Best Places to Visit in IcelandUncover Iceland's Top Destinations: Natural Wonders, Scenic Landscapes, and Unique Experiences Await

Iceland’s oldest settlement is now a modern and vibrant city with many restaurants, nightclubs, and cafes. Reykjavik was first settled in the late ninth century by Iceland’s first settler, Ingolfur Arnarson, who gave the place its name, meaning “Smoky Bay," after the misty geothermal steam he saw rising from the ground. Today, it heats homes and outdoor swimming pools throughout the city—a pollution-free energy source that leaves the air outstandingly fresh, clean, and clear.

The best way to get to know Reykjavik is to take to the streets. Iceland's entire population only numbers a little more than 350,000, so it comes as no surprise that Reykjavik is one of the world's smallest capitals. Despite this, it's a charming place to explore with an incredibly efficient public bus system. You can also feed the swans and ducks on Tjornin Pond next to the City Hall, ride the elevator to the top of the imposing Hallgrimskirkja Church for an incredible view of the city, or explore the colourful neighbourhoods of Thingholt and Vesturbaer.

Opened as a power plant in 1976, the Blue Lagoon is now one of Iceland’s most visited attractions for relaxing, bathing, and skin treatments. This geothermal spa is set in the middle of a lava field, and the inviting turquoise-green waters reaching an average temperature of 37–39 °C are a blissful place to rejuvenate the senses with natural silica, algae, and mineral-enriched mud. Just a short drive from the airport and Reykjavik city, no trip to Iceland would be complete without a few hours spent here!

In mid-2021, the brand new Sky Lagoon opened its doors in Reykjavik. The Sky Lagoon offers an alternative to the Blue Lagoon, and we visit here on some of our summer tours to Iceland. Find out more with our comparison of the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon!

There's no shortage of waterfalls in Iceland, but the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss is perhaps the country's best known. The falls tumble 60 meters over a rocky scarp that is often carpeted in vivid green moss and vegetation. Rainbows are a common sight on sunny days as the water spray catches the light and creates multi-hued arcs. But what makes Seljalandsfoss so popular is the chance to get behind the waterfall itself. A slippery path trails behind the sheet of falling water into a small cave from where you can look back out across the surrounding landscape. Just make sure you bring a raincoat!

The capital of north Iceland barely constitutes a city yet delivers an urban experience not that far from what Reykjavik has to offer visitors. There are hip cafes, gourmet restaurants, and popular bars, all overlooked by the hilltop Akureyrarkirkja church. Built by the same architect as Reykjavik's Hallgrimskirkja, the church is Akureyri's most prominent landmark. Thanks to a relatively small population of just 18,000, Akureyri has the charm of a rural town with an impressive setting to match, backed by snowcapped peaks and facing the Eyjafjörður fjord. It's what draws many people to this part of Iceland.

Hella, a charming village nestled in southern Iceland, offers a picturesque glimpse into rural Icelandic life against a backdrop of dramatic landscapes. Situated near the banks of the Ytri-Rangá River, Hella is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including its proximity to the majestic volcanoes and glaciers that define the region. With its traditional Icelandic architecture and welcoming community, the village serves as a gateway to exploring the nearby Þjórsárdalur valley and the renowned Landmannalaugar hot springs. Visitors to Hella can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to soaking in geothermal pools, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in the heart of Iceland’s rugged terrain.