What to see in Iceland: Guide to the 15 most beautiful places

15 must-see places among waterfalls, glaciers and volcanoes

Iceland is one of those places that leave you speechless.
An island where nature rules, where water gushes from the ground, glaciers merge with active volcanoes, and the wind tells legends of elves and Vikings. 🌋✨

If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Iceland, here’s a list of 15 must-see sights in Iceland, perfect for inspiration or planning your next adventure.
(And if you’d rather not think about anything, at the end of this article I explain how to experience it with our reduced group trip 😉).

Table of Contents

Iceland's most spectacular waterfalls

1. Seljalandsfoss
One of the most famous and photogenic waterfalls on the island. The special feature? You can walk behind the waterfall and admire the view through the curtain of water. But be careful: be prepared to get wet! 💦

2. Skógafoss
Just 30 minutes from the previous one, Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. With a 60-meter drop, it often gives a double rainbow-one of those places that make you feel small before the power of nature. 🌈

3. Gullfoss
Part of the famous Golden Circle, Gullfoss (“the Golden Waterfall”) is a sight in any season. In winter, the ice transforms it into a fairy-tale setting.

Glaciers, volcanoes and moonscapes

4. Vatnajökull Glacier
The largest glacier in Europe. Here you can go ice hiking or enter a blue ice cave in the winter months. A simply magical experience. ❄️

5. Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Became famous for its recent eruptions. If you are lucky, you can see live lava flows (in controlled areas). Even without an eruption, the volcanic landscape is breathtaking.

6. Diamond Beach (Jökulsárlón)
A surreal place: ice fragments from the glacier float to the shore, shining like diamonds on the black sand. One of Iceland’s most iconic postcards. 💎

Unique experiences to live in Iceland

7. Immerse yourself in the Blue Lagoon
A timeless classic. This geothermal spa near Keflavik Airport is the perfect way to start or end your trip. Turquoise waters, steam and total peace.

8. See the Northern Lights
From September to April, Iceland becomes one of the best places in the world to see this natural phenomenon. Green, pink and purple lights dance in the sky — a moment that stays in the heart. 🌌

9. Explore lava caves
Formed by ancient eruptions, they offer a unique perspective on the earth’s core. Raufarhólshellir, near Reykjavik, is one of the most accessible.

Towns and villages not to be missed

10. Reykjavik
Small but lively, Iceland’s capital combines modernity and tradition. Between murals, cozy cafes and the famous Hallgrímskirkja church, it’s a must-see.

11. Vik
The southernmost village in the country and an ideal base for exploring the south. Its black Reynisfjara beaches and seaside rock formations look like something out of another planet.

12. Akureyri
Called the “capital of the north,” it is perfect for those seeking tranquility, nature and as a starting point for exploring the northern fjords.

🌿 Hidden Natural Treasures

13. Cañon Fjaðrárgljúfur
A canyon over two kilometers long, covered in green moss and with breathtaking views. It went viral thanks to a Justin Bieber video clip…but trust me, it’s totally worth it!

14. Lake Mývatn
A geothermal area filled with craters, fumaroles and lagoons. Here you can bathe in thermal waters that are less touristy than the Blue Lagoon.

15. Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Called “Iceland in miniature” because it encompasses everything: glaciers, black beaches, cliffs and small fishing villages.

Practical tips for a trip to Iceland

🗓 Best period:

  • Summer (June-August): very long days and open roads.

  • Winter (October-March): perfect for those dreaming of the Northern Lights.

🚗 Transportation:
You can visit on your own with a rental car or join an organized group trip to enjoy it stress-free.

📱 Connection and communications:
To stay connected at all times while traveling, I recommend the Holafly eSIM, easy to activate and perfect for surfing anywhere at no extra cost.

🧳 Travel insurance:
Don’t leave without good coverage! With IATI you can get comprehensive travel insurance for Iceland, with 24-hour assistance and protection against unforeseen events and cancellations.

🧥 What to bring:

Iceland is gorgeous year-round, but the weather can change in a matter of minutes. Here’s what to pack depending on the season 👇

🌞 If you travel in summer (June – August).

Although there are up to 20 hours of daylight, don’t expect tropical heat!
Bring with you: windproof and waterproof jacket; rain-resistant technical or hiking pants; lightweight thermal jerseys and fleece; waterproof hiking shoes; hat and sunglasses (the light is so strong!); powerbank and travel adapter (F-type plug); swimsuit for the thermal pools and Blue Lagoon.

❄️ If you travel in winter (October – March)

Perfect for those dreaming of theNorthern Lights, snowy landscapes and fairy-tale atmospheres.
Don’t forget: technical winter or mountain jacket (3-layer is best); thermal pants and tights; merino wool sweaters or warm fleece; touchscreen gloves, scarf and windproof cap; thermal socks and boots with non-slip soles; lightweight crampons or ice spikes for hiking; head flashlight or headlamp (days are short); thermal water bottle or thermos; powerbank (batteries drain faster in the cold).

💡 Extra tip: Always pack a small microfiber towel and waterproof pouch to protect your phone and documents during hiking or sudden rain, and carry a small waterproof shoulder bag for documents, camera, and snacks – the Icelandic wind is unforgiving!

🚐 Ready to experience Iceland with us?

Iceland looks like no other place in the world! It is a perfect mix of adventure, nature and freedom.
Every waterfall, volcano or glacier tells a different story… and experiencing it together with other people who share the same passion makes it even more special. 💛

👉 If you want to discover Iceland with a small, multicultural group, with everything organized My Friend In style, find out about our next trip to Iceland here!

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1,2,3,4... que suene siempre así el conteo de mis veranos 🫠🎉
Trabajo, mucho trabajo, bailes, risas, musica, más trabajo, fiesta y muuuuuucho perreo 💃💃
Que la vida es una, y quiero bailarla... hasta abajo 🫶🏼

P.d. el rey ha vuelto 👑

#eatravelove #verano2026 #cookmusicfest #donomar #islascanarias
6985 92
Entre los novios tan hermosos, los amigos, el atardecer, la comida infinita, la música y esa forma tan italiana de celebrar la vida... es imposible no enamorarse de una boda en Apulia. 🥹🤍

Sales con ganas de casarte tú también 😂

Que bonita mi tierra 🫶🏼🇮🇹
44 2
¿Como se supera esto? 💕🫠🫂

#badbunnypr #badbunny🐰
103 4
Las cosas bonitas se hacen esperar 😍💫
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