Attractions in Iceland

1. Blue Lagoon

The remarkable Blue Lagoon is essential viewing for all visitors to Iceland as well as offering a relaxing and renewing alternative to sight-seeing. The lagoon came about due to a happy “accident” in the 1970s, when the Svartsengi Geothermal Plant discharged mineral-rich geothermal waters into large area surrounding the plant. The brilliant blue color of the lagoon is caused by the blue-green algae in the water and the lovely warm temperature ensures the whole area is enveloped in a mist of steam. You can join the locals as they relax in the warm waters and cover themselves with the snow-white silica mud, which is believed to be beneficial for a wide variety of skin complaints. After your soak you can shop for unique spa products in the on-site shop.

Blue Lagoon, Nordurljosavegur 9, 240 Grindavik, Iceland, Phone: +35-44-20-88-00

2. Fjaorargljufur Canyon

Luckily you don’t have to be able to pronounce the name of this picturesque canyon to enjoy its scenic beauty. The Fjaorargljufur Canyon is a beautiful glacier-carved canyon located in South Iceland, which is believed to have been formed over two million years ago during the last Ice Age.

The canyon is over 300 feet deep and just over one mile long. You have two options for admiring this natural wonder – you could follow the well-worn path along the rim of the canyon for excellent views or be a little more daring and descend the steep grassy trail that leads from the parking area to the canyon floor. Hiking the canyon floor is not strenuous (and is therefore suitable for beginners), but you will need to wade across the river through the freezing glacial waters at several points. Map

3. Haukadalur Geothermal Field

Imagine a valley of regularly-gushing geysers and bubbling white mud pots and you will have a pretty good idea of what to expect at the Haukadalur Geothermal Field. Although there is no shortage of geysers in Iceland, this particular area is unique in that there is at least one really dependable gusher for visitors to admire. Regardless of what time of day you visit, you only need to wait around 15 minutes for Strokkur (the smaller of two named geysers) to send an impressive fountain of natural geothermal water into the air. Part of the fun is catching the eruption on camera at the precise moment. This popular attraction is located about 60 miles from Reykjavik and is included in several popular tours of the Iceland Golden Circle. Map

If you are interested in wellness adventure, watch this cool video of the Forest Lagoon in Iceland which was discovered by accident. The whole lagoon is built with natural materials and blends into the surrounding nature.

4. Arbaer Open Air Museum (Arbaejarsafn)

Located approximately two miles from the city center of Reykjavik, the Arbaer Open Air Museum (Arbaejarsafn) is a must see for families and anyone interested in the history of Iceland.

The museum has a collection of around 20 ancient buildings that have been brought to the site from their original locations and set up to resemble a quaint little village complete with a turf-roofed church, farm barns, smithies, and boathouses. The museum hosts a number of interesting events and exhibitions, and there are even some farm animals for the kids to pet. You can get a better insight into the history of Iceland by joining the guided tour and then relax and sip a coffee at the on-site café.

Arbaer Open Air Museum (Arbaejarsafn), Arbaer Open Air Museum, Kistuhyl, 110 Reykjavik, Iceland, Phone: +35-44-11-63-00

5. Grjotagja

Located near Lake Myvatn in northern Iceland, Grjotagja is another of Iceland’s hidden treasures. If you are a fan of Game of Thrones, you may recognize this lovely volcanic cave, which featured in Season Three of the popular series.

The cave contains a beautiful natural geo-thermal lake that was once a very popular swimming pool for the local people until recent volcanic activity (1975-1984) caused the water in the pool to become far too hot for swimming. Although water temperatures have returned to reasonable levels in recent years, swimming is now banned in the cave, but it is still worth a visit if you are in the area. Map

6. Hallgrimskirkja

Reykjavik’s most prominent landmark, the Evangelic-Lutheran church of Hallgrimskirkja towers over the city and is one of the most-visited tourist attractions. The modernist architecture of the church is quite unique and includes a stepped façade that pays homage to Iceland’s rugged landscape. You can take an elevator to the top of the imposing 242-foot tower to enjoy sweeping views of the city and surrounds. Inside, décor is restrained, as befits a Lutheran place of worship, and there is a very impressive pipe organ to admire. Try and time your visit for 12 noon, when a meditation service with organ accompaniment takes place. Entrance is free but a small fee applies to entering the tower.

Hallgrimskirkja, Hallgrimstorg 101, Reykjavik, Iceland, Phone: +35-45-10-10-00

7. Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Center

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Center is a multi-faceted landmark in central Reykjavik that operates as a social and cultural hub as well as an impressive concert hall that is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Icelandic Opera and the Reykjavik Big Band. As the cultural heart of the city, Harpa hosts a full menu of annual events, which include music and art festivals, and it is also used for fashion, design, and many other exhibitions. The best way to appreciate Harpa is to join a guided tour of the facility, which will take you “back stage” to learn about the unique architecture and history of the building.

Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Center, Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, Phone: +3-54-52-85-00

8. Husavik Whale Museum

Located in the town of Husavik on the north coast of Iceland, the Husavik Whale Museum offers the educational component of the town’s popular whale watching trips that can be enjoyed during the summer months. The small museum aims to educate both locals and visitors on everything there is to know about the world’s largest mammal and its habitat. If you are planning to join a whale-watching excursion, visiting the museum before you set off will add a whole new dimension to your experience. You can also view the enormous whale skeletons on show and learn about the Whale School, which ensures that all local children grow up with thorough background knowledge of the majestic whale.

Husavik Whale Museum, Whale Museum, Hafnarstett 1, 640 Husavik, Iceland, Phone: +35-44-14-28-00

9. Hvitserkur

Rising from the ocean on the north shore of Iceland, Hvitserkur is a curious basalt sea stack shrouded in local legend. Once a solid volcanic plug, centuries of relentless pounding by the waves of the Atlantic have carved two tunnels through the stone, which is now said to resemble an enormous dragon drinking from the ocean.

You can view the intriguing sea stack from the parking lot on the mainland or take a walk down to the shore – at low tide it is possible to walk out to the monolith to get some great photos. During the summer months the sea stack plays host to a large colony of nesting fulmar and the surrounding area is home to one of Iceland’s largest seal colonies. Map