01 Feb Things to Do in Iceland: Map of Top 10 Attractions

Iceland is a country full of many beautiful attractions as well as unique things to do, and it was thus hard to determine exactly which were my favorites and belonged in my top 10 list. However, after a lot of thought and scrolling through hundreds of photographs, I finally narrowed down my map of the top 10 things to do in Iceland. It includes, for example, kayaking among icebergs, snorkeling between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, jumping into a glacial river, and so much more. 

Need some additional help planning your Iceland trip? Check out this detailed Iceland road trip itinerary as well as this guide on how to budget for food in Iceland. For a shorter list of the best things to do in Iceland, check out this list of my top three favorite attractions in Iceland.

Contents:

1) Stuðlagil Canyon 

2) Glacier Lagoon Kayaking

3) Fagradalsfjall Volcano

4) Hidden Hot Springs

5) Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

6) Skógafoss Waterfall

7) Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls

8) Silfra Snorkeling

9) Blue Lagoon

10) Stokksnes Peninsula and Vestrahorn Mountain

1) Stuðlagil Canyon 

• Location: Stuðlagil
• Estimated visit time: 1 to 2 hours 
• Attraction: basalt rock column canyon with a turquoise glacial river 
• Article for more information: Favorite Activity in Iceland: Hiking to Stuðlagil Canyon

Location

Stuðlagil Canyon is located in northern Iceland. For reference, it is about one hour west from Egilsstaðir or four and a half hours north from the Glacier Lagoon. There are two main ways to experience the canyon: (1) from a viewpoint (2) from hiking down into the canyon.

For lodging, we stayed the previous night at Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms. Then we stayed the next night at Akureyri H.I. Hostel.

Trail Directions

To visit only the viewpoint, head to Stuðlagil Canyon Parking. There is a short trail from the parking lot to the viewpoint. However, you will be unable to hike down into the canyon from this side.

To hike down into the canyon, drive instead to Stuðlagil East Side Parking, which is a small parking area with a restroom. Cross the bridge and drive all the way to the end of the road for another parking lot, called Parkplatz Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil to cut down on hiking time. Follow the trail leading out of the second parking lot. The path is fairly clear, as it is alongside the canyon. There is one gate to pass through (pretty sure it is just to keep sheep inside the fence). Then shortly after passing the viewing platform on the other side of the canyon, begin the rocky descent down into the canyon itself. It is not too difficult, for the rocks act as stepping stones.

Stuðlagil Canyon in Iceland

General Information – Iceland Map of Things To Do

First up on the map of the top 10 things to do in Iceland is hiking to and jumping in Stuðlagil Canyon. It is a beautiful canyon made of basalt rock columns. These columns formed as lava flowed over the cliff edges, cooled slowly, crystallized, and then broke off into a hexagonal shape. There is also a turquoise river running through the canyon.

Before 2009, the river running through the canyon was a lot more powerful. Moreover, it was so powerful that it was dangerous to visit the canyon and definitely dangerous to jump in the water. However, Iceland constructed a hydroelectric plant in 2009, and that consequently decreased the river’s flow drastically. The area then became safe to visitors, and it continues to gain popularity. 

Want to see even more basalt rock column canyons in Iceland? Then head to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and/or Svartifoss Waterfall.

Our Experience

The number one spot on my map of the top 10 things to do in Iceland belongs to Stuðlagil Canyon. However, it did not earn this spot just because it is beautiful. It earned the number one spot because we had some excitement and unplanned adventure while visiting. 

When we arrived and hiked down into the canyon by the water’s edge, we had no idea people actually jumped in the river. We were taking some photographs when we first saw a person jump in. We thought the individual was just looking for an adrenaline rush. Maybe it was just a one-time thing? However, we then saw more and more people jump in the river.

We had a “I will do it if you do it” moment, and about 10 minutes later we found ourselves preparing to jump into the water. It was exciting, adrenaline-producing, and unplanned. That is exactly what made it my favorite activity in Iceland. Did all of the air leave my body as soon as I hit that water? Yes. Would I do it again if I had the chance? Also, yes. 

For more information: Favorite Activity in Iceland: Hiking to Stuðlagil Canyon.

By the river’s edge at Stuðlagil Canyon

2) Glacier Kayaking – Iceland Map of Things To Do

• Location: Jökulsárlón
• Estimated visit time: 2 to 3 hours 
• Attraction: kayaking in the Glacier Lagoon (aka Jökulsárlón)
• Article for more information: Glacier Kayaking in Jökulsárlón, Iceland

Location

Jökulsárlón, also known as the Glacier Lagoon, is located in eastern Iceland. For reference, it is approximately two and a half hours northeast of the town of Vík.

I have to give this location a bit of a shout out here, for it made it twice on my map of the top 10 things to do in Iceland. Glacier lagoon kayaking came in at number two while the Glacier Lagoon itself (in addition to Diamond Beach across the street) came in at number five. 

For nearby lodging, we stayed at The Barn the previous night, which is located right by the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vík. After our kayaking and other adventures of the day, we crashed at Laekjarhus Farm Holidays for the night.

Tour Information 

First, there are a few tours that operate on the Glacier Lagoon. There are zodiac boat tours, amphibian boat tours, and kayaking tours. Amphibian boats are larger (similar to a small ferry) while zodiac boats are smaller (similar to a speedboat). Then of course you have a kayak, which is the smallest of them all. However, I would argue a kayak offers the best and most intimate experience. 

Second, my top tip would be to decide what tour you want and to then book it as soon as possible. Boat tours are a bit more common on the lagoon, but kayaking tours can be hard to come by. Only a few tour operators offer kayaking tours, so be sure to grab a spot while you can. 

Third, expect to shell out for a kayaking tour. Our tour cost around $165 (~23,780 ISK) for a tandem kayak. However, I will also say that it was worth every penny. If you are going to splurge in one or two areas in Iceland, then make sure this is one of them. 

Looking forward to other excursions? Check out this list of the top five excursions in Iceland.

Iceberg in the Glacier Lagoon

General Information – Iceland Map of Things To Do

The Glacier Lagoon formed in the mid 1930s through the melting of Breiðamerkurjökull, which is an outlet glacier of the largest glacier in Iceland – Vatnajökull. It has then been increasing in size ever since as the glacier continues to melt. 

Moreover, across the street from the Glacier Lagoon is Diamond Beach where you can find icebergs floating in the ocean and washed up along the shore.

Our Experience

I cannot express enough how happy I am that we splurged for kayaking on the Glacier Lagoon, which is also known as Jökulsárlón. Though I am sure you can tell by the fact it is listed as number two on my list of the top attractions in Iceland. I LOVE kayaking, and I even have my own Intex Challenger inflatable kayak for when I want to kayak on lakes and rivers around home. It is a double kayak, and thus my partner often joins as well. That being said, as soon as we saw that kayaking among icebergs was offered as an excursion in Iceland, we knew we had to book it. 

Glacier lagoon kayaking can be booked in a couple of different locations. However, we decided to go with the most famous glacier lagoon in the country, Jökulsárlón. Additionally, we booked a tandem kayak so we were able to kayak together. During the tour, our guide led us around the lagoon to the largest icebergs of the day. They also shared a bunch of facts about the lagoon and Iceland in general, for they are incredibly knowledgeable about the history and nature of the area. 

In my opinion, kayaking is a much more intimate experience than a boat ride. For safety reasons, you cannot get too close to the icebergs. However, you are sitting essentially directly on top of the water. Additionally, we had a bit of luck and saw a few seals swimming nearby.  

For more information: Glacier Kayaking in Jökulsárlón, Iceland.

Kayaking in the Glacier Lagoon

3) Fagradalsfjall Volcano

• Location: Fagradsfjall Volcano
• Estimated visit time: 2 to 4 hours 
• Attraction: erupting volcano (during our visit in August 2021)

Location

Fagradalsfjall Volcano is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula. For reference, it is only one hour from the capital city of Reykjavík. 

I have to also give this location an extra shout out, for it was my partner’s favorite activity. It came in at number one on his list of the top things to do in Iceland.

In terms of lodging, we stayed at Guesthouse Pavi within Reykjavík. However, check out the most romantic hotels in Iceland if you want to turn your trip into a romantic getaway.

Trail Directions – Iceland Map of Things To Do

Fagradsfjall Volcano on google maps is the parking lot for viewpoint A as well as viewpoint B. Shortly after beginning the trail, you must decide to continue to the left or right. We chose to go left (which put us on the backside of the volcano) and had fantastic views. I believe the trail to the right would have taken us to the front side of the volcano, though it was also a fair amount longer. 

Continue hiking along the trail for as long as possible. The trail is obvious at first, but then it starts to disappear. Do not worry, you are still headed in the correct direction. You just have to maneuver your way along the rocks. Worried you are heading the wrong way? Keep the volcano in your eyesight and hike towards it – you are not likely to get lost. 

Looking onward to Fagradalsfjall Volcano

General Information

Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that you are going to see an erupting volcano during your trip to Iceland. Nature can still be a bit of a mystery. Therefore, a lot of times it just comes down to luck. (Unless you hear of a volcano erupting, then you can plan a trip to Iceland as soon as possible for the sole purpose of hiking the active volcano).

I recommend that you research the current conditions of Iceland volcanoes starting a few days before your trip and then continuing through your last day in the country. You never know what can happen. A volcano might erupt the day before you arrive in Iceland or it might erupt the day you are leaving. Either way, stay up to date on the news so you can take advantage of every opportunity.

*Please be advised that I am NOT a volcano expert. If Iceland issues an evacuation for the area surrounding a volcano, please listen for your own safety. There are times when it is safe to hike around an active volcano and times when it is not. Listen to evacuation orders as well as advisories and practice sound judgment.

Our Experience

We hiked a VOLCANO. Saying it now even sounds a bit far-fetched and like a dream, and it comes in at number three on my map of the top things to do in Iceland.

Fagradalsfjall Volcano erupted from March 2021 to August 2021. We had not originally planned a visit to the volcano in our itinerary. However, my boyfriend heard something about an erupting volcano and did some more research. It turned out the volcano was still erupting while we were in Iceland. We thus prioritized visiting it on our last full day. 

As we hiked towards the volcano, we could see bright red lava spewing out of the top, over the sides, and then quickly turning black. The closer we got to the volcano, the more in awe we were. Over and over and over again the volcano would spit lava out. We could have stayed there for hours watching it. It was mesmerizing. When else will I have the opportunity to hike an erupting volcano? Honestly, possible never again. For that reason, this activity had to make it on my list of top attractions in Iceland. 

Lava erupting from Fagradalsfjall Volcano

4) Hidden Hot Springs – Iceland Map of Things To Do

• Location: Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
• Estimated visit time: 1 to 3 hours 
• Attraction: two hidden hot springs alongside a river
• Article for more information: Best Hidden Hot Springs in Southern Iceland

Location

The hidden hot springs are located in Southern Iceland, just a short walk past Seljavallalaug Pool. For reference, they are approximately two hours east of Reykjavík. They do not have name or location noted on google maps, and thus they are one of Iceland’s hidden gems.

For nearby lodging, we stayed the previous night at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast within the Golden Circle. We then spent the following night at South Iceland Guesthouse, which is slightly west of the town of Vík.

Trail Directions

There are two parking lots available for Seljavallalaug Pool, which is located just before the hidden hot springs. The first lot is Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool, and it is about a 35-minute walk to the hot springs from there. However, the second lot is Seljavallalaug Bílastæði, and it is only about a 25-minute walk to the hot springs from there. 

After parking at either lot, begin the short walk to Seljavallalaug Pool. There is somewhat of a defined trail for a portion of the walk, but not the entire way. However, just continue to follow along the river and you will not get lost. Seljavallalaug Pool is only a few dozen feet from the river’s edge, so you cannot miss it. 

Once you arrive at Seljavallalaug Pool, stop and take a dip if you like. Otherwise, continue walking past the pool. You will walk on the left side of the river for approximately five minutes before you come to a section where the river covers the entire width of the valley, and thus also the walkway. If you peak around the corner, you might be able to see the hot springs waiting for you on the other side. Take a deep breath, prepare for some cold water, and wade through the roughly ankle-deep water for 30 feet (~nine meters) before exiting the river. 

*Please note that you do not have to cross the river. Also, consider the strength and depth of the river before continuing. River conditions can change by the day and hour, so you should only continue if it is safe to do so. 

Seljavallalaug Pool with the changing rooms in the background

General Information – Iceland Map of Things To Do

While the hidden hot springs do not have much history behind them since they are hidden gems, Seljavallalaug Pool is quite a unique attraction. Seljavallalaug Pool is the oldest human-made pool in Iceland. Way back in the year of 1923, a man constructed the pool to help children learn how to swim. Moreover, Iceland previously required that children in school learned how to swim as part of their education. In terms of dimensions, Seljavallalaug Pool is 32 feet (~10 meters) wide, 82 feet (~25 meters) long, and six feet (~2 meters) deep.

Our Experience

Fourth on the map of top things to do in Iceland are the hidden hot springs just past Seljavallalaug Pool. While Seljavallalaug Pool is a nice place to take a dip, the private springs offer an even better experience. We did not know these springs existed before we arrived at the parking lot listed above. Fortunately, my type A personality told me to check the google map reviews one last time to make sure we knew in which direction to walk to Seljavallalaug. One of the reviews detailed that if you walk a couple of minutes past Seljavallalaug, you will be rewarded with two small, but generally private, pools. Props to me for being a Type A planner!

There were a few people in one of the springs when we arrived, though they left about five minutes later. We then had the two hot springs all to ourselves for around an hour. One is up against the mountain while the other is right along the river’s edge. We had plenty of time to relax and let the warm waters rejuvenate our bodies. Additionally, the view was incredible as the hot springs are right next to a river with mountains surrounding them on all sides. We even saw a few sheep grazing in the grass on a nearby hillside. 

For more information: What to Know Before Visiting Seljavallalaug Pool in Iceland and Best Hidden Hot Springs in Southern Iceland. Looking for even more hot springs / geothermal pools in Iceland? Then you have to check out the Blue Lagoon (of course) and Myvatn Nature Baths.

Relaxing in the hidden hot springs, appreciating the view

5) Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

• Location: Jökulsárlón
• Estimated visit time: 1 to 3 hours 
• Attraction: glacier lagoon and black sand beach with icebergs
• Article for more information: Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Iceland

We have made it halfway through my map of the top 10 things to do in Iceland. Keep reading, though, for I promise there are many great attractions yet to come. For example / a sneak peak, number nine is a geothermal spa. 

If you prefer to book a tour rather than plan out the logistics of visiting the Glacier Lagoon + Diamond Beach yourself, then check out the best south coast tours in Iceland. The vast majority of the south coast tours include a stop here even though it is verging on the eastern side of the country.

Location

Jökulsárlón, also known as the Glacier Lagoon, is located in eastern Iceland. Diamond Beach is located just across the street. For reference, they are approximately two and a half hours northeast of the southern town of Vík.

For nearby lodging, we stayed at The Barn the previous night, which is located right by the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vík. After visiting these attractions, we crashed at Laekjarhus Farm Holidays for the night.

General Information – Iceland Map of Things To Do

The Glacier Lagoon, which is also known as Jökulsárlón, and Diamond Beach are some of the most popular attractions in eastern Iceland. The Glacier Lagoon is exactly what you would think – a lagoon formed by the melting of a glacier. Various tours are offered on the lagoon, for instance zodiac boat, amphibian boat, and kayak tours. Pieces of the glacier break off constantly, and icebergs float out to the ocean. The lagoon’s appearance therefore changes every single day.

On the other side of the road is Diamond Beach, a black sand beach with icebergs out in the ocean as well as washed ashore. Similar to the Glacier Lagoon, it is different every day. Within a day’s time, icebergs ashore can melt or be completely swept out into the ocean while new icebergs can drift down from the lagoon. When the sun hits the ice just right, they can shine like diamonds.

Another one of the most popular beaches in Iceland is Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vík.

Icebergs floating along the water at the Glacier Lagoon

Our Experience

As mentioned previously, we booked a kayaking tour on the Glacier Lagoon. That experience was fantastic. However, we also planned time in our itinerary to check out the lagoon from the ground as well as Diamond Beach just across the street. I am sure glad we did because they ended up at number five on my list of the top attractions in Iceland. 

At the Glacier Lagoon, we mainly spent time walking along the trail around the edge of the lagoon. Once we found a nice spot, we stopped and took a few pictures. One of the best parts of the lagoon is that if you are patient enough, you might just see an iceberg break into pieces or tip over. 

We also spent a fair amount of time across the street at Diamond Beach. I will say this beach exceeded my expectations, for it was quite beautiful when we visited. The sun hit some of the icebergs washed ashore just right, and they were shining like diamonds (hence the name). We first spent some time taking pictures and watching icebergs flow onto the beach as well as out into the ocean.

Then we took a stroll down the beach. This was actually one of my favorite parts of our visit because we escaped the crowds for just a bit. After we walked away from the main area, we only passed two other people for the duration of our 30-minute walk. Additionally, we saw a few seals swimming out in the water. 

For more information: Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach in Iceland.

Sun shining down on the icebergs washed ashore at Diamond Beach

6) Skógafoss Waterfall – Iceland Map of Things To Do

• Location: Skógafoss
• Estimated visit time: 30 minutes to 2 hours 
• Attraction: waterfall with stairs to the top and a hiking path 
• Article for more information: Hiking Skógafoss (Fimmvorduhals Pass) in Iceland

Location

Skógafoss waterfall is located in southern Iceland. For reference, it is approximately two hours east from Reykjavík. 

For nearby lodging, we stayed at both the Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast in the Golden Circle and South Iceland Guesthouse in southern Iceland. However, check out the most romantic hotels in Iceland if you want to turn your trip into a romantic getaway.

Trail Directions

Next to Skógafoss is a set of stairs. Conquer approximately 500 steps, and you can see the waterfall from above. 500 steps is no joke, so stop and take a breath when needed. 

Just past the top of Skógafoss is the beginning of a trail called Fimmvorduhals Pass. The entire trail is 15.5 miles (~25 kilometers) one way, and the elevation gain is approximately 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), Moreover, an average hiker can complete it within 12 hours. Fimmvorduhals Pass first winds alongside the river and past various other waterfalls before heading over a lava field and to the next town. However, please note that the trail is only open to hikers during the summer season.

For another waterfall hike in Iceland, check out Svartifoss waterfall on the eastern coast.

View from the top of Skógafoss Waterfall

General Information – Iceland Map of Things To Do

Skógafoss is one of the most beautiful and majestic waterfalls in Iceland. It thus landed about halfway on my map of top 10 things to do in Iceland. Upon arrival, you are situated at the bottom of the waterfall. If you do not mind a little bit of a shower, you can walk up close to the base of the falls. Additionally, a rainbow is often found in front of Skógafoss. 

The waterfall stands at over 197 feet (~60 meters) tall and 82 feet (~25 meters) wide. It is located on the Skógá River and originates from the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. 

For a bit of a legend, it is said there is a treasure chest hidden behind Skógafoss. A viking settler hid it there many years ago. Many have tried to recover the chest over the years, though none have yet succeeded. Maybe you will be the lucky one? 

Our Experience

Skógafoss ended up being one of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland, and thus it of course had to make it on my list of the top things to do in Iceland. I cannot even begin to describe how beautiful it is as words and pictures cannot do it justice. However, I shall try. First, the waterfall is absolutely massive. I felt like a little ant standing next to it (and that is what the people look like in my picture below). Second, we saw a double rainbow during our visit. Visitors can often see one rainbow simply due to the fact the falls spray out so much mist, but you do need a bit of luck to see two rainbows. 

After examining the falls from the ground, we then hiked the approximately 500 stairs to the upper viewpoint. I think I underestimated the stairs a bit. I was able to complete them with no breaks, but my legs were burning by the time I reached the top. Additionally, we decided to hike for a bit on Fimmvorduhals Pass as we had some time. We hiked for maybe 30 minutes or so before turning back towards Skógafoss. However, we saw five more waterfalls within those 30 minutes. I would call that a successful hike. 

For more information: Hiking Skógafoss (Fimmvorduhals Pass) in Iceland.

Rainbow at the base of Skógafoss

7) Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls

• Location: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi 
• Estimated visit time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours 
• Attraction: waterfall with a path behind and waterfall within a gorge
• Article for more information: Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui Waterfalls in Iceland

Location

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi are located right next to each other in southern Iceland. For reference, they are about one hour and 45 minutes east of Reykjavík. 

For nearby lodging, we stayed at both Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast in the Golden Circle and South Iceland Guesthouse in southern Iceland. 

If you do not want to plan out the logistics of visiting yourself, then you can always book a two-day south coast tour of Iceland that includes a visit to the two waterfalls.

Trail Directions

There is a 1.3-mile (~2.1-kilometer) out and back trail connecting the Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls. The trail is easy due to the fact it is mainly flat, and an average person can complete it within 20 minutes. 

Park at the Seljalandsfoss parking lot, walk on the path behind Seljalandsfoss, and then continue on to the 1.3-mile (~2.1-kilometer) path that leads to Gljúfrabúi.

Looking through the gorge to Gljúfrabúi

General Information – Iceland Map of Things To Do

First, Seljalandsfoss stands around 200 feet (~60 meters) tall and flows from the Seljalandsá River. This river actually originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Moreover, one of the unique things about this waterfall and what helps to make it so popular is the path behind the falls. You can walk along the path to get a whole new perspective of the falls from behind. For a fun fact, Justin Bieber filmed part of his music video for “I’ll Show You” here. 

Second, Gljúfrabúi stands around 130 feet (~40 meters) tall and flows from the Gljúfurá River. Many people who visit Seljalandsfoss actually miss this waterfall due to the fact it is slightly hidden from view. It is located within a small gorge, and thus you have to walk inside the gorge to even see the waterfall.

Our Experience

I greatly enjoyed the double feature of Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, and thus they came in at number seven on my map of the top 10 things to do in Iceland. Moreover, these were two of my favorite waterfalls in Iceland. We first visited Seljalandsfoss and walked on the path behind the waterfall. I loved getting to see the falls from a whole new point of view, even though I did get fairly wet while doing so. This was one of the only stops where I traded my hiking shoes in for rain boots. 

Then we walked along the short trail to Gljúfrabúi. Let me start out by saying Gljúfrabúi ended up being my number one favorite waterfall in all of Iceland. Why is that? I loved the fact that I could barely see it from the path. Then as I walked inside the gorge, I was met with the beauty and power of the waterfall all at once. Once again, I got a bit wet while visiting Gljúfrabúi, but it was well worth it. 

For more information: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls in Iceland.

Front of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

8) Silfra Snorkeling – Iceland Map of Things To Do

• Location: Silfra Fissure 
• Estimated visit time: 2 to 3 hours 
• Attraction: snorkeling between tectonic plates
• Article for more information: Silfra Snorkeling in Iceland: Everything to Know

Location

The Silfra fissure is located within Thingvellir National Park, which is in the Golden Circle in Iceland. For reference, it is only 45 minutes from Reykjavík.

For nearby lodging, we stayed at all of the following: Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast in Flúðir, South Iceland Guesthouse in Steinar, and Guesthouse Pavi in Reykjavík. On the other hand, you can check out this list of the best hotels in the Golden Circle.

Tour Options

You have two options to get in the water in the Silfra fissure: (1) snorkeling (2) diving. First, you do not need any certifications for the snorkeling tour. All you need to do is show up, get dressed, and be ready to have a good time.

Second, scuba diving tours generally require a drysuit specialty certification as well as an open water water diving certificate. In terms of pricing, scuba diving tours are more expensive. For reference, a snorkeling tour costs around $130 (~18,665 ISK) while a diving tour costs around $230 (~33,025 ISK).

General Information

The Silfra fissure is located on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The fissure formed when the tectonic plates first started to drift apart, and it continues to widen a tiny bit each year as the plates continue to drift further and further apart.

Furthermore, the water within the Silfra fissure is incredibly clear and pure. You can see up to around 328 feet (~100 meters) in the water. Additionally, the water flows from Langjökull glacier. It is thus pure enough to drink.

Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park

Our Experience – Iceland Map of Things To Do

Eighth on the map of the top 10 things to do in Iceland is snorkeling in the Silfra fissure within Thingvellir National Park. Snorkeling in the Silfra fissure was one of the things for which we paid a fair amount of money in Iceland, and in my opinion it was totally worth it. When else am I going to have the opportunity to swim in between tectonic plates in incredibly clear, glacial water?! 

This was my first time wearing a drysuit, and I will say that I kind of felt like an astronaut. The suit is fairly bulky, and it took a minute to get used to it. However, I was definitely happy I was wearing it because it helped keep me warm in the water. While snorkeling in the fissure, the guide led us in the correct path. It was pretty easy to follow, though, for as you can see in the picture below the only option is to swim straight for a while. Therefore, I kept my head down in the water 99% of the time. I did not want to waste any time outside of the water when this was my one chance to snorkel in clear water between the tectonic plates. 

It was beautiful underneath the water. I could see far down below me as well as far out in front of me. While there was not a lot of aquatic wildlife, there was a fair amount of plants, rocks, algae, etc. to view. 

For more information: Silfra Snorkeling in Iceland: Everything to Know.

Snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park

9) Blue Lagoon

• Location: Blue Lagoon
• Estimated visit time: 1 to 3 hours
• Attraction: geothermal spa
• Article for more information: The Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything to Know

Location

The Blue Lagoon is located in southwestern Iceland on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Another attraction worth visiting on the peninsula is the sea stone arch of Gatklettur in Arnarstapi. For reference, it is 40 minutes southwest of Reykjavík. 

For nearby lodging, check out Guesthouse Pavi in the city of Reykjavík. 

Ticket Options – Iceland Map of Things To Do

There are three main ticket options available for visitors: (1) comfort (2) premium (3) Retreat Spa. First, the comfort ticket is the most basic option. This is the ticket we purchased because it was the cheapest yet still offered everything we needed. It provides entrance to the lagoon as well as one free drink and one free face mask.

Second, the premium ticket is a bit more expensive yet offers more amenities. It provides entrance to the lagoon as well as one free drink and one free face mask similar to the comfort ticket described above. However, it also includes a towel rental, slipper rental, robe rental, two additional free masks, and one free glass of sparkling wine. 

Third, the Retreat Spa is a lot more expensive than the above two options. For reference, you will have to pay hundreds of dollars for this package. I will not list out all of the amenities included in this package here simply to conserve space. However, I will note a few highlights. For example, it provides entrance to the Blue Lagoon as well as the Blue Lagoon Ritual. Additionally, it provides access to the Retreat Lagoon as well as the Lava Cove. 

Swimming around in the Blue Lagoon

General Information 

The Blue Lagoon first formed in the 1980s due to the activity of a nearby power plant. The water rose to the surface and then stayed above ground because of the large amounts of silica present in the water. Then the company of Blue Lagoon Limited formed in the early 1990s, and shortly after that they opened the Blue Lagoon to visitors. I have to say, they made some good business decisions. 

Additionally, the temperature of the Blue Lagoon ranges from 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (~37 to 40 degrees Celsius). Why not spend the first half of the day lounging in the Blue Lagoon and then the second half exploring an ice cave?

Our Experience

Ninth on the map of top 10 things to do in Iceland is arguably the most well-known attraction in Iceland: the Blue Lagoon. Many believe it is simply a tourist trap, though we enjoyed our visit along with our free drink and free face mask. While it was quite busy later in the morning, we booked the earliest tickets possible at 9:00am. The lagoon was not too crowded for the first hour. Moreover, I was actually the first one to enter the lagoon that morning. Honestly, I was a bit surprised when I walked outside and saw literally no one around. 

Once we entered the Blue Lagoon, we took some photographs before it got too busy. We wanted as few people in the background of our photos as possible. Then we truly relaxed. We let the geothermal waters rejuvenate our skin and bodies. Eventually we took advantage of our one free drink per ticket and ordered smoothies. Later we headed over to the face mask station for our free silica mud mask. My body felt completely refreshed, and I thus would recommend you check out the Blue Lagoon for yourself. 

For more information: The Blue Lagoon in Iceland: Everything to Know.

Letting the Blue Lagoon rejuvenate my body

10) Stokksnes Peninsula and Vestrahorn Mountain

• Location: Stokksnes
• Estimated visit time: 1 to 3 hours 
• Attraction: viking village; black sand beach with grassy sand dunes before Vestrahorn Mountain
• Article for more information: Everything to Know: Stokksnes / Vestrahorn in Iceland

Alas, we have come to the final attraction of the top 10 things to do in Iceland. However, do not let the last spot fool you. The scenery on the peninsula is stunning. We visited on a cloudy day, and it still made it within my top 10 list. I wonder what spot it would have taken if we visited on a day with clear skies and saw Vestrahorn Mountain reflected in the water…

Location – Iceland Map of Things To Do

Stokksnes Peninsula and Vestrahorn Mountain are located in eastern Iceland. For reference, they are three and a half hours from the southern town of Vík. 

For nearby lodging, we stayed at Laekjarhus Farm Holidays as well as Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms. However, check out the most romantic hotels in Iceland if you want to turn your trip into a romantic getaway.

General Information

There is a small entrance fee of $6 (~800 ISK) per person.

Stokksnes Peninsula does have an interesting history behind it. It was actually one of Iceland’s first farm settlements before it was later used as an army base by the British during World War II. After WWII ended, NATO built a radar station on the peninsula to monitor air traffic from the Soviet Union. However, the radar station was no longer utilized for military purposes after the Cold War ended. Instead, Iceland now uses it for general air traffic control. 

Vestrahorn Mountain, which is located on the peninsula, has been featured in a variety of movies. For example, you can spot it in the romantic fantasy Stardust. Additionally, the mountain just behind and to the right of Vestrahorn is known as Batman Mountain due to its unique shape. However, its official name is Brunnhorn mountain. 

There are a couple of main attractions to see on the peninsula. First, there is a viking village. It is a movie set still completely intact from a movie that never finished filming. Second, there is the black sand beach with the grassy sand dunes. Third, Vestrahorn mountain can be seen behind the beach. On a clear day, the mountain reflects in the shallow water on the sand as the waves pull in and out of the ocean. 

Old viking village movie set

Our Experience – Iceland Map of Things To Do

Stokksnes Peninsula, which includes Vestrahorn Mountain, is the last attraction on my map of top 10 things to do in Iceland. It is one of the most photographed locations in Iceland. Even if you are not a photography lover, you can still appreciate the beauty of the area. Do not believe me? Well, then I guess you just have to visit for yourself. 

When we visited, we made sure to check out the top attractions. We thus first started out at the Viking Village. Even though it was just a bunch of old buildings, it was actually quite cool. We walked around and peered in some windows to get a look inside. Then we made out way further down the peninsula to the black sand beach with the grassy sand dunes.

As you can see from the picture below, it was pretty cloudy the day we visited. We thus could not see Vestrahorn Mountain in all its glory. However, the area was still beautiful. The contrast of the green grass on the black sand is stunning. That being said, I am still glad we visited even though it was cloudy. No matter rain or shine, I still plan to go out and explore when in a new country! My advice? Pack a raincoat, be okay with getting soaking wet, and go make some memories. 

For more information: Everything to Know: Stokksnes / Vestrahorn in Iceland.

There you have it – my list of the top 10 things to do in Iceland! 

Looking at the foggy view on Stokksnes Peninsula

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Make sure to pack all of the items you need for hiking: Hiking Essentials for Iceland.

Why not book a tour around the Golden Circle?: Best Golden Circle Tours in Iceland.