Iceland’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders and how to enjoy them
Visiting Iceland is a little like stepping into a fairytale. Bubbling geysers, black sand beaches and lava fields speckle the landscape and transport you to a whole other world. The locals speak of elves the way many of us talk about our neighbors and the night skies regularly light up with rainbows.
Although Iceland is vast, many of its remarkable landscapes can be easily reached by car. For example, the Golden Circle route is a scenic drive from Reykjavik to southern Iceland and the northeast region has the Diamond Circle—250 kilometers of volcanic sights and hiking adventures. There are also plenty of sightseeing tours available if you want someone else to do the driving and the research.
Read on to find out about Iceland’s must-see landscapes and how to find them with as little stress as possible.
1. Seljalandsfoss
When to visit: Avoid winter since the trails will be closed
Getting there: 2-hour drive from Reykjavik via Route 1 (Ring Road)
You've probably seen pictures of Seljalandsfoss. It's in just about every article ever written about Iceland, and for good reason.
The 196-feet tall waterfall has a natural trail that leads you behind the waterfall and into a cave, where you can admire the landscape through a veil of thundering water. We recommend wearing hiking shoes to ensure you won’t slip along the rocky trail, as well as full waterproof gear to protect yourself from splashing droplets.
Join this full day tour from Reykjavik to explore other gems of the South Coast, including Solheimajokull Glacier and Skogafoss, another spectacular waterfall that you can walk right up to.
2. Reynisfjara Beach
When to visit: Between May and August
Getting there: 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik via Route 1
Reynisfjara Beach has been called out as one of the world’s top non-tropical beaches many times. Situated in the seaside village of Vik, this distinctive black sand beach has appeared in Game of Thrones and Star Trek. While it’s inadvisable to take a dip in the ocean due to dangerous “sneaker” waves (they often appear without warning), there’s plenty to admire around Reynisfjara.
The beach’s iconic black sand was formed during a volcanic eruption, when molten lava merged with seawater. Volcanic forces also shaped the hexagonal basalt columns known as Garðar, where you can spot puffins nesting in the summertime. At their base is the stunning Hálsanefshellir Cave, which you can explore during low tides.
In the distance, basalt stacks rise above the crashing waves—these sea stacks are called Reynisdrangar, and have a legendary origin story which you can hear more about on this small-group tour.
3. Kerid Crater
When to visit: April to October
Getting there: 1-hour drive from Reykjavik via Routes 1 and 35
With crimson rocks sloping dramatically into an azure lake, Kerid Crater is even better in person. Iron deposits create Kerid’s signature red color, while minerals from the rocks seep into the lake and give it a bright blue tinge.
For ISK400 (USD3), you’ll be able to walk around the crater’s rim and even descend all the way down to the lake. First-time hikers don’t have to worry, as there are stairs leading down to the water. It’s best to visit in warmer seasons, since the paths can get slippery in winter, and snow and ice may mask Kerid’s vivid colors.
Located in Selfoss, Kerid is near Thingvellir National Park, where you can clearly see the continental drift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. This 11-hour Golden Circle day trip offers a convenient journey to and from your hotel in Reykjavik.
4. Strokkur
When to visit: Anytime
Getting there: 2-hour drive from Reykjavik via Route 1 or 36
Found within the Geysir geothermal area, Strokkur (which means churn in Icelandic) is a more popular spot than the spot's namesake Geysir itself. This is because Strokkur is a far more active geyser, erupting every six to 10 minutes. Strokkur’s strong blasts of water typically shoot up to 66 feet, sometimes reaching 130 feet.
Embark on this guided tour of Iceland’s volcanic scenery to visit Strokkur and other nearby sights. There are bathroom facilities and a cafe nearby if you need a break.
5. Glacier Lagoon
When to visit: Winter
Getting there: 5-hour drive from Reykjavik via Route 1
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon was created when the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier began receding, leaving fields of melted water and chunks of ice behind. This magnificent landscape has been captured in films like Tomb Raider, as well as multiple James Bond films. During winter, seals gather at the mouth of the lagoon to catch fish, and you can often spot them swimming around or just laying about on icebergs.
Due to climate change, Jökulsárlón has grown fourfold since the 1970s, and will eventually become a fjord. Time is of the essence, so be sure to visit while you can. Explore Jökulsárlón’s ice caves, hop on a lagoon cruise to admire the glaciers up close, and stroll along Diamond Beach, where shards of ice glitter against the black sand.
6. Krafla Lava Fields
When to visit: Summer
Getting there: 7.5-hour drive from Reykjavik via Route 1; alternatively, take a plane to Akureyri
A trip to Krafla Lava Fields will feel like hopping on a rocket ship due to its craggy, moon-like terrain. Located in Iceland’s northeast region, the area surrounding Krafla is a geothermal hotspot dotted with dark craters, bubbling mud pots, and steaming crevasses. If you climb upwards, you’ll be rewarded with a view of Víti Crater, a vibrant aquamarine crater lake that resembles an eye when viewed from above.
Traverse the rest of Iceland’s highlands on this jeep tour, where you’ll get to visit hidden gems like Askja, the bright blue volcanic crater lake. You can also find Dimmuborgir Lava Formations and Dettifoss Waterfall nearby.
7. Landmannalaugar
When to visit: Mid-June to mid-September
Getting there: 3-hour drive from Reykjavik via Route 1
Landmannalaugar is a vast valley famous for its scenic landscape of multi-colored rhyolite cliffs. It marks the start of Laugavegur, one of the world’s most popular hiking trails, and is full of places to explore, from the Laugahraun lava fields to the hot spring that gives the area its name, the “People’s Pool.”
For a bird’s eye view, climb to the peak of Mount Brennisteinsalda, the most colorful volcano in Iceland. As its name “Sulfur Wave” suggests, you’ll spot many hot sulfur springs along the way. To avoid getting lost in the wilderness, it’s best to discover Landmannalaugar with a seasoned guide on this hiking tour.
8. Gullfoss Waterfall
When to visit: Anytime
Getting there: 2-hour drive from Reykjavik via Route 1
Considered by many to be Iceland’s most picturesque waterfall, Gullfoss Waterfall literally means “Golden Falls.” It dramatically cascades down in two stages before plunging into a deep crevice known as Gullfossgjúfur canyon.
Gullfoss is stunning any time of the day and year, offering different but equally magnificent vistas. On a sunny day, the water resembles liquid gold due to its sediments, and creates rainbows from its spray.
In winter, Gullfoss is half-frozen, with the water carving a path through the glistening ice. And at night, you’ll get the chance to admire the waterfall as the Northern Lights fill the sky above. After visiting Gullfoss, you can even head up to the nearby Langjokull Glacier on a snowmobile.
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