Must-Dos in The Land of Fire and Ice
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Iceland is an adventure lover’s paradise. From hiking near volcanoes to getting up close to powerful waterfalls, there’s no shortage of unique experiences. Here’s a bucket list to make sure you experience all that Iceland has to offer!
Hallgrímskirkja
Chances are high that on your trip to Iceland you’ll spend some time in Reykjavik, the capital city. While you’re there, check out Hallgrímskirkja. This Lutheran church stands at 74.5 meters tall, making it the tallest church in the country and one of the most iconic structures in Reykjavik. Admission to the church is free, but there is a fee to go up in the bell tower.
Thingvellir National Park
Next up on the bucket list is Thingvellir National Park, one of three main stops on Iceland’s Golden Circle. The park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on Iceland’s mainland and is the birthplace of the country’s parliament. The park offers visitors the opportunity to walk between two continents. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, sits above sea level, allowing visitors to walk directly between them. While you’re there, make sure to hike to the Oxararfoss Waterfall, one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. And if you’re up for a real adventure, consider snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure, where you can snorkel between two tectonic plates in some of the clearest water on the planet.
Geysir Geothermal Area
One of the most popular stops along Iceland’s Golden Circle is the Geysir Geothermal Area, made up of over a dozen geysers. The area was formed over 1,000 years ago, when earthquakes in southern Iceland caused the formation of the hot springs. The Strokkur geyser is the main attraction and erupts every four to ten minutes. Visitors should plan to spend about an hour exploring the area.
Gullfoss Waterfall
No Iceland Bucket List would be complete without including Gullfoss Waterfall. Translating to ‘Golden Falls,’ this waterfall is one of Iceland’s most stunning sites. It was formed over 5,000 years ago when runoff from the Langjokull glacier flooded the area, creating the Hvita river that feeds the waterfall. The waterfall consists of two drops – the first is 36 feet high and the second is 69 feet. Make sure to pack a raincoat or poncho for your visit to Gullfoss – visitors are able to get quite close to the falls!
Kerid Crater
One of the lesser known, but still impressive, stops along The Golden Circle is Kerid Crater Lake. Kerid was once a cone-shaped volcano. Upon eruption, it depleted its magma reserve, causing the volcano to collapse upon itself. Visitors can walk around the rim and around the lake at the bottom. Neither of the hikes are long; visitors can plan to spend less than an hour at this stop.
Blue Lagoon
You can’t travel to Iceland and not visit the Blue Lagoon! The lagoon is one of the 25 wonders of the world and one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions. The Blue Lagoon’s recognizable light blue water comes from its high silica content and is a byproduct of a nearby geothermal plant. The silica causes soft mud to form on the bottom of the lagoon, which bathers can apply to themselves to rejuvenate their skin. In addition to indulging in some skincare, visitors can also partake in in-water massages and float therapy. Reservations are recommended and can be made at this link.
Snaefellsjokull National Park
For those looking to really experience Iceland’s beautiful landscapes, head over to Snaefellsjokull National Park. One of Iceland’s three national parks, Snaefellsjokull’s main attraction is its namesake 700,000 year old subglacial volcano. Some top sites to visit in the park are the Saxholl Crater, Malarrif Lighthouse, and Londrangar View Point.
Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell is a must-add to your Iceland Bucket List! Also known as Church Mountain, Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland and was featured in season seven of The Game of Thrones. For avid hikers, there is a steep trail to the top of the mountain that takes roughly three hours round trip. While you’re in the area, stop at Kirkjufellsfoss – a beautiful waterfall that perfectly frames Kirkjufell.
See Icelandic horses
Did you know Iceland has its own breed of horse? Although they’re called horses, they’re actually the size of a pony and are known for their unique gait as well as their resilience to Iceland’s harsh weather. Herds of horses can be spotted in plenty of pastures along the Golden Circle. Bru Farms is a great place to stop and feed them.
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Disclaimer: All information presented in this post was accurate at the time of our trip. Attractions, availability, circumstances, operating hours, prices, etc. are subject to change and this post may not reflect the most up-to-date information. Readers are advised to do their due diligence in researching the location prior to travel. Hyperlink content may be out-of-date and is not sponsored by or affiliated with Scenic Sites unless otherwise noted.
Visited July 2022 | Posted January 2023
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