24 Nov Top 3 Things to Do in Iceland For the Trip of a Lifetime

ICELAND. What a beautiful country full of waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, volcanos, and so much more. While my partner and I were planning our trip to Iceland, we came across the dilemma of having too much to do and too little time. Whether visiting for a weekend or a whole week, no amount of time seems as though it is enough to experience everything Iceland has to offer. While people (including myself right now) will try to persuade you concerning their favorite experiences, always choose what is best for your adventure and time frame. That being said, let us dive into my top 3 things to do in Iceland.

For a sneak peak, my top 3 things to do in Iceland include basalt rock columns, glacier lagoons, and volcanoes. Take a look at the map of Iceland attractions below to see exactly where the 3 top attractions are located. 

Need some more inspiration to kickstart the planning for your Iceland trip? Check out my (very detailed) Nine-Day Road Trip Itinerary for Iceland as well as my Map of the Top 10 Attractions in Iceland.

Contents:

1) Hiking to and Jumping in Stuðlagil Canyon

2) Glacier Lagoon Kayaking in Jökulsárlón

3) Hiking to Fagradalsfjall Volcano

1) Hiking to and Jumping in Stuðlagil Canyon

• Time: 2 hours 
  • Hiking: 1 mile (~1.6 kilometers) / 30 minutes each way 
  • Exploring, swimming, photography: 1 hour 
• Article for more information: My Favorite Activity in Iceland: Hiking to Stuðlagil
• Nearby lodging: Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms

First up on the list of the top 3 things to do in Iceland is Stuðlagil Canyon (or as I affectionately call it: Stud Canyon). Stuðlagil Canyon is one of (if not THE) best east Iceland attractions. It is located approximately one hour west of the eastern town of Egilsstaðir. Additionally, it is located about three hours southeast of the northern town of Akureyri.

Now, why should you visit Stuðlagil Canyon? Stuðlagil Canyon is a basalt rock column canyon with a turquoise river running through it. Basalt rock columns form from lava flowing, cooling rapidly, and then breaking into hexagonal shapes. Do I need to say more? Just take a look at the picture below, and I am sure you will be convinced. I have never seen a place like Stuðlagil Canyon before. Honestly, I do not know that I will ever see a place like it again.

I recommend planning for at least two hours to visit Stuðlagil Canyon. Hiking to / from the Parking Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil (East Side Parking) Lot (more information below on how to get here) takes around one hour round trip. Then staring at the canyon in awe and wandering around takes at least another hour.

General Information on Stuðlagil Canyon – Top 3 Things to Do in Iceland

To be honest, I did not expect for this to be my number one experience in Iceland. Is it beautiful? Of course. The turquoise blue water surrounded by basalt rock columns offers a view unlike any other. BUT, how did it end up as my number one? 

After maybe 15 minutes, my partner and I saw something unexpected – someone jumped in the water. This is water that has run down from a GLACIER (aka it is very, very cold). Then after another 15 minutes, we saw even MORE people jumping in the river. It was not just one or two more people. No. At this point, there were multiple groups jumping in, totaling 10 to 20 people. I looked at my boyfriend and said: I’ll jump in if you do. We just laughed about it for a moment and continued to explore. Then 10 minutes later, he says to me: okay, let’s jump in. I was not expecting that response, for we did not bring our swimsuits and the water was freezing. 

Nevertheless, we jumped in. I am pretty sure all of the air in my lungs left my body when I hit the water. I felt as though I jumped into the middle of an ice cube. But I loved every second of it. Why? It was unplanned and unexpected as well as an adrenaline-pumping experience in possibly the most beautiful place I have ever swam. (Though swim is a strong word – I swam right to the edge to get out after jumping in). Might I say, it was a hidden gem of the trip.

Why not check out some other hidden gems in Iceland? Additionally, check out the best places to swim in Iceland (do not worry – most are geothermal pools).

Basalt rock columns of Stuðlagil Canyon

Directions to Stuðlagil Canyon

The Stuðlagil Canyon Main Access on google maps takes visitors to a platform with stunning views of the canyon. However, you are unable to hike down into the canyon from this location, as it is on the west side of the canyon. 

To hike into the canyon, you need to be on the east side. Therefore, drive instead to Stuðlagil Bridge Parking, which is a small parking area with a restroom. However, there is one more parking lot further down the road to help cut down on hiking time. Cross the bridge and drive all the way to the end of the road to Parking Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil (East Side Parking).

Follow the trail leading out of the Parking Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil (East Side Parking) Lot. The path is fairly clear, as it follows directly alongside the canyon. There is one gate to pass through (pretty sure it is just to keep sheep inside the fence). Once you see the viewing platform on the other side of the canyon, you can then shortly begin to climb down into the canyon itself. It is not too difficult, for the rocks act as stepping stones. 

Looking for other canyon views in Iceland? Then head to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in the southeast. Looking for more basalt rock columns in Iceland? Then head to Svartifoss Waterfall in the east or Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in the southeast.

Swimming in the glacial river at Stuðlagil Canyon

2) Glacier Lagoon Kayaking in Jökulsárlón 

• Time: 2 hours 
  • Meet the tour guide, get dressed, and walk to the water: 1 hour
  • Kayaking: 1 hour 
• Article for more information: What to Know Before Going Glacier Kayaking in Jökulsárlón, Iceland
• Nearby lodging: Laekjarhus Farm Holidays

This one basically explains itself. Kayaking in a glacier lagoon – AMAZING. I expected this to be my number one experience in Iceland, though Stuðlagil Canyon did sneak up on me and steal that spot away. Jökulsárlón (aka the Glacier Lagoon) is a spectacular sight even if not in a kayak. There are icebergs floating all around the lagoon and a glacier in the distance. To make it even more unique, you can visit the lagoon every day and have a different experience. It is forever changing as new pieces break off from the glacier, icebergs float around the lagoon to different areas, and some icebergs float out of the lagoon and into the ocean or onto Diamond Beach. 

I recommend setting aside around two hours in your itinerary for a Jökulsárlón kayaking tour. The first hour is generally for getting ready, hearing instructions, and walking to the shore of the lagoon to reach the kayaks. The second hour is where the fun begins – kayaking around the lagoon!

Jökulsárlón (the Glacier Lagoon) is another one of the best east Iceland attractions. It is located approximately two hours and 20 minutes northeast of the southern, coastal town of Vík. In relation to Stuðlagil Canyon mentioned above, Jökulsárlón is five hours and 15 minutes south. For the exact location, take a look at the map of Iceland attractions included at the top of this article.

General Information on Jökulsárlón Kayaking

There are a couple of different ways to get on the lagoon: a boat ride or kayaking. Kayaking obviously requires a little more effort, but I think it is worth it. My partner and I were right on top of the water in our tandem kayak and had the ability to physically touch some icebergs (well not the big ones, but we tried to pick up some tiny chunks of ice). A guide led us around the lagoon, highlighting the largest icebergs of the day. Due to safety reasons, we could not kayak too close to the large icebergs, for it is possible they could tip over or a piece could break off at any second. As the portion of the iceberg below the surface melts, it throws off the balance of the iceberg and can thus cause it to tip over. 

Kayaking on Jökulsárlón was an experience unlike any other, which is exactly why it is second on my list of the top 3 things to do in Iceland. We kayaked alongside icebergs in glacial waters and even saw seals swimming nearby. Additionally, we learned a lot about Iceland and glaciers in general from the kayak guide. For example, only about 10% of an iceberg sits above the surface while the remaining 90% sits below. 

Want to see more seals while in Iceland? Then head to Ytri Tunga Beach on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. There are tons of seals there.

Kayaking around the Glacier Lagoon on a tour

Kayaking Tour Booking for Jökulsárlón – Top 3 Things to Do in Iceland

Book kayaking in advance! There are a variety of companies that offer boat tours on the lagoon, but only one or two companies offer kayaking. Tickets can thus sell out pretty fast. Additionally, the price is around $200 for a tandem kayak. Link to tour booking: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayak Tour.

This is my plug for kayaking in general because I love kayaking. I previously bought myself the Intex Challenger inflatable kayak from Amazon, and I have utilized it countless times since. Bonus – it fits two people.

My partner and I only booked two excursions during our time in Iceland, and glacier kayaking was one of them. The other was snorkeling in the Silfra fissure, which is a rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. However, Iceland is full of other incredible excursions, so you might have a hard time deciding which ones to squeeze in your itinerary and/or budget.

Iceberg in the Glacier Lagoon

3) Hiking to Fagradalsfjall Volcano – Top 3 Things to Do in Iceland

• Time: 2.5 hours 
  • Hiking: 45 minutes each way 
  • Exploring, photographs: 1 hour
• Nearby lodging: Guesthouse Pavi

Last on the list of the top 3 things to do in Iceland is hiking Fagradalsfjall Volcano. Interestingly enough, my partner and I had the same top three activities with just a slightly different order. Hiking the volcano was his number one while Stuðlagil canyon was number three. Seeing an erupting volcano up close with lava spewing down the sides is something neither of us will ever forget. 

Fagradalsfjall Volcano is one of the best west Iceland attractions. More specifically, it is located in the Reykjanes Peninsula just one hour southwest of the capital city of Reykjavík. 

I recommend you set aside at least two and a half hours in your itinerary to hike Fagradalsfjall Volcano. The hike to the volcano and back took my partner and I around one and a half hours round trip. We then stood there mesmerized for about an hour or so watching the volcano eruption. Honestly, I could have stood there all day. 

**As a note, you cannot really predict when a volcano is going to erupt in Iceland. Moreover, if you visit Iceland when a volcano is erupting, your safety is of the utmost importance. We were able to hike Fagradalsfjall Volcano when it was erupting as it was safe enough for us to do so. Please listen to all guidelines and safety information from the Icelandic government. 

General Information on Fagradalsfjall Volcano

The Fagradalsfjall Volcano started erupting in March 2021, and we were lucky enough to visit Iceland in August 2021 while it was still erupting. During the hike, we could see how the cooled lava rock completely filled in the valleys and crevices of the mountain. We made a short stop along the cooled lava rock to test its strength as we stepped along the edges. While we continued to make our way along the path, the volcano started to appear. 

Then we got even closer. It is hard to explain in words what it is like to witness an erupting volcano. We could see the bright red lava shoot out of the top of the volcano, cascade down the sides, and then disappear from eyesight as it turned black. Over and over and over; it was mesmerizing. We probably could have spent all day sitting on some rocks and watching the lava.

Looking onward to Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Directions to Fagradalsfjall Volcano

As you drive to Fagradalsfjall Volcano, there are a few different parking lots. There are trails connecting most of the lots, so it does not matter too much where you park. I believe my partner and I parked at Geldingadalir Parking P1. After starting the trail, we had to decide to walk either left or right. We chose to go left (which put us on the backside of the volcano) and had fantastic views. 

We continued on the trail for as long as possible. Eventually the trail mostly disappeared, and we then found ourselves walking over and along rocks. However, we just kept the volcano in our sights and continued walking towards it. 

Fagradalsfjall Volcano is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is full of other worthwhile attractions to visit. For example, you can spend the day relaxing in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

There you have it – a pretty solid list of the top 3 things to do in Iceland (if I do say so myself). 

Lava erupting from Fagradalsfjall Volcano

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Looking to explore an ice cave while in Iceland?: Best Ice Cave Tours from Reykjavík. 

Looking to book a multi-day trip to ease the planning?: Best 2-Day South Coast Tours of Iceland.