16 Best Things to Do In Iceland; Game Of Thrones Land!

Are you looking for the best things to do in Iceland on your visit?

You have come to the right blog post! We will go over all the top activities, such as seeing the Game Of Thrones film set.

Iceland is a country of geographical contrasts, well-known as the Land of Fire and Ice, it is famous for its active volcanoes and it is where you can find some of the largest glaciers in Europe. If you are planning to visit Iceland, you came to the right place! In this article, we will share with you the best things to do in Iceland. If you want to know more information, make sure to keep reading below! Hopefully, after reading this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge and know what to do when you visit this beautiful Nordic country with it’s out of this world beautiful landscapes.

If you need somewhere to stay in Reykjavic, then you’ll find plenty of awesome 5-star hotels and more!

Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries found in North Atlantic. Make sure to plan properly when you visit, so you can visit its beautiful places and you can also try out the local food. If you are looking forward to visiting the thermal pools and see gorgeous and dramatic landscapes that are social-media worthy, keep reading below! You must bring your smartphones and cameras so you can document your exciting Nordic island country experience of a lifetime.

1. Take the Golden Circle Tour

If you want to visit historic and lush tourists points in Iceland, then you need to get yourself a ticket to the Golden Circle Tour. The Golden Circle Tour is a full day adventure starting in Reykjavik and will take you to the three most visited natural nature attractions in the southern part of Iceland, Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Geothermal Area and Þingvellir National Park.

The Golden Circle Tour is a must-do when visiting Iceland, with spectacular scenery across all of the three sites, with a great guide that provides excellent information about the history of the geographical and cultural significance of the area.

2. Take a dip in Lake Myvatn Geothermal Area

Lake Myvatn is one of the must-see attractions when tourists visit the Diamond Circle. This lake is known for being the fourth largest lake in Iceland. It is said to be formed as a result of an enormous volcanic eruption that occurred more than 200 years ago. If you want to visit an area prone to Icelandic volcanic activity, this place is perfect for you because there is a range of other volcanoes found around the landscape. There are several areas where the natural heat from under the earth has warmed some of the pools and you can take a relaxing dip in its hot waters.

Make sure to keep an eye out for puffins in Iceland. Always remember to keep a camera on you for some epic photos!

3. Explore the Asbyrgi Canyon

Located in the northeast part of Iceland, you can explore and take photos of the Asbyrgi Canyon. This horseshoe-shaped canyon is believed to have formed when Oðin’s Icelandic horse’s hoof came in contact with the ground, thus leaving a horseshoe-shaped natural feature. If you are into nature photography, you will love this place. You will have a blast taking pictures of the cliffs surrounding it, and you must capture the plateau that rises in its center. It is a sight to behold. The valley inside it is also a great wonder for you to see, it is full of thickets of birch, fir, pine, willow, and larch. It is a sight that one wouldn’t imagine that is located in Iceland. There are a lot of myths about the hidden people or Elves of Iceland that have originated from this place.

4. Go on a whale watching tour

There are plenty of different species that can be found in the Icelandic coastal waters if you want to see whales in the wild, this is a must-do for you! One of the most common whale species that can be sighted during the whale watching tour is Humpback whales and Minke whales, although there is also a possibility that you can see rarer species such as Fin whales and Orcas or also known as Killer whales. During whale watching tours, you can also spot different types of seabirds which include Guillemots, Puffin, Skuas, Arctic Tern, etc.

Whale watching tours leave from different locations but the most famous locations can be found in Akureyri, Husavik, Reykjavik, and Dalvik. Husavik is considered as the whale watching capital of Iceland because it is known for high animal traffic that passes through the fjords of Husavik.

Whale watching tours can be done either on huge vessels or smaller boats. Bigger boats can carry large tour groups and it has a reliable tracking technology that will ensure that you will see a whale in the wild. Smaller powerboats can hold smaller tour groups which make it an intimate setting; powerboat operators are capable of going near the animals as the motors of the boat make lesser noise than the bigger boats.

Book Here: Iceland Whale Watching

5. Camp on the Skaftafell Nature Reserve

If you are a nature lover, you must camp on the Skaftafell Nature Reserve when you visit Iceland. The Skaftafell Nature Reserve has beautiful landscapes that will take your breath away. It is one of the most amazing features of Vatnajökull National Park. This area is formed from the constant duel between ice and fire. What’s great about this area is that you can also camp in the forest near a beautiful glacial stream and you can take hikes on the nearby lava fields and see the evocative black deserts. In this area, you can find lagoons and glacier tongues that originate from the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. If you want to see the spectacular views you must book a glacier hiking tour on the glacial outlets in Svínafellsjökull.

6. Spend time on Rauðasandur Beach

If you love beaches, you will enjoy spending time on Rauðasandur Beach. This beach offers breathtaking views because its sand is pink and red. You can enjoy walks on the seaside and you can spend hours watching the pounding waves on the shore and you can also see the lovely turquoise lagoon. You can take strolls along the beach and you might spot the resident seals there. Sunbathing is not recommended on Rauðasandur Beach because of the weather in Iceland. If you love bird watching, you can take the coastal trail that stretches towards the famous Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs.

7. Go Horseback riding

Icelandic horses are famous among tourists that visit Iceland. It is easily recognizable for its miniature size, cute short legs, and amazing muscular build. The Icelandic horses are well-known for their reliability and capability to withstand harsh weather elements and its famous five gaits which are the walk, trot, canter, flying pace, and the tölt as most horses’ breeds have only 3 gaits. Icelandic horses are purely bred and have remained isolated in Iceland for more than thousands of years. Any horse that leaves Iceland is not allowed to return this is such to preserve the horses’ breed and maintain its unique genes.

The Iceland horse riding tours are available for beginner and experienced riders and certified horse riding instructors will assist you. By immersing yourself on the horse riding tour in Iceland, you will be able to enjoy sightseeing Icelandic nature, an experience that you will enjoy. Icelandic horses are known for their mild temperament and intelligence, which makes horseback riding one of the best things to in Iceland.

8. Hike the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

The northernmost part of the Westfjords is called Horstrandir; this part was abandoned by its inhabitants during the early decades of the 20th century due to the area being so remote and lacks industry. It is now known as a well-preserved nature reserve that tourists can visit when they go on a trip to Iceland. This area is full of wildlife, if you are a wildlife enthusiast, this is a must-visit place for you!

The cliffs here measure 534 meters above sea level and it is known as a home to approximately tens of thousands of seabirds. You also have a high chance to spot Iceland’s Arctic Fox during your visit here. Ferries coming from the Strandir district and Ísafjörður can reach Hornstrandir. While you are there, you can also book tours of the Westfjords, maximizing your time and effort while seeing other areas such as Ísafjörður which is a popular destination for individuals who love to ski during winter holidays.

9. Visit the Hallgrimskirkja Church

The Hallgrimskirkja Church is located in Reykjavik city, which is quite a lovely sight to behold. You can ride an elevator to the top of the hill where the church is located and you can take photos of its gorgeous design and architecture. This church is created to resemble the Svartifoss Waterfall which is found in the southern part of the country.

10. See the Northern Lights

If you love astronomy, you must not forget that Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, which is also known as Aurora Borealis. Bring your special someone with you and go see the Northern Lights. You can see them from the capital city of Reykjavik or you can also travel to Seltjarnarnes, a perfect spot which is away from the light pollution that can be common in cities.

11. Go Glacier Hiking

The glacier hiking in Iceland is by far one of the most unique experiences you will ever participate in when travelling. The top activity takes you climbing over beautiful and breathtaking glaciers in Iceland. Here’s how it works: you spend the morning getting kitted out and visiting local attraction points. Then, you will embark on the frozen solid ice mountains. Don’t worry you will have all the ice climbing gear such as crampons and ice axe – and of course warm clothing.

If you want a memorable visit to Iceland, then you need to check out the Glacier trekking. It was well up there as one of the best things I did on my holiday.

12. Visit the Dettifoss Waterfall in Northern Iceland

If you love visiting gorgeous landscapes, the Dettifoss waterfall is a definite must-see in Northern Iceland. This beautiful waterfall falls 44 meters from the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River. You can visit this dramatic landscape via Route 862, it belongs to the Diamond Circle, the counterpart of the Golden Circle sightseeing, famous to tourists visiting Iceland.

13. Take The Beer Tour

This tour is one of the best ways to learn about the history of Iceland. And, how the country is changing. You’ll learn about the Icelandic volcanoes, and how tourism has sky-rocketed over recent years. You’ll get to experience local alehouses, which included poplar craft beers, and newer upcoming beers.

The beer tour in Reykjavik is one of the most fun and unique things to do whilst enjoying your break in Iceland. People may be put off thinking it’s just about guzzling beer. But believe me, it’s a lot more than that! Like the I’ve already mentioned, you will learn so much about the history of Reykjavik, and Iceland.

14. Visit Kvernufoss Waterfall

A few people have yet visited the beautiful waterfall that can be reached at a walking distance on the east of Skogar. It is called the Kvernufoss waterfall in Iceland that cascades in the Kverna river. And is one of the most underrated activities in Iceland to do. This awesome and flowing mass of cool and crystal water is located in the Kvernugil area which is a scenic gorge highlighted by mega formations of hyaloclastite as well as basalt.

15. Diamond Beach

Surreal is what you could call the Diamond Beach in Iceland. Without a doubt one of the top things to do in Iceland for any visitor. When it comes to the plethora of wonderful environments found in Iceland. Its lava fields are simply astonishing, and its volcanic craters as well as ice caves are truly magnificent. But don’t forget the world of ocean surrounding this beautiful country, too because it is just as amazing! Gifted with the marvel of glaciers along with icebergs, you’ll be reminded of the astounding activity that takes place underneath its deep. There are two fantastic views that are worth exploring in the aquatic realms of Iceland, and they are Diamond Beach and Glacier Lagoon.

16. Blue Lagoon Iceland

If you’re looking to visit one of the top tourist attractions in Iceland, you simply cannot miss the Blue Lagoon. Dipping in the hot waters of Blue Lagoon Iceland is truly an amazing experience. You’ll be revelling in a marvellously therapeutic and relaxing wonder of nature while being surrounded by a beautiful landscape.

Final Thoughts

There we have it, the best things to do in Iceland on your visit to of the most unique travel destinations in the world!