The national attractions of Iceland are so numerous and diverse that they make a trip here an informative and interesting adventure. If you also decide to organize a visit to this hospitable country, you should find out what to see in Iceland in advance. Otherwise, you may lose sight of unique cultural monuments and unique art objects.
What is the first thing to see in Iceland?
Let’s talk about which sights of Iceland should be seen first of all. After studying the recommendations of experienced guides and reviews from seasoned travelers, you can make the following rating:
1. Husavik
Husavik is a town in the northern part of Iceland
The interesting places of Iceland begin with this small town, rich in museums, natural beauties and temples. You can visit the Ethnographic and Urban Museums, the Whale Museum and the ancient wooden church – the symbol of faith of the indigenous people of the country. Adult tourists are invited to visit the museum of phalluses. There is an exhibition of preserved genitals of various animals of the world.
Once in Husavik, you will explore the best sights of Iceland, surrounded by lakes and waterfalls. Be sure to swim in geothermal pools, the healing waters of which cure many diseases.
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2. Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall in the southern part of Iceland
Excursions in Iceland rarely go without visiting the country’s largest, deepest and most beautiful “golden” waterfall. Two steps with a height of 11 meters and 21 meters, and a water drop depth of up to 70 meters made this attraction one of the most visited and beloved by tourists. Arriving here, you will be able to take unique photos. The location of the object is no less interesting – the glacial Hvitau river. You can get there both by tour bus and by private car – on a good paved road (there is not only a cafe near the waterfall, but also free parking for cars).
3. Tingvedlir National Park
Panorama of the Tingvedlir National Park
If you don’t know what to visit in Iceland first, come and see the famous canyons, valleys and lakes (including Lake Tingvallavatn) The National Park. The natural site, incised by volcanic faults, is included in the UNESCO Heritage List. No review can convey the beauty of these places.
The world-famous Lake of Desires and the “Canyon of Pennies” are located here. If you have a cherished wish, just throw a coin into the lake. If it reaches the bottom, your dream will definitely be fulfilled.
Official website: http://www.thingvellir.is/english.aspx
4. Hadlgrimskirkya
Hadlgrimskirkja is the main church of Iceland
Iceland’s main attractions are not only natural, but also historical. Such as the masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture – the Lutheran Cathedral of Hadlgrimskirkja. The huge height of the building allows you to see it from anywhere in the city of Reykjavik.
But do not limit yourself to a superficial look – personally visit the sanctuary, and enjoy the impressive appearance of the church from the inside. The interior of the building is decorated with a traditional nave and huge Gothic windows. If you are lucky, you will be able to purchase tickets to the theocratic performances, poetry evenings, concerts and other secular events held here in addition to Lutheran rites.
Official website: http://en.hallgrimskirkja.is/
5. Dettifoss Waterfall
View of Dettifoss Waterfall
Your trip to the country will not be successful if, while sightseeing in Iceland, you do not see the most powerful and “most bubbling” waterfall in Europe. The natural monument is located in the Yekulsaurglyuvur National Park. The filming of R. Scott’s fantastic film “Prometheus” was held here. According to the legend of the painting, the waterfall became the place of “the origin of life itself.”
Feel the atmosphere of Iceland in this beautiful video!
6. Cape Dirholaei
Cape Dirholaei
The description of the cape says that it is here that you can see the pride of Icelanders – the Puffin bird sanctuary. No less interesting are the original arches and turrets formed by the ocean and wind, as well as the Black volcanic beach of Reinisfjara.
Official website: https://www.south.is/en
7. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a unique thermal pool
This name is given to various attractions in Iceland – and a popular geothermal resort, which every tourist in the country has heard about. And a man-made lake rich in minerals, called a miracle of nature.
Official website: https://www.bluelagoon.com/
8. The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a beautiful natural phenomenon
In order to see a fascinating sight and an incredible space phenomenon, you should choose hotels in Iceland located near Hlomskalagardur Park, Perlan’s house or Grotta Lighthouse. In addition, guides in Iceland can offer you a private trip, jeep or bus tour in pursuit of Aurora Borealis.
9. The Great Geyser
The Great Geyser
Don’t know where to go in Iceland? Head towards Lugerfalla Hill and Hekla Volcano. In addition to these unique places, you will be able to see the very first and largest geyser of the Golden Ring.
10. Askya
Lakes Eskyuvatn (left) and Viti (foreground) in the caldera of Askya volcano
If you are interested, first of all, in the mysterious sights of Iceland, visit the center of the island, and a geological phenomenon will open your eyes – Askja volcano. Locals say that scientists are missing here. Your path will run through no less interesting endless lava fields.
11. The colored mountains of Landmannaloigar
Colorful rocks of the Landmannaloigar National Park
Incredible landscapes and a unique riot of colors – all this is the colorful Landmannaloigar valley. Boiling and steaming puddles side by side with amazingly beautiful multicolored mountains – the valley takes pride of place in the list of “the most beautiful and colorful natural attractions of Iceland”.
12. Skaftafetl National Park
Waterfall in Skaftafetl National Park
Tourists love this park, thanks to the favorable local climate. If you are tired of the weather while sightseeing in Iceland, come here. In the park, the mountains of which are lost in the clouds, there is the famous Black Waterfall and a delightful birch forest.
Official website: https://www.vatnajokulsthjodgardur.is/en
13. Jokulsarlon Lagoon
Glacial lagoon in Iceland
The largest glacial lagoon in the country, which is the hallmark of the island. If you don’t know what to see in Iceland in 1 day, come here. You will find unique northern landscapes, glacial lakes, ice and icebergs.
14. Westfirdir
The picturesque landscape of Westfirdir
A region that will allow you to get to know the national traditions and culture of the Icelanders better. In recent years, local residents have been actively developing the tourism sector: you will not be left without amenities and new experiences.
15. Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss waterfall on the background of green rocks
We end the conversation about the must-visit attractions of Iceland with a mention of the island’s most visited waterfall. As you know, on sunny days in the country you can see not an ordinary, but a double rainbow. So it is possible to contemplate it here. Skogafoss is interesting in any weather: unusual phenomena are generated by its water dust and splashes.
Sights of Iceland: What else to visit in Iceland?
Now you know what to see in Iceland is a must. If you have any free time left, spend it on a visit to other, slightly less well-known monuments of nature, architecture and history.
16. Lucky Volcano
Lucky Volcano in Skaftafetl National Park
We recommend such sights of Iceland as the Lucky Volcano. He is often called a “bloodthirsty villain”, because he has more than 10 thousand lives lost.
17. Perlan
Perlan – floheinstein thermal boiler house
If you want to take a break from exploring natural monuments, visit the city boiler house Perlan. It is a majestic building with a domed roof, its own winter garden and observation tower, and even shops. The location is Oskulid Hill.
Official website: https://perlan.is/en/
18. Leygavegur
The mesmerizing landscape of Leygavegur
Leygavegur is a famous hiking route, with the highest point on the way more than 1 thousand meters. During the walk, lasting 2-4 days, you can see such sights of Iceland as the Torsmerk glacial Valley, the Icelandic Plateau and the National Nature Reserve of the country.
19. Harpa Concert Hall (Harpa Blue Hour)
Harp Concert Hall is a masterpiece of modern architecture by Marco Nürnberger
Or head to the Harpa Blue Hour Concert Hall. The main feature of the five-storey building is the architectural design of 4 concert halls at once. Solemn events, performances of symphonic and ethnic music performers are held here.
Official website: https://en.harpa.is/
20. Surtsey
Surtsey Island CanonS2
The young island of Surtsey completes our list of what you should definitely visit in Iceland. In addition, it is listed as a World Natural Heritage Site. The unique feature of the island is that it is a volcano. Unfortunately, this facility is closed to tourists today.
Let’s summarize the short results
Arriving on the island, you can treat yourself to a meeting with natural resources, cultural monuments and architectural masterpieces. In order not to miss all this, hire a qualified guide or make a travel itinerary in advance.
Also read about the best sights of Scotland and get inspired for your further journey through Europe!
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