20 Best Things to Do in Iceland & Places to Visit

I was hooked from the first time I set foot in the Land of Fire and Ice. And chances are if you’re reading this article, you are too. Characterized by its otherworldly landscapes, dramatic cliffs, ice-blue glacial rivers, hot springs, and active volcanoes, the natural beauty of Iceland is second to none.

It’s one of the most fascinating countries in the world and it’s no surprise Iceland has grown in popularity over the years. Whether you’ve been to Iceland several times or are currently planning your first visit, this article is going to highlight some of the best things to do in Iceland as well as some of my favorite places to visit.

The time of year you visit Iceland will pretty much plan your experience for you. During the summer months, Iceland experiences the Midnight Sun phenomenon, with 24 hours of daylight in June. On the flip side, the winter months bring much shorter days, but the payoff is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.

No matter what time of year you’re visiting Iceland, you’re in for the time of your life. Most of these activities and attractions are offered year-round, but I’ll let you know if a particular spot is seasonal, like viewing puffins or watching the Northern Lights.

TL;DR

Things to Do in Iceland

1. Explore Reykjavik

As Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik is the starting point of many an Icelandic traveler, and since the majority of all the other cities and towns in Iceland are very small, Reykjavik is your chance to experience the “city life”.

The city is easy to navigate on foot, but when the weather changes (and it will) you can always hop on the public transportation system to get you where you want to go. Public transportation in Reykjavik (called Strætó in Icelandic) is very reliable and easy to figure out, and straeto.is/en makes it easy to figure it out.

You can also get the Reykjavik City Card, which gives you unlimited travel on buses within the city center as well as several museums in Reykjavik. There’s no shortage of incredible restaurants in Reykjavik, either. A guided food tour is a great place to start, especially at the beginning of your stay.

This way, you can sample some of Iceland’s most popular dishes and then you have a great idea of what you like for the rest of your vacation. Be sure to swing by Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur and try one of Iceland’s famous hot dogs.

While you’re walking around…