Getting to know Iceland and its 20 tourist attractions

Iceland is a country consisting of a large island and several small islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. The main reason for the attraction of Iceland among tourists is the natural attractions of this country. Natural glaciers, active volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls, beautiful mountain ranges and hot springs are just some of the natural attractions of this incredibly beautiful country. In this article, we are going to introduce you to the beautiful country of Iceland and 20 of its best tourist attractions.

Getting to know Iceland

Iceland was founded more than 1000 years ago, during the Viking explorations. The population of Iceland consists of the descendants of immigrants who migrated to this region in 874. The country’s dominant language in the past was Norse, the language spoken in Norway at the time. This language evolved into modern Icelandic over the centuries and is now spoken throughout the country. However, modern Icelanders can still read Icelandic epics in Old Norse without difficulty.

Although Icelandic culture and history have merged with mainstream Europe, the people of the country have always preserved their customs, traditions and language. Norse legends are so ingrained in the minds of the people of this country that many men and women in Iceland, even those who live in the cities, still believe in elves and trolls and other mythical characters.

Where is Iceland?

If you take a look at the map of Iceland, you will see that this country is a large island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, and it leads from the north to the Greenland Sea, from the east to the Norwegian Sea, and from the south and west to the Atlantic Ocean and the Denmark Strait. The capital of Iceland is Reykjavík (Reykjavík) or the Bay of Smoke, a thriving and beautiful city located in the southwest of the country.

The weather of Iceland

The climate of Iceland is of the sub-polar sea type, which is influenced by 2 opposing air currents (one from the pole and the other from tropical regions). The average annual temperature is almost the same throughout the country. The average temperature in January is -0.5°C and in July it is 11°C.

Every year, it snows about 100 days in the northwest and 40 days in the southeast of Iceland. Annual rainfall varies from 410 mm on some high northern plateaus to more than 4100 mm on the southern slopes of some ice-covered mountains. Iceland’s winters are accompanied by strong winds and heavy fog. Iceland’s winters are relatively dark, but Reykjavík has about 1,300 hours of sunshine a year. The Northern Lights can be seen in Iceland in autumn and early winter.

20 tourist attractions in Iceland

1. Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the first and most beautiful natural attraction in Iceland that you must visit. This is an amazing natural glacier lagoon whose landscape is always changing. In this lagoon, the icebergs are always moving, and for this reason, the view of the lagoon is never the same. In addition to the lagoon itself, you should also visit the Diamond Beach. When the weather conditions are favorable, you can see the most extraordinary ice formations scattered all over the coast, glistening in the sunlight like huge diamonds.

2. The beaches of Vik village in South Iceland

The south coast of Iceland is one of the most visited tourist areas in the country due to its stunning scenery and black beaches. The beautiful village of Vik in South Iceland and the nearby Reynisfjara beach are worth a visit in any season. Black Beach of Vic is one of the 10 most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world.

Near the village of Vik, there is Dyrhólaey lighthouse, from the top of which a stunning cliff can be seen. Visiting this lighthouse is an extraordinary experience.

3. Golden Circle

One of Iceland’s most popular places to visit is the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle refers to 3 important tourist attractions in Iceland: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir area with the very active Strokkur geyser.

Dingotelir National Park is best known for the Intercontinental Divide. In this park, you can clearly see the border between the tectonic plates of Europe and North America. This beautiful area is perfect for hiking and enjoying the natural scenery. When you visit Dingotler National Park, you should also visit the beautiful Öxarárfoss waterfall.

Golfos or the Golden Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, located in the Golden Circle. The size and beauty of this extraordinary waterfall will enchant you for hours.

It is impossible to go to Iceland and not see the geyser. The largest and most beautiful geyser in the world is located in the Geysir region of Iceland, which used to shoot water up to 120 meters into the sky. It has been a long time since this geyser is no longer active, but there is a smaller geyser called Strokur in this area that erupts every 5 to 10 minutes and throws water up to 30 meters high.

4. Snuffelzens Peninsula

The next tourist attraction in Iceland is the Snæfellsnes peninsula, which is less famous compared to the other introduced places. You can visit this place in all seasons and you will never regret your trip.

The Snaafellsen peninsula has a lot to offer, but it is most famous for the beautiful mountain Kirkjufell and its beautiful waterfall. Volcano visits, beautiful coastlines, stunning cliffs, countless waterfalls, colorful lighthouses, quaint little villages and beautiful churches are all reasons to visit this region.

5. Blue lagoon spring and sky lagoon

The Blue Lagoon hot spring is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland, which is also called the best tourist attraction in this country. This spring is a large outdoor pool with a blue or milky blue color, whose natural temperature is always warm and mild.

The Sky Lagoon pool was also opened a few years ago and quickly became popular among tourists and locals. Sky Lagoon is located near the city of Reykjavík and its amazing view of the sea enchants every visitor.

6. Skogvafos and Selialandfos waterfalls

After Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss are Iceland’s most visited waterfalls, both located along the southern coastline.

Skagwafoss is a truly magnificent waterfall. This waterfall is so photogenic that if you see a picture of a waterfall in Iceland, it is most likely taken from it. With the help of stone steps, you can go to the top of the waterfall and see the beautiful view of the area.

Selialandfoss is the only waterfall in Iceland where you can walk behind the falling water. Of course, in winter, the waterfall partially freezes and the whole area looks like a skating rink, so it is not possible to walk behind it.

7. Lake Miwatan

Lake Myvatn and the many tourist attractions around it are one of the main tourist destinations in North Iceland. Hiking to the Krafla crater and lava plain, visiting the Leirhnjukur volcano and its hot springs, and visiting the lava caves and pits in the Dimmuborgir area are all tourist attractions near Lake Myvatn.

8. Husavik city in Iceland

If you are interested in whale watching, the city of Húsavík in Iceland is the best place to do it. The town of Husavik is very beautiful and while you are there, you can visit the Husavik Whale Museum and its natural hot water pools.

9. Rauferhole lava tunnel

Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, located near Reykjavík, is one of the most unique tourist attractions in Iceland. This lava tunnel was created by a volcanic eruption more than 5,000 years ago and is one of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland. This beautiful cave is easy to access and you can visit it all year round.

10. Westferdeer area

If you want to get away from the busy tourist areas of Iceland and explore some of its most fascinating and vast natural landscapes, you should visit the Westfjords region. The area is a bit remote and most of the roads are gravel, so it’s best to travel in the summer and be well prepared.

Dynjandi waterfall, which is the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland, Látrabjarg cliff, which is the best place to see puffins, red sand beach (Rauðisandur) and the town of Ísafjörður are all tourist attractions in the Westfjords region.

11. Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Iceland with easy access. There are many short hikes in the park, one of the most popular being the hike to Svartifoss, a waterfall surrounded by black basalt columns.

12. The highlands of Iceland

Highlands of Iceland is the largest inland part of the country, which is uninhabitable and almost roadless with a height of 300 to 400 meters above sea level. This part of the country is pristine and untouched and very scenic. Most of the tourist attractions of these heights are located in remote areas, and you will need local knowledge and special and strong vehicles to visit them. The highlands of Iceland are only available from mid-June to mid-September.

13. Reykjavík Peninsula

One of the best areas to visit in Iceland is the Reykjavík Peninsula. This stunning area is located near Keflavík International Airport and Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík, and has many tourist attractions.

With its colorful geothermal areas, lava plains, and stunning coastlines, the Reykjavík Peninsula is home to a selection of Iceland’s highlights. Visiting Valahnúkamöl cliffs and Reykjnesviti lighthouse, Seltún geothermal area and the 1.57 meter tall Geirfugl statue are among the activities you can do in this area.

14. Fagarada al-Shafial volcano

Iceland has several active volcanoes and it is possible to visit most of them. In March 2021, the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted on the Reykjavík peninsula. The valleys near the volcano were filled with burning lava and the landscape of the area was changing every day. This Iceland volcano has quickly become the most popular new sight in the country, attracting locals and tourists alike.

15. Cyclofidzor city

Siglufjörður is a very beautiful fishing town where the Herring Era Museum is located. But what is even more beautiful than the museum itself is the path to reach it. Road number 76, which leads from Varmahlíð to Cyclofjörður, is probably the most beautiful road in Iceland and you will never forget the experience of driving it.

16. Himai Island

Heimaey Island, which is part of the Westman Islands of Iceland, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Iceland and the largest island in the country. In this island, you can get to know the traditional life of the people of Iceland and feel what it’s like to live on a remote island. The views of Himai Island are stunning and in summer you can see many puffins on the island. There is also a whale sanctuary on the island where you can visit beluga whales.

Elephant rock is also located on this island, which can be interesting to visit. The beautiful shape of this rock is the result of a volcanic eruption, which at that time caused the evacuation of the entire population of the island.

17. Detyphos waterfall and Asbirgi valley

2 of the best tourist attractions in Iceland, located in the northern parts of the country, are Dettifoss and Asbyrgi Canyon.

Detyphos is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. This waterfall, with a width of 100 meters and a height of 44 meters, moves an average of 193 cubic meters of water per second. Nowhere else can you feel the power of nature like this. Asbirgi valley is worth a short stop or even a long visit with its beautiful scenery and its own peace. This valley is in the shape of a horseshoe and is located near Detyphos waterfall.

18. Vakhtanayokut refrigerator

With so many natural glaciers in Iceland, it can be difficult to choose one to visit. Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Iceland. So if you are going to visit only one glacier in this country, Vakhtanayokut is the best option. With an area of ​​7900 square kilometers and about 30 outlets, each of which has its own name, the Vakhtanayokut glacier is one of the largest and most beautiful natural glaciers in the world.

19. Fiadrargivor Valley

Fjaðrárgljúfur valley near Kirkjubaejarklaustur is one of the most attractive places in Iceland. This canyon was once very quiet and undiscovered, but today it has become so popular that the hiking trail along the canyon has to be closed to allow nature to recover a bit. There are other incredibly beautiful valleys in Iceland, but Fjaðarrágjörður is the easiest to get to.

20. Gudfas waterfall

Goðafoss, which means “waterfall of the gods”, is one of the most visited waterfalls in the north of Iceland. On sunny days, the view of this waterfall is incredibly beautiful, and most of the time you can see a rainbow over it.

last word

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and seeing the incredibly beautiful pictures of Iceland’s tourist attractions. If you are also one of the lucky people who have the experience of visiting this wonderful country, we will be happy to share your experience with us in the comments section.