In this article, discover the very best of Iceland. You’ll learn about the national parks and the waterfalls that offer some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, as well as the cities and spas that shouldn’t be missed.

While we’re here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions visitors have when planning their Iceland trip. Get ready to be inspired.

• Start planning your trip with our Iceland day tours

1. Þingvellir National Park

We’ll kick off our list of Iceland’s top attractions with a place that combines fascinating history with stunning natural beauty. That’s Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Þingvellir is one of the three attractions that make up the Golden Circle, Iceland’s best-known travel itinerary (alongside Gullfoss and Geysir covered below). But there’s so much to see that it’s more than worth a trip all by itself.

For example, on a visit to Þingvellir discover the original home of Iceland’s parliament. Established in the tenth century, the Alþing is widely recognised as the oldest parliament in the world. And it first took place here, on this rugged and expansive landscape.

Þingvellir also boasts Iceland’s largest natural lake, Þingvallavatn. Its biggest draw is Silfra, the trench that’s caused by the movement of the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates. Here, you can literally swim between two continents, in some of the clearest water in the world.

Alternatively, take a walk in the trenches and canyons formed by the warping earth. It’s as fascinating as it is beautiful.

• Visit this incredible national park on a Þingvellir tour or learn more in our Þingvellir travel guide
• Check out our guide to the Golden Circle, or discover more with a Golden Circle combo tour

2. Gullfoss waterfall

In a nation famed for its waterfalls, Gullfoss is perhaps the most impressive. Here the torrents of the Hvítá river thunder through a tight canyon and tumble down two distinct cascades. The roar of the waters is astonishing.

Another stop on the tour of the Golden Circle, Gullfoss waterfall deserves its place on any list of top attractions in Iceland. Whether the surrounding landscape is draped in snow or in its beautiful summer green, it’s a gorgeous destination that sums up the wonder and magic of Iceland.

As the water kicks up spray, Gullfoss becomes draped in rainbows. It’s an unforgettable experience.

• Book a Gullfoss waterfall tour with us, or add a glacier tour to your Golden Circle experience
• Find out more about the waterfall in our guide to Gullfoss

3. Geysir

Want to experience the surprise and thrill of Iceland’s volcanic activity up close? There’s no better place than at the Geysir geothermal area.

In fact, this is the very place that gave its name to the phenomenon now known as geysers, the holes in the ground from which boiling water bursts high into the sky. Visit Geysir and you’ll stand beneath steaming jets of water created by geothermal activity beneath the earth.

These days, The Great Geysir itself—once a very active geyser—is dormant. But its neighbour, Strokkur, will keep you more than entertained. Erupting every six to 10 minutes, it’s a brilliant display.

While you’re here visiting the Haukadalur valley, don’t miss the fumaroles and bubbling mud pools too.

What to pack for Iceland

Heading to Iceland? It’s worth thinking carefully about what you’ll need to take with you. But with changeable weather and a huge range of possible activities and adventures, that’ll depend on when you’re coming and what you’re going to get up to. There are a few things that are certainties. You’ll regret not bringing warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, and your camera. However, there’s a lot more to consider too.

Find out everything you need to know here: What to Pack for Your Iceland Trip

4. Blue Lagoon

Sometimes you need a break from breathtaking landscapes and miracles of geology. Luckily, one of Iceland’s top attractions offers the perfect place to unwind.

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous spa, famed for the colour and therapeutic benefits of its waters. If you’ve had a busy schedule of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than to dip into its warm waters and relax.

People have been bathing here since the early eighties, when the lagoon was created. Locals swear by the healing powers of its water, with Iceland’s National Health Service even approving visits for the treatment of psoriasis.

In winter, it can be a particularly welcome experience. What’s more, you can gaze at the northern lights that dance above your head as you chill.

You’ll find the Blue Lagoon out on the Reykjanes peninsula, about 45 minutes south from Reykjavik.

• Visit the spa on a Blue Lagoon tour or on the Keflavík transfer directly from the airport.
• Alternatively, find out more facts about the Blue Lagoon

5. Northern lights

There’s no doubt that the northern lights are one of the most magical sights you can see anywhere on the planet. Visitors rightly flock to Iceland to catch a glimpse of these dancing colours that illuminate the night sky during winter.

They come because Iceland’s known as one of the world’s best places to see the northern lights. Produced by the violent collision of solar particles with our atmosphere, the aurora borealis is best seen at the north and south poles. Thanks to its dark winter skies and vast landscapes empty of polluting light, Iceland’s the perfect backdrop for this green, red, and blue display.

But not all experiences of the aurora are the same. You can see the northern lights by boat, or from a northern lights tour taking you wherever the conditions are best on any given night.

• Find out more in our northern lights guide

Safe travel in Iceland

Iceland is officially the safest country in the world. That’s thanks to friendly locals, a trusty transport system, and historically low crime rates. It’s also been recognised as one of the best destinations for women travelling alone too.

That said, with vast wildernesses and volatile weather, it’s always wise to be clued up on safety when travelling in Iceland. Knowing driving rules, for example, or how to hike safely, really is a must.

Find out everything you need to know in our guide to safe travel in Iceland.

6. Reykjavik

Too many visitors to Iceland simply pass through the capital city on their way to more famous natural sights. But they’re missing out. The reality is that Reykjavik has some of Iceland’s top attractions and best insights into true Icelandic culture.

Where to start? Reykjavik’s harbour—the beating ancient heart of the city—can be a good place. Along the city’s scenic and historic waterfront, you’ll find sights including Harpa, one of the city’s most important buildings and cultural hubs. And, a short distance away, you’ll discover the Sun Voyager, probably Iceland’s most iconic sculpture.

Head into town and you can visit Hallgrímskirkja, the church built in the shape of a waterfall. Or stroll along the city’s downtown streets, such as the Laugavegur, full of charming cafes, bars, and boutiques.

If you’re after a more educational experience, try Iceland’s National Museum, showcasing a thousand years of Icelandic history. Or check out the Lava Show, where you can see real lava flow.

From heated beaches to the Reykjavik catwalk, there’s so much more to see and do in town. Check out our Reykjavik day tours for more.

• Ride a Hop-on Hop-off bus in Reykjavik, or see Reykjavik by helicopter

7. Seljalandsfoss waterfall

If Gullfoss stakes a claim to being the most powerful waterfall in Europe, then Seljalandsfoss is certainly up there with the most elegant. Located on the south coast of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is a must-see attraction for anyone staying in Reykjavik.

The waters that you’ll see at Seljalandsfoss come straight from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, which melts to form the Seljalands river. Here, they plunge into a deep bowl, creating a veil across a mysterious cave behind.

One thing that makes Seljalandsfoss particularly special is that you can walk behind the falling water, to look out through the mist to the landscape below. Of course, you’re likely to get a little wet with all that spray, so it’s best to pack a waterproof jacket.

• Take a trip to Seljalandsfoss with us, or check out our guide to Seljalandsfoss to find out more

Discover Vík village

At the heart of Iceland’s south coast is the tiny village of Vík. With roots in the ninth century, it’s a mysterious place steeped in myth and folklore. Here, sailors have met a sorry end and trolls have been transformed into the sea stacks that you’ll see off the coast.

If you’re journeying through South Iceland, it’s a great place to stop off. Discover the village itself, or use it as a base to visit the Mýrdalsjökull glacier or the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. While you’re here, don’t miss Reynisfjara beach, with its basalt columns and black sands.

See Vík on a south Iceland tour

8. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

With its floating icebergs, black sands, and its passing wildlife, there’s no doubt that Jökulsárlón is one of the most glorious sights anywhere in Iceland.

Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon, created by the melting ice of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. Now the deepest lake in Iceland, Jökulsárlón didn’t exist at all before the 1930s, but it has been growing quicker and quicker ever since. In the last 50 years, it’s quadrupled in size—and it’s only going to get bigger.

You may have seen its iceberg-strewn waters before. It featured in James Bond films including Die Another Day, as well as in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Batman Begins. It’s not hard to see why it’s become a favourite filming location. It’s a completely otherworldly place.

Visit on a Jökulsárlón tour or as part of a longer south coast tour. Or find out more in our guide to Jökulsárlón.

9. Skaftafell

If you’re a nature-lover who has come to Iceland with an appetite for wonder, you may have got your fill already. But leave some room for Skaftafell, one of the most splendid of our country’s delights.

With miles of hiking trails connecting glaciers with black-sand plains, mountains, and waterfalls, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can head up to the foot of a glacier, or marvel at Svartifoss, the unforgettable waterfall.

Skaftafell used to be a national park of its own, but these days it has been incorporated within the larger Vatnajökull National Park. Yet you’ll notice how it retains its unique character and a remarkably pleasant climate. What’s more, as you walk its many trails, you might even catch a glimpse of the Arctic fox.

• Take a tour of Skaftafell or find out more in our Skaftafell guide

10. Vatnajökull National Park

Finally, we couldn’t put together a list of Iceland’s must-see attractions without mentioning the mighty Vatnajökull National Park. Covering as much as 13% of the whole surface of Iceland, and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s enormous and unforgettably beautiful.

One of the main draws here is the glacier that gives the park its name. Vatnajökull, Europe’s second-largest ice cap, covers 8% of Iceland and is up to a kilometre thick in places.

There are many ways to explore the glacier. For example, you can zoom across the ice on a snowmobile tour, or take a glacier walk to see it close up. Or, for those of you who like to bag a peak, you can hike Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest mountain.

Whatever you want to do in Vatnajökull, you won’t need much convincing that you’re in a very special place.

Discover Iceland’s national parks

Today there are three national parks in the country: Vatnajökull, Þingvellir, and Snæfellsjökull. Together, they cover the majority of the 25% of Iceland under environmental protection.

Home to the most incredible sights in the country, Iceland’s national parks should be on every visitor’s travel itinerary. Hosting historic sites, natural wonders, and some of Iceland’s most captivating wildlife, there’s really something here for everyone.

Find out more: Iceland’s National Parks: Your Guide

Frequently asked questions about Iceland’s top attractions

Want to know more about the top attractions in Iceland? Here, we answer some of the most common questions.

What should you not miss in Iceland?

With so much to see in Iceland, it’s tough to say with any certainty what you shouldn’t miss. It’ll depend on what you prefer to do—and how much time you’ve got to do it.

That said, we’d recommend you make sure you cover some of the following:

• A spa experience. Whether at the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon, Iceland’s spas are world-famous for a reason.
• A glacier adventure. It’s known as the Land of Fire and Ice, after all. Whether you hike, snowmobile, or visit the caves beneath the ice, some sort of glacier experience is a must.
• A cultural attraction. Iceland’s culture is overshadowed by its gorgeous scenery. But from Christmas traditions to arts and music to Iceland’s truly unique cuisine, there’s a whole way of life to get to know.
• A coastal visit. Iceland is one of the few places on earth that combines glaciers with coastal wonders. Don’t miss sea stacks, black-sand beaches, and opportunities to see whales. The truth is that this list could go on. Discover more in our top 15 must-see places in Iceland.

What are the top 3 tourist attractions in Iceland?

It’s hard to whittle them down to three! Try these three:

• Iceland’s national parks. Between Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull, you’ll discover everything from crisp glaciers to glorious coastlines.
• The Golden Circle. Well-known across the world, the Golden Circle is the itinerary that features some of Iceland’s most spectacular sights.
• Reykjavik. From spas to cultural experiences, Reykjavik offers so much. And it’s just a short distance from some of the best Iceland has to offer.

What special things does Iceland have?

There’s so much that’s special to Iceland:

• Glaciers, black-sand beaches, volcanoes, and geysers
• Opportunities to walk—and even swim—between continents
• Over ten different types of whale
• Untouched wilderness
• A unique cuisine, featuring sheep’s head, fermented shark, and more.

What is Iceland proud of?

Icelanders are proud of their country’s natural beauty and its unique culture—and welcoming visitors to the nation from all over the world.

There’s a lot to be proud of here. From gender equality and low crime rates to a very transparent political system, it’s a great country to be part of.

What is the coolest thing in Iceland?

Take your pick of the coolest thing in Iceland:

• A naturally warm river in Reykjadalur valley
• The chance to see volcanoes erupt, such as in Geldingadalir
• The serpentine Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
• The Diamond Beach, where crystal ice on black sand
• The Westfjords, an area where Arctic foxes roam.

What is Iceland's most frequented attraction?

Iceland’s most popular attraction is likely the Blue Lagoon, the calming and therapeutic spa just outside of Reykjavik. It deserves all of its popularity.

What attracts visitors to Iceland?

Visitors to Iceland typically come for the nature. Here you’ll find one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, with glaciers, volcanoes, and mighty black-sand plains. And you’ll have some of the best opportunities to see whales.

Another main draw is the northern lights. It’s an otherworldly and completely unforgettable experience.

See top attractions in Iceland with Reykjavik Excursions

Visit Iceland and see some of the world’s most incredible natural sights. From glaciers and active volcanoes to the magical northern lights, Iceland truly offers something for everyone.

At Reykjavik Excursions, we can show you the best of Iceland. We run tours from the capital to Iceland’s top attractions throughout the year. Our local guides will ensure you’re comfortable, safe, and getting the most from your trip.

Or, if there’s something else you want from your visit, just let us know. We can arrange completely custom group trips to suit your needs.

Start planning your Iceland adventure by exploring our day trips from Reykjavik.