You are currently viewing A Guide to Iceland’s Top 15 Thrilling Destinations in 2024

A Guide to Iceland’s Top 15 Thrilling Destinations in 2024

If you are an adventurer planning a trip to Iceland, you have come to the right place. The country has numerous sites for you to visit. Moreover, it attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year.

Furthermore, in recent years, Iceland has become the favorite spot for travelers to spend holidays and vacations. The following article will help you locate at least the top fifteen thrilling destinations you can visit during your trip to Iceland.

In addition, before moving to Iceland, you must get a visa. For this purpose, you must apply for the process. The specific country’s embassy will also require some essentials while applying for the visa.

This may include a flight itinerary document, proof of accommodation, travel insurance certificate, passport, cover letter, etc. This article will explain these requirements in detail. Moreover, you can also visit website such as SFRV Travels to get these travel documents for your trip to Iceland.

History of Iceland

Due to its dramatic landscape, Iceland is a popular European country. It is famous for its lava field, volcanoes, hot springs, and geysers. Moreover, it is a Nordic island nation. The national parks of Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull have several glaciers.

The country’s capital city is Reykjavik. The majority of Iceland’s population lives within the capital. The possible reason for this could be that Reykjavik runs on geothermal power. Furthermore, it has two famous museums, National and Saga.

Facts about Iceland

Iceland is a famous tourist spot due to its culture and history. The following facts about Iceland will also help you decide to plan your trip soon to this country.

  • The country lies between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Therefore, it is between North America and Europe, on the ridge of the Mid-Atlantic.
  • Iceland has one of the oldest parliaments (democracy) in the world.
  • Due to the zero-crime ratio in the country, it is one of the safest states in the world. Iceland has no standing army, navy, or air force. 
  • Along with the army, this country has no branch of McDonald’s as well. The last cheeseburger was sold in 2009 and has been kept in a museum since then.
  • Furthermore, the country has no railway or train system.
  • Lastly, Iceland has been four times into the Miss World Championship Competition.

15 Best Spots to Visit in Iceland

While on your way to Iceland, the following must-see attractions should be on your list. This will allow you to thoroughly enjoy the country’s beauty and landscape.

Moreover, the research has shown that in the peak summer season, tourists outnumber the residents of Iceland. The ratio is 3:1 due to the popular places to visit in Iceland. So, make sure to be there at these places during your Icelandic journey.

1. The Blue Lagoon

While on your way to Iceland, you should not miss visiting the Blue Lagoon. It is just a little away from the capital of Iceland, located in Grindavik. This is the best spot if you are looking for a place to relax.

Moreover, the warm water of the Blue Lagoon has sulfur and other minerals. They are best known to treat eczema and psoriasis. The water of this rugged lava field has a temperature between 30 to 40°C and is heated by geothermal energy.

2. Vatnajökull National Park

With over fourteen thousand square kilometers area, this is one of the largest parks in Europe. If you are an adventurer, this park has a lot to offer. For example, it has mountains, valleys, glaciers, and rivers.

Furthermore, its glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Europe as well. It has an area of 8,100 square kilometers. The Vatnajökull glacier is famous for its ice caps. You can do hiking, ice climbing, and canyoning during your visit to this park.

3. Aurora Borealis

You can experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during your trip to Iceland. This is due to the country’s location near the Arctic Circle. However, to enjoy this site, you should plan your trip in the winter season, from September to April.

The winter season is the best time because the sky is more clear and the nights are longer. You can visit the site by yourself or join a guided tour. Moreover, you can book your hotel near this place to watch the beautiful scene from the comfort of your room.

4. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is another famous destination you must visit while on your trip to Iceland. It is within the southeastern part of the country. This lagoon is famous for its several features. For example, icebergs that have been broken off from the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier.

These icebergs can be as large as a mountain, mainly several meters in size. You can experience this special feeling by taking a boat tour or walking along the shore. Other than that, this lagoon is home to various wildlife such as birds and seals.

5. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

In the south of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a popular place. It is on the route of the Golden Circle. Moreover, if you are in Reykjavik, you can easily visit this waterfall. You can experience it by standing behind the water.

In addition, the water roar also feels amazing to the ears. Another reason to see this waterfall is the story behind its existence. It is believed that if you manage to reach the cave behind the waterfall, you will find a hidden treasure.

6. Reykjanes Peninsula

On the south of Iceland’s capital, you will find this peninsula.

  • It has multiple features that remind you of Icelandic culture.
  • If you want to taste seafood, the Reykjanes peninsula has several fishing villages. This may include Grindavik and Vogar.
  • Moreover, you can also find a lighthouse in Iceland if you visit Reykjanesviti.
  • Before leaving, you must visit the Bridge Between Continents, joining the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

7. Landmannalaugar

This area is famous for its rhyolite mountains. These mountains change colors depending on the sun’s angle. You can also participate in activities such as horse riding, hiking, and soaking in warm waters.

The famous Laugavegur Trail is located in Landmannalaugar. It can take you through several beautiful sceneries such as valleys, glaciers, and lava fields.

8. Skógafoss Waterfall

One of the massive waterfalls of Iceland, Skógafoss dives 60 meters into a pool below. This water comes from the Skógá River. The river in turn originates from two glaciers. These may include Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull.

That’s why the flow of water is impressive and powerful. You can also reach the top to see the view by climbing the staircase. You can also catch sight of a rainbow on a sunny day.

9. Natural Ice Caves

In your itinerary for Iceland, you should add visiting the ice caves. These are the wonders of nature. Moreover, the ice caves keep changing their shapes, so you will find a new place on your every visit to this site. The whole place is made of ice, so you can see the frozen water beneath the ice floor.

You can also experience this through your physical senses. You can touch, feel, and listen to the sound of ice-breaking. Before going to this place, make sure to prepare yourself or take a guided tour.

10. Rauðasandur Beach

In the south of Iceland, a black sand beach is famous. It is known as Reynisfjara. However, the location of its cousin-sister Rauðasandur is mysterious. It is a pink sand beach in the Westfjords. Its color is pink due to the crushed scallop shells.

Moreover, it is the largest seabird cliff in all of Europe. It extends at least 10 km from the Látrabjarg bird cliff. Other than that, it is a great place to spy puffins.

11. The Westman Islands

The Westman has almost 15 islands situated on the south coast. You can start your journey by exploring the largest island, Heimaey. Heimaey is famous due to the volcanic eruptions and nature’s power in the past.

In 1973, a volcanic eruption destroyed some parts of the town but the residents rebuilt their homes. You can also learn about this history at the Eldheimar Museum. Moreover, you can also spot whales, dolphins, and seals on Westman Island.

12. Hekla Volcano

If you are a nature lover, then the Hekla volcano would be the ideal place for you to visit as it is a natural landmark. In mythology, it is also known as the Gateway to Hell. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland.

Moreover, it has erupted over 20 times since the 9th century. You can visit this place and go hiking as well. This place is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and volcanic fields that you can also view.

13. Þórsmörk

This valley is located between three glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull. This name (Þórsmörk) means Thor’s woods. It lies in the south of Iceland. Moreover, it is surrounded by forests of willow and birch trees. It has numerous trails that can take you to the valleys and the glaciers.

The Fimmvörðuháls trail is famous as it is 25 km long. In addition, the hikers can move from Skógar to Þórsmörk using this trail. Wildlife animals such as reindeer and foxes also live here.

14. The Westfjords

Cliffs, fjords, and mountains are some of the convincing sceneries you can find when visiting the West fjords. You can also find wildlife animals such as arctic foxes, seabirds, and seals in this area.

Dynjandi waterfall is the most popular destination in the Westfjords. It drops the water almost 100 meters below in the form of cascades. The nearby spots also offer visitors the chance to go hiking and explore the other areas. You can also learn about the mysterious past by exploring the village of Hólmavík.

15. Iceland Phallological Museum

The capital city of Iceland has a strange museum that contains all things related to phallic. This Phallological museum has the largest collection of phallic specimens. Moreover, they have multiple specimens that belong to various types of mammals found in the world.

You might be thinking that it is not an ideal place to visit on your trip to Iceland. But, you must visit it if you want to tell a unique story when you come home.

Essentials You Need to Visit These Places

You first need to plan your trip to Iceland if you want to visit these places. For this purpose, you must apply for a tourist visa. The embassy of Iceland may require you to submit some documents to prove your eligibility for the visa. For example:

  • A valid passport.
  • Two passport-size pictures.
  • A visa application form.
  • Proof of financial stability (submit a bank statement, salary slip, or income tax return to show that you can support yourself during your trip.)
  • A flight reservation document (detailing information such as your destination country, flight number, airline company name, etc.)
  • A travel insurance certificate (to bear unexpected medical expenses during your journey to Iceland. This should have a coverage amount of 30,000 euros.)
  • You may also need to provide proof of accommodation (you can submit a hotel reservation or a rental contract. In case of sponsorship, the embassy may require you to show an invitation letter.)

Oleksandra Mamchii

Working as a academic lead at Best Diplomats.

Leave a Reply