November 22, 2023
Best Places to Visit in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide to the 22 Best Sights
Iceland is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty shaped by fire and ice. From thundering waterfalls to glacier-carved valleys, sparkling beaches to bubbling hot springs, the diversity of landscapes is truly unique in Iceland. In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of 22 of the best places to visit in Iceland.
We’ll visit towering falls like Skógafoss and Kvernufoss, explore volcanic wonders at Landmannalaugar, visit the fjords of Skaftafell and trek through Þórsmörk’s glacial valleys. Further east, expect black sand beaches and glacial lagoons with icebergs in Jökulsárlón. From gorgeous coastal drives and canyons filled with silver braided rivers, to icy summits and colourful geothermal pools – Iceland offers endless spectacular scenery around every corner!
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Pictured: Múlagljúfur Canyon
In this article
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Important planning tipsImportant planning tips
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Highlights map of the best places to visit in IcelandHighlights map of the best places to visit in Iceland
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1. Háifoss Waterfall and Granni waterfall1. Háifoss Waterfall and Granni waterfall
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2. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Gljufrabui Waterfall2. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Gljufrabui Waterfall
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3. Landmannalaugar3. Landmannalaugar
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4. Thórsmörk / Þórsmörk Langidalur4. Thórsmörk / Þórsmörk Langidalur
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5. Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool5. Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
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6. Skógafoss Waterfall6. Skógafoss Waterfall
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7. Kvernufoss Waterfall7. Kvernufoss Waterfall
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8. Solheimajökull Glacier8. Solheimajökull Glacier
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9. Dyrhólaey9. Dyrhólaey
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10. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach10. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
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11. Vik11. Vik
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12. Þakgil canyon12. Þakgil canyon
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13. Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon13. Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
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14. Skaftafell National Park14. Skaftafell National Park
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15. Hofskirkja Church15. Hofskirkja Church
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16. Múlagljúfur Canyon16. Múlagljúfur Canyon
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17. Fjallsarlon glacier17. Fjallsarlon glacier
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18. Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon18. Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
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19. Stokksnes19. Stokksnes
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20. Fauskasandur black sand beach20. Fauskasandur black sand beach
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21. Hengifoss21. Hengifoss
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22. Stuðlagil Canyon22. Stuðlagil Canyon
Some important planning tips for the best places to visit in iceland
What makes Iceland such a great road trip destination is just how close points of interest are. In fact, it’s possible to complete the full Ring Road in 3 to 4 days at a comfortable pace, stopping to see major sights along the way. Our list of the 22 best things to do in Iceland is certainly not extensive, and focuses primarily on the southern and eastern portions of the country.
It is worth noting that certain locations are only accessible in the summer, so keep this in mind if you’re travelling outside of the June-September season. We have included costs where applicable, difficulty level, the time you should expect to spend at each location and all logistical information like amenities, parking and so on. Also note that we assume you have a rental car (except for highlands locations) so if you’re planning on taking tours from Reykjavik, make sure you budget appropriately.
Highlights map of the best places to visit in Iceland
1. Háifoss Waterfall and Granni waterfall
| Amenities | There are no toilets, cafes or restaurants here, come prepared |
| Parking | Yes, free |
| Costs | N/A parking and entry is free |
| How long you'll need | 1 to 2 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate: there is some hiking required with a short steep section on loose rocks |
| Seasonality | Summer only |
Starting off strong, this was truly one of our most favourite locations in all of Iceland. Getting to Háifoss waterfall and Granni waterfall is one of the most straightforward hikes in Iceland. Located in south central Iceland (2 hours east of Reykjavík), the waterfalls plunge 122 metres over a sheer basalt cliff. To reach them, put Háifoss car park into Google Maps and take the road signed Laxargljufur once you turn off the Ring Road.
Although gravel, this isn’t an F-road and should be in good condition in the summer. There are signs at the beginning of the road that specify it is only for 4WD’s. Given the condition of the road when we visited in August, we continued at a slow pace and found it absolutely fine. If visiting during winter, you won’t be able to access this location without a 4WD and significant off road experience.
How to reach Háifoss, one of the best places to visit in Iceland
Once you reach the falls, you’ll find free designated parking at the canyon rim. From here, a clearly marked path heads westward along gentle terrain for most of its roughly 4 km (2.5 miles) length. You can’t miss the trail from the carpark, even though it’s not signed. You will have incredible views after only a few minutes. Continue on as far as you like, but we highly recommend hiking down to the bottom for the best views.
At one point there will be a fork in the path, just keep to the right (heading downslope). As the trail nears its end, you’ll find a switch back where the gradient increases noticeably down to the valley floor along fairly unstable rock. The physical challenge is worthwhile in our opinion, to be rewarded with incredible views of this powerful waterfall duo.
With proper footwear, maybe some hiking poles to help with the loose rock, and moderate fitness, most walkers can tackle Háifoss and Granni in 1-2 hours round trip at a comfortable pace. Just be prepared for some puffing on the ascent back up!
2. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and Gljufrabui Waterfall
| Amenities | There are toilets, gift shops and cafes here |
| Parking | Yes, parking costs €7 ($7.50 USD), which covers you for a full day |
| Costs | Entry is free, but you will need to pay for parking as stated above |
| How long you'll need | 1 hour |
| Difficulty | Easy: it's less than 100m from the car park to Seljalandsfoss and from there it's only a few minutes to Gljufrabui |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
The iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a must-see on any South Coast itinerary. Its tall, slender column of water cascades down the cliff face with such force it creates a natural mist in the air (so be prepared to get a little wet). This waterfall is only a few minutes from the carpark, making it a really accessible option. Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Reykjavik, perfect for a day trip! You will see this waterfall from the Ring Road, so don’t worry you can’t miss it.
Not only one of the best places to visit in Iceland, but also one of the easiest
After a short 100m walk from the carpark, you can watch the water pour over the edge into the lagoon below. On a sunny day, rainbows frequently adorn the falling water. But for an even more memorable experience, hike the short trail behind Seljalandsfoss. After this, turn right along the path. After 5 minutes you’ll reach its sister fall, Gljufrabui. Hidden in a narrow cleft in the cliff, Gljufrabui offers stunning views from within its enclosed canyon.
We had read that you need to be wearing waterproof everything to go in here, however that wasn’t our experience. As long as you’re wearing a rain jacket, preferably over your hips and with a hood, you’ll be fine. Make sure that you get a photo on the boulder! Gljufrabui was a lot quieter than Seljalandsfoss. Given it’s only a few minutes walk, it’s worth doing both while you’re here.
3. Landmannalaugar
| Amenities | There are toilets and showers, as well as a mountain hut serving drinks and snacks and a mountain store similar to a corner store |
| Parking | Yes, free (though you likely won't drive yourself) |
| Costs | Depends on whether you drive yourself or take a tour. The Trex bus will cost €120 ($126 USD) per person for a return trip from Hella |
| How long you'll need | Full day |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate: there were plenty of day tours at this location that offered short, flat walks through the larval fields with great views of the rhyolite mountains. On the flip side, you can also choose to hike the more moderate trails over Mount Bláhnúkur and Brennisteinsalda |
| Seasonality | Summer only |
Nestled deep in Iceland’s southern highlands lies the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar. Characterised by strange coloured, rhyolite mountains and bubbling hot springs, it makes for a once in a lifetime hiking destination, and we just had to include it in our list of the best places to visit in Iceland.
This highlands location is certainly more popular than Thórsmörk (see #3 below), however it can be reached in much the same way. You will either need to drive yourself along rugged F-roads in your own 4WD if you’re comfortable with water crossings. Otherwise you will need to organise transportation ahead of time through companies such as Trex bus. However, there are many other tour options for this location, especially from Reykjavik, so you will find something that suits your schedule.
Take the Trex Bus to reach the highlands
We took the Trex bus from Hella and it took about 2 hours to reach Landmannalaugar, costing €120 ($126 USD) per person for a return trip. As with Thórsmörk, you can also leave from Reykjavik, but it will take more time (and cost more). You can also camp here, although the campsite is a very basic gravel paddock and not as lush as Thórsmörk (more on this below). The amenities are great though and it is a perfect location to begin the 4-day Laugavegur trail.
We decided on the following schedule with Trex bus for a day trip:
Outbound
7:45 AM – 9:45 AM
Return
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This gave us 8 hours 15 minutes all up to hike, which ended up being longer than we needed. There are so many options for hiking here! But we suggest that you focus on the Bláhnúkur / Brennisteinsalda hike. This hike will take 6 hours and combines the three most popular hikes which take a few hours each if attempted individually:
- Mount Blahnúkúr 2.5 – 4 hours
- Brennisteinsalda volcano – 3 hours
- Laugahraun Loop – 2 hours
Our biggest tip is to summit Mt. Blahnúkúr first, and then Mt. Brennisteinsalda, so that the hardest one is first. You will find really clear maps at the Information Desk when you arrive, so don’t worry if you can’t find the direction to start the hike.
4. Thórsmörk / Þórsmörk Langidalur
| Amenities | There are toilets and showers, as well as a mountain hut serving drinks and snacks |
| Parking | Yes, free (though you likely won't drive yourself) |
| Costs | Depends on whether you drive yourself or take a tour. The Trex bus will cost €120 ($126 USD) per person for a return trip from Hella |
| How long you'll need | Full day |
| Difficulty | Moderate: this location is definitely for those looking to hike. While the shortest hike only takes 1 hour 45 minutes, it is still very steep |
| Seasonality | Summer only |
I don’t know about you, but Iceland’s highlands have always been at the top of my travel bucket list. Visiting the highlands is only possible in the summer. Access to Thórsmörk is limited from late June to early September when the snow has melted, the roads are more accessible and the hiking trails are possible.
Nestled beneath Iceland’s tallest peak of Hekla lies the magical, isolated valley region of Thórsmörk Langidalur. Designated a nature reserve for its striking scenery, many popular routes thread through this diverse landscape overlooking the braided river that is the valley’s namesake, Langi river. In fact, Thórsmörk Langidalur is the end of the 4-day Laugavegur trail that starts from Landmannalaugar (see #3 above).
How to reach Thórsmörk
If you’re not hiking from Landmannalaugar, you can also reach Thórsmörk yourself by 4WD. However there are multiple water crossings, so make sure you have experience with this and have a suitable vehicle. Otherwise, we recommend booking a Trex bus transfer, which is what we did. The bus picked us up from Hella outside the Kjörbúðin Supermarket and it took about 2 hours to reach Thórsmörk Langidalur, costing €120 ($126 USD) per person for a return trip.
You can also get picked up from Reykjavik, just note that the drive will be longer to and from (3.5 hours), making it a much longer day trip. If you’re prone to motion sickness, I would also recommend that you take medicine before this journey as it gets a bit bumpy going over the backcountry rounds.
Note: there are two stops at Thórsmörk, Langidalur and Básar. For the hikes we suggest below, you should get off at Langidalur. This is where the mountain hut is where you will find the beginning of the hiking trails.
Our Thórsmörk day trip itinerary
We decided on the following schedule for our Trex bus transfer:
Outbound
9:10 AM – 11:15 AM
Return
6:00 PM – 8:05 PM
This gave us 6 hours 45 minutes to hike. There was a beautiful campground here and if we were to return we would definitely choose to spend the night to see more of the area. There are multiple hikes to do in Thórsmörk, however if you only have one day we suggest the following:
- Thórsmörk Tindfjöll Circle – 4-5 hours, moderate
- Mount Valahnúkur route – 1 hour 45 minutes, easy (short, though incredibly steep)
We comfortably finished both of these hikes during our allocated time. In fact we had more than enough time to enjoy a beer afterwards at the mountain hut where the bus will pick you up again.
Both hikes are well defined the entire way. I had read that the Thórsmörk Tindfjöll Circle should only be attempted in good weather, and that people with a fear of heights may not enjoy it. However, I am very scared of heights and had absolutely no issue with this hike. The views can certainly be disrupted by low clouds though, so if the weather is truly bad it’s probably not going to be worth it. This might be a risk you take if you’re only visiting for one day. Mind you, we visited in peak season (August) and there were only 3 other people on the bus with us, so I think you could book this pretty last minute depending on the weather.
5. Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
| Amenities | There are no toilets or restaurants here. You’ll find amenities at Skógafoss, only 13 minutes down the road |
| Parking | Yes, free |
| Costs | N/A parking and entry is free |
| How long you'll need | 1 to 2 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy: it's a flat to undulating 20 minute walk each way |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
Seljavallalaug swimming pool is a completely free man-made hot spring. It certainly doesn’t have the amenities of other hot springs, however it has gained popularity massively over the years. This location is on private property (though the owner allows access), and there is no funding to maintain the site. Prior to the 2023 season it was pretty polluted and trashed from tourists. When we visited it had been drained, scrubbed, bleached and cleaned. I imagine it will be a much more pleasant place to swim in once it is filled back up (no algae slime, or rubbish in the changing block for example). For this reason we wanted to include it in our list of the best places to visit in Iceland as we think in future seasons this iconic swimming spot will be much more clean than it was previously.
How to reach Seljavallalaug swimming pool – one of the best places to visit in Iceland
To visit, simply put Seljavallalaug swimming pool into google maps. It’s only minutes from Skógafoss and Kvernufoss. You’ll find a large gravel car park at the end of the road, which is free. From here, follow the dry river bed into the mountains to reach the pool. Once you cross over a little river you will be close. All up it will take about 20 minutes to walk in. Make sure to wear your swimsuits, just in incase the changing block has been trashed again. Plan to spend about 1 – 2 hours all up. Like all sites in Iceland, make sure to follow the leave no trace principle and take everything with you when you leave.
6. Skógafoss Waterfall
| Amenities | There are both toilets and showers (you’re supposed to pay for the use of showers, but most people don’t as far as we could tell). There is a bistro on site attached to the hotel right next to the car park |
| Parking | Yes, free |
| Costs | N/A parking and entry is free |
| How long you'll need | 0.5 to 1 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy: you can choose to simply walk less than 100m to the base of the waterfall, or take the short set of stairs for views at the top |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
Standing at 60m, Skógafoss waterfall is an incredibly convenient location along the Ring Road between Reykjavík and Vík (2 hours from Reykjavík). Whether travelling independently or with a tour, you will want to put this on your Iceland bucket list as it’s truly one of the best places to visit in Iceland.
You will see the waterfall from the road as you approach, so you won’t have any issues finding it once you reach the car park. This particular location is very touristy but worth it if you go at the right time (that being before 8am during peak season). While you are standing in front of Skógafoss, on your right you will see a stairwell heading up the side of the hill next to the waterfall where you will get epic views from the top with little effort.
Not only one of the best places to visit in Iceland, but also the quickest!
Plan to spend between half an hour to an hour here depending on whether you decide to climb the steps to see the waterfall from above or not. Don’t expect much of the campground though, it is literally just the car park used for day visitors converted to a ‘campground’ at night. There are only 2 showers and a couple of toilets to service everybody so you can imagine the cleanliness. We camped here, however in hindsight we would have kept driving and stayed the night in Vik. Parking is free for day visitors, however if you camp it will cost €30 ($32 USD) per couple, per night.
7. Kvernufoss Waterfall
| Amenities | There are no toilets or restaurants here. You’ll find amenities at Skógafoss, only 2 minutes down the road |
| Parking | Yes, free |
| Costs | N/A parking and entry is free |
| How long you'll need | 0.5 hour |
| Difficulty | Easy: it's a flat 5-10 minute walk each way on a well defined pathway |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
Located only 2 minutes from Skógafoss, this often-missed waterfall is a truly hidden gem. Visitors of the Golden Circle very rarely venture here and we can’t understand why. We visited it after leaving Skógafoss at about 9am and were the only ones there (in peak season!). With the solitude of this destination, plus it’s convenient location next to Skógafoss, we think Kvernufoss Waterfall easily deserves a spot on our list of the best places to visit in Iceland.
You will need to park at the Skogar Museum which will cost €3.40 ($3.60 USD), using cash or card. From there, an easy 5-10 minute walk along a well-marked trail brings you to the gorge where you’ll find the 45m waterfall. This location is free to access 24/7 however there are no facilities. You’ll only need about half an hour, making this a brief but very captivating destination showcasing Iceland’s raw natural beauty.
8. Solheimajökull Glacier
| Amenities | There are toilets (payment required, and only coins are accepted), a visitors centre and a small cafe serving coffee and pastries |
| Parking | Yes, parking costs €5 ($5.30 USD), which covers you for a full day |
| Costs | Entry is free, but you will need to pay for parking and toilets as stated above. Tour costs differ depending on your plans (more details below) |
| How long you'll need | 1 - 1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy: it’s a fairly flat 20 minute walk each way (expect slight inclines down to the glacier lagoon and uneven, though graded, terrain) |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
As soon as you reach the parking lot of Solheimajökull glacier, you’ll see towering landscapes of ice peering down from the slopes above you and understand why we’ve included it in our list of the best places to visit in Iceland. A well-marked trail cuts through the small surrounding hills, giving you incredible views of the huge glacier lagoon, and the impressive face of the blue-white glacier calving into the waters edge.
You can walk right up to the lagoon, and get quite close to the edge of the glacier without a tour guide which separates this destination from others like Fjallsarlon glacier. It’s a very photogenic location, with a dramatic foreground of polar landscapes backed by the smoking cliffs of Mount Eyjafjallajökull.
Accessible, without compromising the views
Given the accessibility of this location (it’s only 2 hours 15 minutes from Reykjavik), and the activities on offer, it’s no surprise that this glacier attracts quite large crowds year-round. Even during the busy summer months though, you’ll find that you can get uninterrupted views of the glacier from the lagoon’s edge.
Although you don’t need to book a guide to enjoy this beautiful destination, Solheimajökull glacier is a popular spot for easy glacier hikes (from around €100 ($105 USD) per person), ice-climbing for beginners (€200 ($211 USD) per person), and glacier lagoon kayak tours (€125 ($132 USD) per person).
9. Dyrhólaey
| Amenities | There are toilets at the Dyrhólaey View Parking Lot only which require payment of a couple Euros. There are no restaurants or cafes here |
| Parking | Yes, there are two parking lots (one at the Dyrhólaey Lighthouse and another one called Dyrhólaey View Parking Lot). Both parking lots are free of charge |
| Costs | Parking and entry is free, but you will need to pay for toilets as stated above |
| How long you'll need | 1 - 1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy: there is a walk between the two parking lots, with a steep but short gradient. However you can choose to drive between the two car parks, making this site very accessible |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
Located along Iceland’s scenic South Coast, and 2 and a half hour drive from Reykjavik, is the dramatic Dyrhólaey peninsula. As you drive into the peninsula, you have the choice of two different car parks. You can drive up to the small car park at Dyrhólaey Lighthouse for the iconic view over the coastline below, or continue on to the larger Dyrhólaey View Parking Lot located at the bottom of the hill.
We actually made a quick stop at both as we were in a bit of a rush, but you can also talk a walk between the two car parks. If you decide to walk the trail, it is a fairly easy flat gravel trail. However there is a pretty steep incline between the two points.
One of the best places to visit in Iceland to see puffins
Highlights of this stop include the castle-like lighthouse, potential puffin sightings (which roost here between May-August), the iconic sea arch, and the impressive views of Reynisfjara black sand beach from 100m above. If you’re hoping to see puffins, apparently the best time is mid-morning. We arrived early in the afternoon and still spotted a few though!
Be aware that the carpark at the lighthouse section may be closed at certain times in the summer to facilitate the puffin breeding season. However, foot traffic will still be allowed during the daytime (9am to 6pm), so you will just have to tackle the uphill walk.
For best views over Reynisfjara and for the arch however, try to aim for sunset. The glare in the middle of the day takes away from the dramatic beauty of the coastline here in our opinion (unless you have cloudy weather). Dyrhólaey is open year round, however during winter the wind could get a bit extreme!
10. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
| Amenities | There are toilets (payment of a few Euros required) and a large restaurant |
| Parking | Yes parking costs either €6.8 ($7.20 USD) for the lower level closer to the beach, or €5 ($5.30 USD) for the upper level spillover car park which is further away |
| Costs | Entry is free, but you will need to pay for parking and toilets as stated above |
| How long you'll need | 0.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy: it's a very short walk onto the beach from the car parks |
| Seasonality | Year-round, thanks to the restaurant owners who keep the car parks snow free |
We’ve included Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in our list of the best places to visit in Iceland only because it is such an incredibly popular option. The main draw cards for Reynisfjara are its proximity to Reykjavik (only a 2.5 hour drive), that it’s a black sand beach which contrasts dramatically with the ocean and cliffs, and that you can find basalt lava rock columns and formations here. As the waves have eroded the softer cliffs over time, sturdier hexagonal basalt columns have been left behind right at the shoreline which are pretty impressive!
Reynisfjara was by far the busiest location we visited in Iceland. Both car parks were absolutely packed to the point that cars lined the road on the way in and traffic was pretty frustrating. There are plenty of other black sand beaches in Iceland that are nowhere near as busy like Fauskasandur black sand beach (see # 20 for more information). And honestly we enjoyed the views from Dyrhólaey much more. If we were to go back, we would go first thing in the morning to avoid the large crowds and to get a better feel for the place.
Beware of sneaker waves at Reynisfjara
Given the popularity of Reynisfjara, it’s important to mention the dangerous “sneaker waves” that occur here. The waves at Reynisfjara can appear unexpectedly large and powerful after a series of smaller waves. Known as “sneaker waves”, these disproportionately high waves can happen without warning. Their incredible force has been known to catch unsuspecting tourists off guard and pull some out to sea, in some cases resulting in fatal accidents.
Extreme caution is necessary near the shoreline as the sneaker waves are dangerously powerful and can swiftly overtake anyone standing too close to the water’s edge. You will see a large sign as you enter the beach which indicates the level of danger for that day and how far you should stay from the water’s edge. It’s important that you respect this, even if you think the water doesn’t look menacing.
11. Vik
| Amenities | There are plenty of restaurants, fuel stations, grocery stores and accommodation options in Vik |
| Parking | Yes, you can find parking throughout Vik including at the church, street parking and parking at the grocery stores |
| Costs | Free |
| How long you'll need | 1 hour |
| Difficulty | Easy: this is a town and you can walk around as much as you like |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
Vik is a perfect homebase for day trips to surrounding points of interest that we’ve included in our guide to the best places to visit in Iceland including Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Dyrhólaey and several waterfall trails nearby like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and Gljufrabúi. Vik is located 2 and a half hours from Reykjavik and is a popular overnight destination due to the wider range of accommodation options here compared to surrounding areas. Within Vik itself, visit the Vik i Myrdal Church, and the School Bus Cafe for a drink and snack. Another popular activity is horse-riding, along Reynisfjara which will cost approximately €95 ($100 USD).
12. Þakgil canyon
| Amenities | There is a campsite with toilets and showers (donation required from day visitors, camping fee required for overnight visitors) |
| Parking | Free parking |
| Costs | Free for day visitors (though a donation for using the facilities is appreciated to help with the upkeep). Camping costs €15 ($15.80 USD) per person per night |
| How long you'll need | Ideally overnight, however a half day would allow for one hike in the area |
| Difficulty | Moderate: the hiking trails here are well marked, but quite steep |
| Seasonality | Summer only |
If you’re keen on visiting Iceland’s backcountry without a 4WD, this is definitely a spot for you! This incredibly peaceful, isolated location will give you a reprieve from the busy Ring Road and it offers some of the best hiking in the country in our opinion.
Despite lying just east of the popular town of Vik, Þakgil remains one of Iceland’s best kept secrets. Nestled in the remote and rugged East Fjords region, it avoids the crowds that flock to neighbouring south coast sites. Hikers are treated to a diverse landscape ranging from its namesake steep-walled canyon, to roaring waterfalls, and massive outlet glaciers, all providing breathtaking panoramic vistas. While destinations like Reynisfjara Beach and Skógafoss see hordes of summertime visitors, Þakgil retains a peaceful sense of solitude.
Its unspoiled and spectacular scenery, from towering cliffs and deep fjords to sweeping coastal plains, cement it as one of Iceland’s true gems. It is honestly the perfect place to experience some of the best views the country has to offer, away from the masses.
One of the best places to visit in Iceland for backcountry hiking
We suggest that you first do the ‘Easy Ravine Walk’ which will only take 10 minutes from the car park of the camp ground. This quick walk heads directly up a small canyon ending at a picturesque waterfall which powers a small hydro station supplying electricity to the facilities here. The other hike that we would highly suggest you take is the Remundargil Loop. This 12.5km (7.8 mi) trail will take between 3 and 5 hours and will give you incredible views of the various canyons scattered throughout the area, with panoramic views of a glacier at the middle point.
Although the road leading into Þakgil canyon is not technically an F-road requiring a 4WD, it is a bit tricky and we actually ended up getting a flat tyre. We have read that there are F-roads that are easier to traverse than this standard triple digit road, and it could be classified as an F-road in the future. So it’s always worth double checking this ahead of your visit.
So many other vehicles there were the same model as ours and we appeared to be the only ones who got a flat tyre on the way in, so we got a bit unlucky here. Just take your time and stick at a very slow speed. Having an understanding of where your spare tyre is located and how to access it as well as the vehicle manual is important. Worse case scenario you’ll find a garage in nearby Vik that can repair your tyre within an hour or so.
13. Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
| Amenities | There are toilets here, however they are frequently not open so don’t rely on them |
| Parking | Currently free parking (though I expect this will change given the sites popularity) |
| Costs | Free parking and entry |
| How long you'll need | 1 - 1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy: the 60 minute cliff top walk is along a well defined walkway with little gradient |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
Located in southeast Iceland, 3 and a half hours from Reyjavik or 50 minutes from Vik, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon cuts an impressive path 100m deep and 2km (1.2 mi) long. Carved out over an estimated 9,000 years by meltwater from local glaciers running through the Fjaðrá river, the canyon showcases the beautiful power of erosion.
This gorgeous location was temporarily closed after the site’s popularity exploded following a Justin Bieber music video that took place on the canyon floor. In 2023, it has now fully reopened, with designated paths and viewing platforms to protect the sensitive vegetation. We hope that the new paths will be respected so that this destination can stay on our list of the best places to visit in Iceland in the future, and not be closed again because of damage to the ecosystem!
Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is easily accessible via a well-maintained gravel road from the Ring Road. From the free parking area there is an easy 60 minute hike along the top of the canyon. You can no longer access the bottom of the ravine. There will be quite a few people here, but in our opinion it is truly worth the short walk for the breathtaking views.
14. Skaftafell National Park
The epic Svartifoss waterfall located in Skaftafell National Park
| Amenities | You’ll find a huge visitors centre here, a massive campground, toilets and showers |
| Parking | Parking will cost you €6.80 ($7.20 USD) |
| Costs | If you’re not camping, you will need to pay for parking as stated above. For overnight visitors, parking is included in your camping fee. Entry to the park is free |
| How long you'll need | 2 - 3 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate: the hike to Svartifoss is short but has a bit of altitude, whereas the walk to Skaftafellsjökull glacier is flat the entire time. Both hikes are on well-defined gravel pathways |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
We’re getting further away from Reykjavik now. It will take you 4 hours to drive here from Reykjavik so it probably won’t be suitable for a day trip. However, for those driving the Ring Road, don’t expect its distance from Reykjavik to mean it’s a quieter location. It’s actually surprisingly busy, probably because of the nice, large campgrounds. Actually the view of the glacier from the flat, grassy and spacious campground is one of the main reasons why we included this location as one of the best places to visit in Iceland!
The main attraction – Svartifoss waterfall!
Svartifoss waterfall and Skaftafellsjökull glacier are the main attractions here. You can reach both of these from the visitors centre and the hikes are 3km and 3.7km return respectively. The hike to Svartifoss waterfall will take about an hour to complete, with the walk to Skaftafellsjökull glacier taking slightly longer.
Svartifoss waterfall was one of our favourite waterfalls that we saw in Iceland. Svartifoss means “black falls” in Icelandic, and earns its name from the surrounding jagged black basalt columns that frame this dramatic cascade. You can no longer walk right up to the waterfall but you will find a viewing platform set back that still gives you incredible views without impacting the local vegetation.
15. Hofskirkja Church
| Amenities | There are no facilities here |
| Parking | Free parking |
| Costs | N/A parking and entry is free |
| How long you'll need | less than 0.5 hour |
| Difficulty | Easy: the church is only metres from the carpark |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
Located in the southeastern region of Oraefi, Hofskirkja turf church in Hof village is Iceland’s youngest surviving example of the country’s distinctive ecclesiastical architecture. Records from the mediaeval period indicate a church has stood in Hof since 1343. However, the iconic turf structure you’ll see today was constructed in the nineteenth century. The picturesque preservation of ancient Icelandic building traditions within the surrounding modern community make this site worthy of a stop. Situated just off the Ring Road, it makes for an ideal spot to stretch your legs when self-driving around the south and east coasts.
16. Múlagljúfur Canyon
| Amenities | There are no facilities here |
| Parking | Free parking |
| Costs | N/A parking and entry is free |
| How long you'll need | The hike will only take 2 hours, but allow extra time for photos because this place is breathtaking! |
| Difficulty | Moderate: the hike is pretty steep for the entire way up. You will get incredible views early on in the hike so don’t be afraid to turn around once you catch a full view of the canyon about 20 - 30 minutes in |
| Seasonality | Summer only |
The dramatic Múlagljúfur Canyon, often simply called Múla Canyon, is a stunning location in southern Iceland near popular sites like Fjallsárlón Glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach (see points below for further details on each of these locations). Renowned for its rugged cliffs, vibrant greenery and powerful river, Múlagljúfur Canyon epitomises Iceland’s raw and untamed beauty. This location is a little more difficult to reach than other locations included in our list of the best places to visit in Iceland. It’s a pretty steep hike in and out, but if you’re up for the walk it’s certainly worth it!
On your hike up, you will get incredible views into the canyon all the way down into the meandering Múla River below. Lush vegetation clinging to the canyon’s harsh edges gives a certain drama to the trail. Untouched by development, Múlagljúfur preserves Iceland’s pristine wilderness appeal, however expect the car park to be full! It’s best to do this hike in the morning to make sure you find a spot in the parking lot.
17. Fjallsarlon glacier
| Amenities | There are toilets and a cafe on site. The toilet requires payment, however it is free with a purchase in the cafe |
| Parking | Parking will cost you €6.80 ($7.20 USD). |
| Costs | You will need to pay for parking as stated above, however entry is free |
| How long you'll need | 1 hour |
| Difficulty | Easy: it's a fairly quick walk from the car park, only 10 to 20 minutes each way on a clearly marked path |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
If you’re going to visit one glacier in Iceland, we suggest that it is Fjallsarlon glacier. Although it’s not breaking any records in terms of size, it is simply a beautiful lagoon worthy of a stop on any Iceland road-trip itinerary. Because of its size you can get up close to the gigantic icebergs that frequently ground along the shoreline.
After arriving at the small parking area, you can take a short 10 – 20 minute walk that takes you to the glacier edge at which point you’ll see where the jagged ice towers meet an expanse of glacial waters. You can take a rib boat tour (€60 / $65 USD per person) to get even closer views (although not necessary) or do an ice cave tour (€160 / $175 USD per person) to experience a different side to the glacier. In general you won’t encounter many crowds here, making it one of the best places to visit in Iceland given its beauty and quietness.
18. Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
| Amenities | You will find a cafe and restroom facilities at the Glacier Lagoon, but not at Diamond Beach |
| Parking | Parking will cost you €6.80 ($7.20 USD) |
| Costs | You will need to pay for parking as stated above, however entry is free to both locations |
| How long you'll need | 1 -2 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy: there is a car park that directly overlooks Diamond Beach. You can either walk over to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in a few minutes, or drive over to the car park that is closer (but you’ll pay parking twice) |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
Any guide to the top things to see and do in Iceland would be amiss without including Diamond Beach and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Diamond Beach is located near the village of Höfn in southeast Iceland. Diamond Beach is renowned for its glittering black sand formed from crushed basalt. Walking along this unique beach, you will be amazed by the sparkling sand and bright chunks of ice littered across the coastal landscape.
Located just off Diamond Beach is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This breathtaking lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that calve off from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. Boats tours are available to get a closer look at the floating icebergs during summer, which typically cost around €47 ($50 USD) per person. You might also occasionally spot seals in the lagoon!
19. Stokksnes
| Amenities | There is a campsite, toilets, showers, and a restaurant |
| Parking | Parking is free when you enter Stokksnes. You'll find places to pull over at multiple locations which will be indicated on the site map that they give you |
| Costs | Camping costs €17 ($18 USD) per person per night, which includes entry to Stokksnes. Entry without camping costs €6 ($6.35 USD) per person |
| How long you'll need | 2 - 3 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy: the car park directly overlooks the beach so you can choose whether you want to take any of the walks or just admire the views from the road |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
I actually wasn’t sure what to expect of this location given the mixed reviews and its huge popularity on Instagram, but in the end Stokksnes really blew us away. You will not be able to resist capturing the otherworldly landscapes that this remote location provides, including the iconic imagery of the dramatic mountain silhouettes against the secluded black sand beaches, dotted with pockets of beautiful windswept grasses.
Tip: don’t bother if the weather is bad as you won’t be able to see anything. If you can’t see the mountain peak from the entrance don’t go in.
It’s easy to spend a couple of hours wandering Stokksnes’ trails. We are totally amateur photographers and it felt like we couldn’t take a bad shot here! There’s a few different walks that are all easy and along flat ground. There is also an old Viking village that was used as a set for The Witcher: Blood Origin back in 2021. I would highly suggest that you visit at sunrise or sunset to see the most beautiful colours paint the landscape in gorgeous muted purpley-gold tones.
One of the best places to visit in Iceland for sunset or sunrise
You can buy tickets from the counter at the Viking Cafe on site, or directly from the machine at the boom gate. Stokksnes is on private property. I have seen other guides complain about the entry price, which I think is unfair. The site needs to be managed, so we think respecting the owners is important. Besides, the entry fee isn’t even that much, and is pretty similar to parking fees everywhere else in the country.
We decided to spend the night here, however it was the most uncomfortable camping location that we stayed at for our entire trip. The wind is very intense given its coastal location, which made it impossible for us to sit outside. They do have a hut that you can cook in, but other than that we had to stay in the van for the rest of the evening which wasn’t ideal. The price you pay for such a beautiful location!
20. Fauskasandur black sand beach
| Amenities | There are no amenities here |
| Parking | Parking is free |
| Costs | Entry is free |
| How long you'll need | 0.5 hour |
| Difficulty | Easy: the car park directly overlooks the beach |
| Seasonality | Year-round |
In contrast with Iceland’s more famous black sand beaches that draw large numbers of tourists, like Diamond Beach and Reynisfjara, Fauskasandur sees significantly less visitor traffic. Situated in a remote coastal location in East Iceland, this unspoiled stretch of sand stands out for its dramatic basalt rock formations. Most notable is a gigantic rock monolith that towers over the beach, serving as a picturesque focal point for onlookers and photographers.
If you put Fauskasandur beach into google maps it will take you to the wrong location and you will have to walk back to the right beach! Instead, the right location is labelled as “Stapinn (Stapavík)” on Google Maps. We have indicated the right location on our highlights map at the start of this guide.
21. Hengifoss
| Amenities | There are toilets and a seasonal cafe serving local soup, coffees and pastries |
| Parking | Parking is free |
| Costs | Entry is free |
| How long you'll need | 2 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate: although the waterfall looks close from the car park, the elevation makes it a bit challenging |
| Seasonality | Year-round (but it will likely be a bit challenging outside of the summer season) |
Hengifoss is located 1 and a half hours north-east of Stuðlagil Canyon. The main drawcard of Hengifoss are the unique layers of red clay rock sandwiched between layers of basalt. It’s straight out of a movie scene. Hengifoss stands at around 128 metres tall, making it the 2nd highest waterfall in Iceland (excluding the waterfall in the Morsárjökull glacier).
Upon arrival, Hengifoss appears deceptively close from the roadside car park. However, this perspective is misleading. It’s actually a lengthy climb to reach the falls. While the total distance is moderate at around 2.5 km (1.5 mi), plan for a full 1 hour and 15 minutes hike due to a challenging elevation gain of 270 metres. The trail follows a hilly route, so your calves will feel the burn. This was one of our last destinations on our 9-day road trip and we certainly felt it in our tired legs.
From the car park, signs clearly mark the way to follow a well maintained path. At points the path is narrow and rocky, and it involves a small stream crossing (which is easy to navigate) before emerging at the waterfall’s base. Although, we found that the views were best from the river crossing, so feel free to turn around here.
22. Stuðlagil Canyon
| Amenities | There are toilets on the northern side only |
| Parking | Parking is free |
| Costs | Entry is free |
| How long you'll need | 2 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy: the walk along the canyon on the eastern side will take about half an hour with minimal elevation. From the northern side, you will have a 5 minute walk down a set of stairs to the viewpoint platform |
| Seasonality | Year-round (but the colour of the water will change in late summer!) |
Stuðlagil Canyon, only discovered in 2016, is famous for its striking contrasting colours and basalt columns. This is one of the more difficult destinations in our list of the best places to visit in Iceland because of its location. It’s located on the eastern side of Iceland, basically at the halfway point from Reykjavik. I’ll start off by saying that the pictures you may have seen of Stuðlagil Canyon could differ greatly from your reality. The colour of the Hofsá river that flows through the canyon fluctuates seasonally. From March to July, its waters shine a brilliant blue-green which is what draws a lot of people to this location.
However, as summer comes to an end and melting glaciers upstream begin to swell the flow, the colour shifts to a light grey tint. This colour is due to the rising glacial sediment load characteristic of rivers fed by nearby melting ice. The transformed colour from vivid spring to milky fall is beautiful in all its shades, but for visitors unaware of this, they can be disappointed.
Car parks and access
There are two car parks to access Stuðlagil Canyon. The main access is on the northern side of the canyon and this is where you’ll find the toilet facilities. From here you can walk down the steps to the viewing platform overlooking the canyon. The access from the east side however gets you much closer, right down to the waters edge if you like. Google maps, and many guides, will tell you that you need to park before the bridge if you don’t have a 4WD.
But I would suggest that you continue to drive down to the end of the road to save yourself significant walking time (literally 30 minutes each way). We were one of only 2 or 3 cars that stopped at this car park. Everybody else, in much smaller vehicles than ours I might add, continued onto the car park that is closer to the trail. The road is gravel and had some ruts, but it was certainly accessible for normal 2WD vehicles. The walk from this location will only take about half an hour each way and is 4 km (2.5 mi).
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for joining us on this tour of Iceland’s most stunning highlights! From thundering waterfalls and glacier-filled valleys to black sand beaches and geothermal pools, I hope this detailed guide to the 22 best places to visit in Iceland has inspired you to experience the raw beauty of Iceland for yourself. The diversity of landscapes in such a small area make it truly one of the most incredible countries on Earth.
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