Top 7 things to see in Iceland : Exploring the Ring Road

Iceland, the land of fire and ice where majestic landscapes and surreal beauty converge. If you have done any research at all, you will have heard of both the Ring Road and the Golden Circle and I will talk about those in this post, the truth is there are just too many things to do in Iceland, I cannot cover them all in this post so I will just highlight some of my favorites from my visit.

Of all the countries we have visited, this is my absolute favorite of all time, and the place I am most eager to return to as soon as possible because there is truly so much to discover in Iceland!

So here is a highlight reel of some of the most breathtaking views that will illustrate all the reasons to visit Iceland.

Things to see in Iceland:

1. Skogafoss:

Skogafoss waterfall is a mesmerizing cascade plunging 60 meters into a serene pool below.

This is a must see waterfall on your itinerary.

Part of the ring road, it is literally right off the road on the south side of the island. No hiking required making it kid/family friendly, you can literally drive right up to a parking lot near the waterfall.

If you are feeling up for a challenge, you can climb the stairs beside the falls for a panoramic view that will absolutely steal your breath away. I would recommend, however, a good raincoat and possibly a change of clothes. The mist is so powerful you are bound to get wet.

2. The Blue Lagoon:

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa nestled in a lava field just outside of Reykjavik (and very close to the airport).

These pools allow you to immerse yourself in the milky-blue waters rich in natural minerals. And yes, the water truly is this blue! With other geothermal pools in the past, I have experienced overwhelming sulfuric smells that often stick to swimsuits; however, this one wasn't too bad and with a good wash, the smell came out of my suit.

You do have to book a ticket to enter these pools, and there are several packages available that you can choose from here. We did the most basic package that came with one free drink of choice at the swim-up bar and one mud mask of our choosing.

Beyond the pools, they offer saunas, fresh spring water fountains (inside the geothermal pools), drinks, and other spa treatments for an additional cost. We did this first thing on our Iceland visit because of its proximity to the airport, and the relaxation worked wonders for our jet-lagged bodies.

This is unfortunately unavailable at this time due to the volcano that is erupting nearby. Lava has spread close to the pools and is currently covering the parking lot of Blue Lagoon.

3. Reykjavik:

You may wonder if visiting Iceland is complete without a visit to Reykjavik, the answer is no. The vibrant capital city where colorful houses dot the skyline and creativity thrives has so much to offer!

We had a lot of fun exploring the charming cafes, street art, and the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church. You can go inside during the weekdays and its definitely worth a peek inside.

4. Black Sand Beach:

This is one of the Iceland destinations that you cannot miss, it is a scene straight out of a surreal painting. The "sand" is mostly tiny pebbles, so don't expect to be making any sandcastles.

But the view is breathtaking, and there are some very cool rock formations and caves to check out along the shoreline.

Just be sure to pay attention to the tide tables; we were warned more than once to watch the waves, as unsuspecting tourists sometimes get caught in the caves or on the rocks due to a quick-shifting tide.

5. Fjadrargljufur Canyon:

Tucked away in the southeastern part of Iceland lies Fjadrargljufur Canyon, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This view alone is what makes Iceland worth visiting.

To reach this point you hike along a well marked trail that I would consider easy/moderate. The rock formations are so breathtaking and the colors are so vibrant, you will have a hard time tearing your eyes away from the incredible landscape.

6. Studlagil Canyon: Nature's Mosaic Masterpiece

Another canyon that will take your breath away is Studlagil Canyon, located on the northeastern side of the island. This canyon is characterized by basalt columns create a kaleidoscope of geometric patterns similar to those that are found at the black sand beach.

This unique landscape, carved by glacial waters, offers a mesmerizing blend of colors and textures making it one of the top Iceland destinations. While you are there you can explore its trails and cross wooden bridges down in the canyons.

7. The Fagradalsfjall Volcano

Personally I consider this to be one of the number one things to see in Iceland. Iceland is an island built of many volcanos, and if you are lucky there might be an active volcano during your visit.

We were lucky enough to catch this one in action. For the majority of our trip it was shrouded by mist, but we kept an eye on it over a live youtube stream, and when we saw it clearing we rushed over late in the evening to check it out.

To get a decent view of this volcano you will have to hike. I would say it is intermediate to difficult depending on your fitness. The hardest part is the drastic elevation change because you are basically going straight up the side of a mountain.

While we were hiking we did see many Iceland tour companies taking groups of all ages and abilities up the trail. If you aren't a confident hiker this might be the best option for you.

Embrace the Magic: Visit Iceland

If someone asked you what is Iceland known for, you may have initially answered vikings, but hopefully after reading this post you have a whole new understanding of what traveling to Iceland would look like.

Heed the call of adventure, follow the trail of waterfalls and hotsprings, and let the Ring Road guide you on a journey like no other. Embrace the magic of all that Iceland is known for and I promise you will not be disappointed.

So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and set off on an Icelandic adventure of a lifetime. The land of fire and ice awaits—

Cheers!

The American gypsy

FAQ

When to Visit Iceland?

It all depends on what you want out of your trip. If you want to see the northern lights, winter is better since the sun is up for almost 15-20 hours during the summer . If you want to see the puffins, spring is your best bet. We went in August and absolutely loved the weather we had, so when to travel to Iceland is all up to your personal preference.

What does Iceland look like?

It is hard to sum up Iceland's features in a few sentences but it is truly breathtaking. I have never seen a more naturally beautiful place before. Check out the pictures above to see where to go in Iceland for the instagrammable photo ops.

Do you need a visa to go to Iceland?

Generally you do not need an Iceland visa to visit. If you are not a nordic visitor, you will need to bring a valid passport to fulfill Iceland entry requirements. As always check the most current information put out by their government.

What is the best way to see Iceland?

One of the Iceland travel tips I tell all my friends is to do this trip in a van. It is seriously so much easier and gives you the freedom of traveling Iceland without having to backtrack to a hotel after each excursion.

Is Iceland a good place to visit?

I have visited a lot of incredible places, but anytime anyone asks me where they should go, or what my favorite trip has been my answer is always Iceland. Its natural beauty and incredible history make the list of things to do in Iceland extensive.