5 best things to do in Iceland
One island. A whole lot of nature to take in. There’s a reason the landscapes of Iceland are among the top things to see while visiting the Land of Fire and Ice.
Volcanic beaches, thunderous waterfalls, steamy hot springs—Iceland has raw geological drama at every turn. If you’re picking your itinerary, pinpointing the best things to do in Iceland comes down to experiencing these iconic landscapes without the work of handling the logistics. Lucky for you, our Iceland tours make traveling between each and every one of these top sites simple and seamless.
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What are the best things to do in Iceland?
Some of the best things to do in Iceland include witnessing thundering waterfalls along the Golden Circle, hunting for the midnight glow of the northern lights, walking on the obsidian shores of the South Coast, soaking in mineral-rich thermal waters, and road-tripping past the dramatic fjords of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
5 iconic Iceland experiences for your bucket list
1. Chase waterfalls on the Golden Circle
The 190-mile Golden Circle loop connects several top Iceland attractions, bringing travelers to the spouting Strokkur geyser, UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, and the geothermal Fridheimar farm. Road-tripping this route on our Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road tour is one of the best things to do in Iceland if you want to see the island’s wild nature up close.
This scenic drive is world-famous because it puts you right where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet and create deep crevasses and dramatic cliffs. The main event? Standing in awe of Gullfoss as its thunderous cascade sprays mist into the air. The waterfall is so striking, local legend says a Viking hid his secret treasure in its depths.
2. See the Northern Lights
Look up into the sky on an Icelandic night between September and mid-April, and you’ll often catch ribbons of green, turquoise, and pink dancing across the dark Arctic sky. Chase this enchanting natural phenomenon, called the northern lights or the aurora borealis, and experience the thrill of the hunt on our Iceland: Reykjavik & the Northern Lights tour.
The aurora borealis has captivated onlookers for centuries, earning it a spot at the top of every Iceland bucket list. While laying eyes on this sought-after sight is never guaranteed, that wild unpredictability is exactly what makes catching a glimpse feel so special.
3. Explore the South Coast
Framed by the Atlantic Ocean and glacier-covered volcanoes like Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland’s south coast is a dramatic stretch of lowlands marked by jet-black beaches, ocean-carved cliffs, and massive glaciers flowing down toward the sea. Discover these distinct landscapes and experience the region’s rugged terrain on our Landscapes of Wild Iceland tour.
What makes this coastline so famous is how the geology shapes the landscape. Centuries of volcanic eruptions have carpeted the shores of Vik in fine black basalt sand, while glaciers like Solheimajokull crawl through mountain valleys, leaving behind striking blue ice formations right alongside the coast.
4. Relax in geothermal hot springs
The Blue Lagoon is a world-famous geothermal spa fed by mineral-rich, milky-blue waters naturally warmed deep within the Earth. What better way to decompress after an international flight than by heading to the Blue Lagoon on our Iceland: The Golden Circle & Ring Road tour? Go for a float and ease your post-travel tension on our Blue Lagoon Spa Visit excursion on our Iceland tours.
The Blue Lagoon has earned its status as an Iceland bucket list essential because of the water’s skin-restorative properties—that’s thanks to the mix of silica, algae, and minerals. Floating weightlessly while surrounded by steam and ancient volcanic rock offers an unforgettable contrast between icy Arctic air and pure geothermal warmth.
5. Explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Stretching out into the North Atlantic, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula is famously nicknamed “Iceland in miniature” because nearly every landscape the country is known for is found in this single, compact region. Experience its variety by adding the Day on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula excursion on our Iceland for Solo Travelers: Reykjavik, Golden Circle & South Coast tour.
You’ll stand at the base of Mount Kirkjufell as waterfalls frame its iconic steep peak, hear thousands of nesting seabirds calling along the black basalt arches of Arnarstapi, and step onto the windswept shore at the fishing village of Djupalonssandur, where old iron shipwreck remnants still litter the smooth dark pebbles.
When is the best time to visit Iceland?
Iceland shifts between two extremes: endless summer light illuminating lush green landscapes, and dark, snow-dusted winter nights framed by glowing skies. Summer is built for late-night road trips, whale watching, and puffin spotting under the midnight sun, while winter offers prime conditions for chasing the northern lights and soaking in geothermal hot springs.
For savvy travelers, the spring and fall shoulder seasons (late April through May and September through mid-October) bring thundering, freshly thawed waterfalls, emerging wildlife, and smaller crowds—all at a better value.
How many days do you need in Iceland?
To fully experience Iceland, an ideal trip length ranges from six to 11 days, depending on how much of the country you want to explore. A shorter six- to eight-day trip allows you to easily cover essential highlights like Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast, while a 10- to 11-day journey gives you enough time to complete the full Ring Road circuit.
Traveling on our guided Iceland tours helps you maximize your time at each destination while we take care of all hotel arrangements, transportation, and tricky logistics.
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Emily loves the simple travel moments—like watching hours pass by in minutes while sharing a meal and a laugh (or many) with her friends and family. Outside the office, you'll find Emily listening to anything and everything John Mayer, attempting to cook a New York Times recipe, or dreaming up her next trip.
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