MOST POPULAR ICELANDIC DESTINATIONS AND ATTRACTIONS
Iceland is a land of glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, lakes, frozen glaciated lagoons, geothermal pools, geysers and much more! There are many sides to Iceland than at first meet the eye, however I can make a few general recommendations that should get you off in the right direction to get started. When you first touchdown in Keflavik International airport, I highly recommend that you get yourself a couple of chargers for batteries, laptops, cameras and the likes as well as make sure that you obtain either a sim card for your phone or a wireless router as a hub to connect to WIFI during your stay. We went with the wireless WIFI router during our trip and it was very convenient. I also recommend a 4X4, diesel vehicle for your stay as it will give you a lot more flexibility in where you go and how you enjoy the landscapes and environments in which you intend to visit. Many of Iceland’s gas stations require pre-paid gas cards which you can obtain in advance in Reykjavik. I highly suggest that you get a few of these before you embark on your trip, because once you are out in the middle of nowhere with no nearby services you won’t want to see that your ATM/DEBIT card doesn’t work at one, some or all of the station’s keypads at 3 AM when you’re in the middle of a cross island aurora chase! Additionally, there are large expanses of land in between stores and gas stations, so be sure to fill up where you can and always carry extra water and food as you never know where you will end up or where your next meal might be, especially during the wintertime unless you book for a stay in resort that is all inclusive and you intend to stay there for all of your meals.
So, with that said, here are a few of the things that I would start out with. There are honestly more things to see here than your trip might have time for, however they make for a great place to start, as you will honestly most likely need to come back for multiple visits in order to see all of Iceland!
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A FEW WATERFALLS
GODAFOSS
Among locals, known as the waterfall of the Gods, Goðafoss is in my opinion the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland. While it is not very tall, the falls itself is a gigantic horseshoe shape making it extremely unique in all of Iceland. From the viewing areas you can see three main falls that are separated by dark volcanic rock with remarkably high flow from the Skjálfandafljót River.
DYNJANDI
The multi-tiered and beautiful Dynjandi waterfall is located at the base of the Arnarfjörður fjord. Often referred to as a bridal veil, this waterfall is very wide at around 90 ft in width at its top tiers and considerably wider down below at its base and at its highest point around 300 ft. tall. Dynjandi is the largest waterfall in the West Fjords and visiting this waterfall will be a memorable and beautiful short hike. From a parking area on route 60, Dynjandi Falls is only a short 15-minute hike up to its base. Of notable mention, along the way you will also pass six other little waterfalls that are beautiful in their own right.
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GULLFOSS
Known most commonly as the Golden waterfall, Gullfoss is a truly remarkable double-tiered waterfall that drops just under 100 ft. into a narrow canyon which extends for a mile or so downstream. From the main parking lot there is a short trail to a convenient but sometimes busy viewing platform where you can experience the waterfall at a safe distance, yet perfect for photographic opportunities.
SELJALANDSFOSS
For certain one of Iceland’s most frequently visited waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss flows along the Seljalandsá river where it falls 120 ft from atop a cliff down on to the riverbed. Seljalandsfoss is extremely unique among waterfalls, due to its shape of the cliff over which it falls will allow you to walk on a trail behind the curtain itself at the base of the falls. The easiest way get to the waterfall is from the Seljaland farm along the nearby Ring Road.
SKOGAFOSS
Located at the base of the very large Eyjafjöll mountain range lays Skógafoss, an incredible 180 ft high waterfall where, according to storied tales, the very first Viking settler in the area hid his treasure in the cave behind the cascade. Who really knows if this is true, however it is fun to know, nonetheless. Skogafoss is also one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, as the waterfall produces a lot of mist and rainbows are a common sight on sunny days.
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LANDSCAPES TO VISIT
JOKUSARLON LAGOON
This extremely picturesque glacial lagoon at the south end of Vatnajökull glacier is one of Iceland’s greatest untouched landscapes. gigantic chunks of ice calve off of the glacier and make their way to the sea via glacier lagoon. The views from the shoreline of Diamond Beach are simply next level, and you can also schedule boat tours on the lagoon to navigate the maze of icebergs of azure ice if you want a close up of the giant chunks of ice before they depart to the sea. A quick reminder that boat tours are operated from around May 15th to September 15th during the summer only. Watching the aurora here is a real treat as well, if you are lucky enough for to have clear weather here during an aurora event!
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BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon Without hesitation the most visited area in all of Iceland The Blue Lagoon is the most famous attraction around and as such, be prepared for the crowds. The Blue Lagoon is located in the Svartsengi lava field of Grindavík, between the Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík. The lagoon was first formed as a wastewater pool from the neighboring geothermal power plant, several years later people began bathing in it after hearing that the waters were having healing benefits to them. This area although manmade appear to have the byproduct of soothing for a range of different skin conditions it is said from the geothermal energy here in this place. It did not take long before the Blue Lagoon was formally established, and long list of amenities along with a small café for guests to relax and enjoy the scene. The Blue Lagoon itself is a milky blue color which is absolutely incredible to see against the deep black lava landscape! A brief soak in these geothermal waters will leave you relaxed, and the silica-rich waters will leave your skin really smooth, just don’t put it in your mouth or swallow any, as that could be very harmful.
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LAKE MYVATN’
This lake is a shallow eutrophic lake situated in an area of with high volcanic activity on the North end Iceland, not too far from the Krafla volcano. The lake and all of its surrounding wetlands have a very rich population of waterfowl. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption a couple thousand years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars which are spectacular to see. One of the most important parts about this place in my opinion though, is to keep it in your mind in the event of a major aurora storm! If you are lucky to be here on a windless, clear night with a good Aurora show, it would undoubtedly change you for the rest of your life in how you see everything thereafter!
GEYSIR
The most popular hot spring Geysir is located in the Haukadalur valley in southwest Iceland. The Geysir has been dormant for many years, with exception of some recent activity in 2000 after an eruption at Mount Hekla, however that was over twenty years ago. The nearby geyser Strokkur which is only a few hundred feet away, is far more active and erupts just about every 10 minutes and is the area’s main attraction.
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LANDMANNALAUGAR
If you absolutely love to hike, you have undoubtedly already heard of Landmannalaugar given a little research. This place is a literal dreamland for hikers, with many trails to explore, the area is also one of Iceland’s best kept jewels. Located in a valley between the colorful rhyolite mountains at the edge of the rhyolite lava field, Landmannalaugar has tons to explore including hot and cold springs that combine to create a warm stream where people can relax tired muscles after a day of trekking. Although the altitude is just about 2000 ft in elevation above sea level, the climate is surprisingly mild and the area during summer is generally covered in grasses and flowers. Landmannalaugar is only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle so take that into consideration if you are looking to have a bit more adventure during your trip.
ASKJA
This gigantic and desolate lava engulfed wilderness with tall mountains around the Askja volcano make it an incredible landscape. This region is only accessible for a few months of the year due to its off-road location and often snow covered and extreme landscapes. Due to the heavy volcanic activity during the 18th century, there were plenty of deep valleys which had formed, successive eruptions had caused the valley floor to sink creating Iceland’s deepest lake at over 600 feet deep called Lake Oskjuvatn. While it is not recommended to swim in due to its steep and slick side walls, it can be done, Although I do not recommend it. Certainly, a beautiful place to check out and explore some dramatic landscapes if you’re feeling adventurous!
HVERAVELLIR
These unspoiled hot spring plains are an Icelandic geothermal area to the north of Kjalhraun. Hveravellir is located between the two glaciers of Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Be reminded that this area along with much of Iceland is remote and there are not any services nearby and it is only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle. The specific area named Kjalvegur is generally open to 4×4 traffic from the middle of June until September and sometimes October, depending on the weather.
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THORSMORK
Known as the hidden valley of Thor in the interior highlands is an oasis for hikers and nature lovers. For a place named after Þór or (Thor), the Norse god of thunder, it will really live up to your high expectations. This secluded area is surrounded by rugged mountains and glaciers which will include the great Eyjafjallajökull volcano, with diverse landscapes spanning glacial rivers, rocky gorges, small forests, filled with hot springs and many other remarkable features. Equally impressive is the journey to get to Þórsmörk: the area is only accessible via specially equipped 4×4 super-jeeps or buses as the drive requires fording some un-bridged rivers. A number of popular hiking trails start or end here, including the famous multi-day “Laugavegur” trail to Landmannalaugar. Beyond all of that, this land of Thor will simply leave you breath taken! It is as remote and untouched as you could ever imagine and as beautiful as you could see in your dreams, in my opinion an absolute must visit!
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VATNAJOKULL GLACIER
Located along Iceland’s Eastern seaboard is another must stop, especially if you are there during the Icelandic winter from around the December through March time period, as it opens up a new world of sapphire hued ice caves that go deep within the Vatnajokull glacier. This area requires a private guide, as it is a long way into the glacier, and you must use a super jeep with $X$ to get across the semi frozen rivers and waterways in order to get to these caves. Each year they melt creating different caves each and every year, which make each visit a new and unique experience.
DYRHOLAEY SEA ARCH
Standing tall above the Reynisfjara black volcanic sand beach is the dramatic sea arch of Dyrhólaey, well over 350 ft high, Dyrhólaey juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Living up to its namesake, its Icelandic name translates to “door hill island”. I recommend driving up to the top for a different perspective over the ocean for an unforgettable landscape. This particular area is also a great spot during the summertime for viewing puffins that call the cliffs home. While you are there it is worthwhile for you to spend a little extra time and head on down to Reynisfjara beach as well. From the beach you have a view to the Reynisdrangar sea stacks which make for an unforgettable photographic composition during winter storms with dramatic light! The dark basalt columns of the Gardar cliff are also conveniently located here, so there are a few things that you can check off of your list all at once in this area! Be extremely careful here though, the ocean is deep and drops off very quickly on this beach! The shore break is no joke and has taken the lives of those who weren’t paying attention! Do not play in the water here, especially during heavy North Atlantic storms which can frequent the area.
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A SHORT REVIEW
While there are more than enough places to visit during your stay in Iceland, the reality is that there is enough to see here to fill an itinerary for many years. My thoughts are that you will need to visit multiple times during different times of the year in order to see all sides of this incredible place. The places that I have mentioned here are only but a short list of many, many places to start off with and expand from there.
Quick footnote here is to stop and visit the Icelandic ponies when you can, they are magical and beautiful! They even offer pony rides and tours out of the small town of Vik if that might interest you. Something special to note is that these Icelandic ponies are very special, they are the purest breed of any and all in the world. There is no import or export of them allowed as law strictly forbids it. Iceland is the only place where you can see these little short statured beauties!
The bountiful lupine fields in June are something that you will want to consider. They can carpet entire mountain ranges and flood your views of glaciated mountains, rivers and hills creating dream scenes that you should experience at least once in your lifetime!
Aurora chasing. By far one of the foremost winter activities here in Iceland is the fact that you will be visiting the perfect latitude to possibly experience some of the best aurora shows on earth! Get yourself the aurora app and see if your trip just might coincide with the perfect aurora storm.
Obviously, there are many more things that I can go on to list, however I may just have to create a part two and three to this article as there are too many to list for a short blog article! Hopefully this will bring you some value and help you on your own Icelandic dream vacation!
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