The Ultimate Iceland Bucket List: BEST Things to do in Iceland

Iceland is known for a dramatic landscape full of volcanoes, geysers and hot springs so it’s not surprising that it is also at the top of many people’s bucket lists. After finally visiting Iceland, I can confirm that it is definitely a bucket list worthy destination.

I’ve created this epic guide with the best things to do in Iceland which are perfect for any Iceland Travel Bucket List.

Most of these must see places I have already visited and recommend and a ffew are places that look so beautiful or sound so interesting that I have added them to my personal Iceland travel bucket list. So read on if you are looking for inspiration and ideas for your own Iceland travel bucket list.

Ultimate Iceland Bucket List

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See Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is the most photographed place in Iceland. Kirkjufell is located on the north coast of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula, near the town of Grundarfjörður. Most people photograph the mountain from the side where you can also see the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall which flows from the mountain.

Other attractions worth seeing on Snæfellsnes peninsula include the instagrammable Black Church at Budir, the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur, Ytri Tunga beach and the Snæfellsjökull glacier.

If you would rather not drive, there are guided day tours from Reykjavik to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula that will stop at Kirkjufell.

Get Close to Waterfalls

I cannot resist a good waterfall and fortunately Iceland is full of waterfalls. The most bucket list worthy waterfalls in Iceland include:

• Seljalandsfoss (in the South Coast known for the view from behind the falls)

• Skógafoss (in the South Coast which you can walk up right to the base)

• Kvernufoss (a less visited waterfall near Skógafoss where you can walk behind the falls)
• Gullfoss (powerfall waterfall that is part of the Golden Circle route)
• Dettifoss (the most powerfull waterfall in Europe)
• Bruarfoss (known for its striking bright blue color)

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See the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

If seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is on your bucket list, Iceland is one of the best places to view this amazing natural phenomenon.

The Northern Lights are usually spotted between mid-September to mid-April if weather conditions are right. There are no guarantees you will see them on your trip so do not visit Iceland only for the Northern Lights. Check the aurora forecast website to pick a day with a higher probability of aurora activity.

Although it is possible to spot the Northern Lights by yourself, if you want to increase your odds of seeing them I recommend signing up for a Northern Lights tour which will take you to the best spots. Many tours allow you to join the tour again for free if you do not see the Northern Lights on your first attempt.

Soak in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa and Iceland’s most popular destination. Although the Blue Lagoon is touristy, it is so iconic I would not skip it. It is fun to just relax in the warm waters and try some of the treatments.

The Blue Lagoon is close to the airport so many tourists stop by on their way to/from Kelflavík Airport. In fact, a stop to the Blue Lagoon is included as part of some airport transfers.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon is pricey, but there are many geothermal pools and hot springs throughout Iceland if you want to stick to a budget.

Since the Blue Lagoon is so popular it is recommended you book your visit in advance.

Sky Lagoon

Sky Lagoon is a newer alternative to the Blue Lagoon (opened in 2021) that is much closer to downtown Reykjavik (about a 15-20 drive). This scenic geothermal lagoon offers sweeping ocean views from inside the lagoon which looks like an infinity pool.

Unless you are visiting in the low season, book your admission in advance. If your budget allows, splurge for the 7-Step Spa Ritual which includes spa treatments.

Get Close to a Volcano

There are a few different guided tours where you can get close to a volcano in Iceland. This tour from Reykjavik is the only one that will take you 400 feet (120 meters) into the crater of Thrihnukagigur Volcano.

You can also visit the colorful Raufarhólshellir lava tube, one the largest lava tubes in Iceland. The ceiling has caved in near the entrance to create beautiful columns of light. It is located about 30 minutes from Reykjavik so you can visit on guided day tour.

You can also visit Fagradalsfjall, an active volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, that recently erupted. Join this volcano hike with a geologist and volcanologist guide to learn more about the volcano and recent eruptions. Fagradalsfjall is located to the Blue Lagoon so you can join a tour like this one that combines a volcano tour with a visit to the Blue Lagoon.

Drive Ring Road

Route 1 (also called Ring Road) is the main highway in Iceland. It runs around the island and connects most of the country (including most top attractions) and is considered one of the best road trips in Europe.

You can drive the entire length of Ring Road while leisurely stopping at various towns and attractions. The entire loop requires at least a week to see Iceland properly but you can do it faster.

If you do not want to rent a car and drive, you can sign up for 4-8 day guided group tours from Reykjavik that cover the entire Ring Road like this one.

Explore the South Coast of Iceland

If you do not have time to drive the entire Ring Road, you can drive only on a portion of the road – the South Coast. Personally this was my favorite part of Iceland with a lot of attractions packed nearby! Depending how much time you have you can visit the South Coast in only 1 or 2 days from Reykjavik by driving either to Vík or Jökulsárlón (for a longer trip) and back.

Some must see destinations in South Coast include beautiful waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Kvernufoss and Skógafoss), the town of Vík, Dyrholaey Rock Formation, ‎Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, DC-3 Plane Wreck, Fjadrargljufur Canyon, Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach. ‎

If you would rather not rent a car and drive, you can sign up for day tours from Reykjavik that cover the South Coast. Most tours are 1 day tours but there are also 2 day tours or longer for those that want to see more attractions.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a glacial lagoon, bordering Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland. Its blue waters are dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, which is part of larger Vatnajökull Glacier. The Glacier Lagoon flows through a short waterway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving chunks of ice on nearby Diamond Beach, a black sand beach. In winter, the lagoon hosts hundreds of seals.

Walk Inside a Blue Ice Cave

Another bucket list actitivity is exploring blue ice cave located inside a glacier. This is can only be done with a guide, so you need to sign up for a cave tour. Most blue ice cave tours run in the winter only but one cave is open year round.

Do a Glacier Hike

Hiking on a glacier is a fun activity to do in Iceland. You will need to join a guided tour and they will provide you with the necessary safety equipment such as crampons. There are two main glaciers in Iceland that visitors can hike: Sólheimajökull Glacier and Vatnajökull glacier.

Sólheimajökull Glacier is located just off the Ring Road near the town of Vik in the South Coast. It is located only about two hours from Reykjavik making it one of Iceland’s most accessible glaciers. You can join a guided tour from Reykjavik or if you are already in the area there are also tours from Vik and the carpark near the glacier.

The other glacier you can hike is Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest glacier. It is located in Vatnajökull National Park, the largest national park in Europe. Vatnajökull is approximately a four hour drive from Reykjavik near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon so you can easily combine a visit to both. Hikes take place at the Skaftafellsjökull glacier, which is an outlet glacier extending from the Vatnajökull ice cap.

READ – Essential Iceland Travel Tips to Prepare for Your First Iceland Trip

Visit Vik

Vík is a cute town on the southern coast of Iceland that is worth exploring for a day or half a day. It is a good base for any one looking for a place to stay along a Ring Road or South Coast Road trip. Vik is also a good base to explore nearby attractions including Dyrholaey Rock Formation, ‎Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and the DC-3 Plane Wreck.

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Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a must when visiting Iceland. This popular tourist circular route in southern Iceland is easily done as a half day tour or full day tour from Reykjavik. The main three (3) attractions in the Golden Circle are Thingvellir National Park, Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss (a beautiful waterfall). However, if you have extra time you can also add other attractions on the way including Faxi (also known as Vatnsleysufoss), the Secret Lagoon and Kerid Crater. If you would rather not rent a car, you can sign up for several Golden Circle tours from Reykjavik:

Swim between Tectonic Plates at Silfra

Go snorkeling or dive in the clearest water in the world between tectonic plates at Silfra located Thingvellir National Park (which is located in the Golden Circle).

See Icelandic Horses

Icelandic horses are small and cute and can be spotted all around Iceland outside of Reykjavík. Bonus, they don’t mind people approaching them. You can also sign up for a horse riding tour or visit the horse park about an hour from Reykjavík as well.

See Puffins

Iceland is a great place to see cute Atlantic puffins. Puffins spend most of the year at sea and only come to land in the spring and summer. Puffins can be seen from late April/early May until mid-August in various places in Iceland. Dyrhólaey in the South Coast is a great spot to see puffins from far. You can also join a short puffin watching tour from Reykjavik that will take you to nearby islands. To see puffins up close head to the Westman Islands.

Take the Ferry to the Westman islands

Most visitors to Iceland never make it to the Westman Islands, but they are worth a visit if you have an extra day. Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) is an archipelago off Iceland’s south coast, formed by underwater volcanic eruptions. Vestmannaeyjar is home of the world’s largest puffin colony and is one of the best places to see see large numbers of puffins up close. Other must see attractions in the Westman Islands include the striking Elephant Rock and the historic Eldfell Volcano.

To visit the Westman Islands you will need to take a ferry from Landeyjahöfn which takes around 35-40 minutes one way. You can also join a day trip from Reykjavik.

Explore Reykjavík

Some visitors think of Reykjavik as simply a base for exploring the natural attractions that Iceland has to offer. However, I think it is worth spending at least 1-2 days exploring the capital itself. Reykjavik is a very walkable city so it is easy to explore by foot. Must see attractions in Reykjavik include:

• Hallgrímskirkja – the largest church in Iceland. Nake sure to go to the top for 365 views of the city!
• Harpa Reykjavík – Reykjavík Concert & Conference Center
‎• Perlan – a glass dome resting on six water tanks
• The Sun Voyager – a sculpture located next to the ocean