Popularly known as ‘’the land of fire and ice’’, this island country in Europe is home to some of the most active volcanoes of the world and the largest glaciers in Europe. Iceland is an island of contrasting landscapes, as it has striking landscapes, from above it seems to be permanently covered with ice and snow but it has a huge number of active volcanoes underground that is ready to erupt at any moment.
This place is a complete treat for nature-lovers, as it has so much to serve them from active volcanoes to natural geysers and hot springs, from glaciers to ice field and fjords, from wonderfully clean air to unspoiled and rugged landscape, from geothermal lakes to underground caves, from national parks with wandering reindeer to whale watching, from watching the beautiful waterfalls to enjoying natural sports like hiking, from complete darkness in sky to magnificent display of northern lights, this island country has everything that will fill the appetite of a traveler.
You can also enjoy the best dining and nightlife scenes in Reykjavik the capital city of the country. Find out more about the top things to do in Iceland when you are on your super exciting trip to the country. If you follow this list then we assure you that your trip will be surely an unforgettable one:
- Bathe in the Blue Lagoon-
The most natural and relaxing spa in the whole of Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. As it has warm and soothing water, healing silica mud, charming sound, and the beautiful serene around gives you the most relaxing experience of your life. This is the most iconic geothermal spa and one of the top-rated tourist attractions on the whole island. The water in the blue lagoon is from the underground hot springs and reaches about 37-39 degrees Celsius making it highly beneficial for skin and health. Apart from bathing in this lagoon, you can check out the amazing range of skincare products available in the stores nearby and also enjoy sumptuous meals and drinks in the nearby restaurants. No wonder it is one of the best things to do in Iceland to add an element of spice to your life.
- Watch the natural geysers –
Visit the Strokkur geyser which is 50 minutes from the capital city as it is one of the top 10 things to do in Iceland in Reykjavík. This geyser is the most popular geyser not only in Iceland but also in the rest of the world. This highly active hot spring lies in the Golden Circle route in the southwest of Iceland besides the Havita River. Here you can explore small boiling mud pits and around 100 other exploding geysers. Every few minutes, the Strokkur shoots water up to 30 meters in the air.
- Experience the spectacular northern lights–
The best time to view the aurora is between September to April. No wonder it is one of the best things to do in Iceland in August and September. The display of northern lights here is astonishingly recurrent. Reykjavik has many parks, so attend any of them adjust your eyes to the darkest place possible and you’ll satisfy your eyes by seeing a gorgeous bliss of lights in the dark sky. You can also go camping in Iceland and sleep beneath the canopy of stars that will increase the chances of seeing the lights. Most hotels and lodges have an overnight call facility, you can register your name and the hotel staff will call you when the dance of spectacular northern lights appears in the sky.
- Go for whale watching-
No matter in which season you go to Iceland for vacation, watching these gentle giants is one of the activities which you can enjoy year-round. Although you can enjoy watching whales at any month of the year, the best period is during summers between June to September. You can even join whale watching tours which are primarily held in Husavik, Reykjavik, and Akureyri. The most common species which you can see there is humpback whales and minke whales. If you are lucky enough then on your tour you may also be able to see the rarer species like fin and killer whales thereby making it one of the unique things to do in Iceland in March and July.
- Visit Vestrahorn mountain-
Visiting this magnificent 454-meter tall mountain should be of your top places while visiting the country for vacation. This mountain is the best place to relax and chill and to spend quality time with your loved ones as, the crystal clear water of the lagoon will gently touch your toes while sitting on the beach with black sand and in front, you will give a treat to your eyes while seeing the serene surrounding of the most stunning peaks of Iceland. Do not forget to take your camera along with you to capture this awe-inspiring view. You will enjoy petting the Icelandic ponies and wander around in the unique black sand beach.
- Get amazed at the Landmannalaugar-
The synonym of Iceland should be the land of magical landscapes, as this island country will surprise you with the most picturesque and scenic landscapes which you will not find anywhere else on this planet. Another landscape which is a jewel for the country is Landmannalaugar. The place boasts multicolored mountains, crystal clear lakes, meandering lava trails, and calming hot springs. You must be wondering about the colorful mountain peaks which stand proudly against the skyline, well this is because of the Rhyolite, mineral-filled lava which creates a splash of rainbow colors on the mountain peaks.
- Enjoy the beauty at Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park & Maelifell Volcano –
Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park is situated south of Landmannalaugar. You can only visit this glacier park in the summers due to safety reasons. This place is full of volcanoes and hot springs and some other extraordinary sites. The famous Maelifell volcano is also in this glacier park. The Maelifell volcano is like a jewel in the crown in this rugged glacial and wild landscape due to its perfect cone shape hence giving it a look of the classic volcano. During the winter season, large amo0unts of rain soak the area and the roads get damaged. Whereas in the summer season the area is covered with lush green moss giving a completely surreal and otherworldly appearance.
- Visit Dettifoss Waterfall-
Found in the northeast of Iceland in the Vatnajokull National Park, this waterfall is the most powerful in the whole of Europe. It falls from a height of 44 meters from the Jokulsa a Fjollum river and escalates with a mighty crash in the Jokulsarglijufur Canyon below. So on your trip to Iceland visiting this splendid Dettifoss waterfall is a must as it is one of the fun things to do in Iceland in winter.
- Eat typical Icelandic cuisine-
The most important parts of Icelandic cuisine are lamb, dairy, and fish. The most popular foods of the country include- skyr, smoked lamb or hangikjot, kleinur, bollur, and laufabrauo. The wind dried fish is the all-time favorite food of the islanders so you should try that on your trip. Some of the famous restaurants in Reykjavik are- grillmarkadurinn, old Iceland, dill restaurant, sjavargrillid, fish company Icelandic street food, and lots more.
- Pay a visit to the Hallgrímskirkja-
A modernist icon in the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavik is a visually arresting church which is one of the top tourist attractions in the country. It is the most tallest and identifiable building in the whole country. The church is situated on the hilltop and from there you can enjoy the spectacular view around the city and the picturesque landscape. Its architectural design is similar to Grundtvig’s Church of Copenhagen, Denmark. At the front, you will find a statue of the Icelander Leifur Eiriksson and you can also take the elevator to the top of the building and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from there.
What’s Next?
If you are a naturalist and chionophile then you should plan your vacation to Iceland. The best way to explore this island country is through your rental car, and with them, you can wander around in the country from weeks to months. Whether you are looking for fun things to do in Iceland in December or things to do in Iceland in February, the above travel guide covers everything.
We would suggest you visit the place during the months when the spectacular dance of northern lights is visible in the night sky, as it is a must to watch attraction on your trip to Iceland. We also suggest you always carry a coat while going sightseeing as you should never underestimate the weather of the countries situated near the North Pole. Now you know exactly what to do in Iceland, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip soon to get lost in the alluring of this mysterious yet tempting country. Follow the to-do list given above and make your itinerary to Iceland things to do an incredible one.
About Author: Ayushi Malhotra
