Top things to do in Iceland — 12+ must do in Iceland & best things to do in Iceland

Iceland is a treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting majestic landscapes and countless adventures waiting to be discovered. Planning your first trip can be overwhelming, but don’t fear. Here’s a guide to starting your Icelandic adventure. So, what to do in Iceland? Let’s check out our top rated +12 top things to do in Iceland (must do in Iceland, must things to do in Iceland) including best things to do in Iceland, cool things to do in Iceland as follow!

Iceland’s diversity is sure to captivate you — from stunning trekking trails to charming towns and awe-inspiring glaciers, the country is a feast for the senses.

To get a head start, consider starting your journey in the Southwest. The area is the gateway for international visitors, with Keflavik International Airport as the main entry point.

Most attractions are conveniently located within a five-hour drive from the airport, accessible via well-connected arterial roads.

This key starting point ensures that you can ease into the adventure without spending too much time on the road.

Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon (# must do in iceland)

Iceland is famous for its geothermal hot springs, and the Blue Lagoon is one of the most pristine of them.

Just a 10-minute drive from the airport, this is the perfect place to relax in the warm lagoon.

To make the most of your visit, consider these tips:

• Book tickets in advance: Blue Lagoon can get crowded, so it is recommended to book tickets in advance. Mornings tend to be quieter, providing a more serene experience.
• Winter magic: If traveling in winter, experiencing the Blue Lagoon at dawn is a truly enchanting and unique experience.
• Complete experience: Make sure your Blue Lagoon ticket includes a mud mask, drink, and towel. It is a valuable and unique experience that should not be missed.

Watching aurora (# top things to do in iceland)

No trip to Iceland would be complete without witnessing, or at least looking for, the Northern Lights.

The best months to see the Northern Lights are around March and September, but you might be lucky enough to catch them any night.

When the light is strong, you can even see them dancing above regardless of light pollution from the towns. Keep an eye out for those mesmerizing swirling patterns.

For a hassle-free option, you can book a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik, which takes around 4 hours. They will know the best spots to avoid light pollution. However, if you have a car, exploring on your own is also an option, depending on what suits you best.

Go whale watching (# must things to do in iceland)

Iceland’s coast is full of different species of whales. Book an amazing whale watching tour departing from Reykjavik and try your luck observing these giant creatures in their natural habitat.

These tours typically last 3-4 hours, providing the perfect opportunity to witness whales in their natural environment.

Please note that sometimes the tours can get a little crowded, so it’s best to have a backup plan for future trips just in case.

Remember to book your tour in advance, especially during peak times, to ensure a seat.

Enjoy traditional Icelandic cuisine

Traditional Icelandic cuisine may not be widely known abroad but that doesn’t mean it’s not delicious! Head to one of Reykjavik’s fine restaurants and try some local dishes, such as Harðfiskur, a dried fish dish and local favorite dishes.

For a more adventurous palate, enjoy Svið, a dish featuring charred and boiled sheep’s head.

Bake rye bread underground (# best things to do in iceland)

There are very few places where the heat from geothermal activity can actually bake bread underground.

Iceland is one such place! Visit Fontana Hot Springs or even some of the hotels and restaurants where they will help you prepare, bake and (most importantly) eat freshly baked rye bread. You can enhance the flavoer with a little butter.

If you want to explore but don’t want to drive, book this Golden Circle tour that takes you to some of the best places in Iceland in this area.

Along the way, you’ll see the iconic Geysir, visit the Gullfoss waterfall and explore the vast Þingvellir National Park.

Chasing the sunset from Vik to Dyrhólaey

One of the best places to catch the sunset is Vik and Dyrhólaey.

Come here to watch the sun slowly dip below the horizon while standing on the iconic black sand beach that Iceland is famous for…

…It’s truly a beautiful place.

Also, don’t forget, you can book this amazing ice cave and glacier tour from Vik, it’s amazing. It will take you to the top of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and you will explore the iconic ice caves beneath the Katla Volcano.

It’s huge and everything is guided in an all-weather jeep. Just remember to book in advance when in Iceland – tickets to visit this glacier sell out quickly.

Drive the Golden Circle

One of the main ‘routes’ taken by visitors to Iceland, the Golden Circle includes quite a few notable sights that you won’t want to miss.

It includes the iconic Strokkur Geyser, which erupts every few minutes, and Gullfoss, which looks stunning in both winter and summer.

Exploring the entire Golden Circle can take around 4-5 hours to complete, but I always recommend taking a little extra time to relax and enjoy this beautiful route. It’s truly one of the best things to do on your first trip to Iceland.

Explore the capital Reykjavik

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik is where you might want to spend an evening or two. Come here on the weekends when the bars are vibrant with live music, friendly locals and a great atmosphere.

During the day, explore the city, visit Hallgrímskirkja Church or go to the Harpa concert hall, where the national opera and symphony orchestras perform.

Admiring the impressive Skógafoss Falls

Skógafoss is about a 2-hour drive east of the airport and is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls to visit.

Admission to Skógafoss is free, and if you arrive early in the morning or late at night, you’ll see the crowds slowly disperse, leaving the waterfall just for you. It’s quite mesmerizing.

Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is probably the furthest east you’ll get of these locations (about a 5.5-hour drive from Keflavik Airport), but it’s well worth it if you get to Vik.

Head to Jökulsárlón and admire the beautiful landscape surrounding the area. It’s truly an impressive sight (don’t trip while taking a selfie, like Yaya did).

Oh, and if you like, take one of the boat tours on the lagoon.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is a wonderful experience in Iceland, especially with the friendly and personable Icelandic horses.

Venture into the grassy plains and keep an eye out for the elusive Icelandic elves! Legend has it that they live in small grassy mounds that you can see all over the country.

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is about a 10-minute drive from Skógafoss, so it’s worth doing these activities together.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Iceland you can refer to

• Golden Circle & Friðheimar Greenhouse Cultivation Day Tour
• Reykjavik Walking Tour
• Hop On and Hop Off Bus in Reykjavik
• Hop On and Hop Off Iceland Bus Passport
• South Iceland Tour from Reykjavik
• Golden Circle Tour and Kerid Crater Day Tour
• Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and South Coast Day Trip
• 2 Day South Coast and Glacier Hike from Reykjavik
• Premium Southern Iceland Small Group Day Tour
• Lava Caving and Silfra Snorkeling Tour from Reykjavik
• Secret Lagoon Ticket and Transfers from Reykjavik
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula Full Day Tour from Reykjavik
• Blue Lagoon Ticket with Round Trip Transfers for Reykjavik
• Keflavik Airport (KEF): Bus Transfer to/from Reykjavik
• Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos
• From Húsavík: Traditional Whale Watching Tour
• Húsavík: Big Whale Safari & Puffin Island Tour
• Húsavík: Whale Watching Tour with Guide
• Keflavik Airport & Reykjavik Hotels: Economy Bus Transfer
• Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik
• Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater

Are you looking for more top things to do in Iceland: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out at here.