I've loved taking photos for as long as I can remember. Nothing serious, mind you, I'm very much a kit-lens-point-and-shoot photographer who's simply happy when the horizon isn't crooked, or the edges aren’t blurred.
And now coming to the point, every time I come across photographs of Iceland, I can't help but wonder one thing. Do professional photographers ever feel like they're cheating here?
I mean, when every frame has another glacier, another waterfall, another black sand beach or another mountain, I can't help but feel like half the job is already done for you (no offense to the shutter magicians) to take a photo that could easily become someone's next desktop wallpaper…
You see, finding breathtaking places to go in Iceland or things to do here isn't the challenge, deciding which ones can practically fit into your one-time itinerary is. So, after doing the research and talking to our destination experts, I've put together seven of the best places to visit in Iceland that are not only spectacular but also practical to include in a well-planned tour package. Whether you're mapping out your Iceland sightseeing, or looking for the top things to see in Iceland, here are seven places I'd begin with.
1. Reykjavík
Give yourself a couple of days here and you'll see why Iceland's capital deserves more than being treated as a stopover. Wander from the Sun Voyager to Harpa Concert Hall, climb Hallgrímskirkja for some of the best views over the city, browse the colourful streets around Laugavegur, and don't forget to duck into the side streets where some of Reykjavík's best murals are hiding. If you're the sort who enjoys understanding a place before exploring it, a walking tour is a wonderful way to begin your Iceland sightseeing.
There are a few experiences I'd happily make time for as well. Grab one of Iceland's famous hot dogs from almost any stand in the city, spend an afternoon soaking at Sky Lagoon, just ten minutes from central Reykjavík, or head out from the Old Harbour on a puffin or whale-watching cruise if you're visiting during the right season. And if you have a few hours to spare, Perlan gives you an excellent welcome to Iceland's glaciers, volcanoes and natural landscapes.
Still deciding how to fit Reykjavík into your holiday? Connect with our destination experts and we'll help you build an itinerary that balances the capital with Iceland's spectacular countryside.
2. The Golden Circle
Less than an hour from Reykjavík, this 300-kilometre circuit is one of the easiest places to visit in Iceland on your first trip, giving you landscapes shaped by volcanoes, glaciers and geothermal activity within a single day.
Your first stop is Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates continue their slow separation, making it one of the few places on Earth where you can walk between two continents! It's also home to the Alþingi, founded in AD 930 and recognised as one of the world's oldest parliamentary sites.
Continue onwards to the Geysir Geothermal Area, where the earth reminds you that Iceland is very much alive beneath your feet. While the original Great Geysir now erupts only occasionally, Strokkur sends a column of boiling water nearly thirty metres into the air every few minutes!
A little further along, you'll arrive at Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls. Fed by meltwater from Langjökull Glacier, the river plunges into a rugged canyon with extraordinary force, filling the air with mist and, on clear days, the occasional rainbow!
And if time is on your side, don't come straight back to Reykjavík. Some of the route's best gifts lie between the landmarks themselves. Stop by Friðheimar, where tomatoes are grown year-round using geothermal energy, or take your time exploring the smaller waterfalls, family-run farms and viewpoints that many visitors simply drive past…
3. Selfoss
Truth is, most travellers come to Selfoss because it's one of the best bases for exploring southern Iceland, not because it's packed with headline sights of Iceland. But don't mistake it for just another overnight halt…
Sitting just an hour from Reykjavík, Selfoss has become an important stop on many Iceland tour packages from India, thanks to its location between the Golden Circle and the South Coast. The heart of Selfoss today is its beautifully reimagined New Downtown, where traditional Icelandic architecture has been recreated around cafés, restaurants and the lively Old Dairy Food Hall. While you're here, don't miss Skyrland, an interactive exhibition dedicated to Iceland's famous skyr, especially considering that most of the country's skyr is produced right here in Selfoss!
Afterwards, perhaps take a stroll along the banks of the Ölfusá River, browse the family-run shops and bakeries along Austurvegur, or venture a little further to the historic coastal villages of Eyrarbakki and Stokkseyri. The former is home to one of Iceland's oldest houses, while the latter is famous for its outstanding langoustine restaurants and peaceful kayaking through its beautiful canals. If you're looking at Iceland sightseeing beyond the obvious, Selfoss earns its place by making the rest of your journey far more comfortable.
4. Grindavík
This small fishing town on the Reykjanes Peninsula has long been shaped by the Atlantic, but in recent years, it has become equally known for something happening beneath its feet. Located in one of Iceland's most geologically active regions, Grindavík found itself in global headlines following a series of volcanic eruptions and seismic activity! While parts of the surrounding area continue to be monitored and access changes depending on volcanic conditions, the town remains open to visitors, with Iceland's world-renowned safety and monitoring systems keeping a close watch on the region…
That geology is exactly what makes Grindavík so fascinating. The Reykjanes Peninsula, recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly pull apart, creating lava fields, steaming geothermal areas and volcanic landscapes unlike almost anywhere else in the world. It's also home to sights such as Krýsuvík, Gunnuhver, the Bridge Between Continents, Brimketill Lava Rock Pool and the historic Selatangar Fishing Station, making it one of the most best places to visit in Iceland for travellers interested in the country's geology.
Of course, then there’s the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by black lava fields, its naturally heated, mineral-rich waters remain one of Iceland's signature experiences and a wonderfully relaxing stop before or after exploring the peninsula…
If you're ready to start planning, browse our Iceland tour packages from India and discover just how much of this extraordinary country you can experience in one stunning stretch.
5. Vík
This tiny village on Iceland's South Coast is home to some of the country's most recognisable landscapes, so I’m pretty sure you will have come across it through its photos. Its biggest draw is Reynisfjara, where jet-black volcanic sand, huge basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks come together to create one of the most photographed places to visit in Iceland. Local folklore says the sea stacks were once trolls caught by the rising sun and turned to stone, so don’t forget to say Hi!
Beautiful as it is, there are some things to take care of. Sneaker waves can surge much farther onto the shore than they appear to, so always pay attention to the warning signs and keep well away from the water's edge.
Before leaving, make your way up to Víkurkirkja, the red-roofed church overlooking the village. The view across the coastline is spectacular, and during summer, the nearby cliffs become home to thousands of nesting puffins!
6. Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Despite its rather intimidating name, Kirkjubæjarklaustur (thankfully, most people simply call it Klaustur) is one of the most peaceful places you'll visit in Iceland!
Located between Vík and the glacier lagoons of southeast Iceland, the village holds moss-covered lava fields stretching for kilometres, waterfalls tumbling over enormous cliffs, glaciers sitting on the horizon and volcanic sands surrounding it all.
One of the region's most unusual sights is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, carved over thousands of years by glacial meltwater. Its steep green walls and winding river have made it one of Iceland's most photographed natural landmarks, although visitor numbers are now carefully managed to protect the fragile landscape. The nearby Eldhraun Lava Field was created during one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, the vast field is now blanketed by thick green moss, giving it an almost otherworldly appearance. It's hard to believe this peaceful landscape was once an ocean of molten lava…
For winter travellers, however, Kirkjubæjarklaustur is perhaps best known for something else entirely. Far from the bright lights of Reykjavík, the region gives you some of the country's finest conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Many itineraries include two nights here, giving travellers more than one opportunity to witness the aurora. And even if the lights decide to stay hidden, spending an evening surrounded by complete silence beneath Iceland's star-filled skies is hardly a bad alternative!
If chasing the Northern Lights sits high on your bucket list, our tailor-made holidays let you build an itinerary with extra time in Iceland's best aurora-viewing regions.
7. Akureyri
Set at the end of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, this beautiful little town is often called the Capital of North Iceland. Despite its modest size, Akureyri is filled with cosy cafés, independent boutiques, museums and a delicious food culture, all framed by snow-capped mountains for much of the year.
More importantly, it's the gateway to some of northern Iceland's finest attractions. Less than an hour away is Goðafoss, the magnificent "Waterfall of the Gods", while a little further on, Lake Mývatn shows you bubbling mud pools, volcanic craters, lava fields and steaming geothermal landscapes…
The waters of Eyjafjörður are also among the country's best for whale watching, particularly during summer when humpback whales are regular visitors. If you're looking for things to see in Iceland beyond the popular South Coast, Akureyri rewards you with fewer crowds and an entirely different perspective of the country.
Which Places Should You Prioritise?
If it's your first visit, I'd begin exactly where most Icelandic adventures begin: Reykjavík. From there, the Golden Circle follows before the route continues south towards Selfoss, Vík and Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches and, with a little luck, the Northern Lights all become part of the same journey!
If geothermal experiences are high on your list, make time for Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon. And if you've got a few extra days to spare, Akureyri welcomes you with quieter fjords, wildlife and an altogether different perspective on the country.
The best part is that you don't necessarily have to choose between them. Many of these destinations fit comfortably into a thoughtfully planned Iceland itinerary, allowing you to experience glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal spas, waterfalls, black sand beaches and the aurora in a single holiday.
