25 Things We Loved Doing in Iceland (& would do again!)

There are so many incredible things to do in Iceland it can be overwhelming to try and plan your trip. We’ve rounded up the top adventures, sights to see and culinary experiences we had on our travels so you can create your own Iceland bucket list.

With active volcanoes, black sand beaches, rushing waterfalls and glacial lagoons, Iceland is a nature-lover’s haven.

And for those who get excited by culture and foodie delights, there are plenty of charming towns, historic sights and elevated culinary experiences to make your heart pitter-patter.

With so many things to do in Iceland, where is one to start?

After 3 trips to Iceland, we think we’ve come up with a pretty darn good list based on our personal experience to help you get started.

Whether you’re an adventure junkie seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience or you have an affinity for the finer things in life, Iceland is sure to knock your travel socks right off. Before you know it you’ll be planning a return trip. (We’re already dreaming about our next visit!)

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Our personal experience in Iceland

We’ve explored Iceland across multiple trips, seasons, and travel styles, giving us a well-rounded perspective on what’s truly worth your time.

Our first visit was a weeklong summer road trip along the South Coast, where we tent camped, chased waterfalls, and quickly learned how ambitious (and exhausting!) Iceland itineraries can be. We later returned for a full Ring Road campervan adventure, which allowed us to slow down, get off the beaten path, and discover lesser-known gems.

We’ve also visited in winter on a multi-day stopover, basing ourselves in Reykjavik and exploring nearby highlights like the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon.

Across these trips, we’ve figured out what actually lives up to the hype. We don’t just list things to do—we recommend experiences we’ve personally done, loved, and would happily do again.

Without further adieu, let’s dive into our curated list of the very best things to do in Iceland – complete with insider tips so you can start planning your own Icelandic adventure!

1. Hike to a hot spring river

Imagine soaking in a steamy river nestled in a lush, green valley with grazing sheep and rolling hills.

Sounds pretty damn dreamy, right? Well, I’m here to tell you, all you need to turn that dream into reality is a trip to Iceland and a sense of adventure.

The hike to Reykjadalur Thermal River is part of what makes this experience so special. It’s about 5 miles round trip with moderate elevation gain and took us roughly an hour each way at a relaxed pace.

The trail is well-marked and steadily climbs through Reykjadalur Valley, offering beautiful views the entire way. By the time you reach the river, the soak feels especially rewarding.

Find out exactly how to get there and all the other details you need in our ultimate guide to visiting Reykjadalur Thermal River.

Reykjadalur Hot Springs: Guide to Iceland’s Idyllic Thermal River

2. Skaftafell glacier hike

Glacier hiking was one of those Iceland experiences we weren’t totally sure what to expect—but it ended up being one of the most unforgettable things we’ve ever done in the country.

We hiked on the Skaftafell Glacier, an outlet of Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap.

After getting geared up with crampons, helmets, harnesses, and ice axes, our guide walked us step-by-step onto the ice, explaining how to move safely across the constantly changing terrain. Within minutes, we were standing on ancient ice, surrounded by deep blue cracks, towering ridges, and surreal formations that felt completely otherworldly.

The only way to see Skaftafell glacier up close is with a profession guide, but it’s surprisingly accessible.

You don’t need prior experience—just a decent level of fitness and a sense of adventure. The guides handle all the safety logistics, and the pace is manageable, with plenty of stops to learn about the glacier and take photos.

We chose a 5-hour tour, and we’re so glad we did. It allowed us to go much farther onto the glacier, see more dramatic features, and even be safely lowered into a small ice cave—easily one of the coolest moments of the entire trip.

The shorter tours spend more time getting to and from the ice, while the longer ones really let you experience the glacier itself.

Glaciers in Iceland are retreating quickly, which made this experience feel even more meaningful. Standing on the ice, knowing it may not be accessible like this forever, was humbling and unforgettable. If you’re deciding whether glacier hiking is worth it—from our experience, it absolutely is.

3. Go chasing waterfalls

Iceland has the highest concentration of waterfalls of any place we’ve ever visited in the world. (And that’s saying a lot for two people who live in the Pacific Northwest!)

There are waterfalls everywhere. You’ll be driving and BOOM – you’ll see one waterfall after another. 

And these aren’t just trickles, friends. I’m talking about legitimate, gushing waterfalls. 

So how do you determine which waterfalls are worth seeing? That’s a tough question to answer, but we’ll get your started with a list of our top recs.

We’ve put together a list of the best waterfalls in Iceland – from the uber famous (and rightly so!) Skógafoss to seldom-visited falls that require a bit of effort to reach.

Incredible Iceland Waterfalls We Loved (+ exact locations!)

4. Make it a (campervan) road trip

Iceland is a country made for road tripping. If you have more than 3 days, we’d highly, highly recommend renting a car, or better yet, a campervan, and hit the road to explore!

Outside of Reykjavík, it’s very difficult to experience much of this country without your own vehicle. 

Pack your favorite snacks, crank the tunes and roll down the windows… well, maybe not – it gets pretty cold in Iceland – and prepare for the road trip of a lifetime!

Use our Iceland road trip planning guide to help you plan your trip. 

Here are some of the top Iceland road trips we’d recommend:

• South Iceland: See the highlights of Iceland’s southern coast on this perfect Iceland itinerary
• Ring Road: If you have the time, we highly recommend doing a road trip around the entire Ring Road that encircles the country. 
• Snaefellsnes Peninsula: If you’re pressed for time, or just want to see something different, check out the beauty on this peninsula just a few hours north of Reykjavik.
• Golden Circle: An absolute must on your first trip to Iceland, see #3 for details!

5. Wake up with a view 

We may be biased, but we think camping is the best way to experience all the beauty and adventure that Iceland has to offer. Whether you choose to pitch a tent or rent a campervan in Iceland, you’re in for one hell of an adventure!

While driving around Iceland in our campervan, we fell asleep under the stars and woke up to have our coffee next to waterfalls. We ventured to remote canyons and hidden hot springs. And we made memories we’ll be talking about for years.

If that sounds dreamy to you, be sure to check out our complete guide to camping in Iceland. It legitimately has everything you need to know to prepare for a trip of a lifetime. Plus, we’ll answer all your burning questions, so it’s good to check out if you’re on the fence.

What I Wish I’d Known Before Camping in Iceland (+ campsites we loved!)

6. Hike the Fimmvörðuháls trail

While this suggestion may not be for every traveler, if you are an avid hiker you’ll definitely want to put this trek on your Iceland bucket list. 

We trekked this 15.5-mile trail through some of the most dramatically diverse landscapes in the country and quickly decided it’s one of the best day hikes we’ve done anywhere in the world. (And that’s saying something coming from us! We’ve done a lot of hiking around the world!)

Sound like fun? We’ve written a super comprehensive guide to the Fimmvörðuháls hike so you can know exactly what to expect!

Fimmvörðuháls Hike: Tips From My Favorite Day Hike in Iceland

7. See the Lava show in Vik

How would you like to see real lava up close? Well, this is your chance!

The Icelandic Lava Show in Vik was one experience that truly surprised us. It is touted as the only place in the world where you can experience lava safely close up.

During the 50-minute show, we had front row seats to watch molten lava (1,100°C / 2,000°F) flowing right in front of our eyes. 

It was much more affordable than we expected and far more impressive too.

If you’re interested in learning more about volcanoes, this is a really unique and interesting activity in Vik. The owner is very passionate about volcanoes and lava, and packs this show full of information and demonstrations. 

We learned a ton about volcanoes and lava, which we never would have known had we not done this experience. 

8. Drive the Golden Circle route

Driving the Golden Circle is sort of a rite of passage on most visitors’ first trip to Iceland. We’ve done it twice now and can honestly say it’s worth going back!

This route encircles three major attractions:

• Thingvellir National Park
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Geysir 

But of course there are so many more spots worth a stop on your route! Lucky for you, we have an entire guide to the Golden Circle, packed with useful tidbits and hidden gems along the way.

Driving Iceland’s Golden Circle: My Recommended Route

9. Walk the rim of colorful Kerið Crater

Perhaps the most colorful stop along Iceland’s Golden Circle is the aquamarine lake that sits inside Kerið Crater. The crater itself is a volcanic caldera, flanked by red volcanic rock and bursts of lime green moss in a shocking display of Mother Nature’s artistic side.

Good to know: Kerið Crater is pronounced “kair-ith”, as the “ð” symbol in Icelandic has a “th” sound.

After purchasing a ticket at the parking lot, we walked the mostly flat, 1-mile loop around the rim and it took us about 30 minutes in total (including photo stops).

You can also descend on a staircase down towards the water for a different perspective, but we we’re in a rush, so decided not to go down.

Fair warning: Many of the pictures you’ll see of this crater on the internet have been heavily edited, with the colors being enhanced to an unnatural level of saturation. While still very beautiful and colorful in real life, just beware that it may not look quite as vibrant as some photos may have you believe.

10. Watch icebergs float by at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

We think one of the coolest – both literally and figuratively – natural wonders in Iceland are the glacier lagoons. 

Whether you’re driving around the whole Ring Road or you’re just exploring Iceland for a handful of days, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of the best stops you can make.

It is utter magic. Imagine giant chunks of ice in all shades of blue floating in a body of water in front of you as sea birds swoop down from above and seals break the water’s surface with their whiskered noses. 

While you can book a glacier lagoon kayak tour or a motorized boat excursion, we found that simply walking around the lagoon and enjoying the sight from shore was one of our favorite experiences.

Good to know: Jökulsárlón is undoubtedly the most famous glacier lagoon in Iceland, but it’s not the only one. Fjallsárlón is not far from its more popular sister, but it’s pretty cool to check out this lesser-known lagoon if you have the time. 

11. Photograph ice chunks at Diamond Beach

After getting our fill at Jökulsárlón Lagoon, we made our way across the highway to the nearby Diamond Beach—one of the most striking photography spots in Iceland.

There we found chunks of glacial ice washed up on the jet-black sand, creating a dramatic contrast that truly looked like diamonds scattered along the shore.

And the coolest part? No two visits are ever the same—the size, shape, and number of ice pieces change constantly with the tides and weather.

Photography tip: Lighting is at its best around sunset or even just after, during “blue hour”. Each piece of ice is an interesting shape and color, making it an incredibly fun place to photograph. 

12. Hike to Iceland’s second tallest waterfall

For years, Glymur Waterfall held the title of Iceland’s tallest waterfall—until a more remote one was discovered in a hard-to-reach region. But honestly, being the second tallest doesn’t make this hike any less spectacular.

We stumbled upon the Glymur waterfall hike kind of by accident… After overhearing another traveler say this was her favorite experience in the entire country, the FOMO kicked in—and we’re so glad it did.

Despite hiking in steady rain, Glymur still ended up being one of our favorite hikes in Iceland.

The 4.3-mile round-trip hike took us about 3 hours in total to climb about 1,300 feet, winding through a dramatic, lush canyon with nonstop views that made the climb feel worth it.

Beware that you will need to cross a rushing river on this trail, which requires some shimming on a fallen log while holding onto a guide rope.

Find out exactly how to get there and everything else you need to know in our Glymur Waterfall hiking guide.

Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking to Glymur Waterfall

13. Soak in as many hot springs as possible  

If you’re a hot spring fanatic like I am, you’ll be happy to find that hot springs are about as numerous as sheep on this volcanic island. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point. 

From rustic hot pots in the middle of nowhere to bougie hot spring resorts where you can enjoy a massage, a facial and Prosecco all while soaking in tepid waters *Blue Lagoon, cough, cough*, there are quite a variety of hot springs to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure and don’t mind a bit of effort (or algae!) or you prefer being pampered and an algae-free soak, visiting a hot spring (or 5!) in Iceland should definitely be on your itinerary. 

We’ve created a list of our favorite hot springs in Iceland, including our own personal tips and things you should know before you don your bikini. 

This round-up includes an array of different soaking options — from totally free and little-known hot springs to the luxurious resorts that are known around the world.

Guide to Iceland Hot Springs: What to Expect & How Not to Embarrass Yourself!

14. Pamper yourself at the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly the most famous hot spring in the country, and for good reason. The milky blue waters surrounded by lava stones are stunning. Plus, with a complimentary beverage (prosecco, please!) and silica face mask, you’ll feel totally pampered soaking here.

We skipped the Blue Lagoon on our first trip, thinking it would be overpriced and overhyped, but boy, were we wrong!

We have now been to the Blue Lagoon twice, and can say that yes, it is touristy, but for good reason. And in our opinion, it is worth the hype and the price.

There’s no place in the world quite like it. Also, it’s a pretty big place and they have limits on the number of daily visitors; so in our opinion, it never felt too crowded.

15. Taste rye bread that was baked underground

We first heard about Laugarvatn Fontana from Zac Efron’s Netflix series Down to Earth, which features a stop here in the very first episode. Set on the shores of Lake Laugarvatn, the resort is known for its geothermal baths, but our highlight was the geothermal rye bread tour.

Instead of soaking, we joined the 30-minute experience where bread is baked underground using natural hot springs.

You’ll help bury fresh dough, dig up loaves that have been cooking for 24 hours, and then head inside to sample unlimited warm Icelandic rye bread with butter (and optional smoked fish). It’s sweet, hearty, and dangerously good—yes, we went back for more.

Real Icelandic rye bread is definitely staple in Icelandic cuisine (see more below!). And if you can learn about geothermal energy while eating unlimited amounts of yummy bread, how can you pass the opportunity?!

Good to know: Even though the boiling springs have a slightly sulfuric smell, don’t worry – the bread doesn’t taste like it at all.

16. Try Icelandic cuisine

One of our favorite things to do while traveling anywhere in the world is to indulge in the local flavors because: 

a) we like to eat (!!!) 
b) it gives us a glimpse into the culture and how locals live

And Iceland was no exception. We ate our way through the country, all in the name of “research”. 

Icelandic cuisine is heavy on seafood, lamb and potatoes, and can be described as a whole as “comfort food for a cozy fall day”. (Well, at least that’s how I like to describe it!)

We’ve rounded up all the best foods to try in Iceland so you have a go-to checklist of dishes to sample on your trip. And we’ve also explained which foods you can skip during your trip to Iceland.

Ultimate Icelandic Food Guide: What to Try & What to Skip

Calling all foodies! If you too love eating on your travels (hey, let’s be friends!), we’d highly recommend doing a food tour with Reykjavík Food Walk. Use the discount code TWS10 when you check out to get 10% off your tour price.

17. Explore Reykjavík 

Despite being a relatively small capital city, Reykjavík is absolutely packed with fun things to do. With next-level restaurants that’ll impress even the snobbiest of foodies to eclectic and colorful street art, this city totally enchanted us.

While exploring downtown Reykjavík, we wandered the colorful streets, took advantage of the vibrant food and nightlife scene, and experienced some free sightseeing along the way.

We’ve rounded up our top things to do in Reykjavík so all the research has basically been done for you!

My List of 25 Things I Loved Doing in Reykjavik

18. Walk on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Iceland’s coast is dotted with black sand beaches. With all of the volcanic activity on this island nation, it’s easy to see why.

While traveling in Iceland, one of our favorite things to do was stroll along Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and take in the scenery. There are so many cool photo ops in this wide stretch of sand.

One of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in Iceland, Reynisfjara is situated on Iceland’s south coast not far from the small town of Vík. An easy stop to add to your Iceland itinerary.

Reynisfjara Beach: Iceland’s Most Famous Black Sand Beach

19. Visit the tranquil (but eerie) Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

Built in 1923, Seljavallalaug is one of Iceland’s oldest public pools. We’ve visited twice and enjoyed our experience both times—but it’s good to know what to expect.

This 25-meter outdoor pool is fed by a natural hot spring, though the water is lukewarm rather than hot, and algae on the pool floor can make it slippery. The water isn’t pristine, and when we visited there was some litter and graffiti in the changing areas.

Facilities are very basic: gender-separated changing rooms with little privacy and no toilets.

The easy and flat walk to the pool took us about 20-minutes from the parking lot along a riverbed. On our last visit we even had it to ourselves for a bit—which made the experience feel extra special.

Find out exactly how to get there and everything else you need to know in our guide to visiting Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool.

Is Seljavallalaug Worth Visiting? What to Expect at Iceland’s Oldest Pool

20. Discover Múlagljúfur Canyon

The only word we can describe this place with is magic. 

On the day we visited, we crossed paths with only two other couples – which is rare for such a picturesque spot in Iceland. 

Múlagljúfur Canyon has gained in popularity since we first visited back in the day. However it’s still less crowded and not as built up as its famous neighbor Fjaðrárgljúfur, so we highly recommend making time for this stop.

Once you park, there is a 3.6-mile hike (round-trip) that brings you to a canyon that looks straight out of Jurassic Park. Instead of pterodactyls flying overhead, there are birds, and instead of the sounds of dinosaurs, you’ll hear the roaring of waterfalls. 

There is a pretty spectacular viewpoint where you can see one waterfall right in front of you and another at the end of the canyon in the distance.

Like I said, pure magic.

→Psst! As hiking enthusiasts ourselves, we’ve done quite a bit of trekking around this jaw-dropping country and we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Iceland hikes to share with you.

21. Go whale watching

Being that Iceland is an island nation, there are plenty of opportunities to go whale watching. The two most popular spots are in Husavik (a small town on Iceland’s northern coast) and in the waters just outside of Reykjavík.

We went whale watching in Húsavík and while it was fun to be out on the water on a rare sunny and hot Icelandic day, we didn’t get very lucky with spotting whales. We saw a small minke whale from a distance, but that was it.

While it is never guaranteed that you will see whales (they are wild creatures, after all), you do have a pretty good chance of spotting these gentle giants breaching. 

Good to know: Iceland has strict regulations around whale watching. Boats can’t use sonar and must keep their distance, allowing whales to behave naturally. This is a big win for responsible tourism, but it also means sightings are never guaranteed.

Insider tip: If you tend to get seasick, be sure to take medicine or natural remedies with you.

22. Spot puffins

If you are traveling to Iceland during the spring and summer months, you have a good chance of spotting these cuties if you know where to look. It’s a pretty magical sight!

Iceland is one of the best places to see puffins in the wild, as more than half of the world’s Atlantic puffin population make a visit to Iceland each year. From late March to late August, it is estimated that between 8 and 10 million puffins flock to Iceland, forming large breeding colonies.

They are said to leave the island in mid-August, but both times we’ve been in Iceland after August 15th, we’ve still seen many puffins (especially around Dyrhólaey and the Reynisfjara beach area).

With their cute, clown-like faces and playful nature, we had so much fun photographing these birds. We are always sure to maintain our distance (I use a zoom lens!), and never feed them (or any wild animal, on that note).

Fun fact: Did you know that puffins mate for life?!

23. Explore the towering basalt columns of Studlagil Canyon

Located in eastern Iceland, Studlagil Canyon is quite a gem. With towering black basalt columns set against (sometimes) turquoise waters, this otherworldly place is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

The viewpoint from the west side parking park is nice, but we found the real draw (and the better view of the columns) to be down the short trail on the east side that leads to the iconic photo spot.

Getting here can be a bit confusing, so we created a guide to Studlagil Canyon complete with a free map, precise directions and insider tips we wished we would have known before our visit.

Visiting Stuðlagil Canyon: What We Wish We’d Known Before Going

24. Wander cute Icelandic towns & photograph Icelandic churches

For a small country, I was surprised by the number of super cute towns and quaint photogenic churches I found all over Iceland.

If you think fishing villages flanked by mountains, colorful buildings and a quaint atmosphere is cute, then you’ll surely agree with me. And if you don’t think that’s a winning combination, you may want to check your pulse.

But you don’t need to be in town to find a picturesque church. They are seemingly everywhere!

As you drive around Iceland, you’ll see quaint churches dotted all throughout the countryside and in each town, no matter how small. Some of these churches have a rich history which is typically documented on a sign outside the building. 

If you see one that strikes your fancy, pull over, get out of your car and explore a bit. Oh, and don’t forget your camera because Icelandic churches are next-level photogenic.

25. (Try to) see the Northern Lights

Gazing up at a sky dancing in hues of green is on many-a-travelers’ bucket lists. And while seeing the Aurora Borealis in person is an experience that you will cherish forever, I’m going to pop in and be a bit of a buzzkill…

You have to be very lucky to see the Northern Lights. If you go into your trip expecting to see this natural phenomenon, you very likely may be disappointed.

But if you go in with an open mind and a few tricks to hopefully help you spot them, this may be a highlight of your trip.

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More things to do in Iceland

Even after multiple trips, Iceland still has a very long list of experiences we’re itching to come back for. If you’re planning a future trip (or dreaming up your next one), these are some of the adventures at the very top of our Iceland bucket list:

• Snorkel between the continents (Silfra Fissure): Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra—floating between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates—has been on our list for years
  • Cost: $145 USD
  • Book your Silfra Fissure snorkeling tour
• Tour an ice cave: Iceland’s ice caves look like something straight out of another planet, with glowing blue walls and ever-changing formations. They’re only accessible on guided tours and change every year, which makes the experience even more special (and fleeting).
• Visit the Highlands (Landmannalaugar): Colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal areas, and rugged hiking trails—Landmannalaugar looks unreal. Access is limited to 4×4 vehicles and seasonal, but it’s high on our list for a future summer trip.
• Hike the Laugavegur Trail: One of the most famous multi-day hikes in the world, this trail winds through some of Iceland’s most jaw-dropping landscapes. It’s been on our radar for a long time.
• Explore the Westfjords: Remote, wild, and far less visited than other parts of Iceland, the Westfjords feel like the ultimate adventure for travelers who want solitude, dramatic scenery, and fewer crowds.
• Take the ferry to Vestmannaeyjabær (Westman Islands): Just off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands are known for dramatic cliffs, puffin colonies, volcanic history, and small-town charm. This feels like one of those places that rewards travelers who go just a little farther.
• Spend the night in a glass house: Watching the northern lights dance overhead—or soaking up endless summer daylight—from a cozy glass house sounds pretty magical. Iceland has some incredibly unique stays, and this is one experience we’re saving for a special future trip.

These may still be on our “next time” list, but they’re proof that no matter how many times you visit, Iceland always gives you a reason to come back.

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Iceland map: Our favorite spots!

Want to upgrade your experience in Iceland?

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Plan your trip to Iceland

We have TONS of resources on travel in Iceland and how to make the most out of your trip. Check out our Iceland Homepage for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Read up on Icelandic foods so you know what to try and what to skip.
• Get a complete cost breakdown for your Iceland trip and follow our sneaky budget tips to save money!
• Save this list of cool Iceland Airbnbs for when you’re ready to book your accommodation. 
• And don’t forget camping in Iceland is one of the best ways to save money!
• You’ll want to keep this guide handy if you plan on driving Iceland’s Golden Circle. 
• Read up on all the actually cool things to do in Reykjavik. 
• Be sure to download these essential Iceland travel apps before your trip!

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We want to hear from you!

What do you think of this Iceland bucket list? What would you add or skip? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below!