Iceland is a unique country in the world. Of all the trips I have made, Iceland is the place that has surprised me the most. If you are planning to travel to Iceland, this article will be useful for you, and I also recommend you read this other article I wrote about things you need to know before traveling to Iceland. From imposing glaciers to majestic waterfalls, every corner of this Nordic island offers a unique experience. What to see in Iceland? In this post I am going to show you 5 places to see in ICELAND.
What to see in ICELAND: Nature and Incomparable Beauty
1. Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National Park is home to the largest glacier in Europe. This natural park offers a wide range of experiences and places to visit, but the most impressive is seeing the Vatnajökull glacier, whose vastness will leave you speechless.
Within the park, I recommend visiting the Svartifoss waterfall and hiking the trail that takes you along the mountain next to the glacier. From there, you’ll have truly incredible views.
Another of the most visited spots is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where massive icebergs break off from the glacier and float in crystal-clear waters. Without a doubt, Vatnajökull National Park is one of the 5 must-see places in Iceland. If you’re wondering what to see in Iceland in a week, this place absolutely needs to be on your list.
2. Natural thermal baths
One of the most surprising experiences was being able to soak in Iceland’s famous natural hot springs. The most famous one is the Blue Lagoon, located in a lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near the capital, Reykjavik. But if you’re looking for something more affordable and in a less crowded setting, you can visit the Myvatn Nature Baths in northern Iceland. Here, you can enjoy geothermal waters in a more peaceful and serene environment, perfect for connecting with nature.
3. Stokksnes: A Gem what to see in Iceland
Stokksnes was a complete surprise and easily ranks among the best places in Iceland. Located on the southeastern coast of Iceland, Stokksnes is a peninsula known for its black sand beach and its views of the impressive Vestrahorn mountain.
If you’re lucky and the weather cooperates, you can see the mountain perfectly reflected in the still water on the beach. The contrast between the dark mountains and the sunlight on the horizon creates a landscape that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. I would also add this place if you’re planning what to see in Iceland in a week. Being in the southern region, it’s a fairly accessible spot.
4. Vik and Its Surroundings
Vik is the southernmost village in Iceland and one of the most picturesque places on the island. In the surroundings of Vik, you can find incredible spots like the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, considered one of the most beautiful (and dangerous) beaches in the world.
Near Vik, there are also the Dyrhólaey cliffs, the basalt pillars of Reynisdrangar, and the abandoned plane of Solheimasandur. We spent a couple of days in this area and didn’t regret it at all. We can say that it’s one of the must-see places in Iceland.
5. Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi: The Most incredible Waterfalls in Iceland
Iceland is known as the land of ice and fire, but also of waterfalls. If you go to Iceland, you’ll see many waterfalls, but if there are two you can’t miss, they are Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. Without a doubt, they are two of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most iconic waterfalls in the country, famous because you can walk behind its curtain of water, allowing you to experience the waterfall from a unique perspective. Just a few minutes’ walk away, you’ll find Gljúfrabúi, a lesser-known but incredible waterfall. To reach it, you’ll have to walk through a kind of cave that leads you right to the waterfall.
