16 UNFORGETTABLE Things To Do In Iceland
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Iceland is an island unlike any other. A place that features the incredible power this planet is capable of. With vast ancient glaciers, magma-spewing volcanos, and frigid gushing waterfalls, Iceland is full of extreme environments that leave you in awe. In a land where destruction meets creation, undeniable beauty is the clear result.
No matter where in the country you venture to, you’re sure to find unforgettable, once in a lifetime things to do in Iceland. Whether you’re looking for something as grandiose as hiking through the unique red and brown landscape of the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar. Or something as simple as driving the ring road through black volcanic earth and smatterings of pastel green moss. You’re guaranteed to find unforgettable visuals unlike any you have ever seen. With so many unique otherworldly entertainments, Iceland is a place that has to be experienced to be believed!
1.) The Geothermal Area of Landmannalaugar
Deep in the Iceland Highlands the painted mountains, vast open plains, rushing rivers, and bubbling hot brooks form an area that seems like a separate country itself. With campsites, hiking trails, and even a couple of spots to soak in the warm water, Landmannalaugar is an unforgettable experience that has something for all kinds of adventurers!
Pro Tip- Make sure you have a 4×4 for the rough roads.
2.) Reykjavik City
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is one of the cleanest and most well kept cities you will ever see. From the profound architecture of the Hallgrimskirkja Church to the dazzling sculpture of the sun voyager, Reykjavik’s beauty is only outdone by the rest of the country’s stunning landscape.
3.) Explore The Best Hikes In Iceland
Whether it’s the numerous trails through lush and velvety green mountains, following flowing rivers and waterfalls, trekking through the pitch black volcanic ash, or even exploring the interior of ice caves, you’re sure to find your next favorite hike! With such strikingly unique landscapes, it would be criminal not to explore as much as you can!
Pro Tip- Check out the waterfall way for an easy and breathtaking adventure!
4.) Try Exotic Icelandic Food
While Iceland may not be known for its culinary arts, it definitely has some very “interesting” food choices. For those brave enough to try puffin, fermented shark, sheep’s head, and dried fish, you might be surprised they’re actually not bad. No need to worry if you’re a little less adventurous they also have some delicious and more conventional soups.
Pro Tip- The puffin from Grill Market is an absolute must! Click here for a full restaurant review!
5.) Take In The Unforgettable Grand Vistas
Untouched beauty as far as the eye can see. With canyons so deep you will feel dizzy, vibrantly magnificent molten lava, and glaciers swallowing entire mountains, Iceland truly is one of a kind. Prepare to be wowed with Instagram worthy shots seemingly everywhere you go!
Pro Tip- Explore as much as you can in a country full of incredible views; you’re bound to see something you will never forget!
6.) See The Skaftafell Glacier
A short walk from the Svartifoss Waterfall, this massive blanket of ice is an incredible sight to see. With a flowing river in the summer that is so cold you can feel the drop in air temperature. Cascading over the mountains and down the valley, the enormous scale is something that can only be understood in person.
Pro Tip- Try a glacier tour to really explore the glacier.
7.) Studlagil Canyon
Tucked away in the less populated east side of the island, this basalt canyon is unlike anything you have seen before! Water shooting down the hexagon runway looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. It also makes for some great pictures by the water’s edge, but be careful the stones can get slippery 👍
Pro Tip- Head down to the river’s edge to get the full Studlagil experience.
8.) Check Out Some Lava
No trip to Iceland is complete without lava, and the Fagradalsfjall lava fields are the place to go. The hardened black rivers flowing down the valley scorching everything in its path make for a stunning landscape. If you’re lucky you might even find an erupting volcano!
Pro Tip- With volcanoes erupting all the time in Iceland be sure to check out if there’s any activity before you go!
9.) See As Many Waterfalls As You Can
Home to over 10,000+ waterfalls, many of which are considered the most beautiful waterfalls in the world! They’re all uniquely different, but the one thing they all have in common is they’re all undeniably gorgeous.
10.) Blue Lagoon Hotspring
While it may be the most popular tourist attraction in Iceland and can get quite crowded… it’s still definitely worth it. To see the mineral rich waters as blue as the sky in person is an absolute must. Plus if you want to stay dry, there are plenty of trails to walk around.
Pro Tip- Reserve your spot early to avoid the large crowds.
11.) Find Wild Puffins
The unofficial animal of Iceland, these cute packs of petite puffins are fun no matter who you are. These oddly shaped stout birds are both funny and impressive. Large colonies of nests built into the cliffs with wings furiously fluttering all about is an adventure in itself. You will usually be able to find a couple of seals nearby too.
Pro Tip- Puffins can usually be found in Iceland from May to September.
12.) Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
In a country full of curious sights, this is another on the list. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere with undisturbed black ground as far as the eye can see sits a US Navy plane laying as still as the land around it. In 1973 the crew crash landed on the black beach, and the plane has stood firmly ever since. Getting one of a kind pictures is without a doubt worth the 5 mile round trip hike.
Pro Tip- There are tours that drive you there and back if you don’t feel like walking.
13.) Drive The Iceland Ring Road Around The Country
Sooooo much of the country is worth seeing, and this is the best way to do it. Encircling the entire country this road will take you through ever changing landscapes each as breathtaking as the last. Featuring cliff edge coastline, lava fields, volcanic plateaus, and many other terrific terrains make this one of the best roads in the world!
Pro Tip- At least a whole week is needed to fully appreciate all the stops along the road.
14.) Dyrhólaey Lighthouse
Perched high above the sea and standing for over a century, this lighthouse is an amazing viewpoint. Hearing the waves crashing below with a great vantage point over the archways extending out into the Atlantic is a memory that will last a lifetime.
Pro Tip- Don’t miss the nearby puffin colony and a great view of the black sand beach.
15.) Black Sand Beaches
Scattered throughout the country these black sand beaches are a product of eons of erosion grounding up the coarse jagged volcanic rock into a fine black powder. When you see the harsh waves crashing along the shore it’s easy to envision how the rocks eventually broke down.
Pro Tip- The best black sand beach is near Vik, where you can find a large beachfront and hexagon shaped basalt pillars!
16.) Head Up To The Less Populated North
If you’re looking for a real taste of Iceland, then this is the place for you! You will find fewer people and a much more grandiose landscape. Exploring spiderweb shaped rivers, thick green forests, and hiking up and down the mountains while watching the clouds crest over their peaks is what unforgettable Iceland is all about.
Pro Tip- Look for highlights like the mighty Detifoss and the crown Jewel of the North Kirkjufellsfoss.
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