Is there anything you can recommend in Iceland?
Absolutely, here’s a concise, field-tested shortlist to spark your plans and inspire your own recommendations below. Whether you want hot pools, wild highlands, or coastal road trips, you’ll find it here.
The essentials (easy day trips from Reykjavik)
- Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park, the erupting geyser at Strokkur, and the mighty Gullfoss Waterfall. Add Kerid Crater if you have extra time.
- South Coast highlights: Seljalandsfoss (walk behind the falls), Skogafoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach (admire from a safe distance), Dyrholaey, and on longer days, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach.
Hot pools worth the detour
- Blue Lagoon for the classic experience.
- Sky Lagoon near Reykjavik for ocean views and a refined spa ritual.
- Forest Lagoon by Akureyri for woodlands, views, and a cozy bistro.
- GeoSea in Husavik for mineral-rich geothermal seawater with fjord views.
- Hvammsvík Hot Springs in Hvalfjordur for tidal edge-of-the-ocean pools amid dramatic mountains.
- Laugarás Lagoon on the Golden Circle for a new two-level lagoon beside the Hvita River and an on-site restaurant.
Regions you’ll love
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula: A mini-Iceland of cliffs, lava fields, beaches, and the photogenic Kirkjufell.
- North Iceland & the Diamond Circle: Godafoss Waterfall, Lake Myvatn’s geothermal sites, powerful Dettifoss Waterfall, Asbyrgi Canyon, and whale watching from Husavik.
- Eastfjords: Quiet fishing villages, fjord roads, reindeer sightings, and superb hiking.
- Westfjords: The thunderous Dynjandi Waterfall and the Latrabjarg Bird Cliffs, where puffins nest in summer.
- Highlands (summer only by 4x4): Landmannalaugar’s rhyolite colors and steaming valleys, and the Highland Baths at Kerlingarfjoll.
Seasonal magic at a glance
- Midnight sun: Bright nights from roughly mid-May to early August, peaking around the June 21 solstice. It’s fantastic for late-night photography and crowd-free sightseeing.
- Northern lights: Best chances from late August through April when skies are dark. Aim for clear nights and low light pollution.
- Puffins: On cliffs from about May to mid-August; great viewpoints include Latrabjarg (Westfjords) and the Westman Islands.
- Whale watching: Strong from spring to early autumn; North Iceland (Husavik) is especially rewarding in summer.
- Ice caves: Natural crystal ice caves in Vatnajokull are a winter experience, usually November–March, always with certified guides.
Road-trip ideas
- 3 days: Golden Circle + South Coast to Vik.
- 5–7 days: Extend the South Coast to Jokulsarlon and add Snaefellsnes.
- 8–10 days (Ring Road sampler): Reykjavik → South Coast → Southeast glaciers → Eastfjords → North Iceland (Myvatn/Husavik/Akureyri) → West to Reykjavik.
Smart, safe, and respectful
- Driving and roads: Check road and weather conditions before you go. F-roads into the Highlands open only in summer and require a proper 4x4. Never drive off-road.
- Reynisfjara safety: Keep a generous distance from the waves and follow on-site guidance. Sneaker waves can surge suddenly.
- Pool etiquette: Shower without swimwear before entering pools; it’s part of Icelandic bathing culture and keeps the water pristine.
- Nature first: Stay on marked paths, give wildlife space, and leave stones and moss undisturbed.
Need a hand planning?
If you’d like a route tailored to your dates and interests, tell us what you want to see and we’ll design a customised self drive tour for you.
Why You Can Trust Our Content
Guide to Iceland is the most trusted travel platform in Iceland, helping millions of visitors each year. All our content is written and reviewed by local experts who are deeply familiar with Iceland. You can count on us for accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy travel advice.
Please tell us what you recommend ...
Now it’s your turn, share your favourite spots, road-trip tips, hidden cafés, and best swims. Helpfulness breeds happiness :)
