Iceland is one of the most incredible places on earth. While it’s known for its gorgeous, rugged landscapes, it’s also home to some of the most fascinating attractions you’ll find anywhere in the world. In order to make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the country’s best sites and experiences, here are our top five favorite destinations in Iceland that everyone should visit at least once.
1) The Blue Lagoon
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. It was used by NASA as a test site for bathing suits and toiletries as they wanted to know how it would affect astronauts’ skin. The perfect place to go if you want to relax after a long day of exploring! Jokulsarlon: The second largest glacier lagoon in Iceland, this area is only accessible via boat. You can see icebergs from here, which are easily accessible due to them being grounded on the shoreline, but do be careful when visiting! Due to their unpredictable nature, it’s not safe for tourists to be up close to them. If you’re lucky enough to have time while visiting, then there are plenty of other things that await your exploration such as the seal sanctuary or bird-watching opportunities. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: A popular spot for photographers who come to take pictures of its colorful layers that were formed by landslides and floods over many years.
2) Snæfellsnes Peninsula
1. Explore the mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, and black sand beaches of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Snæfellsnes is the most popular travel destination in the country due to its amazing scenery and variety of activities for visitors to explore. Visitors can take a tour or hike around the area to see what interests them most.
2. Catch a glimpse of wildlife while fishing on a boat off the coast.
3. Go on an adventure into the diamond mine at Herdísarvík near Djúpivogur.
4. Stop by Djúpivogur’s geothermal park that has hot springs, mud pools, and steam vents- perfect for exploring during winter months when more snow covers much of the ground outside! For something different, head up to Dynjandi waterfall and admire its five waterfalls all within close proximity. Finally, enjoy the view from Mount Esja where you’ll be able to see all over Reykjavik below you!
3) Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss is a waterfall situated on the Hvítá river in southwest Iceland and is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Europe. The canyon has two different layers of basalt columns, with a ravine, high cascade, and great force at the bottom. It has a circumference of around 270 meters (885 feet) and is about 18 meters (59 feet) deep. Apart from its size, this fall is also famous for its sound. Many people say that it’s almost magical how such a thunderous noise comes out of the roaring falls! A popular tourist destination, it is visited by thousands every year and features an adjacent café-restaurant. Geysir: Geysir is a geothermal area near Strokkur geyser near Geysir town southwest of Reykjavik. Named after the Great Geyser of Haukadalur valley in South West Iceland which was located close to what is now known as Geysir. Nowadays there are four active geysers here: Strokkur, Little Geysir or Littler Chootchka, Smidjan or Grandmother, and Gunnthólsmannen or Gentleman.
4) Geysir Hot Spring Area
Geysir is a hot spring area with a lot of fascinating features. The first and most known feature of the Geysir region is the geyser, which was named after the verb that means to gush out or spout water or steam. At this site, there are several geysers, which erupt on an irregular basis. Next to the Geysers, you can see boiling pools that create spectacular boiling rings. One of these areas is called Great Geysir, from which all other geysers in the world got their name. Apart from geysers, this area also contains fumaroles and bubbling mud pits as well as some natural springs. Nearby there is the Þykkuhverir crater where you can observe ongoing volcanic activity up close. If you have time, stop by Laugarvatn Fontana, another attraction within a few kilometers of the Geysir Hot Spring Area. It’s one of the largest natural hot water springs in Europe and it’s also beautiful! You should definitely take your time to soak in its beauty and have a drink from its healing mineral waters. Or what about visiting Kerið Crater? It’s one of the youngest volcanoes in Iceland, has erupted for the first time about 6-7 thousand years ago (or 2-3 thousand years before Reykjavík), and had since then gone extinct for centuries only to become active again about 20 years ago.
5) Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is a great place to see the natural landscape of Iceland. The region is composed of lava fields, beautiful mountains, and stunning waterfalls. You can do a lot of hiking or horseback riding through the area. If you’re up for it, there are also opportunities for ice climbing.
Mývatn: Mývatn is an amazing natural attraction that includes some of the most unique geological formations in Iceland. There are several volcanoes in this area that create dramatic landscapes like Bárðarbunga and Grímsfjall mountain peaks. Mývatn offers incredible birdwatching and snorkeling as well as fishing. Visitors often catch brown trout, pike, and salmon here.
Conclusion
Iceland is a beautiful place to visit, but it can be hard to know where to go. Here are the top five places in Iceland that everyone wants to visit: number one – Snaefellsnes Peninsula; number two – Lake Myvatn; number three – Gullfoss waterfall; number four – Reykjavik; and number five – Langjokull glacier. If you’re going to be visiting Iceland for the first time, these are some of the best locations to see. *Gullfoss waterfall* is an incredible site with water cascading into a gorgeous canyon. *Lake Myvatn* is an interesting spot to explore, with hot springs and bubbling mud pits. *Snaefellsnes Peninsula* offers a great view of Europe’s most explosive volcanoes as well as many other natural wonders.
