Top 5 Iconic Landscapes in Iceland
Iceland has some of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in the world. It’s truly a dream destination for nature lovers and photographers. You’ll find everything here, from black sand beaches and active volcanoes to glaciers, waterfalls, lagoons, and geysers. There’s so much lush greenery, it’ll make you question why it’s called Iceland in the first place.
If you’re planning your first Iceland trip, this guide will help you experience the country’s most iconic natural wonders. These must-see places in Iceland offer a perfect mix of adventure, beauty, and variety, giving you a well-rounded look at the incredible landscapes this country has to offer.
1. Hiking a Volcano
This was one of our favorite days in Iceland, an unforgettable and surprisingly easy half-day adventure. I’d recommend renting a car for this day. We actually missed our bus to the volcano and had to rent one last minute, which ended up being the best decision! Having your own car gives you more control, flexibility, and the freedom to explore nearby towns after your hike. (We used Blue Car Rentals and had a great experience.)
From Reykjavík, we drove about an hour to Fagradalsfjall, one of the most iconic and accessible volcanoes in Iceland, and yes, it’s active! If you’re lucky, you might even witness an eruption. You can track volcanic activity online before your visit to see if there’s anything happening.
The hike to the volcano took us roughly an hour. The first stretch is a bit steep, but once you get past that, the rest of the trail is fairly easy and incredibly rewarding. You’ll hike an hour back and then stop at one of the fishing towns for a warm lunch to re-energize you.
2. The Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon
This day is packed with some of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. You’ll visit the meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall, the erupting Strokkur Geyser, the vibrant Kerid Crater, and end your day soaking in the world-famous Blue Lagoon. I highly recommend this route, it’s one of the best ways to see a variety of Iceland’s incredible landscapes all in one day.
Standing between the North American and Eurasian plates is something you won’t experience anywhere else, and Gullfoss is absolutely massive, the sound and power of the water are unforgettable. Kerid Crater is huge and colorful, and watching the geyser shoot boiling water high into the air is just mesmerizing.
The Blue Lagoon is beautiful but definitely crowded, and, honestly, a little overrated in my opinion. Still, it’s an iconic Iceland experience worth doing once. The water feels amazing, but please don’t get your hair wet! It took me several washes to get that dry, grimy texture out afterward.
We made the most of it by enjoying the lagoon’s face masks and drinks. Our tickets included three different masks and a glass of champagne, which made the experience a lot more fun, even with all the crowds.
3. Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour
This is another full-day tour that takes you to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, an area often called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a little bit of everything, mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and one of the most iconic photo spots in Iceland: Kirkjufell Mountain.
As a bonus, we even got a home-cooked meal in the mountains, which made the day extra special. I couldn’t recommend this tour more, it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The guides were so welcoming, the scenery was stunning, and the overall vibe felt cozy and authentic.
Along the way, we stopped at Strandarkirkja, the oldest wooden church in Iceland, a quiet, picturesque spot that feels straight out of a storybook. After that, we headed to Djúpalónssandur Beach, a dramatic black sand beach with incredible views of the glacier behind you. Then it was off to Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed places in Iceland, before finishing the day at the serene Helgafellssveit Waterfall.
Between the Golden Circle and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula Tour, you’ll be able to check off most of Iceland’s iconic landscapes in just two days! We joined guided bus tours for both, which made it super easy to hit all the major spots while learning about the country’s fascinating history. You don’t get quite as much flexibility as renting a car, but if it’s your first visit, I definitely recommend a tour, everything is perfectly planned, you see so much, and you get plenty of time at each stop.
4. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
This was one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland, and we saw a lot of waterfalls. The power, the lush greenery, and the fact that you can actually walk behind the waterfall make it absolutely breathtaking.
We originally planned to explore Southern Iceland this day, but strong winds caused a road closure, so we had to switch things up. Instead, we decided to go chasing waterfalls, and it turned out to be one of our favorite spontaneous adventures. We visited at least a handful of different Iceland waterfalls, each with its own unique beauty, but Seljalandsfoss definitely stood out as the most magical.
#5: Northern Lights
Saved the best for last, the Northern Lights! This is one of the most iconic things to see in Iceland, and honestly, it’s why so many people visit (myself included). Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see them. One night, we even drove out into the countryside, stayed out for hours under the dark sky, and still… nothing.
If seeing the Aurora Borealis is at the top of your list, I’d definitely recommend booking a Northern Lights tour. We heard from several people during our trip who saw them on guided tours, so that might increase your chances.
We also stayed a night in one of Iceland’s clear igloo bubbles, which I was hoping would be the perfect way to watch the Northern Lights. Sadly, it rained the whole time, but even so, it was such a peaceful, cozy, and unique experience. The bubbles are tucked away in the woods, far from noise or crowds, and I felt completely safe. If it’s in your budget, I highly recommend staying in one. Seeing the lights from there would be absolutely magical.
Even without catching the Northern Lights, Iceland completely stole my heart. The dramatic, diverse landscapes, the kind people, and the fresh, crisp air made this trip one of my favorite travel experiences ever.