Iceland Sightseeing - The top 30 highlights & travel tips

One of our most beautiful trips was in Iceland. Finally, a dream came true, and we were able to experience the many breathtaking Iceland sights up close. We have always been fascinated by the documentaries, pictures, and videos about Iceland, often unable to believe that this is how it really looked on this island.

A stunningly beautiful island awaited us, with waterfalls, fjords, glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, thermal springs, mountains, small fishing villages, and beautiful beaches. Iceland is difficult to describe, as every corner of the island is unique. We’ll tell you our top 30 spots and highlights and take you on our virtual Iceland tour.

Iceland Sights

We’ve compiled the most popular and important sights and highlights for you in the following article. There are countless beautiful spots on the island; it’s really not easy to decide on specific highlights. Just don’t try to see everything in the shortest possible time. Pick out the most important spots for you and enjoy them intensively rather than rushing through them. We highly recommend a round trip along the Ring Road; it was simply magnificent. We spent 15 days on the island and experienced countless magical moments.

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1. Reykjavik

We’ll start right in the island’s capital, Reykjavik. We felt completely at home in this city from the very first second. This was due, of course, to the distinctive coffee scene, the many cool shops, the relaxed atmosphere, and the city’s highlights. You should spend at least a day in Reykjavik and just let yourself go within the city. Don’t miss Hallgrimskirkja Church, the Harpa Concert Hall, the popular shopping streets Laugavegur, Austurstraeti, Laekjargata, Bankastraeti, and Skólavördustígur, as well as the cool museums like the Phallus Museum and the Whale Museum. Learn more here: Reykjavik Highlights & Travel tips.

Book a cool tour

Free Walking Tour
City tour with lunch*
City walking tour*
Sightseeing through the city in a minibus*
Book a South Iceland tour*

Helicopter flight with panoramic views
Beer tour through the city*
Food tour with beer hike*
Ticket for hop-on/hop-off tour*
Golden Circle day tour*

Iceland Sights Reykjavik

2. Snæfellsnes Peninsula

From Reykjavik, we continue to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Unfortunately, we had to forgo this beautiful spot due to the weather, but we’ve heard nothing but good things about it. Previous tourists report that you can find pretty much all the landscapes there that you’d find in the rest of the country.

There are landscaped green belts, long beaches, hot tubs, cliffs, high mountain ranges, a volcano with a glacial cap, and mineral and thermal springs. You can also go whale-watching from Olafsvik. These are also somewhat cheaper than Hauganes and Husavik.

3. The Westfjords

The Westfjords in Iceland are one thing above all: remote, quiet, authentic, rugged, and wild. But you shouldn’t just visit this region casually. Take your time and explore this area thoroughly. The Westfjords are something of a jewel of the country. Mountains, waterfalls, villages, fjords, arctic foxes, shipwrecks, puffins, great campsites, hot springs, and plenty of untouched nature await you here.

According to experts and former visitors, the Westfjords are not for first-time visitors to Iceland. But if you love peace and quiet, want to fully enjoy the beauty of nature, and need less excitement and action, the Westfjords are just right. Some people only come for a short visit. However, you should plan for at least 5 days or more.

4. Vatnsnes Peninsula

We really enjoyed this little spot on earth during our Iceland tour. We drove clockwise around the Vatnsnes Peninsula in our rental car, past picturesque landscapes and views all the way to the Westfjords. The circumnavigation was punctuated by a few seals in the water and the giant rock in the water (Hvítserkur). More about our trip can be found here: The Vatnsnes Peninsula in Iceland – All Tips and Highlights.

5. Siglufjörður

Our journey continued and took us to the picturesque town of Siglufjörður in the north of Iceland. From this town, it is only about 40 kilometers to the Arctic Circle. Amazing, isn’t it? The harbor is beautifully situated between the mountains, and there are a few nice cafés for a relaxing stopover. Although the harbor town isn’t directly on the Ring Road, we still think it’s worth a detour!

6. Whale Watching Hauganes

While most people go to Husavik to take part in a whale-watching tour, we stopped in Hauganes beforehand. Only two boats were sailing in the entire fjord. There was no sign of mass tourism here at all. Quite spontaneously, we hopped on the boat at the last minute and headed out. We were able to marvel at three or four humpback whales up close. What an experience! We highly recommend a tour in Hauganes* and are still amazed by all the wonderful moments we were able to experience there.

7. Godafoss in the North

Iceland is definitely “the island of waterfalls.” We have never before been to a country with such an abundance of waterfalls. You can see water running down the cliffs from the mountains on almost every corner. The Godafoss in the north of the island is spectacular. The good thing is that the waterfall is located right on the Ring Road and is therefore very easy to reach. The water of the Skjálfandafljót River plunges 12 meters into the depths here. Okay, 12 meters isn’t particularly high. But the waterfall has a width of 30 meters. And that’s exactly what makes this waterfall so special. Tip from our readers: Take a detour to Aldeyarfoss. It is about 41 km from the Ring Road on the Gravel road 842.

8. Mývatn Lake District

Continue through the north to the beautiful Mývatn Lake District. This is the fourth-largest lake on the island, with many pseudocraters that look like small volcanic craters, but in reality were formed quite differently. You can park your car, go hiking, or explore the other highlights in the area (Hofdi Nature Reserve, Grjótagjá Cave, the Mývatn Nature Bath, or the Hverfjall tephra crater).

9. Lunar Landscapes of Hverir

Have you ever seen bubbling and smoking earth? The bubbling mud pots and the billowing, stinking clouds of sulfur were particularly impressive. We had never seen anything like it before and were deeply impressed by our dear “Mother Nature.” Safe paths lead through the area; one trail even winds its way up to Námafjall, from where you have a fantastic view of the entire landscape. Other highlights: the Krafla volcanic system, the Viti explosion crater, and the high-temperature region of Hverarönd. More on this in our article: Iceland’s North.

10. The elegant Hengifoss

By chance, we discovered the Hengifoss waterfall on Google Maps near the large Lake Lagarfljót in the east of the island. It is the second highest waterfall in Iceland and is particularly impressive due to the surrounding natural scenery. Here, the water plunges a full 118 meters into the depths. In the gorge itself, the water is channeled down another level (via Litlanesfoss). You should plan 2 hours for the hike. Bring your empty water bottles! There are numerous opportunities to refill them with the natural water.

11. The town of Seyðisfjörður

On our tour through the east of the country, we also stopped in the charming town of Seyðisfjörður. This small town is picturesquely situated between the mighty mountain ranges of the Eastfjords. The journey there alone was spectacular, as we first had to drive over the mountain pass. Colorful houses, waterfalls, the harbor, and small shops make the place very special. Seyðisfjörður is known for its handicrafts and individually designed products. You’ll often see small studios selling knitwear, designer household goods, handicrafts, and small gifts.

12. Stokksnes & Vestrahorn

Shortly before Höfn, we discovered one of the most beautiful spots in Iceland (at least for us). The road turned left, and we followed the signs to Stokksnes. Eventually, we reached a small restaurant (Viking Café), located in front of the dark and eerie Vestrahorn mountain. The property belongs to a farm owner who charges 800 ISK entrance fee per person.

The property also features a film set of a Viking village and beautiful, long, black sandy beaches. After paying the money, we drove toward the sandy beaches. There’s a parking lot just before the end of the road. The scenery is simply stunning. Mystical and beautiful at the same time.

13. Jökulsárlön Glacier Lagoon

The journey through Iceland continues. You shouldn’t miss the Jökulsárlön Glacier Lagoon. The lagoon’s ice blocks come from Breidamerkurjökull, an offshoot of Vatnajökull. They crash into the water and then drift out into the lagoon to the Atlantic. Some icebergs even tipped over and splashed to the side. What a loud crash!

You can take various tours on the lake. First, there are the amphibious boat tours*, which last 40 minutes. This boat will chug along the shore and teach you a bit about the lagoon. Cost: 5,000 ISK per person (approximately €40). The inflatable boat tours on the lagoon last approximately 1 hour and take you to the edge of the glacier with a maximum of 19 other people.

14. Diamond Beach

Right next to the lagoon, another Iceland highlight awaits you: Diamond Beach. Here, ice blocks drift out into the Atlantic. Some ice blocks land on the black volcanic sand beach. The view is simply stunning. Here, too, we repeatedly spotted a few curious seals poking their heads out of the water. The beach always looks different, no matter what time of day you visit. Icebergs melt or reenter the water and drift out. Here at Diamond Beach, the icebergs glitter like little diamonds. Hence the name. More about this here: Highlights in the southeast of the island.

15. Skaftafell National Park

The crown jewel of the area – Skaftafell National Park – is located in the vast Vatnajökull National Park. Breathtaking mountain peaks and glaciers await you here. You can also enjoy some great hikes. We also did a day hike here and highly recommend it. In front of the park, there is a large parking lot and an information center (with restrooms and a café). You don’t have to pay an entrance fee for the park itself, but you do have to pay 750 ISK for parking. You can book tours here: Guide to Iceland*. We first hiked to the Svartifoss waterfall and then continued to the Sjónarnipa viewpoint. The view over the Skaftafellsjökull glacier tongue is simply breathtaking.

16. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

We continue with the highlights of southeast Iceland. After our hike in Skaftafell National Park, we continued on Road No. 1 towards Vík. Shortly before, you absolutely have to stop at the Fjaðrárgljúfur gorge. This darkly picturesque gorge seems almost surreal. It was carved out by the Fjaðra River and is apparently around 2 million years old. A signposted path leads you to the most beautiful photo spots. The scenery resembles a film set. Everything seems so mystical, and you somehow get the feeling that hobbits are wandering around the area.

17. Vik & Reynisdrangar

At the southern tip of Iceland lies the small village of Vík í Mýrdal. Although it is home to only around 300 inhabitants, the village nevertheless has a lot to offer. It is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. The black beach is world-famous and can be reached via a short footpath from Vík. Legend says that the bizarre rock formations of volcanic origin are petrified trolls. The church, which sits atop a hill and makes a great photo opportunity, is also particularly beautiful.

Reynisfjara Beach is world-famous and a wild yet dramatic place. The roaring waves of the Atlantic crash onto the beautiful beach here, creating a stunning backdrop. Not far from this beach and Vík is the area around Cape Dyrhólaey. Here, too, you can observe the popular puffins and get up close to them. The various striking rocks are beautiful to look at, as is the dangerous-looking black beach.

18. DC-3 Airplane Wreck

On November 21, 1973, a US Army DC-3 crashed while approaching Höfn. Radio contact was lost, and the fuel gauge never moved far from zero. The nightmare of every pilot and passenger. The decision was made to make an emergency landing on Sólheimasandur Beach. All crew members survived this maneuver – a blessing in disguise.

Today, all you can see here on the beach is the skeleton and the remains of the aircraft. Eerily beautiful, yet tragic at the same time. Wind and weather, as well as the salty air and the fine sand, have all taken their toll on the wreck over the years. Much was dismantled and taken away back then. But the photo opportunity is still among the top 5 spots in Iceland.

19. The beautiful Seljalandsfoss

Just a few meters from the Ring Road in the south of Iceland lies the famous Seljalandsfoss. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country and therefore very popular. A trip to Iceland without Seljalandsfoss? Unthinkable! The waterfall plunges 66 meters from a high cliff into a small natural pool. And what’s really crazy is that this cliff was once a seashore. But over the years, Iceland’s landmass has been raised further and further, so that the former cliff is now just a cliff edge in the country.

20. The mighty Skogafoss

You shouldn’t miss a detour to the Skogafoss Waterfall in the south of Iceland. The water plunges 60 meters from the steep edge into the depths. This edge was once the country’s southern coastline. Today, the sea is about 5 kilometers away. This part of the country was once covered in forest, hence the name Skógafoss, which means “forest waterfall.” The 25-meter-wide curtain of water is truly beautiful to behold. Enormous masses of water cascade into the depths right before your eyes. If you get too close, you’ll get wet. So be careful!

21. The Westman Islands

Still have a little more time? How about a detour to the Westman Islands? We took the ferry from Landeyjahöfn to Heimaey. This island is also the only inhabited island in the archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. You only pay around €20 per person for the round trip. We stayed on the island in a super cool glamping cabin*. We went on a beautiful hike over the local mountain, Heimaklettur, saw puffins, and went to the thermal baths with locals. The island has a lot to offer and is definitely worth it. Read all about it here: Trip to the Westman Islands.

22. The inconspicuous Þjófafoss

On another day, we simply drove through the area in the south and let ourselves drift. We discovered the beautiful Þjófafoss. It’s located about 4 kilometers from route 26. The scenery couldn’t be more beautiful. Far in the background is the Hekla volcano, and in the foreground, another beautiful hill. The turquoise-blue glacial water cascades down the wide front and continues its way through the land. For Marco, it’s one of the most beautiful locations in Iceland.

23. Small huts from Viking times

That day, by chance, we discovered a small house from Viking times in this region. Perhaps some of you will recognize it. For those who don’t: It will remain our secret! It was so beautifully quiet there; only a few visitors ever wandered in. These so-called turf houses were built back then to withstand the changeable weather. Earth and stone were also used to build structures when no other materials were available. We’ll keep the location of this place to ourselves. You don’t always have to tell everyone, do you?

24. Pingvellir National Park

Want even more Iceland sights? Then head to the unique Pingvellir National Park. This park is located on Lake Pingvallavatn and is about 40 kilometers from the capital city of Reykjavik. The region is very special because it lies in a rift valley at the boundary of two tectonic plates. You could practically be standing on either the Eurasian plate or the American plate.

There are a few sights in the region. These include the aforementioned Lake Pingvallavatn, the viewpoint at the visitor center with a view of the large continental rift “Almannagjá,” and the beautiful small Pingvallar Church. Also near the parking lot are the Öxararfoss waterfall and the Silfra fissure, where brave visitors can try diving and snorkeling. This fissure is located between the drifting plates of the Earth’s crust at the lake. The experience is truly unique and a real highlight.

25. Great Geysir & Hot Springs

You’ll certainly also be driving the Golden Circle, right? Then you’ll inevitably come across the Great Geysir and the Strokkur hot springs. Right at the beginning, you’ll be greeted by mud holes and steaming earth. Reddish or gray mud simmered everywhere. You have to wait a while for Strokkur to erupt. It is very active and erupts naturally approximately every 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes it reaches a height of 15 meters, sometimes even 40 meters.

26. Golden Waterfall Gullfoss

Not far from the Geysir is the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall (Golden Waterfall). It is one of the largest waterfalls in all of Europe. The water cascades over the steep cliff into a 70-meter-deep gorge. Simply breathtaking. This waterfall is one of the highlights of the Golden Circle. Several paths lead along the waterfall. You can even climb up to the rocky plateau and take cool photos from there.

27. Reykjanes Peninsula

Here you’ll find not only the famous Blue Lagoon (we didn’t go there ourselves), but also natural hot springs, purple lupine fields (at the right time of year), cliffs, and turquoise crater lakes. Our first detour was to the Krýsuvík thermal spring area. It hisses and bubbles here, but really. A footbridge leads directly past the parking lot through the thermal area.

On the other side of the road, we discovered a green crater lake, Graenavatn. There is also a bridge on the peninsula that lets you hop from one continent to the other. This is where theThe Eurasian continental plate on the American one. It’s amazing what Iceland has to offer.

28. Landmannalaugar

The central highlands are almost impossible to reach without an SUV. Since we didn’t want to book a tour, the highlands were left out of the question for us for the time being. But at least it’s another reason (one of many) to travel to Iceland again. We’ve spoken with many travelers and repeatedly heard that the highlands are the most spectacular corner of the entire country. The highlands extend over 40,000 square kilometers and are one of the largest uninhabited areas in all of Europe. Here you’ll find a magical mountain range, volcanoes, explosion crater lakes, fascinating valleys, and much more. Learn more here: Routes through Iceland.

29. Þórsmörk Valley

The Þórsmörk Valley is the most popular hiking area in Iceland. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to do part of the hike. What a pity! But we’ll definitely make up for it on our next trip. The nature reserve is surrounded by volcanoes and glaciers on three sides. Trails to the Fimmvörðuháls volcano and the Eyjafjallajökull region await you. The popular long-distance hiking trail, Laugavegur, starts from Skogafoss and leads inland. The hike takes several days/stages and takes you over the Fimmvörðuháls pass and the Þórsmörk to Landmannalaugar. The 22-kilometer route from Skogafoss to the Porsmörk valley offers breathtaking scenery. So if you have enough time – DO IT!

30. Kerið Crater

In the south of the island lies the Kerið Crater. This is a crater lake that has existed for over 3,000 years. The red slopes of the crater and the blue water of the lake are particularly beautiful. If you want to drive to the crater yourself, you should bring some money for the entrance fee. This money is used to maintain the parking lots, among other things. From Pingvellir National Park, it’s only about 40 minutes to the crater lake. The perfect tour is available on GetYourGuide: Full-Day Tour to the Golden Circle and Kerid Crater*.

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