Last Updated on July 8, 2018 by Nancie
Iceland, with a population of less than 350,000, is smaller than my hometown and covers only 40,000 square miles. Mind boggling, right? Although it’s the most sparsely populated country in Europe, Iceland offers a diverse and amazingly beautiful terrain. You’ll experience sheep (lots and lots of them), the northern lights, rugged mountain vistas, imposing waterfalls, volcanoes with names you’ll probably never be able to pronounce (try, Eyjafjallajökull), and out of this world gorgeous landscapes. An easy way to explore the country is with self drive tours. Here are my six not to be missed recommendations.
1. Reykjavík
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, has a vibrant art and café culture you won’t want to miss. Wear your sunglasses when you’re exploring the brightly coloured wooden row houses in the old town. People watch or relax with a good book in one of the many thriving cafes. Stofan Cafe, in the city centre, at Vesturgata 3 is a favourite. Enjoy a pint in a friendly pub with friends, or solo. Wander the city’s coastline. If you like to party, you’ve come to the right place. Icelanders love to drink late into the night. Get your museum fix with a visit to the world-class Perlan Museum and its 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
2. Relax in a Warm Lagoon
Iceland is famous for its hot springs (I’m a big fan.) and most visitors experience their relaxing soak in the country’s top tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal pool 30 minutes outside Reykjavik. You’ll also be able to indulge in other parts of the country, like the Myvatn Nature Baths in the north. There are plenty of free hot springs, too, and you can locate them online at HotPotIceland. You may want to consider hot spring skinny dipping. Icelanders are quite relaxed when it comes to nudity, so you won’t raise any eyebrows. Having gotten used to the nudity in Korean saunas when I lived there, I didn’t give it a second thought. Be brave!
3. Jökulsárlón (The Jökulsár Lagoon)
Located in the southeast part of the country, this is a relevantly recent ice floe (only a few decades old), but one of the most popular attractions in this area of Iceland. Stunningly beautiful Jökulsárlón was formed when the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier retreated between 1920 and 1965. There are icebergs floating in the lagoon year round. Take the time to sit and listen to the mesmerizing sound of ice blocks crashing into each other as they make their way out to sea. Boat trips around the lagoon are also available. Jökulsárlón may seem very familiar as it has been used as the set of four Hollywood movies; A View to Kill, Die Another Day, Lara Croft Tomb Raider, and Batman Begins.
The lagoon is located on National Highway 1 and is free to visit.
4. The Golden Circle
Including the Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park. the Golden Circle is a favourite tourist route. The entire ring can be driven in one day. Gullfoss is the most photographed waterfall in the country, tumbling 105 feet into a steep canyon below. When the sun shines the water spray rewards visitors with a shimmering rainbow over the gorge. Then, you will want to enjoy the 1000-year-old Strokkur Geysir. Eruptions occur once every 6 -10 minutes and can reach heights of 40 meters. If you have time to make the 20-minute hike up the nearby mountain, you’ll be rewarded with striking views of the farmland below. Complete the circle at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO site since 2004, and the only place on the planet where you can witness two major tectonic plates drifting apart above sea level. If you have time and are a certified diver, you can arrange to go scuba diving between the plates. Excellent guided walking tours are also available. You’ll need between 1 -2 hours to walk through the park and you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping landscapes.
5. Witness the Northern Lights (aurora borealis)
Patience, luck, and darkness are the key ingredients to witnessing the glorious Northern Lights in Iceland. Visibility is best between September to April. When the aurora borealis is especially strong it can be viewed in Reykjavík. During periods of low activity, it’s best to try your luck in one of the country towns located in the northern area of the country. You may even get to enjoy the lights while relaxing in a hot spring. To increase your chances of seeing the dancing lights you can check out the aurora forecast in Iceland here.
6. Take a trip to the Westfjords
Rugged mountains and a coastline indented with picturesque fjords draw visitors to the Westfjords in northwestern Iceland. The area is sparsely populated, so if you want to get off the beaten path and embrace the outdoors this is the place. You’ll find fishing villages, small towns, lakes, mountains, and waterfalls to explore. During the summer months, puffins and whales call the area home. Do be prepared should you decide to visit in winter, roads are often closed due to snow and ice. Don’t miss the all you can eat catch of the day buffet at Tjöruhúsið in Ísafjörður. Your taste buds will thank you.
Iceland ticks all my travel boxes with its friendly people, interesting culture, the jaw-dropping scenery at every turn, and delicious food.
65 responses to “Six Iceland Experiences Not to be Missed”
Iceland looks incredible! The Northern Lights are definitely on our bucket list!
A trip to Iceland is well worth it just for the Northern Lights. Everything else is like a beautiful bonus 🙂
Such an amazing place to visit. Would love to one day, I want to see the Northern Lights it is amazing.
Hi Cynthia. I don’t think it would matter how many time you see the Northern Lights, they are always astoundingly beautiful.
I have always wanted to go to Iceland! It looks so beautiful there!
Hi Danielle. Iceland ticks all my boxes as a go-to destination. You won’t be disappointed.
Iceland has been on my ‘Must See” list since forever and your post only whets my appetite. It all looks so beautiful but my one big priority would be to see the Northern Lights. Maybe I’d better start planning for next winter again!
Hi Anita. I agree the Northern Lights are a must. It sounds like it may be a snowy vacation for you next winter 🙂
Ah how I would love to go to Iceland! I keep seeing posts about it, it must be a sign I should visit!
Hi Natalie. I agree it’s a sign! Head to Iceland and have the time of your life.
Iceland has quickly jumped to the top of my list of places to travel!
Whatever you choose to do in Iceland it will be memorable (in a good way). 🙂
Iceland looks like a beautiful place to visit. I’d definitely love lounging around in the lagoons. The water looks super inviting.
Hi Janice. I’m a big fan of hot springs and saunas. The sauna is one of the few things I miss from my time living in Korea.
Great post, as usual Nancy! I would love to visit the hot springs there! Not so sure I’d be so liberal to skinny dip though, but so interesting to learn how culturally acceptable it is there!
Hi Megan. Yes, going nude takes a bit of getting used to. I’m used to the Korean saunas, so an old hand at the nudity!
Iceland is high on my travel wish list, I’d really love to go to some hot springs that are more quiet than Blue Lagoon!
Hi Cathy. I agree. The Blue Lagoon looks a little too busy for my liking.
This looks like it would be such an amazing place to visit. I have heard so many great things about Iceland.
Hi Bacca. I don’t think you’d be disappointed with Iceland.
Island look amazing I want to go and visit this place but my girlfriend still regret. I need to show to her this amazing post about, and hope she change her mind.
Hi! I hope you were able to change your girl friend’s mind about Iceland.
I could read about iceland all day! It’s on the very top of my visiting list! SO much beauty and I love the outdoors, I couldn’t have enough time taking all the shots and exploring! I hope to get there by next year!
Hi Lauren. You’ll love Iceland. Here’s to next year!
Going to iceland in two weeks and we’re so exciteD!! We’re hoping to visit more warm baths other than the blue lagoon!! Also only sad part of summer in iceland is no northern lights!!
Hi Tif. Enjoy your time in Iceland and all the beauty the country has to offer.
Pictures are stunning. Been wanting to go to Iceland for a while now so hopefully I can save up the money. The nature has always been something I’ve been enamored with
Hi Eli. Iceland is worth saving your pennies for. Stunning scenery at every turn. Thanks for dropping by.
Totally agree with your first five and wish we’d had time to visit the Western Fjords too, saving it for the next trip. We particularly loved the hot baths at Myvatn, and the scenery driving the N1 loop.
Hi Kavita. Hot baths are always on or near the top of my list. I do hope you get to the Western Fjords next time.
This post just made me more hyped about visiting Iceland but the funny part is, I already visited. It’s such an amazing country and your pictures are absolutely stunning!
Hi Daniel. Nice to read you enjoyed your travels in Iceland.
Ah, I’m green with envy when I see the Northern Lights. I’ve made two special trips to Alaska in the hope of seeing them, but no luck. Iceland looks really beautiful and I hope to make it there someday. What would be the best time of year to see the Northern Lights?
Hi Anda. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is September through to mid-April.
Wow this trip looks incredible! Looks like there is so many beautiful places to visit there!
Hi Laura. Iceland is an amazing travel destination.
oh, I always wanted to visit and explore Iceland 🙂 it is so breathtakingly beautiful. I hope to go there someday
Hi Nina. Iceland is a great travel destination. I hope you get there one of these days.
My friend is from Iceland and he always talks about how beautiful it is! After reading this, I’d definitely love to visit!
Hi Aseky. I do hope you get to visit one of these days.
Every destination in Iceland looks natural and peaceful. I’d love to go to the warm lagoon. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Vy. I also love the hot baths.
I heard it’s absolutely amazing out there and the Aurora Borealis is a fairy tale, I mean this country is at the top of my traveling list 🙂
Hi Corina. I hope you get to Iceland soon. You won’t be disappointed.
Iceland is so beautiful, I absolutely love the pictures and your description has made me more interested in visiting it, It is so on the top of my bucket list.
Hi Preet. Thank you. I hope you get to visit Iceland soon.
Iceland looks like an incredible place to visit. You have provided a great list of things to do here that I am sure will help anyone visiting out!
Hi Elizabeth. Thanks! There is so much to do in Iceland. These are the highlights.
Iceland is such a beautiful country! You’re right — those are all experiences to put on your list! Can’t wait to get back and explore a little more off the beaten path!
Iceland sounds so fabulous! I have a friend who visited recently and hearing her stories and seeing her photos made me itch to go. Your recommendations sound so amazing, thanks for the great share!
Oh my goodness, saving this for future reference! Iceland is definitely on my bucket list now! The Blue Lagoon looks magical. I think I would cry if I got to see the northern lights in Iceland! Thanks for the great read!
Gosh this place is so gorgeous! Had no idea Iceland was so artsy and cultured! Makes me want to go even more! Beautiful pictures
You make me want to visit Iceland next summer! It has been years since I bathed in hot springs so that would probably be first on my itinerary followed by a trip to the Westfjords. It sounds quite remote and idyllic.
I loved Iceland. It lived up to all the hype about it. Unfortunately, I only briefly saw the Aurora Borealis while there. The best lights I’ve seen have been standing on my back deck at home in Canada. 🙂
We were in Iceland in June, we rented a car and did the Ring Road loop- what an amazing trip, we have the most amazing memories from our time there! Your list is great and I agree! Those are some great spots! I would also add the East – there were a lot of dirt roads in mountainous terrain but it was worth it to see Puffin Island! Overall, much like you said, Iceland ticked all the boxes for us as well – true magic! Great post!
Hi Megan. I’m looking forward to exploring Iceland’s East coast one of these days. I’d love to see Puffin Island.
Hi Meggan. I would love to see Puffin Island.
Watching Aurora Borealis is, I believe, on everyone’s Iceland itinerary. Love that you have put the info what’s the best time of year and the best sites to witness it. And especially love that you have put the link to Aurora forecast for Iceland. Thanks for the valuable info!
Hi Milijana. For sure, everyone who visits Iceland hopes to experience the Aurora Borealis.
Oh yes Iceland has been on the bucket list for a while now. Each time I read a post about it my heart going into longing mode! This is a great post thanks for sharing. I never knew about Thingvellir National Park and the fact that it’s the only place you can see two tectonic plates on land that’s so cool! Definitely going to have to visit that!
Hi Orla. I hope you get to Iceland soon to experience Thingvellir National Park and the tectonic plates.
Hi Orla. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I’m sure you’ll get to Iceland one of these days to visit all the sites, including Thingvellir National Park.
Iceland is beautiful i have been there wintertime and would love to go back and explore during summertime. Wouls be nice to try the different hotspring around.
Hi Anne. I never pass by a good hot spring winter or summer. Although I have to say when I was in Budapest and it was 40+ degrees the hot springs were not overly appealing 🙂
Hi Anne. I’m a big fan of hot springs, and always try and try out the local pools whenever I’m traveling.