Iceland is popularly known as the island of fire and ice. At present, it’s one of the world’s topmost travel destinations, where tourists can experience thrill and adventure. Despite the seismic activities like volcanoes which reshaped several parts of the country, it has turned mayhem to its advantage. You’ll discover geysers, ice fields, fjords, glaciers, and hot springs mostly.

But before you put it on your travel bucket list to explore more of Iceland, here are the top tourist attractions in Iceland that are a must-watch. Let’s see what are those best of Iceland which every tourist should never miss.

1. The Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is a large geothermal pool which is located in the Reykjanes peninsula of Iceland. The pool got supplied excess water from the Svartsengi power plant. The water is full of minerals like Silica and Sulphur which are good for your skin. That’s what makes Blue Lagoon so popular.

Best route- approx. 20km from Keflavik International Airport

Self-drive- take Highway 41 to Highway 43

Price-53000 Icelandic crowns for 2

Things to see and do

Go under waterfall

Visit relaxation area

Visit steam cave

Try local food at Moss or Lava restaurants

Also Read: 8 Best Hot Springs In Iceland For A Magical Getaway

2. The Golden Circle

It’s a route between 3 major attractions, namely, Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Geysir. The Golden Circle is within reach and it takes only a day to do the whole tour. In addition to this, you get to visit and see loads of interesting sites that build your curiosity for this place.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall

Things to do and see:

Visit Pingvellir National Park

Visit Geysir Goethermal Area

Visit Gullfoss Waterfall

3. The South Shore

Iceland’s South Shore is beautiful enough to attract millions of tourists each year. The South Shore is linked with various remarkable and magical destinations. It includes bright picturesque waterfalls, the black beach, glaciers, and sand beaches.

Best time to visit: July and August

Things to do and see:

Reykjavik

The blue lagoon

Thingvellir National Park

Kerio Crater Lake

4. The Northern Lights

The glimmering northern lights over Lake Myvatn have been attracting and mesmerizing tourists for a long time. It’s also known as Aurora Borealis that appears due to the collision of electrically charged particles coming from the sun with the highest air particles. However, the only thing to keep in mind is that this phenomenon will occur when the conditions are right.

Best time to visit: between October to March

Things to do and see:

Cross-country skiing

Husky safari

Gazing wonderment of nature

Also Read: Check Out The Top 7 Picks For An Epic Travel Bucket List 2021

5. Porsmork (Thorsmork)

Porsmork is a mountain ridge that is located in the southern part of Iceland. It translates to “Thor’s Woods” which is kept in the name of “Norse God Thor” This beautiful place combines with other characteristics of Iceland like black sand, lush woodlands, and Icelandic Highlands. Hence, it’s a true paradise for hikers.

Best time to visit: summer

Things to do and see:

Hiking

Trekking

Jeep day tour

6. Downtown Reykjavik

Downtown Reykjavik may not be a metropolis but it's certainly a charm of Iceland. Travels often describe it as a quirky and cool place for food lovers. If you are traveling to explore Iceland’s gorgeous nature, then don’t forget to wander in this city. You will find there are plenty of things to do and see in this awe-inspiring city.

Best time to visit: June to August

Things to do and see:

Laugardalur Park

Videy Island

Lake Tjornin

Goethermal area Krysuvik

Nautholsvik Goethermal Beach

7. The Diamond Circle

It’s a tourist route that lies in the northern part of Iceland. It is connected with the 3 most beautiful attractions, namely, Lake Myvatn, Asbyrgi Canyon, and Dettifoss Waterfall. The diamond circle is 190 miles long, so you have to either self-drive or take a day tour service to get there. Once you reach here, you are free to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the main attractions.

Best time to visit- summer

Things to do and see:

Goðafoss waterfall - the Waterfall of the Gods.

Lake Mývatn

Mt. Námafjall and the boiling mud pools

Jökulsárgljúfur canyon - Dettifoss waterfall

8. Vik

The village of Vik lies in the southernmost part of Iceland that is 180 km from Reykjavik. Vik beach is considered one among top most beautiful beaches in the world by “Islands Magazine” The western cliff acts as a home to many seabird species like puffins. Since it gets stormy and wild sometimes, you need to take extra care while visiting the beach.

Best time to visit: summer and winter

Things to do and see:

Reynisfjara Beach

Black sand beach

Myrdalsjokull Glacier

Also Read: Plan Your Visit To The Diamond Beach In Iceland

9. Skaftafell

It’s a preservation area that’s an essential part of Vatnajokull National Park. The area is best known for its sunny summer days and mild climate days. Tourists usually visit Skaftafell for camping and hiking. It would be interesting to see the famous waterfall (Black Fall) and hearing the melody of birds when you arrive in this region. Other than this, you will see wild mammals like mink, Arctic fox living here.

Best time to visit: July, August, and June

Things to do and see:

Svinafell Glacier

Svartifoss Waterfall

Lac Polaire

Flaajokull Glacier

10. Akureyri

Akureyri is the second-most populous city in Iceland and a hotspot for tourists. It’s an important Icelandic fishing center and port. The climate here is relatively mild and ice-free. Undoubtedly, the city has a rich and bright culture. That’s what makes it a host of several festivals.

Best time to visit: Mid-May to August

Things to do and see:

Visit the Laufas Turf Houses

Go Horseback Riding

Go Whale Watching

Go to Arctic Botanical

These are some of the best places to visit in Iceland.