Top 10 Things To See in Iceland

Iceland is a beautiful country, no doubt about it. It’s the home of natural beauty where humans can breath in fresh air and be away from hectic city life. Maybe you have your own list of things you want to do and places to explore, but why not check out our list?

We have 10 things you definitely have to see and watch before you leave the beautiful island.

1. Whale watching

Iceland is surround by bodies of water that is home to 12 different whale species. Among them is Kieko who starred as the most famous Killer Whale in “Free Willy”. Kieko lives in Reyðarfjörður Fjord, Iceland.

Three great spots for whale watching in Iceland are Húsavík, Eyjafjörður, and Reykjavík.

Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland while Húsavík is the most crowded spot for whale watching. Húsavík has beautiful green mountain surrounding the area and it’s definitely worth it to make a stop at the Whale Museum while you’re here. Reykjavík is the capital city of Iceland, so definitely close to most facilities you need.

2. Vestrahorn Mountain

This place deserves a spot in your bucket list because it will be one that you will die to return for. Vestrahorn Mountain is 454 m above sea level and what you need to visit is not the mountain itself, but the black sandy beach that stretches along the shore with Vestrahorn in front of you.

The breathtaking view has prompted many to come with their camera to capture the serene location.

Another reason you will love this place is because it’s cold and tourists don’t typically come down here. You will definitely need to wear warmer clothes, but the quietness of this place will please you.

3. Geysers

There are approximately 200 geysers that exist in Iceland currently, many of which have made a name for themselves. Geyser is a rare phenomenon that happens when water, heat and the right pressure is applied to cause the water to shoot out at enormous power.

Geyser, or Geysir, is a word derived from Old Norse, geysa. The Great Geysir is your first must-visit geyser, located in Haukadalur Valley. However, this geyser has been dormant despite its history of erupting every few minutes and shooting up to 70 meters high.

Strokkur in Haukadalur Valley is your next, exciting location because the geyser is much more active here. It can reach 40 meter high with an average of 20 m at every 8 minutes or so.

4. Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavík

The Hallgrimskirkja is a historical white concrete church built and inspired by volcanic basalt pillars that can be found around the island. At the top of the hill, there is a statue of Leifur Eiríksson who stands guard in front of the church.

There is a lift that will bring you up to the highest floor to get a panoramic view of the capital city. This is something that you will want to consume as much as possible with your eyes.

The church is active from mid-June to mid-August with recitals and Sunday activities and tourists may attend them after paying an entrance fee.

5. Dyrhólaey

This mesmerizing location is the home of birds and is actually a sanctuary with limited visiting time. The fourth largest ice cap, Mýrdalsjökull glacier is visible from here.

You’ll also get a magnificent view of the black sandy beach as well as the sea as it races towards the shore. You definitely need to check out the best time to be here because bird nesting season means no one is allowed into the sanctuary.

6. Landmannalaugar

How does it feel to be suddenly whisked away to Wonderland? Maybe this is what Alice felt when he suddenly fell into an unfamiliar world. Landmannalaugar has colored mountains, rainbow lands and lava trails. There are also hot springs for you as you rest after your hike at Laugavegurinn.

Most people spend four days in this area and hike the 55 km long trek, exploring the beautiful colored mountains and enjoying the wide-range of choices for hot springs. The area is open from June to September.

7. Hot Springs

Iceland is cold, but it doesn’t lack of ways and places to warm up yourself. There are hot springs spread around the countries from the busiest areas to hidden gem spots.

Blue Lagoon is the most famous, but also considerably expensive, place due to its beautiful bright blue waters. Myvatn Nature Baths is an alternative for people seeking for a more peaceful and affordable place or Landmannalaugar which is free-to-enter to mingle with the locals.

8. Ice Caves in the Vatnajökull Glacier

There is always a new adventure waiting for every explorer in the Vatnajökull Glacier. Why, you said? The glacier is the biggest in the country, stretching up 8% of the whole country’s area and has long-winding ice caves inside.

The view is mesmerizing inside, that is without a doubt. But the caves are never the same – they are constantly shifting every now and then, making it hard to make your way in and out without an experienced guide. While the place is mostly open year-round, it’s safer to explore during November through March.

9. Northern Lights

No explanation is needed as to why you need to see the Northern Lights. There are many legends surrounding the Aurora Borealis depending on the culture. The Old Norse possibly believed the lights to be the rainbow bridge that connects Earth to Asgard.

What we know is that the Norther Lights is some of the most magical phenomenon in the world. The playful lights were resulted from light particles distorted by the earth’s magnetic field. These magnificent pictures can be captured if you know the right spot to be at with as minimum light pollution as possible.

10. Waterfalls

There are over 10,000 waterfalls you can see, many of which will bewilder you because of their beauty. The shortest waterfall is Bruarfoss and it’s only 4 meters short. The longer waterfall is Morsi Waterfall that falls from 240 m high.

Iceland is home to some of the most breathtaking views and natural phenomenon. What’s really great about this place is that even in the crowdest spot, you will find the locals welcome tourists with warmth.

Our list will help you decide some of the best spots you must go to and hopefully, you will have the best trip ever in Iceland!