So, you’re going to Iceland. You’ve seen the photos, heard some stories, and quite possibly might have already been there! It’d be an understatement to say it’s one of the hottest tourist destinations at the moment. This is one of our favorite destinations, so we’re excited to bring you our list of the top 20 things to do in Iceland, the Nordic island where sheep outnumber humans.
1. Blue Lagoon
Listed at number one of things to do in Iceland for many reasons. Nothing screams I’m in Iceland more than a dip in the creamy blue silica baths of the Blue Lagoon. It’s one of the more touristy spots (and the price says just that) but TRUST me when I say this is the best way to kick off your trip. A nice silica mud mask will put your jet lag at ease and will make you feel like you’re officially in Iceland. Plus, it’s a nice way to make all your instagram followers jealous. TIP: If traveling in shoulder/winter months, try and book your ticket towards sunset for some spectacular golden hour photo moments.
2. Skógafoss
Ah, Skógafoss. One of the biggest waterfalls on the land. This is a must see on the South Coast. Bring your cameras and hiking boots as you can walk all the way to the top of this one. Oh, and your raincoat as the spray from this beast will surely get you drenched. TIP: Try to plan your arrival around morning/dusk hours as tour buses will start unleashing mass amounts of tourists mid morning.
3. Messin
Food in Iceland is quite expensive as you might know so choose your splurging wisely if you’re on a budget. There is no messin’ around when it comes to Messin though. This fairly new restaurant in downtown Reykjavik is a must for all fish lovers. They serve the fish in the same pan they cook it in paired with fresh tomatoes and roasted potatoes. I’m usually not a fish lover, but I could quite honestly eat here almost every day. Don’t take my word for it though… plenty more agree.
Tip: Get the Arctic Char! You won’t be disappointed.
4. Reykjavik Roasters
But first, coffee. Long days of exploring requires some quality espresso in the morning. There’s two Reykjavik Roasters located in Reykjavik both perfect for enjoying your morning cup, pastry, and plotting out your day. Lost track of the amount of times we stopped by here.
Tip: The locals are very friendly here, so feel free to ask away an questions you might have.
5. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Black sand you say? Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is another iconic destination on this volcanic island. This sand is the result of lava meeting the ocean thousands of years ago creating the rough black basalt sand you see. Be careful not to get too close to the water though as sneakier waves are known to sweep people out to sea.
Fun Fact: This beach was actually listed as one of the top 10 non-tropical beaches in the world in 1991 by the American Journal Islands Magazine.
6. Hallgrimskirkja Church
The staple of Reykjavik, the Hallgrimskirkja Church stands 250 feet tall watching over the town. For 1000 króna, you can cram into a tiny, (sketchy) elevator that takes you to the top for a nice birds eye view of the city. The church is actually quite impressive looking, but seems a little out of place compared to the rest of the town’s architecture. It was supposedly built to resemble part of the Icelandic terrain of Volcanic Basalt after it has cooled. Regardless, a nice spot to gather and snap a billion photos.
7. Bruarfoss
Often referred to by locals as one of Iceland’s hidden gems, this is one of the bluest waterfalls you will ever see. Relatively small compared to it’s icelandic counterparts, its beauty makes up for it. A little off the beaten path and confusing to get to (no parking lot), once you find it you’ll find yourself wanting to cup your hand in the water and have a taste.
Tip: While parking, watch out for private property and no trespassing signs. Plus respect the land and try and stay on the marked trail.
8. Snæfellsnes Peninsula
You will definitely need to dedicate at least 2 days to fully see the beauty of this part of land. You could spend a whole day alone exploring the Snaefellsjoekull National Park which holds a sub-glacial volcano and a tremendous lava field.
We recommend doing a lava tube tour as the complete darkness inside is something you surely have never seen (no pun intended). The peninsula is also home to Kirkjufell, a seal-watching beach, the instagram famous black church, and many historic fishing towns.
9. Aukuyeri Dome Airbnb
Enjoy a 360 degree view of the arctic sky from the comfort of a luxurious bed. Get a glimpse of the northern lights in the winter and take in the midnight sun during summer fully emersed in the land. This fairly new airbnb is located in northern iceland just outside of Aukuyeri and is quite the experience. There is also a brewery within walking distance with a beer spa!
If you’re new to Airbnb, here’s $40 off your first booking!
10. Myvatn Nature Baths
The Blue Lagoon’s little sister located in Northern Iceland is far less crowded and offers sensational panoramas of the Myvatn area. It is ALOT cheaper than the Blue Lagoon, and during a clear winter night, they turn the lights off for an optimal northern lights viewing experience! It is the perfect way to unwind from either a long day of driving or from hiking the Myvatn crater. Check it out here.
11. Seljavallalaug
One of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland, this once hidden gem is tucked into the side of the lush green hills on the South Coast. Seljavallalaug was created to help locals learn how to swim, and has now turned into a tourist hotspot for those who are up for a quick hike. It’s mainly only swimmable during summer and shoulder months as the water is kept just above freezing typically from a local hot spring runoff.
12. Grotta Lighthouse
The perfect spot to bring some take away, sit, and enjoy the Atlantic. Located just outside of Reykjavik on the westernmost tip you’ll find the Grotta lighthouse. About an hours walk or a short drive/bus from downtown Reykjavik. Be sure to check the tides before you go as the sand bank to reach the lighthouse gets washed over on high tide (some have actually gotten stuck on the island). Also a great place to view the Northern Lights in the Winter if the weather is right.
13. Egilsstaðir Cottages
These cottages are a must on your way through East Iceland. I mean, is there anything much better than a cottage on a lake in the mountains? These wooden A-frame’s will give you some of the best panoramas of the Egilsstadir area, and will make you feel right at home. They are perfect spot to use as home-base to explore the East Fjords. Check them out on Booking.com here.
14. Siglufjörður
The northernmost town on the mainland, Siglufjörður holds one of Icelands best harbors and has to be one of the most beautiful fishing towns ever. If the large tunnels that carve straight through the fjords on your drive there don’t blow you away, this colorful town surely will. Perfect for a day trip from your stay in Akureyri.
15. East Fjords
Maybe some of the most under travelled parts of Iceland. This region is far less known to tourists and tour buses usually don’t make their way up this far which makes this area that much more beautiful. This is an area best left exploring blindly with no itinerary as there are so many hidden gems. From small fishing villages and abandoned harbors, to puffins and reindeer, you certainly want to give this region your attention.
Here’s a list of 13 things to do in the East Fjords.
16. HVERAGERDI HOT SPRING RIVER TRAIL
Iceland is the land of hot springs, and the locals really enjoy a good bathe. There is nothing more rewarding after a long hike then getting to take a dip in earth’s natural springs. This is one of the more popular hikes on the island as it is fairly close to Reykjavik and is all over the Internet, but it is 100% worth it! The hike is a little strenuous and long as it winds up into the mountains on the south coast so be prepared for weather changes.
Here’s a detailed description of the hike.
17. Akureyri Hot Dog Stand
Now I know Iceland is not sought out for it’s food, but if there is one thing you must try, make it the hot dogs. A quick and easy cheap snack that is one of the most popular fast food items here! What sets them a part you might ask? Well, if you don’t recall from the beginning of this post, the Icelandic people are outnumbered by sheep. Free roaming sheep that graze some of the most pristine lands on Earth eating grass, berries and leaves.
Long story short, these hot dogs are quality! Give them a try. This stand in Akureyri is the one we were recommended and it was the perfect quick bite.
18. Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk
One of the most easily accessible glaciers on Iceland (you can drive right up to it), take a guided tour on the ice cap that is melting faster and faster every year. Covering the caldera of the Katla volcano (which was showing signs of life recently) a guide will take you across some of the incredible landscape.
Upon walking on this glacier you’ll be able to see the history of previous eruptions from the various layers of ash and encounter many deep crevasses, ice ridges and streams of water running through. It’s an incredible experience you can truly only appreciate when you set foot on this tremendous piece of nature.
We recommend this glacier hike tour.
19. Eldhraun lava field
You might have seen Justin Bieber rolling around in all that lush green squishy stuff in his music video “I’ll Show You” (If you haven’t check it out here). Well, that was all filmed in Iceland on all the green moss that engulfs most of the south coast.
The Eldgraun lava field is the largest in the world and is completed covered in the green wooly fringe moss, and the ring road cuts right through it making it feel like an alien planet.
Word of the wise: don’t do what Bieber did, and stay off the moss as it takes decades to heal.
20. Lobster Pizza at Hruan
Ok, more food. This is a MUST try when exploring the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Located in the small town of Olafsvik, Hruan has some of the most mouth watering lobster pizza (make sure you order it with extra lobster). This was a first try for me after seeing the reviews on trip advisor, and it had me wanted to go back for more. It’s the perfect place to refuel when exploring this part of land.
Want to add to this list?
Comment below, or send us an email if you think we are missing something.
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