345 Best Sights in Iceland

This Sauðárkrókur attraction, enhanced by VR technology, presents an immersive exhibition based on the legendary and bloody chapter of Iceland’s history known as the Age of the Sturlungs (1220–1264), which marked the end of Iceland’s independence. At the on-site restaurant Grána Bistro, you can fill up on good local food.

There are 112 steps leading up to Akureyri’s main church, which, with its striking facade, is also one of the town’s most iconic buildings. Designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, who also designed Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík, the church has provided a nice center point for the town since it was built in 1940. Interesting features include the windows, which illustrate moments in Iceland’s spiritual history. One window was believed to have been salvaged from Coventry Cathedral, which was destroyed during World War II.

Akureyri's excellent open-air pool is one of the best in the country. It features water slides, lap and wading pools, an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a steam bath.

Fed by the icy waters of the glacial river Skjálfandafljót, Aldeyarfoss (near Goðafoss in the north) presents a terrific torrent of white water surging over a strange chasm of twisted basalt columns with enough thunderous force to vibrate the surrounding rock. It’s a powerful and impressive grand finale at your journey’s end.

Legend has it that this extraordinary, horseshoe-shaped landmark is the hoofprint of Odin’s giant eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. Alternatively, it could have been created by a massive ancient glacial flood, although no reliable eyewitnesses were around at the time to confirm either story, so we’ll never know for sure. From the car park, several trails of varying lengths meander through the well-vegetated areas; the shortest and most popular trail (1 km) leads to the serene, green Botnstjörn Pond.

A large caldera in the center of a volcanic system with many fissures, Askja is one of the most stunning sights in all of Iceland. Although it has a history stretching back 700,000 years, the topography seen today—the pristine blue Öskjuvatn lake and Víti crater—is the result of a massive 1875 volcanic episode that produced more ash than any other in Iceland's history. It blanketed 3,861 square miles, wiping out livestock and forcing many to migrate to North America. The hike to Öskjuvatn lake and Víti crater is around 3 km (2 miles) from the Vikraborgir car park, where you'll also find well-maintained toilet facilities.

You might have already tried the Beljandi pale ale during your travels in the east, but at the bar and microbrewery where it’s made you can sample even more craft beers from the collection, incluiding the Skuggi (Shadow) porter, Spaði (Spade) IPA, or Sauður (Sheep) brown ale. Group tours of the brewery are available even when the bar is closed; call ahead for a reservation.

With unlimited ice-cold Kaldi beer on tap within arm's reach, you won't be tempted to slurp your beer bathwater. Not that you could, anyway, as the freshly run beer in these stylish kambala tubs is not for drinking. It's made with a blend of geothermal water and young unfermented beer with added brewer's yeast, rich in skin-conditioning B vitamins and minerals. They add some essential oils and beer soap, which creates a mildly fragrant foam on the top. After your 25-minute bath, plush carpets, warm blankets, and day beds await for post-bath relaxation. The spa is located in the town of Árskógssandi, just south of Dalvik.

This brightly colored oasis is for kids and adults alike looking to have a bit of fun. Getting here is an adventure in itself—intentionally so, as designed by the creator of this wonderland. Spend some time playing on the slides, teeter-totters, climbing dome, and swings. Everything in the playground was made from salvaged discarded materials, which somehow makes it all a little more delightful.

This world-renowned therapeutic pool is now a sheltered site where man-made structures blend with natural geologic formations. A reception area includes food concessions and boutique shops where you can buy health products made from the lagoon's mineral-rich ingredients. Bathing suits are available to rent, and high-tech bracelets keep track of your locker code, any purchases, and the length of your visit. The lagoon is only 20 minutes from Keflavík Airport and 50 minutes from Reykjavík by car. Buses run from the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík to the Blue Lagoon frequently. Booking in advance is essential. For a more personalized experience, you can also book a spa treatment at the lagoon's on-site Retreat Hotel, whether or not you're staying at there. This is a little-known way to have your own private lagoon experience.  The Blue Lagoon has been closed off and in early 2024 due to volcanic activity in the immediate vicinity, so be sure to verify its opening before planning a visit.

The striking row of crimson-painted gables topped with green turf set this traditional dwelling apart from others in Iceland. It's now a museum offering unique insight into farming practices and domestic life from the beginning of the 18th century through the mid-20th century, and visitors can marvel at a collection of artifacts, including handmade chess pieces and baby booties knitted with human hair. Homebaked goodies and coffee are available at the on-site café. It's open daily from June to September, and by request at other times.

At the Dalvík Folk Museum, you can find out about the town's most celebrated locals, including Jóhann Svarfdælingur, the 2.25-meter (7-feet 4½-inch) tall "Viking Giant," who was for many years the tallest man in the world. A few of the rooms upstairs are dedicated to his life as a side-show performer and film star, and feature some of his custom-made clothes, costumes, and specially made furniture.

Europe’s most powerful waterfall dispatches an average flow of 193 meters cubed per second with a breathtaking force that makes the earth vibrate beneath your feet. The immense column of white-foaming water thunders over a 45-meter (147 feet) drop creating a magnificent and formidable vision of the sheer force of nature. Expect to see terrific rainbows when the sun is shining. From the parking lot off Route 862, there’s a 15-minute trail through otherworldly rocky plains. Dettifoss can also be viewed from the east side of the falls off Route 864 as well but this road can often be hazardous in winter so it's vital to check road conditions before setting out. 

At the southern end of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, a powerful outlet stream carries an endless parade of icebergs under a bridge and into the mouth of the sea, where they are tossed and tumbled in the waves before reaching the black sand shoreline where they dazzle like giant polished diamonds. It's the perfect spot to walk around and just appreciate the stunning scenery.

Southwest of Hverfjall is this mesmerizing lava field known as Dimmuborgir, or "Dark Castles," a labyrinth of tall and twisted formations where you can choose between short and longer signposted routes through the eerie yet enchanting landscape. The best views are available in September when the fiery reds and oranges of the dwarf birch trees contrast brilliantly with the jagged black peaks, crags, and crevices within. It's also fun to visit during the holiday season when the Icelandic Yule Lads take up residence in Dimmuborgir's many hiding spots.

With sheer vertical drops on all sides, Drangey rises sharply out of the sea, creating one of the region’s most iconic images. To the south of the island is a remarkable sea stack named Kerling ("old woman" in Icelandic) and farther east is the island Málmey. Besides hosting a legion of diving birds (puffins, guillemots, and auks), Drangey was once the home of legendary Saga hero Grettir, who spent the last three years of his life there in exile. The remains of his turf house can still be seen on the island.

Like most communities in Iceland, Drangses has a local hot spring. There are three different tubs on-site of varying temperatures, and they are fantastic—free to the public and each one with a beautiful view of the ocean. Just be sure to follow cultural protocol and shower before entering the water. You won't find large crowds at these hot pots.

One of the most famous waterfalls in the Westfjords, Dynjandi is a 45-minute drive from Þingeyri or Ísafjörður. Some refer to this waterfall as "the bridal veil," given its stairwell formation. It actually comprises seven waterfalls in total, all feeding one another in the most graceful way. Expect a crowd if you go in the middle of the day as this waterfall draws a lot of visitors to the area.

In 1973, in the middle of the night, the Eldfell volcano on Vestmannaeyjar suddenly exploded, causing the immediate evacuation of more than 5,000 people. At this tech museum—built around the ruins of two houses that were buried by the lava—you can learn about the eruption. To call the museum entertaining would be an understatement as it's filled with video footage and interactive displays that truly underscore the awe-inspiring and destructive power of the earth.

South of Snæfell is the spectacular Eyjabakkajökull, the northeasternmost glacial outlet of Vatnajökull glacier. It’s a bumpy 50-minute ride from the Snæfell mountain hut all the way down to the edge of the glacier, but well worth traveling the few extra miles. The F909 mountain route is only suitable for vehicles with 4WDs. At the end of the road, there’s a car park and a visitors’ trail (marked out annually depending on changes to the glacier).

The Fagradalsfjall volcano eruption site—which began erupting once again in August 2022 after a year-long hiatus —is a must-visit in Iceland. Where else can you stand but feet away from newly-made continental crust? There are a few different paths to explore here, all varying in difficulty from easy to advanced, but hiking boots are strongly recommended no matter which path you take. Expect to spend around four to five hours actually hiking. The site itself is just an hour's drive from Reykjavík—take Highway 41 towards Keflavík and turn onto Highway 43 towards Grindavík, then follow Highway 427 until you see a plethora of parking lots. There are also numerous tour operators that offer various trips to the volcano via guided hikes, helicopter, or airplane, but don't be afraid to just go yourself and have a long picnic there. You'll want to stay for a while. Just note that if your visit coincides with an active period of the volcano, be sure to check in advance that the current hiking conditions are safe.

Located in one of the oldest fishing villages in Iceland, the Fishermen's Park and Maritime Museum has a number of traditional turf houses you can explore while learning all about the industry that has long supported this community. Part of the museum is the back garden (free), where you'll find large whalebones from the nearby shore. If you're feeling strong, you can try to lift one of the Steintök, or lifting stones, that local people used to showcase their strength years ago. There are four total that range in weight from 50 to 339 pounds.

For some easy romantic walks, head to Neskaupstaður public park, a peat-rich nature reserve on the far east of town on the north side of the fjord with superb vistas. There are several trails (a bit boggy in places), one of which leads to Páskahellir (Easter Cave).

Just across the Eyjafjörður fjord from Akureyri city center lies the Forest Lagoon, Akureyri's own geothermal paradise in the Vaðlaskógur forest. With infinity pools, swim-up bars, a cold tub, sauna, bistro, and more, this upscale wooden retreat is warmed only by the interior heat of the mountain on which its carved. Go early for a prime spot to watch the sunrise. 

Two lighthouses can be found on Garðskagi, and Garðskagaviti is the smaller and older of the two. It is also known as “the lighthouse of love”: wives of fishermen would take a stone from the black-sand beaches surrounding the town, go to the top of the lighthouse, and walk in circles and pray for their husbands out at sea. Nowadays, you won't find too many women roaming the stairs, but if the northern lights forecast looks good, this beach is a great place to watch them. You also might be rewarded with some prime bird-watching—species like gull-billed tern, American bittern, and purple gallinule can be spotted here.

This beautiful infinity pool offers sensational Arctic views of the shimmering Skjálfandi Bay and the Flateyjarskagi Peninsula. While you relax in the geothermally heated seawater, you can wave to folks on whale-watching tours sailing by and point with excitement at large whales breaching in the bay. The mineral-rich water is said to help with skin conditions such as psoriasis. Towel, swimsuit, and bathrobe rentals are available.

North of Varmahlíð on Route 75, Glaumbær is an excellent example of traditional Icelandic turf farms and features a church and several buildings, some of which date back to the 18th century. Among its fascinating artifacts is a beautifully crafted willow-root basket said to have been made by the legendary outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur. Adding to its historical significance is the fact that Glaumbær is an ancient farmstead (existing long before the buildings we see today) and was once home to Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir, the first European white woman to travel to America.

North Iceland’s landmark waterfall dazzles with its symmetrical torrents, cascading thunderously into an impressive canyon cut through a 7,000-year-old lava field. Conveniently located just off the main road, Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) is renowned not only for its beauty, but also for the Saga Age legend that gave it its name. As the story goes, in 1000 AD, Þorgeir of Ljósavatn decided that Iceland would peacefully adopt Christianity and cast the pagan idols into the falls.