UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Iceland's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, geothermal sites, and experiences across Iceland.
Þingvellir National Park
Site of the ancient Viking parliament, with tectonic rifts and crystal-clear lakes for diving and hiking.
A unique blend of geological and historical significance, ideal for educational tours.
Surtsey Island
Volcanic island formed in 1963, a protected natural laboratory for studying ecosystem development.
Accessible only to scientists, but viewable from boat tours with fascinating eruption stories.
Vatnajökull National Park
Europe's largest glacier with ice caves, lagoons, and volcanic landscapes for guided explorations.
UNESCO biosphere reserve offering dramatic scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Geysir Geothermal Area
Iconic hot springs and erupting geysers like Strokkur, showcasing Iceland's volcanic power.
Part of the Golden Circle, perfect for photography and learning about geothermal energy.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Glacial hikes and waterfalls within Vatnajökull, highlighting Iceland's pristine wilderness.
Family-friendly trails with stunning views of Svartifoss basalt columns.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Floating icebergs and seal sightings in this ethereal lagoon near Vatnajökull.
Boat tours provide close-up experiences of calving glaciers and diamond beach.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Golden Circle Route
Drive through Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss for a full day of geothermal and waterfall wonders.
Essential for first-time visitors with guided tours and self-drive options available.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Walk behind the cascading falls and explore nearby hidden caves and trails.
Magical in winter with frozen formations, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Admire basalt columns, sea stacks, and dramatic waves on this southern coast icon.
Caution for sneaker waves, but perfect for puffin watching in summer.
Blue Lagoon
Relax in milky-blue geothermal waters with silica masks and spa treatments.
Year-round luxury with premium packages including drinks and robes.
Northern Lights Viewing
Chase auroras in dark skies away from city lights, best from September to April.
Guided tours with hot chocolate and photo tips for unforgettable nights.
Highlands Hiking Trails
Trek through lava fields and colorful rhyolite mountains in Landmannalaugar.
Multi-day adventures with hot springs soaks, suited for experienced hikers.
Iceland by Region
🏙️ Capital Region
- Best For: Urban culture, geothermal spas, and easy access to natural sites around Reykjavik.
- Key Destinations: Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, and Perlan Museum for city vibes and modern attractions.
- Activities: Hallgrimskirkja visits, harbor whale watching, food tours with Icelandic lamb and skyr.
- Best Time: Summer for midnight sun (June-August) and winter for Northern Lights (Sept-April), with 5-15°C variability.
- Getting There: Keflavik Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🌅 Southwest & Golden Circle
- Best For: Iconic waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic landscapes in accessible day-trip areas.
- Key Destinations: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, and South Coast beaches like Reynisfjara.
- Activities: Self-drive tours, horseback riding on lava fields, and snorkeling in Silfra fissure.
- Best Time: Summer for longer days (May-Sept) with mild 10-15°C, avoiding winter road closures.
- Getting There: Well-connected by bus from Reykjavik, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🧊 North Iceland
- Best For: Geothermal areas, whale watching, and Arctic Coast adventures around Akureyri.
- Key Destinations: Akureyri, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss waterfall, and Húsavík for marine life.
- Activities: Nature baths at Mývatn, puffin tours, snowmobiling, and exploring lava tubes.
- Best Time: Summer for birdwatching (June-Aug) and winter for auroras (Oct-March), -5 to 15°C.
- Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote fjords and highland roads.
🌊 East & Westfjords
- Best For: Rugged fjords, remote villages, and untouched nature for off-the-beaten-path explorers.
- Key Destinations: East Fjords for puffins, Westfjords for Dynjandi waterfall and hot pots.
- Activities: Hiking dramatic cliffs, fishing villages tours, and kayaking in serene inlets.
- Best Time: Summer for accessible roads (June-Sept) with cool 8-12°C and wildflower blooms.
- Getting There: Domestic flights or Ring Road drives, with ferry options for Westfjords connectivity.
Sample Iceland Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Iceland Highlights
Arrive in Reykjavik, explore Hallgrimskirkja and harbor, then relax at Blue Lagoon with spa time and city food tours.
Drive the Golden Circle to Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, then head south for Seljalandsfoss and Reynisfjara beach.
Visit Jökulsárlón for boat tours and Diamond Beach, with stops at Vatnajökull for ice cave glimpses if seasonal.
Northern Lights hunt if winter, shopping in Reykjavik, and departure, with time for geothermal pool dips.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Reykjavik city tour including Perlan exhibits, whale watching from harbor, and local craft beer tastings.
Golden Circle essentials with Silfra snorkeling, then short hike in Landmannalaugar for rhyolite views.
South Coast waterfalls and black sands, followed by glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull with crampons.
Drive to Akureyri for Goðafoss and Mývatn nature baths, with lava field explorations and hot springs.
West Iceland stops at Hraunfossar waterfalls and Snæfellsnes Peninsula before returning to Reykjavik.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Iceland
Comprehensive Reykjavik including museums, food halls, Golden Circle day trip, and Blue Lagoon relaxation.
South Coast full exploration with Vík village, Reynisfjara, and glacier lagoon boat tours.
Akureyri base for whale watching in Húsavík, Mývatn geothermal sites, and Dettifoss waterfall hikes.
East Fjords scenic drives, puffin colonies, and highland jeep tours to Askja caldera.
Westfjords for remote hikes and hot pots, final Reykjavik experiences with aurora viewing before departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Northern Lights Tours
Guided hunts in remote spots with expert photographers for capturing the aurora borealis.
Best in clear winter nights, including superjeep access to dark sky locations.
Geothermal Spa Soaking
Bathe in natural hot springs like Secret Lagoon or Mývatn Nature Baths for ultimate relaxation.
Combine with silica masks and steam rooms for a full Icelandic wellness experience.
Whale Watching
Boat trips from Reykjavik or Húsavík to spot humpbacks, orcas, and dolphins in the wild.
Year-round with heated cabins and marine biologist narration for educational fun.
Glacier Hiking
Strap on crampons for guided walks on Vatnajökull or Sólheimajökull with stunning crevasses.
Safety-focused tours with ice axe demos and panoramic views of Europe's largest ice cap.
Snorkeling in Silfra
Dive between tectonic plates in crystal-clear waters of Þingvellir's fissure.
Dry suits provided for year-round access to this otherworldly underwater canyon.
Ice Cave Exploration
Venture into natural or man-made ice caves under Vatnajökull with headlamps and guides.
Winter-only magic with blue hues and formations, accessible by snowcat or superjeep.