Resting on the edge of the Arctic Circle and sitting atop one of the world’s most volcanically active hot spots, Iceland is an inspiring mix of magisterial glaciers, bubbling hot springs, and rugged fjords, where activities such as hiking under the Midnight Sun are complemented by healthy doses of history and literature. The best places to visit in Iceland take you from thundering waterfalls and black-sand beaches to steaming lava fields and massive glaciers. The Golden Circle serves up geysers and hot springs, while Reykjavik hums with creative energy. Further afield, the Westfjords offer rugged beauty, and the remote Highlands feel like another planet. Chase the northern lights, soak in a geothermal lagoon, or drive the epic Ring Road — Iceland is pure adventure.
Questions about the best places to see in Iceland
What is the best place to visit in Iceland?−
Most travelers start with Reykjavík, but the real draw is Iceland’s wild landscapes. The Golden Circle – which includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss – is the easiest way to see waterfalls, hot springs, and tectonic rifts in one loop.
But the best place to visit depends on your route. The South Coast offers dramatic glaciers and black sand beaches, while the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is like a mini version of the whole country – lava fields, fishing villages, and volcanoes all packed into one region.