Top 12 Best Things To Do and See in Iceland

12. Go On a Whale Watching Tour

Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Iceland. Over twenty species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises call the Icelandic coastal waters home, ranging from the small harbor porpoises to the earth’s largest animals, blue whales. The accessibility of whale-watching makes it easy to squeeze in a busy itinerary, as you can go whale-watching from the downtown area of Reykjavik.

The most common species to see are minke whales and humpback whales. There’s also a possibility of seeing rarer animals, such as killer whales and fin whales. While the whales are the star of the show, during a whale-watching tour, you can also spot various birds that reside in Iceland, such as skuas, terns, guillemots, and even the colorful puffin.

Whale-watching tours depart from three primary locations: Reykjavik, Akureyri, and Husavik. Husavik is considered the 'whale-watching capital of Europe' due to the abundant animal traffic that passes through its fjords. This activity results from fertile feeding grounds found off Iceland’s northern coasts.

Photo from Flexible 4-Hour Whale Watching & Puffin Watching Tours Combo with Transfer from Reykjavik

You can take a whale-watching tour on either a large vessel or a smaller powerboat.

Bigger boats are perfect for larger tour groups. They have reliable tracking technology, so they’re quite reliable for finding whales.

On the other hand, smaller boats mean smaller groups and a more intimate setting. Powerboats can also get closer to the animals themselves as their motors make less noise.

11. Go Horseback Riding 

The Icelandic horse is arguably the country’s most famous four-legged resident. Instantly recognizable for its diminutive stature, short legs, and muscular build, this isolated breed is famed for its reliability, resistance to harsh natural elements, and for having not four, but five gaits. Despite their smaller and sturdy stature, they are always referred to as horses, and you might get funny looks calling them ponies to Icelanders!

The Icelandic horse is such a unique breed that breeding them with other horses is prohibited in Iceland, and when a horse leaves the country, it can never return.

By choosing to partake in an Icelandic horse riding tour, visitors guarantee themselves a tried-and-tested method of experiencing Icelandic nature. Touring by horseback has been a popular way of seeing Iceland for centuries, during which time the original breed arrived from Scandinavia and eventually evolved into the animal we know and love today. It’s also a fun activity to do in Iceland for visitors of all ages!

• See also: The Icelandic Horse | A Comprehensive Guide 

Knowledgeable and certified instructors lead horseback riding tours for both beginners and experienced riders.

Most horse riding tours in Iceland last for approximately one to four hours (though there are options to extend this) and will offer the chance for a quick trot for those who feel confident in the saddle.

10. Have a Night Out in Reykjavik

Photo by Nanna Gunnarsdóttir 

What is there to do in Iceland at night? Going out at night is undoubtedly a favorite amongst locals, who will jump at the chance to enjoy a few cold ones before the night’s end. We can’t be sure whether this has anything to do with beer only being legalized in 1989 or perhaps the eternal darkness that blankets the country each year.

Downtown Reykjavik is awash with bars, coffee houses, restaurants, and social events. The vast majority of them will see a decent blend of local Icelanders and outside visitors, thus ensuring a night of exciting conversation. There’s a reason why going out at night is one of the popular things to do in Reykjavik!

To alleviate any stress put on your wallet, most establishments have happy hour (a time when drinks are offered at a discount) for at least three hours. However, customers of Guide to Iceland have exclusive access to our VIP Club, giving them great discounts and special offers on drinks at various bars and pubs in downtown Reykjavik.

Photo by Nanna Gunnarsdóttir 

• See also: Nightlife in Iceland

As with most places worldwide, the longer the night goes on, the more rowdy downtown Reykjavik’s general atmosphere will become. Some bars don't close until around 3-4 AM. During the summer, it's always an interesting experience stepping out of a dim-lit bar and realizing it's as bright as day outside, despite it being the middle of the night.

Thankfully, most hotels and guesthouses are within walking distance, so it’s only a short stumble back to your hotel after the party ends.

9. Visit Lake Myvatn in North Iceland

Lake Myvatn is a beautiful lake located in a highly geothermally active area in the north of Iceland. The lake is the fourth largest body of water in Iceland, and you can find multiple islands strewn across it. There you can also find the geothermal Myvatn Nature Baths, to relax in after a long day of exploring.

The area is renowned for its extensive flora and fauna stemming from the lake's rich sources of energy and nutrition. Reportedly, you can find 58 different species of birds in the area, making it a great place for bird spotting.

One downside of the wealth of fauna thriving in the area can be found in the lake's name. Myvatn means "Midge Lake" in Icelandic, and during the summer, you will find plenty of midge flying about the lake. It's recommended to wear long-sleeve shirts when visiting, and if you want to be completely safe from these annoying flyers, bring a head net.

There are more things to do in North Iceland than just visiting the lake. Visitors will find a variety of activities to do in Iceland during their visit. Check out the Skutustadagigar pseudo-craters, the geothermally active Namaskard Pass, and even Dimmuborgir, or “Dark Fortress,” an area of strange yet hauntingly beautiful volcanic rock formations.

• Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Lake Myvatn

8. Relax in the Blue Lagoon Spa

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited places in Iceland, for valid reasons. It has become world-famous in recent years because of its unique relaxing atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. The geothermal spa is well known for its healing silica mud, which can be applied to the face while staying there.

Its convenient location near the airport also helps make it easy to slip into a busy itinerary, so there's no reason to miss out while staying in Iceland.

Even visitors who only have a limited time in Iceland, such as a long layover, can take a quick Blue Lagoon tour or the shuttle bus to the Blue Lagoon.

If you'd prefer to stay in the capital region, you can visit the beautiful Sky Lagoon, located just a 10-minute drive from the city center. You can easily book admission to the Sky Lagoon and enjoy their iconic 7-step spa ritual and amazing views of the nearby fjord from their infinity pool.

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to the Blue Lagoon
• Learn the difference: Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon: Which One Should You Visit?

7. See Dettifoss Waterfall in North Iceland

Dettifoss waterfall, found in Vatnajokull National Park in the Northeast of the country, is Europe’s most powerful waterfall and an Iceland must-see attraction. When making your list of where to go in Iceland, don’t forget this waterfall.

Falling 144 feet (44 meters) from the Jokulsa a Fjollum river, Dettifoss waterfall crescendos with a mighty crash into Jokulsargljufur Canyon below, creating one of the most spectacular and dramatic natural sites in the country. It was famously used in the opening scene of the sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus.

Dettifoss waterfall is accessible from Route 862 and one of the main stops on a Diamond Circle Tour, the northern counterpart of the famed Golden Circle. Alongside Dettifoss waterfall, visitors to the Diamond Circle will also visit Husavik, Asbyrgi Canyon, and Lake Myvatn. 

If you’re planning to visit this part of the country, be sure to check out other things to do in Husavik and things to do in Akureyri, both of which are in North Iceland.

• Read more: 11 Must-See Destinations in North Iceland

6. Places to See in Iceland: The Westfjords

International guests tend to visit the Westfjords less often than the South, Southwest, and North because the famous Ring Road goes right past it. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a fantastic place to see. It makes it an even more attractive destination if you want to be away from large crowds.

West Iceland attractions have a rich history steeped in folklore, mysticism, and magic. The Westfjords are as beautiful as they are culturally fascinating. From the towering bird cliffs of Hornstrandir to the tumbling Dynjandi waterfalls, the Westfjords have something for everybody.

The Westfjords boasts the northernmost glacier in Iceland, Drangajokull glacier, the picturesque Arnarfjordur bay, the domineering Bolafjall mountain, and the puffin-rich island of Flatey. All of these and more make up the diverse and staggeringly beautiful landscapes of Northwest Iceland.

• See Also: The Westfjords of Iceland

Those looking to examine the region’s history and culture visit the Arctic Fox Center, the Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery, the Westfjords Heritage Museum, the White-Tailed Eagle Center, and the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum. If you need a place to stay, make sure to book a hotel in the Westfjords ahead of time to guarantee you have a room.

5. The Gem of Iceland - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon    

In a country full of unique natural wonders, it's hard to pinpoint the one that stands out above the others. However, any discussion about the greatest places to visit in Iceland simply must include Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. 

• See also: Northern Lights at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

This glacier-filled lake should be near the top of your list of what to see in Iceland. Glittering icebergs groan and crunch against one another as they make their way from Breidamerkurjokull glacier to the Atlantic Ocean.

While some visitors choose to partake in a zodiac boat tour, others are content to sit on the shoreline and watch as the playful seals that live in the area dip and dive around the chunks of ice in what may be the most beautiful places in Iceland.

Just a five-minute walk from the lagoon itself, visitors will discover Diamond Beach. Icebergs frequently wash ashore on this aptly named stretch of coast. The glittering icebergs contrast with the jet-black sand, resulting in one of Iceland’s most visually stunning natural landscapes.

The area surrounding the glacier lagoon is excellent to spot northern lights in the winter because of the lack of light pollution. There are many great hotels near Jokulsarlon Lagoon which you can stay at and marvel at the aurora in the evening time.

4. Take a Dip in a Natural Hot Pool!

Photo from Relaxing 4-Hour Hike to Reykjadalur Valley With Hot Spring Tour from Hveragerdi

Iceland's geological activity doesn't only mean an abundance of volcanoes and earthquakes. It also means... hot springs!

Iceland is a young land mass, being only a few million years old, meaning much of the landscape is still alive. Guests here have popularized the pursuit of churning mud pools, steaming volcanic vents, and erupting hot springs, such as Strokkur on the Golden Circle sightseeing tour. These natural wonders are worth adding to your list of what to visit in Iceland.

• See also: The 30 Best Hot Springs in Iceland

Thankfully, not all of this activity is quite so dramatic. One of the incredible byproducts of living in a geothermally active country is the abundance of natural hot pools dotting the landscape.

Hot spring tours make for fantastic getaways and are the number one way to counter jet lag or a hangover. They’re also an excellent place to kick back and have a friendly chat with fellow bathers. You could even view the northern lights from the hot spring when conditions are right. How amazing is that!

3. Tour the Golden Circle and Go Snowmobiling or Snorkeling

Photo from Private 9-Hour Golden Circle & Snowmobiling Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular sightseeing route. It comprises three major attractions: The historic Thingvellir National Park, the highly active Geysir Geothermal Area, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. These are some of the best things to see in Iceland and it's easily accessible as they are close to the capital city of Reykjavik.

• See also: Iceland’s Golden Circle | Ultimate Guide and Top 9 Detours

You can drive the Golden Circle in a few hours, making time for other activities for the rest of the day. Others opt to spread out the drive over a whole day, making time for snorkeling tours and snowmobile tours for extra excitement.

Thingvellir National Park is important to Icelanders for many reasons. It's natural beauty is unique as it is where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia are drifting part. That creates a dramatic landscape of moss-covered lava fields, deep gorges and waterfalls.

It also has historical significance as Althingi, the oldest working national assembly in the world, was established at Thingvellir in 930 AD. Additionally, it was where Iceland's declaration of independence was formally signed in 1944.

At Thingvellir, you will also find Silfra Fissure, one of the top 10 snorkeling spots in the world.

• See also: National Parks in Iceland

Haukadalur is home to the hot springs, Geysir and Strokkur, the latter of which erupts to over 65 feet (20 meters) in the air every five minutes or so and is surrounded by numerous steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pools.

Six miles (10 kilometers) to the north, you will find the third and final stop on the Golden Circle, the Gullfoss waterfall. This 105-foot (32-meter) high is called the "Golden Falls" for a reason, as it cascades over two rocky tiers and into a dramatic valley below. On a sunny day, you will find a rainbow crowned above it, making the view extra special.

Guests who visit Gullfoss waterfall can choose to partake in a snowmobile tour on Iceland’s second-largest glacier, Langjokull. It's an amazing feeling to glide across the snowy surface of a glacier with a white horizon in every direction, and should not be missed!

If you'd prefer to stay near the sightseeing route, you can book a hotel close to the Golden Circle and enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you wake up in the morning.

2. Must See Iceland: Witness the Northern Lights

One of Iceland’s biggest draws is the northern lights, otherwise known as the aurora borealis. This natural light display can only be seen in winter and only in the Earth’s northernmost areas. This incredible phenomenon, dancing in ribbon-like waves of purple, green, and gold, must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

• See also: The Northern Lights

The northern lights are infamously elusive. To see them, conditions must be nearly perfect: limited-or-no cloud cover, flaring activity in the magnetosphere, and no light pollution.

When they do appear, there’s no knowing exactly when, where, or how long the lights will dance in the sky. But that’s part of what makes them a must-see in Iceland. Thankfully, there are handy steps you can take to maximize your chances of seeing them.

The best way is to take a guided northern lights tour. Guides know the best and darkest vantage points. They can also provide a wealth of scientific information to add even more color to the experience.

Read our guide on when and where to find the northern lights.

If a tour isn’t something you’re interested in, rent a car in Iceland and drive to a location away from the light pollution in Reykjavik. More remote rural areas will have better visibility than the city. Then be patient! While you can’t control the weather, you can do your best to be ready if the conditions are right.

1. Go Glacier Hiking and Ice Caving      

As its name suggests, Iceland is a land defined by frozen landscapes. While some think Iceland is not quite frozen enough to warrant the name (compared to Greenland), it's still a country of floating icebergs, sweeping glaciers, and dazzling blue ice caves.

During the winter, Iceland truly lives up to its name. It’s an environment perpetually trapped between darkness and glittering white snow. There are many cool things to do in Iceland - literally and figuratively!

The ultimate icy experience is entering one of the country’s gorgeous blue ice caves. These are, however, only accessible in the winter months.

• Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to Ice Caves in Iceland

Thankfully, Iceland’s best frozen attractions, its glaciers, are accessible to explorers throughout the year via glacier hikes. This availability is good news for those visitors looking to see these mighty giants up close and even better for those willing to slip on a pair of crampons and take to hiking the ice cap itself.

Did you enjoy our choices for the top 12 things to do in Iceland? Did it help you choose what to do in Iceland? Feel free to leave your thoughts and queries in the comments below.