The small northern nation of Iceland may not be your first pick when it comes to a European holiday. But Iceland is right up there in terms of geothermal wonders, fascinating history and extreme adventures. And did we mention the incredibly beautiful scenery? There are plenty of chances to discover, explore and relax with these top ten Iceland attractions – enjoy!
10. Thingvellir National Park
flickr/Jakob Hürner
Thingvellir National Park is a protected natural heritage site which draws thousands of tourists each year for its history, hiking and wonderful scenery. The park is also on a fault line so you can see where the earth has been ripped apart by the tectonic plates of the Mid-Atlantic ridge. This area is part of the Golden Circle Route which features hot springs and shooting geysers!
9. Gullfoss
flickr/O Palsson
Also on the Golden Circle Route is Gullfoss, a mighty split level waterfall that can be seen all year round in various states of solidity. For the full effect of its power, visit in spring when it’s in full roaring melt! The peaceful canyon setting of Gullfoss will give you time to absorb and reflect on the spectacle, but mind where you walk as there are no safety rails.
8. Gentle Giants Whale Watching
flickr/Francisco Moralejo
Whale watching is one of the ‘in’ things to do when visiting Iceland. From April to October these mighty mammals can be seen in the north of Iceland by taking a boat ride from the coastal village of Húsavík. Whale watch operator Gentle Giants guarantee a 98% spotting success, which has earned the village the title ‘whale watching capital of Europe’. Not that this is their main motivation for taking out interested parties – raising general whale awareness is their key aim.
7. National Museum of Iceland
flickr/Luis Seco
Iceland’s capital city Reykjavík contains many of Iceland’s visitor attractions, and not least of these is its National Museum. History buffs will enjoy the comprehensive displays that inform and enlighten with medieval Viking settlements to more modern exhibits. If you have time to wade through the 2,000 artefacts of the main exhibition, keep an eye out for the Valþjófsstaður door – this intricate medieval engraving is the museum’s prized possession.
6. Hallgrimskirkja
flickr/Dolf van der Haven
Reykjavík is also home to Hallgrímskirkja, a surprisingly modern-looking church that was designed in the 1930s and completed in the 1980s. An iconic peaked landmark, Hallgrímskirkja is a commanding 74.5 metres tall and lends visitors a bird’s eye view of the city from the observation deck at the top. The design of the church was apparently inspired by architect Guðjón Samuel’s interest in the shapes made by cooling lava!
5. Dettifoss waterfall
flickr/Ómar Runólfsson
Located in the north of Iceland in Vatnajökull National Park, Dettifoss waterfall, one of the best waterfalls in Iceland, attracts many visitors due to its claim to be Europe’s most powerful waterfall. Whether this is true or not, it’s certainly got the height (45 metres) and width (100 metres) to fit the bill. This is just one of several waterfalls in the area but the most scenic and spectacular of them all. You’ll need to walk for about half an hour to get to the waterfall, but it’s well worth it!
4. Iceland Riverjet
flickr/Iceland Riverjet
If speeding up, down and around a frigid Icelandic river is your thing, then you’ll love Iceland Riverjet. These professionals give you the ‘ultimate river ride’ as well as an unprecedented adrenalin buzz. Located in the south at Reykholt, you’re taken for a spin up the Hvita river canyon below Gullfoss waterfall. Spun being the operative word, as the boat literally circles inches from cliffs! Not for the faint-hearted but one of the top activities in this part of Iceland.
3. Dyrholaey
flickr/Tiberio Frascari
Also in the south near the town of Vik, Dyrhólaey is on many an Iceland itinerary. Dyrhólaey means ‘door-hole’ and it’s not surprising to see why – it’s a volcanic cliff with a gigantic hole through the middle of it! Take a short walk to the edge and look out from a promontory 120 metres high with views sweeping for miles. The beach is walkable but the massive waves mean swimming is safe for seals only. Keep an eye out for puffins, they’re abundant in this area.
2. Blue Lagoon
flickr/Chris Ford
Although sharing the name of the 1980 Brooke Shields movie, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is hardly tropical. Set in the middle of a volcanic wasteland, this sizeable geothermal spa is very beautiful and a popular attraction all year round for good reason. Not only can you take a hot mineral soak, you can have a waterfall massage, a silica mud facial and enjoy a drink from the floating bar. You probably shouldn’t leave Iceland without visiting the Blue Lagoon, but once there you may not want to leave!
1. Northern Lights
flickr/eirasi
Pride of place on our top sights list has to be the Aurora Borealis. Iceland is one of the premier destinations for Northern Lights gazing due to the island’s extreme northern location. Although the Aurora can be fickle, your chances of seeing the spectacular dancing coloured lights are increased during the months of September through to March. Cloudless, clear nights away from the city lights are the best conditions for Aurora viewing. Don’t panic either if they don’t appear, there’s always Reykjavík’s Northern Lights Centre which recreates the experience for visitors with a giant HD projection screen.
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