10 Things to Do Around Lake Myvatn

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.

Situated on the edge of the Arctic Circle, North Iceland is known for its raw, untamed beauty. While South Iceland boasts accessible and touristy sites, an Iceland trip to the north unveils a realm of diverse terrains with many hidden gems. As you drive the north leg of the iconic Ring Road, an adventure unfolds, leading you through popular yet less crowded spots, offering an authentic experience of Iceland's enchanting wilderness. From the captivating Lake Mývatn, adorned with geothermal areas, to North Iceland’s very own capital, Akureyri, and Dettifoss, Europe's second most powerful waterfall, the region boasts iconic man-made landmarks, volcanic formations, and natural spectacles. Activities to pursue in the North Icelandic destinations are aplenty, ranging from hiking and camping to horseback riding and relaxing in natural hot springs. Our curated list below highlights the top things to do in North Iceland, offering a glimpse into the captivating experiences that await in this untouched paradise.

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.

Despite being one of the smaller ice caps of Iceland, Eyjafjallajökull volcano is one of the most famous volcanoes in Iceland and the world. This is thanks to its most recent eruption in 2010 that resulted in the evacuation of 800 people, caused electrical storms and earthquakes and grounded flights across Europe. Fortunately, another nearest volcano, Katla, that shares its geology did not erupt this time around. Historically speaking, when Eyjafjallajökull erupts Katla often follows suit. Eyjafjallajökull is a stratovolcano that is completely covered by an ice cap that covers 100 square km. The volcano is 1651m tall and has a partially open crater of just under 4km in diameter with three main peaks. Eyjafjallajökull is found in Southern Iceland and is a great diversion for anyone driving the south shore road on their Iceland trip. The south of Iceland is easily accessibly via road. Let's find out what we can do on and around this magnificent volcano.

Hverfjall volcano is a very popular Icelandic attraction that goes by two names; Icelanders can’t seem to decide between Hverfjall or Hverfell. However, the more common moniker is Hverfjall. The almost perfect circular shape of Hverfjall is part of what makes it such a must-see volcano in Iceland. Oh – and the fact that you can walk the whole way around its circumference! You want to give it a go on your next Iceland trip if you are into volcanoes.

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.

Aptly named ‘The Gateway to Hell,’ the Hekla volcano in the south of Iceland is a deadly force with a shocking history of destruction. This reputation caused people in the middle ages to believe that Hekla or Hecla was the entrance to Hell. That however, hasn’t stopped brave travellers from exploring one of Iceland’s active volcanoes!

The South Coast of Iceland offers countless sites of interest for travelers that must not be missed on your Iceland trip. From volcanoes to waterfalls to glaciers to lava fields, the area that stretches from Vik to Selfoss perfectly encapsulates Iceland’s moniker: ‘The Land of Ice and Fire.’ While in Selfoss, explore popular tourist attractions such as the Kerid Crater and Volcano Eyjafjallajokull. In your Vik tour, be sure to marvel at captivating landmarks such as the Skógafoss waterfall, the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. From volcanic landmarks to seaside paradise, a trip from Vik to Selfoss unveils a series of natural wonders at every turn.

Reykjavik and Selfoss are two must-visit destinations in Iceland. Reykjavik, the capital city, offers a vibrant cultural scene, diverse architecture, and rich history, whereas Selfoss provides a tranquil escape into the countryside, where you can immerse yourself in natural beauty and marvel at geological marvels. Make the most of your Iceland tour by exploring both destinations, which aren’t far apart, with just 60 kilometers between them. Set out on an enchanting trip from Reykjavik to Selfoss, exploring the wonders of southern Iceland along the way. Begin your adventure by visiting Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik, Iceland's largest church, renowned for its impressive architecture and panoramic views of the city. Continue to iconic destinations such as the Blue Lagoon and Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre. Arriving in Selfoss, a picturesque town on the banks of the Ölfusá River, don't miss the Kerid Crater—a volcanic caldera with a vibrant blue lake. Also, add Eyjafjallajökull Strokkur to your itinerary while exploring Selfoss.

Glaciers and ice caps make up more than 10% of the entire land area of Iceland. That equates to just under 12,000 km² of Iceland’s 103,125 km². So it’s safe to say that if you plan on visiting Iceland in the near future, you’ll most likely come face to face with huge masses of slow moving ice. Brr. And if the thought of giant frozen rivers of ice doesn’t fill you with enough awe already, many of Iceland’s glaciers hide volcanic activity. For example, active volcanoes such as Grímsvötn and Bárðarbunga are hiding under the Vatnajökull ice cap. Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice, after all. In no particular order, here’s a list of the top 10 glaciers in Iceland for you to visit!