Discover
Iceland’s most breathtaking experiences - from glacier lagoons and
volcanic landscapes to geothermal spas and northern lights. Explore
the land of fire and ice with our curated Iceland bucket list of
unforgettable adventures.
Blue Lagoon
Steaming in the surreal milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon feels like soaking inside a dreamscape of lava and mist. Surrounded by mossy black rock, this geothermal spa near Reykjavík blends luxury wellness with Iceland’s elemental soul. Mineral-rich waters soothe, while the silica masks offer a natural glow unlike anywhere else on earth.
Golden Circle Route
This iconic drive stitches together Iceland’s geological heart. See Þingvellir National Park, where continents meet, the explosive Strokkur geyser, and Gullfoss Waterfall plunging into a misty canyon. The Golden Circle captures Iceland’s natural drama in a single day - fire, ice, and ancient parliament ruins that shaped its history.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Glittering blue icebergs drift across this ethereal lagoon beneath Europe’s largest glacier. The floating ice creaks and sparkles as seals play between them, while nearby Diamond Beach glows with shattered ice on black sand. It’s Iceland’s most cinematic scene - raw, silent, and unforgettable.
Reykjavík City & Hallgrímskirkja
Iceland’s capital fuses creative energy with Nordic cool. Wander colourful streets, admire murals, and ascend Hallgrímskirkja Church for sweeping views of mountains and sea. The city’s cafés, music bars, and art collectives pulse with life, balancing modern style and Viking heritage.
Vatnajökull National Park & Ice Caves
Inside Iceland’s largest glacier lies a shimmering world of translucent blue tunnels sculpted by meltwater and light. The ice caves feel otherworldly - alive, echoing with ancient cold. Trekking here blends adventure, artistry, and respect for nature’s most fragile form.
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
When green ribbons ignite the Arctic sky, Iceland becomes a theatre of light. Watching the aurora shimmer over lava fields, glaciers, or fjords feels mystical - a reward for patience and darkness. Each display is unique, shifting from pale hues to wild, dancing curtains of colour.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Nicknamed “Iceland in Miniature,” Snæfellsnes captures the country’s essence - volcanoes, glaciers, black beaches, cliffs, and fishing villages. The Snæfellsjökull Glacier, made famous by Jules Verne, crowns the landscape with mythic allure. It’s less crowded than the South Coast yet equally spectacular.
Bathe in a Natural Hot River – Reykjadalur Valley
A short hike through steaming hills leads to a warm river where you can soak surrounded by wildflowers and geothermal vents. It’s a natural spa without walls - peaceful and perfectly Icelandic.
Ride Icelandic Horses Across Lava Fields
Famed for their gentle gait and Viking lineage, Icelandic horses are small but strong. Riding through mossy lava landscapes or black beaches feels like stepping back in time.
Join a Local Fish & Rye Bread Experience in Laugarvatn
At Laugarvatn Fontana, rye bread is baked underground in geothermal sand, a delicious link between tradition and earth’s power. Watch it unearthed, taste it warm with butter, and learn about Icelandic self-sufficiency.
Midnight Sun Kayaking in the Westfjords
Glide through mirror-still fjords bathed in golden midnight light. Puffins skim the surface, seals pop their heads above water, and silence reigns. It’s serene, surreal, and deeply humbling.
Attend a Local Music Festival – Iceland Airwaves
Reykjavík’s streets come alive each November with emerging artists, street performances, and energy that rivals any global scene. It’s where indie meets Nordic soul.
Húsavík – The Whale Watching Capital
This charming fishing town offers the most intimate whale encounters in Iceland. Spot humpbacks and blue whales breaching under northern skies, framed by snow-tipped peaks.
Stórurð (The Giant Boulders)
An emerald valley dotted with massive boulders, turquoise ponds, and wildflowers hidden in East Iceland’s Dyrfjöll mountains. It feels like a fantasy film set.
Kerlingarfjöll Highlands
Steaming valleys, orange rhyolite peaks, and solitude define this geothermal mountain range. It’s one of Iceland’s wildest regions, perfect for seasoned adventurers.
Ásbyrgi Canyon
Shaped like a horseshoe and steeped in legend, this lush green canyon is said to be formed by Odin’s horse. It’s peaceful, fertile, and utterly unique among Iceland’s stark landscapes.
Flatey Island
Once a trading post, now a quiet birdwatcher’s paradise with colourful cottages and no cars. Life slows down here to island time.
Kvernufoss Waterfall
Just a short walk from Skógafoss lies this hidden gem - a secret waterfall tucked inside a mossy gorge. You can even walk behind the curtain of water for magical photos.
Visit the Phallological Museum, Reykjavík
A museum dedicated to all things phallic - from whales to humans - it’s bizarre yet oddly fascinating, reflecting Iceland’s humour and openness.
Swim Between Continents – Silfra Fissure
At Þingvellir, divers can float between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in crystal-clear glacier water. The visibility is world-class.
Elf School (Álfaskólinn)
Icelanders have long believed in “hidden people.” At this quirky Reykjavík school, you’ll learn folklore, hear sightings, and receive an “Elf Certificate.”
Eat Fermented Shark (Hákarl)
This traditional delicacy is infamous for its pungent aroma and strong taste - a true Viking rite of passage.
Reykjavík Region
• Visit the Harpa Concert Hall for Nordic design inspiration.
Insider Tip: Sunset brings stunning reflections off the glass façade.
• Explore street art and boutique cafés downtown.
Best Way: Walk or rent an e-scooter for flexibility.
• Take a whale-watching cruise from the Old Harbour.
Good to Know: Bring warm layers - even in summer.
South Coast
• Walk behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.
Insider Tip: Waterproof jacket essential.
• Visit Reynisfjara’s black sand beach and sea stacks.
Best Way: Combine with Vik village for a full-day trip.
• Explore Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
Good to Know: Drones are banned; respect fragile terrain.
North Iceland
• Relax in the GeoSea Baths overlooking Skjálfandi Bay.
Insider Tip: Sunset views are spectacular from the infinity edge.
• Hike around Lake Mývatn’s pseudocraters.
Best Way: Bring insect repellent in midsummer.
• Explore Akureyri’s botanical gardens.
Good to Know: The world’s northernmost of its kind.
Do’s / Recommended Activities:
• Glacier hiking and ice climbing on Vatnajökull.
Tip: Always go with certified guides.
• Whale watching in Húsavík.
Good to Know: Mornings offer calmer seas.
• Snorkelling at Silfra Fissure.
Tip: Visibility reaches 100 metres - unforgettable.
• Hiking Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite trails.
Good to Know: Best July–September; 4x4 access only.
Do’s / Recommended Experiences:
• Visit the Reykjavík Food Hall to taste Icelandic lamb, Arctic char, and skyr.
Tip: Go at lunch time for affordable gourmet portions.
• Join a wool-knitting workshop in a local studio.
Good to Know: Hand-knitted lopapeysa sweaters make perfect souvenirs.
• Attend a turf-house storytelling evening.
Tip: Found in smaller villages - check local listings.
• Sample geothermal-baked rye bread at Laugarvatn.
Good to Know: Pair with smoked trout for a true Icelandic breakfast.