The 35 most beautiful places and landscapes in Iceland you must see

The biggest challenge in Iceland is deciding what to do. Not finding out which are the most beautiful places, but managing to make choices. Because there are so many beautiful things to see in this country that leaving anything out is torture.

My aim here isn’t to list EVERYTHING in Iceland, but to make a small selection. First of all, you should know that some places aren’t accessible all year round. The Westfjords in winter will be tricky, while the central highlands are closed nine months of the year.

But in Iceland you’ll find the most beautiful, most unique things nature has to offer. Landscapes you won’t find anywhere else, the volcanic activity behind it all, Europe’s finest glaciers too, and fjords galore. In short, there isn’t a single spot in Iceland where there’s nothing to see.
Right, let me take the chance to give you some good news: most of these sites are very easy to reach along Iceland’s Ring Road.

Let’s go!

Take a look at the map of Iceland

On the map below, you’ll find more than 150 points of interest in Iceland.

• the most beautiful places
• all the hot springs
• the glaciers
• the best spots to see puffins…

In the following article, take a look at the best map of Iceland, with all the explanations!

⭐️ Go straight to the map here!

The most beautiful places and landscapes in south-west Iceland

There’s a good chance you’ll start with the south-west of the country, since this is where you land, and that works out nicely, because there are some lovely sites to see here. Both in Reykjavik and in the Reykjanes, let’s take a look 🙂

Reykjavik

It’s hard not to start with Reykjavik. First because there’s a strong chance you’ll begin your trip here. And honestly, that’s a good idea. Even though I’m not really a city person, the Icelandic capital is genuinely lovely. The setting is beautiful, you’re close to the mountains, right by the water, and you can go whale watching all year round. And above all, it just feels good to be here!

The centre has lovely, welcoming architecture and a strong street-art scene. Plenty of little cafés, a pleasant seafront (though the wind will mess up your hair). It’s a joy to wander around, and in particular to discover the famous Hallgrímskirkja church.

It’s also an ideal base for exploring part of Iceland if you don’t have a car, using it as a hub. Between the activities here and the various excursions to the south and west, you’ll be sorted for a good few days.

• Activity top pick: a food-tasting tour of Reykjavik
• Accommodation I recommend: Guesthouse Sunna in the city centre
• In the following article, more information about Reykjavik!

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is made up of 3 (well, actually 5!) completely different and complementary landscapes. For me it’s essential to do them all, because together they’re a real distillation of Iceland, a perfect introduction to what awaits you. What’s more, these 5 places are genuinely magnificent. My own favourite is Bruarfoss, but it really comes down to personal taste. So here’s what you should see on your Golden Circle outing:

• The Gullfoss waterfall, hugely photogenic and one of the most powerful in the country
• the famous geysers of Geysir
• the Thingvellir park, the cradle of Icelandic history
• the magnificent turquoise waterfalls of Bruarfoss
• the Kerid crater, which you can climb

• Visit the Golden Circle from Reykjavik: find out more here
• Accommodation I recommend: Litli Geysir
• In the following article, more information about the Golden Circle!

The Blue Lagoon

So yes, it’s probably the most touristy spot in the country. But there’s a reason for that! Iceland’s geothermal spas are hugely popular. They do you a world of good (really), it’s wonderfully relaxing, and the experience is all the more beautiful for the stunning setting. At the Blue Lagoon you’re in the middle of a lava field surrounded by volcanoes. Not bad, eh!

Entry does come at a price, but you generally only do it once and can stay as long as you like, so I’d say it’s money well spent 😀

Good to know (2026): since late 2023, the Reykjanes peninsula has seen a series of volcanic eruptions, and the Blue Lagoon occasionally closes as a precaution. It usually stays open, but check its status before setting off. And if it’s closed, don’t panic: there’s an excellent alternative very close to Reykjavik, which I’ll tell you about just below.

• Booking your tickets: find out more here
• Accommodation I recommend: a hotel near Keflavík, as Grindavík has now been evacuated
• In the following article, more information about the Blue Lagoon!

The Sky Lagoon, the alternative near Reykjavik

If the Blue Lagoon is closed, too expensive or too crowded for your liking, there’s now a superb alternative much closer to Reykjavik: the Sky Lagoon. Opened in 2021, this geothermal spa overlooks the ocean with an infinity pool facing the horizon, and offers a genuinely lovely 7-step wellness ritual (sauna, mist, body scrub and so on). Less “lava field” than the Blue Lagoon and more “seaside”, but just ten minutes or so from central Reykjavik: a brilliant option, especially when the Reykjanes gets restless and the Blue Lagoon closes.

• Booking: book the Sky Lagoon

The Reykjanes peninsula

It’s very hard to pin down one specific spot to see on the Reykjanes peninsula. For me it’s really about the whole. A very hostile place, desolate landscapes straight out of an end-of-the-world film. Wind strong enough to unfrizz a sheep. And all of it with magnificent scenery.

You can tour the peninsula in a day, but you really must take in:

• Cape Reykjanes right at the tip of the peninsula
• the Gunnuhver geothermal area
• Lake Graenavatn
• the bridge between two continents, the rift separating the American and Eurasian plates

This is also where the Northern Lights tours set off from.

The Reykjanes in 2026: it’s currently the most volcanically active region in the country. Since late 2023, eruptions have followed one another along the Sundhnúkur crater row (after those at Fagradalsfjall in 2021-2023), and the town of Grindavík has been evacuated. You can’t wander freely up to the eruption sites (access is controlled for safety reasons), but when an eruption is under way you can often watch it on a guided excursion (Super Jeep) or from a distance at viewpoints such as Perlan. A rare spectacle — provided you follow the instructions to the letter.

• Activity top pick: discover the Reykjanes geopark from Reykjavik
• Accommodation I recommend: a hotel near Keflavík, as Grindavík has now been evacuated
• In the following article, more information about the Reykjanes!

The waterfalls of the south-west

Without even going to the south coast (though we’ll see those are magnificent too), the Reykjavik region has a few gorgeous waterfalls, and really iconic ones at that. They aren’t accessible all year round, so you’ll need to keep an eye on road closures, but you really must call in at these ones:

• Gjain, a magnificent cluster of waterfalls that looks more like Thailand than Iceland
• Haifoss, hugely impressive, with a fierce wind, and on top of that you can walk down to its foot on a lovely trail
• Hjalparfoss, a really pretty and unique double waterfall

• In the following article, more about these 3 Icelandic waterfalls!

4 excellent places to stay in Reykjavik

The south coast of Iceland: here are the most beautiful places and landscapes

Right, spoiler alert: the south coast is genuinely magnificent. You’ll find absolutely everything here, everything that defines Iceland: glaciers, volcanoes, canyons, glacial lagoons, black-sand beaches. Truly, it’s a must!

• In the following article, discover the most beautiful places on Iceland’s south coast
• and in this article, where to stay on the Icelandic south coast

Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss and the other waterfalls

On the south coast you’ll find 2 of Iceland’s best-known waterfalls, two very iconic ones, ultra-photogenic and quite simply magnificent.

Skogafoss is a very powerful waterfall, an endless, giant bucket of water. It’s very tall, and you can also take the staircase that climbs up the side. And up at the top there’s a lovely walk to do.

Seljalandsfoss is very unusual because you can walk behind this superb waterfall. A lovely (and soaking) little stroll, an experience all of its own.

Finally, right next door, there’s the intimate Gljúfrabúi. A hidden waterfall, tucked inside a cave. Truly superb! And very wet too!

The black-sand beaches around Vik

One of the island’s great specialities (another one, yes): the vast black-sand beaches. This sand obviously comes from the island’s volcanic activity, so you’ll find them mainly around the volcanoes, namely on the island’s south coast and in Snaefellsnes.

Around Vik you’ll find 3 of them, including the best known, Reynisfjara. Why that one? Its exceptional setting. It also has basalt columns right next to caves, while out at sea you face the Reynisdrangar, impressive rock formations.

You can also see these formations from the black-sand beach at Vik, which is magnificent too.

Finally, the other lovely beach right nearby is Dyrholaey, which is huge, truly. You’ll find more black-sand beaches in Snaefellsnes, but we’ll talk about that a bit further down.

Oh, and I should point out that there’s a huge amount to see around Vik, so don’t hesitate to stay a bit longer (see the article on Vik)

• Activity top pick: visit the Katla ice cave
• Accommodation I recommend: the Katla Hotel in Vik
• In the following article, find all the information about Vik i Myrdal!

Dyrholaey

I love this place, for quite a few reasons. The first time, I went to see puffins. Because yes, in the right season it’s one of the easiest places to spot them! There are marked paths, but they let you see them easily.

But it’s mainly for the view that I love Dyrholaey. You’ll find other formations like the Reynisdrangar at Vik (they’re right next door), but from the top of the cliff you get an exceptional view. A view over the endless black-sand beach I mentioned just above. Maybe it’s my masochistic streak, but when the weather is bad the atmosphere is even better!

The Sólheimajökull glacier

Sólheimajökull is part of the huge Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, beneath which lie several still-active volcanoes (the famous Eyfj… Ejafja… darn! Eyjafjallajökull and Katla, which is expected to erupt within the next few years).

Sólheimajökull is the closest and most easily accessible glacier from Reykjavik. It’ll be the first you come across on your journey along the south coast. And honestly, for a first glacier, it’s really rather good, and ultra-photogenic. A very long tongue of ice, a pretty lagoon with black icebergs — because as the rock is black, the black sand mixes with the ice. Surprising!

You can of course get right up close to it, but you’ll have to go with a guide to hike on it, because it’s dangerous.

Personally, I love this glacier!

• Favourite activity: a hike on the glacier

The Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

In Iceland you’ll find many canyons. That said, few of them are easy to reach. This one (I’ll spare myself the 10 minutes it’d take to rewrite its name) is easily accessible from the main road and, what’s more, can be explored on a short 2 km walk offering magnificent viewpoints.

It’s not the biggest, but it’s genuinely superb and very photogenic. And if the water level allows, you can also head inside it.

The Vestmann Islands

The Vestmann Islands are a little natural and birdwatching paradise a few kilometres off the Icelandic coast. Only the island of Heimaey is inhabited and even open to visitors. That’s more than enough for us, though, because it’s magnificent. The island grew 50 years ago when a volcano suddenly appeared in the middle of the night. This eruption did destroy part of the village and forced the island to be evacuated, but the volcano is now a really nice hiking spot. In fact, it still steams in places!

But above all, the Vestmann Islands have the largest puffin colony, those wonderfully cute birds! From May to August you can watch them, along with plenty of other birds such as gannets. All in a truly magnificent setting.

• Activity top pick: puffin watching
• Accommodation I recommend: the ideally located cabins at Camping & Glamping
• In the following article, more information about Iceland’s South Coast and the Vestmann Islands

Skaftafell park

Skaftafell is part of the enooormous Vatnajokull park (1/6 of the country), that magnificent ice cap that offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country (we’ll talk about it further down).

And in Skaftafell park, you absolutely must do the main hike out to the Svartifoss waterfall, unique with its basalt columns. This walk, which isn’t difficult, also takes you past an abandoned village and superb scenery.

The Svinafellsjökull and Skaftafellsjökull glaciers

In Skaftafell there are two magical glaciers, huge and impressive. Words fail you, there’s so much to feast your eyes on. Actually there are many more, but the others aren’t easy to reach.

These two glaciers are side by side: for Skaftafellsjokull you reach it from the main Skaftafell car park, while Svinafellsjokull is a little further on.

The good thing is that both glaciers are easy to reach: you can walk beside and in front of them. You’ll also spend a lot of time watching the icebergs in the lagoons.

Ask me to choose between the two? I honestly can’t. That’s why I’m giving you both :p

Finally, Svinafellsjokull is usually the starting point for glacier hikes (which are great fun!)

• Activities top pick: a hike on the glacier or visiting an ice cave!
• Accommodation I recommend: the superb Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
• In the following article, more information about the South Coast and the Glaciers of Iceland

Jokulsarlon lagoon and Diamond Beach, unique landscapes

Jökulsárlón is probably, after the Blue Lagoon, the most famous spot in the country. A vast glacial lagoon in which hundreds of icebergs slowly drift by, one after another, on their way to the sea, washing up on Diamond Beach, the black-sand beach just behind. In the background, the majestic Vatnajökull.

It’s a real must, ideal especially at the end of the day for the sunset. You might also spot seals lounging on the ice or playing in the water.

Finally, you can take a little boat trip on the lagoon — rather good!

• Activity top pick: watch the sunset, and also take an amphibious boat tour
• Accommodation I recommend: the rooms at the Skyrhusid farm, right next to the lagoon
• In this article, more information about southern Iceland and Jokulsarlon

The Fjallsárlón lagoon

Fjallsarlon is another glacial lagoon right next to Jokulsarlon. Fewer icebergs, but really lovely too, because there are fewer people. I’d genuinely recommend popping over 🙂

The Múlagljúfur canyon

Múlagljúfur is one of those little-known gems that Iceland is full of. Long overlooked, it’s become more popular and more accessible over the past 3 or 4 years. It’s a canyon that will leave you wide-eyed, and the hike to appreciate it fully isn’t difficult. You reach an exceptional viewpoint with a waterfall at the end. Just be careful if it’s rained beforehand (which, let’s be honest, happens often in Iceland).

But one thing’s for sure: it’ll be one of the most beautiful hikes of your trip to Iceland!

The Eldhraun lava fields

Here you’re no longer on Earth. In this corner, it’s lava fields as far as the eye can see. But not just any lava fields, because they’re covered in a moss endemic to the country, a unique green moss. The name means “lava desert of fire”. It’s the 2nd largest lava flow since 1300. Not bad. To be more precise, this lava field (a wasteland, really) comes from the 1783 eruption of Laki, an eruption that lasted several years and disrupted harvests so badly that it caused famines all over Europe, notably leading to the French Revolution. So it’s indirectly the country’s history that played out here!

Anyway, in the Geopark in particular, there are several hiking trails to discover how nature reclaims its territory in an end-of-the-world atmosphere.

Vestrahorn

This too is one of the most iconic spots in the country, a genuinely iconic mountain, hugely popular with photographers and tourists, quite simply because it’s unique and easy to reach.

Vestrahorn has the advantage of offering a different atmosphere on every visit, in every kind of weather, at every time of day. Because the weather here is generally rotten and very windy, because it’s perfectly positioned for the Northern Lights, but also because it’s fronted by absolutely magnificent little black-sand dunes.

It’s a must, truly. And you’ll want to come back again and again, I guarantee it!

• Activity top pick: a perfect spot for the Northern Lights… weather permitting!
• Accommodation I recommend: the rooms at the Dynjandi Guesthouse horse farm
• Paid vehicle entry

4 great places to stay in southern Iceland

Find your dream accommodationin Iceland!

Eastern Iceland

Eastern Iceland is wild, more off the radar, less touristy. Because officially there are fewer “wow” spots, fewer renowned places — when in fact they’re just less well known.

You’ll find fjords, the eastern fjords. Mountains, valleys, canyons, waterfalls.

The only problem is that I had tricky weather over there, plus a storm that made me change direction, so I really couldn’t explore it the way I wanted to! So I’ll only tell you about the places I know over there.

Don’t forget that plenty of puffins can be seen in the fjords, especially around Borgarfjörður eystri.

Below are 2 typical landscapes of the eastern fjords, with lots of waterfalls and hidden canyons absolutely everywhere, all in an end-of-the-world atmosphere.

And if you like thermal baths, then right next to Egilsstadir you have the Vök Thermal Baths

• Activity top pick: the Studlagil canyon and seeing the puffins!
• Accommodation I recommend: the setting and magnificent view of the Guesthouse Elinar Helgu

The Stuðlagil canyon

Now THIS! It’s beautiful, and how! Now, if I say canyon and river to you, you’ll be unimpressed. But no, because this one is unique, truly.

This canyon is made up of basalt columns stretching several hundred metres — that alone is crazy. Then the water flowing through it is turquoise. So you can imagine the whole thing is one of the most beautiful places in the country, without being one of the most touristy, because it’s far away.

But it should be an absolute must for you, truly.
There are two roads to reach it, one on each side. Both offer a different view, and if you take the one on the other side, which crosses the bridge and involves a walk, you can go right down to the river, onto the columns. Not bad! (well, I was lazy and stayed on the platform on the other side)

The Hengifoss waterfall

Right, I did mention the weather. This waterfall is unique for its different geological layers, some of them red. You reach it on a really lovely hike, which climbs a bit but nothing nasty.

So this waterfall — I had such a thick layer of cloud that I couldn’t see a thing. It’s probably magnificent in reality, I’d love to be able to show you my photos but… 😀 That’ll be for the next trip!

But this waterfall is worth seeing if you pass through the western part of the island. And if the weather cooperates.

The most beautiful places on the north coast

Iceland’s north coast is hugely underrated. OK, there are no big glaciers, no major volcanic eruption, no vast black-sand beach or ice cap. But there are some of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in the country. There are also craters as far as the eye can see, fjords, puffin colonies and active geothermal areas. So it would be a shame not to have a look around!

Lake Myvatn

Lake Myvatn is the region’s main tourist area. You should know that Myvatn means “lake of the midges”. That sets the scene. But the lake is magnificent, in every season. I discovered it in autumn, as it was starting to freeze — it was superb.

You’ll mainly find activities around the lake, which we’ll look at below, but on the lake itself you can wander among very many little craters. It’s beautiful and surprising!

A little further on, enjoy the benefits of the geothermal activity at the Myvatn baths — like the Blue Lagoon, but cheaper!

• Activity top pick: relax in the Myvatn thermal baths and see the fabulous waterfalls
• Accommodation I recommend: the excellent value for money of the Vogafjós Farm Resort on the shore of Lake Myvatn
• In the following article, find out more about the Myvatn region!

Dimmuborgir

I knew Dimmuborgir as a metal band that will finish off your eardrums; now I know where the name comes from. Dimmuborgir is a very rocky lava field, with truly special rock formations, sculptures. Some of them really huge. It means “dark castles” and you can see why.

There are several paths to wander through the protected area, discovering the lava caves, the church, the castles, the trolls (names given to the formations). I really do recommend it, because places like this — you won’t find many in the world.

Hverir

Hverir is one of the most important geothermal areas in the country. It steams everywhere, it goes bloop bloop, it has that lovely smell of sulphur (or rotten egg, take your pick), there are magnificent colours and your shoes will be caked in mud. Sounds dreamy? Yes? Perfect! Because it’s an essential visit. There’s no big geyser like in the Golden Circle, but the colours are prettier. The setting is magnificent, because you’re among volcanoes and mountains, in a region that is both beautiful and hostile.

There are several walking paths at Hverir, including one that leads up Namafjall mountain, which offers a lovely overall view. When the weather conditions are bad, it’s closed.

The waterfalls of the north

Up there, you’ve got waterfalls that are magnificent, powerful, deafening, ultra-photogenic.

• Godafoss, magnificent, it resembles Niagara Falls but smaller. A rounded, horseshoe shape, and you can move around both sides. Careful in winter, a touch treacherous 😀
• Dettifoss, which is quite simply the most powerful waterfall in Europe. You can view it from both sides with two completely different perspectives, but you have to choose carefully, because it’s a 60 km drive from one to the other since there’s no bridge! This waterfall is insanely powerful; you can see the spray it throws up from kilometres away. The road isn’t tarmacked and can be difficult from autumn onwards, but it’s a must
• Selfoss, another really pretty one located next to Dettifoss. You reach it from the same car park. Not very tall, around ten metres, but very long, the waterfall continuing in a J shape

Hvítserkur

A curious rock formation before leaving the north to head south. I stumbled upon it completely by chance while leaving the Westfjords before taking the F35. Some might see a rhinoceros in it, but the name of this basalt rock means “white nightshirt”. Why not. Probably formed by a lava fissure, it’s become the region’s main tourist site, and honestly if I’d had more time I’d have stayed to try to catch the sunset or even the Northern Lights! You can easily get close to it, especially at low tide.

Western Iceland

Western Iceland is wild. I know, like a good part of the island. But even more so! And it’s often overlooked. And yet… it’s home to two fantastic places I’ll go into below: the Westfjords and the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Two quite simply exceptional areas (that’s a lot of superlatives, but they deserve them!)

The Westfjords

Apart from the central highlands (in a league of their own, it has to be said), the Westfjords are the wildest place on the island. Completely untouched nature, vast emptiness, endless fjords — welcome to the end of the world!

It’s hard to describe the Westfjords. Hard to say “you must see this and that”, because it’s really a whole. That said, there are 2 main roads, so it’s hard to get lost. But my advice would really be to take the minor roads rather than the main ones — like the 626 rather than the tunnel on the 60 — to climb up onto the high plateaus overlooking the fjords. That’s where you’ll get the most beautiful views. Also take the small roads out to the tips of the fjords. It’s far, but it’s worth it!

That said, it would be a shame not to see the following places:

• Latrabjarg, which in the right season is home to hundreds of thousands of birds, including a great many puffins. Don’t do what I did — don’t slog all the way there without checking whether they’re still around 😀
• The Dynjandi waterfall, unique, immense, wonderfully cute with its staircase shape
• A stop in Isafjordur, because it’s surprising to find a mini-town here, at the end of the world
• The Hornstrandir reserve, though it can only be done with an organised operator as it’s heavily protected. It’s notably home to the arctic foxes.

• Activity top pick: in the right season, the puffins at Latrabjarg, otherwise discovering the fjords one by one
• Accommodation I recommend: the charm of this little cottage out in nature

The Snaefellsnes peninsula

Quite simply my favourite place in Iceland. Why? Because you find absolutely everything here. Volcanoes, gorgeous crater fields, black-sand beaches, and Snaefellsjokull, which Jules Verne identified as the entry point to the centre of the Earth.

But also lovely churches, waterfalls, a hugely iconic mountain and some fine hikes. Want more? Then here’s what you mustn’t miss:

• arriving from the south, just before entering the peninsula, there are red craters on the right
• the mountain of Kirkjufell, very (too) popular but devilishly photogenic with its waterfall
• the hike from Arnarstapi to Hellnar (when you arrive, have a blueberry tart, it’s really good!)
• driving around Snæfellsjökull on the Utnesvegur road. You come into lava fields with surprising rock formations, craters and absolutely no one. You can also climb a volcano like Saxhóll. And if you’ve got the right car, take the track that climbs up Snæfellsjökull, it’s worth it!
• black-sand beaches like Djúpalónssandur
• And numerous viewpoints over the volcanoes, notably on Route 56
• The church of Ingjaldshólskirkja, but above all for its location and the magnificent surroundings

• Discover the Snaefellsnes peninsula from Reykjavik: find out more here
• Accommodation I recommend: the Old Post Office Guesthouse in Grundafjordur
• In the following article, more info about the Snaefellsnes peninsula

Central Iceland

The centre of the country is only accessible a few months a year, when weather conditions allow. Generally from June to September, but it depends on the year.

These are the most beautiful landscapes in the country — you just have to be able to get there. The roads are F-roads, so accessible only with suitable vehicles; there are rivers to ford, or else it’s on foot only.

Landmannalaugar

Oh wow, it’s beautiful! Now, if I tell you these are the most beautiful landscapes in the country (again! you’ll say), you’d better believe me. Multicoloured mountains, geothermal areas, red volcanoes, magnificent lakes, lava fields, and steam rising all over the place.

There are several roads to get to Landmannalaugar, each with its own share of wonders. Notably by way of the Fjallabak area. But the southern roads are even wilder!

Landmannalaugar is best known for hikes that are considered among the most beautiful in the world. No less. And honestly, having done a bit of it, it’s true — it’s quite simply exceptional.

• in the following article, discover how to get to Landmannalaugar

Laki

Did you know? Laki played a major role in the French Revolution. In 1783, a monstrous eruption occurred here. A 25-kilometre-long eruption spewing lava and smoke for more than a year. The consequences were the death of almost all the animals and crops, and therefore a terrible famine. The same thing happened in Europe, and particularly in France. Harvests were very poor because of the volcanic cloud and — bang! Revolt and revolution.

Anyway, Laki is now a chain of volcanoes along these 25 km, which you can view either by plane or on a stunning hike. It’s one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the country.

Hveradalir in Kerlingarfjoll, the mini Landmannalaugar

On the F35 road between the north and the south-west, you’ll find some magnificent landscapes, including a mini Landmannalaugar. The Hveradalir area is magnificent — here too it’s genuinely colourful mountains that you can walk among. The advantage is that it’s far easier to reach: the road is an F-road but less difficult, and the area is less touristy. It’s almost as beautiful!

Nearby you’ll find a geothermal area with hot baths, little geysers and bloop bloop: Hveravellir

The exceptional places in the centre I didn’t visit

• Þórsmörk: another exceptional hike doable only part of the year, which leads into canyons, crazy views, volcanoes, waterfalls and lava fields.
• Askja: right in the centre, hard to reach, it’s a volcanic caldera, that is to say a large crater with a lake inside. The whole thing belongs to a large volcanic complex, calderas following one another, calderas within calderas. In short, you wanted an end-of-the-world atmosphere — here you are!

FAQ: your questions about the most beautiful places in Iceland

What is the most beautiful place in Iceland?

It all depends on what you’re after, but if I had to choose, I’d say the central highlands: Landmannalaugar and Kerlingarfjöll, mountains in unreal colours and landscapes you won’t see anywhere else. The catch is that they’re hard to reach, only in summer and most often by 4×4 along F-tracks. For a place that’s magnificent and accessible all year round, I’d suggest the Snæfellsnes peninsula instead: a volcano, a glacier, beaches, cliffs and fishing villages in a tiny area — a real distillation of Iceland.

How many days do you need to see the most beautiful places in Iceland?

For a full loop of the island along the Ring Road without rushing, allow at least 7 to 10 days. In a week, you’ll already see the essentials of the south and east. If you want to add the Westfjords or the highlands, plan for 12 to 15 days instead. With only 3 or 4 days, focus on the south-west (Golden Circle, south coast, Reykjanes) from Reykjavik.

What’s the best season to discover the most beautiful landscapes?

My favourite month is September: everything is still open, including the highland tracks in early September, there are far fewer people than at the height of summer, prices drop, the Northern Lights make their return and the landscapes take on superb autumn colours. Summer (June to August) remains the safe bet for reaching everything, but it’s high season, with more people and higher prices. Winter offers magical atmospheres and the auroras, but part of the country becomes inaccessible.

Can you see the most beautiful places in Iceland without a car?

Yes, but only partly. From Reykjavik, many day trips cover the Golden Circle, the south coast, the Blue Lagoon or whale watching, and buses connect the main towns. However, to explore freely, stop wherever you like and reach the most remote corners, hiring a car remains by far the best option. Without a vehicle, you’ll see lovely things, but you’ll stay dependent on organised tours.

South or north: where do you find the most beautiful landscapes?

The south concentrates the most famous must-sees: giant waterfalls, black-sand beaches, glaciers and the Jökulsárlón lagoon, all easily accessible. The north, around Lake Myvatn and Húsavík, is more volcanic, wilder and far less visited. If it’s your first trip and time is tight, go for the south; if you’re after authenticity and quiet, the north will surprise you.

Do you need a 4×4 to reach the most beautiful sites?

For the Ring Road and the vast majority of tourist sites, a two-wheel-drive car is more than enough, including in summer. A 4×4 becomes essential as soon as you want to take the F-tracks leading to the highlands (Landmannalaugar, Kerlingarfjöll, Þórsmörk), where ordinary vehicles are in fact banned. In winter, a 4×4 also brings more safety on snowy or icy roads.

Which places are accessible in winter?

In winter, the south-west and the south coast remain broadly accessible: the Golden Circle, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, Jökulsárlón and the ice caves, which can in fact only be visited in this season. The Ring Road stays open but calls for caution and flexibility depending on the weather. On the other hand, the highlands and part of the Westfjords are closed from autumn to spring.

What is the most beautiful little-known place in Iceland?

If you want to get off the beaten track, I’m thinking of the Múlagljúfur canyon near Jökulsárlón, still little visited despite its spectacular waterfalls, or Stuðlagil, that basalt-column canyon in the east revealed to the wider public only a few years ago. The Westfjords, harder to reach, also offer a raw, almost deserted Iceland that few travellers take the time to discover.

Conclusion

And there you have it! I don’t think I’ve covered everything there is to see in Iceland, because that would be waaay too long, and besides, even after 3 trips I’m still very far from having discovered it all. But it’s already a good starting point — there’s something for everyone: for adventurers, easy things to see, and others that will take a bit of driving and a bit of luck with the weather.

But what’s clear is that Iceland is incredible, that every visit is different and, above all, that what you find in Iceland you won’t find anywhere else. Its landscapes are unique, so is its geology, and so is its weather.

• You can find ALL the articles about Iceland here!

Iceland resources:

• Planning your trip to Iceland
• The best time to visit Iceland
• Discovering Reykjavik
• Visiting the magnificent Golden Circle
• Itinerary for a weekend in Iceland
• What to do on the South Coast
• Discovering Vik i Myrdal and its region
• The magnificent Myvatn region
• What to do on the Reykjanes peninsula
• Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
• Seeing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik
• How to get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik
• Relaxing at the Blue Lagoon
• Which car to hire in Iceland
• Who are the best Northern Lights guides in Reykjavik?
• Visiting Iceland without a car