The 9 Best Things to Do in Iceland

The cosmopolitan capital of Reykjavik is home to a cutting-edge art scene, lively nightlife and - of course - the world-famous Blue Lagoon. While small in size, you’ll be surprised at how much it has to discover.

As you wander the colourful streets of Reykjavik, lined with vibrant houses and stores showcasing the distinct local architecture, you’ll immerse yourself in Reykjavik’s creative energy. Stop by shops selling beautiful hand-knitted clothing or unique ceramics, or relax in charming cafés selling a great cup of coffee. It’s this artistic and laid-back atmosphere of Reykjavik that makes it stand out compared to other European destinations.

During your visit to Reykjavik, you have to stop by one of the top Iceland attractions - Hallgrímskirkja Church, a fine example of expressionist architecture, with a distinctive steeped steeple that can be seen across the city. Stroll down Laugavegur - Reykjavik’s main shopping street - feasting your eyes on the many boutiques, bars and restaurants it is home to before reaching the harbour. Here, you can visit the Harpa Concert Hall, known for its impressive design and for hosting cultural events.

Many people would say that no trip to Iceland is complete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, and we’d have to agree. Bathing in the mineral-rich waters of the world’s most famous Geothermal Spa is something you simply have to do in Iceland if you’re in need of a soothing and rejuvenating experience.

Bathe in this attraction’s milky-blue waters as steam rises around you while you’re surrounded by volcanic rock. With the purchase of certain tickets, you’ll even be able to claim face masks that you can put on while you’re in the water, making your visit all the more relaxing. To quench your thirst as you warm up, stop by the in-water bar for a healthy concoction or other beverage.

With over 2,000 islands and islets, many travellers to Iceland neglect to explore its remote and untouched landscapes beyond the mainland. But they are home to some of the country’s most impressive natural settings and breathtaking wildlife.

Take the small volcanic island of Heimaey, for example. Nestled in the remote Westmann Archipelago, it is known as the ‘Pompeii of the north’ due to its volcanic activity and its half-buried houses - a result of the 1973 eruption.

Akureyri, with its glorious green pastures and whale-filled bays, is the starting point for many Iceland activities like hiking and excursions to the mighty Godafoss waterfall - one of the top Iceland attractions.

Much of the country’s raw beauty lies in its islands, offering a lesser-experienced glimpse into its exemplary beauty, which is why visiting them is widely considered to be one of the best things to do in Iceland.

Fishing villages form an integral part of Iceland’s local culture and heritage. Offering a view into what the simple, quieter side of life looks like on the island, you’ll find colourful homes hugging the island’s dramatic coastlines, where fishing boats bob up and down along with the lapping waters.

Many locals still make a living harvesting the bounty of the North Atlantic Ocean, which envelops the island, whose families have known it to be their livelihood for generations.

An example is the beautiful fishing village of Djupivogur, surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains and bordered by icy waters. This peaceful fishing village is also the gateway to discover one of the top Iceland attractions - Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. To experience the best of Iceland’s traditional and peaceful settlements, visiting its humble fishing villages is a must.

Iceland’s diverse landscapes and terrain are otherworldly. From black sand beaches to lava fields and erupting geysers, exploring its landscapes is much like stepping onto another planet, and the beauty is that you can explore much of it in just one day!

The wild heart of Iceland is where much of this extraordinary natural scenery lies. For example, Isafjørdur, in the Westfjords regions of Iceland, is known for its dramatic landscapes, including rugged mountains and beautiful fjords. The town is the main entry point to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, too - one of the country’s most untouched areas.

Or, venture to Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to beautiful white beaches met by the blue waters of the Atlantic. And just beyond Reykjavik, you’ll find ice fields, lava tunnels, glaciers and wellbeing springs.

One of the most popular routes to embark on is known as the ‘Golden Circle’, which encompasses three major natural attractions in the country: Thingvellir National Park, the Geyser Geothermal Area and Gullfoss Waterfall. You’ll be amazed by the magnitude and sheer beauty of these extraordinary natural sights, from the eruption of the Strokkur geyser - shooting boiling water up to 131 feet into the air - to the mighty 105-foot Gullfoss Waterfall.

There’s a whole collection of things to see in Iceland that will make your trip all the more memorable, and its natural attractions are just the beginning.

Iceland’s Nordic cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its settlements today and can be seen all throughout your travels around the country.

From the small town of Ísafjörður, you can explore the fascinating natural history museum. Stop by the wonderful Dynjandi Waterfalls or visit the unique Sea Monster Museum in Bildudadur, where local legends come to life.

From Djupivogur, see the awe-inspiring Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe, explore the Vatnajökull lagoon or hike through the beautiful natural habitat that surrounds the town.

In Seydisfjordur, embrace Icelandic culture during an exploration of this unique village, which is distinguished by its colourful Norwegian-style wooden houses, immersing yourself in what life is like in a traditional settlement.

In Iceland, the country’s music, art and literature continue to thrive, with contemporary design and ancient traditions going hand in hand. To experience the best of Iceland - and a more authentic glimpse into the country’s long-standing heritage - be sure to embrace its Nordic culture.

One of the most spectacular things to do in Iceland that’s often on everyone’s bucket list is to see the Aurora Borealis, better known as the Northern Lights.

It is no trick of light, but the Aurora is one of the most visually stunning natural phenomena in the world, with hues of pink, green and purple dancing in the night sky. Iceland’s skies are some of the best in the world to see the phenomenon - when conditions are right - and you don’t even have to venture far from the country’s capital of Reykjavik to be in with a chance of spotting this fabled sighting.

This is one of the Iceland experiences you don’t want to miss, so why not sprinkle a bit of magic on your trip by chasing this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon to have a holiday that you won’t soon forget.

Icelandic waters - and skies - are home to an abundance of life, with all year round offering the opportunity to sight spectacular species in their natural habitats. The country offers fantastic opportunities for sighting these majestic creatures, from birds soaring above its fjords and mountains to whales playing by its harbours.

In the summer months, you have the perfect opportunity to sight humpback whales, orcas and dolphins in Iceland. Husavik, the oldest settlement in Iceland, is recognised as one of the best places in the world to see whales, which is why it’s also known as the whale capital. It has offshore waters inhabited by 15 whale species and dolphins. The Westman Islands - off Iceland’s South Coast - also offer fantastic chances to spot whales, which can be visited on Iceland cruises.

The country is also extremely rich in birdlife, making it popular with ornithologists who journey to Iceland during the summer nesting season to see dozens of unusual bird species. It is home to many intriguing seabirds, including puffins, skuas and kittiwakes that nest on cliffs around the country. Hornbjarg Cliff, in particular, features an array of bird species that can be seen from the deck of a ship.

And we couldn’t neglect to mention the playful seals that inhabit Iceland’s waters, many of which can be spotted around the country’s shoreline, splashing and bobbing in the waters or lazing on beaches. When it comes to deciding what to see in Iceland, spotting gorgeous species that call this island home will leave you with lasting memories of your trip.

For those seeking to experience all of the best things to do in Iceland seamlessly, you might want to consider embarking on a cruise. You’ll find superb expedition voyages in plentiful supply onboard modern, purpose-built ships that feature fantastic amenities.

Voyages includes captivating lectures onboard and many fantastic onshore excursions to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, history, culture and traditions. You’ll find Polarcirkel boats are also available to reach remote islands such as Grimsey, where the Arctic Circle meets Iceland, and Latrabjarg, a promontory on Flatey Island and home to millions of birds, from guillemots to puffins and northern gannets. In other words, no landscape is left untouched or isn’t reachable with an Icelandic cruise, making your journey all the more adventurous.

Cruises are a great way to explore Iceland conveniently too, with carefully crafted itineraries that showcase everything from the best sights to the less tourist-trodden routes. You’ll always be immersed in incredible scenery, and you won’t have to leave the comfort of your ship to make the most of this, either. If you haven’t already considered cruising Iceland during your next adventure in the country, you should.