Some say Iceland was named by deceitful Vikings who, in an attempt to keep everything to themselves, tried to hide the fact that their new settlement was actually a spectacular green land, worthy of envy from the entire Nordic world. While history may be unlikely, there is no doubt that the nation is one of the most incredible on earth - and if you have the opportunity to visit, you should definitely not miss these must-see destinations.
Credit: bigstock.comSeljalandsfossSeljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss waterfalls
Seljalandsfoss, located between Skógafoss and Selfoss, is one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, tumbling some 200 feet into a pool below. Visitors can also walk around the pool at the back of the falls for a particularly unique perspective that few get to experience. If you are very lucky, you can even watch the Northern Lights inside the waterfall.
Credit: bigstock.comJokulsarlon GlacierJokulsarlon Glacier
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland's most fascinating destinations. This large glacier lagoon was created by the melting of the glacier just half a century ago. It continues to grow rapidly as the ice cap melts. Icebergs constantly break through the glacier, floating in the short river and sea. Waves carry some of them back to the black sandy beach where they lie scattered like gems. If the lagoon looks familiar, it might be because you have seen films like "Tomb Raider", "Batman Begins", "Stardust" and "View to Kill" as well as the popular HBO series, "Game of Thrones". â
Credit: bigstock.comSkogafossSkogafoss
Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss is one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls and one of the largest, at almost 60 feet wide and 80 feet high. As the high volume of water flows, it produces a thundering sound and a mist producing a rainbow that makes it a photographer's dream on a sunny day. Legend has it that buried treasure can be found in one of the caves behind the magnificent falls. In the river below, there is a large salmon and coal population, making it a popular summer fishing spot. The path to the top of the falls continues following the river upstream, where even more spectacular waterfalls await.
Credit: bigstock.comBarnafoss FallsBarnafoss Falls
Barnafoss Falls
Barnafoss, or Children's Falls, is a waterfall located in the northwestern region of the island, although it is more of a series of rapids, running in a narrow rocky chute. It is named after two children who disappeared many years ago from a nearby farm. There was once a rock arch that served as a bridge over the waterfall, and it was thought that the children had fallen into the river, never to be seen again. Their grieving mother destroyed the arch, according to legend, putting a curse on the falls so that no one could ever cross the river and live to tell the tale.
Credit: bigstock.com Lava MyvatnLake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn, near Akureyri in northern Iceland, is the fourth largest natural lake in the country. It was established as a conservation area in 1974 and is internationally renowned for its birdlife and wide variety of duck species: during the summer there are more different species of ducks gathered on and around the lake than anywhere else on earth. It is also known for its bizarre but inspiring volcanic features. It is certainly worth spending a few days here to explore this extremely diverse landscape in order to fully appreciate all it has to offer.
Credit: rwhgouldBreidavik BeachBreidavik Beach
Breidavik Beach
On this secluded peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, culminating at Latrabjarg, the westernmost point in Europe, you will find Breidavik Beach. The area is also home to one of the largest bird cliffs in the world, with plenty of puffins, magpies and other seabirds. The beach is one of the most beautiful in Iceland, a seemingly endless expanse of forlorn golden sands bordered by turquoise waters.
Credit: bigstock.comDettifoss WaterfallDettifoss Waterfall
Dettifoss Waterfall
This waterfall, found deep in the Vatnajökull National Park, is considered the most powerful in Europe. It is located on the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, which flows from the Vatnajökull glacier. The falls are 330 feet wide and drop 150 feet down into a canyon below, with over 132,000 litres of water plunging over the edge.
Credit: bigstock.com Asbyrgi
Asbyrgi
Asbyrgi, located in the northernmost region of the famous Jokulsargliufur National Park, is a giant, anomalous, horseshoe-shaped rock formation that stands guard near the northern entrance to the almost 22-mile-long Jokulsa Canyon, one of the most spectacular walking destinations in Iceland. Inside, you will find numerous hiking trails ranging from short 30-minute treks to 7-hour adventures. Walk through the canyon floor to see honeycomb basalt rocks, or traverse the cliffs, admiring the vastness of the rock formation.
Credit: bigstock.comGlymurGlymur
Glymur Waterfall
Glymur is Iceland's highest waterfall, stretching more than 650 metres down the deep gorge of the Botnsdalur valley. This particularly graceful waterfall is best viewed from the top, where you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley and the Hvalfjörður fjord. Getting there requires a four-hour round trip, including climbing between the rough rock formations, but if you are up to the task it is definitely worth it. Standing at the top of the falls, you can feel like you are on top of the world.
Credit: bigstock.comStrokkur GeyserStrokkur Geyser
Strokkur Geyser
The Strokkur Geyser is one of Iceland's greatest natural attractions, sitting in the middle of the geothermal field, surrounded by bubbling springs and yellowing rocks in the eastern region of Thingvellir National Park. It erupts once every four to eight minutes and reaches 65 feet, although it was once measured at over 120 feet. While it may not be the most impressive geyser, it is certainly spectacular, as well as the most reliable. Just like clockwork, the turquoise water starts bubbling and swelling, growing and growing, until suddenly it shoots skyward amidst the "oohs" and "aahs" of the crowd below.
Credit: bigstock.com Vik's Black Sand Beach
Vik's Black Sand Beach
The town of Vik is Iceland's southernmost village, facing the Atlantic and framed by a long black volcanic sand beach. It has been named one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world Islands Magazine. The area is renowned for its rock formations rising out of the sea, such as the Vik Trolls. Legend has it that this unique formation of pillars was formed when trolls attempted to drag three ships ashore.
Credit: Erik-Jan Vens (definitely not active) HornbjargHornbjarg
Hornbjarg
Hornbjarg, part of a nature reserve, is a sheer cliff located in the Westfjords of Iceland, adjacent to Aðalvík Bay and Jökulfjörður Bay. The cliff was formerly known as 'The West Horn' and is one of the largest seabird habitats in the country. Its highest peaks reach more than 1,750 feet above sea level. Unfortunately, this is also one of Iceland's most remote destinations. Getting there requires a two-and-a-half-hour one-way boat trip from Ísafjörður, mainly through the Arctic, which is why few travellers have ever seen it. If you can manage it, you will be treated to one of the most breathtaking views of the Icelandic coast.
Credit: bigstock.comLandmannalaugarLandmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar, is located on the edge of the Laugahraun lava field in the Icelandic Highlands. It was formed in an eruption in the 15th century and is known for its natural geothermal hot springs and incredible landscape full of brightly coloured hills and hiking trails. A four-wheel drive is required to access the area, but several jeep tours are available to take you there. Once you have entered this fantasy world, take a trek to the Hekla volcano, believed to be the gateway to hell during the Middle Ages, followed by a thermal swim in the tepid stream of hot water.
Credit: bigstock.comAskja and VitiAskja and Viti
Askja and Viti
Askja is a stratovolcano in the Icelandic highlands, the name meaning box or caldera in Icelandic, referring to a number of calderas located in the surrounding Dyngjufjöll mountains. Viti, which literally means 'hell', is a hot geothermal lake formed naturally at the bottom of one of its craters. The term 'Viti' refers to the common belief in the past century that the large craters were the gates to the underworld. For an unforgettable experience, climb up the sides of the volcanic crater and take a dip in Viti. Because of the high altitude, the region is only accessible from about the end of June to the beginning of October. If you want to spend the night, you will find two huts and a campsite in Dreki, near Drekagil Canyon - the Canyon of Dragons.
Credit: bigstock.com Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of the country's most famous and picturesque attractions. This geothermal spa, located in a lava field in Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula in south-west Iceland, contains waters that range from 98 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, surrounded by ice and snow. Alongside the dark, black landscape, it creates a striking contrast for particularly impressive photographs. Although the lagoon itself is man-made, the warm waters are natural and rich in minerals such as silica and sulphur, which are believed to heal skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Credit: NouhaillerFlatey
Flatey
Flatey is a charming island where visitors can admire the mountains of the West Fjord from the lush green meadows of this tranquil hamlet. Time has stood still here, with many of the islands built during the 19th century. There is only one road, leading from the ferry pier to the 'old village', where you will find beautifully restored old painted houses that belonged to the original inhabitants of the island. Most of the houses here are only occupied during the summer - in winter, the total population of the island dwindles to five.
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The Sun Voyager
The Sun Voyager is a sculpture designed by Jon Gunnar Arnason, and is one of the most photographed sights in Reykjavik. This massive steel sculpture may look like a Viking ship, but it is said to be a 'dream ship' and an ode to the sun. Inherently, it holds the promise of uncharted territory, a dream of hope, progress and freedom. From here, visitors can also enjoy an unforgettable view of Mount Esja, especially when framed by the fiery edges of sunrise and sunset.
Credit: FlackJacket2010Raufarholshellir
Raufarholshellir
Raufarholshellir is a lava cave in the Leitahraun lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and was formed in a lava flow about 5000 years ago. It is one of the best-known lava caves in Iceland and is quite easily accessible. Visitors can walk directly to see the ice candles and lava formations. While you can continue for more than three quarters of a mile, if you choose to venture that far, it can be difficult to explore. Bring a powerful and reliable light source; wear a hat or helmet, sturdy shoes and warm gloves.
Credit: bigstock.comGulfoss FallsGulfoss Falls
Gullfoss Falls
Gullfoss, also known as Golden Falls, is sometimes said to be Iceland's version of Niagara Falls. This stunning waterfall, located at the top of the Hvita River along the renowned Golden Circle, plunges in two steps, one 36 feet high and the other 72 feet high, plunging into the canyon more than a mile long. To stand and witness its incredible beauty and the power of water is an exhilarating, almost surreal experience.
Credit: bigstock.comLatrabjargLatrabjarg
Latrabjarg
Latrabjarg, the towering cliffs at the tip of Iceland's westernmost point, are home to birds in unfathomable numbers. The cliffs are almost nine miles long and up to 1447 feet at their highest point. If you want to get a picture of a puffin, this is the place to do it because they tend to be fearless, almost friendly, to humans hoping to capture their image. The cliffs are easily accessible by car, making this a must-see destination.
Credit: bigstock.com Lava Fields
Lava Fields of Brennisteinsfjoll
Created by three separate volcanoes, the Lava Fields of Brennisteinsfjoll are together one of the most spectacular places in the world. This bizarre, fascinating, yet wonderful place is something you will hardly see anywhere else on the planet. Filled with moss-covered boulders as far as the eye can see, it gives visitors an idea of how unique the Icelandic landscape really is.