Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland When You Visit

Les Listes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Lately it seems that visiting Iceland is the “it” thing to do. Everyone and their brother is going there and taking great pictures of all the cool places that they have visited. However, you may still wonder where are the best places and times to visit Iceland. Don’t worry, we got you covered. Check out below for the top 10 things to do in Iceland.

#10. The Volcano Hekla

One of the best things to do in Iceland is visit the Volcano Hekla. It happens to to be one of the most active volcanoes in the entire world! In fact, the earliest recorded eruption from the volcano was in 1104 and there have been at least 30 large eruptions since then. In addition, the volcano has been so active throughout history, remaining extremely active for more than a decade, that medieval European historians described it as the entrance to hell!

Even today it remains a breathtaking sight. The volcano is over 5,000 feet tall and has been the inspiration for many filmmakers and artists. In fact, Ridley Scott filmed some scenes from the movie Prometheus right here!^[1]Guide to Iceland – What to Do & Where to Go

#9. Snæfellsjökull National Park

If you are a nature lover, one of the best things to do in Iceland is visit Snæfellsjökull National Park. If you are a lover of Jules Verne, you have probably heard about this park as it is featured in his book Journey to the Centre of the Earth.^[2]The Crazy Tourist – 25 Best Things to Do in Iceland The park is most famous for the Snæfellsjökull glacier. However, there are a lot more things to do as well such as looking at lava tubes and fields, checking out the local plants, bird and whale watching, and hiking.

#8. Reynisfjara Beach

If you want to see a bit of the ocean, one of the best things to do in Iceland is visit Reynisfjara Beach. It is about 110 miles southeast of Reykjavik.^[3]Guide to Iceland – Dumbest Things to Do in Iceland This famous beach is filled with black sand, surrounded by large cliffs, and pounded by strong waves. In addition, striking lava pillars dot the shoreline making for a magnificent view. It is possible to get guided tours of the beach. However, if you are going alone, make sure to not get into the water. It is both extremely dangerous and against the law. The water is very cold, the waves are big, and the current is strong.

#7. Reykjavík

It might sound too obvious, but one of the best things to do in Iceland is visit its largest city and capitol, Reykjavik.^[4]Nomadic Matt – MY 7 REASONS TO VISIT ICELAND The city is hip with brightly painted old houses, interesting food, friendly bars, cool clubs, and nice cafes. In fact, many people don’t really describe the place as a city as much as a giant small town. It is definitely worthwhile to spend a few extra days to get the full feel of the place.

#6. Take a dip in a thermal pool

One of the most iconic things to do in Iceland is bath in a thermal pool. In fact, people have been doing it in Iceland since the times of the Vikings! It is a great way to relax after a long day of hiking or to spend a winter’s day in.

The most famous of the thermal pools in the Blue Lagoon with its magnificent blue color. Another famous one is the Myvatn Nature Bath.^[5]Wanderlust – 9 of the best things to do in Iceland However, don’t worry if you can’t get to either of these. Thermal baths are dotted all throughout the country and you will have plenty of chances to visit one.

#5. Skógafoss

If you are looking for some great opportunities for pictures, one of the best things to do in Iceland is visit Skógafoss. It is a waterfall that is over 200 feet tall and dramatically goes over the edge of a rocky cliff.^[6]lonely planet – Skógafoss You can walk up a steep staircase alongside of the waterfall are walk right up to the bottom of it and get covered in sheets of mist.

#4. Geysir

One of the most popular things to do in Iceland is visit Geysir. If this word sounds familiar to you that is because it is the original hot water spout that all other geysers in the world have taken their name from.^[7]lonely planet – Geysir Unfortunately, it doesn’t spout water that regularly. However, don’t worry as right next to it is Strokkur that regularly spouts 49 to 131 foot plumes of water every 5 to 10 minutes.

#3. Dynjandi

If you are a fan of waterfalls, one of the best things to do in Iceland is visit Dynjandi. At 328 feet tall, it is one of the most dramatic ones in the entire country.^[8]lonely planet – Dynjandi While walking up to the waterfall, you can see many smaller ones as well. There are great views of the surrounding countryside and fjord around you. In addition, if you want to spend more time in the area, the surround area is actually a protected nature reserve with camping sites. However, they are only available to hikers and bikers, so if you drove in, you can’t use them.

#2. Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

For the true wilderness explorers, one of the best things to do in Iceland is visit Hornstrandir. It has large waterfalls, steep cliffs, and craggy mountains and is one of the last remaining true wilderness areas in all of Europe. It is a great area to go hiking to see wildlife such as birds, whales, seals, and Arctic foxes.^[9]lonely planet – Hornstrandir Nature Reserve However, due to the unpredictable weather and snow drifts in the area, it is best to plan ahead and get some local advice. The best time to visit is in the summer in July. Due to the area being a national monument, it has very strict preservation rules to protect the rich, but fragile natural vegetation. Therefore, make sure to stay on the marked paths and carry out your trash with you.

#1. Vatnajökull National Park

One of the best things to do in Iceland is visit Vatnajökull National Park. This huge park covers an area of around 3.48 million acres or about 14% of the entire country’s land area!^[10]lonely planet – Vatnajökull National Park It encompasses several different landscapes including many of the country’s greatest natural wonders. Some of the most famous sites to see in the park include Ásbyrgi canyon, Dettifoss and Svartifoss waterfalls, Lakagígar crater row, and Askja. Furthermore, there are many different hiking and 4WD trails to explore the area. In addition, there are several tours that will take you further into the park to see all of the different natural wonders. However, if you don’t have a lot of time in Iceland, don’t worry. You can easily gain access to the park during your Ring Road journey around the country.