Top Things to Do in North Iceland

Aptly called the “Land of Fire and Ice,” Iceland is a country that fascinates visitors with diverse attractions, each equally enchanting in its own right. Whether it be the active Mount Hekla volcano, the picturesque terrains leading to the Thorsmork Valley, or the enchanting allure of the Vatnajokull Glacier, a trip to Iceland unravels the wonders of nature in its rawest form. Explore the glacial ice caves, hike through world-renowned routes such as the Laugavegur trail, and embark on an Iceland Northern Lights trip — there are endless destinations and attractions to look forward to in this Nordic country. Here are our top 13 things to do in Iceland.

Reykjavik is a capital city unlike any other, even amongst its Scandinavian neighbours. Though a very small city, with a population of just over 200,000 people, the city is bursting with life and culture. With colourful homes, fascinating museums, and a vibrant art scene, Reykjavik has more to offer than its reputation as a gateway to Iceland’s natural wonders suggests. In no particular order, here are our top 12 things to do in Reykjavik to break bucket list. If you have time to explore destinations outside of Reykjavik, read our Top Things to do in Iceland article as well.

Few places on earth feature such stunning landscapes and biological diversity as Iceland’s Lake Myvatn. This shallow lake and the wetlands around it is almost a world in itself, full of natural wonders waiting to be explored. With so much to see in and around the Lake Myvatn area, it can be quite overwhelming to plan a visit. We’re here to help and to share some general knowledge about the area and the top 10 things you simply must do when visiting Lake Myvatn.

Iceland is an absolute paradise on earth, a treat for nature and adventure lovers. Whether its glaciers tours, ice cave tours, amazing volcanoes, or beautiful waterfalls, this heavenly destination is simply waiting to be explored. In this article we’ll be exploring what to see and visit in Iceland, i.e. must-visit destinations and attractions in Iceland. If you're looking for more, please see our Things to do in Iceland article for more information. Make sure you get the best of Iceland by adding these other-worldly experiences into your itinerary, for many are activities that simply cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.

There is little argument that The Blue Lagoon is the premier hot spring destination on an Iceland tour. With its blue waters, luxurious facilities, and world class service; it is a hard destination to beat for a day of rest and relaxation. But this wonderful getaway is not alone in “The Land of Fire and Ice.” Iceland’s abundant geothermal activity, combined with the ample supply of glacial ice, combine to make Iceland one of the top hot springs destinations in the world. As you work your way down the list (that has been set in no particular order), you will come across hot springs that are more rustic, remote, and adventurous, than the Blue Lagoon. Please below find the Top 10 Best Hot Springs in Iceland:

Tucked away in the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is a country of remarkable landscapes shaped by volcanic activities and glaciers over thousands of years. Its natural features are starkly diverse and otherworldly. Volcanoes, geothermal pools, glaciers, fjords, and waterfalls can all be covered on your Iceland trip, and within a short duration. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 10 best places to visit in Iceland—from the bustling streets of Reykjavík to the remote wilderness of the Westfjords—that you can follow during your trip to the Land of Fire and Ice.

Although it is cold in Iceland in March, this month does not fall under the country’s peak winter season. Therefore, there are lots of things to do on your Iceland trip in winter, from participating in unique festivals and events and exploring stunning ice caves to taking a dip in the healing waters of natural hot springs, embarking on an Iceland Northern Lights tour, and going on whale-watching tours. In addition to this, Iceland’s weather in March is chilly, and the country receives few travelers during this time, allowing you to take advantage of off-season rates.

Iceland is fully open for travel during its summer, which extends from June to August. Whether you wish to hike to thundering waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, soak in hot springs such as the Blue Lagoon or Mývatn Nature Baths, or explore iconic glaciers like Vatnajökull and Langjökull, the moderate summer temperature and long daylight hours will surely make your Iceland trip more enjoyable. In this guide, we will break down a typical summer in this Nordic nation, covering everything from the weather to the things to do in Iceland, including both popular destinations like the Golden Circle and Reykjavík, as well as off-the-beaten-path locations.

The best time and season to see Northern Lights in Iceland is from late September to the beginning of April. One of the most popular destinations in Iceland to witness the Northern Lights is undoubtedly its capital city, Reykjavik. This city is believed to be the first official colony on Iceland back from when it was first settled, just before the turn of the first millennium. Reykjavik hasn’t looked back, and has continued to grow and be a beacon of numerous breathtaking tourist sights and rich national culture. Reykjavik boasts a great opportunity to witness the northern lights.

Nestled in the Icelandic highlands, right on the edge of the black Laugahraun lava field, you will find Landmannalaugar. Well known for its natural geothermal hot springs (the name ‘Landmannalaugar’ translates to 'the people’s pools') and a stunning rugged landscape, Landmannalaugar is part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and is most commonly visited by hikers as it is situated at the northern end of the famous Laugavegur hiking trail. Planning a visit to Landmannalaugar to take advantage of its spectacular hikes? Here’s all you need to know before you go!

Water certainly can take many mesmerizing shapes and forms. However, is there anything more impressive than water naturally being expelled into the air from a crater on the Earth’s surface? Since their discovery, geysers have fascinated mankind. As a fairly rare sight that can only usually be found in active volcanic areas, some people travel the world just to experience one. Iceland is a geyser hotspot with over 50 active and dormant geysers. So naturally, geyser-seekers flock there. The country is home to some of the world’s most famous and impressive geysers. In fact, the word ‘geyser’ originated from Iceland. The term first came about when The Great Geysir (see below) erupted on the island in the 14th century. With so much to see on your Iceland trip, we’ve compiled a list of geysers in Iceland that you simply cannot miss.

Ideally, the best time to visit Iceland is during the summer, which falls between June and August. It is when all the roads are open, and the weather is stable. However, picking the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences and the experiences you want. If you are traveling to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, October and April are the best months to visit. If you are planning a trip to Iceland for whale watching, the best time to visit is between April and late September. And if you are visiting Iceland to see the winter wonders, such as glaciers and geothermal spas, the ideal time to visit is between November and March. Read on for more details on the best time to travel to Iceland.