5 Things To Do In Iceland
Iceland is on many people’s bucket list these days, thank you cheap flights, and it’s well worth a trip but what should you have on your itinerary? Having lived here for 3 years now, here are my top 5 things to do in Iceland.
1. Reykjavik
You don’t come to Iceland to see the capital city but you will probably make a stop here so let’s cover it and then get onto the real stuff.
You can easily walk around the city in the morning and have it covered. Start off at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church - this is not the Cathedral but it is a beautiful modern building said to be inspired by an erupting geyser, in the heart of the city. For a small fee, you can take the lift to the top and enjoy the 360’ views across the city.
Back down in the streets, wander around to enjoy the local architecture and by this, we mean the cute corrugated iron-clad houses. Pick up a cinnamon bun from Brauð & Co. on Frakkastígur before taking some pictures of the Polar bears on Laugavergar or the Sun Voyager sculpture in the bay. Walk along to Harpa, the concert hall, and enjoy the glass facade which is illuminated at night to replicate the dancing Aurora. Enjoy some lobster soup, fish & chips, or Icelandic lamp downtown or in the old harbor - or just snack on a hot dog from the famous Baejarins Beztu Pylsur stand on Tryggvagata.
There are loads of cafes or kaffi houses around to warm up in, plentiful street art to spot and museums or galleries to take shelter in.
2. Head out of the city
Iceland is all about nature, yeah Reykjavik is a pretty cool city but once you leave the traffic and buildings behind then you discover the real Iceland. The waterfalls, moss and lava, secret pools, glaciers and icebergs, black sand beaches, volcanos, and geysers - there is just so much to see.
Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón, aka the glacier lagoon on the South Coast, is by far my favorite spot and I still stand in absolute awe at it. Sure, it’s just a lagoon of ice, surrounded by ice, but it is so captivating and serene at the same time. The blue is so blue, the calm is “oh so quiet“ - ok I will stop now but you have to add it to your list if you are doing a road trip.
Thingvellir Techtonic Plates
As you head out of the city to the famous Golden Circle, take some time to wander the paths between the tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park. This is where the Eurasian and American plates meet, and for the more adventurous travelers, you can scuba dive between them.
The Hot River Hike
Hike to the hot river at Reykjadalur, a fabulous 45-60min hike that gives you stunning views out to the Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands) and there’s a pretty cool waterfall on the way. Take a towel, swim stuff, and a drink to enjoy as you sit in the hot river and think about where you are.
Glacier hike anyone?
It’s pretty awesome that you can book to join a tour and do a hike on one of Europe’s biggest glaciers. I did the hike on Sólheimajökull which was pretty easy and most would be able to enjoy this experience. You get a hard hat and crampons so it’s safe and your guide will lead the way.
Walk in a volcanic landscape
Other than the Blue Lagoon, the area around Keflavik is a pretty special, and often quieter place. Head towards Grindavik and check out Gunnuhver, a geothermal landscape where you can see the stream rising and earth bubbling around you from all the volcanic activity.
3. chase waterfalls
You really can chase waterfalls in Iceland, they are everywhere and they are all unique and beautiful in their own way. Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss, is located in the northeast of Iceland but you don’t have to do a huge road trip to see some.
On the South Coast you will first come across Seljalandsfoss and then Skogafoss, the first of which you can actually walk behind. On the Golden Circle, you will visit Gullfoss but there are many lesser-known falls to visit as you drive around.
4. Geothermal pools
The Blue Lagoon is the first pool that comes to mind when talking about Iceland. It is iconic and well worth a visit, it can be very romantic too. As are many things in Iceland it’s pricey so book ahead and splurge for the ticket that includes the masks and a drink from the swim-up bar - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience so you may as well do it right.
The slightly less famous pool, and therefore slightly quieter (and cheaper) is the Secret Lagoon near Flúðir. It certainly isn’t a secret anymore but it is one of Iceland’s oldest pools and worth a quick dip.
If you’re on the South Coast then you can make a stop off at the ‘hidden’ (from no one these days) Seljavallalaug which is fed by a natural spring and sits nestled in a valley under the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano.
Try out the local pools too, way more budget-friendly and fun experience. The largest one is Laugardalslaug, next to the national football stadium, or head to Vesturbæjarlaug where the hipsters hang out and Bjork has been spotted.
Wherever you go in Iceland, you will see some stunning landscapes. Park sensibly, stay off the moss, respect nature and you will have an amazing trip.
5. The Northern Lights
If visiting Iceland in the winter then you probably have the Northern Lights on your bucket list. Yes, they are magical and an incredible sight to see but you need a good forecast, dark cloudless starry sky, and a lot of luck to spot them. Whether you head out on a tour or on your own, head away from light pollution. You don’t need to go too far, just outside the city is great, and simply look up. If Aurora is dancing you will see her.
Personally, I have seen good lights from November to February, and tend to have a little look from our balcony (yup, we are that lucky) at around 11 pm and have gotten lucky. On the forecast, there is a scale and I would say if it reads 3-4 then you have a chance but 4+ is worth going on a drive out of the city. If you are dedicated then head out from 9 pm till 1 am, no later as it’s not worth spoiling the next day for. Good luck.