10 Most Beautiful Places In Iceland To Visit
Explore Iceland’s most breathtaking places — waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and untouched wilderness.
Stokksnes & Vestrahorn Mountain
This is one of the most cinematic views in Iceland. Vestrahorn is a jagged, black mountain rising right from the shoreline at Stokksnes Beach, where you'll also find black dunes, wild waves, and reflections that make it a dream for photographers.
It looks like something out of Game of Thrones — and it’s even more surreal in person.
Highlights:
- Black sand beach with dramatic mountain backdrop
- Reflection photography at low tide
- Often empty and peaceful
Landmannalaugar (Fjallabak Nature Reserve)
Located in the Icelandic Highlands, Landmannalaugar is known for its rainbow-colored rhyolite mountains, steaming geothermal springs, and surreal hiking trails.
Even if you don’t do the full Laugavegur Trail, just being here feels like you’re walking on another planet.
Highlights:
- Multi-colored mountain ranges
- Natural hot springs
- One of Iceland’s top hiking destinations
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Massive blue icebergs break off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float peacefully across this deep lagoon — it’s quiet, cold, and absolutely mesmerizing.
You can also walk across the road to Diamond Beach, where chunks of ice from the lagoon wash up on black sand, creating one of the most unique sights anywhere in the world.
Highlights:
- Floating blue icebergs
- Boat tours available in summer
- Diamond Beach right next door
Additional Attractions:
Thorsmork Nature Reserve
A valley framed by glaciers, volcanoes, and braided rivers —Thorsmork is a dream for hikers. You’ll get sweeping views of Iceland’s interior and some of the most unique terrain in the country.
It’s not easy to reach (you’ll need a super jeep or tour with river crossings), but it’s worth every bump.
Highlights:
- Stunning hiking trails
- Lush valleys surrounded by glaciers
- Part of the famous Laugavegur Trail
Thingvellir National Park
Aside from its historical importance, Þingvellir is just flat-out beautiful. Deep fissures cut through black rock, waterfalls tumble into rivers, and moss blankets everything in green.
You can also snorkel or dive between tectonic plates at Silfra, which is some of the clearest water in the world.
Highlights:
- Walk between two continents
- Crystal-clear diving/snorkeling
- Easily accessible from Reykjavík
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
This 2km-long canyon looks straight out of a fantasy movie. Sheer moss-covered cliffs rise above a winding river that cuts through the middle like a ribbon.
The walking path along the top gives you one mind-blowing view after another.
Highlights:
- Ridiculously photogenic canyon
- Easy walk with multiple viewpoints
- Best seen at sunrise or sunset for golden light
Vatnajökull National Park
The biggest national park in Europe — and home to ice caves, glacier tongues, waterfalls, and active volcanoes. You could spend a full week here and barely scratch the surface.
Winter ice cave tours are especially bucket-list worthy.
Highlights:
- Glacier hiking and ice cave tours
- Svartifoss waterfall with basalt columns
- Home to Iceland’s tallest peak
Haifoss Waterfall
At 122 meters tall, Haifoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland — and one of the most dramatic. It drops into a rugged canyon with mossy cliffs and a second waterfall, Granni, right beside it.
It’s a bit off the beaten path but so worth it.
Highlights:
- Massive double waterfalls
- Overlooked by most tourists
- Surreal green canyon views
Kerlingarfjöll Mountains
Deep in the highlands, Kerlingarfjöll is a geothermal mountain range full of steaming vents, red hills, and winding trails. The mix of colors and textures is unbelievable, especially when there's snow on the peaks and steam rising from the ground.
It’s remote and takes effort to reach — which makes it even better.
Highlights:
- Colorful geothermal mountains
- Steamy rivers and surreal hikes
- Fewer crowds than Landmannalaugar
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Located at the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this park is home to the glacier-covered Snæfellsjökull volcano. The coastline around the park is just as impressive — with sea arches, lava fields, and black sand beaches.
It’s like a micro version of all of Iceland in one place.
Highlights:
- Glacier, volcano, coastline — all in one
- Great for scenic drives and quick hikes
- Inspired Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth
Dynjandi Waterfall
Located in the remote Westfjords, Dynjandi is often called the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland. It fans out like a bridal veil and drops 100 meters over several tiers. Getting here is a mission — but it’s unforgettable.
Highlights:
- One of the most majestic waterfalls in Iceland
- Scenic drive through remote fjords
- Wide, tiered cascade like no other
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Sara Miller