The Wonders of Iceland
The Land of Fire and Ice tempts travelers with its only-there sights and adventures
Surreal geothermal landscapes, active volcanoes and thundering waterfalls are just some of the magic you’ll discover across Iceland.
Referred to as the Land of Fire and Ice, this unique island country is known for its stark contrasts and otherworldly landscapes. Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, along an active geologic border, the island boasts the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull; more than 130 volcanoes; and approximately 10,000 waterfalls, including Dettifoss, among the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. There are also abundant natural hot springs, geothermal pools and rugged windswept coastlines with glistening black sand beaches. Between September and April, Iceland offers nighttime shows of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, which dance across its clear dark sky.
And with the country’s culture shrouded in mystery and myths—trolls, elves, ghosts and sea monsters—Iceland becomes an even more intriguing destination to explore.
You can visit year-round, but late May to early September is widely considered the best time to go. While it’s the busy tourist season, the weather will be warmer, with highs typically in the high 50s, and the days longer, especially around the time of the midnight sun (from late May to early August), when you’ll have up to 24 hours of daylight.
We’ve curated a list of the not-to-be-missed sites and things to do around this fascinating country.
Reykjavík
Begin your Icelandic adventure with a few days in the capital city—starting with a visit to Hallgrímskirkja, the tallest church in Iceland. Standing at 245 feet high, the landmark building sits atop a hill overlooking the city center, with a statue of the famous Norse explorer, Leif Erikson, at the entrance. The Perlan, Reykjavik’s iconic nature museum, claims the world’s first indoor ice cave, as well as a reconstruction of the largest seabird cliff in Europe and films on the northern lights and volcanoes. The National Museum of Iceland, another highlight, showcases more than 1,000 years of Icelandic culture and history with an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, manuscripts and artwork.
You’ll also want to stroll along Laugavegur Street, the city’s bustling shopping area with boutiques, restaurants and bars. It is one of the oldest streets in Reykjavík. Some of the shops sell locally handcrafted products, including jewelry made with lava rock, like the pieces at Andrea Ellen Jewelry. While exploring the city, be sure to stop for a photo at Rainbow Street, where the road is colorfully painted in honor of the annual Reykjavík Pride festival.
Icelandic seafood is featured on menus across the city, with fresh langoustines (known as Icelandic lobsters), mussels, scallops, halibut, cod and Arctic char. To experience some of the freshest and most creatively prepared seafood in town, make reservations at Sjávargrillid.
The city is also an excellent base for exploring southwestern Iceland. From here, you can book northern lights viewing tours, go whale and puffin watching, ride Icelandic horses and take rugged 4x4 volcano excursions. Arctic Exposure offers private full-day outings from Reykjavík, where you’ll venture across surreal landscapes in a Mercedes-Benz Super Sprinter.
On one of my trips to Iceland, I took the Action and Icelandic Lobsters tour offered by Celebrity Cruises and Arctic Exposure. (It can also be booked as a custom tour with Arctic Exposure.) The tour provides an overview of some of the region’s most striking scenery, including a stop at the Reykjanesfólkvangur Reserve. The 116-square-mile wilderness park features mountain vistas, black sand beaches, lava fields, and geothermal fields with bubbling mud pools and steaming volcanic vents. You’ll also visit a remote coastal area called Selvogur. Sitting along a rocky volcanic beach and surrounded by fields dotted with wildflowers, the historic white clapboard church, Strandarkirkja, is eerily beautiful and known for its ties to miraculous occurrences.
One of the highlights of the tour is lunch at Fjörubordid restaurant in the small coastal village of Stokkseyri, where steaming hot paella pans arrive with a feast of succulent langoustines plucked fresh from local waters, sautéed with butter and garlic. The day concludes with a rugged ride across the geothermal terrain and lava fields of Ölfus en route back to Reykjavík.
Where to stay
For accommodations in Reykjavík, the elegant Hotel Borg is centrally located within walking distance of many attractions, including Hallgrímskirkja. Before turning in for the evening, stop at one of the city’s trendy cocktail bars or pubs to sample Brennivín. The Icelandic spirit, known as “The Black Death,” has intense notes of caraway and is traditionally used to chase fermented shark (hákarl), another Icelandic specialty.
The Blue Lagoon
Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Reykjavík in the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s top attractions. In 2012, National Geographic named it one of the Wonders of the World. The expansive wellness facility is reachable by car, taxi or bus. Tours are also available from the city to experience the healing geothermal sea waters and renowned subterranean spa.
The lagoon’s milky-blue hue comes from the abundance of silica in the mineral-rich water, which is also used to create complimentary mud masks for your face while you luxuriate in 100-degree baths. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine in one of the quieter areas of the lagoon with views of the lava fields and volcanic mountains.
Alternatively, for an extended visit, reserve a room for an overnight stay at the Silica Hotel or The Retreat to relax and rejuvenate at the Retreat Spa, which offers in-water massages and float therapy sessions. There are also several on-site dining options, including the Michelin-starred Moss Restaurant.
The Golden Circle
Regarded as Iceland’s most famous route, this 155-mile round-trip adventure from Reykjavík ticks off many boxes for seeing the country’s mystical landscapes and natural wonders, including the Great Geysir, Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss Waterfall, the volcanic crater Kerid and many geothermal pools. You can make the trip by car, spending one to three days.
Akureyri
Northeast Iceland’s coastal town of Akureyri is reachable by driving along the 820-mile Ring Road or taking a 40-minute flight from Reykjavík. The popular destination is an excellent location for exploring the natural wonders of Iceland’s High North, including one of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls, Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, and the harbor town of Húsavík, regarded as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. The further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the northern lights come September.
Planning your trip
Circumnavigating the country by car from Reykjavík on the Ring Road is one of the best ways to experience Iceland’s magical beauty and unique culture. You can do it at your own pace, exploring small towns and coastal villages along the way. In addition to abundant fresh seafood, sample local food and bakery specialties, such as Skyr (a rich dairy product similar to yogurt), hangikjöt (lamb stew), rúgbraud (rye bread) and snúdur (chocolate-covered cinnamon rolls). And plan a few side trips, looping into The Golden Circle, The Arctic Coast Way or The Westfjords Way to see the dramatic landscapes of northwest Iceland.
If you prefer, you can also circumnavigate Iceland by ship. Viking and HX are two lines offering this itinerary. With this option, you’ll see the country’s diverse coastlines with steep cliffs, fjords, icebergs and colorful fishing villages—and be able to book excursions to the interior of the Land of Fire and Ice.