Maps of Iceland

It's possible to drive the Ring Road in six days, but the longer you take, the more sites you can see and the longer you can spend at them. For example, you can do a 10-day self-drive tour of Ring Road and the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Iceland Ring Road and Westfjords Map

The Westfjords are Iceland's second most remote area behind the uninhabited Highlands. It's cut off from the Ring Road and requires a bit of a detour to reach. But by adding it to the trip, you'll fully encircle Iceland, as seen on this second Iceland driving map.

Many of the roads in the area are gravel, and snowstorms on mountain passes can happen even in summer, so you'll need to take your time as you drive from one scenic fjord to another.

The Westfjords are barely accessible during winter due to heavy snowfalls, closed roads, and even avalanche threats, but they are magical in summer. So think of this as the off-beat Iceland attractions map.

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• See also: The Ultimate Guide to the Westfjords of Iceland

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You can take the ferry Baldur between Stykkisholmur and Brjanslaekur in the Westfjords to decrease driving time, with an optional stop at the tranquil Flatey island, one of Iceland's hidden gems.

If you want to spend two weeks exploring the whole country at an affordable price, this 14-day budget Ring Road self-drive tour is for you.

For those who prefer a bit more luxury and an ensuite bathroom during your stay, this 14-day self-drive around Iceland and Westfjords tour is also available.

Westfjords Map

You can also explore the beautiful Westfjords on your own. See the Westfjords map below for its top attractions:

The capital of the Westfjords region is the town of Isafjordur. With a population of just over 2,500, it makes an excellent base for exploring the sights of the remote Westfjords.

These sights include the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, home to Arctic foxes and some of Iceland's most notable birds, like Arctic terns and black guillemots. If you want to go birdwatching, visit the Latrabjarg bird cliffs. The cliffs are 9 miles (14 kilometers) long and are the largest bird cliffs in Europe, so it's a great place to see the famous Atlantic puffin.

While in the Westfjords, you can also visit the 'Jewel of the Westfjords,' the stunning Dynjandi waterfall with its cascading flow down dramatic cliffs. We also recommend seeing Raudisandur beach, which is unusual for Iceland as its sands are naturally reddish-pink rather than the typical volcanic black.

Try this two-day wildlife tour to see what animals you can spot, or go on an 11-hour hiking tour through the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. The Westfjords also have excellent opportunities for kayaking — you could even see whales or dolphins on this 2-hour kayaking tour departing from Isafjordur.

The Golden Circle & West Iceland Driving Map

This map of Iceland attractions features the best locations in Southwest Iceland, including the Golden Circle sites and the many highlights of the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

The Golden Circle is the country's most popular sightseeing route and an excellent choice for those who find the Westfjords too remote or visit in the winter.

You can visit the Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park. It also includes natural sights like the Hraunfossar waterfall and human-made attractions such as the world-famous Blue Lagoon.

Since the capital is located in the center of the west's attractions, you can visit all major sites while staying in Reykjavik. Think of this as a highlights map of Iceland if you want to see the area's top sights in just a few days.

While traveling in West Iceland, you may want to spend more than a day exploring the Snaefellsnes peninsula. This two-day West Coast and Snaefellsnes peninsula winter tour is a great option to make the most of each location, whereas this six-day winter self-drive tour of the Golden Circle and Snaefellsnes peninsula is tailored towards northern lights hunting.

Iceland's South Coast Driving Map

The landscape of the South Coast of Iceland is known for its dramatic volcanic deserts and beautiful waterfalls. It has quickly become one of the most popular routes because it's close to Reykjavik and accessible. In one day, you can enjoy a round trip of visiting black sand beaches, taking a glacier hike tour, and exploring waterfalls and volcanoes.

You can reach the magnificent Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon in two days, and if traveling between mid-October and March, you can explore the insides of ice caves.

If you're traveling to Iceland in the winter, the South Coast, the Snaefellsnes peninsula, and the Golden Circle are the three routes with good accessibility year-round.

If you want to enjoy all three of these routes on a budget, this seven-day self-drive tour of South Iceland is highly recommended.

If you only have a few days in Iceland and want to spend time on the South Coast, you can take a two-day summer South Coast tour or a two-day winter South Coast tour that will take you to all the highlights.

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• Discover more: The Ultimate Guide to Iceland's South Coast

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Map of Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Skaftafell Nature Reserve is located within Vatnajokull National Park in Southeast Iceland. You can see where the nature reserve is located on the map of Skaftafell below.

The nature reserve is a hiker's paradise with many hikes available, whether it be a day hike or a multi-day journey. It makes a suitable base camp for anyone who wants to climb Hvannadalshnukur, the highest peak in Iceland. Take a Hvannadalshnukur climbing tour to ensure you can hike up safely with the expertise of a local guide.

Other popular routes in the area include a walk up to Svartifoss waterfall with its iconic basalt columns and another to Svinafellsjokull glacier, an outlier glacier of Vatnajokull. You can also take a 3.5-hour Glacier Hike on the Fallsjokull glacier with a licensed guide.

Also nearby is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, a large lake filled with enormous icebergs that break off from a glacial tongue and drift slowly out to sea. The lake is the deepest in Iceland and is also home to many seals that might say hi to visitors. The best way to experience this unique natural wonder is a boat tour of the Jokulsarlon lagoon to experience the icebergs up close.

Map of North Iceland

North Iceland is known for its deep fjords, beautiful lakes, and interesting cultural sites. It takes about a 6-hour drive to reach the north while departing from Reykjavik.

It's also home to the second-largest settlement outside the Capital Region, Akureyri. You can also visit the 'whale watching capital of Europe' Husavik, the beautiful Lake Myvatn and the stunning Asbyrgi canyon.

Many of the attractions are also covered in the Ring Road map, but down below, you can find more detailed maps of Lake Myvatn and Asbyrgi Canyon:

Lake Myvatn Geothermal Area

Lake Myvatn is definitely worth a visit while exploring North Iceland. The lake is the fourth largest in the country and is dotted with small islands. It's in a highly active geothermal area with many unique geological features and hot springs. You can take a dip in the geothermal water at Myvatn Nature Baths, which has large pools of warm mineral-rich water as well as two steam baths. Booking admission to the Myvatn Nature Baths is a great way to unwind after a day of exploring this beautiful area.

As you can see on the map of Myvatn lake above, the lake is also close to Krafla volcano and the Viti crater. The region is excellent for birdwatching and even the arctic fox can sometimes be spotted near nesting sites.

You can take a one-day tour of Lake Myvatn from Akureyri. Alternatively, if you're traveling in winter, you can go on an incredible dog-sledding tour pulled by adorable Siberian huskies.

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• See more: A Complete Guide to Lake Myvatn

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Asbyrgi Canyon Map

Asbyrgi Canyon in Northeast Iceland is best known for its horseshoe shape. There's a lot of interesting folklore surrounding the canyon — legend has it that it was formed by the footprint of Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.

The canyon is on the Diamond Circle route, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Husavik. Take a look at the map of the Diamond Circle below.

If you visit Asbyrgi canyon, don't forget to stop at the nearby Jokulsargljufur canyon and Dettifoss waterfall, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. The whole area is an excellent place to see the northern lights, and there are tours dedicated to helping visitors do just that. Try this northern lights tour from Akureyri, or sign up for a 10-hour Diamond Circle tour to see all the best sights in the area.

Map of Iceland's Natural Attractions

Iceland is world-renowned for its incredible natural wonders, including waterfalls, hot springs, and volcanoes, with fascinating towns and villages along the way.

The following maps are a great place to start if you seek such natural and cultural delights.

Map of Iceland's Waterfalls

Iceland's rugged landscape, with its wealth of glaciers and rivers, means there are more waterfalls than you can count all around the country. You don't even need to leave the city borders of Reykjavik since there's a waterfall found right in the valley of Ellidaardalur!

It would be impossible to try to count all the waterfalls that exist in Iceland. Many of them have no names, and new ones form each year from melting glaciers or changes in the ground due to earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

You can find a map of some of Iceland's most dramatic, powerful, and beautiful waterfalls above.

Gullfoss waterfall is Iceland's most famous waterfall. Its name, meaning 'Golden Falls,' is earned for its remarkable beauty and the rainbow crown that forms above it on sunny days. You can find it on the world-renowned Golden Circle route.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Skogafoss waterfall are a pair of popular and easily accessible waterfalls on the South Coast. They're 19 miles (30 kilometers) apart, connected by the Ring Road. Near them are other smaller waterfalls you can explore while there. Taking a minibus tour of the South Coast will not only bring you to both of these waterfalls, but you will also get to take part in an exciting glacier hike!

Only a short walk from Seljalandsfoss, you can find Gljufrabui waterfall. It is tucked between two cliffs, forming a hidden cave about 0.5 miles (800 meters) from Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Hiking up the trail at the top of Skogafoss waterfall will lead you to around 30 more waterfalls, one after the other.

Dettifoss waterfall, featured in the opening scene of the motion picture Prometheus, can be found in Northeast Iceland.

Glymur in the Westfjords is the tallest waterfall in the country that can be easily accessed. Another must-see waterfall in the Westfjords includes Dynjandi, with its cascading water flowing down a tall cliff, making it a very dramatic sight.

Iceland is known for its hexagon-shaped basalt columns, which has even inspired some of the country's architecture. Svartifoss waterfall in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve has water flowing down a backdrop of black basalt columns, making it a very special waterfall.

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• See also: The Basalt Columns of Iceland

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The smaller waterfalls are still impressive due to their picturesque nature or location, like Kirkjufellsfoss, which nestles close to the cone-shaped Kirkjufell mountain on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, or Hraunfossar falls, which trickles out of the lava in the western part of Iceland.

No matter which direction you decide to go, you'll surely find some impressive waterfalls.

While driving the Ring Road or through the Westfjords, you'll see more than you can count, providing countless photo opportunities and some magnificent sights.

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• See also: Waterfalls in Iceland

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Map of Iceland's Hot Springs and Swimming Pools

One thing you'll notice while driving around Iceland is that every town and village, no matter how small, will have a swimming pool.

The Greater Reykjavik area has a whopping 17 of them! In addition to the swimming pools in Reykjavik, there are also several hot springs and spas around the country you can bathe in, both human-made and natural.

You can easily find the swimming pools, as there will be a sign pointing the way to each one within each town, and since Iceland's towns and villages are small, finding them takes just minutes.

Arguably, the most stunning swimming pool in Iceland is the swimming pool in Hofsos, which boasts an undisturbed ocean view of Skagafjordur bay in North Iceland.

The natural pools are harder to pin down as many do not appear on Google Maps. But it's such a treat that we've added the ones we can find to this map of Iceland with attractions. Some are in the middle of nowhere, with no roads near them. Others are unmarked, so it's best to ask the locals if there are any hot pools in the vicinity.

The pools also vary in look, size, and temperature. Some natural hot springs are forbidden to enter because of danger (high temperature or falling rocks) or to protect the pools and the delicate surrounding nature.

If the hot springs are on private land, you need to ask for permission before entering the pool.

The above map is for a two-week summer hot spring self-drive tour that lists many pools, spas, geothermal areas, natural hot springs, and notable attractions along the route.

Deciding which pools to seek out will depend on what you're looking for. If you want modern comforts like a changing room, showers, and bathrooms, you'll be looking for something quite different from a natural pool that requires you to disrobe outdoors in the sun, rain, wind, or snow.

The Blue Lagoon is a world-famous geothermal water spa on the Reykjanes peninsula. It has showers, restrooms, changing facilities, on-site massages, a bar, a cafe, a restaurant, and even a hotel if you want to spend the night or have private access to the lagoon. Make sure to book your ticket to the Blue Lagoon early, as admission is limited and demand is high! 

With a small geyser bubbling nearby, another hot pool is the historic Secret Lagoon by the town of Fludir in South Iceland. It is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, built in 1891, but was transformed in the 21st century into a comfortable, warm geothermal pool. It has become more popular to end a tour of the Golden Circle by relaxing in the Secret Lagoon.

The Sky Lagoon is the perfect option if you'd prefer to stay in the capital region. Located in Kopavogur, it has a large geothermal pool with additional facilities, including a cold mist room, sauna and steam room, as well as a restaurant and an in-pool bar. It was opened in 2021 and has already gained a lot of popularity.

You can also head to Fontana Spa by Lake Laugavatn, where you can enjoy a sauna that's built right on top of a steaming geyser with a beautiful lake view. To lower the sauna's temperature, you simply open the door to let in some fresh air. The Myvatn Nature Baths in North Iceland offer a similar experience if you're exploring the region.

Krauma is one of the newest spa additions in Iceland, located right next to Deildartunguhver hot spring, the hot spring with the highest flow of water in the all of Europe. Getting a ticket to Krauma will grant you access to their sleek hot tubs and saunas, and don't forget to check out the stylish restaurant on-site.

Other new spas include the Geosea baths in North Iceland, fed with naturally heated saltwater, and the Vok Baths in the east.

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• See also: The 30 Best Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland

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Map of Iceland's Volcanoes

There are around 130 volcanoes in Iceland, although most are dormant.

The sheer amount of volcanoes means not all would fit on a map, but you can see the most notable ones above.  

Some of them are very picturesque from afar, such as the Snaefellsjokull volcano, which crowns the Snaefellsnes peninsula and, in clear weather, can be seen from the capital.

It's also famous for being the entry point to the Earth's core in Jules Verne's science fiction classic from 1864, Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Other volcanoes require challenging but spectacular hikes to reach, such as Eyjafjallajokull, which is found right by the famous Fimmvorduhals trek. This volcano became world-famous in 2010 when its eruption grounded flights all over Europe for weeks, as well as puzzling news anchors and journalists attempting to pronounce its name.

You can also explore beautiful volcanic craters that are easy to hike up to and around, such as Hverfjall and Kerid. You can even enter the now dormant caldera of a volcano with the Inside the Volcano tour. It's the only caldera on Earth where you can descend into it and explore its vast and colorful magma chamber.

Other volcanoes are tucked away in the Highlands, such as Bardarbunga volcano or Holuhraun volcano, where their destructive powers can change the landscape but do no harm to towns or villages nestled on the country's shores. Even so, the effects of the ash on farmland and air travel can still be catastrophic.

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• Learn more: Iceland's Volcanoes: The Complete Guide

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Reykjavik Maps

Almost all guests will spend at least one night of their holiday in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. Naturally, we have more than one map of Reykjavik for you.

Map of Reykjavik's Main Attractions

If you're looking for a detailed map of Iceland, then you also need a dedicated map of Reykjavik. Iceland's capital is full of interesting attractions, including impressive architecture, art galleries, museums, parks, and markets.

The most iconic landmark is the 245-foot (74.5-meter) tall Hallgrimskirkja church, visible from almost every angle in Reykjavik and beyond the city limits. From its top, you have a great view of the city (although visitors must pay a small fee, around 7 USD, to take the lift up the tower). You can find another viewing platform at Perlan, or The Pearl, which also houses several exhibitions, a cafe, and a restaurant.

The Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center is an attraction due to its impressive architecture, featuring a glass facade lit up with LED lights, and its many concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. Make sure you check the events calendar for Harpa before your visit.

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• See also: Sightseeing in Reykjavik

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For a little natural beauty in the city, visitors can enjoy the views of the pond Tjornin, located right next to Reykjavik City Hall. The City Hall is open to all visitors, with many art showings and music events throughout the year.

If you're curious about the Icelandic art scene, then there are dozens of art galleries, museums, and street art exhibits from which to choose. The main art galleries have been included in the map above. Furthermore, you can find many smaller ones on the main shopping streets of Laugavegur, Skolavordustigur, Hverfisgata, and the surrounding streets.

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• See also: Art Galleries in Reykjavik

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You can also find many sculptures throughout the city. The most famous one is most likely Solfarid, or The Sun Voyager, with its impressive seaside view of Faxafloi bay. We recommend a museum for Iceland's greatest sculptor, the Einar Jonsson Museum, located next to Hallgrimskirkja, with a beautiful sculpture garden with free entry behind it. If you venture to Laugardalur, Reykjavik's recreational area, you can also visit the Asmundur Sveinsson Sculpture Museum.

Laugardalur also has a botanical garden, a family park and zoo, the country's largest swimming pool (Laugardalslaug), a football stadium, a skating rink, and a campsite. 

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• See also: The Top 20 Festivals in Iceland

• See also: Top 10 Things to do in Reykjavík

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Outdoor markets are uncommon in Iceland, but you will find the fleamarket Kolaportid by the Old Harbor. In 2017, a food market opened at the Hlemmur bus stop, called 'Hlemmur Matholl,' and another food market, 'Grandi Matholl,' opened shortly after that near the harbor.

If you want to leave the city center for some beautiful sunset views or to see the northern lights in the winter, then head to the lighthouse at Grotta peninsula. Another unique place just outside the city is Videy island, which can be reached by ferry departing from the harbor, where you can see the historical Videyjarstofa and the Imagine Peace art installation by Yoko Ono. Alternatively, you can head to Ellidaardalur valley to enjoy a midnight picnic right next to a waterfall within the city's borders.

Map of Reykjavik's Nightlife

It's easy to navigate Reykjavik's nightlife on foot, especially if you're staying in the city center. There aren't many nightclubs, as most of Reykjavik's nightlife venues lead double or triple lives as cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, music venues, and clubs.

You'll find almost all the bars you'll need on or by Reykjavik's main shopping street: Laugavegur. It can take as little as a few seconds to go from one bar to the next in this lively Nordic capital.

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• See also: Nightlife in Reykjavik
• See also: Happy Hour - Reykjavik's Cheapest Bars

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If you're planning on barhopping, you could start by sipping on a cocktail at your hotel. Many of the upscale hotels in Reykjavik double as popular hangout places for fancy cocktails with house restaurants where you can have a glass of wine or two with your meal.

If you're more into craft beers, there are a few locales where you can start your night instead. The best bars for craft beer in Reykjavik are Skuli Craft Bar, MicroBar, and Bryggjan Brewery.

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• See also: Where to Stay in Reykjavik

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Following a drink at a hotel or a craft beer bar, you can go to one of the hostels, such as Loft Hostel or KEX Hostel, where there's usually live music or stand-up comedy.

Here, the crowds are more relaxed, and it's easier to mingle with strangers when you're both laughing or enjoying the same live jazz. To end the night, choose between many bars that double as nightclubs, with music playing long into the night (most venues close at 5 AM on weekends).

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• See also: Icelandic Music

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Tjarnarbio, Idno, and Thjodleikhusid host theater performances, live music, and improv comedy throughout the week and are great spots to check out. If you're looking for live rock music, Dillon, Gaukurinn and Lemmy's are the best choices downtown.

Bio Paradis is not just a great spot to watch classic Icelandic films (with English subtitles) or international art-house films. It also serves beer and has a cozy sofa area surrounded by movie posters frequented by locals looking to relax or play games.

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• See also: Secret Reykjavik

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Map of Reykjavik's Swimming Pools

You can find hundreds of swimming pools all over Iceland. Many Icelandic swimming pools would be considered spas in other countries but still have an unbeatable entry price.

The largest pool in Reykjavik and all of Iceland is the Laugardalslaug swimming pool, which sports both an indoor and outdoor pool, saunas, a massage room, seven hot tubs, and also a cold tub. If that wasn't enough, there's also a large gym next door called with the secluded spa for an additional cost.

The most central swimming pool in Reykjavik is the historical Sundholl Reykjavikur. It is the oldest swimming pool in Reykjavik but was renovated in 2017 with an additional outdoor pool, sauna, as well as hot and cold tubs. Two other swimming pools are relatively close to Reykjavik's city center, Vesturbaejarlaug and Seltjarnarneslaug. Both are outdoor (heated) pools with several hot tubs and saunas.

Map of Iceland's Towns & Villages

Reykjavik is the only actual city in Iceland. The other settlements in the country are small by the global standard and considered towns or villages. Each one has its own distinct character and charm, with at least a few places of note that are worth a visit.
Below, you'll find a map of some of the most famous or popular towns in Iceland to help plan your trip:

The largest town outside of the capital region is Akureyri, with a population of about 20,00, sometimes called 'the Capital of the North.' Other popular towns across Iceland are Selfoss in South Iceland, Egilsstadir, the largest settlement of East Iceland, and the secluded Isafjordur in the Westfjords. Selfoss has just under 7,000 people, while Egilsstadir and Isfjordur have roughly 2,500 people living there.

The largest towns in West Iceland are Borgarnes and Stykkisholmur, with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants.

These smaller towns tend to have limited numbers of grocery stores, hotels, and restaurants compared to Reykjavik. However, you should be able to find the basic amenities you're looking for. Researching your destination before traveling is a good idea to ensure you have enough food and supplies for your stay.

A Driving Tour of Iceland's Towns and Cities

If you're planning to tour Iceland's towns, look at the towns and cities map below. The map has a suggested route for your trip that visits some of Iceland's most notable towns and cities.

The route can be done in seven days, but you'll definitely want more time than this to explore all the sights and attractions you'll pass along the way. The route starts and ends at Reykjavik and passes through towns such as Vik, Selfoss, Hofn, Egilsstadir, Husavik, and Isafjordur. You can learn more about some of these towns below.

Map of Akureyri

Akureyri is called the "Capital of the North" as it is the largest town in Iceland outside of the Greater Reykjavik Area. It's the cultural hub of North Iceland and has plenty to keep visitors occupied during their stay. The below map of Akureyri shows some of the best things to do in the area.

Attractions in Akureyri include the Laufas turf house, the northernmost botanical garden in the world, a swimming pool, and the Akureyrarkirkja church, with its iconic stairs leading up to the church door. In the winter, you can go skiing on Mount Hlidarfjall, one of the best ski resorts in the country. There's also a fun Christmas House, which celebrates Christmas year-round and sells all sorts of festive trinkets and treats.

You can also drive to Dalvik to take the ferry to Hrisey island, a beautiful and tranquil place with an interesting history.

Husavik Map

Husavik is a small town in North Iceland and one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. Most boat tour operators offer 100% sighting rates in the summer months. The water is home to baleen whales, dolphins and porpoises, and Arctic puffins are also often seen in the area. Browse a wide range of whale-watching tours and book before you travel.

Husavik was also featured in the 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. There's now a bar inspired by the film in the town, Jaja Ding Dong Husavik.

Beyond whales and films, it's a beautiful place to visit and has a fascinating history. Take a look at the below map of Husavik to see some of the best things to do while visiting there.

Map of Selfoss

Selfoss is a town in South Iceland with a population of just under 7,000 people. It's about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Reykjavik. You can see a map of Selfoss and some of the best things to do here.

Selfoss is a good base if you want to explore the sights of the Golden Circle, but it's also close to the world-famous Geysir hot springs. From Selfoss, you can also reach Kerid crater, Ingolfsfjall mountain and the hot springs valley of Reykjadalur.

You'll find an interesting church and a museum dedicated to the chess player Bobby Fischer, who became an Icelandic citizen in his later years, in the town itself. The town is also home to the 'Sumar a Selfossi' (Summer in Selfoss) festival, with musical acts and a fete.

Plan Your Trip to Iceland

Organizing a trip to a new country can be tricky. But with the maps of Iceland in this article, you'll be ready to go no matter what type of vacation you're planning. The only thing left to do now is to book your trip and start having fun!

Is there an Iceland travel map missing that you'd like to see on this list? Did these maps of Iceland with attractions help you plan your trip to Iceland? Log in to Facebook to see or add to the comment section below!