Iceland is a westernmost European country located between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. Reykjavik is the largest and the capital city of Iceland and it is also the most populated city in the country. Iceland features thousands of waterfalls and Europe’s largest glacier Vatnajokull is also located here. It is known for its beautiful landscapes with geysers, volcanoes, lava fields, and hot springs. The country has rich culture and unique geological features and it has one of the first parliaments in the world. Here, the blog will cover the best things to see in Iceland.
10 Things to See in Iceland
The following are the best things to see in Iceland;
- Reykjavik
- Akureyri
- Skogafoss
- Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach
- Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre
- Reynisfjara beach
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Swim in the Blue Lagoon
- Wander the Gullfoss Waterfall
- Thingvellir National Park
- Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula
1) Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, located in the southwestern part of the country. It has a population of 200,000 inhabitants, which comprises more than half of the country’s population. The city’s nightlife is the most famous in Europe. The city has some of Iceland’s top attractions, and if you want to get the best insight into Icelandic culture, you should visit Reykjavik. The city has many swimming pools that are visited throughout the year.
One of the most famous attractions in Reykjavik is Hallgrímskirkja, a church built in the shape of a waterfall. The National Museum in Reykjavik provides insights into Iceland’s history from the 9th century to modern times. You can also discover Iceland’s iconic sculpture, Sun Voyage. If you visit in winter, you can have a lifetime experience of catching the stunning Northern Lights.
2) Akureyri
Akureyri is located at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord in northern Iceland and is also named as “capital city of northern Iceland” The town is famous for its rich culture featuring theatre companies and visual art societies. It is a hub for trade in northern Iceland and also an important port of fishing. It features colorful wooden houses and offers outdoor activities such as whale watching and hiking.
Akureyri is the largest town after the Reykjavik area. The town has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Akureyri Church is the one of the main attractions in the town which was designed by the famous architect Guðjón Samúelsson, the church is famous for its stained-glass windows. The town also hosts cultural festivals such as Akureyri Culture Night and the Winter Festival.
3) Skogafoss
Skógafoss also known as ‘Forest Falls’ is one of most famous waterfalls in Iceland located in South Iceland on the Ring Road. It is a favorite spot for visitors as well as the locals because of its stunning beauty and rich folklore surrounding it.
Skogafoss has a drop of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters which makes it one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland. On sunny days, a rainbow rising from the waters can be seen. Further, visitors can see the waterfall from two different perspectives. They can approach the waterfall easily through a path that leads to its base where they can have an up-close experience if they like to have adventures. A staircase on the right side of the waterfall allows visitors to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside from the top.
4) Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach
Vikurfjara Black Sand Beach is located in southern Iceland near the Vik village. It is known for its stunning landscapes and distinct coastal views. While Vikurfjara Beach is often overshadowed by Reynisfjara Beach, it offers breathtaking views and boasts inky-black sands and cliffs.
The beach is a heaven for photographers and it offers stunning landscapes including the Myrdalsjokull glacier. It is an ideal spot for people who want to enjoy the coastal landscapes away from the crowd, furthermore, the beach is a great spot for bird watching and is famous for powerful ways that can be dangerous. If you are visiting Vikurfjara Beach, make sure to keep a safe distance from the water while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
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5) Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre
Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre is located at the heart of Reykjavik and has won many awards for its architecture. It is a center for concerts and conferences. Harpa has become the main attraction since its opening on May 4, 2011. The hall not only hosts concerts and conferences but is also home to many regular shows and hosts festivals such as Reykjavík Fashion Festival.
The hall was designed by the famous architect Olafur Eliasson. In 2013, Harpa won the Mies van der Rohe Award which is known as the European Prize for Contemporary Architecture. It also has restaurants and shops and it features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the North Atlantic Ocean.
6) Reynisfjara beach
Reynisfjara is a black sand beach that is located near the Vik village in southern Iceland. It is famous for its black sand and basalt columns. The beach is a favorite spot for most photographers because of the giant cave and basalt columns as well as the black stacks of rocks that sit just off the shore.
During the summer season, stunning bird cliffs can be explored near Reynisfjara beach. There is also a black beach restaurant nearby the beach, where visitors can grab a coffee and walk to the Hálsanefshellir cave that is on the easternmost side of the beach.
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7) Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Jokulsarlon is the largest Glacier Lagoon located in southeast Iceland near Vatnajokull. It began to form in the early 1930s and has expanded significantly and quadrupled in size in the last 50 years. It is now the deepest lake in Iceland.
The lagoon is filled with icebergs of different shapes and sizes. The lagoon provides beautiful views in all the seasons, which makes it a place worth visiting. In summer, you can spot adorable seals splashing in the water and sunbathing on the icebergs. While in winter, the snow transforms the lagoon into a breathtaking wonderland. Especially on the nights, you can witness the northern lights reflecting off the ice. Kayaking is one of the fun activities that visitors should try in Jokulsarlon.
8) Swim in the Blue Lagoon
One of the more visited places in Iceland is Blue Lagoon which is famous for its breathtaking surroundings and relaxing environment. The lagoon is located in southwestern Iceland near the Grindavik town. It is a world’s renowned geothermal spa famous for its blue water that is rich in minerals like sulfur and silica.
The Blue Lagoon contains 9 million liters of geothermal seawater that naturally renews itself every 40 hours. It is only a 20-minute drive from the airport which makes it an ideal spot to visit when you arrive or depart from Iceland. You can treat yourself with soothing spa treatments, and in-water massages while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
9) Wander the Gullfoss Waterfall
There are thousands of waterfalls in Iceland but none of them is as famous as “Gulfoss waterfall”, one of the main attractions on the Golden Circle tour in Iceland. Gullfoss means “Golden Falls” which describes how water shines like gold in the sunlight. This waterfall is not only famous for its beauty and power but also for its surroundings and history.
The waterfall features two distinct drops that plunge into a rugged canyon carved by the Hvita River. The landscape changes throughout the year but the waterfall is worth visiting whether it is surrounded by lush greenery in summer or a blanket of snow in winter. One thing that adds magic to the scene is that when the water splashes up, rainbows often appear.
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10) Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir National Park is located in southwestern Iceland and it is the place where the Icelandic parliament was founded in 1930 which makes it one of the most historical places in the world. This is the place where Vikings met to settle the disputes and make laws. Now, Thingvellir is a UNESCO heritage site and it is one of the main attractions of the Golden Circle.
The national park is famous for its natural beauty, and lava fields that are surrounded by the glacial water-filled ravines that shine in the light. Thingvellir is also one of the famous locations for bird watching and visitors can enjoy scuba diving in Silfra between the tectonic plates. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or geology, you should visit the national park as it has something for everyone, this is a place where visitors can see two continents coming together.
11) Explore Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Snaefellsnes Peninsula is located in western Iceland and is famous for its beautiful landscapes. Due to its natural features, including glaciers, mountains, lava fields, and black sand beaches, it is often called “Iceland in a nutshell” or “miniature Iceland.”
Snaefellsnes is a narrow and 90-kilometer-long peninsula. It is home to the Snaefellsjokull National Park where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views while hiking on the trail. If you visit the peninsula in summer, make sure to visit the Lysulaugar algae baths which is a thermal pool, famous for its green water and is rich in minerals. Visitors can enjoy a bath in this thermal pool.
Conclusion
Iceland is a land of vital contrast, featuring natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. It is ranked officially as the safest for women. It contains beautiful places and wonders to see including the National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Vikurfjara Black Sand Beach. Iceland is a must-visit country if you want to enjoy stunning landscapes, soak in the hot springs, or catch the northern lights. If you are planning to visit Iceland, summer is the best time to explore the country.
FAQs
Is Iceland a Safe Country?
Iceland is officially the safest country in the world due to its friendly locals and trustworthy transport system. It has been recognized as one of the safest destinations for women to travel alone.
Is It Necessary to Learn Icelandic If You Are Traveling to Iceland?
No! You do not need to learn Icelandic, English is spoken frequently in Iceland.
Why Is Iceland’s GDP So High?
The economy of Iceland is one of the fastest-growing economies driven by foreign tourism, renewable energy sectors, and fishing. Every year millions of people visit Iceland to see northern lights, glaciers, and volcanoes.
What Countries Are Closest to Iceland?
Iceland is an island country, its nearest neighbor is Greenland which is 280 km away, the Faroe Islands are 400 km away, Scotland is 800 km away, and Norway is 950 km away.
How Educated Are People in Iceland?
People are highly educated in Iceland with 100 percent. The government puts a high emphasis on the education of its people. It provides free education up to university levels.