5 Top Things to do in Iceland
Iceland is a land of contrasts, from ice covered mountains to bubbling sulphur fields that assault your senses.
Here, people still believe in otherworldly creatures like the huldufólk. When you are staring out on a barren moonscape or walking amongst rolling hills polka dotted with moss, it’s easy to see why these mythical beliefs still hold strong here.
Cheap flights and a convenient layover location have made Iceland a hotspot in recent years but there is more to see here than a rushed couple of days around the Golden Circle.
Guest Blogger Kirsty from Travel with Meraki shares her favourite 5 things to see and do in Iceland.
Get Off The Beaten Track in Iceland
One of the best things you can do in Iceland is to hire a camper van and explore the Ring Road. With a home on wheels you will have the freedom to stop whenever an amazing landscape captures your fancy ( which will happen a lot! )
There are often places to explore that don’t seem to make it on any map or guidebook. As you move further away from the Golden Circle you will also notice the crowds get smaller and smaller.
There are lots of amazing campsites in Iceland, with all the facilities you could need. This is also a great option if you want to cut costs and save money in this notoriously expensive destination. Just stock up on food and snacks at some of the local supermarkets like Bonus.
Tick Off Waterfalls in Iceland
Not only are there lots of waterfalls to see in Iceland but they all seem to have their own unique and special traits.
From experiencing walking behind a waterfall at Seljalandsfoss to hiking to see the impressive Svartifoss surrounded by black columnar basalt formations. In Iceland you can hear the roar of the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss or soak up some history as you wander near Öxarárfoss in Þingvellir National Park where the Alþing, the Icelandic parliament was founded in 930 AD.
Some other waterfalls to see are:
- Kirkjufellsfoss
- Godafoss
- Gullfoss
- Hraunfossar
- Skogafoss
See the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern lights may be a game of chance but heading to Iceland instantly increases your odds. The best times to see these amazing lights dance across the sky is from August to April.
Some tips for seeing the lights are to check an aurora forecast , head somewhere with low light pollution ( which is very easy in Iceland ) and keep checking the sky throughout the night.
It’s also a good idea to wear warm clothes as temperatures can drop dramatically during the night. Be sure you take along your camera too for photographing the North Lights, you will want to treasure these memories long after your trip.
Hunt for Hot Springs in Iceland
There are plenty of geothermal pools in Iceland full of rich minerals like silica and algae that leave your skin feeling amazing.
Most people have heard of the Blue Lagoon but there are also plenty more hot springs to see. Some of the other popular springs are the Secret Lagoon and Myvatn Nature Baths.
There are also some very secluded and smaller natural hot springs dotted around Iceland that you may be lucky enough to discover.
If you do head to the Blue Lagoon it is a great idea to arrive there for opening time to avoid the bus tour crowds. It can get extremely busy!
Journey To The Centre Of The Earth
The inspiration for Jules Verne’s novel, Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, Vatnshellir Cave is actually a 8000 year old lava tube 35 meters below ground!
You can find Vatnshellir Cave in Snæfellsjökull National Park and can explore the cave with a guided tour.
As you walk through the cave you will learn how it was created, see unusual rock formations, climb a huge spiral staircase and get to experience an eerie total darkness when they ask everyone to turn off their headlamps for a short while.
Iceland is definitely worth more than a quick stop over trip and you will be sure to find lots to do with a longer stay. We would suggest at least 7 days but it would be easy to fill 10 days or more with amazing sites and experiences like the five fun things to do in this post.
Author Bio
Kirsty and her family and write about their adventures at Travel With Meraki. Meraki is a Greek word that means to do something with heart and soul. To put a little bit of yourself into something. They believe that everyone should travel with Meraki. Visit them on their blog, post a comment or become their friends on and
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