Iceland is a country like no other place on Earth.
Iceland’s scenery is often described as ‘out of this world’, as if from another planet. The country’s location on a volcanic rift is responsible for some amazing natural sights, including vast lava fields, active volcanoes and black volcanic beaches. There also are glaciers, innumerable waterfalls and scenic fjords.
Iceland can be divided into 9 main regions:
Reykjavík (capital region)
Reykjavík is Iceland’s capital city, but it has the size and friendly feel of a medium-sized town. There are several interesting museums to explore, including the award-winning Perlan, with its planetarium northern lights experience and indoor ice cave. Reykjavík is well known for its live-music scene and weekend nightlife.
Our Reykjavík Global Sightseer destination guide has over 70 ideas of things to do in Reykjavík.
Southern Peninsula (Reykjanes Peninsula)
Reykjanes Peninsula is home to Iceland’s main airport (Keflavík) as well as Iceland’s biggest tourist attraction, the world-renowned geothermal Blue Lagoon spa. Although at first glance this region can seem desolate and bleak, it is worth giving yourself some extra time to explore. A volcanic rift zone cuts directly through the area. Evidence of this can be seen at the bubbling mud pools at Gunnuhver and the Bridge between Continents where the Eurasian and North Atlantic tectonic plates are drifting apart.
In March 2021 the Geldingadalir volcano started to erupt. This is bringing many visitors to the region to use the hiking trails to see this amazing natural sight. Further information about access to the area around the Geldingadalir volcano can be found here.
Our Reykjanes Global Sightseer destination guide has over 40 ideas of things to do in Reykjanes Peninsula.
South Iceland
Easily accessible from Reykjavík, southern Iceland is a great place to get a flavour of the amazing sights Iceland has to offer. The most popular trip is to travel around the ‘Golden Circle’ - a 190 miles (300km) route taking in the regions three key natural sights. These are: Ϸingvellir national park (a UNESCO world heritage site and Iceland’s most important historical site), Iceland’s most famous waterfall, the powerful Gullfoss and the mesmerising steaming mudpools and spurting geysers at Geysir. Other impressive natural sights in this region, include colourful lava tunnels, black beaches and glaciers. It is also a good place to spot wildlife such as puffin on the Westman (Vestmannaeyjar) islands.
This region also has several tourist attractions and museums worth a visit. Find out more about volcanoes at The Lava Centre or get close to real molten lava at The Lava Show in the picturesque town of Vík.
East Iceland
This is the quieter side of Iceland. Remote coastal vistas along the south east as the ring road crosses over the Jӧkulsárlón glacier lagoon. Great chunks of ice float into the sea and the ice on Diamond Beach sparkles against the black volcanic sand.
The eastern fjords are picturesque and peaceful. Discover the French connections of the small town of Fáskrúđsfjӧrđur at its French museum or walk along the seafront in the little peaceful town of Hӧfn and the quaint fishing village of Djúpivogur.
Northeast Iceland
There are many natural wonders to see in this region. The ‘Diamond Circle’ is a route of 155 miles (250 km) which take in five of the region’s key destinations: the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, tranquil Lake Mývatn, powerful Dettifoss waterfall, Åsbyrgi canyon and the coastal town of Húsavík. There is a also chance to see wildlife with excellent bird watching in the region, salmon fishing at Laxá and Europe’s best whale watching at Húsavík. And don’t miss the Húsavík Whale Museum where you can find out more about these spectacular sea creatures.
Northwest Iceland
This quiet region is largely missed by those heading around the ring road. It is made up of three peninsulas which cut out into the Arctic Ocean. Remote coastal villages accessed via gravel unpaved roads. This area is also home to many birds and is an excellent base for outdoor activities such as fishing and whitewater rafting at the Jӧkulsá Austari. The winter brings other options such as ice fishing and snowmobiling. Boat trips to the remote island of Grímsey will let you cross the Arctic Circle and experience the midnight sun during the summer months.
West Iceland
Just a two hour drive north of Reykjavík will bring you to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. A visit here will provide a great taster of all that Iceland has to offer. The area boasts dramatic cliffs, volcanic formations, glacier ice caps, golden beaches, picturesque coastal villages as well as some interesting museums, including the Eiríksstaðir reconstruction of a Viking farm.
Westfjords
This regions is well off the beaten path. To get the experience of ‘stepping back in time’ and to see the Iceland of the past, this is the best place to head to. It’s sparse population, rugged landscape and relative isolation make it a great place to explore. There are several great hiking routes, such as the wilderness Hornstrandur route or hiking trails around the Vatnsfjӧrður Nature Reserve.
Interior Highlands
Iceland’s vast interior consists of a broad plateau - forbidding and remote. Sections are covered by vast glacial ice fields. This central area of Iceland is uninhabited and travel here should be done with great care. The roads in the interior can only be travelled on by 4x4 vehicles. More advice about highland driving in this region can be found here. For those that do venture into this wilderness, there are activities such as swimming in the turquoise blue geothermally heated waters of the Víti crater or exploring the Kverkfjӧll ice caves and hiking routes to explore.
