The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best places to visit in iceland"
Named by 4 of 71. Golden CircleAbout 230 km and just over 3 hours of driving; a good option for visitors with less time than the Ring Road needs.Links Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir area and Gullfoss.
Named by 4 of 72. GullfossA two-tiered waterfall that sends up steam as high as the falls; rainbows often show on sunny days.About ten minutes from Strokkur, with stairs that give views from two levels.
Named by 4 of 73. Blue LagoonThe most famous of Iceland's geothermal pools, with milky blue water.Can get crowded, so some writers point to quieter hot springs instead.
Named by 4 of 74. SeljalandsfossA 60 m waterfall with a path behind the falling water, about 120 km from Reykjavik.About 1 hour 40 minutes from Reykjavik by car.
Named by 3 of 75. Thingvellir National ParkA UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian plates meet.Silfra Fissure is the only place on Earth where you can dive between two continental plates, per this source.
Named by 3 of 76. Geysir and StrokkurStrokkur is the active geyser, erupting about every 5 to 10 minutes.The geothermal water smells of sulphur.
Named by 3 of 77. SkógafossA 60 m waterfall beside the village of Skogar, about 150 km (2 hours) from Reykjavik.A staircase of 527 steps leads to a viewpoint at the top.
Named by 3 of 78. Jökulsárlón Glacier LagoonIcebergs break off the Breidamerkurjokull glacier and drift across the lagoon toward the sea.Also named as a place to see the northern lights.
Named by 3 of 79. Snæfellsnes PeninsulaAn easy day trip from Reykjavik, with a trail between Arnarstapi and Hellnar that is often quiet.Listed as a place to watch for the northern lights.
Named by 3 of 710. South CoastThe busiest stretch of the Ring Road and the easiest to reach from Reykjavik, with waterfalls, black sand, glaciers and lagoons.South Iceland is the most visited region.
Named by 3 of 711. Vatnajökull and SkaftafellVatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe, according to this source.Skaftafell is a hiking area in the national park, and the main trail leads to Svartifoss.
Named by 2 of 712. ReynisfjaraA black sand beach with basalt columns and sea stacks, about 180 km from Reykjavik.One of the most dangerous beaches in Iceland because of sudden, powerful waves.
Named by 2 of 713. WestfjordsVery few visitors reach the Westfjords, which has rural villages and puffins.Latrabjarg cliffs run 8 miles and fill with birds between May and August.
Named by 2 of 714. Secret LagoonA more rustic and less crowded geothermal pool than the Blue Lagoon, per one source.Another source says it can still be crowded at times.Named by 2 of 715. ReykjavikThe capital and largest city, with colorful old-town buildings and Hallgrimskirkja Church.Best time to visit Reykjavik
Named by 2 of 716. DettifossNamed as one of the epic waterfalls of the north.
17. Landmannalaugar and the HighlandsKnown for multicolored rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs; a starting point for multi-day treks.The Highlands are reachable only in summer via mountain roads.
18. Hrunalaug Hot SpringA remote natural hot spring with room for only 10 people at once.19. AkureyriDescribed as a charming town in the north.
20. Stuðlagil CanyonA canyon of tall basalt columns with glacial-blue water.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name June to August as the best time to visit Iceland.
Questions people ask
- What's the best way to visit Iceland?
- One guide says self-driving around the Ring Road suits longer trips, while the Golden Circle works for short stays from Reykjavik.
