Iceland is a country full of beautiful nature but also a vibrant culture of community, nightlife, and more. Whether visitors want to absorb the museums and history or get lost in the glaciers, waterfalls and hikes, there is something for everyone. The best trip tends to be a combination of every facet of the Icelandic world.
Rainbow Road, Dorde Drazic, CC0.
Cultural Attractions
Reykjavík tends to hold most of the cultural attractions and activities. This city is home to monuments, museums, and historical sites. One popular activity is to walk on the Rainbow Road, which is located on Skólavörðustígur street. It was painted in 2015 to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and diversity as a permanent pedestrian street. The walk leads directly up to the famous Hallgrímskirkja church, providing a popular photo spot filled with shops and cafes. If visitors wish to learn more about the history of Iceland, the Saga Museum in Reykjavík is a great option with its unique model of recreations of famous scenes from the viking era in Iceland’s history with life-size figures. For a museum more focused on art, one must check out the National Gallery of Iceland, also located in the capital city. Whether visiting their permanent collection or whichever exhibition that they have at the time, it’s an activity for immersing yourself in the art and culture of Iceland.
Outdoor Activities
Black Sand Beach, Francesco Ungaro, CC0.
Iceland has many outdoor activities to offer, and all at various levels. For a low-effort but amazingly beautiful outdoor adventure, visitors should explore black sand beaches, one of the most famous being Reynisfjara, located near Vík in South Iceland. It's known for its dramatic basalt columns, often with puffins and other creatures overlooking it, just like you! However, be warned, this, as well as most beaches, has sneaky and very strong waves; keep your distance from the water. There has been a recent erosion of the beach structure in the last year. Just ensure you follow the safety protocols on the Black Beach Safety site. It’s still a must-see otherworldly place!
For a more involved activity, one absolutely must go for a hike if the weather permits. There are so many routes to choose from, almost all of which include beautiful views of waterfalls and indescribable nature. One of the most unique hikes is the Reykjadalur Geothermal River, which is just a day hike, and the trail leads to a hot, batheable river. It’s a moderate hike, almost two miles long, near Hveragerði in South Iceland, which is approximately 45 mins from Reykjavík. Another great option is the Dettifoss & Selfoss Waterfall Loop. This loop is a short walk in North Iceland, viewing two of the most powerful waterfalls. The walk has a fully paved road accessible by all standard vehicles with parking lots on both ends; one can access it directly off the Ring Road.
Unique Experiences:
One of Iceland's lesser-known areas to explore is Vestmannaeyjar, a cluster of western islands. Vestmannaeyjar is a hub for spotting puffins! There are many tours visitors can go on that help see these cute birds, as well as explore the volcanoes in this area of the country. Additionally, there is a Viking town where one of the first Viking families settled, which is preserved for visitors to explore and learn about. These islands also contain the world's first Beluga Whale Sanctuary in addition to the biggest puffin colony. It’s a hidden gem that could be a one-day excursion or an overnight, multiple-day part of your Icelandic experience.