Iceland is known as the "youngest country in the world" as it is still being formed, ensuring a unique natural spectacle.
This country's icy yet volcanic lands present you with hundreds of fascinating contradictions where choosing just one place will not be enough. Iceland's challenge lies in making time to see everything this diverse island offers.
1. Visit two continents in Thingvellir National Park
Iceland is located on two tectonic plates, and in this place, you can appreciate the fractures caused by this separation, which continues to move 1 cm per year in both directions. Here, you can be simultaneously between North America and Eurasia!
Thingvellir also has great historical value for Icelanders as this was the place where the "Lords" of the 13 realms used to meet to govern the country. It's a must-see destination among the many incredible places to visit in Iceland.
2. A Black beach?
Absolutely! Let's talk about Reynisfjara, an unusual setting with volcanic sand, framed by large cliffs and enormous basalt columns. This beach is rated as one of the world's top 10 non-tropical beaches. Also, if this place looks familiar, it's probably because you saw it in the Game of Thrones series; Reynisfjara was one of the locations in Iceland for this famous production. It's indeed a must-see among the many incredible places to visit in Iceland.
3. Relax in the Myvatn hot springs
While the Blue Lagoon is the most well-known hot spring location, the truth is other springs in Iceland might be more worthwhile and more affordable. In the city of Myvatn, you'll live an authentic experience by immersing yourself in the hot, blue Icelandic waters without crowds or excessive costs.
Visiting Mývatn is a completely surreal experience thanks to the geothermal water extracted from the earth. You may not see through the water due to its high mineral levels, but you can walk for hundreds of meters as the water depth remains very comfortable. This is just one of the many unique places to visit in Iceland.
4. Go Northern Lights hunting
The experience of seeing the night sky painted with the most surreal colors you could imagine, surrounded by a snowy Arctic landscape, is something magical that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime.
There are few places on the planet better to witness this spectacular phenomenon than Iceland. In this location, as in the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, the best time to see the Northern Lights is in the fall and winter, from September to April. The reasons are simple: there are fewer hours of daylight, making the auroras visible for longer. This is just one of the many awe-inspiring places to visit in Iceland.
Bonus! 2 Tips to make your trip more comfortable
- It's important to set goals for places to visit, such as glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, and create a tour route starting from the furthest location. This can help you efficiently cover the best places to visit in Iceland.
- September is one of the best months to visit Iceland as it's not the coldest (5°C at night and 10°-14°C during the day), but you need to be prepared. We recommend our thermal underwear, jackets, and shoes. From late August, it's possible to see the Northern Lights, so staying warm is a priority.