10 Best Places To Visit In Iceland For A Perfect Vacation

Iceland is where words can’t keep up with the beauty that this place has. From lush grasslands and towering mountains to stunning glaciers and destructive volcanoes to some exotic hot springs; Iceland is one destination that has a lot to offer visitors. Considering the huge number of experiences you have available at this Nordic island, it’s important that you pay attention to the destinations being covered in your Iceland tour package and choose an itinerary that covers all the places you simply cannot miss out on. To help you out, here is a list of the top places to visit in Iceland that you can consider for your next trip: -

1. Reykjavik

When it comes to the best places to visit in Iceland, there is no doubt that Reykjavik would top every list. The capital city of this island nation is full of attractions to interest various kinds of travellers. The city holds huge significance in the history of the Vikings and regardless of whether you are a history buff or not, the capital city is definitely worth exploring. Some of the top places to visit in Reykjavik, Iceland are: -

• National Museum of Iceland
• Hallgrímskirkja
• The Sun Voyager
• Harpa

2. Akureyri

Among the top places to visit in Iceland, Akureyri too is a well-known destination. Being the second-largest populated area after the capital city, Akureyri offers some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Iceland. It is a crucial port in Iceland and is also the central fishing town. Such is the importance of this town that you’ll often hear people referring to it as the Capital of North Iceland. You can try horseback riding, explore the Laufás Turf Homes, or even head out for some whale watching. Some of the places that you must visit in Akureyri, Iceland are: -

• Art Museum
• Akureyrarkirkja
• Botanical Gardens
• Motorcycle Museum

3. Selfoss

There is no disputing the fact that Selfoss located on the banks of the Olfusa River is one of the best places to visit in Iceland. Selfoss is home to one of the most exhilarating waterfalls in the area. Offering picture-perfect destinations, Selfoss is definitely one of the cool places to visit in Iceland. This Icelandic tourist spot also has some great cafes, restaurants, sauna pools, hot springs, woodlands, etc. You can try snorkelling, hiking, and trekking here. To add to the fun, make sure you visit these important destinations: -

• Gullfoss Falls
• Oxafarfoss Falls
• Kerid Crater
• Ulfljotsvatn Lake
• Thingvellir National Park

4. Vík í Mýrdal

This has to make your list of the must-visit places in Iceland. When you get here, go visit the site of a crashed DC 3 plane which may remind you of a well-known Bollywood song starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. This plane alone manages to attract more than a million visitors to the island, while the black sand beach also helps make Vík í Mýrdal count amongst the cool places to visit in Iceland. Take a stroll along the black sand beach, or head out for tandem paragliding; you could even opt to explore the geologic formations at the Myrdalsjokull Glacier. All in all, some of the best places to visit in the city are:

• Black Sand Beach
• Dyrholaey
• Reynisfjara Beach
• Myrdalsjokull Glacier
• Vik Church

5. Keflavík

Keflavík is one of the best places to visit in Iceland and is also known as the gateway to Iceland, owing to the fact that it houses the country’s international airport. This is the destination you can head to when you wish to unwind and relax. The city is also home to the Garður Lighthouse, which offers some amazing panoramic views to visitors. Another famous attraction in Keflavík is that here you get the option to witness the magic of the northern lights. Some of the best places to add to your itinerary in Keflavík are: -

• The Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll
• Viking World Museum
• Hvalsneskirkja
• Stekkjarkot
• Garður Lighthouse
• The evacuated NATO base
• Blue Lagoon

6. Höfn

Höfn is a small village located in the south-eastern part of the country, enjoying proximity to the famous Hornafjörður fjord. This small village is home to the revolutionary fishing industry of Iceland and is also one of the best places to visit in Iceland. The main places to visit here include: -

• The City Centre
• Pakkhús
• Humarhöfnin
• Nýhöfn
• Humarhátíð
• Netto

7. Jökulsárlón

One of the famous places to visit in Iceland, Jökulsárlón is quite well-known for its glacier lagoon and is also one of the most visited places in Iceland. Being home to both glaciers and volcanos, Iceland is also known as the land of ice and fire. Here, tourists can find some amazing and extreme adventure opportunities as well. Jökulsárlón is one of the jewels of the Iceland, and when you look at how picturesque it is, it isn’t hard to see why. Here, you can plan to visit:

• Glacier Lagoon
• Vatnajökull glacier
• Ingolfshöfði nature reserve

8. Skaftafell

Another one of the famous places to visit in Iceland, Skaftafell offers visitors a trip deep into the realm of nature and wildlife. This area is located in the Vatnajökull National Park and is home to one of the fiercest waterfalls of Svartifoss. The best places to visit in Skaftafell, Iceland, include: -

• Svartifoss Falls
• Hundafoss Waterfalls
• Morsárdalur Valley
• Svartifoss trail
• Vatnajökull National Park

9. Arnarstapi

Arnarstapi is a quaint little fishing town that is located in the foothills of Mount Stapafell and is quite the offbeat destination. If you love to explore new places as a local, this would be one of the best places to visit in Iceland for you. When in Arnarstapi, make sure you visit:

• Gatklettur
• Port Arnarstapi
• Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss Statue
• Jules Verne Monument
• Ytri-Tunga, the seal beach
• The black little church
• Vatnshellir cave

10. Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar is an archipelago towards the southern coast of Iceland and owes its entire existence to underwater volcano eruptions. In fact, it is home to some of the most famous volcanoes within the country, and definitely among the well-known places to visit in Iceland. The top places to check out in Vestmannaeyjar are: -

• Eldheimar
• Saeheimar Aquarium
• The Brothers Brewery
• Lyngfell Stables
• Storhofdi
• Heimaey island

If we had to put it in the most succinct way possible, Iceland is where surreal is ubiquitous. The country does have a lot of ice cover but there is more to Iceland than ice – stunning beaches & grand waterfalls. It is where travellers are rewarded; the question is, are you up for the prize?!