is a hidden gem nestled within the Blue Mountain.
Continuous lava explosions over thousands of years, coupled with erosion and frost, gave this lava cave a fascinating shape.
The 900 meters long lava tube is particularly popular for its beguiling rock formation. While you can explore the cave almost any time of the year, if you visit during winter, you'll be treated to a mesmerizing scene of natural ice sculptures jutting out from the walls of the cave.
Visit the Magical Svartifoss Waterfall
Also known as the 'black falls,' this waterfall is found within Vatnajökull National and is a must-see when visiting Iceland.
Melted ice water cascades 80 feet into an alluring ravine creating a tiny lake on the bottom, while a black hexagonal-like basalt column creates a beautiful contrasting backdrop.
Svartifoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in the country not only because of its natural beauty but also for the fact that it has been an inspiration for the futuristic architecture in Icelandic National Theater and Hallgrimskirkja Church.
Don't Forget to See The Vast Colonies of Puffins
With the highest number of Atlantic puffins globally, puffin spotting has become a major summer attraction in this part of the world.
Every year between May and September, Iceland hosts approximately 10 million Atlantic puffins. This is at least 60% of the world's Atlantic puffin population!
Also known as 'the clown of the sea,' these little creatures quickly become the stars of Icelandic wildlife, with thousands of tourists adding puffins' watching to their bucket list.
There are a lot of places in the country where you can watch the puffins in their natural habitat. Still, two uninhabited islands, Akurey and Lundey, just off the coast of Reykjavík, offer a 100% puffin sighting guarantee.
