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Tourist Attractions in Iceland

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Iceland

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Iceland

Iceland is called “”the land of ice””. Where there is no ice, there are mountains, volcanoes, bare land or lakes. Tourists come here as to the “”edge of the world””, because such landscapes are not found in any other corner of the Earth. Most of the attractions are natural objects – waterfalls, ice lagoon, geysers, large national parks. A certain proportion of travellers are those who came purposefully to see the famous northern lights.

However, do not think that Iceland has nothing to show in the cultural aspect. The capital of the country is actively developing and can offer travellers many places to see – a concert hall, where world celebrities often perform, a variety of museums. Popular among tourists is the city of Husavik. The whale museum and the shocking Phallological Museum are among the sightseeing objects.

Top Cities to Visit in Iceland

Top-35 Tourist Attractions in Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja

4.6/5
21013 reviews
Lutheran Church in the capital of Iceland. A futuristic-looking building with a dome pointing into the sky. The sketch of a bold project for a religious building was developed in 1937. The construction was finished only in 1986. The church building is one of the five tallest in Iceland – its height is 73 metres. Inside the church there is a mechanical organ with 5275 pipes. Its weight is 25 tonnes and its height is 15 metres.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sun Voyager

4.5/5
8087 reviews
The name translates as “sun wanderer”. The sculpture, popular with tourists, is located on the seafront in the centre of the city. The author of the monument, artist Jon Gunnar Arnason, created the sketch while seriously ill. Simple in appearance, it carries a deep symbolism. The ship-like structure means striving for dreams and new horizons. It is 3 metres high and 4 metres long.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Rainbow Street Art

4.7/5
130 reviews
One of the most popular shopping streets in Reykjavík. It has the atmosphere of the “old” city. In the past, this street led to the hot springs where the laundries were located. Some of the most popular items for tourists on this street are products made from volcanic lava. The second most popular souvenir from here is a jumper made of sheep’s wool. In the evening, the shops shut down and bars, nightclubs and restaurants open.

Perlan

4.5/5
8512 reviews
The building of the city boiler house. Its hemispherical dome looks like a flower, each petal of which is a hot water tank. The building is multifunctional and is popular not only with tourists, but also with the residents of the city. On the ground floor there is a winter garden with a geyser in the centre. Part of the floors are occupied by shops. On the top floor there is an observation deck with telescopes.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Harpa

0/5
The concert hall building looks like two giant pieces of basalt, the rock that makes up most of Iceland’s mountains. The construction of the hall took several years due to funding problems and was completed in 2011. Harpa’s facilities not only house 4 concert halls, but also conference and seminar rooms, shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as an observation deck overlooking the centre of Reykjavík.

The Settlement Exhibition

4.4/5
1052 reviews
The exhibition is located in the city centre. It contains old and ancient artefacts from the time of the first settlers. There are also a variety of interactive exhibits at the exhibition. The museum building was built on the site of huts of the X century, and the exhibition is located in the basement of this building. The exhibits include objects of everyday life and culture from the IX century. The centrepiece is a hut from the time of the original settlers.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

National Museum of Iceland

4.5/5
2982 reviews
The museum’s exposition contains the most valuable cultural and everyday objects of the Icelandic people. You can trace the history of the country in different eras. The museum was opened in 1863, and in 1950 it settled in a building specially built for its needs. The permanent exhibition of the National Museum consists of about 2000 exhibits. The number of photographs, prints and drawings exceeds 4 million. The museum organises educational events.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Árbær Open Air Museum

4.6/5
865 reviews
An open-air folklore museum. Founded in 1957 to preserve traditions from generation to generation. The museum complex includes peasant dwellings, a Catholic church, and workers’ workshops. In each building there is a thematic exhibition. The place is popular among tourists. They come to get acquainted with the culture and lifestyle of Icelanders, original folklore and interesting architecture.
Open time
Monday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Húsavík Whale Museum

4.6/5
1140 reviews
Whaling in Iceland has been a long-standing subject of controversy. Activists and scientists opposed to it have established whale museums. The museum in Reykjavik consists of 23 life-size models of whales. It gives the illusion of being underwater – with the help of blue lighting and a sound system. The whale museum in Husavik is less technological than the one in Reykjavik. Its main exhibit is a whale skeleton.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The Icelandic Phallological Museum (Hið Íslenzka Reðasafn)

4.2/5
3828 reviews
The museum has no analogues in the world in terms of the uniqueness of the exposition. Visitors can see preserved penises of various species of mammals, including human penis. In total, the museum has about 200 exhibits. There are also thematic paintings and sculptures, and some works of art are made from the genitals themselves. Sigurdur Hjartarson, the museum’s founder, has been collecting this unusual collection since 1974.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Aurora Reykjavík - The Northern Lights Center

4.4/5
1561 reviews
An interactive centre where the latest technology recreates the Northern Lights for visitors. The Northern Lights projection room is the centrepiece of the museum. Other sections feature photographs, educational materials and the history of the study of this natural phenomenon. Visitors can take colourful photos in a special photo booth. There is a souvenir shop with themed merchandise.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Leif Eriksson Monument

4.5/5
205 reviews
Located at the entrance to the Hudlgrimskirkja Lutheran Church. Leif Eriksson or Leif the Lucky was born in Iceland at the end of the 10th century and became famous as a great navigator and ruler of Greenland. The sculpture of the man significant for the history of Iceland was presented to Reykjavik by the USA in 1930 in honour of the millennium of the Icelandic Parliament. The sculptor Stirling Calder symbolically depicted the navigator standing on the bow of a boat.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Blue Lagoon

4.6/5
27615 reviews
Geothermal natural complex. The resort is famous all over the world, some call it the symbol of the country. The peninsula where the natural pool is located is formed of porous lava, through which seawater seeps, forming a sky-blue colour. The water temperature is not less than +37°C even in winter. The mineral water of the complex has a unique composition, there are no bacteria in it. The bottom is covered with healthy white clay.
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Golden Ring Route

The most popular tourist excursion route in Iceland. The most interesting natural sights in it are Gudlfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, the hot river in Hveragerdi, the valley of geysers Højkadalur with geysers Strokkur and Geysir. Some tour operators offer one-day excursions on this route, but experienced travellers advise to devote at least 2-3 days to it.

Lögberg

4.7/5
1418 reviews

The most famous hiking route in Iceland. It is considered one of the most beautiful and scenic in the world. The hike takes 3-4 days on average, the length is 55 km, the highest point is 1050 metres. On the way there are small bases where you can spend the night. The trail passes through mountains, glaciers, lava fields. On the way tourists meet many waterfalls, lakes and picturesque rivers.

Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Thingvellir National Park

4.7/5
20311 reviews
The national park is listed as a UNESCO protected site. It was founded in 1928. The park is located 40 kilometres from the capital, on the border of two lithospheric plates. Earthquakes are not rare here. The park includes the largest lake in Iceland Tingvadlavatn with a depth of about 100 metres. Part of the park is an active volcanic zone. The most notable volcano in this area is the Hengil volcano.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Skaftafell

4.7/5
2921 reviews
It was founded in 1967. The natural landscape of the national park is formed by the interaction of fire and water, namely the eruptions of the Ereiwejökull volcano beneath the glaciers of Skäidaraurjökull and Skaftafedlsjökull, and the runoff from the Morsau and Skäidarau rivers. The park is partly covered with birch forest. The area is popular with tourists, with designated camping sites and hiking trails.

Surtsey

4.4/5
148 reviews
The emergence of the island was caused by the eruption of an underwater volcano in 1963. Similar geological events occurred on Earth millions of years ago during the formation of the continents. The island is 50 metres above sea level and covers an area of 2.5 km². From the first days of its existence to the present day, the island has been the object of close study of the processes of origin and spread of life.

Geysir Hot Springs

4.6/5
2500 reviews
The unusual valley is located in the south of Iceland and is part of the Golden Ring route. Numerous geysers in this place attract the attention of many tourists. Notable is the geyser with the name Geysir. The Great Geyser throws out large jets of steam several times a day, but not periodically. The second popular geyser called Strokkoyur is more predictable – it releases jets of hot water every 10 minutes.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Goðafoss

4.8/5
3959 reviews
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. It consists of two steps 21 metres and 11 metres high. The steps are located at an angle of 90° to each other. The volume of water passing through the waterfall is impressive – in summer it reaches 130 m³/sec. At the top of the waterfall there is a monument to Sigriudur Thoumasdouttir. This is the daughter of the owner of the land where the waterfall was located at the beginning of the 20th century. According to legend, it was she who prevented the waterfall from being used for the needs of the hydropower plant.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Dettifoss

4.8/5
1429 reviews
Known as the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Its name means “bubbling waterfall”. It is located in the large Jökulsaurgljuvur National Park. Nearby are two other picturesque and popular waterfalls, Selfoss and Hafragilfoss, as well as Lake Myvatn. The Dettifoss waterfall is up to 100 metres wide. Its waters fall down from a height of 44 metres. The water flow during floods reaches 600 metres per second.

Skógafoss

4.8/5
11102 reviews
It is one of the most visited not only in Iceland but also in the world. It is located next to the Eyjafjallajökull glacier near the village of Skougar. In the past, a coastline ran in this place. There is a hiking trail to the top of the Fimmvurduhalus Pass especially for tourists. It offers a beautiful view of the 60 metre waterfall. It is 25 metres wide. On a sunny day, you can see rainbows in the splashes of the waterfall.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Seljalandsfoss

4.8/5
2342 reviews
It is located on the Seljalandsau River at the location of the former shoreline, above which it rises 60 metres. Behind the waterfall there is a deep indentation inside the rock cliffs. It is accessible to people, so the Seljalandsfoss waterfall can be viewed from all sides. It looks especially beautiful during sunset. Next to the waterfall there is an area for camping and resting.

Landmannalaugar

4.8/5
598 reviews
The Landmannaloygar Valley is part of a large nature reserve in Iceland. The unusual landscape of the valley is created by lava and water formations. The mountains of this bridge are created by crystallised formations of volcanic rock. The colour of these rocks changes depending on the light. It can be yellow or red with veins of purple or green. There are trails of varying difficulty along the valley.

Caride

A crater lake in the south of Iceland. It is part of the volcanic zone together with the Laungjökull glacier and the Reykjanes Peninsula. The volcano basin is red in colour and is typical of volcanic rock. It is 55 metres deep and 170 metres wide. The lake basin is quite ancient – it was formed about three thousand years ago. The lake is about 10 metres deep and has an unusual colour with a bright aquamarine tint.

Fjaðrárgljúfur

4.7/5
3701 reviews
Located near a small fishing village in the east of Iceland. The picturesque views of this canyon attract travellers from all over the world. It is one of the largest canyons of its kind. Fjadrarglufur Canyon was formed more than 2 million years ago after the collapse of a large glacier. It is characterised by its vertical walls. It is about 2 kilometres long and has a small river running through the bottom of the canyon.

Kirkjufell

4.7/5
721 reviews
With its steep slopes, the mountain resembles the shape of the roof of a Lutheran church. The slopes were shaped like this after the glacier receded. The height of the mountain is 463 metres. At the foot of the mountain there is a small waterfall, photos from this angle are especially successful. Usually travellers make a walk around the mountain – it will take no more than an hour. It is possible to climb to the top of the mountain only with special equipment.

Mývatn

4.6/5
674 reviews
A beautiful lake in the north of Iceland. The lake has a diameter of 10 kilometres. The area around it is considered the most popular tourist area in the country. There are both indoor geothermal pools and outdoor hot water pools in the hills by the lake. Fishing in the lake is by licence only. For fans of the TV series Game of Thrones, the lake is interesting because several scenes of the fifth season were filmed on its shores.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Tours and Cafe

4.8/5
15480 reviews
The ice lagoon is the largest in Iceland. The lagoon covers an area of 20 km² and is up to 200 metres deep. From the shore you can see a large ice cap, from which icebergs often break off. The blocks of ice can reach a size of 30 metres. Jeep and snowmobile tours are popular to see the icebergs that clothe the lagoon. Jökulsárlón Lagoon is a popular location for filming films and commercials.

Diamond Beach

4.8/5
3051 reviews
The name “Diamond Beach” comes from the ice crystals scattered on the black sandy shore. The ice shards of various sizes and incredible shapes are pieces of hundreds of icebergs in the Jökulsárlón Lagoon. The crystals on the shore and icebergs in the water look especially beautiful under the rays of the setting or rising sun. At such moments, the ice shards shimmer with all the colours of the rainbow.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Reynisfjara Beach

4.8/5
7689 reviews
Popular with tourists for its black volcanic sandy shoreline. It was formed over many years of water crushing solidified lava. Picturesque grottoes of shiny black stone on the shore seem to transport holidaymakers to another reality. The length of the beach is more than 5 km and its width is several tens of metres. Near the shore there are tall basalt columns called “Troll’s Fingers”.

Dyrhólaey

4.8/5
2536 reviews
The locals call this promontory the “doorway”. The shape of the rocks on the shore really resembles doorways. The landscape is striking in its colour scheme – the grey colour of the volcanic rocks smoothly transitions to the black colour of the sand on the shore and the blue water of the ocean. Cape Deerholaay is a protected area. Therefore, during the nesting season from mid-May to mid-June, access to the cape is prohibited.

Peace Column

4/5
191 reviews
The memorial was erected in memory of musician John Lennon. It was initiated by his widow Yoko Ono. The monument is a white stone pedestal. From it, rays of light go into the sky, forming a tower. In good cloudless weather, the height of the rays can reach four kilometres. According to the authors of the project, the tower symbolises the struggle for world peace, which was started by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the 1960s.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Parking for Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

4/5
794 reviews
The hulk of an aircraft that made an emergency landing in 1973. None of the crew was injured. The military took all valuable equipment from the aircraft and left the empty hull at the landing site. There is a 4 km long paved trail leading to the plane from the car park. Tourists who have been there talk about the incredible impressions of the sight of the wreckage of the plane in the middle of deserted kilometres of black beach.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Northern Lights Tours by Loki Travel

4/5
2 reviews
Iceland is one of the few countries where you can see the northern lights. The most likely period to see this natural phenomenon is from September to April. It is also recommended to go to the north of the country or to the Western Fjords – the dark time of day there lasts longer, which means more chances to see the coveted multi-coloured flashes in the sky. There are special organised auto tours for those who want to “catch” the northern lights.