There are countless "must-do in Iceland" articles online. While most are decent, they often cater to tourists and seem designed primarily to sell products or services. However, not everyone is seeking the same type of experience. At tour2iceland.com, we've decided to compile a series of tailored "must-do lists." Whether you're a first-time visitor to the country, planning to stay just in Reykjavík, searching for adventures, or returning for the umpteenth time, we have something for you. Additionally, we couldn’t resist sharing our personal favourite: a list of what locals love.
Other articles in this series:
Beyond the Main Sights
If you've visited Iceland before or are a first-time visitor with plenty of time, this article highlights recommendations beyond the main sights. These spots are highly favoured by us and are somewhat off the beaten tourist track. They are not necessarily places that require a lot of experience or physical effort to reach. Rather, they are destinations that might not typically feature on shorter tour itineraries but are well worth the visit.
1. The Westfjords
The Westfjords are a fantastic part of Iceland that many people miss because they are not included in the typical circle tour. If you have the time, do yourself a favour and visit this area. It's one of the best parts of the country. The region is remote and sparsely populated and known for its spectacular landscapes characterized by steep mountains, deep fjords, and rugged coastlines. This area remains one of the most untouched and pristine parts of Iceland, offering breathtaking scenery and a sense of tranquillity rarely found elsewhere.
You must visit Látrabjarg, Europe's largest bird cliff and the westernmost point of Iceland. Látrabjarg is a vital breeding ground for millions of seabirds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. It is especially famous for its puffins, which are approachable and photogenic due to the birds' limited fear of humans. On the way to Látrabjarg you must visit the Breiðavík Beach. A stunning expanse of golden sand framed by rugged cliffs and rolling dunes. This tranquil location is less frequented by tourists so visitors can enjoy long walks along the shore, birdwatching, spectacular sunsets, and the serenity of a relatively untouched landscape.
Another unique point of interest is Dynjandi Waterfall, renowned for its unique appearance as it cascades over a series of terraced rocks, creating a stunning visual effect that resembles a wide, flowing bridal veil. Visitors can follow a hiking path that leads up alongside the waterfall, allowing for close-up views of Dynjandi and several smaller falls that lie below it.
There are many pleasant fishing villages in the Westfjords, each with its own charm. The largest one is Ísafjörður, a historic settlement with a rich maritime heritage. The well-preserved old town features narrow streets and old wooden houses, some of which date back to the 18th century, reflecting Ísafjörður's long history as a trading post. Not far from Ísafjörður is Bolafjall Mountain, topped by a radar station. Recently, a viewing platform has been added, offering amazing views over the Westfjords and the vast Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, you can even see Greenland. The road to the mountain is only open in summer. Be warned, this is not for the faint-hearted.
And finally we must mention Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. This is not for the run of the mill visitor. This area is completely uninhabited and accessible only by boat, preserving its pristine condition. The landscape is characterized by striking cliffs, deep fjords, and rich Arctic flora and fauna, including Arctic foxes and abundant birdlife. Hornstrandir isolation and challenging conditions mean that it's best suited for experienced hikers seeking adventure far from the beaten path.
2. Seljavallalaug
We highly recommend visiting Seljavallalaug, nestled in a narrow valley on the south coast near Eyjafjallajökull. Seljavallalaug is one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools. Built in 1923, this 25-meter outdoor pool was constructed to provide locals with a place to learn to swim. Surrounded by natural rock and accessible by a short hike from the nearest road, Seljavallalaug blends into its landscape. The pool is fed by natural hot springs, although the water is cooler than many of Iceland’s other geothermal pools. Visiting Seljavallalaug is as much about the experience of swimming in a historic, secluded spot as it is about enjoying the picturesque setting.
3. Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, located in western Iceland, is often referred to as "Iceland in Miniature" due to its diverse landscapes packed into a relatively small area. Dominated by the mystical Snæfellsjökull volcano, which is topped with a glacier and famous for its mention in Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth," the peninsula offers impressive scenery that includes rugged cliffs, black sand beaches, and charming fishing villages.
Key attractions include the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain and nearby Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall. The mountain is particularly popular among photographers due to its picturesque setting next to the waterfall that perfectly complements the mountain's distinctively shaped peak. You must also visit Djúpalónssandur, a hauntingly beautiful black pebble beach. Nestled at the foot of Snæfellsjökull, this secluded beach is known for its volcanic landscape, featuring dark sands and remnants of a historic shipwreck scattered along the shore. The area is rich in folklore and history, with tales of hidden treasures and ancient fishing communities.
4. Fjallsárlón
Fjallsárlón is a lesser-known but equally stunning glacial lagoon located in south-east Iceland, near its more famous counterpart, Jökulsárlón. This ice lagoon lies at the southern end of the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap. Fjallsárlón is smaller and less crowded than Jökulsárlón, offering a more intimate and serene experience. The lagoon is filled with icebergs that have calved from the glacier, floating quietly in the icy waters against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery.
Visitors to Fjallsárlón can enjoy zodiac boat tours that navigate between these majestic ice formations, providing up-close views and excellent photographic opportunities. The proximity to the glacier is more pronounced here, making the experience of seeing the ice calve and drift in the lagoon both awe-inspiring and humbling.
5. Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar, located in Iceland's southern highlands, is celebrated for its spectacular landscape of colourful rhyolite mountains, vast lava fields, and natural geothermal hot springs. This remote area is a haven for hikers, featuring well-known trails such as the Laugavegur, which links Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk and is hailed as one of the best hikes globally. The region's vibrant terrain, with its striking hues of pink, green, yellow, and more, offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Visitors often conclude their day by soaking in the warm, soothing hot springs, making Landmannalaugar a unique blend of outdoor adventure and natural relaxation. Accessible only during the summer months via mountain roads, it offers a true escape into the wild Icelandic landscape.
6. Heimaey Island
Heimaey is the largest island in the Westman Islands, located off the southern coast of Iceland. Sometimes referred to as the "Pompeii of the North," stemming from the catastrophic volcanic eruption in 1973 that buried much of the town under lava and ash. Today, the island stands as a compelling historical site where visitors can explore the preserved remains of houses and buildings partially engulfed by the volcanic debris. However, this is not the island's only appeal. Heimaey is a vibrant community with a rich fishing heritage, breathtaking views, and abundant birdlife, including one of the world's largest puffin colonies.
7. Askja Crater
Askja is an impressive caldera located in the remote central highlands of Iceland, part of the larger Dyngjufjöll mountains. This volcanic crater, formed through a series of eruptions, most notably in 1875, is known for its stark and moon-like landscape. The main attraction at Askja is the deep, aquamarine lake named Öskjuvatn, which is the deepest lake in Iceland and fills the main caldera. Nearby is Víti, a smaller explosion crater filled with geothermally heated water, where visitors can sometimes take a warm bath amidst the surreal volcanic surroundings. The journey to Askja is an adventure in itself, requiring a drive on rough mountain tracks and a hike, but it rewards those who make it with its otherworldly beauty and a profound sense of isolation.
8. Þórsmörk
Þórsmörk Nature Reserve is a stunning natural gem, nestled between three glaciers: Mýrdalsjökull, Tindfjallajökull, and Eyjafjallajökull. Renowned for its spectacular landscapes and challenging hiking trails, Þórsmörk is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The area boasts lush valleys, rugged mountain peaks, and dense birch forests, creating a sharp contrast with the surrounding ice caps. Accessible only by 4x4 vehicles capable of crossing rough terrain and rivers, Þórsmörk offers a true adventure into the wild. Popular trails like the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls start or end here, making it a hub for trekkers exploring the diverse landscapes of Iceland’s highlands.
9. Bathe In a Hot Pool
Bathing in a hot pool is an essential experience for everyone travelling in Iceland. Throughout the country, geothermal activity heats numerous pools and hot springs, providing locals and visitors alike the opportunity to unwind in warm, mineral-rich waters amid stunning natural settings. From the famous Blue Lagoon to secluded natural hot springs like those in the Westfjords, there’s a variety of options available. These thermal baths not only soothe the body but also offer picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, lava fields, or lush countryside, making a dip an unforgettable part of any Icelandic adventure.
10. Stuðlagil Canyon
Stuðlagil Canyon, in eastern Iceland, has become one of the country's hidden gems since the completion of the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant, which significantly lowered the water level of the Jökulsá á Dal river. This revealed stunning basalt columns lining the canyon walls, creating a breathtaking natural architecture that is a photographer’s delight. The canyon is most striking for its striking contrast between the dark columns and the vibrant turquoise water of the river. Access to Stuðlagil requires a hike, which adds an element of adventure to the visit. This stunning location, though relatively new on the tourist map, is quickly gaining recognition as one of the most picturesque spots in Iceland, ideal for those looking to explore off the beaten path.
11. Fjarðárgljúfur Canyon
Fjarðárgljúfur is an impressive and ancient canyon located in southeastern Iceland. This stunning geological formation, believed to be about two million years old, stretches over two kilometres and reaches depths of up to 100 meters. The Fjarðá River flows through the canyon, adding to its scenic beauty with lush vegetation adorning its steep walls. Fjarðárgljúfur became widely known after featuring in music videos and films, which highlighted its outstanding vistas and ethereal landscape. A well-maintained walking path along the canyon's edge provides visitors with great views of the serpentine waterway and the surrounding landscape, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.
12. Kerlingafjöll and Hveradalir
Kerlingafjöll and Hveradalir are located in the heart of Iceland's highlands, part of a stunning mountain range known for its geothermal activity and remarkable landscapes. Kerlingafjöll, characterized by rhyolite mountains which create a palette of red, yellow, and green hues, is a hotspot for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Nearby, Hveradalir, or "The Valley of Hot Springs," lives up to its name with numerous steam vents, hot springs, and mud pots that decorate the valley floor. This geothermal wonderland offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its unique terrain and observe the dynamic interaction between ice and fire that shapes this remote region. Together, Kerlingafjöll and Hveradalir provide a spectacular display of Iceland's volcanic beauty.
13. Vestrahorn Mountain and Stokksnes Beach
Located on the southeastern coast, the often-photographed Vestrahorn Mountain is a strikingly jagged mountain that rises sharply to 450 meters above sea level, casting a powerful silhouette against the skyline. The mountain is composed of gabbro and granophyre rocks, giving it a dark, strong appearance that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding lighter-coloured sands of Stokksnes Beach. This beach features fine, black volcanic sand and dunes, often covered with a light layer of grass, adding texture and colour to the landscape. The area is particularly stunning during golden hour when the light casts long shadows and enriches the natural colours, making it a favourite spot for photographers.
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