Hallgrímskirkja is a landmark church in the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland.
There are few other places on Earth where the raw power of nature is so clearly on display as Iceland. This extraordinary island nation nestled in the North Atlantic is a melting pot of active volcanos, cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, vast glaciers, and geothermal hot springs.
Although natural attractions tend to dominate tourist itineraries, Iceland's allure isn't just in its raw natural beauty. This is a land in which Norse sagas meet 21st-century lifestyle, and where modern architecture is inspired by the Viking Age.
No matter your reason for visiting, Iceland offers visitors a vast selection of natural wonders and built landmarks to create a memorable itinerary.
Blue Lagoon
Popular with international visitors and layover passengers due to its proximity to Keflavik International Airport, the Blue Lagoon is the most famous of Iceland’s many geothermal pools.
With that fame comes huge numbers of visitors, yet a visit to the Blue Lagoon still holds a special wow factor. Over the years, new secluded areas, swim-up bars and viewing points of the surrounding volcanic landscape have attracted even more tourists.
Sunrise is a popular time to bathe in Iceland's Blue Lagoon.
The naturally heated water from deep below the Earth’s surface is actually a milky white color, but looks blue in sunlight. In fact, it can sometimes be green due to the natural algae.
Golden Circle landmarks
The Golden Circle is one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland. It covers about 140 miles and loops from Reykjavik into the southern uplands and back. Here are the key landmarks you'll encounter on this route:
Thingvellir National Park: The first stop on the route is a treasured symbol of Iceland's natural beauty and historical heritage. Just 29 miles northeast of Reykjavik, Thingvellir is a unique site of global geological significance, as it marks the dramatic meeting point of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Here, you can literally see the border of the two continents, as the plates form a rift valley that is visible on the surface. The plates continue to drift apart at a rate of approximately two inches per year, making Thingvellir a living testament to the Earth's ongoing geological activity.
Beyond its remarkable geology, Thingvellir holds a special place in the hearts of Icelanders as it was the site of the world's first parliament. The Althingi was established by Viking settlers in the year 930.
The rift valley on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is clearly visible in ... [+]
Thingvellir went on to serve as the center of Icelandic culture for centuries, where laws were made, disputes were settled, and major events were celebrated.
Geysir Geothermal Area: The 13th-century erupting hot spring Geysir lends its name to this hive of geothermal activity featuring hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and steam vents.
While Geysir itself rarely erupts these days, ten minutes is all it usually takes to see the Strokkur geyser erupt. It shoots a water column up to 115 feet into the air.
Gullfoss Waterfall: One of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, the ‘Golden Falls’ drop in two stages into a deep canyon. The two-stage drop of the glacier-fed Hvita river creates a powerful display of raw, untamed nature that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Several viewing platforms offer different perspectives on this natural wonder. On sunny days, a shimmering rainbow can often be seen in the spray.
Iceland's Gullfoss waterfall is one of the main stops on the Golden Circle tourist route.
Other popular landmarks along the golden circle include the Secret Lagoon, Nesjavellir geothermal plant, the ‘hot river’ of Reykjadalur, and the volcanic crater lake of Kerid. The latter is a particular favorite of photographers because of its contrasting colors.
Other natural landmarks in Iceland
The Golden Circle is rightly proclaimed a must-do road trip in Iceland, but it’s barely a taster of everything this remarkable country has to offer. Other important natural wonders in Iceland include glaciers, lava tunnels, lava fields and geothermal springs.
Geldingadalir Volcano: Close to the Blue Lagoon, the Geldingadalir volcano (also known as Fagradalsfjall) has gained fame in recent years as Iceland’s most active volcano. Eruptions in 2021 and 2022 attracted curious locals and visitors from around the world to the site.
While it’s less an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, the volcano itself requires a hike of several hours to reach and a guided tour is recommended. Nevertheless, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get up close to the birth of brand new Icelandic landscape.
Reynisfjara black sand beach: If you’re heading away from Reykjavik on a longer road trip, this famous black beach on the southern coastline is a must-see.
Reynisdrangar black sand beach is near Vik in the south of Iceland.
Located just outside the charming fishing village Vik, the volcanic sand beach and curious rock formations attract keen photographers and geographers from around the world.
Skaftafell: This picturesque region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including waterfalls, glaciers, and black-sand deserts. One of its notable attractions is Svartifoss, a unique waterfall whose geological formations inspired the design of Reykjavik's iconic Hallgrimskirkja church. Considered a hikers' paradise, Skaftafell offers an array of trails surrounded by mesmerizing scenery. Adventurous visitors can take a guided glacier tour.
Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel: Just a short drive from Reykjavik, this remarkable lava tunnel is a testament to the volcanic forces that have shaped Iceland.
Formed thousands of years ago, such tubes are created when the exterior of a lava flow cools and solidifies, while the interior remains hot and continues to flow, eventually leaving behind a cave-like structure.
Raufarhólshellir, while not the largest, is an important landmark due to its proximity to Reykjavik, its length of nearly 4,500 feet, and its width of up to 100 feet.
Diamond Beach: A dream for photographers, this beach near Jökulsárlón is a truly unique travel experience. Fragments of ice break off the nearby glacier and drift down to the beach. The ice shards glisten like diamonds in the sun, the effect enhanced by the volcanic black sand beach.
No two trips to the diamond beach near Jokulsarlon lagoon in Iceland are ever the same.
Kerlingarfjöll: The striking orange hue of this mountain range in the highlands of Iceland has to be seen to be believed. The color is due to the red rhyolite in the mountains. Once a hideout for criminals, the range is a large volcanic area with hot springs and geysers that has become a top tourist destination on the highland route.
Kirkjufell mountain: This icon of the Snæfellsnes peninsula is one of the most photographed sights in Iceland due to its arrow-like peak. Photographers come here for days at a time with the hope of catching a northern lights display above the iconic mountain. The surrounding Snæfellsnes peninsula is known as ‘Iceland in miniature’ as it packs in black sand beaches, ravines, and waterfalls into a relatively small space.
While there are an almost endless list of natural landmarks across Iceland, these will give you a broad appreciation of the diversity of wonderful landscapes on offer in this remarkable island nation.
Other highlights include the Hraunfossar waterfalls, the basalt rock columns of Studlagil Canyon, Europe’s largest glacier in Vatnajökull National Park, and the crater remains of the Lakagígar eruption.
Modern landmarks in Reykjavik
From an iconic church to modern cultural centers, Reykjavik's built landmarks offer a fascinating contrast to the breathtaking natural wonders that dot the rest of Iceland.
Sun Voyager is a sculpture made of stainless steel by artist Jón Gunnar Árnason on the waterfront of ... [+]
Sun Voyager (Sólfar): This is a striking steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason, located by the sea. It resembles a Viking ship and is said to convey the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress, and freedom.
Hallgrímskirkja: This is a Lutheran church and one of the tallest structures in Iceland. The unique design of the church is inspired by the natural landscape of Iceland, particularly the basalt lava flows. You can also take an elevator to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of Reykjavik.
Harpa Concert Hall: This modern architectural gem is situated by the old harbor in Reykjavik. Its unique design, which features a distinctive colored glass facade, was influenced by the basalt landscape of Iceland. It is home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Icelandic Opera.
Perlan: ‘The Pearl’ is a unique building known for its large glass dome. It was originally a set of hot water tanks, but now hosts a museum, a planetarium, a viewing deck with panoramic views of the city, and a fine dining restaurant.
