10 best places to visit in Iceland

10 best places to visit in Iceland

From majestic glaciers to geothermal springs and active volcanoes, Iceland is a place where nature is always the centre of attention. Even in the vibrant capital of Reykjavik, the views of the sea and surrounding mountains steal the show. Isolated from the rest of Europe for centuries, this land of fire and ice has a unique cultural heritage of literature, music and cuisine that you will also find captivating. With their self-reliant spirit and deep sense of community, the Icelandic people are just as charming as one of the best places to visit in Iceland. Lit by the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer, Iceland shines in every season, offering you a travel experience unlike anywhere else on the planet.

10Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

When it comes to seeing Iceland in its natural glory, no region matches the unspoilt nature of the Hornstrandir nature reserve in the Westfjords. While it is true that its rugged terrain of steep mountains and sea-cliff faces presents challenges, Hornstrandir is the ideal place for nature-loving adventurers. With no shops or services within the reserve, however, hikers must come equipped for any emergency. At the top of the list of unmissable destinations for hiking enthusiasts is Hornbjarg, a sea cliff located at the northern end of the reserve. During the summer season, guided tours are available that let you enjoy this top-of-the-world experience in relative safety and ease.

9Husavik

Husavik A small fishing village located in a sheltered bay in northern Iceland, Husavik is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the best places in Europe for whale watching. The most common species spotted from the boats include minke, humpback and blue whales, as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. With several full-size skeletons on display, the Husavik Whale Museum offers a great deal of information about whales and tells the story of whaling in Iceland. The beautiful wooden Husavikurkirkja church, built in 1907, is also worth a quick visit.

8Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar Located within the Fjallaback Nature Reserve, in Iceland's interior highlands, Landmannalaugar is famous for its scenic trails. Situated at the edge of a lava field, the flat and easily walkable region is also famous for its natural hot springs. Popular treks include short hikes across the lava field and climbing nearby Mount Blahnjukur, one of the rhyolite mountains that furrows the gravelly plains of Landmannalaugar. During the high season, tour companies run daily excursions to the region and rudimentary accommodation is available for overnight stays.

7Thingvellir National Park

As the place where the Icelandic parliament was established in the 10th century, Thingvellir National Park has great historical importance for the island nation. Its location in a rift valley on the boundary of two major tectonic plates makes it a park with geological significance. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the valley's cliffs, fissures, lakes and evidence of volcanic activity demonstrate the power of the dramatically changing earth. A popular destination for day trips from Reykjavik, Iceland's first national park has marked trails that let you admire the best views in two or three hours.

6Myvatn

Formed thousands of years ago by a river of hot lava, Myvatn is the best place to visit in Iceland for birdwatching. More than 100 species frequent this lake to feast on the midges that give Myvatn its name. Formed by volcanic eruptions pouring into the water, the so-called pseudo-craters that dominate the landscape also attract visitors. The best place to see the craters is on the southern shore of the lake near the rural community of Skutustadir. A forest of columns, caves and rock formations created by water draining away are on display at Dimmuborgir, the lava fields east of Myvatn.

5Reykjavik

Spread across the Seltjarnarnes peninsula in south-western Iceland, Reykjavik covers a surprisingly large area for a capital with a population of about 120,000. Most visits begin at the visitor centre located near the picturesque Lake Tjornin on the west side of the city. Full of exhibits recounting Iceland's Viking heritage, the National and Saga museums are unmissable attractions. For a panoramic view of the capital, take the lift up to the observation deck of the modernist Hallgrimskirkja church east of the lake. With its captivating range of shops, bars and restaurants, the central artery of Laugavegur is also worth exploring.

4Jokulsarlon

Few travel experiences in Iceland are more memorable than the sight and sound of an iceberg breaking off a glacier and crashing into the sea. The best place to witness this demonstration of nature's power is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Located in south-eastern Iceland, this iceberg-studded lake was formed by the melting of the ice of the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, which is a major attraction in its own right. While you can see the lake with its slowly drifting floating icebergs from the island's ring road, nothing compares to seeing them up close from the deck of a tour boat.

3Vatnajokull National Park

Vatnajokull National Park Home to the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajokull National Park is so vast that it covers about 14% of the country. Divided into four separately managed territories, the most frequented section of the park is the southern territory of Skaftafell, where trails lead past glacier tongues and blue-coloured waterfalls. Hardy adventurers can climb the Vatnajokull glacier or explore the long row of volcanic craters known as Lakagigar. The park also has a wide range of easily accessible features, including the powerful Dettifoss, a waterfall famous for the volume of water that cascades over its edge.

2The Golden Circle Route

Golden Circle Route The region immediately east of Reykjavik contains an intriguing sample of Iceland's unique attractions, including historic sites, picturesque villages, geysers and waterfalls. Multiple tour companies offer day trips through the area along the roads and highways collectively known as the Golden Circle Route. The most popular tours include stops at Gullfoss, where the gigantic “Golden Falls” plunge through the Hvita river canyon, and the hot springs of Geysir, the place from which the word “geyser” takes its name. Marking the spot where the Icelandic nation was founded in 930, ancient Thingvellir is usually included in the tour.

1Blue Lagoon

#1 Best thing to see in Iceland Located on the Reykjanes peninsula less than an hour's drive from Reykjavik, the Blue Lagoon is Iceland's most popular tourist destination. This artificial lake is fed by superheated seawater discharged from a nearby lava flow. The geothermal waters contain minerals such as silica that are believed to have health benefits, but it is the chance to relax in a steaming lagoon surrounded by black lava rocks that attracts visitors most. In addition to a restaurant overlooking the lagoon, a 35-room resort offers a range of wellness services, including geothermal treatments, saunas, steam rooms and a fully equipped fitness room.