The 10 Places in Iceland You Must See
From thundering waterfalls to black beaches and steaming geothermal fields: these 10 places make Iceland unforgettable.
Iceland has hundreds of attractions, but which ones are truly unmissable? We've compiled the 10 places that belong on every Iceland itinerary. From Golden Circle classics to hidden gems in the east.
1. Gullfoss: The Golden Waterfall
Region: Golden Circle
Gullfoss is the quintessential Icelandic waterfall. The Hvítá river plunges 32 metres over two stages into a narrow gorge. In summer, the spray creates rainbows you can almost touch. In winter, the surroundings transform into an ice sculpture.
Insider tip: Take the lower path right to the edge of the upper tier. Most tourists stay up at the viewing platform.
2. Jökulsárlón: Where Icebergs Dance
Region: South Coast
The glacier lagoon at the foot of Vatnajökull is one of Iceland's most magical places. Enormous icebergs in blue, white and black drift slowly towards the sea. Seals bask on the ice floes, and if you're lucky, a new iceberg calves right before your eyes.
Don't miss: Diamond Beach across the road, where ice chunks glitter on black lava sand like gemstones.
3. Fjaðrárgljúfur: A Canyon from Another World
Region: South Coast · Premium POI in the app
This 100-metre deep, 2-kilometre long canyon looks as if a giant carved it into the earth with a knife. The moss-covered rocks and turquoise river at the bottom create an almost surreal atmosphere. Justin Bieber made it famous in a 2015 music video, but the canyon was spectacular long before.
Insider tip: The viewpoint at the end of the trail offers the best view. Before 10 AM, you'll have it almost to yourself.
4. Kirkjufell: Iceland's Most Photographed Mountain
Region: Snæfellsnes
The cone-shaped Kirkjufell near Grundarfjörður is Snæfellsnes peninsula's landmark and one of Iceland's most photographed locations. The iconic shot with the three-tiered Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall in the foreground is unmistakable. Game of Thrones fans know it as "the mountain shaped like an arrowhead".
Best time: Sunset in summer, northern lights in winter. Always magical.
5. Dyrhólaey: Rock Arch Over the Atlantic
Region: South Coast · Premium POI in the app
This 120-metre high promontory with its natural stone arch offers one of Iceland's most dramatic viewpoints. From here you can survey the entire south coast: black sand beaches, Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the endless Atlantic. In summer, puffins nest in the cliffs.
Note: The road to the lighthouse is closed May to June for bird protection. The lower viewpoint remains open.
6. Námaskarð: Iceland's Gate to the Underworld
Region: Mývatn/North Iceland · Premium POI in the app
Bubbling mud pots, hissing fumaroles and the smell of sulphur. The Námaskarð geothermal area (also called Hverir) on Mývatn's eastern shore looks like another planet. The orange and grey clay fields contrast with the blue sky in a way that makes you forget you're on Earth.
Important: Stay on marked paths! The earth's crust is thin, and it's boiling hot underneath.
7. Dettifoss: Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall
Region: North Iceland
At 500 cubic metres per second, Dettifoss is Europe's most powerful waterfall. The sheer force of grey glacial water thundering 44 metres into the abyss is overwhelming. You feel the ground trembling long before you see it. Ridley Scott used it in "Prometheus" as the backdrop for the origin of life.
Two approaches: East side (Route 864, gravel, closer) or west side (Route 862, paved, better views). Both are worth it.
8. Sólheimajökull: Walking on a Glacier
Region: South Coast · Premium POI in the app
Standing on a real glacier and peering into a crevasse is an experience you'll never forget. Sólheimajökull is one of Iceland's most accessible glacier tongues. With crampons and a guide, you walk across blue ice, past glacier mills and ash layers from past volcanic eruptions.
Important: Never go on the glacier without a guide! Guided tours start from around 11,000 ISK (about €75) and last 2-3 hours.
9. Dimmuborgir: The Dark Fortress
Region: Mývatn/North Iceland · Premium POI in the app
A labyrinth of bizarre lava formations that look like the ruins of a medieval castle. Dimmuborgir ("dark castles") formed 2,300 years ago when a lava lake solidified over wet ground, leaving behind pillars and arches. In Icelandic folklore, the 13 Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) live here.
Recommendation: The large loop trail (about 45 min) takes you to the famous "Kirkjan" (Church), a natural cave with a vaulted ceiling.
10. Gljúfrabúi: The Hidden Waterfall
Region: South Coast · Premium POI in the app
Just 800 metres from Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi ("the one who lives in the gorge") hides behind a narrow rock cleft. You have to wade through a stream and squeeze through the gap, but then you stand in a half-open cave where a 40-metre waterfall thunders down. A real adventure and the perfect contrast to the touristy Seljalandsfoss.
Practical: Waterproof shoes and a rain jacket are essential. You will get wet, but it's worth it.
All 10 Places in One App
The Iceland Explorer app shows you all 10 must-see places on an interactive map, with detailed descriptions, GPS navigation and insider tips. 4 of the places on this list are immediately available with the free download. For the remaining 6 and over 100 more attractions, the premium upgrade is well worth it.
Tip: Combine these places with one of our 10 curated tours for the perfect trip planning.