What to see in Iceland

The National Museum of Iceland was established on 24 February 1863 and stands as the country's central institution for heritage conservation and research on cultural monuments. Located on Sudurgata street in Reykjavik, the museum's permanent exhibition traces Icelandic cultural history from the age of settlement through to the present day, covering Viking-age artefacts, medieval ecclesiastical objects, and everyday items from later centuries. The collection holds some of the most significant archaeological and historical objects ever found in Iceland.

The Krafla geothermal area is a high-temperature volcanic zone in northeast Iceland, situated beside Lake Myvatn and centred on the Krafla caldera and its associated volcanic system. The Krafla geothermal power plant, operated by Landsvirkjun, harnesses steam from 33 boreholes to generate around 500 GWh of electricity annually at an installed capacity of 60 megawatts -- the first major geothermal electricity plant of its scale in Iceland. The surrounding landscape features steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pools, and craters formed during the Krafla eruption series of 1975 to 1984.

Landmark Lutheran church designed by Gudjon Samuelsson (same architect as Hallgrimskirkja) overlooking Akureyri. Free entry, beautiful stained glass windows donated from Coventry Cathedral. 4.6 stars.

Iceland's most important medieval site — seat of the bishopric from 1056 to 1785. Current white church (1963) stands on foundations of a 12th-century stone cathedral. Ruins and museum. 4.4 stars.

Small uninhabited island in Kollafjordur bay accessible by ferry from Reykjavik. Iceland's oldest stone house (1755), Imagine Peace Tower (Yoko Ono), puffin colonies, and peaceful walking. 4.6 stars.

Historic farm where Snorri Sturluson, author of the Prose Edda and Heimskringla, lived and was assassinated in 1241. Museum, medieval hot pool, and church. 4.5 stars.

Historic site and bishopric seat of northern Iceland since 1106. Current red stone cathedral (1763) is Iceland's oldest stone church. College and museum on site. 4.5 stars.

Best-preserved turf farmstead in Iceland, inhabited until the 1940s. A cluster of timber-fronted turf buildings linked by a central corridor. 4.5 stars.

One of Scandinavia's finest natural history museums dedicated entirely to whales. Life-size whale skeletons, interactive exhibits, and whale watching context. Combined tickets with boat tours available. 4.7 stars.

Ancient hand-carved cave dwellings cut into volcanic tufa rock, thought to be among the oldest man-made structures in Iceland, predating the settlement era. Guided tours only. 4.7 stars.

Iceland's most active and feared volcano, erupted over 20 times since settlement. No summit access due to eruption risk. Hekla Center museum at the base. Dramatic views from Route 26. 4.3 stars.

Remote highland caldera in the Dyngjufjoll mountains with an acid crater lake (Víti) where you can swim in warm water. 4WD essential. Accessible July-September only. 4.8 stars.

The world's largest volcanic canyon — 40 km long, up to 270m deep — created by a massive eruption in 939 AD. Ofaerufoss waterfall at its heart. 4WD required, accessible summer only. 4.7 stars.

Iceland's most frequently erupting volcano, located beneath the Vatnajokull ice cap. Not visitable directly but eruptions visible from distance. Last major eruption 2011. 4.4 stars.

Row of 130 craters from the 1783 Laki eruption that caused a famine killing 25% of Iceland's population. Accessible by 4WD in summer via F206. Otherworldly lava fields and church. 4.8 stars.

The Krafla system's Viti explosion crater is filled with opaque blue-green water. Driveable to the rim, short walk around. Adjacent geothermal power plant visible. 4.6 stars.

Dramatic lava field on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, formed 4000 years ago. Local saga tells of two berserkers who cleared a path through it. Free walking, no facilities. 4.4 stars.

Strokkur is a fountain-type geyser located in the geothermal area of Haukadalur beside the Hvita River in southwest Iceland, roughly 100 km east of Reykjavik and a key stop on the Golden Circle route. Unlike the dormant Great Geysir nearby, Strokkur erupts with impressive regularity every 6 to 10 minutes, shooting a column of boiling water typically 15 to 20 metres into the air. On occasion eruptions reach up to 40 metres. The churning blue bubble that forms just before each eruption has become one of Iceland's most photographed natural phenomena.

Historic harbour with colourful fishing boats, whale watching tour operators, restaurants, and the landmark Sun Voyager sculpture. Hub for boat tours to Videy Island. 4.6 stars.

Museum built around the excavated ruins of a Viking-age longhouse from around 871 AD, the oldest man-made structure in Reykjavik. Multimedia exhibits on Settlement Iceland. 4.5 stars.

Guided glacier hike on Falljokull glacier outlet from Skaftafell visitor centre within Vatnajokull National Park. Various difficulty levels available. 4.7 stars.

Ride the compact, five-gaited Icelandic horse through lava fields and across rivers. Farms near Selfoss and Hveragerdi offer 1-hour to multi-day tours. Suitable for all levels. 4.7 stars.

Guided tours into natural ice caves inside Vatnajokull glacier, accessible October-March only. Brilliant blue ice walls and chandeliers of ice. Depart from Jokulsarlon. 4.8 stars.

55 km multi-day hike through colorful rhyolite mountains, obsidian lava fields, glaciers and hot springs. 4 days, 4 mountain huts en route. Best late June-September. 4.8 stars.

Bus and boat tours depart Reykjavik nightly September-March chasing the Northern Lights away from city light pollution. Best chances October-February on clear nights. 4.5 stars.

The village of Vik has minimal light pollution and sea views — excellent location to watch Northern Lights in winter. The church on the hill offers 360° dark-sky conditions. Sept-March. 4.6 stars.

Futuristic glass dome on Oskjuhlid hill housing a nature museum with an artificial glacier, planetarium shows (Northern Lights simulation), and 360° observation deck. 4.6 stars.

1-hour boat tours from Reykjavik Old Harbour to Lundey and Akurey islands where Atlantic puffins nest May-August. Thousands of puffins visible at close range from the boat. 4.5 stars.

Europe's largest bird cliff (14 km) in the Westfjords, home to millions of puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Puffins nest May-August and can be approached very closely. 4.8 stars.

Sea angling boat tours from Reykjavik harbour catching cod, haddock, and catfish. Some tours include cooking your catch onboard. 2-4 hour trips available year-round. 4.5 stars.

Snowmobile tours year-round on Langjokull, Iceland's second largest glacier. Man-made ice tunnel below the surface also accessible. Depart from Husafell or by guided bus from Reykjavik. 4.7 stars.

8000-year-old lava tube cave on Snaefellsnes, 200m long and 35m deep. Guided tours only -- descent via spiral staircase into the volcanic chamber. Year-round, helmets provided. 4.6 stars.

Archipelago of 15 islands off south Iceland's coast. Home to Eldfell volcano, the 1973 eruption museum, massive puffin colonies, and excellent whale and bird watching. Ferry from Landeyjahofn. 4.7 stars.

Collection of historic Icelandic buildings relocated from around the country and city, reconstructing life in 19th and early 20th-century Iceland. Costumed staff in summer. 4.5 stars.

Tiny black wooden church standing alone in a lava field against the Snaefellsjokull glacier backdrop -- Iceland's most iconic and photographed church. Free to enter when open. 4.5 stars.

Iceland's largest church, designed by state architect Gudjon Samuelsson. 73m tower modelled on lava flows offers panoramic city views. Construction spanned 1945-1986. 4.7 stars.

Atmospheric museum with life-size wax figures recreating key moments from the Icelandic Sagas. Audio guide narrates battles, voyages, and Viking life. In the Old Harbour area. 4.4 stars.

Stainless steel dream boat sculpture by Jon Gunnar Arnason on Reykjavik's waterfront, symbolising the promise of undiscovered territory. Best at sunset when it glows golden. 4.5 stars.

UNESCO World Heritage Site where the world's first parliament (Althing) was established in 930 AD. Sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. 4.8 stars.

Northern Iceland's regional airport with domestic connections to Reykjavik. Car rental available. Convenient base for exploring the Highlands and North.

Keflavik International Airport is Iceland's largest airport and the country's primary gateway for international travel, located approximately 3 km west of Keflavik town and 50 km southwest of Reykjavik. The airport handles the vast majority of Iceland's international passenger traffic and ranks as the fifth busiest airport in the Nordic countries. Two runways, each approximately 3,050 metres long, serve both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft. Car rental desks from all major providers are located in the arrivals hall, and Flybus coaches connect the airport to Reykjavik's central bus terminal in around 45 minutes.

City-centre airport serving domestic routes to Akureyri, Isafjordur, and the Westfjords. No international flights. Walking distance from central Reykjavik.

Beautiful waterfall framed by dramatic basalt columns in the Sprengisandur highland interior. Accessible via F26 (4WD summer only). Far fewer visitors than south Iceland waterfalls. 4.8 stars.

Iceland's bluest waterfall -- crystal turquoise water cascades through a narrow gorge carved from ancient lava. 4 km return hike. Use official car park on Route 35. 4.8 stars.

Europe's most powerful hot spring, pumping 180 litres per second of near-boiling water. Used to heat homes across West Iceland. Viewing area free and accessible year-round. 4.4 stars.

The most powerful waterfall in Europe — 193 cubic metres per second cascade 44m into the Jokulsargljufur canyon. Reached via gravel road (paved from west bank). 4.8 stars.

Black volcanic sand beach strewn with translucent chunks of ice washed up from Jokulsarlon lagoon. A kilometre from the lagoon. Most dramatic at sunrise or sunset. 4.8 stars.

Extensive lava field with towering basalt pillars, caves, and arch formations near Lake Myvatn. Marked walking paths through the labyrinth of pillars and tunnels. 4.6 stars.

The jewel of the Westfjords — a series of six tiered waterfalls forming a bridal veil shape, the largest drop 100m wide at the base. Free access, short hike to the top. 4.9 stars.

Dramatic headland with a 120m rock arch through which small planes have flown. Iceland's largest puffin nesting colony on the cliffs. Panoramic views of Reynisfjara and Vik. 4.8 stars.

East Iceland's quiet fjords with steep mountains reflecting in calm waters. Seydisfjordur (ferry terminal to Europe), Borgarfjordur eystri (puffins), and remote fishing villages. 4.7 stars.

Cinder cone that erupted in 1973 on Heimaey island in the Westman Islands, burying a third of the town. Climbable summit with views over the harbour. Reached by ferry from Landeyjahofn. 4.6 stars.

The glacier-capped stratovolcano whose 2010 eruption grounded European air travel for weeks. Visitor centre at the base. Views from the Ring Road. Guided hikes available in summer. 4.5 stars.

Ancient 100m deep canyon carved by glacial floods 9000 years ago. Lush moss-covered walls and the Fjadra river below. 2 km walking path along the rim. Bieber effect brought crowds in 2019. 4.8 stars.

Remote highland reserve around Landmannalaugar with multi-colored rhyolite mountains, obsidian lava fields, and natural hot springs. Accessible by 4WD summer only (F208/F225). 4.8 stars.

Home of Strokkur geyser which erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting water 20-30m high. The original Geysir, dormant now, gave all geysers their name. 4.7 stars.

Secret waterfall tucked into a narrow rock slot canyon 200m from Seljalandsfoss. Wade ankle-deep through the stream to enter. 40m falls thunder inside the enclosed chamber. 4.9 stars.

Iceland's tallest waterfall at 198m, hidden in a narrow fjord canyon. 4 km return hike involves crossing a stream. The reward is a dramatic plunge into the gorge below. 4.8 stars.

Horseshoe-shaped waterfall 12m high and 30m wide on the Ring Road between Akureyri and Myvatn. Named for the gods — chieftain Thorgeir cast Norse idols into it after Iceland adopted Christianity in 1000 AD. 4.8 stars.

Iceland's most iconic waterfall — the Hvita river plunges in two stages into a 32m deep gorge. Viewing platforms on both sides. Free entry, open year-round. 4.8 stars.

Iceland's second highest waterfall at 122m, plunging into the Fossa river canyon. Gravel road from Landmannalaugar direction (4WD recommended). Two separate falls visible from the rim. 4.7 stars.

Iceland's third highest waterfall at 128m with dramatic red and black basalt layers in the canyon walls. 2.5 km hike via Litlanesfoss basalt column waterfall. East Iceland gem. 4.7 stars.

Twin waterfall where the Fossa and Thjorsa rivers converge, framed by basalt columns. One of Iceland's most photogenic less-visited waterfalls. Off Route F26. 4.7 stars.

Unique waterfall where water filters through a lava field and emerges in hundreds of small cascades directly into the Hvita river over a 900m stretch. Nearby Barnafoss has a natural stone arch. 4.8 stars.

Remote highland geothermal oasis on the Kjolur route (F35) with natural hot pools and fumaroles. Accessible by 4WD or highland bus in summer. Overnight hut available. 4.6 stars.

Lunar-like landscape of boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulphur vents on the slopes of Namafjall mountain near Myvatn. Free access, stay on marked paths. 4.7 stars.

15m tall basalt sea stack on the Vatnsnes peninsula that resembles a rhinoceros or elephant drinking from the water. Seals rest on the rocks below at low tide. 4.7 stars.

Horseshoe-shaped canyon 3.5 km wide and 100m deep, formed by glacial floods. Norse mythology says Odin's horse Sleipnir made the hoofprint. Lush birch woodland inside. 4.7 stars.

Vast glacial lagoon filled with drifting icebergs calved from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier. Boat tours available. Nearby Diamond Beach has ice chunks on black sand. 4.9 stars.

3,000-year-old explosion crater with vivid red volcanic walls plunging to a turquoise lake 55m below. Walkable rim trail and path to the lake shore. Small entry fee. 4.5 stars.

Iceland's most photographed mountain — the sharp arrowhead peak with Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground. On the north coast of Snaefellsnes peninsula. Sunrise views unmissable. 4.8 stars.

Spectacular basalt canyon in north Iceland carved by the Vididalsá river, with waterfalls cascading into the gorge. Rim viewpoint with free access, rarely visited. 4.7 stars.

Stunning 30m waterfall just 15 minutes from Skogafoss on a short hiking trail. Far fewer visitors than its famous neighbour and you can walk behind the curtain of water. 4.9 stars.

Natural hot spring pool in the colorful rhyolite highlands, starting point of the Laugavegur trek. Surrounded by obsidian lava fields and multi-hued mountains. 4WD essential. 4.6 stars.

Natural geothermally heated lake where you can swim from the shore. Fontana Spa on the bank. The water is warmed by springs in the lake bed. Beautiful Golden Circle stopover. 4.5 stars.

Breathtaking canyon with a rare double waterfall at its head, framed by glacier tongues on both sides. One of Iceland's most scenic 3 km hikes near Jokulsarlon. 4.9 stars.

Shallow eutrophic lake in north Iceland surrounded by pseudocraters, lava pillars, nesting ducks, and geothermal activity. Excellent birding with 115+ species recorded. 4.6 stars.

Northern Iceland's answer to the Blue Lagoon — geothermal pools with views over Lake Myvatn. Mineral-rich water at 36-40°C. Smaller crowds and stunning scenery. 4.5 stars.

Cluster of pseudocraters formed when lava flowed over the lake — steam explosions created these hollow formations. Marked walking path around the Skutustadir area. 4.5 stars.

Lush moss-draped gorge near the south coast requiring a rope-assisted scramble through knee-deep water to reach the hidden waterfall inside. Free, challenging, unforgettable. 4.8 stars.

Artificial geothermal beach with golden imported sand and a hot pot on Reykjavik's south coast. Sea temperature raised to 15-19°C in summer by geothermal water. Free. 4.5 stars.

Beautiful waterfall on the Oxara river within Thingvellir National Park. Easy 20-minute walk from the main car park. Often icy in winter, lush birch forest in summer. 4.7 stars.

Field of small red and orange pseudocraters (steam explosion craters) just 10 minutes from Reykjavik city centre. Free, open year-round. Remnant of a lava flow 5,000 years ago. 4.4 stars.

A geothermal river where you can bathe outdoors in naturally hot water. 3 km hike from the trailhead in Hveragerdi. Free, no booking needed. Spectacular valley scenery. 4.6 stars.

The Reykjanes peninsula has seen multiple volcanic eruptions since 2021 near Grindavik. Lava fields accessible by car, guided tours to lava viewing. Ongoing volcanic activity in the area. 4.5 stars.

Iceland's most dramatic beach — jet-black volcanic sand, basalt column formations (Reynisdrangar sea stacks), and powerful waves. Warning: sneaker waves are deadly — stay back. 4.8 stars.

Iceland's oldest swimming pool (1891) in the village of Fludir — a natural geothermal pool surrounded by mini geysers and hot springs. Far less crowded than the Blue Lagoon. 4.5 stars.

60m waterfall you can walk behind on a slippery path. Most dramatic in evening light. Nearby Gljufrabui hidden waterfall accessible via the same car park. 4.7 stars.

Sub-Arctic oasis at the foot of Vatnajokull glacier with hiking trails through birchwoods and heathland. Svartifoss waterfall (basalt columns), glacier views, and visitor centre. 4.8 stars.

Dramatic waterfall in the Westfjords that flows over a cave opening — you can walk inside the cave behind the curtain of water. Very few visitors despite its beauty. 4.7 stars.

One of Iceland's very few golden-sand beaches -- a small crescent of golden sand framed by dark lava on the north coast of Snaefellsnes. Remote and usually deserted. 4.7 stars.

Massive 60m waterfall with a 25m wide curtain of water on the Ring Road. Walkable to the base with rainbows on sunny days. Staircase leads to the top and Fimmvorduhals trail. 4.8 stars.

Majestic ice-capped stratovolcano at the tip of the Snaefellsnes peninsula, immortalised by Jules Verne. National Park with glacier hikes, lava caves, and seal colonies. 4.8 stars.

East Iceland's hidden gem — a narrow canyon with the world's largest concentration of columnar basalt, revealed only when the Karahnjukar dam lowered the river. 45-min hike to the viewpoint. 4.9 stars.

Striking waterfall surrounded by dark basalt columns in Skaftafell, Vatnajokull National Park. 90-minute round trip hike from visitor centre. Inspired design of Hallgrimskirkja church. 4.7 stars.

Protected valley between the glaciers Tindfjallajokull and Eyjafjallajokull — a rare lush green oasis of birch woodland. End point of Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhals treks. 4WD required. 4.8 stars.

The only place in the world where you can descend into a dormant magma chamber — 120m down, the chamber is the size of three Statues of Liberty. Guided tours only, summit hike required. 4.7 stars.

Iceland's most voluminous waterfall -- more water per second than Gullfoss, yet little known. Broad cascade on the Thjorsa river, 5 km from Route 1. Rarely crowded. 4.7 stars.

Europe's largest glacier by volume, covering 8% of Iceland. Accessible via glacier walks from Skaftafell or Jokulsarlon. Guided glacier hike tours depart daily in summer. 4.8 stars.

Remote northwest peninsula with the most dramatic fjords in Iceland — sheer mountains dropping directly into the sea. Dynjandi waterfall, seal colonies, and the Hornstrandir nature reserve. 4.8 stars.

Rocky shore on Snaefellsnes where harbour seals bask year-round, approachable to within a few metres. Best at low tide. Free access, short walk from the roadside. 4.5 stars.