Iceland was the last country on Earth to be inhabited by people. This may be why it still has so much unspoiled scenery, clean air, and wide open spaces. And that makes it the perfect location for an outdoor adventure.
A staggering 11% of the land is covered by glaciers, and it’s probably not the first place you’d think of for an exciting vacation. But once you’ve taken a look at our top 7 things to do in Iceland, we’re sure you’ll agree it’s a place well worth visiting.
Get To Know Mývatn
One of the coolest things we did in Iceland is to explore the terrain at Mývatn, and we know you’ll love it too. This spectacular location in the North of Iceland boasts geothermal pools, a hiking path to an old crater, and even a famous location from a tv series.
Fun fact: The lagoon known as Grjotagja Cave was the site of filming for a certain episode of the hit series Game Of Thrones.
Watch The Whales
With a population size of under 350 000, Iceland is a place where you can freely roam without hustle and bustle. But although there aren’t as many people as most countries we’ve visited, there’s a large population of a different kind: whales.
Hop on a whale-watching tour in Reykjavik and see these magnificent beats of the ocean up close.
View The Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis is a sensational light show, put on by nature. Few who have seen it ever forget its splendor. And you can see this amazing natural phenomenon yourself when Iceland’s skies are dark.
We found that the Northern Lights, as they are also known, are more visible against the dark canvas of Iceland’s skies from September through April. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula offers the best vantage point, with a much clearer view.
Bathe In A Geothermal Pool
Besides whales, another thing Iceland is not short of is geothermal pools or hot springs. These geothermal pools offer many health benefits, as the mineral content alleviates several skin conditions and even relieves pain.
So after a long day of sightseeing, ease your aching muscles with a dip in these healing waters.
Explore Landmannalaugar
Walk the paths where lava once flowed and take in the beautiful scenery at Landmannalaugar. In our opinion, the stunning rhyolite mountains are the perfect backdrop for epic selfies. We are sure you’ll agree. And you’ll enjoy a challenging hike, too.
The roads here are open from June through September, but you’ll need a 4x4 to get to this Icelandic gem that is off the beaten track.
Hike To A Volcano
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Iceland. There are so many open spaces with awe-inspiring scenery. And with all that fresh air, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. But this is not your everyday hike scenario.
Fancy the idea of taking a hike up to a volcano? If the very thought gets your heart beating faster, this is the Icelandic vacation activity for you. Fagradalsfjall Volcano erupted from March to September 2021, after 800 years of dormancy. Hike up to the volcano and experience the thrill of being close to such a powerful force of nature.
Visit The Skógafoss Waterfalls
The gentle sounds of a waterfall are at once energizing and relaxing. And we rediscovered this mystery at Iceland's famous Skógafoss Waterfalls.
They might be the most well-known, but these are only the last in a series of 26 waterfalls fed by the Skógá River.
Explore Iceland Today
These are only some of the many things to do and see in Iceland. One thing’s for sure. Your Icelandic vacation will be like no other. This land of glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanos offers both nature lovers and adrenaline junkies the ultimate getaway.
Are you ready for the vacation of a lifetime, filled with one-of-a-kind experiences in nature? The time is now, book a trip to Iceland and see these marvels of the natural world for yourself.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
