Iceland is truly a fantastic country and a dream destination for any nature lover. If you’re considering a trip to Iceland, you must be curious about its attractions. Well, let me tell you, there are quite a few. Ice and fire combine to create waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and beaches all over the island. Nowhere else in the world will you find such a variety of natural wonders so close together. As you travel through Iceland, you’ll be constantly amazed by the breathtaking landscapes. During our 2-week journey through Iceland, we compiled a list of the most important attractions in this article.
#1 Glaciers and Glacierlakes
Iceland is covered with glaciers, occupying nearly 11% of the country’s surface, and it is home to the largest glacier in Europe. From the ring road in the south, you can already enjoy a breathtaking view of the glaciers, but getting up close to them is even more impressive. The largest glacier in Iceland is Vatnajökull, with an area of 8100 km² and some parts being as thick as 1,000 meters (3280 feet). You can experience the glaciers in Iceland by taking a glacier hike or tearing across the ice on a snowmobile. Both activities are incredibly thrilling! As you travel along the ring road in the south, you’ll come across the glacier lagoons Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón. These lakes are filled with massive chunks of glacier ice, which can be either blue or white. If you pay close attention, you might even spot seals popping up above the water in these lakes.
#2 Black Beaches
De beaches of Iceland are a remarkable sight. Most of the beaches consist of volcanic rocks, giving them a pitch-black appearance. The most famous black beach is Reynisfjara, located just a 10-minute drive from the town of Vík. This beach is unique for several reasons. At the beginning of the beach, you’ll encounter an enormous basalt formation with several caves that were carved by erosion during high tide. If you continue walking along the beach and climb over a few rocks, you’ll find yourself on an impressive film location from Game of Thrones. Here, you’ll see four rocks jutting straight up from the sea. Absolutely stunning!
#3 Waterfalls
Iceland is home to hundreds of waterfalls. Large, small, wide, and narrow, you can find them in all shapes and sizes. Nowhere else in the world have we seen so many amazing waterfalls as in Iceland. Many of these impressive waterfalls are located along the ring road and are easily accessible by car. Of course, you can also find many beautiful waterfalls in the highlands, but you can only visit them if you have a 4×4 vehicle and are traveling to Iceland in the summer.
#4 Hot Springs
Iceland is located precisely on a hotspot of the Earth. A hotspot is an area with above-normal magma production. In a few places around the world, the Earth’s crust is thinner, allowing magma to come closer to the surface. Due to this, all the warm water in Iceland is geothermal. The geothermal heat sources also contribute to the abundance of hot springs in Iceland. These are natural pools, and even in bad weather, it is an ultimate pleasure to relax in a hot spring. The Icelanders themselves are fond of hot springs. In fact, bathing in hot springs is an ancient tradition dating back to the time of the Vikings. However, it is essential to be cautious and not jump into the first hot spring you encounter. Many hot springs can reach temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius and are, therefore, not suitable for bathing.
#5 Rough Landscapes
Absolutely, Iceland is a land of incredible diversity and rugged beauty. It offers a unique experience for both hikers and travelers exploring the island by rental car. Every 10 minutes you encounter breathtaking landscapes that make you want to stop, enjoy and take pictures. From majestic waterfalls and vast glaciers to black beaches and picturesque fjords, Iceland has it all. It truly is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers who love pristine and unforgettable landscapes.
#6 The Northern Lights
The northern lights one of the most magical natural phenomena. Iceland is an ideal destination to spot the northern lights. From October to March you have the best chance to see the northern lights in Iceland but even in April and September it can sometimes be seen.
The Ultimate Travel Itinerary Along the Most Beautiful Sights of Iceland
Does a trip through Iceland sound appealing to you? Then take a look at our travel itinerary for Iceland. It will take you to the most beautiful sights, and you’ll find all sorts of useful tips for your trip to Iceland. This way, you’ll know everything you need to when you visit Iceland!
