This post was updated on May 7, 2021.
Iceland is a place we hope to visit again.
We’ve visited the Iceland port cities of Akureyri, Isafjordur and Reykjavík on a Northern Isles transatlantic cruise, and found the country to be a fascinating, but very rainy destination in late August.
We spent the most time in Reykjavik, exploring on foot, taking in the view from the top of the spaceship-looking Hallgrímskirkja Church, and taking the bus out of town to visit the Blue Lagoon.
In this guest post by Simran, we learn more about his favorite destinations in Iceland.
The 9 Best Tourist Attractions I’ve Seen in Iceland
Iceland is a very beautiful Nordic island country between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, with many worth-seeing places. I want to share some of my unforgettable experience in Iceland. It is a heaven for those who love nature and want to see some breathtaking landscapes. It is also the land of boiling mud pools, spurting geysers, glaciers and waterfalls. The natural beauty and the silence of the places refreshed me and made me feel energetic.
1. The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a natural beautiful phenomenon also known as Aurora Borealis. I experienced the northern lights from my stay at the Hotel Glymur. The northern lights are the unique combination of bright colorful lights.
2. The Volcano Hekla
If you want to see volcanoes, then there is no better place than the Volcano Hekla. Director Ridley Scott filmed parts of his movie Prometheus here. He captured this unique volcanic landscape which encapsulated his vision of a hostile alien planet in the darkest corner of the known universe.
3. Skaftafell Park
One can find strangest and most surreal landscapes here. The area is beautiful and is surrounded by black desert sands and glacial rivers. It is the perfect place for hiking. It is a place where travelers can sail among the numerous mountains of ice which is fallen continuously from the glaciers. It is very renowned place where various Hollywood films are directed because of its beautiful scenery. This place is also famous for its warm climate. Sunny summer days are the specialty of this place. Travelers can find all kinds of facilities such as transportation, food and accommodation here.
4. Asbyrgi Canyon
It is situated in northeast Iceland. The shape of Asbyrgi Canyon is like the horseshoe. The canyon is .5 km in length and 1 km across. People feel that it is a spiritual place. Here the travelers can enjoy fantastic views.
A view of Thingvellir National Park from the outlook by the information center. Photo by Ivan Sabljak.
5. Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site in southwest Iceland. Thingvellir is a part of Iceland’s Golden Circle and is just a 45-minute ride from Reykjavik. It is known for its historical, cultural, and geological importance. I saw the natural and the largest lake here which made me forget about everything and made me enjoy the moment at its best.
6. Mount Esja
In case you are visiting Reykjavik and looking for some adventure, surely consider a nice hike on Esja Mountain more commonly called Esjan. There is a trail that can be completed in three hours, making it a perfect day-trip activity. The top view of Esja Mountain is breath taking.
Seljavallalaug Pool in the midst of hills. Photo by BiT.
7. Seljavallalaug Pool
Built in 1923, Seljavallalaug is one of the oldest outdoor swimming pools in Iceland. It is built into a wet hillside and at the roots of a lonely mountain. I found that it offers the natural warm water which is very strange.
8. Stykkisholmur
Stykkisholmur is a small harbor town and municipality situated in the western part of Iceland. This is a place that gives a warm welcome to each of its visitors. Try to catch a ferry from Stykkishí³lmur to Flatey if you are a bird lover.
Reynisfjara, Iceland. Photo by Diego Delso.
9. Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara is a very famous beach that attract many visitors to Iceland. I was already very excited about this beach because of its popularity. With black sand beaches, natural column-pyramid rock formations, and puffins all these things are worth watching. I was very attracted to the views.
It was an awesome and unforgettable trip of my life. I enjoyed a lot, and it makes me smile when I recall the beautiful memories of the trip. There are lot more attractive destinations which are worth making a trip to Iceland.
This is a guest post written in part by Simran, a social worker and passionate traveler who writes articles on travel, business and economics, and is an author for Tripedia a free online travel book.
Have you visited Iceland? What was your favorite destination?
Share your comments or questions via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram.