Hikers with backpacks trekking along a mossy green mountain ridge next to a large, calm blue volcanic lake in Iceland.

Would you like a list of things you could do while vacationing in Iceland? Take part in some or all of these activities to make your trip unforgettable!

Whale Watching Tour

There are many tours available that allow you to see whales as well as puffins. You can engage with Naturalists and experience rare sightings that will leave you in awe. It is best to whale watch in the summer months, preferably April through September. Minke whales are the most common in Iceland. Follow the instructions carefully and be safe.

A large humpback whale breaching out of the choppy blue ocean water with a splash, backed by distant green coastlines.

An unforgettable encounter—witnessing the pure power of a humpback whale breaching during a coastal whale watching excursion.

Blue Lagoon Spa

This mineral-rich attraction is minutes from the Keflavik International airport. There are many spa options available due to the geothermic forces and many natural elements. The lagoon is human-made and renewed every two days with fresh water. You can easily access the site via car or bus.

People swimming and relaxing in the steaming, bright turquoise geothermal water of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland near a wooden footbridge.

The ultimate Icelandic relaxation: soaking away the day in the mineral-rich, geothermal warmth of the world-famous Blue Lagoon.

West Fjords

Located in a famous peninsula, the Fjords are breathtaking. You need to plan well and leave time to explore all this area has to offer. They have great attractions. You can visit a myriad of unique sites, such as the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum or the famous Látrabjarg cliff. There is much to experience in this mountainous, remote area. You will have options that will keep you interested while on your expedition.

A calm, flat water estuary river winding through grassy wetlands toward a flat-topped mountain cliff in the Westfjords, Iceland.

Solitude at the edge of the world—the quiet, untouched majesty and flat-topped mountain vistas of Iceland's remote Westfjords region.

Skogafoss

The perfect place for you to get a shot with a double rainbow, Skogafoss, is the most scenic fall in Iceland. With a drop of over 60 meters, the view is spectacular. There is also a legend of gold that lies within the falls. Take your chance and search if you dare…

Long exposure of Seljalandsfoss waterfall cascading down a high, mossy green cliff under a vibrant pink and orange sunset sky.

Nature in full color—witnessing the golden hour glow as the midnight sun beautifully illuminates the rushing waters and lush valley of Seljalandsfoss.

Silfra

Silfra is an amazing diving spot located in Thingvellir National Park. It is the crevice between the tectonic plates in North America and Eurasian continents. It is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates that shift roughly 2 cm every year. The shifting of the earth creates new caverns and tunnels. There is plenty of wildlife to see on your dive/snorkel. The three main dive sites are; Silfra Hall, Silfra Cathedral, and Silfra Lagoon. The maximum depth is about 207 feet. The water is the purest in the world, and you can feel free to take a sip while diving. 

A metal diving platform leading into the vibrant, crystal-clear deep blue water of the Silfra Fissure between mossy rock walls.

Diving between worlds: the impossibly clear, vibrant blue waters of the Silfra Fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart.

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

This site is at the top of many lists. However, you need to know the best possible location to view this wonder. Thingvellir is by far the finest area to see this wonder. Be sure you check the weather so that you have a combination of dark and partially clear skies. Thingvellir is a national park, as well as a historic site. It doubles as a great tourist selection for you to see a rare vision as well as gain some insight into the history of the land.

A small two-story corrugated iron house next to a traditional beached wooden boat under a massive, swirling green Aurora Borealis night sky.

A front-row seat to the cosmic show: brilliant ribbons of the Aurora Borealis lighting up the dark, quiet expanses of the Icelandic countryside.

Holuhraun

This is a relatively new site that you can visit located in the Highlands of Iceland. You will need a 4WD to reach the landscape, and be sure you get a high-quality vehicle that is equipped to travel on the unique terrain. Holuhraun is the newest formed lava flow from a volcano that lasted from August 2014 through February 2015. When peering into the rifts of the lava, you see many beautifully vivid colors. While driving along the sand, you can still see steam in certain areas. It is a geological wonder to behold. Be careful and stay on the marked paths, and to wear gloves when handling any lava rocks.

Hiker in a winter jacket walking across the expansive black lava sand plains of Holuhraun, Iceland under a cloudy sky.

Walking into the unknown—exploring the otherworldly, desolate black sand expanses left behind by Iceland’s volcanic power at Holuhraun.

Reynisfjara Beach

This beach is gorgeous and an absolute must-see! With its rare black sand and basalt columns, there is much to explore on this volcanic shoreline. The black sand is lava that cooled once it hit the water, and the sand is more like various small stones. White sand and red sand beaches (Westfjords) also exist in Iceland. While on Reynisfjara, you can see Gardar, which is a basalt cliff that resembles a staircase to heaven. It is a natural pyramid and was formed by columnar jointing. There are many basalt columns throughout Iceland, but this is by far the most exceptional.

The geometric basalt column cliffs on Reynisfjara black sand beach with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks visible in the crashing ocean waves.

Moody, magnificent, and raw—the striking volcanic geometry of the geometric basalt cliffs meeting the dark sands of Reynisfjara.

Party in Reykjavik

This small town has the best party spots in Iceland, hands down! There are multiple bars and restaurants to choose from. None of the businesses charge a cover, and the music is fantastic!

A silhouetted crowd dancing at a lively nightclub or concert venue with colorful red and blue lights and falling confetti.

From epic landscapes to electric nights: experiencing the legendary energy, music, and vibrant nightlife culture of Reykjavik.

Seljavallalaug

This natural pool is one of the oldest in Iceland, and you will surely have a memorable experience when visiting. The water is not that hot because it does mix with colder water.

The historic Seljavallalaug geothermal pool and changing room situated in a deep, vibrant green mountain valley next to a rushing river.

Hidden in the hills: taking a dip in the historic Seljavallalaug pool, tucked deep inside a dramatic, moss-blanketed Icelandic valley.

I'd love to help you plan your trip, so be sure to click on the button below to start planning your amazing vacation to Iceland!

Want to learn a little bit more about Iceland and all it has to offer to its visitors?  Check out our amazing destination guide for Iceland to get some more ideas on what you can do on your vacation.

A line of hikers with backpacks trekking along a mossy green mountain ridge next to a large, calm blue volcanic lake in Iceland.

ICELAND: DESTINATION GUIDE


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