50 Ideas to Inspire Your Iceland Itinerary
You’ve booked your plane tickets for your trip to Iceland - congratulations! But the question remains: what are you going to do with each day? Will you soak in hot springs? Will you go ice climbing? The possibilities can seem endless. Here’s our ultimate list of things to do in Iceland to inspire your itinerary.
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Geysers, waterfalls, and other natural wonders
1. Skogafoss Waterfall
Iceland is brimming with waterfalls, but this one is particularly popular because of easy access via the Ring Road. It’s also incredibly beautiful and well worth the stop.
2. Geysir Geyser
The geyser that all other geysers are named after has been dormant for over 100 years, but it’s still a beautiful site to visit. The area is a geothermal park with hot springs and a nearby geyser that spouts every 10 minutes.
3. Kerid Crater Lake
The lake itself is an almost neon color and the surrounding rock is all deep red. When you stand on the edge of the lake to take in the scene, you’ll wonder if you’re on another planet.
4. Hvitserkur
This massive rock that looks like a sea monster or a troll who stayed out until sunrise once plugged up a volcano on this spot. Now it’s just a gorgeous place to watch the sunset.
5. The Arctic Henge
While this sundial is still under construction, it is an impressive site to see. And there’s a whole fictional world that goes with the Arctic Henge, which includes dwarves who represent varying aspects of weather and nature.
6. Gullfoss Waterfall
The name “Gullfoss” means “Golden Falls” because this Icelandic attraction really does look gold on a sunny day. The color comes from sediments in the glacial water that flows through the White River.
Iceland has lots of family-friendly sightseeing
7. Santa’s Icelandic Workshop
Santa is home all-year long and eager to show visitors around his workshop outside Akureyri, Iceland. The best souvenir: send a letter home from Santa’s very own mailbox.
8. Grafarkirkja
Iceland’s oldest church looks like a simple hut from the outside, but don’t let that deceive you. As soon as you step inside, you’ll see incredible wood carvings all around you.
9. US Navy DC-3 Wreckage
In November 1973, a United States Navy plane made an emergency landing in rural Iceland due to severe icing. Everyone survived the emergency, but their plane was abandoned and now it’s a hauntingly beautiful place to see modern technology and mother nature co-existing in an odd way.
10. The Library of Water
Part artwork and part scientific document, the Library of Water consist of numerous floor to ceiling cylinders of water from each of Iceland’s glaciers. By the time you finish your tour, you’ll have seen every glacier in Iceland (in melted form at least).
Eat and drink Iceland's luscious local foods
11. Like the US, you can eat Icelandic hot dogs are everywhere
Hot dogs are often referred to as the national dish of Iceland, you can find hot dogs everywhere. They’re available at street stalls, restaurants, and gas stations. Eat them often and add plenty of toppings.
12. Feel refreshed with Skyr
Skyr is a light, yogurt-like food is a must-try if you like yogurt, cheese, or most any dairy product. It’s best-served cold topped with cream and fresh fruit
13. Experiment with fermented shark
Locally known as hakarl in Icelandic, fermented shark is a traditional food eaten by few today. And there’s no wonder why, it smells like it’s rotting and tastes like that, too.
14. Brennivin
Also nicknamed "Black Death" is an unsweetened schnapps is a liquor unique to Iceland. Traditionally, it’s been a popular shot to drink when eating fermented shark (or other dried fish).
Go to a museum
15. Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft
Most of the convicted witches in Iceland were men. That’s just the first of many intriguing things you’ll learn by spending a few hours at this museum.
16. Petra’s Stone and Mineral Collection
One woman's rock collection is Iceland's national treasure. The collection includes thousands of stone’s housed in Petra’s own home.
17. Icelandic Punk Museum
Trace the history of punk music in Iceland from 1978 to the present at this museum in Reykjavik. You’ll get to hear plenty of punk music as you tour the place.
18. Icelandic Phallological Museum
The world’s largest collection of penises (over 200 of them) is located in Reykjavik. You’ll learn about the ancient science of phallology and see specimens from numerous different species.
19. Icelandic Sea Monster Museum
Sea monster stories are essential to Icelandic culture and history. Learn all about the most legendary monsters as you explore this slightly spooky museum.
Outdoor Adventures
20. Hike the glacier trek
Numerous companies offer glacier trekking/hiking tours all year long. Because glaciers are constantly in motion, it’s best to go with an experienced guide who is an expert in glaciers.
21. Jump in The Jökulsár Lagoon
Take a boat out in this glacial lagoon to get up close and personal with icebergs. Choose a tour on a small Zodiac boat if you want to get almost close enough to the ice to touch it.
22. Hunt for the Northern Lights
From September to April, you can try to see the Northern Lights on your trip. You need complete darkness for a good view, so go when there’s plenty of darkness and get out of the city center.
23. Scuba and snorkel the Silfra Fissure
This crack between the Eurasian and North American continents is a fantastic place to explore. Take a snorkeling or SCUBA diving excursion or just hike along the edges.
Ice-climbing
Strap on a set of crampons, grab an ice
24. Go "caving"
From short cave walks to multi-day caving adventures, there are numerous tours that will take you underground in Iceland. Some tours involve swimming, rock climbing, and/or ice climbing while others are more straightforward treks.
25. Explore Thórsmörk (Thor's Woods)
This valley surrounded by three glaciers is a beautiful place to visit on a day-trip from Reykjavik. Spend the day hiking in this area and see some of the most beautiful forest areas in Iceland.
26. Fish in Faxafloi
This bay between two peninsulae on Iceland’s coast is a great place to go fishing. Any boat trip here will reward you with spectacular views of the Icelandic coastline.
27. Cross tectonic plates in Midlina
If you’re daring, cross the Leif the Lucky bridge that crosses the distance between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates. In the middle, take a selfie at Midlina, the point where you’re right between America and Europe.
28. Thingvellir National Park
The very large Thingvellir National Park is a great place to try many of the adventurous activities that Iceland has to offer. Camp here for a few days to try several of them from diving the Silfra Fissure to fishing to horseback riding.
Visit Volcanoes
29. Hekla Volcano
While hiking Hekla is popular and you get stunning views of Iceland from this volcano, it may be better just to appreciate its majesty from a distance. Hekla is very much an active volcano that last erupted in just 2000 and scientists predict it could erupt again anytime with
30. Leidarendi Lava Caves
Just 25 minutes from Reykjavik you’ll find these beautiful lava caves formed by streams of lava over centuries. In the winter, your caving efforts will also be rewarded with natural ice sculptures.
31. Thrihnukagigur Volcano
Take a tour deep inside Thrihnukagigur Volcano to see what a dormant magma chamber looks like. The walls are still covered in the colorful remnants of the volcano’s last eruption 4,000 years ago.
32. Eyjafjallajökull
Eyjafjallajökull is known as a
33. Dimmuborgir lava field
The massive lava formations at Dimmuborgir stretch up from the earth like the fingers of buried giants. Hike among them to experience one of only two lava fields in the world with formations like these (the other is just off the coast of Mexico).
Hot Springs
34. The Blue Lagoon
Iceland’s most famous hot spring is a must-see on even the shortest of trips. It’s just a short distance from Keflavik Airport and you can even book a tour with transportation to and from the airport on a layover.
35. Deildartunguhver Thermal Spring
Europe’s most powerful hot spring heats two nearby towns and provides hot water within a 65 km radius, so you can bathe in its waters without even visiting it! But it’s also a wonderful place to visit with hiking trails where you can watch the steam rise up from the spring.
36. Mývatn nature baths
This massive geothermal area is a popular place to relax for locals and travelers alike. Soak in the lagoon while enjoying the view, go inside to experience a refreshing steam bath, and/or have a nice meal at the lagoon-side Kvika restaurant.
37. Drangsnes hot tubs
A trio of pools hides just off the shoreline and rewards anyone with the determination to find this spot. One pool is cool, one lukewarm, and one piping hot from the thermal springs; all of them offer a spectacular view of the ocean and the Northern Lights on winter nights.
38. Gunnuhver
These mud pools of seawater are too hot for soaking at an average temperature of 570 degrees Fahrenheit, but they are gorgeous to look at while hiking among them. The seawater and minerals in the ground and in the water create a colorful landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Iceland.
If you want to know even more about Iceland's hot springs, Karolina is a local expert and can help you out.
Wildlife
39. Watch whales
In the summer, you might spot several different whale species on a whale watching excursion from Iceland. Humpback, Orca, and Blue Whales are just a few of the gentle giants who roam the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans in warmer months.
40. Horseback-ride in the countryside
A unique way to see the Icelandic countryside is from the back of a horse. Spend a few hours on horseback, or take a multi-day horseback riding tour, the choice is yours.
41. See cute puffin colonies
Puffins spend most of their lives at sea, but from April through September, you can visit Atlantic Puffin colonies on land in Iceland. The easiest way is to book a tour to go directly to a colony, but at this time of year, you might spot them on any seaside cliff.
Festivals and Holidays
42. Don't sleep at The Secret Solstice Festival
If you love music festivals, head to Iceland and dance away the longest day of the year. There are about twenty hours of daylight to enjoy this time of year, this festival truly never sleeps.
43. Go big or go home at Reykjavik Pride
Every summer, Reykjavik Pride takes over the city for six days. The Pride Parade and other events are some of the most popular events in the city each year.
Things to see in Iceland's capital: Reykjavik
44. Party in Reykjavik
The legendary nightlife in Reykjavik starts late and hits its high note in the wee hours of the morning. Go check out the scene, but don’t book an early morning ice climbing excursion for the following day
45. Hallgrimur's Church (Hallgrimskirkja)
Hallgrimur’s Church tower can be seen from almost anywhere in Reykjavik; it’s a great landmark to use as you navigate your way through the city. Go inside to see the huge German-designed pipe organ and to climb the tower for stunning city views.
46. The Pearl
This modern glass dome has an observation deck that is one of the best places to get a panoramic view of Reykjavik. There’s also a manmade geyser outside the Pearl.
47. Imagine Peace Tower
Yoko Ono designed this tower of light in honor of John Lennon and their work for peace. It’s lit nightly from approximately 1 hour after sunset until midnight.
48. Go to elf school
Many Icelanders believe whole-heartedly in elves and will go out of their way to protect
Want personalized advice for your trip? Message us or get matched with an Icelandic travel Hero who will plan your trip here. Before your trip, make sure to check out:
- Connect With a Local to Plan Your Trip
- 10 Tips to Travel to Iceland
- How to Travel Iceland on a Budget
- Northern Lights in Iceland: The Definitive Guide
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