Iceland Travel Guide: Top Places to Visit

A Minimalist Adventure Around Iceland’s Ring Road

I always imagined a trip to Iceland as something wild and complicated — not exactly beginner-friendly. That’s why, for our first visit, we joined a guided group tour. We thought we couldn’t handle the country on our own and exaggerated the challenges of Iceland’s wilderness.

In reality, Iceland is raw, wild, and epic — but surprisingly easy to explore. The famous Ring Road circles the entire island, with straightforward access to most must-see locations. If you’ve traveled independently before (booked your own stays, rented a car abroad, managed in English), you’ll be absolutely fine planning this adventure yourself.

Here’s our list of essential spots to see in Iceland:

The northernmost capital in the world feels minimalistic, practical, and built to survive tough weather. Stroll through quiet streets with steel-clad houses disguised as wood, cozy cafés, and small shops.

• Don’t miss Hallgrímskirkja Church, the striking Lutheran landmark.
• Visit the glassy Harpa Concert Hall for its stunning architecture.
• See the Sun Voyager sculpture, a steel Viking ship by the sea.
• If you’re ready to relax right away, soak in a small hot spring near Grótta Lighthouse.

A great choice for a first hike in Iceland. The trail to the top is truly spectacular. If conditions allow (no flooding), you can even cross the river barefoot to make a circular route around the canyon — a fun and memorable experience.

There’s nothing better than relaxing in hot springs after an active hike. These simple but cozy baths offer a fantastic sea view and the perfect Icelandic-style recovery.

A natural rock formation that looks like an elephant drinking from the ocean when the tide is right. I personally saw it more as a mammoth — fitting for Iceland’s atmosphere — but everyone sees it differently.

A historic turf farm and cultural site featuring beautifully preserved traditional Icelandic houses. It offers a glimpse into the daily life of early Icelanders through its unique architecture, furnishings, and exhibits.

An interesting stop on your trip around the island — one of the oldest turf churches in Iceland. Small, peaceful, and full of character.

A lovely waterfall and a great place for a short, refreshing walk surrounded by nature.

One of the most unique and fascinating spots in Iceland. Yes, it smells strongly of sulfur, and yes, there are plenty of midges (especially in late August–September). But the boiling mud, steam vents, and orange landscapes make this place feel absolutely otherworldly.

A bright turquoise lake inside a volcanic crater — the colors and the views are breathtaking and well worth the stop.

Stand on two continents at once where the North American and Eurasian plates meet. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan — there is Jon Snow and Ygritte’s cave (Grjótagjá).

Europe’s most powerful waterfall — and one of the most impressive we’ve seen. The dramatic canyon and the sheer force of the water make it feel alive, almost pulling you in with its energy. Truly a “wow” place.

A stunning basalt column canyon that’s become quite famous. When we visited, it was foggy and the water wasn’t the usual blue, but the formations were still beautiful. Keep in mind that weather can completely change your experience here.

A striking waterfall known for the red and pink layers in the surrounding cliffs. The hike up is fantastic, and along the way, you can see unique rock formations, including basalt columns, up close.

A quiet, beautiful waterfall surrounded by stepped rock formations. A peaceful stop worth a short break.

One of Iceland’s most iconic spots — a black sand beach with dramatic mountains in the background. A photographer’s dream.

Take your time here to watch icebergs break off from Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull. It’s mesmerizing to see this natural process up close. And don’t forget to grab a local specialty — a lobster hot dog from a nearby food stand.

Just across from the glacier lagoon, this black sand beach is scattered with sparkling pieces of ice — a surreal and unforgettable sight.

Another fantastic glacier spot where you can get close enough to touch the ice. This is where Interstellar was filmed, and standing among the massive blue ice tongues feels truly unreal.

A winding, lush canyon that’s just as beautiful in real life as in photos — and yes, Game of Thrones fans might recognize it.

Probably one of my favorite places in Iceland. Tall, thin waterfalls, epic cliffs, and views that feel almost heavenly — pure magic.

A famous waterfall you can walk behind — one of the most popular photo spots in Iceland. Bring a raincoat; you’ll definitely get a little wet!

A nearby waterfall, smaller and less crowded than Seljalandsfoss, but just as beautiful.

The face of Iceland’s waterfalls — tall, wide, and majestic. It’s often crowded, but if you come early or late in the day, you can enjoy it in peace.

A world-famous black sand beach on Iceland’s South Coast, known for its basalt columns, sea cave, and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the ocean.

A nearby viewpoint with massive sea arches, long stretches of black sand, and a chance to see puffins nesting on the cliffs.

Another must-see waterfall — powerful, beautiful, and part of the classic Golden Circle route.

Located in the Haukadalur geothermal park, Strokkur erupts every 6–10 minutes, shooting boiling water high into the air. A must-see to fully appreciate Iceland’s geothermal power.

A fascinating area of hardened lava fields, some still warm and faintly smoking. It’s incredible to walk across such fresh geological history.

A world-famous Icelandic spa — an artificial geothermal lagoon located near a thermal power plant. Despite its popularity, it’s worth a visit for its milky-blue water and relaxing atmosphere, especially after a week of exploring.

A perfect spot for Northern Lights watching. It’s far enough from city lights to offer a clear, dark sky — this is where we saw our very first aurora. You might want to save this location for the same purpose. The brightest aurora, though, appeared near Keflavík Airport — a magical farewell from Iceland.

Iceland is dramatic yet simple to travel. Whether you join a group or plan your own adventure, you’ll find it unforgettable. The landscapes shift from fiery geothermal fields to icy glaciers and thundering waterfalls, all along one road.

If Iceland is on your bucket list — don’t wait. Just go.

We captured our trip in a 4K cinematic film and short daily episodes — you can watch them all in our Iceland YouTube playlist.

Thanks to our amazing guide for making this journey even better — follow his adventures here.