7 Must See Spots in Iceland
Iceland has dramatic landscapes, mystical natural wonders and rugged beauty. If you’re planning a trip, these 7 places are absolutely unmissable and each offers something unique that shows the country’s breathtaking diversity. Iceland’s wild beauty is waiting to be discovered – from volcanic craters and geothermal hot springs to remote mountain roads and stunning waterfalls.
Table of Contents
Askja
Askja is a massive caldera located in the middle of the Icelandic highlands. It is famous for its blue geothermal lake Viti, whose warm waters can be enjoyed by adventurous travellers. Askja volcano is one of the most powerful volcanoes in Iceland, the last eruption was recorded in 1961, and its formation is due to expanding lithospheric plates at a rate of 2 cm per year.
Why to visit
The area around Askja is one of the rawest and most remote parts of Iceland. Standing in the middle of a deserted land where only shades of grey, brown and black are mixed will give you a feeling you are walking on the Moon. It might seem boring but believe us even that monotonous landscape will leave you in awe thanks to its exotic, nontraditional beauty that is so rare on the European continent.
How to get there
It’s important to study in advance how to visit Askja in detail. Askja is accessible only by 4×4 off-road vehicles. Only a dirt road with many river crossings leads here. Directly below Askja is the F910 road, which leads off the F88 road. This then connects to the main Ring Road.
Tips on visiting
- The roads are accessible only for 4×4 vehicles and only during a few months of the year depending on the weather conditions. Usually, the roads open around the beginning of June and close in mid-September. However, it might happen they will still be covered by snow and ice at the end of June, so always check the road conditions before going there.
- The highlands of Iceland are an inhospitable place where the weather changes rapidly. You should always be aware of that and check the weather conditions before going.
Húsafell Canyon Baths
Húsafell Canyon Baths is a project of locals who created this magical place in the remote Icelandic wilderness. The construction is environmentally unobtrusive, and sustainable so it blends in with the surrounding landscape, using only locally sourced natural materials (e.g. flagstone from the canyon floor).
Why to visit
Húsafell is one of the most scenic hot springs in Iceland. To get to the hot springs you need to hike a bit and the route is ending in the mountain canyon where the baths are located. You can choose from two geothermal pools of different temperatures. Each offers a spectacular view of the surrounding canyon, mountains and glaciers.
How to get there
The bats are located next to the Hotel Húsafell. The road is manageable by a classic car (no need for a 4×4 vehicle).
Tips on visiting
- If you don’t have enough hiking and bathing, you can hike to the natural Selgil Hot Spring that is not far from the Canyon Baths.
- The visit to the baths contains a 2-hour hike through remote Icelandic Highlands so don’t forget to bring your hiking boots.
Detifoss
Dettifoss is a thundering force of nature, often considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe. It’s located in the north of Iceland, just a few minutes from the Ring Road, making it a perfect spot while travelling around the country.
Why to visit
Detifoss is not the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland, but it is definitely the most powerful. So much so that it’s going to drive you crazy. It lies in basalt canyons surrounded by barren landscapes which will fascinate you.
How to get there
For the Dettifoss waterfall, you have to go to northeast Iceland. The routes are accessible even for a classic car and there are two ways how to get there you can explore the waterfall from both the west and east sides.
The west side is more popular because there is a waterfall right in front of you. However, expect a massive hit of waterdrops as the water from the waterfall escapes to the west. To get here, take road number 862. Then you need to walk 1 km from the parking lot.
The east side is maybe less visited as it will take you to the unprotected side of the waterfall. there is no fence and it can be a bit dangerous especially if the weather is not nice. But if you are an adrenaline lover, this spot might be perfect for you. On the other hand, you will get a view into the deep canyon and there is usually no water splashing splashing to your eyes which might be beneficial. To get here, take road number 864 and then walk again for about 1 km.
Tips on visiting
- While you’re there, visit other smaller but still beautiful waterfalls. Following the hiking trail for about 1,5 km upstream, you run into Selfoss waterfall. And if you walk in the opposite direction for about 2,5 km, you meet Hafragilsfoss waterfall.
- There is no way how to cross the river so you need to decide on Road 1 which side you want to visit.
- While visiting Detifoss, don’t miss the beautiful area of Mývatn and the natural beauties hidden in Ásbyrgi Canyon.
Mælifell
Mælifell volcano resembles a stunning green pyramid rising from black sands. It is also one of Iceland’s most iconic volcanoes. Mælifell is located deep in the Icelandic Highlands under the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, the third largest glacier in the country.
Why to visit
Its perfect cone shape and vivid green moss covering the dark volcanic landscapes create a very picturesque scene which is definitely a must-see in Iceland. The all area just feels like a place from another planet.
How to get there
To get to this remote gem of Iceland, you need to take an adventurous F-road number F210. The route is rough and you definitely need a good 4×4 vehicle as it is very bumpy and there are some river-crossings. But it’s all worth it. The drive takes about 3,5 hours from Reykjavík.
Tips on visiting
- If you feel like it, there is a rather steep trail leading almost to the top, but you can enjoy this place without having to climb up.
- You can visit this iconic volcano as part of several multiday hiking trips, such as the Laugavegur trail which runs from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk.
F208 F-road
If you are looking for an adventurous but very scenic and iconic journey, then rent a 4×4 vehicle and get ready for the Icelandic wilderness. Driving on F-roads is not easy and the F208 road is considered to be one of the most challenging. But it’s worth it as it allows you to see some untouched natural beauties of this land of fire and ice.
Why to visit
F208 is one of the most scenic routes in the entire country. It leads from the Southern coast to the Central Highlands. It offers over 100km of pure, wild and unspoiled nature. You will meet landscapes that will take your breath away. It will, for example, take you to Eldgjá Canyon, the largest volcanic canyon in the world.
How to get there
The road leads from the south to the Highlands. In the South, it connects with Ring Road (Road 1) and continues through the Highlands until it reaches F26. The connection from Ring Road is a couple of kilometres after Vík.
Tips on visiting
- The road opens around mid-June depending on the weather, and can be closed at any time because of flooding or unpredictable weather conditions. So always check the status before going.
- Due to some river crossings and steep terrain, we recommend the road only to experienced drivers.
- If you don’t want to spend all day in the car, there are many hiking trails in the area.
Landmannalaugar
Let’s stay in the Icelandic Highlands for a while. Landmannalaugar is definitely the most famous area of all the Highlands and also the most visited. But when you see it with your own eyes, you understand why. The colourful mountains offer spectacular surreal views and the area is a paradise for hikers.
Why to visit
Be sure to try one of the best hikes in Landmannalaugar! The competition will be tough, though. Steaming geothermal spots and hot springs, breathtaking views, incredible hiking trails and surreal landscapes – Landmannalaugar is packed with all of it. Of course, it’s better to experience it while hiking through the area but you can plan this also as a one-day trip.
How to get there
To get there, you need a 4×4 vehicle as the road leading there is very bumpy. There are 3 main roads leading here:
- From Reykjavík on the F32 and the F208, which is a gravel road.
- From the west, there is a gravel dirt road F26 and then road number F225, which is passable only by off-road vehicles due to several fords.
- From the east, the F208 is a dirt road, in good condition, but you have to cross about 15-20 fords on the way and therefore it is only passable by 4×4.
Tips on visiting
- It is only accessible between June and September, the rest of the year the road leading to the campsite and the trailhead is closed.
- You can get to Landmannalaugar on foot as well from Thórsmork. It is a 55km long trail and probably the most famous long-distance trail in Iceland.
- The starting point of the tourist routes can also be reached by buses of various tourist companies, usually leaving Reykjavík in the early morning and returning in the afternoon
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Iceland is full of stunning canyons and this one used to be a bit of a hidden gem until it appeared in the video of Justin Bieber’s song. Since then, it has been packed with people so much that it has to be closed for a couple of months so nature can recover.
Why to visit
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon with a unique snake shape covered by vivid green moss with amazing views and a cute waterfall at the end. You can hike to the viewpoint or walk by the river to get totally different views.
How to get there
It is located in south Iceland just off the Ring Road between Vik and Skatafell. It is not difficult to get there, even though there is a gravel road leading to the parking lot. The road is in good condition so you manage it with a normal car. From the parking lot, you need to hike to the viewpoint.
Tip on visiting
- You can see the canyon from the bridge over the river next to the parking lot, but we highly recommend walking via the trail as this gives you the best views of the landscape and the canyon.
- Due to nature protection, the trail can be closed so nature can heal from the onslaught of people who visit it every year. So always check whether it’s open.
- It’s a quite quick stop that can be made while doing a trip to the South of Iceland, on the way to the Jökulsárlón or while visiting Vík.
