17 Best Things To Do In Iceland That You Must Try For Yourself!

There is a good reason why Iceland is consistently ranked as one of the top tourist destinations all over the world. Even outside of the peak tourist season, Iceland offers a plethora of activities throughout the entire year.

The dramatic landscape and location of Iceland are home to a wide variety of natural wonders, including geothermal lakes, ice caves, and some of the most breathtaking waterfalls I’ve ever seen.

A record number of tourists are visiting Iceland right now, and it’s all thanks to the country’s abundance of incredible attractions and activities. Over the past ten years, there has been a significant rise in the number of tourists visiting Iceland. It is time to leave right now!

The Top 17 Things To Do In Iceland

Chasing Waterfalls

My jaw dropped when I saw how many different waterfalls there were in Iceland. At point of fact, they are present in each and every single location! I have lost count of the number of times that, while we were driving on the highway, we rounded a curve, only to find that we had come upon a massive waterfall in the midst of breathtaking scenery that was begging to be photographed.

In spite of the fact that almost everyone is familiar with Skogafoss and Gullfoss, the two waterfalls that are considered to be the most famous in the nation, you will find that there is no shortage of beautiful waterfalls in Iceland if you choose to tour the country via a road trip like we did. This is something that you will learn if you decide to do what we did.

Explore Ice Caves

The ice caves in Iceland are the primary attraction that would sway my decision to take a winter vacation there.

These caverns are only open for visitors from the middle of November till the middle of March. The caves do not have names since they are just transitory and are always being altered.

It is imperative that you make arrangements with a guide in advance if you intend to explore the caves. Visiting on your own is not only foolish but also dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Unquestionably one of the most enjoyable activities one may partake in while in Iceland.

Witness the Northern Lights For Yourself

The northern lights are also one of the best reasons to visit Iceland outside of the warm months, and the best time to view them is from September until around the middle of April.

It is said that Threngsli is a less touristy choice with a view that is equally as amazing as that of Thingvellir, which is where the majority of people go to see this natural phenomena.

Book a Whale Watching Trip

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching; the Azores are the only place that can compete with it.

The months of June, July, and August are the most popular times to go whale watching in Iceland, but the best time to go is between the months of April and October. There are a number of tour companies that offer whale watching excursions across Iceland, including a few that depart from the capital city of Reykjavik.

Check out this guide covering all the best things to do in Reykjavik!

Visit The Glacial Lagoon

There is a glacial lagoon in Iceland called Jokulsárlón, which is connected to the ocean.

From this vantage point, you may get a spooky look at iceberg chunks that have broken off from the glaciers that are all around you. In the wintertime, the lagoon will be teeming with hundreds of seals, all of which are on the prowl for fish in the water. This will be an additional pleasure for visitors.

Snorkel the Silfra Fissure

One of the most interesting and unusual places in the world to scuba dive or snorkel is the Silfra fissure. A rift that forms between two tectonic plates; when you go scuba diving at Silfra, you’re actually swimming in the rift that separates Europe and North America!

Snorkeling is permitted in Thingvellir national park without the requirement of a license of any kind.

Due to the fact that the water is among the clearest that can be found anywhere in the world, it is an excellent location for beginners.

Road Trip The Golden Circle

One of the most well-liked things to do in Iceland is to go on an adventure around the Golden Circle. Ingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and the Gullfoss waterfall are the three primary locations that make up the Golden Circle in Iceland.

If you choose to take a guided tour of the Golden Circle or hire a vehicle, you may see all three of these landmarks, which are among the most visited places in all of Iceland, in a single excursion. You can visit them all in a single day, but if you have more time, you can also think about making side trips to some of the less well-known sights along the way. It is also possible to combine the Golden Circle tour with the snorkeling adventure in Silfra that was described before.

Do you not want to rely on the services provided by the bus? You’ll have a much simpler time seeing all 13 of these attractions if you rent a vehicle in Iceland. To guarantee that you receive the vehicle that best suits your needs, be sure to book it in advance. You will be able to pick up your automobile at the airport of your choice, which means that it will be ready for you to begin your journey as soon as you walk off the aircraft!

Despite the fact that the Blue Lagoon is the most well-known lagoon in Iceland (and the most popular tourist destination in the whole country! ), Iceland is home to a great number of other lagoons spread out around the country.

Due to the fact that the Blue Lagoon tends to attract a lot of visitors, I strongly advise you to look into and investigate some of Iceland’s other lagoons if your travel plans let it.

Witness a Geyser Eruption In Person

Did you know that this Icelandic geyser is the progenitor of the name geyser, which is used for geysers all over the world? Because it was the first geyser to be discovered and written about in modern history, it gave all subsequent geysers their names, “geysir,” which is the Icelandic word for churn.

The most well-known geyser in Iceland, Strokkur, erupts approximately every five to ten minutes, shooting scalding hot water up to a height of approximately 40 meters (130 feet) in the air!

Go On a Glacial Trek

There aren’t many locations in the world where you can really hike on ice caps, but Iceland is one of them!

If all of this weren’t thrilling enough, there is also the possibility of going on a glacier hike when the Northern Lights are out.

Try the Unique Food

Before I went to the country, everyone warned me that the cuisine would not live up to my expectations. However, I was relieved to learn that Iceland is home to a wide variety of delicious meals, particularly for those who have a passion for fish.

We noticed a large number of wonderful regional meals that were prepared using fish that had been just harvested. Be on the watch for the lobster rolls, since we consider some of them to be among the very finest we’ve ever tasted.

If you’re feeling extra daring, you should definitely sample some of the unusual local specialties that Iceland has to offer, such as pickled shark or boiling sheep’s skull, for example!

In addition, you are not allowed to leave until you have sampled a shot of brennivin, also referred to as “black death.” This powerful beverage is generally prepared using potatoes, and it has prominent undertones of caraway. It is common for locals to have it with the fermented shark I described before.

Are you looking for the greatest restaurants in Reykjavik? You may check out my article on the top restaurants in Iceland’s capital city by clicking on the link provided above.

Experience Truly Epic Hiking

It should come as no surprise that Iceland is home to some of the greatest hiking in the world given the beautiful and diverse scenery that can be seen there.

You may go hiking all the way into the mountains, over the streams, close to the lakes, and even along the active volcanoes!

Try Your Hand at Puffin Spotting

It is estimated that there are between eight and ten million puffins living in their community in Iceland, making it one of the largest puffin communities in the world.

Because of their reputation for being timid and skittish, photographing puffins requires a stealthy approach.

Vestmannaeyjar is the place to go if you want to see puffins, and while we were there, we began to refer to this location as “puffin island.” The beginning of April all the way through September is the nesting season for puffins in Iceland.

Visit Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímstorg 1 // +3545101000

Hallgrmskirkja Church, which may be found in the exact middle of Reykjavik, is an absolutely breathtaking illustration of contemporary architecture. The church, which is situated on the highest point of the hill, provides breathtaking vistas over the city.

To get to the top of the hill where the church is located, there is an elevator that you may ride. The church has a museum-like display set up, and it is highly recommended that you check it out since it highlights Icelandic culture.

The name Hallgrmskirkja literally translates to “The church of the bird droppings,” and it is also known as “The church that was erected for the resting travelers.” The snowy landscape is reflected in this church’s distinctive architecture, which has a white façade. This was done in order to assist tourists feel more at ease in Iceland even before they had the chance to see any of the country’s famous sites.

The Hallgrimskirkja Church is one of the most recognizable sights in all of Iceland as well as a popular destination for tourists.

Plan a Beach Day on Rauðasandur Beach

The beach known as Rauasandur can be found on the east coast of Iceland, not too far from the town of Egilsstadir, which is famous for the quality of its seafood. This beach, which is blasted by the wind and is located next to the Látrabjarg Peninsula, is surrounded by pink and red sand. A wonderful experience can be had by simply allowing oneself the time to take in the crashing waves and turquoise lagoon of this deserted area.

Because this landscape is dotted with stunning bird cliffs, it is highly likely that you will come across puffins and other feathered friends while you are out hiking here.

Therefore, go for a stroll along the shore, have fun at the beach, go skiing or horseback riding if those are activities that interest you, and so on. There have been some guests who have mentioned that they are unsure of what they want to do while they are here. On the other hand, I believe that the fact that there are so many activities to choose from is what makes Rauasandur beach so attractive.

Relax in Lake Myvatn Geothermal Area

One of the most frequented tourist spots in all of Iceland is Lake Myvatn, which can be found in the northwestern part of the country. It is believed that a massive volcanic eruption took place around 200 years ago, which caused underwater lava tubes to develop under the surface of the lake. This led to the formation of the lake.

A unique lava field known as Dimmuborgir can be seen all around this location, and it is often regarded as a geothermal paradise. Along with a number of geothermal pools and geysers, the lake is home to a natural hot spring as well.

Because of the exceptionally clear waters, the area is home to an abundant diversity of species, which makes it an excellent destination for those who like birdwatching and other forms of wildlife observation. Lake Myvatn is not only a beautiful jewel of the north, but it also has some of the most breathtaking landscapes!

Explore the Leidarendi Lava Caves

If you have a layover in Reykjavik, you can take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Leidarendi Lava Caves, which are among the most well-known day tours in all of Iceland. The caves are located 15 kilometers outside of the city and provide fascinating views of the geology of the country and the volcanic activity that occurs there.

They are a portion of a flow of lava that was produced as a result of a volcanic eruption in the year 2011. Metal walkways allow visitors to descend into the hollow dry caves and marvel at the rock formations that line the walls. The caves extend for approximately 1,300 meters.

While you are there, you will be able to observe swirls, holes, and cracks that were produced as a result of moving magma and hot lava. As you continue on your journey, you will go through layers of volcanic rock that date back several hundred years.

Because of its proximity to Faxa Bay, an important Viking settlement that served as a harbor in the past, the Leidarendi Cave is also known in Icelandic as The End of the Journey. During those journeys, these caves were at one time utilized as burial grounds.

If you take pleasure in discovering new natural wonders, “The End of the Journey” is an experience that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Go Hiking on Mount Esja

Mount Esja, which is located just a stone’s throw away from the capital city of Reykjavik, holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. This is because it provides breathtaking views of the city while also presenting a whole new world all on its own. Locals sometimes refer to the mountain as “Esjan,” which is a name rooted in tradition and is also the name of the mountain.

Mount Esja is home to breathtaking landscapes and peculiar geological formations, making it a popular destination for hikers. There are a number of pathways that may be taken to reach the top of the 914-meter-high mountain, which offers breathtaking views of Reykjavik. Climbers with more experience may locate routes with a greater degree of difficulty.

An experience that is truly breathtaking is to be able to look down from the peak and see its spectacular waterfalls, extraordinary volcanic features, and lush, verdant landscape. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city may be quite refreshing. It is an absolute need that you check out this attraction during your time in Iceland!

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Which of these things to do in Iceland looked best to you? Let me know in the comments section below!

FAQs

How much money do I need for 7 days in Iceland?

somewhere between $70 and $1365
The cost of a trip to Iceland for tourists who want to spend their vacation in Iceland ranges from about $100 to $195 per person, per day on average. This indicates that the cost of staying in Iceland for seven days ranges from approximately $700 to $1365 per person.

Why should you not wear jeans in Iceland?

Jeans are an appropriate choice when it comes to clothing to wear in Reykjavik or for a simple stroll through the city, but you run the risk of feeling chilly. Jeans have a tendency to get soaked while hiking, and if there is a strong wind, this can make them quite hazardous. The use of thermal underwear is highly recommended because it is more comfortable and it will keep you very warm.

What should you not miss in Iceland?

Top things to do in Iceland

• Pay a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon.
• Discover where the northern lights are.
• Explore an Ice cave.
• Take a vacation by car.
• Perform the “Golden Circle” maneuver.
• Visit Reykjavik.
• Visit the lagoon in the glacier.
• Explore the shoreline of the southernmost state.

What is the coolest thing in Iceland?

The coolest things you can see in Iceland

• Djúpalónssandur Beach.
• At Reynisfjara Beach, the currents may be quite dangerous.
• “Diamond Beach”
• Strokkur Geyser.
• Behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
• On top of a glacier, and the dark material visible on the surface of the ice is, in fact, volcanic ash.
• Tectonic plates are being pushed apart.
• Swimming in the space between two tectonic plates.