This Nordic island has enough to fuel a lifetime of vacations. The sheer variety of experiences available gives you plenty of options for things to do during your trip. If one wants to hike across glaciers, spot puffins, or hunt for the northern lights, Iceland travel is all about enjoying a scenic adventure in the wilderness. It is a country with so much to offer that it can be hard to nail down a single itinerary. This article gives ideas for short layovers, long weekend adventures, and weeks-long vacations.

Here are the Best Things to do in Iceland

 

1. Visit Lake Myvatn in North Iceland

 

Lake Myvatn is an attractive lake located in a highly geothermally active area in the north of Iceland. This lake is said to be the fourth largest body of water in Iceland. Visitors can find multiple islands strewn across it. There are geothermal Myvatn Nature Baths, to relax in after a long day of exploring. This area is famous for extensive flora and fauna derived from the lake’s rich sources of energy and nutrition. There are 58 different species of birds in the area which makes a great place for bird spotting. Visitors can find a variety of activities to do in Iceland. Check out the Skutustadagigar pseudo-craters, the geothermally active Namaskard Pass, and even Dimmuborgir, or Dark Fortress, an area of strange yet hauntingly beautiful volcanic rock formations.

2. Visit the Westfjords

 

The Westfjord is one of Iceland’s most remote and sparsely famous regions. This place is named after its countless dramatic fjords, framed by enormous flat-topped mountains. Though off the Ring Road and largely only accessible in summer. This place can be an ideal location for visitors to explore nature, tiny fishing villages, and plenty of animals, such as arctic foxes, whales, seals, and puffins. West Iceland attractions have a rich history steeped in folklore, mysticism, and magic. It boasts the northernmost glacier in Iceland.

3. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon    

 

This Jokulsarlon Glacial Lake is located behind a tall dune. It is one of Iceland’s most popular landmarks. Jokulsarlon Glacial Lake is the deepest lake in the country. Here one can find massive pieces of ice that have broken off from the nearby Breioamerkurjokull Glacier. Visitors can explore glittering icebergs groan and crunch against one another as they make their way from Breidamerkurjokull glacier to the Atlantic Ocean. They can even enjoy participating in a zodiac boat tour.

4. Follow the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights

 

One of Iceland’s biggest attractions is the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. The glamour of a never-setting sun and the beauty of the northern lights are stunning natural sights to behold and a must-see in Iceland. This incredible phenomenon, dancing in ribbon-like waves of purple, green, and gold, must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights have an abundance of tours dedicated to them. The best time to visit Iceland to see the northern lights is between late August and April, with mid-winter offering one the best chance of seeing them. Visitors can take an expert guide to increase their chances of spotting the aurora borealis.

5. Tour the Golden Circle and Go Snowmobiling or Snorkeling

 

The Golden Circle has three main attractions to explore, the historic Thingvellir National Park, the highly active Geysir Geothermal Area, and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. These are some of the best places to visit and are easily accessible. The Golden Circle’s three attractions are close to the capital city of Reykjavik. Thingvellir National Park’s natural beauty is unique as it is where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia are drifting apart. That creates a dramatic landscape of moss-covered lava fields, deep gorges, and waterfalls. Visitors can select to spread the drive over a whole day, making time for snorkeling tours and snowmobile tours for extra excitement.

6. Spot Dettifoss Waterfall in North Iceland

 

Dettifoss waterfall is situated in  Vatnajokull National Park in the country’s Northeast. It is considered Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Iceland. The waterfall is 144 feet from the Jokulsa a Fjollum river. Dettifoss waterfall crescendos with a mighty crash into Jokulsargljufur Canyon below, creating one of the country’s most spectacular and dramatic natural sites. The waterfall is accessible from Route 862 and is one of the main stops on a Diamond Circle Tour. Visitors can even visit  Husavik, Asbyrgi Canyon, and Lake Myvatn.

7. Relax in the Blue Lagoon Spa

 

Blue Lagoon is one of the famous places to visit in Iceland. It has a unique relaxing atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. The geothermal spa is well known for its healing silica mud, which can be applied to the face while staying there. Visitors can take a quick Blue Lagoon tour or the shuttle bus to the Blue Lagoon. If the Blue Lagoon is out of your budget, visitors can head to other spas that have similar experiences such as the Secret Lagoon near the Golden Circle and the Myvatn Nature Baths in North Iceland.