Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland: The Ultimate Bucket List for Travelers

From fiery volcanoes to frozen glaciers, Iceland is a land where nature reigns supreme. Every waterfall, geyser, and lava field tells a story of the Earth’s untamed beauty. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or floating in a geothermal lagoon, the country offers experiences found nowhere else on the planet. Here are the top 10 things to do in Iceland that every traveler should include in their itinerary.

1. 🌌 Witness the Northern Lights

Seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across Iceland’s dark winter sky is one of life’s most magical experiences. Between September and April, the skies ignite with waves of green, pink, and violet light. Head to remote locations like Þingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, or Kirkjufell Mountain for the best views.💡 Tip: Check the Kp index and weather forecasts for clear skies, and dress warmly for a long night of aurora hunting.

2. 💦 Relax in the Blue Lagoon

A visit to the Blue Lagoon near Keflavík is an experience that perfectly captures Iceland’s spirit of wellness and innovation. Set in a vast lava field, this geothermal spa is world-famous for its milky-blue waters rich in silica, sulfur, and other healing minerals. When these natural minerals were discovered to have soothing effects on the skin, the Blue Lagoon quickly became a curious retreat for travelers seeking both relaxation and rejuvenation.

Over time, it transformed from a hidden local gem into one of the 25 Wonders of the World—a remarkable place that represents everything Iceland prides itself on: nature, sustainability, and serenity. The temperature stays around 38°C year-round, offering a warm, soothing contrast to the cool air outside.

Guests can unwind in steaming pools, enjoy in-water massages, or indulge in skincare rituals using Blue Lagoon’s signature mineral masks. For the ultimate experience, try the exclusive Retreat Lagoon and Spa, where lava walls, private pools, and tranquil design elevate this natural wonder to a luxurious escape.

💡 Tip: For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the evening—and don’t miss a drink from the swim-up bar as you float under Iceland’s surreal sky.

3. 🏙️ Explore Reykjavík – Iceland’s Cool Capital

Reykjavík may be small, but it’s full of creativity and charm. Wander through colorful streets lined with murals, dine on Icelandic lamb or seafood, and explore landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Sun Voyager sculpture. In the evening, the city buzzes with cozy cafés, live music, and Northern Lights tours departing right from downtown.

4. 🏞️ Visit Þingvellir National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir (Thingvellir) is where Iceland’s first parliament was founded in 930 AD—and where you can literally walk between two continents. The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart here, forming rift valleys, cliffs, and crystal-clear fissures. It’s a place that blends geology, history, and stunning natural scenery.

5. 🌋 Watch the Geysers Explode

In the Geysir Geothermal Area, the earth bubbles and steams with incredible power. While the original “Great Geysir” is now mostly dormant, nearby Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting hot water up to 30 meters high. The surrounding landscape of boiling mud pools and sulfur vents makes it one of Iceland’s most unforgettable natural attractions.

6. 💧 Marvel at Gullfoss Waterfall

Known as the “Golden Falls,” Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Cascading in two powerful tiers into a deep canyon, it’s a highlight of the Golden Circle Route. On sunny days, you can see rainbows arching through the mist—a photographer’s dream and one of Iceland’s most iconic views.

7. 🤿 Snorkel Between Two Continents

For a truly unique adventure, snorkel or dive at Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir National Park. This narrow crack between the Eurasian and North American plates is filled with glacial water so pure it offers visibility over 100 meters. It’s one of the only places in the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates—a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

8. 🧊 Hold a Piece of a Glacier on Diamond Beach

Near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in South Iceland lies Diamond Beach, where shimmering pieces of ice wash ashore and sparkle against the black volcanic sand. These “diamonds” are fragments of glaciers that have broken off from Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Walking among them feels like stepping inside a frozen wonderland.

9. 🏖️ Walk on Iceland’s Black Sand Beaches

Iceland’s south coast is home to the dramatic Reynisfjara Beach, known for its jet-black volcanic sand, towering basalt columns, and roaring Atlantic waves. The beach’s eerie beauty has made it a filming location for shows like Game of Thrones. Visitors should admire the waves from a safe distance, as the surf can be powerful and unpredictable.

10. 🏔️ Discover the Highlands – Iceland’s Wild Heart

For the adventurous, the Icelandic Highlands offer the most remote and untouched landscapes in the country. Accessible mainly in summer by 4x4 vehicles, this vast wilderness features steaming geothermal valleys, multicolored rhyolite mountains, and volcanic deserts.Must-visit spots include Landmannalaugar, famous for its colorful hills and hot springs, and Askja Caldera, a breathtaking volcanic crater surrounded by lava fields.

🗺️ Plan Your Iceland Adventure

Iceland’s beauty lies in its diversity—from glowing glaciers to thundering waterfalls and lava-scarred lands. Whether you’re soaking in the Blue Lagoon, chasing the Northern Lights, or exploring the rugged Highlands, every experience feels like a glimpse into another world.

Marcopolo Holidays offers tailor-made Iceland holiday packages, combining comfort, adventure, and local insight to help you uncover the best of this extraordinary destination.