Ever since the snow melted (in April!) the Viking and I have been on a mission to explore as much of Iceland as possible. And explore we have! From the north of Iceland to Vestmannaeyjar in the south, from waterfalls to glaciers, these past few months have been filled with amazing adventures!
Now I know it is only August and the year is no where near over, but the weather in Iceland is quickly letting us know that our days of exploring are limited before the winter keeps us indoors. So while the rain has kept us inside the past few weekends I have been revisiting our trips this past year and have attempted to round up my favorites to share.
I don’t think my list of must see places in Iceland will ever stop growing, but you know that is what you get when you live in such a beautiful country! I give you, my 10 favorite places I have visited in Iceland this year. Enjoy, and make sure to add them to your list, you are going to want to see them all on your trip to Iceland I promise!
1. Brúarfoss
Want to visit a place most others in Iceland have never seen??? With water so blue it looks magical, Brúarfoss is a must see place in Iceland! And an added bonus, not to many people know of this gorgeous waterfall so you can enjoy Brúarfoss with hardly anyone else around! If you make the wise choice to add Brúarfoss to your Iceland itinerary be sure to write down these directions so you will be sure to find the blue waters of Brúarfoss.
2. Gunnuhver Geothermal Area
Geothermal areas are bubbling all over Iceland so be sure to add a visit to one while in Iceland! My favorite, Gunnuhver Geothermal Area, is an easy drive from Reykjavik and with the largest mud pot in Iceland and the groundwater being 100% seawater Gunnuhver is more than unique. Add in the beautiful rich colors covering the ground, massive steam clouds floating in the air and the ghost story of Gudrun this geothermal area is steaming with fun.
3. Kolugljúfur
When someone asks you if you want to visit a waterfall most people don’t know about what would be your answer? Mine is always going to be YES and that is how I got to spend my birthday morning at Kolugljúfur. Located in the North of Iceland Kolugljúfur is the perfect way to kick off a day of exploring with a big splash. I mean who doesn’t like enjoying big beautiful waterfalls all to themselves?
4. Grjótagjá
Picture this. You and your friends, soaking in a hot spring, inside of a lava cave. Sounds magical right? In the North of Iceland this magical dream can come true at the beautiful Grjótagjá. A visit to Grjótagjá has been on my Icelandic bucket list for way to long and let me just say, the beautiful blue water inside of the cave, it was magical you guys! Add this to your bucket list and get to Iceland!
5. Hraunfossar
Can’t get enough of waterfalls? Hraunfossar is the perfect place for you! A series of waterfalls streaming down over a distance of 900 meters, Hraunfossar is a waterfall lover (and photographers!) dream.
6. Elliðaárdalur
A place I feel lucky to visit often, Elliðaárdalur is an outdoor oasis in Reykjavik. With trails taking you alongside a river, through the forest, and up to a waterfall it is one of my favorite spots in the city. Make sure to keep your eyes out for some friendly bunnies hopping by!
7. Gljúfrabúi
Gljúfrabúi truly is a hidden gem in the south of Iceland! Located right next door to its well known big sister Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is a mostly hidden waterfall that requires a short walk back in a canyon to reach this beauty. Standing inside the canyon with nothing but the mist from Gljúfrabúi around you will be a highlight of your time in Iceland, guaranteed!
7. North Iceland
Charming small fishing towns, dozens upon dozens of waterfalls and a stunning coastline, the North of Iceland is one gorgeous place! You will lose track of the times you say, “wow that is stunning!” while visiting the North of Iceland, the beauty is never ending up there!
9. Kirkjufell
A unique mountain and three pretty little waterfalls all packed in one, its no wonder why Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed places in Iceland! Take your visit to Kirkjufell to the next level and visit at sunset, it will be one sunset you won’t forget.
10. Vestmannaeyjar
I just recently got to visit Vestmannaeyjar and it is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in Iceland! Vestmannaeyjar has some of the most gorgeous views I have seen in Iceland, and it is the largest puffin colony in the world. Stunning landscapes, puffins you can cuddle, a must visit place for sure!
Now try and pronounce the names of these beautiful places! Don’t worry half of them I can’t say either, but I can say you must visit these beautiful places, visit all of them, you won’t regret it!
Want more beautiful places in Iceland to add to your list? Check out my Iceland page for more must see spots and some handy tips as well!
Question of the Day?
Which place in Iceland would be on your list? Where should I visit next? visit?
