- Jul 21, 2021
- 4 min read

5 Jaw-Dropping Sights to See in Iceland

Updated: Jul 8, 2022

Reykjavik Iceland — The beautiful city of Reykjavik

With a currently active volcano, waterfalls you will never forget, the famous blue lagoon, black sand beaches, and Northern Lights from September to April, what is not to love? Iceland is a bucket list destination for so many people and should book a year in advance to take advantage of all Iceland has to offer. You can’t possibly narrow it down to 5 but here are 5 favorites

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland — Iceland's Blue Lagoon

1. Blue Lagoon Spa – This mineral-rich attraction is minutes from the Keflavik International airport. There are many spa options available due to the geothermic forces and many natural elements but this one is a fan favorite. The lagoon is man-made and renewed every two days with fresh water. You can easily access the site via car or bus and is a favorite on group tours.

2. Waterfalls on the Golden Circle Route. Skogafoss Waterfall is the perfect place for you to get a shot with a double rainbow. Due to the force of the falls and the mist from the water it is common to see at least one rainbow when the sun is shining. Skogafoss, is one of the most scenic falls in Iceland with a drop of over 60 meters, the view is spectacular.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall along the southern coast. It is fed by melting water from Eyjafjallajokul volcano which cascades over steep cliffs. This makes it possible for you to walk behind the waterfall into a small cave. Being behind the waterfall provides such a unique perspective of the falls and the gorgeous landscape you will walk along to get there. It can be slippery so be careful. Pro Tip: In the winter it is too slippery and will be closed.

3. Thingvellir and the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) – The Northern Lights are on many bucket lists and you can imagine why. Thingvellir is by far one of the finest areas to see this wonder because you are away from the ambient light of the city. Be sure you check the weather so that you have a combination of dark and partially clear skies. Thingvellir is a national park, and a UNESCO World Heritage site plus it doubles as a great tourist location for the Northern Lights. Surprisingly, it was the seat of parliament from the 10th to the 18th centuries Silfra is an amazing diving spot located in Thingvellir National Park. It is the crevice between the tectonic plates in North America and Eurasian continents. It is the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates that shift roughly 2 cm every year. The shifting of the earth creates new caverns and tunnels. The maximum depth is about 207 feet and the water is the purest in the world, and you can feel free to take a sip while diving.

Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland — Gullfoss Waterfall

4. Gullfoss Waterfall gets its name from the golden hue that often shines in its glacial waters. Many liken it to Niagara Falls on the US/Canada border due to the thundering roar of the water. The gorge was formed by flash flood waters that forced their way through the cracks in the basalt lava layers. On average, the water flow could fill almost 50 Olympic pools in one minute or about one every second. The gorge is an impressive 32 meters tall. It actually has two falls, of which the longest drop is 21 meters.

Places to see in Reykjavik — Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral in Reykjavik

5. The beautiful city of Reykjavik has many jaw-dropping sites from the city itself, the ocean, Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, Perlan Observation, or whales offshore to name a few. There are so many sites to see in Reykjavik, take a walk and see numerous museums, historic sites, and unique buildings to explore. Try a local tour with a Viking for added flavor. Reykjavik has become quite the foodie scene so jump right in and try new delicacies and taste local brews at the many bars and restaurants to choose from. You might also decide to take a whale watching tour. There are tours available right from Reykjavik that allow you to see whales, dolphins, as well as puffins. You can engage with naturalists and experience rare sightings that will leave you in awe.

Iceland is a nature-lover’s dream with its amazing diversity in landscape and stunning views. With its new foodie scene there is something for everyone. Whether you go in the summer or winter, you will find the beauty of Iceland will be forever in your memories.

Special note:

We have secured space on a small group tour to Iceland on September 30, 2022 to search for the Northern Lights and many of the sites in this article. If you would like to learn more, give us a call. Iceland is selling incredibly fast for 2022 so call if you are interested.

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