Iceland—a land of fire and ice, where rugged landscapes meet otherworldly beauty—captures the imagination like few other destinations. From cascading waterfalls to volcanic wonders, its unique attractions promise experiences that linger long after the trip ends. But with so much to see and do, what stands out most? We asked 11 thought leaders to share the one attraction or experience they were most excited about before visiting Iceland and why it fueled their anticipation. Whether it’s the thrill of nature’s raw power or the charm of cultural treasures, their answers reveal why Iceland is a traveler’s dream. Here’s what they had to say.
- Hike to Glymur Waterfall
- Explore Black Sand Beaches at Vik
- Visit Þingvellir National Park
- Descend Into Þríhnúkagígur Volcano
- Visit Abandoned Village of Hesteyri
- Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Experience Dormant Magma Chamber
- See Basalt Columns at Reynisfjara Beach
- Witness the Northern Lights
- Relax at the Blue Lagoon
- Discover Icelandic Lopapeysa Sweaters
Hike to Glymur Waterfall
I was so excited to hike to Glymur Waterfall. I had seen a few photos before the trip, but none of them really prepared me for what that experience would be like. It's not one of those tourist-heavy spots where you hop off a bus and walk a flat trail. You actually have to earn it a bit. That was part of the appeal for me. The hike has river crossings, steep paths, and even a log you need to balance across, which makes it feel more like an adventure than a simple trail walk.
Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt
Explore Black Sand Beaches at Vik
Iceland's Arctic beaches were something I hadn't considered before the trip, but the black sand beaches at Vik really captured my attention. The stark contrast of black sand, white foam, and rugged cliffs creates a strangely beautiful, eerie scene. It's a place that, in a way, feels almost untouched by time.
What struck me about these beaches wasn't just their beauty but the stillness they brought. The waves would crash against the shore, but everything around you seemed frozen. It's a perfect spot for reflection, and I spent hours walking along the coast, taking in the raw beauty of it. There's something about the solitude there that lets you disconnect in a way few other places can.
Jehann Biggs, President & Owner, In2Green
Visit Þingvellir National Park
Having planned a trip to Iceland, the place that most excited me was Þingvellir National Park. The singular reason for this is that it is a UNESCO World Heritage site (one of my favorite places in the world) due to the fact it was Iceland's first parliament site dating back to 930 A.D. Moreover, I have never seen the extraordinary views that lie at the intersection of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plate boundaries (you can walk between continents)--the surreal feeling of being in a rift valley formed by shifting geological forces can only be experienced, not explained. This combination of its rich cultural history and breathtaking landscapes made me add this site to my must-visit list.
Guillaume Drew, Founder, Or & Zon
Descend Into Þríhnúkagígur Volcano
I was most excited about exploring the volcanic landscapes of Þríhnúkagígur, the dormant volcano that you can actually descend into. It's not the typical tourist attraction, but the idea of standing inside a volcano, seeing its vast, colorful chambers up close, was something I couldn't resist.
The experience itself was nothing like I'd imagined. Taking a cable lift down into the volcano and walking through the cavernous space with walls that shimmered in shades of red and purple felt surreal. It was a unique way to get a deeper understanding of Iceland's volcanic activity, and something that really connected me to the earth's forces in a way other natural sights didn't. The isolation and silence down there made it feel like I was in a completely different world.
Sean Clancy, Managing Director, SEO Gold Coast
Visit Abandoned Village of Hesteyri
One experience I was genuinely excited about before going to Iceland had nothing to do with the usual glacier hikes or the Blue Lagoon. What really caught my attention was the idea of visiting the abandoned village of Hesteyri in the Westfjords. It's not something you see on every travel list, but that's exactly what drew me to it. The place is completely isolated, with no roads leading in, and the only way to get there is by boat. Once you're there, it's just this quiet, hauntingly beautiful stretch of land where time feels like it paused decades ago. No shops, no lights, no cell service. Just the old buildings, the surrounding mountains, and the silence.
Ann Monis, CEO & Co-Founder, Medical Anti-Aging
Explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula
I was most excited about exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and I'd been looking forward to it long before setting foot in Iceland. There was something about the idea of seeing so many different types of landscapes in one region that pulled me in. I'd read that it's sometimes called "Iceland in miniature" because it squeezes glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, and fishing villages all into one stretch of land. That kind of variety doesn't show up in most places, and I wanted to experience that mix all in a single day without constantly hopping between tourist spots.
Hugh Dixon, Marketing Manager, PSS International Removals
Experience Dormant Magma Chamber
Before visiting Iceland, the experience I was most excited about—by far—was descending into Þríhnúkagígur, the world's only accessible dormant magma chamber. I'd read about it months before booking my flight, and it felt like the perfect combination of science, adventure, and total sensory immersion.
What makes this place so unique is that it defies geology's usual rules. Normally, after a volcano erupts, the magma chamber collapses. But here, it didn't. Instead, it left behind a massive 200+ meter-deep cavity with walls stained in layers of oxidized minerals—iron, copper, sulfur—each creating its own color signature. You're not walking through a cave—you're literally being lowered into the planet's crust.
The open lift descent alone is surreal. You're suspended above rock formations that look hand-painted, and the further down you go, the quieter it gets. There's no lava, no glowing heat—just cool air, stillness, and the sense you've entered a place very few humans ever will.
Here's what I'd tell anyone considering it:
- Book early: Only a limited number of people can visit each day during the short summer season.
- Dress warm: It's around 3-4°C (37°F) inside, even in July. Gloves and a windbreaker go a long way.
- Don't just "snap and go": Pause at the bottom. It's rare to be inside a natural formation this large and untouched—give yourself a minute to soak it in.
If you're the kind of traveler who values rare, perspective-shifting experiences, this isn't just a cool photo op. It's a chance to stand inside a geological phenomenon and feel, quite literally, the power of the Earth beneath your feet.
Murray Seaton, Founder and CEO of Hypervibe / Health & Fitness Entrepreneur, Hypervibe (Vibration Plates)
See Basalt Columns at Reynisfjara Beach
One thing I was looking forward to in Iceland was seeing the basalt columns at Reynisfjara Beach. Being in the building materials industry, I have always been fascinated by the way nature creates structures that are both beautiful and functional. These columns are formed by cooling lava, creating almost perfectly shaped hexagonal pillars that look like something out of a design manual.
Beyond the geological aspect, there is something powerful about standing in a place where the elements have shaped the landscape so dramatically. The contrast of the black sand, crashing waves, and towering cliffs makes it feel like a completely different world. Seeing these formations up close was more than just a sightseeing trip. It was a reminder that some of the most stunning and durable materials come straight from the earth.
Erwin Gutenkunst, President and Owner, Neolithic Materials
Witness the Northern Lights
Before visiting Iceland, I was looking forward to seeing the Northern Lights. I had heard about them for years, and the thought of experiencing such a magical natural phenomenon in person was truly a dream come true. The fact that Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis made it even more exciting. I remember imagining the moment when I would finally see the swirling green and purple lights dancing across the dark sky. It was a rare experience that can't be described unless one sees it. Standing under the vast, clear night sky in Iceland, feeling the cold, crisp air and watching the lights move, was breathtaking. It's a true reminder of how beautiful and wild the world can be.
Johannes Hock, President, Artificial Grass Pros
Relax at the Blue Lagoon
I've always been drawn to experiences that combine relaxation with healing, so before visiting Iceland, I was especially excited about experiencing the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal spa, with its silica-rich waters, is not only a beautiful place but also provides real therapeutic benefits, especially for the skin. As someone who has dealt with the physical demands of managing a business, the opportunity to unwind in such a naturally healing environment felt like the perfect way to disconnect and recharge. The soothing warmth of the water and its mineral content helped me relax both physically and mentally, providing an unforgettable experience.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further insights!
Kyle Sobko, CEO, SonderCare
Discover Icelandic Lopapeysa Sweaters
Before heading to Iceland, I was particularly excited about delving into the rich mix of its textile traditions, specifically Icelandic Lopapeysa sweaters. As someone who's passionate about crochet, I was eager to see how Iceland's wool crafting culture contributes to intricate designs and practical clothing accessories that resonate with both utility and aesthetics. The lopapeysa is a testament to the harmony between tradition and contemporary style, showcasing the utility of crochet in creating functional art.
Iceland is also famed for its unique landscapes, and as a person mindful of detail, I was thrilled to explore the geometric beauty of basalt columns at Reynisfjara. These natural structures resemble crocheted patterns in their precision and artistry, mirroring how individual stitches combine to form something grander and unified. Such natural wonders fuel my creativity, offering inspiration for my future crochet projects.
Sonji Huerta, Founder, Crochet Craze
Conclusion: Why Iceland Beckons
From the rugged adventure of Glymur Waterfall to the serene beauty of the Blue Lagoon, these 11 thought leaders showcase Iceland’s incredible range. Whether it’s the thrill of descending into Þríhnúkagígur’s magma chamber, the haunting stillness of Hesteyri, or the cultural charm of Lopapeysa sweaters, each experience highlights a facet of Iceland’s wild, captivating spirit. Their stories weave a tapestry of nature’s power and human connection, proving there’s something here for every traveler. Iceland isn’t just a destination—it’s a call to explore, reflect, and marvel. So, heed the call and discover what excites you most in this land of fire and ice.
