Iceland is an incredibly unique travel destination, and there's something for everyone to see. With its rugged landscapes wrought by fire and ice, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Thingvellir National Park is where two continental plates rip apart in grand fashion. Taking a tour here will put you right in the middle of it all, witnessing giant cracks opening and closing over time.
1. Thingvellir National Park
One of the most popular destinations in Iceland, Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's located in the southwest of Iceland near Reykjanes peninsula and Hengill volcano.
This beautiful national park is a definite must-visit for any visitor to Iceland. It's known for its stunning natural beauty, history, and proximity to Reykjavik.
Unlike most of the rest of Iceland, Thingvellir is a tectonic plate gap, meaning it sits on top of two plates that separate and split. It's also home to the Mid-Atlantic Rift, and several gorges filled with crystal clear spring water, including Silfra.
This fissure is popular among snorkelers and scuba divers because it's so unique. The crystal-clear water is as purely reflective as a mirror, and people throw coins into it to represent how pristine it is.
2. Geysir
Geysir is one of Iceland’s most famous attractions and it’s easy to see why. This geothermal area is home to many hot springs and geysers, including the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur.
The area is also known for its mud pots, colorful mineral ponds and translucent blue pools. You can also find fumaroles, natural vents that produce steam and gas.
You can easily walk around the whole area and take in its wonders. It’s worth going at night when there is less traffic and you can enjoy a more relaxing experience.
3. Gullfoss
The mighty Gullfoss (pronounced gull-foss) is Iceland’s largest and most iconic waterfall, and one of the country’s major tourist attractions. The falls form in the Hvita river, which drains meltwater from the nearby Langjokull glacier.
You can visit Gullfoss year-round, but the best time to see it is during sunrise or sunset. During these times, you’ll be able to catch golden sunlight on the cascading water of the ice-blue Hvita river.
You can also find a memorial to Sigridur Tomasdottir, Iceland’s first environmentalist and a strong advocate of protecting the pristine natural environment of the country. She fought tirelessly to protect Gullfoss and ultimately had it declared a nature reserve.
4. Jokulsarlon
The awe-inspiring Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is one of the most popular sights in Iceland. This beautiful lagoon is home to a vast sea of icebergs that have broken off the Breidamerkurjokull glacier in Vatnajokull National Park.
The icebergs are composed of age-old glacial ice and can be up to a thousand years old. They look incredible and are often compared to ice sculptures.
This stunning lagoon is a great destination for photographers and iceberg lovers. Be sure to book a boat tour for a closer look at these fascinating icebergs.
5. Seljalandsfoss
Located on the South Coast of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of the country. It’s a stop on many tours of this area, but it also makes a fantastic day trip by itself.
- The best time to visit this spectacular location is during summer when the sun can illuminate it and you may be able to capture that iconic sunset photo. However, it’s a popular tourist destination so you might want to plan your visit in advance to avoid the crowds.
- It’s also important to note that in winter, the path behind Seljalandsfoss is closed due to icy conditions. Make sure to wear shoes that will keep you safe, as well as a rain jacket.
6. Gljufrabui
A visit to Iceland is not complete without a stop at the world-famous Gljufrabui waterfall. It’s a waterfall hidden away behind cliffs that’s well worth a detour from the beaten path.
Gljufrabui is a 40-metre waterfall that cascades down into a small cave where light pours in from above. It’s not quite as famous as Seljalandsfoss, but it’s certainly worth a visit when in the area.
