Best Places to Visit in Iceland

Published August 15, 2019 · Updated August 23, 2020

Traveling- For some it is a refreshing time while for some it is a time to explore those corners of the world which we don’t get to see always. No matter how many places we plan to travel in a year, our mother nature has gifted us with so many amazing places that we shall never run out of choices. Talking of which, has Iceland places to visit stuck your mind yet?

Iceland is recognized as a land of rugged canyons, fishing towns, active volcanoes and much more. If you want to experience the most magical travel destination in the world then your search ends here. From majestic mountains to amazing glaciers and green landscapes to exotic beaches, Iceland is packed with everything that you can expect from an ideal travel destination. Go through the following list of best places to visit in Iceland if you are on a mission to tour Iceland:

The Blue Lagoon

Have you ever taken a steamy bath in the water? If not then Blue lagoon should be your visit when you are in Iceland. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Iceland and quite popular for the natural view and clean water too. Irrespective of the fact that it is volcanic, Blue Lagoon is still young and is made of certain leftover plugholes that happened due to geothermal power plant in the 1970s. The most enhancing location is it being around the Grindavik which gives a relaxing experience. The water is all rich with minerals which is why you shall notice the hue of the lagoon. It is believed that the spot has some healing powers. But visitors here visit to enjoy the water massages and explore the geothermal area.

Whale Watching

For sea lovers, now you don’t have to wait in a queue to see whales in the aquarium when you can see them closely. Iceland is one of those best places in the whole world where you can enjoy the beautiful view of whales. It is also said that whale-ultra-celeb named Keiko was also captured in Iceland tourist attractions. There are different species here which you can sight but whale watching is one of its kind. You may spot them all along with the cost. However, you must be present at the main locations from where the view is amazing, This includes Eyjafjörður- longest Fjord, Húsavík-a small town, and Reykjavík- the capital. The peak time to enjoy the view is from June to August so do the booking well in advance.

Gullfoss Waterfall

The majestic Gullfoss Waterfall is called as the most dramatic cataracts all across the globe. There are stepped rocks and terraces that you have to cross to get here. This 32-meter high waterfall gives a distinct appearance that shall stun you. You will get lost into the Icelandic subterrane which is one of the best places to see in Iceland. If you are lucky, you can often see the rainbow’s arching the fall. In summer the view of surrounding hills full of greenery is just mesmerizing. A verdant covering of grass makes a fine backdrop for the hiking around the Hvita River

Vestrahorn Mountain

Vestrahorn Mountain is a 454-meter tall mountain that should be added in your must-visit places to Iceland. If you want to capture the awe-inspiring image of the landscape on camera then you can surely go near to the place without any problem. As the location is in a rural area the place is not much crowded and you can get amazing shots too. But don’t just go there to visit pictures, when you can have a walk on the black sand beach too close to it. There are Icelandic ponies you may want to pet and if you are lucky then you might be able to see few seals. The place is open for visitors all year, but in winter season climate shall be quite icy and cold so you have to be prepared accordingly.

Waterfall at Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Iceland winter that you must not miss out on. If you start your journey from Skógafoss, then this waterfall is just 10kms away. It is worth visiting the place for the most stress-free time. The best part of the area is you can take a walk behind the waterfall. It will be one of the incredible experience. The clean water running with the shine and rainbow arching it around is a beauty to not miss out.

Watch the northern lights dance

When you are in Iceland never miss out on this part. Looking at the northern lights is one of the best things to do in Iceland you can do. If you have rented a car then you must head out of the town and go for some dark rural areas. From Reykjavik, there is 20 minutes path you need to cross to see the lights in dark more clearly. The best time to enjoy watching these lights is between March and September. At this time, the lights are the brightest and you can see them at any time. If you are lucky to see the lights being extremely strong, then you can also watch them prance overhead. Don’t miss out on those dancing swirls which is the best part of it.

Geysers

Geysers can be a fun experience to plan an Iceland tour with your friend. For adventure lovers, this can be a treasure. The experience of this rare natural phenomenon is something you must not have seen anywhere else earlier. For those who still have not got a clear idea of what exactly is Geysers? Well, you shall get answers once you visit there. But to be precise, it is a natural spring that happens when the superheated magma and water meet below the feet. Due to which, there are some bubbles and gush in upward direct that explodes in the air at an unbelievable speed. If you are residing at Reykjavik, then this place is 90km far. If the magma is quite active, then you may be even able to see the boiling deep water being shot in the air up to 70 meters.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

Iceland has got great wildlife too and Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is one such tourist attractions of Iceland where you can witness it. The land is not much populated with humans but again, it is only known for the same. You can be lucky to see an arctic fox which is a quite native land mammal. There is a magnificent cliff here which is home for many seabirds.

The animals of this region are quite calm. You can see fearless fox enjoying the meals you serve but other wild animals may not show that great enthusiasm. You can reach by taking a ferry from Ísafjörðu but make sure you do the booking well in advance.

Keflavík:

It is considered as the main starting point of places to visit in Iceland for tourists as the country features only international airport here. Watching northern lights is considered as one of the key attractions in Keflavík. The town offers plenty for travelers to rejuvenate and relax in the lap of nature. Moreover, you can come across several historic museums in the vicinity that will offer you an opportunity to dig into the history of Iceland.

Selfoss:

Nestled on the River Olfusa, it is considered as a home to some of the most exciting waterfalls of the country. Here you can spot several unique tourist destinations of Iceland that you only see on the postcards. The town offers several natural attractions such as lakes, parks and waterfalls that persuade travelers to extend their stay here.

Skaftafell:

If you want to experience some of the unique wildlife of Iceland then Skaftafell is a place to be. Adventure lovers can enjoy doing trekking and hiking here while doing some natural photography. If you love spending time at waterfalls, valleys and parks then this is a place to be.

Arnarstapi:

It is one of the most attractive fishing towns in Iceland which is considered as an offbeat destination in the entire country. While been here, you can explore several historical monuments and ancient statues. If you are a food lover then there is plenty to try out in the famous restaurants in the locality.

Jökulsárlón:

Your tour to Iceland will only complete when you visit Jökulsárlón. Here you can enjoy an amazing boat tour that will take you through dense glaciers of Iceland. On the virtue of its thrilling offerings, this destination is considered as the most visited place in the country. Besides all this, you can also try horse riding and a tour on a snowmobile here to add an adventure to your tour.

Reykjavik:

It will offer you lot of opportunities to dig into the history of Iceland while taking a city tour. Here you can spot the National Museum of Iceland and several historical monuments where tourists gather in huge numbers. If you want to experience the buzzing life of Iceland then you can visit several restaurants, bars and pubs in the locality to enjoy the nightlife.

Things to Know Before You Go!

Probably by now, you must have searched for so many stunning images of Iceland that defines its natural beauty. Be it the quiet lakes, mouth relishing fish dishes, or the lost castles, you surely will not run out of choices. There is a planet more for you to discover in Iceland. So pack your bags and get your flight tickets and hotel booking well in advance as the journey will take you to some incredible places you may not have seen earlier.

What’s next waiting for you?

The best places to visit in Iceland mentioned above are surely the best ones but don’t miss out the Traditional Icelandic cuisine like Harðfiskur which consists of dried fish or Svið a baked sheep head. In case you are planning to visit all the places epically Blue Lagoon, make sure you do the booking well in advance for the destination as it is quite popular and often crowded with tourists. If possible, renting a car can save a lot of money on your tourist spots.

Iceland is more than just a holiday destination for tourists as they get an opportunity to take some unforgettable memories from this country to their home. Any individual who visit this spectacular European nation for the single time love to visit it again and again.

So are you all geared up to explore more of Iceland? Then pack your bags and head out for this trip as there is so much to explore here. With this sense of wanderlust, it is time for you to plan the trip with full enthusiasm. Happy Travelling!

About Author:

Shivangi Mujumdar: I have got a passion to write and spread the wings of Knowledge in a simple way. From a journey as a fresher in Content creation, then ghostwriter, copy editor, and to now with a tiny startup Wonderword, I am proud of what I am today! I have a love for dogs but I am also crazy about food and traveling. I love my work because it allows me to learn new things every day.