Iceland is enchanting. It is both quaint & charming as well as cosmopolitan & modern. In Iceland, the earth moves under your feet. The geysers bubble and the volcanoes quake. You will be awestruck by the gorgeous landscapes. But Iceland is also a land of legends. Elves, giants, and other my mythical creatures roam the grounds. Thrill at the wonder and excitement Iceland offers! Here are my Stunning Places in Iceland That You Must See to Believe.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Situated between the towns of Hvolsvollur and Skogar is the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. It is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland because it is visible from the famous Ring Road. This astounding waterfall spans 200 feet and cascades over the former coastline. Seljalandsfoss is unique because of the caves behind it; you can walk behind the waterfall for a different perspective.
Leidarendi Lava Caves
Descend into the colorful lava interiors and the stalactites of the Leidarendi Lava Caves. Climb the rippling rock formations as you discover a world utterly foreign to our understanding. You will quickly understand why the caves are known as ‘The End of the Journey.’
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
On November 23, 1973, a Douglas Super DC-3 plane crashed on Solheimasandur Beach. (Luckily, no one was hurt!) Today, it is one of the most iconic places in Iceland for anyone interested in an eerie photo shoot. Also, this is a great place to watch the Northern Lights.
Raudisandur Beach, Iceland
Lying in Westfjords, there is a unique and remote beach. The color of Raudisandur Beach (Red Sand Beach) can vary depending on the light of the day. It can range from yellow, orange, white, and red. No matter what color the sand is, you won’t want to miss this incredible beach!
Blue Lagoon
The world-famous Blue Lagoon is a must-visit for all couples that want to visit Iceland. It is a geothermal hot spring. Spend your day relaxing in the heated, mineral-rich, turquoise water. Then, head inside to the luxury spa to continue your day of pampering.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
This lake is one of Iceland’s natural wonders. Watch the glaciers slowly float by as you float down the creek in a boat. It’s truly a surreal experience. If you are feeling adventurous, get out and hike on the glaciers.
Diamond Beach On Diamond Beach, the icebergs which fill Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon wash up onshore. The icebergs stand dazzling and defiant in stark contrast to the black sand beach. When you walk along the beach, you will find thousands of these ‘diamonds’ lying on the beach. Because of the tides, the shore is never the same. It changes every day.
Dryholaey
Tucked away on the drive from Reykjavik to Vik is a hidden cliff front, Dryholaey. Home to hundreds of puffins, these stunning cliffs are the perfect spot to take in the sweeping view of the south coast of Iceland. Some say that you can see to Reykjavik from the top of the cliffs.
Dynjandi Waterfall
Dynjandi is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Dynjandi gives way to several smaller waterfalls. Hike through the valleys and peaks on the incredibly protected nature preserve. Also, the area is excellent for camping.
Snaefellsjokull National Park
Located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this park is known as home to an immense glacier, Snaefellsjokull. Climb the iceberg, and explore the massive lava fields and lava tubes. Nature lovers can spend their day watching the whales playing in the ocean.
Borgarfjordur Eystri
This tiny, remote fishing village on the east coast of Iceland is one of the most romantic places in Iceland. It is also home to a large elfin settlement! If you walk by a house that has tiny doors, these are for the elves to use. Stroll the streets of the quaint and magical town.
Reynisfjara
One of the most unusual beaches in the world, Reynisfjara (Black Sand), is located on the south coast of Iceland and created by lava flowing into the ocean and cooling instantly. There is a natural pyramid of basalt columns that climb to the sky. Think how jealous your Instagram followers will be when you post pictures of this beach!
Pingvellir Plain
Observe the Teutonic plates at the Pingvellir Plain. Pingvellir Plain is the point that North American and Europe first separated millions of years ago. When the plates shift away from each other, rivers, lakes, valleys, and gulleys are formed.
Seljavallalaug Pool
Built-in 1923, Seljavallalaug is one of the oldest pools in Iceland. Soak in the natural beauty of the area. And marvel at the surrounding cliffs and waterfalls as you swim in the pool.
Skogafoss Waterfall
Not far from Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, lies another immense waterfall, the Skogafoss. It is 200 feet high and is 80 feet wide. Make the acquaintance of a famous troll (rock formation) as you hike from the base of the waterfall to the top.
Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness the Aurora Borealis! If you are in Iceland between September to March, head to Seltjarnarnes, Iceland, for the best views of the lights. Visible from Reykjavik, but pollution prevents the Northern Lights from shining as brightly as they can.
Dettifoss Waterfall
The most powerful waterfall in all of Europe, Dettifoss is located in Vatnajokull National Park. It is 150 feet high and a whopping 330 feet wide. This waterfall is astonishing. It is located in the Jokulsarglijufur Canyon and flows into the Jokulsa a Fjlollum River.
Hellulaug by Flokalundur
Iceland has many geothermal hot springs (see the Blue Lagoon above), but many are crowded. If you are looking for privacy, you should head to Hellalaug. Sip champagne and soak in the healing waters all by your lonesome!
Lake Myvatn
Formed by a volcano 200 years ago, Lake Myvatn is another fantastic geothermal hot spring. Active volcanoes surround it. So if you are hoping to experience volcanic activity, this is the place to go! It is also the spot that Lucifer landed when he fell from heaven; I assume this allegorical.
Thingvellir National Park
Not far from Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park is a must-see for anyone that wants to get back to nature. Also, it is home to one of the most incredible diving spots in the whole world. At the Silfra Diving Spot, you can dive between continents! The diving area is directly above where the Teutonic plates split. If that’s not the coolest place to SCUBA, I’m not sure what is!
Skaftafell National Park At 3,000 square miles, Skaftafell National Park is enormous! Imagine a park covered with forests, black volcanic sands, and raging rivers. Skaftafell is the perfect destination for adventurous couples looking to test their limits. Hiking, biking, rafting, and more. Explore the Black Fall, and you will find a waterfall cascading down basalt cliffs.
Flatey Island
Sail across Breioafjoruor Bay to this adorable little island, and step back into time. Stroll the bucolic streets hand in hand and take in the colorful houses that date back to the 19th Century. Times seems to move slower on Flatey, so enjoy the day with a languid picnic on the beach.
Reykjavik The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, offers untold treasures. It is worth spending a couple of days to explore it all. Lively music and art scenes make for a cosmopolitan city. Don’t miss the Penis Museum; it’s at least good for a laugh. In the evening, go for a pub crawl. Happy Hour is at different times at different pubs, so you can enjoy inexpensive drafts as you explore this fantastic city on foot. Iceland is incredible. There is no place on earth that is as diverse and stunning as Iceland. Leave the cities and explore this remarkable country! These are genuinely 23 Iceland Sites That You Must See to Believe.