Your Guide to All of Iceland's Most Incredible Sights
The South Coast
The South Coast is truly what dreams are made of, making it a main feature of Iceland tourism. You’ll have the chance to stand in awe of some of the most breathtaking waterfalls on the planet, like Seljalandsfoss, which is fed by melting water from the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajokull volcano.
It’s a favorite with many, as visitors can walk the path that runs behind the powerful cascade, gazing through the veil of water out to the scenic Icelandic landscape.
Just 20 miles further south is another famous waterfall: Skogafoss. By climbing the 370 steps to the top of the waterfall that plummets nearly 200 feet into a pool below, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the coastline.
Standing at its base along the river, you’ll be enveloped by the roaring sound of water and a cloud of spray. On a sunny day, a rainbow often develops in the mist, providing an ideal photo-op.
The world-famous shores of Reynisfjara are home to one of the country’s most spectacular volcanic black-sand beaches, located just south of the village of Vik. The sands were created by hot lava that flowed into the chilly waters of the Atlantic, causing it to harden in tiny fragments.
You’ll also see a unique cliff of basalt columns that resemble a rocky step pyramid, similar to Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon often serves as the turn-around point for travelers who aren’t continuing along the Ring Road. This large glacial lagoon was created by glacier melt a half-century ago, and in the warmer months, it can be explored via a zodiac boat tour.
The icebergs are continuously breaking off the glacier, where they drift through the short river before heading into the sea. The thundering sound they make as they crash to the water must be experienced to believe.
This was the site of a number of films and TV shows, including HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” “View to Kill” and “Tomb Raider.”
Iceland’s North
Iceland’s Northern region is well worth visiting and can be reached by driving the Ring Road, or taking a short, inexpensive flight from Reykjavik. Base yourself in the “Capital of the North,” Akureyri, and you’ll be within a couple hours’ drive of numerous attractions.
Soak in the more secluded and tranquil Lake Myvatn Nature Baths — the north’s alternative to the Blue Lagoon. It’s far less touristy and offers the chance to soak in natural geothermally heated pools surrounded by volcanic landscape and dramatic mountains.
The more adventurous may want to bring a flashlight and visit Grjotagia cave, which features a natural hot spring inside for soaking.
Nearby, Hverfell Crater offers the chance to hike to the rim of one of the world’s best preserved volcanic craters, while the Hverir Geothermal Area boasts fumaroles and boiling mudpots in a terrain that’s absolutely surreal with its cracked ground a mosaic of green, red, orange, yellow and white.
The north is also home to some very impressive waterfalls: Dettifoss, one of Europe’s largest waterfalls, and Godafoss, both of which are must-sees.
From beaches to vineyards to historical sites, Santa Barbara will sweep you off your feet with its small town vibe and attraction-filled streets.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula
It would be hard to find a more magical setting than the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the west of Iceland, with its dramatic sea cliffs, pristine fjords, soaring volcanoes and countless waterfalls. Kirkjufellsfoss and the surrounding region was what inspired Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”
Located near iconic Mount Kirkjufell, which is often used as the image to market Iceland to travelers, many say it’s the most impressive sight they’ve ever seen. It’s even grander in light of the midnight sun of the mid-summer months.
Other highlights on the peninsula include Vatnshellir cave, an 8,000-year-old lava tube that stretches for over 650 feet into the ground. There’s also the Snæfellsjokull glacier, an active volcano and a massive glacier that stands more than 4,744 feet high and is said to be one of the seven greatest energy centers on Earth.
If you take a tour with Extreme Iceland, your guide may even bring you to a “secret” hidden waterfall and a natural carbonated spring where you can fill your cup and sip the refreshing water right from the ground.
