Touring around Iceland is an adventure unlike any other. This volcanic island has been shaped by centuries of eruptions, glaciers, and tectonic activity, resulting in a truly unique landscape. Although it may be small, Iceland packs a big punch when it comes to tourist attractions. From the world’s largest waterfall to the country’s most active volcano, there’s no shortage of natural wonders to explore. And that’s not even including all the man-made attractions! If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, make sure to add these seven top tourist attractions to your itinerary.
Thingvellir National Park
1. Thingvellir National Park:
Thingvellir National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. The park is home to a number of important historical and natural sites, including the site of the first Icelandic parliament, Althingi. Thingvellir is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Geysers:
Geysers are another popular tourist attraction in Iceland. These erupting hot springs are found in a number of places around the country, but the most famous geyser is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes.
3. Vatnajökull National Park:
Vatnajökull National Park is home to Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, and boat tours on the glacial lagoon.
4. Reykjavík:
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city in Iceland. The city is home to a number of museums and cultural attractions, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. Reykjavík is also a great base for exploring the rest of Iceland.
Vatnajökull National Park
1. Vatnajökull National Park is Iceland's largest national park, covering an area of over 12,000 square kilometers. The park is home to the country's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur, as well as its largest glacier, Vatnajökull.
The park offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including hiking, ice climbing, glacier walks, and kayaking. There are also a number of scenic driving routes through the park.
2. Thingvellir National Park is another popular tourist destination in Iceland. The park is located in the Golden Circle area and is known for its dramatic landscapes and historical significance.
Thingvellir was the site of the first Icelandic parliament, established in 930 AD. It is also one of the most seismically active areas in the world and home to the Silfra fissure, which offers some of the best scuba diving in Iceland.
3. The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most popular tourist attractions. The lagoon is located in a lava field near Reykjavík and features geothermal water with temperatures ranging from 35-39 degrees Celsius.
The lagoon has a number of amenities, including a swim-up bar, massage services, and a sauna. Visitors can also enjoy mud masks and other treatments at the lagoon's spa.
Reykjanes Peninsula
The Reykjanes Peninsula is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. It is home to some of the country's most famous landmarks, including the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, and the Golden Circle. The peninsula is also a great place to see the Northern Lights.
Geysir
The Geysir hot spring is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. It is located in the Haukadalur valley and is about a 1.5 hour drive from Reykjavik. The geyser only erupts every few minutes, but when it does, it shoots boiling water up to 30 meters (100 feet) into the air. There are also several other hot springs in the area that you can relax in.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. It is a massive waterfall that plunges over 100 feet into the Hvítárvatn lake below. The waterfall is located in the Golden Circle, a popular tourist route that also includes Thingvellir National Park and the geothermal area around Reykjavík.
Hvítárvatn
Hvítárvatn is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. The lake is located in the southwestern part of the country, in the municipality of Álftanes. It is about 2 km long and 1 km wide, with a depth of approximately 40 m. The lake is fed by several rivers and springs, including the Hvítá River, which flows from the nearby glacier of Langjökull.
Hvítárvatn is a popular destination for both Icelandic and foreign tourists. In the summer, the lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and camping. There are also several hiking trails in the area. In the winter, the lake is popular for ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Dettifoss
Dettifoss, located in Northeast Iceland, is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Dettifoss is fed by the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier. Visitors can walk up close to the edge of the falls and feel the mist created by the rushing water.