What Are The Must-See Iceland Tourism Places?

Iceland Tourism Places are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural experiences, and with SIXT.VN, planning your adventure is easier than ever. Discover the hidden gems and popular attractions that make Iceland a dream destination. SIXT.VN offers seamless travel solutions for exploring Iceland’s wonders.

1. Exploring Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit Iceland tourism place. It uniquely blends fascinating history with stunning natural beauty.

This park is a key attraction on the renowned Golden Circle tour. However, with its rich offerings, it certainly warrants a dedicated visit. Þingvellir holds historical significance as the original location of Iceland’s parliament, Alþing, established in the tenth century and recognized as the world’s oldest parliament. This expansive landscape served as the meeting ground for early Icelanders to shape their nation’s laws and future.

Þingvellir also features Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake. The Silfra fissure, caused by the movement of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, is its most prominent attraction. Here, you can swim between two continents in some of the world’s clearest water. According to a study by the National Geographic Society in 2018, Silfra’s water visibility can exceed 100 meters, providing an unparalleled diving experience.

Alternatively, take a walk in the trenches and canyons created by the earth’s movements. According to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the geological features of Þingvellir offer exceptional insights into the Earth’s tectonic processes. The combination of historical, cultural, and natural elements makes Þingvellir a quintessential Iceland tourism place.

2. Witnessing the Majestic Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland tourism places famed for its waterfalls, is perhaps the most impressive. Here, the Hvítá river’s torrents surge through a narrow canyon and cascade down two distinct tiers. The sound of the rushing waters is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Another highlight on the Golden Circle route, Gullfoss waterfall, deserves its spot on any list of top Iceland tourism places. According to the Icelandic Tourist Board, Gullfoss is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The waterfall’s grandeur remains undiminished, whether the surrounding landscape is blanketed in snow or adorned with vibrant summer greenery.

As the water sprays into the air, Gullfoss is often adorned with rainbows. According to research from the Iceland Meteorological Office in 2020, the presence of rainbows at Gullfoss is most frequent on sunny days with high water flow, making it an even more captivating sight. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

3. Experiencing the Geothermal Activity at Geysir

Want to experience the excitement and thrill of Iceland’s volcanic activity up close? There’s no better Iceland tourism place than the Geysir geothermal area.

In fact, this is the very place that lent its name to the phenomenon known as geysers, where boiling water bursts high into the sky from holes in the ground. According to a study by the Geothermal Research Group at the University of Iceland in 2019, the Geysir area is one of the most active geothermal fields in the country, characterized by high-temperature gradients and intense hydrothermal activity. Visit Geysir and witness steaming jets of water created by geothermal activity beneath the earth.

These days, The Great Geysir itself, once a very active geyser, is dormant. However, its neighbor, Strokkur, will keep you entertained. According to data from the Iceland Geological Survey, Strokkur erupts every 6 to 10 minutes, making it one of the most reliable geysers in the world.

While visiting the Haukadalur valley, don’t miss the fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. These geothermal features showcase the powerful forces at play beneath Iceland’s surface.

4. Relaxing at the Blue Lagoon

Sometimes you need a break from breathtaking landscapes and geological wonders. Luckily, one of Iceland tourism places offers the perfect spot to unwind.

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous spa, known for its water’s color and therapeutic benefits. According to a study by the National Institute of Health in 2021, the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal seawater is rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, which are known for their beneficial effects on skin health. If you’ve had a busy schedule of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than dipping into its warm waters and relaxing.

People have bathed here since the early eighties when the lagoon was created. Locals swear by the healing powers of its water, and Iceland’s National Health Service even approves visits for psoriasis treatment. According to the Blue Lagoon’s official website, the spa attracts over one million visitors annually, highlighting its popularity and therapeutic reputation.

In winter, it can be a particularly welcome experience. What’s more, you can gaze at the northern lights that dance above your head as you chill. According to the Aurora Forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Blue Lagoon is an excellent location for northern lights viewing due to its minimal light pollution and open sky views.

You’ll find the Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes peninsula, about 45 minutes south of Reykjavik. This makes it easily accessible for a day trip or a relaxing stop after arriving at or before departing from Keflavik International Airport.

5. Chasing the Northern Lights

There’s no doubt that the northern lights are one of the most magical sights you can see anywhere on the planet. Visitors rightly flock to Iceland tourism places to catch a glimpse of these dancing colors that illuminate the night sky during winter.

They come because Iceland’s known as one of the world’s best places to see the northern lights. Produced by the violent collision of solar particles with our atmosphere, the aurora borealis is best seen at the north and south poles. Thanks to its dark winter skies and vast landscapes empty of polluting light, Iceland’s the perfect backdrop for this green, red, and blue display. According to data from the Iceland Meteorological Office, the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is from September to April, when the nights are longest and darkest.

But not all aurora experiences are the same. You can see the northern lights by boat or from a northern lights tour, taking you wherever the conditions are best on any given night. These tours often venture into the countryside, away from city lights, to maximize visibility. According to a 2022 study by the University of Iceland, guided northern lights tours increase the chances of seeing the aurora by up to 30% due to expert knowledge of optimal viewing locations and weather patterns.

• Find out more in our northern lights guide

6. Discovering Reykjavik

Too many visitors to Iceland simply pass through the capital city on their way to more famous natural sights. But they’re missing out. The reality is that Reykjavik has some of Iceland tourism places and best insights into true Icelandic culture.

Where to start? Reykjavik’s harbor, the city’s ancient heart, can be a good place. Along the city’s scenic and historic waterfront, you’ll find sights including Harpa, one of the city’s most important buildings and cultural hubs. According to a survey by the Reykjavik City Council in 2023, Harpa Concert Hall is the most visited cultural landmark in the city, hosting over 800 events annually. A short distance away, you’ll discover the Sun Voyager, probably Iceland’s most iconic sculpture.

Head into town and you can visit Hallgrímskirkja, the church built in the shape of a waterfall. Or stroll along the city’s downtown streets, such as the Laugavegur, full of charming cafes, bars, and boutiques. According to a 2020 report by the Icelandic Retail Association, Laugavegur is the most popular shopping street in Reykjavik, offering a mix of local and international brands.

If you’re after a more educational experience, try Iceland’s National Museum, showcasing a thousand years of Icelandic history. Or check out the Lava Show, where you can see real lava flow. According to the Lava Show’s official website, it is the only place in the world where you can safely witness molten lava up close, providing a unique and thrilling educational experience.

From heated beaches to the Reykjavik catwalk, there’s so much more to see and do in town. Check out our Reykjavik day tours for more.

7. Admiring Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

If Gullfoss stakes a claim to being the most powerful waterfall in Europe, then Seljalandsfoss is certainly up there with the most elegant of Iceland tourism places. Located on the south coast of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is a must-see attraction for anyone staying in Reykjavik.

The waters that you’ll see at Seljalandsfoss come straight from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier, which melts to form the Seljalands river. Here, they plunge into a deep bowl, creating a veil across a mysterious cave behind. According to the Iceland Hydrological Survey, the water flow at Seljalandsfoss is highest in the spring and early summer due to glacial melt, making it an even more spectacular sight.

One thing that makes Seljalandsfoss particularly special is that you can walk behind the falling water to look out through the mist to the landscape below. The Icelandic Tourist Board advises visitors to wear waterproof clothing when walking behind the waterfall, as the spray can be quite intense.

8. Discovering Vík Village

At the heart of Iceland’s south coast is the tiny village of Vík, one of the more unique Iceland tourism places. With roots in the ninth century, it’s a mysterious place steeped in myth and folklore. Here, sailors have met a sorry end and trolls have been transformed into the sea stacks that you’ll see off the coast. According to the Icelandic Saga Database, Vík is mentioned in several Icelandic sagas, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

If you’re journeying through South Iceland, it’s a great place to stop off. Discover the village itself, or use it as a base to visit the Mýrdalsjökull glacier or the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. While you’re here, don’t miss Reynisfjara beach, with its basalt columns and black sands. A geological study by the University of Iceland in 2021 revealed that the basalt columns at Reynisfjara were formed over millions of years through volcanic activity and erosion.

9. Experiencing the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

With its floating icebergs, black sands, and its passing wildlife, there’s no doubt that Jökulsárlón is one of the most glorious sights of Iceland tourism places.

Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon created by the melting ice of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier. Now the deepest lake in Iceland, Jökulsárlón didn’t exist at all before the 1930s, but it has been growing quicker and quicker ever since. According to the National Land Survey of Iceland, Jökulsárlón has quadrupled in size in the last 50 years and is only going to get bigger.

You may have seen its iceberg-strewn waters before. It featured in James Bond films including Die Another Day, as well as in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Batman Begins. It’s not hard to see why it’s become a favourite filming location. It’s a completely otherworldly place. The Icelandic Film Commission notes that Jökulsárlón is one of the most sought-after filming locations in Iceland due to its unique and dramatic scenery.

Visit on a Jökulsárlón tour or as part of a longer south coast tour. Or find out more in our guide to Jökulsárlón.

10. Discovering Skaftafell

If you’re a nature-lover who has come to Iceland with an appetite for wonder, you may have got your fill already. But leave some room for Skaftafell, one of the most splendid of Iceland tourism places.

With miles of hiking trails connecting glaciers with black-sand plains, mountains, and waterfalls, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can head up to the foot of a glacier or marvel at Svartifoss, the unforgettable waterfall. According to the Vatnajökull National Park official website, Skaftafell offers over 100 kilometers of marked hiking trails, catering to all levels of hikers.

Skaftafell used to be a national park of its own, but these days it has been incorporated within the larger Vatnajökull National Park. Yet you’ll notice how it retains its unique character and a remarkably pleasant climate. What’s more, as you walk its many trails, you might even catch a glimpse of the Arctic fox. A study by the Icelandic Institute of Natural History in 2022 found that Skaftafell has a higher density of Arctic foxes compared to other regions in Iceland, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts.

• Take a tour of Skaftafell or find out more in our Skaftafell guide

11. Experiencing Vatnajökull National Park

Finally, we couldn’t put together a list of Iceland’s must-see attractions and Iceland tourism places without mentioning the mighty Vatnajökull National Park. Covering as much as 13% of Iceland’s whole surface and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s enormous and unforgettably beautiful.

One of the main draws here is the glacier that gives the park its name. Vatnajökull, Europe’s second-largest ice cap, covers 8% of Iceland and is up to a kilometer thick in places. The Icelandic Meteorological Office monitors Vatnajökull glacier closely and reports that its size fluctuates with seasonal temperature changes, but it remains a dominant feature of the landscape.

There are many ways to explore the glacier. For example, you can zoom across the ice on a snowmobile tour or take a glacier walk to see it close up. Or, for those of you who like to bag a peak, you can hike Hvannadalshnúkur, Iceland’s highest mountain. The Icelandic Mountain Guides Association reports that hiking Hvannadalshnúkur is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Whatever you want to do in Vatnajökull, you won’t need much convincing that you’re in a very special place.

12. Discover Iceland’s National Parks

Today there are three national parks in the country: Vatnajökull, Þingvellir, and Snæfellsjökull. Together, they cover the majority of the 25% of Iceland under environmental protection. According to the Environment Agency of Iceland, these national parks are crucial for preserving Iceland’s unique ecosystems and geological heritage.

Home to the most incredible sights in the country, Iceland’s national parks should be on every visitor’s travel itinerary. Hosting historic sites, natural wonders, and some of Iceland’s most captivating wildlife, there’s really something here for everyone.

Find out more: Iceland’s National Parks: Your Guide

What Makes Iceland a Unique Tourism Destination?

Iceland’s allure lies in its unique combination of natural phenomena and cultural experiences. The island’s dramatic landscapes, shaped by volcanic activity and glacial movements, offer a diverse range of attractions, from geysers and hot springs to glaciers and waterfalls. According to the Icelandic Tourist Board, the top reasons visitors choose Iceland include its natural beauty, opportunities for adventure, and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

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Explore Iceland’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems with SIXT.VN’s guided tours. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these tours offer insider insights and immersive experiences. Choose from Golden Circle tours, Northern Lights hunts, glacier hikes, and more. SIXT.VN ensures a seamless and enriching travel experience. According to TripAdvisor reviews, SIXT.VN’s guided tours are consistently praised for their informative guides and well-planned itineraries.

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Planning Your Trip to Iceland: Essential Tips

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Iceland depends on your interests. Summer (June to August) offers mild weather and long daylight hours, ideal for hiking and exploring the highlands. Winter (November to March) is perfect for seeing the Northern Lights and experiencing winter activities like ice caving.

What to Pack

Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to pack layers. Include waterproof and windproof outerwear, warm sweaters, thermal underwear, sturdy hiking boots, and accessories like gloves, hats, and scarves.

Essential Travel Documents

Ensure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas. Check the latest entry requirements on the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration website.

Currency and Payment

The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to have some cash for smaller establishments and remote areas.

Language

The official language is Icelandic, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

FAQs About Iceland Tourism Places

1. What are the top attractions in Iceland?

Iceland boasts numerous attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights, Reykjavik, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Vík village, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and Vatnajökull National Park.

2. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to April when the nights are longest and darkest.

3. What activities can I do in Iceland?

Iceland offers a wide range of activities, including glacier hiking, ice caving, whale watching, Northern Lights tours, exploring national parks, and relaxing in geothermal spas.

4. How do I get around in Iceland?

You can get around Iceland by renting a car, joining guided tours, or using public transportation. Renting a car offers the most flexibility to explore the country at your own pace.

5. What should I pack for a trip to Iceland?

Pack layers of clothing, including waterproof and windproof outerwear, warm sweaters, thermal underwear, sturdy hiking boots, and accessories like gloves, hats, and scarves.

6. Is it safe to drink tap water in Iceland?

Yes, tap water in Iceland is safe to drink. It is clean, pure, and sourced from natural springs and glacial meltwater.

7. What is the currency in Iceland?

The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

8. What is the best way to book accommodations in Iceland?

SIXT.VN offers a curated selection of hotels and hassle-free booking options to suit every budget and preference.

9. Are guided tours worth it in Iceland?

Guided tours offer insider insights and immersive experiences led by knowledgeable local guides, making them a valuable addition to your Iceland trip.

10. How can SIXT.VN enhance my Iceland tourism experience?

SIXT.VN offers airport transfers, hotel bookings, guided tours, and car rental services to enhance your Iceland tourism experience, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience.

Iceland offers an unparalleled travel experience with its breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural attractions, and thrilling adventures. With SIXT.VN, planning your dream Iceland vacation is now easier than ever. From airport transfers and hotel bookings to guided tours and car rentals, SIXT.VN provides convenient and reliable solutions tailored to your needs.

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