43 Best things to see & do in Iceland

This world-famous (man-made) outdoor geothermal pool of steaming 39°C healing waters, surrounded by black lava fields, is Iceland’s star attraction.

Circumnavigate Iceland on the spectacular Route 1, which links all of the country’s top bucket list experiences together. See our expert’s 13-day itinerary (some days optional).

Iceland is land of striking volcanic topography, creating some of the most spectacular Northern Lights-lit landscapes. See the lights on cruises, glacier hikes, and 4WD tours – or just soaking in the Blue Lagoon.

Discover and explore Iceland’s massive – yet accessible –  glaciers, and dazzling ice caves, on glacier hikes, snowmobile safaris and ice cave tours.

Venture into these extraordinary tunnel-like caves, formed by cooling underground lava flows, to see dramatic subterranean rock formations. Geothermal Iceland has some of the world’s most accessible to explore.

The world capital of ‘volcanic tourism’, Iceland offers spa-seekers mineral-rich geothermal pools, sourced from underground geological layers and set amid dramatic volcanic scenery.

Once-in-a-lifetime trips to see migrating humpback and minke whales up close, as they pass by on their annual north–south migration. Tours from Husavik, Akureyri and Reykjavik can be arranged.

A wonderous landscape of geological wonders – lakes, lava flows, striking rock formations, and tectonic rifts – only 40km from Reykjavik.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience: the chance to travel down inside a dormant volcano, the only place in the world where it’s possible to do so.

A wild western peninsula offering fabulous hiking, coastal drives, beaches and glacier walks, easily accessible in a day’s drive from Reykjavik.

Race across Iceland’s icy wildernesses, surrounded by nothing but mountains and fresh powder, at up to 70 kph. Heart-in-the-mouth thrills for adventure enthusiasts.

The world’s most famous water spout, and the geyser that gave all other geysers their name. It’s one of Iceland’s ‘Golden Circle’ sights, including Gullfoss and Thingvellir.

Iceland’s most famous trek and one of the world’s great long-distance hikes – a jaw-dropping 4-day, 55km hike across mountains, volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs.

Explore Iceland’s spectacular landscapes riding these unique shaggy-coated horses, specially bred here since Viking times.

The Waterfall of the Gods marks the spot where Iceland exchanged its pagan past for Christianity. These days, it’s a photographers’ dream come true.

Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places on the planet. Volcanic sites can be visited on foot, in a 4×4 or by snowmobile.

A unique glacial lagoon where you’ll cruise among icebergs and marvel at astonishing icy scenery.

Venture onto Iceland’s biggest ice sheet for glacier walks, snowmobiling and other icy activities.

One of the mightiest of Iceland’s many waterfalls, a maelstrom of sound, foam and spray that’s guaranteed to get your attention.

Dive or snorkel between two continental plates in this strikingly unique gorge, filled with pure and crystal-clear glacial meltwater.

A strange landscape of smoking volcanoes and lava fields set around a glinting lake.

A high-tech museum that recreates Iceland’s geological wonders: volcanoes, ice caves, glaciers, sea cliffs and even the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

Iceland’s tallest church, built from 1945 to 1986, has become a symbol of Iceland’s identity and a Reykjavik landmark. It’s striking design is inspired by Iceland’s geothermal geology – it’s supposed to resemble basalt lava and trap rocks. It’s also a decent viewpoint. Take an elevator ride to the top for sweeping views over the city.

Another impressive 60m-high cascade on the south coast which has one unique reason to visit: it’s one of the only waterfalls in Iceland which you can walk behind. Be prepared to get wet.

At 200ft (60m) high, this mighty column of water is one of the most impressive of all Iceland’s waterfalls. Local legend claims that there is treasure hidden behind the falls.

With grey basalt rock resembling wrinkled skin and the upper section of a trunk, and an overhang forming the eye, this rock in the Westerman Islands creates the image of an uncannily life-like pachyderm.

Iceland is the land of the Vikings, and this museum traces the history of how the island was settled more than a millennia ago. Learn about Viking gods, view Viking artefacts and marvel at the museum’s centrepiece – a replica of a Viking longship, which sailed all the way to New York to mark the year 2000. Open daily.

Even the beaches in Iceland are weird. Instead of soft white powder, here you’re more likely to find the beaches made of jet-black sand – a reminder of the volcanic forces that continue to shape the island. Reynisfara is probably the most famous of all, located on the south coast, roughly halfway between Reykjavik and Skaftafell.

This Tolkienesque, timber-framed chapel was given to Iceland by its Norwegian cousins to mark the new millennium – and the 1000-year anniversary of the building of the island’s first church in the year 1000.

Where else in the world but Iceland could you explore an ice cave under an active volcano? That’s exactly what you get at Katla, which burrows deep beneath its namesake volcano.  It’s a famous filming spot, featured in Star Wars: Rogue One and Game of Thrones. 3-hour guided tours depart from the nearby town of Vik.

An art museum and sculpture collection featuring white Viking figures and curvaceous shapes, housed in the former studio of Icelandic sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson. One of three museums that officially make up the Reykjavik Art Museum. Open daily.

One of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland – 1360m long, 30m wide and up to 10m high. The ‘Standard’ lava tunnel tour (1 hour) visits the most accessible section of the cave, while the longer ‘Adventure’ tour (3-4 hours) ventures into the deeper sections.

A traditional Viking food festival, celebrated all over the country, serving up unique Icelandic dishes such as sheep’s head, rotten shark, whale blubber and seal flipper.

A dynamic National Museum focusing on the island’s turbulent and colourful past but also examining life in modern-day Iceland. There are treasures dating back to the Vikings and Saga Age, alongside modern displays on fashion and photography. Suðurgata, 101

An art museum showcasing modern paintings and sculptures by well-known Icelandic artists, notably Johannes Kjarval, housed in a striking Nordic Modernist building. One of three museums that officially make up the Reykjavik Art Museum. Open daily.

The quiet west coast town of Bogarnes is home to the Settlement Centre, an interesting museum that tells the story of how settlers came to Iceland from Scandinavia during the 9th century. A second exhibition brings one of the most famous sagas, Egils Saga, to life. Open daily.

Fishing is a central part of Icelandic identity, and this surprisingly fascinating museum recreates the golden age of Iceland’s fishing industry, with renovated warehouses, historic fishing boats and traditional ‘salting’ shows, accompanied by accordions and dancing.

A museum with a difference: the chance to experience a key moment in Icelandic history, the battle of Orlygsstaoir in 1238, using VR headsets to really bring the experience to life.

Despite the name, this landmark geothermal bathing pool is far from a well-kept secret: in fact, it’s said to be the oldest hotpot in Iceland, and it’s very popular as it’s easily reached from Reykjavik, and makes an ideal stop for visitors tracing the Golden Circle.

This notorious volcano brought Iceland’s air traffic to an abrupt halt when it blew its top in 2010, sending huge age clouds up into the atmosphere. The volcano is concealed beneath a huge ice cap that’s clearly visible as you drive along the south coast towards Skaftafell. If you want to get closer, you’ll need to arrange a guided snowmobile tour.

Hofn is a salty fishing town on the southeast coast, but amongst Icelanders it’s famous for one thing: its seafood, especially its langoustines. These tasty crustaceans can be tasted at several restaurants around town – you’ll never taste them sweeter or fresher. Time to get cracking…

This folk museum is one of the few places in Iceland where you can view traditional turf houses, which were still in use into the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The grass roofs and turf walls acted as insulation, and made a convenient construction method in a place where timber was pretty much non-existent. There’s also a cute little cafe where staff wear traditional Icelandic dress.

Way out on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a spiral staircase leads down into this deep lava tube – estimated to be one of Iceland’s oldest (circa 8,000 years). With a guide, it’s possible to walk around 200m into the cave: wear good shoes as the base of the cave is unstable underfoot. Tours last 45 minutes.