18 Must-See Places | Travel in Iceland
May 10, 2025Iceland feels like another planet – raw, quiet, and wild. This post is all about waterfalls, glaciers and natural spots, because that’s the kind of travel we love. If you do too, you’ll enjoy these places!
We had just one week in Iceland, so we didn’t try to see everything – especially not the full Ring Road. Instead, we focused on the Golden Circle and nearby areas. Since we visited in October, weather limited where we could go, but autumn added its own charm. Most places in this post are in the south of Iceland and are easy to reach in a short trip. We used a rental car to get around, but many of these sights are also available on tours from Reykjavik.
1. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
2. Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is a strip of black sand just across the road from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. What makes it special are the chunks of ice scattered across the shore. These ice pieces break off from the glacier, float through the lagoon, and then wash up here – shaped by waves, wind, and time. Some are small and clear like glass. Others are big, blue, and glowing in the sunlight. The contrast between the crystal ice and the dark sand is stunning. It looks different every hour as the ice melts, moves, or breaks apart.
You can walk along the beach, take photos, or just sit and watch the waves hit the ice. There is also a small exhibit featuring glaciers and volcanoes.
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
3. Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a quieter alternative to Jökulsárlón, located just a short drive away. It sits at the base of the Fjallsjökull glacier, with dramatic views of icebergs floating on a smaller, more peaceful lake. The setting feels more remote and untouched. You can walk right down to the water’s edge. Some visitors take zodiac boat tours to get close to the glacier face. The silence, broken only by cracking ice and the calls of birds, makes it feel like another world.
There’s a small café and parking lot nearby. Parking is free. It’s a great stop if you want glacier views without the crowds.
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
4. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. It drops 60 meters from a cliff that once marked the country’s ancient coastline. A unique feature is the path that lets you walk behind the waterfall – offering a rare, full-circle view. You’ll get soaked, so bring a rain jacket! But it is so much fun and totally worth it! The path behind the curtain of water can get slippery, so be careful!
The waterfall is easy to reach, located just off the Ring Road in southern Iceland. The parking cost about 1,000 ISK (ca 7€), which you can pay at the parking kiosk. But visiting the waterfall itself is free – no ticket needed. Toilets and a souvenir shop are available.
PS. The surrounding area also has smaller waterfalls worth checking out.
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
5. Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Gljúfrabúi is a hidden waterfall just a short walk from Seljalandsfoss. It’s partly concealed behind a cliff, which makes it easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. To see it up close, you’ll need to wade through a narrow canyon – your feet might get wet, but the view is worth it. The waterfall drops about 40 meters into a mossy chamber that feels like a secret cave. It’s quieter than Seljalandsfoss, so you might have it all to yourself. Bring waterproof shoes or sandals for the short stream crossing.
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
6. Skógafoss Waterfall
Skógafoss is another stunning waterfall in southern Iceland, just a short drive from Seljalandsfoss. It drops 60 meters, just like its neighbor, but it’s much wider and more powerful. When the sun shines, you can often spot a rainbow in the mist. We were not so lucky, but even with a rainy weather, the scenery was gorgeous! You can walk right up to the base of the falls – prepare to get drenched! For a different view, climb the stairs next to the waterfall. It’s a workout, but the view from the top is amazing.
Skógafoss is also easy to reach, right off the Ring Road. Parking is free, and there’s no entrance fee. Toilets and a small café are nearby. You can also start the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail here, which leads between two glaciers.
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
7. Fimmvörðuháls Hiking Trail
The Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail is one of Iceland’s most scenic and challenging day hikes. It stretches about 25 kilometers between Skógafoss and Þórsmörk, passing between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. The trail takes you past dozens of waterfalls, volcanic craters, lava fields, and snow patches. It usually takes 8 to 12 hours to complete.
But if you are like us, with not much time on your hands, just take the short hike up the stairs next to Skógafoss, the trail leads you to Hestavaðsfoss and a bit further away Fosstorfufoss. There are many waterfalls in the beginning of this hiking trail, so if you have the time, just go wander around, it is so worth it!
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
8. Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, located in the Golden Circle. It drops 32 meters in two stages, creating a dramatic display as the water crashes into the canyon below. The power of the falls is incredible, especially on a windy day when the mist rises high into the air. The path to the waterfall takes you up close, so you can feel the spray on your face.
You can also walk along the upper viewing platforms for a panoramic view of the falls and the surrounding landscape. In winter, the waterfall partially freezes, creating a stunning icy scene. There’s a parking lot nearby, and entrance to the falls is free.
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
9. Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is home to Iceland’s most famous hot springs and geysers, including the original “Geysir,” after which all others are named. Though Geysir itself is mostly dormant now, the nearby Strokkur erupts regularly, shooting boiling water up to 30 meters into the air every few minutes. The geothermal field is dotted with bubbling hot springs, fumaroles, and colorful mineral-rich pools. There is a possibility to take a beautiful walk to the nearby hill and admire the views from up there.
You can walk along the marked paths to safely explore the area. The smell of sulfur is strong, a reminder of the intense heat beneath the ground. There’s a visitor center with a café and a shop, and parking is free. It’s an unforgettable experience to witness the raw power of the earth.
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
10. Kerið Crater
Kerið Crater is a stunning volcanic caldera located along the Golden Circle route. The crater is about 3,000 years old and is known for its striking red slopes and vivid blue lake at the bottom. You can walk around the rim for an amazing view of the lake and surrounding area. The contrast of colors is striking – red earth, green vegetation, and the turquoise water.
There’s a small entrance fee to visit, and a short walk takes you down to the lake. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a quick stop and some great photos. Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
11. Ægissíðufoss Waterfall
Ægissíðufoss (would you like to pronounce this for me!?) is a lesser-known waterfall in South Iceland, located along the Ytri-Rangá River. It’s a peaceful spot, away from the usual tourist crowds. The waterfall drops in two stages, surrounded by beautiful meadows and rocky cliffs. The setting is quiet, with only the sound of water and birds in the air.
You can reach the falls by a short walk from a small parking area. The path is easy to follow, and you’ll get a great view from the top. It’s a perfect stop if you want to experience Iceland’s beauty without the crowds.
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
12. Búðakirkja church
Búðakirkja is a small black church in the village of Búðir on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It stands alone in a lava field, with mountains behind it and the sea nearby. The church was built in the 1800s and restored in its original style. Its dark color and simple design make it stand out in the landscape. It’s a peaceful spot, often surrounded by silence and wind. You can walk around the church, visit the old graveyard, or take photos with the dramatic backdrop.
Búðir Beach, just behind the Búðakirkja, is a rare white sand beach in Iceland. Unlike the country’s typical black sand beaches, Búðir Beach features golden sand dotted with black lava rocks, creating a striking contrast.
A special tip – if we would have had the time, we would have visited Búðaklettur volcanic crater nestled within the Búðahraun lava field. A hiking trail leads from the iconic Búðakirkja black church through the lava field to Búðaklettur, offering a moderately challenging 7.2 km loop that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique geological formations, diverse plant life, and views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The area is part of a nature reserve, making it a peaceful spot for those looking to explore Iceland’s volcanic landscapes away from the crowds.
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
13. Kirkjufell Mountain
Kirkjufell is one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains, located near the town of Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Kirkjufell’s unique shape is often compared to a church steeple, which is how it got its name. It rises 463 meters and looks especially striking from the nearby waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss. That’s where most people take photos – mountain and waterfall together in one frame. You can walk a short path around the falls or explore the shoreline nearby. The area has a small paid parking lot and marked trails, but there is a small parking lot next to the road, about 15 minutes walk to the waterfalls, that is free (Kirkjufell viewpoint).
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
14. Selvallavatn View Point
Selvallavatn Viewpoint, located along Route 56 on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, offers a tranquil stop with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From the parking area, you can see the serene Selvallavatn lake nestled among rolling hills and lava fields. A short walk leads to Selvallafoss, also known as “Sheep’s Waterfall,” a hidden gem cascading over moss-covered rocks. The waterfall is not visible from the road, making it a peaceful spot often missed by passersby. The area provides a quiet setting to appreciate Iceland’s natural beauty without the crowds.
Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
15. The Snæfellsnesvegur Road
Snæfellsnesvegur Road (Route 54) runs along the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and offers some of the best coastal views in Iceland. Driving this road feels peaceful and remote, with the sea on one side and mountains on the other. Along the way, you pass tiny farms, lava fields, waterfalls, and striking cliffs.
Some of the landmarks (Google Maps links for your itinerary):
- The small white church with the red roof
- Stykkisholmur Shipwreck
- Giant Padlock gate
- Búlandshöfði View Point
- Lava rocks formations
- Álftafjöður View Point
And so many other amazing places in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this area is really worth to visit.
16. Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum
Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum is a small, family-run spot on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It offers a glimpse into Iceland’s traditional shark fishing and processing methods. The museum features exhibits on the history of this culinary curiosity, along with the family’s fishing boats and processing tools. During our visit, we explored the museum and learned about the six-month process of fermenting Greenland shark meat, known as hákarl. The experience also included tasting of the hákarl – which, let’s say, was memorable! And I would not like to taste it again, although they said it is very healthy. Another highlight was visiting the drying house, where shark meat hangs to ferment. The strong ammonia-rich smell is unforgettable, but it’s part of the authentic experience.
If you’re traveling through the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and interested in unique cultural experiences, Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum is definitely worth a stop. It’s a fascinating look into a tradition that has been part of Icelandic life for centuries. Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
17. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, located near Grindavík. We didn’t go inside the spa area, but we did walk around the outside. The milky-blue water set against black lava rocks is stunning, even without entering the lagoon. There’s a trail near the entrance that lets you explore the surrounding area and take photos without needing a ticket.
To enter the lagoon itself, you need to book in advance. Walk-ins are rarely accepted, as time slots often sell out. Since we didn’t have a reservation and were short on time, we skipped the spa experience this time. Still, the walk around the lagoon was peaceful and worth the stop. If you’re planning to visit, consider booking ahead to enjoy the full experience. But even a short visit outside offers a glimpse of Iceland’s unique geothermal beauty. Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
18. The Bridge Between Continents
The Bridge Between Continents (Brú Milli Heimsálfa) is a symbolic footbridge located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It spans the Álfagjá rift valley, marking the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This 15-meter (50-foot) bridge offers visitors a unique opportunity to stand between two continents, highlighting Iceland’s position atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Informational signs at the site explain the geological significance of the area, and visitors can collect a personalized certificate commemorating their crossing at nearby visitor centers. The surrounding landscape features black lava fields and rugged terrain, providing a stark and captivating backdrop for this geological landmark. Google Maps link – add it to your itinerary!
Bonus: Icelandic Wildlife
Icelandic wildlife added a special touch to our trip. We saw plenty of sheep and the iconic Icelandic horses grazing freely in wide open fields. Their thick coats and calm nature made them feel like part of the landscape. Along the way, we spotted many birds – especially near the coast and cliffs. Sadly, we also came across a dead whale washed up on the shore, a reminder of nature’s rougher side. Still, being surrounded by animals in such wild settings made the experience feel real and close to nature.
These places stayed with us long after we left and looking at the photos brings back many memories. If you’re planning a trip, consider adding a few of them to your list.
And you know, sometimes by just driving around, you get the most incredible views. Our trip to Iceland was very special. If you have any questions or thoughts, please let us know in the comments or let’s connect on Instagram @kaisartravels
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