Situated in Northern Europe, Iceland offers many places to visit and some of the most unique, breathtaking landscapes on the planet.
It's geologically active due to its location in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which features some of the most active volcanoes in the world.
There is so much to see and do in this beautiful country. Below you'll discover some of the best places to visit.
Table of Contents
Top Places in Iceland
Bláskógabyggð – The Northern Lights
Okay, so Bláskógabyggð isn't the first place you think of when looking at Iceland holidays, but it's one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights are one of the biggest attractions of Iceland, drawing thousands of tourists each year.
While they can be viewed from many parts of the country and occasionally light up the skies of Reykjavík, the smaller towns and villages such as Bláskógabyggð, offer a much clearer view of this natural phenomenon.
You'll also find the famous Gullfoss Waterfall here. So even if you aren't lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights during your stay, you'll still have a fantastic experience.
Grindavik –Home to the beautiful Blue Lagoon
The village of Grindavik may be small, but it's home to the best-known attraction in Iceland.
The beautiful Blue Lagoon boasts 6 million liters of geothermal water (a combination of fresh and saltwater).
Naturally heated between 98.6 F and 102 F (37 C and 39 C), the lagoon water is known for its excellent health benefits.
There's also a waterfall, a steam bath made from a lava cave, a gift shop, and a café to be enjoyed.
But that's not all this charming village has to offer. It's one of the most surprising destinations for tourists, offering everything from exciting annual festivals to the best golf course in Iceland.
Greenland – The most remote part of the world
While technically separate from Iceland, Greenland is a popular Icelandic holiday extension.
If you book an Iceland holiday via Exodus Travels Limited, you'll find offers to explore the many beautiful sights of the world's biggest island.
To put Greenland's size into perspective, it runs the length of about Scotland through to the Sahara!
Despite being the largest island in the world, its population is just 57,500 people, with the most living in scattered settlements on the western coast.
A walking tour along the Eastern coast is highly recommended if you're looking to experience the more untouched parts of the island.
There you will enjoy stunning views of icebergs and unspoiled wilderness. It's one of the most remote parts of the world, making any visit a truly unforgettable experience.
Related: Top 10 Things To Do in Iceland
Askja – An outer world experience
As Iceland is mainly known for its volcanic activity, you don't want to miss out on witnessing its many.
Askja is situated within the Dyngjufjoll Mountains, and it's one of the most impressive attractions the country has to offer.
Upon arrival, you'll feel like you've stepped onto another planet. A vast crater houses a geothermal lake that has a beautiful milky turquoise color.
If you're willing to climb down the crater's sides, you can enjoy a relaxing dip in the lake.
An interesting fact about Askja is that American astronauts once used it as a training ground due to its unique lunar landscape.
Landmannalauger – A hiker's paradise
Another part of Iceland to boast a unique, unearthly landscape is Landmannalauger. Situated in the Highlands of Iceland, its most significant appeal is its wild-colored hills.
It has a rugged, natural landscape and is a firm favorite with hikers worldwide. It's worth noting that this part of the country is only accessible in the summer months.
Iceland's location and geography give it a unique edge over most other countries, creating diverse, exotic landscapes you won't find anywhere else.
We hope you'll consider these places to visit when planning your trip to Iceland.
This post was written by a guest contributor. Please reference the author’s byline in the post above for more information. If you would like to guest post on Go Backpacking, please read our submission guidelines. For information on advertising opportunities, go here.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
gg2106
Monday 8th of August 2016
Iceland is totally my kind of vacation. That compelling Blue lagoon inspires me to visit Iceland again.
Katie @ tea break project
Friday 29th of July 2016
Sounds amazing. Iceland has been on my list for ages and ages - and weirdly, perhaps, so has Greenland. I have a weird attraction to super remote places, and Greenland definitely fits the bill for that. Great list :-)