Iceland is beyond magical. For avid travelers, nature lovers, and those with wanderlust chasing unique and breathtaking views to explore, look no further than Iceland.
The small but mighty island of ice and fire boasts a diverse range of experiences that make it a must-visit destination for every adventurous soul.
Here are 10 reasons why Iceland should be at the top of your travel bucket list!
Stunning Waterfalls
Discover some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world, such as Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss. I thought I had seen impressive waterfalls before but the sheer scale of Iceland’s waterfalls will truly knock your socks off! If you’re lucky, on a sunny day they’ll form a rainbow or two!
Several waterfalls in Iceland also offer the thrilling opportunity to walk behind the falls! Not only does this make an amazing photo opp but it’s also SO FUN! Bring your raincoats and maybe even some waterproof pants because I was soaked after going behind Seljalandsfoss LOL!
Geysers and Kraters
These are two of Iceland’s most impressive geothermal wonders that offer a captivating glimpse into the planet’s untamed forces.
If you ever went through a “space phase” as a kid where you were fascinated by craters, these giant hollow basins allow your imagination to run wild creating stories of their origin (even though Krater was formed by a collapsed volcano cone). Walking down into these craters is both adventurous and a great hike!
Geysers were another thing I really wanted to see when coming to Iceland and MAN, they are even more impressive in person! The most famous one, Strokkur, erupts every 4-10 minutes but not all eruptions are equal in power. Make sure to stay a while to watch a couple in order to catch a powerful one, sending steaming water high into the air.
Glacier Adventures
Throughout Iceland, there are stunning glaciers that cover mountains in white and have deep blue crevasses. They are truly a unique sight that might not be here for long so make sure to see them soon!
This was surely one of the highlights of our trip so get your crampons and ice pick and prepare to hike on these ancient ice formations and experience the awe-inspiring power of these frozen giants.
Black Sand Beaches
Despite Iceland’s summers not having typical beach weather, the obsidian shores of black sand beaches, born from ancient volcanic activity, are a truly unique and enchanting part of Iceland.
These beaches, like Reynisfjara and Diamond Beach, are a must-see wonder! Not only do many have stunning rock formations and this special black sand, but they also have TONS of birds, perfect for bird watchers!
At Reynisfjara Beach, we got to see so many puffins fly to the sea and nest in the nearby cliffs. But, as a tip, make sure to wear a hat. With so many birds flying overhead, there is a LOT of poop raining down LOL.
The Blue Lagoon
Iceland is home to numerous geothermal wonders, including the iconic Blue Lagoon! The water here is rich in minerals, like silica and sulfur, and very warm (98–102 °F). Relax in the soothing, mineral-rich waters, take in the stunning views of lava formations and a lunar-like landscape, and do a face mask or two while sipping on a refreshing drink too!
We were unsure about going here at first since we feared it might be an overhyped Instagram location but I must say, it held up. The waters are just as blue as the photos and it’s truly so relaxing to wade in the warm waters and take in the sights of the stunning surrounding landscapes.
Puffin Spotting
Iceland’s rugged coastline and vibrant cliffs offer a unique opportunity to witness these charming seabirds in their natural habitat. Experience the joy of puffin spotting against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, and black sand beaches!
Puffin spotting was definitely something I was really excited about because I’ve found these cute little birds to be adorable since I had Puffin brand cereal as a kid LOL! They are just as cute in person and seem to have such docile and friendly personalities. Seeing them nest and relax together on the cliffs near Reynisfjara Beach was a highlight for sure!
Unforgettable Hikes
Hiking in Iceland is thrilling and beautiful! The nearly tree-less mountains of untouched beauty offer panoramic vistas that redefine breathtaking. As a bonus, you’ll probably also see some sheep alongside the trail too!
Ever since the pandemic, I have loved hiking (both for the views at the end and the exercise). And I must say that the hikes in Iceland were on another level of enjoyable. Specifically this one hike behind Skógafoss that passed several other waterfalls and exposed you to stunning landscapes of rolling hills and sheep grazing. This is 100% a must-do experience!
Icelandic Horses and Sheep
Encounter the country’s iconic horses and sheep along your road trip in Iceland! Roaming freely against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, the sight of fluffy sheep grazing in meadows surely makes the car time fly by!
Since we explored Iceland via a rented car, we spent a lot of time on the road. Given this, I can’t count the number of sheep, cows, and horses we saw alongside the road! What great roadside entertainment!
Rainbow Trampolines
Iceland was a place that really brought out my inner kid and I loved every second of feeling so free again! With over a hundred of these bouncy rainbow trampolines scattered across the country, these jumping pillows are fun for adults and kids alike! These bounce pads are usually found near playgrounds so definitely make a pit stop to try them out!
Rye Bread
Being a self-proclaimed carb fanatic, I am a bread fiend. But something about Icelandic rye bread really tickled my fancy. Baked using the country’s unique geothermal heat, this rye bread is a local treat with a unique taste. With a dense and almost cake-like texture, it has a faint caramel taste and is amazing alone or slathered in butter!
Throughout our road trip, we would snack on little slices of this bread and I enjoyed it so much that we even brought a loaf home with us! Make sure to also try rye bread ice cream if you’re a fan of this delicious sweet bread!
Whether you’re seeking relaxation in geothermal springs, marveling at natural wonders, or dabbling in the local cuisine, Iceland promises a one-of-a-kind adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime!
