Iceland is a country of sharp contrasts, known as the Land of Fire and Ice. Volcanically active hot spots and enormous glaciers coexist here. Dark winters are offset by the midnight sun in summer. A country where strange and desolate landscapes lay just outside the colourful capital of Reykjavik.
What is the best place to visit in Iceland?
If you are looking for the best travel destinations in Iceland you have come to the right place. The ten incredible Iceland travel destinations on our list will give you amazing experiences.
Number 10. Skogafoss
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In a country with many waterfalls, Skogafoss is the largest and most spectacular. Located in south Iceland, not far from the Ring Road, these thundering waterfalls drop 60 meters (200 feet). On sunny days, Skogafoss is a photographer’s dream, especially when a rainbow – or even two – can be seen in front of Skogafoss. Skogafoss can be viewed from above by climbing up steps to an observation platform.
Number 9. The Diamond Circle
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Located in the northern part of Iceland, the Diamond Circle connects three of the region’s most beautiful attractions: Sbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss Waterfall and Lake Mývatn. There are also loads of other splendid attractions en route, such as Húsavík (the whale-watching “capital” of Iceland), Tjörnes, Goðafoss and more. Diamond Circle is approximately 190 miles (310 kilometres) long, so driving the whole route takes about four hours. The whole tour will take you 10–12 hours since you’ll be getting out of the car and exploring the attractions along the way.
Number 8. Husavik Whale Watching
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Husavik is a whale lover’s paradise. Sitting on Skjalfandi Bay, this town is considered one of the best places to see whales in the world. A large number of baleen whales feed on the small organisms in the bay’s waters, which are rich in plankton. Some of the most common whales seen in Skjalfandi Bay are humpbacks, blue and minke, but many other species have also been seen near Husavik. Besides whales, puffins are another attraction to watch. A large colony of these adorable birds nests in this area.
Number 7. Laugavegur
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A good way to discover Iceland is to take a walk along the Laugavegur. The Laugavegur hiking trail stretches 79 kilometres (49 miles) from Landmannalaugar to Skogar, making it Iceland’s longest hiking trail. The trail passes geysers, glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, and some of this country’s most gorgeous scenery. It is recommended that hikers take about five days to cover the trail if they wish to take it at a leisurely pace. However, it can definitely be done in a shorter or longer period of time. The trail offers hikers the option of pitching a tent or renting one of the huts along the way.
Number 6. Jokulsarlon Lagoon
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A beautiful glacier lagoon can be found at the edge of Vatnajokull National Park. Lagoon waters come from melting glaciers, and it has been growing larger every year. Since the 1970s, its size has increased fourfold. The lake is one of the deepest in Iceland, if not the deepest, and is filled with icebergs calved from the glacier. The lagoon and surrounding area are so beautiful and surreal that they have often been featured in movies, such as “Die Another Day” and “Tomb Raider.”
Number 5. Vatnajökull National Park
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The largest glacier in Iceland is named Vatnajökull. As the largest national park in Iceland, Vatnajökull National Park encompasses the glacier itself and its surroundings. The Vatnajökull National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. In the area, you can hike, explore natural wonders, or drive between attractions.
Number 4. Reynisfjara Beach
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Reynisfjara Beach is known for its inky black sand, rugged basalt columns, and large crashing waves. It is located near the village of Vik on Iceland’s south coast and is also home to comical puffin birds. There is at least one tale associated with this beach’s strange appearance. Legend has it that the basalt sea stacks were formed when two trolls attempted to drag a three-masted ship to shore at night. In spite of their efforts, they failed and when the sun rose, it turned the trolls into stone. The raging waves at this beach can be very dangerous, so tourists are advised to keep their distance.
Number 3. Vatnajokull Ice Caves
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Visitors to Iceland can explore ice caves that have been carved by rivers of meltwater deep beneath the Vatnajokull Glacier. In these caves, explorers will find a surreal world of blue ice formations that will mesmerize them. The black volcanic ash trapped in the ice has created a ribbon effect against the blue in some areas. These caves, also called Crystal Caves, can only be toured during the winter, as there is always a risk of collapse during the summer and spring, and only trained guides should enter them.
Number 2. Gullfoss
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Known as Golden Falls, Gullfoss gets its name from the brownish color of its water. There is no doubt that these falls are magnificent, and they are known for being the largest volume falls in all of Europe. Additionally, it has two distinct drops that are at right angles to one another. From the main overlook, the view is slightly obscured, so it appears as if the lower falls plunges away into an abyss. It is hard to imagine that this popular tourist attraction was almost lost. At one time, foreign investors proposed to build a hydroelectric powerplant on it. The project was vehemently opposed by a local woman, who even threatened to jump over the falls if the plant was built. Gullfoss was saved thanks to her efforts.
Number 1. The Blue Lagoon
In Iceland’s southwest region, on the Reykjanes peninsula, lies the Blue Lagoon, a large geothermal pool. The pool is not from a natural source of geothermal water, it is actually supplied by excess water from a nearby power plant called Svartsengi. The Blue Lagoon came into existence in 1974, when excess water was released from the Svartsengi power plant. It became a popular swimming and bathing spot within a short period of time, but there were no facilities by the lagoon until 1987. Minerals like sulphur and silica, which are supposedly good for your skin, are abundant in the water. As a result, the lagoon was popular in its early years. A major renovation was carried out at the Blue Lagoon in 1992, and the location has gained a reputation as an international tourist attraction in recent years.
Summarily, Iceland is a great destination with lots to offer people from around the world. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery, visit amazing places, enjoy excellent food and much more. The interesting history and population of the country make it an interesting destination to visit. The 10 listed tourist destinations will make your trip to Iceland a memorable one.
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