Iceland Top Attractions: A Guide from Travelers Who've Been 8 Times
Iceland is unlike any other place on Earth. We (Nadia and Luca) have explored this breathtaking island eight times, and every trip has shown us something new. From towering waterfalls to volcanic landscapes, there’s an endless list of must-see locations. In this guide, we’ll share the absolute best places to visit in Iceland, plus a few secret spots most travelers miss. Whether you're planning an Iceland road trip or just searching for what to see in Iceland, we've got you covered.
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Check out also our article on how to plan your trip to Iceland.
1. The Golden Circle: A Classic Must-Do
If it's your first time in Iceland, start with the Golden Circle—a route that showcases three of Iceland’s most famous attractions:
Thingvellir National Park – A UNESCO site where you can stand between two continents (literally).
Geysir Geothermal Area – Watch Strokkur erupt every few minutes, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters high.
Gullfoss Waterfall – One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, thundering into a deep canyon.
This route is just a taste of Iceland’s wild beauty—but trust us, the real magic lies beyond it.
2. The South Coast: Waterfalls, Glaciers, and Black Sand Beaches
Heading south, you’ll find some of the most epic landscapes Iceland has to offer and some of the top sights in Iceland.
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi – Seljalandsfoss is the famous waterfall you can walk behind, while Gljúfrabúi is a hidden gem tucked inside a canyon just a few steps away.
Skógafoss – One of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls, known for its massive mist (hello, double rainbows!).
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Dramatic basalt sea stacks and roaring waves make this one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth.
3. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
This is definitely one of my favorite place to shoot. Driving further east, Jökulsárlón is where giant icebergs break off from a glacier and float into the sea. Right across the road, Diamond Beach is where those ice chunks wash ashore, sparkling against the black sand like scattered diamonds. Pro tip: Sunset here is unreal.
4. The Highlands: Iceland’s True Wilderness
If you're up for an adventure, head into the Icelandic Highlands, home to landscapes so surreal, they look like another planet.
Landmannalaugar – Colorful mountains, hot springs, and epic hikes through lava fields.
Kerlingarfjöll – A geothermal wonderland with steaming hills and vibrant orange earth.
Askja – A massive volcanic crater with a swimmable warm lake inside. Getting here is a mission, but absolutely worth it.
5. The North: A Hidden Paradise
Not enough travelers make it to North Iceland, but it’s packed with less crowded but equally stunning places.
Goðafoss – One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, where legend says Viking pagans threw their idols when converting to Christianity.
Húsavík – The best place in Iceland for whale watching.
Ásbyrgi Canyon – A horseshoe-shaped canyon said to be formed by Odin’s horse, Sleipnir, stepping down from the sky.
6. West Iceland & Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Mini Iceland
Often called “Iceland in Miniature”, Snæfellsnes has everything you love about Iceland in one region.
Kirkjufell – The most photographed mountain in Iceland, often seen with waterfalls in the foreground.
Lóndrangar Cliffs – Dramatic sea cliffs where puffins nest.
Vatnshellir Lava Cave – Explore an underground tunnel formed by a volcanic eruption 8,000 years ago.
7. Hidden Gems: Our Favorite Secret Spots
Beyond the famous sights, we’ve uncovered some hidden gems you won’t find in every guidebook:
Stokksnes – A breathtaking black sand beach with towering mountains and Viking remains.
Bruarfoss – A hidden electric blue waterfall, reached by an easy 3 km hike.
Hveravellir Hot Springs – A natural geothermal pool in the middle of nowhere.
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