Things to See and Do in Iceland

After studying abroad in college, I couldn’t wait to travel more. Growing up, my family spent a lot of time at the beach. Don’t get me wrong I love the beach, but I was craving adventure. At first glance, Iceland intrigued me. Volcanoes, glaciers, too many waterfalls to count – I couldn’t wait to visit.

Right now 1 US Dollar (USD) is equivalent to 130 Icelandic Krona (ISK). When researching things to do, the easiest way to convert is to divide the ISK price by 100 and know that it’ll be less than that. This is obviously over estimating things, but when I was planning my trip or there ordering food / buying souvenirs, it helped me get an estimate that was close enough to at least know if I was overspending.

I’ve now been twice, once in May and once in July. It’s been a few years since I visited, but the things to see and do in Iceland remain the same. The landscape is out of this world and unlike any other place I’ve been to.

Road Trip around the Ring Road – How to See Everything

If you’re interested in seeing and doing as much as you possible can, think about renting a car and spending 7-10 days on the Ring Road. This road circles the entire island of Iceland. At about 830 miles around, it won’t take that long to drive straight through but you’ll want to make quite a few stops and won’t want to be rushed.

Most things to see and do in Iceland are within an hour or so from Reykjavik, but if you want more adventure and to see the less populated areas on the eastern and northern sides of the island – hit the road. The Westfjords are another area worth checking out. Most people don’t make the trek since it takes some effort to get it, but the area is supposed to be amazing.

The summer provides daylight for almost every hour of the day, so you can really maximize how much you see. But remember, the winter gives you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Explore Reykjavik

Of the 350,000 people (or so) that reside in Iceland, a third of those live in Reykjavik. The town is obviously still on the smaller side, but there’s a lot to explore. Hallgrímskirkja is a church in the town, and one of the tallest buildings. You can visit and for a small fee, you can also go to the top for the best views of the city.

While exploring the town, try to go to the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. It’s a hot dog stand, that the locals rave about. Hot dogs in Iceland? Yup. Icelandic style hot dog toppings include: raw onions, crispy onions, ketchup, sweet brown mustard and remoulade. If you seek it out, be sure to try the authentic style.

If architecture interests you, be sure to stop at the Harpa Concert Hall. The colored glass facade against the sea is beautiful. While in town, also consider trying Icelandic food. While not well known off the island – you have to give it a shot. Fish and seafood are popular as well as many different types of bread.

Lamb is also very popular. There are more sheep on the island that people, if you can believe it. After visiting the city, you’ll be heading into more rural areas so be prepared for less people and stock up on snacks. Also, be on the lookout for trolls.

Soak in the Blue Lagoon

In between the airport (Keflavik) and Reykjavik you’ll find the Blue Lagoon. For around sixty dollars you can enter and relax in the lagoon and enjoy a little spa day after a long flight. If you don’t want to enter the lagoon, there’s a hotel, spa, and a few restaurants on site. You can also walk around the grounds and take in the sights.

While in the area, consider stopping at the Reykjanes Peninsula. Here you’ll find a bridge connecting the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. The two plates are slowly separating more each year.

Drive the Golden Circle

One day trip option is to drive the Golden Circle from Reykjavik. It’s about 3.5 hours roundtrip, but you’ll want to spend time at the main sights as well as the roadside stops along the way, so plan for a whole day if possible.

Gullfoss

The Icelandic word for waterfall is “foss” which you’ll notice is at the end of the name of each waterfall in Iceland. Gullfoss is one of the most well known waterfalls on the island. At just over 100-ft, with two drops, it is breathtaking. The waterfall is different from some of the others on the island because you view it from above.

Geysir

Iceland has a ton of geothermal activity. Many of the volcanoes on the island are still active. One way of seeing just how active the ground is underneath the island is to visit a geyser. The most well known one is on the Golden Circle loop and is called Geysir. It goes off about every 15 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long for some action.

Þingvellir National Park

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones or Vikings you have to stop at Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. Other activities include hiking, diving/snorkeling, and horseback riding. There really is something for everyone at this park. Þingvellir was the meeting place for lawmakers and major events early in the island’s history making this landmark sacred to their people.

For fans of Game of Thrones, a handful of the scenes at the Wildlings camp were filmed at the park. Other summer and winter shoots took place, but you’ll have to really search to find where. Icelanders are very protective of their land and natural resources. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty also had many filming locations around the island.

Another option while in the park is to go diving or snorkeling between the tectonic plates. There are two areas to choose from: Silfra and Davíðsgjá. The visibility is unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else. This is because you’ll be in glacial water; and because of that a dry suit is required.

Hike in Raufarhólshellir – a Lava Tube

One unique adventure while in Iceland would be to hike in Raufarhólshellir, which is a lave tube. The “trail” is almost a mile long and requires going with a tour guide. You’ll climb down into the tube and follow the path of glacial ice throughout the tunnel. There are various openings above that have collapsed with receding ice.

Hike to the Reykjadalur Valley

Southeast of Reykjavik, about 45 minutes, is a trailhead for the Reykjadalur Valley. The trail takes you to about 2.5 miles up 1,100-ft of elevation change to a natural hot spring you can swim in! It’s a moderate to difficult hike, but well worth it for the relaxation at the top, the views, a waterfall and a chance to see less people than some of the other stops in Iceland.

Indulge at the Friðheimar Tomato Farm

After the Golden Circle or the hike at to the Reykjadalur Valley, make sure to stop at the Friðheimar Tomato Farm. This restaurants has their own greenhouse where they grow their own tomatoes. Even if tomato soup isn’t your favorite, stop here for the best you’ll ever have!

See as Many Waterfalls as You Can

There are hundreds of waterfalls throughout Iceland. The center of the island is full of volcanoes, mountains and steep terrain. The land along the coast meets the steeper parts with sheer drops providing various beautiful landscapes and waterfalls around the island. These three are some of the most popular spots in addition to Gullfoss.

Seljalandsfoss  

About two hours southeast of Reykjavik is Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall is almost 200-ft tall and due to the nature of the cliffs it cascades from, you can actually hike around and behind it. It’s an easy hike around but bring a raincoat!

Skógafoss 

Just east of Seljalandsfoss is Skógafoss is almost 200-ft tall, making it one of the tallest on the island. This is one where you can park in the lot and walk right up to it. You will start to get wet the closer you get, but it’s incredible to see up close.

Svartifoss

Out near Jökulsárlón, you’ll see the stop for Svartifoss. It’s about a mile hike to the waterfall. This one isn’t as tall as some of the others, but it is breathtaking. The waterfall is surrounded by dark lava columns which makes it stand out.

Kayak at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

About 5 hours east on the Ring Road (Route 1), you’ll find the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. If you’re traveling on the Ring Road, be sure to stop here. If you’re not but want to see more sights, head here and then backtrack to Vik.

Jökulsárlón borders Vatnajökull National Park and is dotted with icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. The lagoon is full of pieces of the glacier, and while beautiful it’s a stark reminder of climate change.

Visit the Black Sand Beach in Vik

If you choose to visit Vik, make sure to plan it so that you hit all of the waterfalls and glacial lagoon getting there. Vik is a small village on the southern side of Iceland and is known for its black sand beaches. It’s mainly a stopping point along the Ring Road but if you choose to stay it’s a quaint, quiet, picturesque village. West of Vik is Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano that erupted in 2010. This is another great stop if you’re interested in volcanoes.

Hike or Go Off-Roading in Þórsmörk

Þórsmörk (Thórsmörk) is a mountain ridge just north of Eyjafjallajökull. You’ll need a jeep and possibly off-roading experience to drive within the park. Or take a tour and super Jeep to get there. There are huts that you can stay at for a really awesome experience. The landscape is so varied that it’s almost unbelievable. The valley is covered in black sand and braided glacial rivers, the mountains are bright green and rugged, and the area is surrounded by glaciers.

Hike in Landmannalaugar

Directly north of Vik, you’ll find Landmannalaugar. You’ll have to drive around Mýrdalsjökull, another volcano, to get there. The inland, central part of Iceland is referred to as The Highlands, and this park is located on the southern side. It’s a popular spot for hiking and backpacking. The landscape is dramatic and unique. Black lava fields meet rhyolite mountains with contracting colors and appearances.

Go Whale Watching from Húsavík 

If you drive the entirety of the Ring Road, don’t miss Húsavík. It’s on the northern side of the island and a very well-known spot for whale watching!

Look for Puffins on Breiðavík Beach 

If you do make the trek to the West Fjords in Iceland, head to Breiðavík Beach to look for puffins! There’s a small settlement here with a large white sand beach. It’s unlike anything you’ll see on the southern side of the island. If I ever make it back to Iceland the West Fjords area is at the top of my list.