Visiting Iceland is less about ticking off sights and more about immersing yourself in landscapes so powerful they feel alive. From glaciers that stretch to the horizon to geothermal pools steaming in the Arctic air, Iceland is one of the few places where nature steals the entire show. Here’s where to go when visiting Iceland if you want to experience its stunning beauty.
Reykjavík
Most journeys begin in Reykjavík, Iceland’s lively capital. It’s small enough to explore on foot, with colourful houses, street art, and a thriving café scene. Spend time along the harbour, take in views from Hallgrímskirkja church, and soak up the local rhythm before heading out into the wild.
The Golden Circle
For first-time visitors, the Golden Circle is an essential introduction to Iceland, a roughly 300-kilometre route that captures the country’s most iconic landscapes in a single day. The journey begins at Þingvellir National Park, a place where history and geology intertwine. Here, you can walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, framed by jagged cliffs and serene lakes, while standing in the very spot where Iceland’s Viking settlers established the world’s oldest parliament.
Next, the Geysir geothermal area offers a dramatic contrast, with steaming vents, bubbling pools, and the famous Strokkur geyser erupting regularly into the sky. The route culminates at Gullfoss, a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall that plunges into a deep canyon, often creating shimmering rainbows in the mist. Taken together, these stops provide a perfect snapshot of Iceland’s natural power, geological wonder, and centuries-old history, all easily explored in one unforgettable loop.
South Coast
Next is Iceland’s dramatic South Coast, a region that boasts some of the country’s most photographed and awe-inspiring landmarks. Begin with Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can walk behind, feeling the cool spray on your skin as the water plunges into the gorge below. A short drive away is Skógafoss, a powerful cascade that roars as it falls from 60 metres, often creating rainbows in its mist and offering a staircase to panoramic views from above.
Further along the coast lies Reynisfjara Beach, famous for its striking black sands, towering basalt columns, and the jagged Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising from the North Atlantic. The landscape feels otherworldly, with crashing waves and dramatic cliffs providing a perfect backdrop for photographs, or quiet reflection.
Continue east to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where luminous icebergs drift slowly toward the sea, their blues and whites shimmering in the sunlight. Just across the road is Diamond Beach, where fragments of glacial ice glint like jewels against the black sand, creating a surreal and magical contrast that embodies the stark beauty of Iceland. Every stop along the South Coast offers a chance to immerse yourself in the country’s raw, elemental landscapes, far beyond what a standard itinerary captures.
The Highlands
Summer in Iceland unveils the Highlands, a remote interior of rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and steaming hot springs that feels almost extraterrestrial. Landmannalaugar steals the show, its rainbow-hued hills and volcanic peaks creating hiking trails that are as breathtaking as they are otherworldly.
Each step through its rugged valleys or along geothermal streams feels like an intimate encounter with nature in its purest form. Far from the usual tourist routes, the Highlands offer solitude and raw beauty, a place to wander and marvel. On a private, tailor-made trip, you can explore hidden geothermal pools, volcanic craters, and sweeping vistas, enjoying the sense of discovery and exclusivity that only the Highlands can provide.
The Westfjords
The Westfjords remain Iceland’s best-kept secret, a region where dramatic fjords carve into a stark, untouched coastline. Steep cliffs, quiet coves, and cascading waterfalls dominate the landscape, offering a serene retreat for travellers seeking peace and privacy. Dynjandi, a tiered waterfall that fans out like lace over rocky cliffs, is a sight that lingers in the memory long after departure.
Puffin colonies, rugged beaches, and remote fishing villages dot the region, creating an authentic Icelandic experience far from the crowds. For those yearning for quiet exploration, a bespoke tour of the Westfjords combines the thrill of adventure with the calm of solitude, revealing a side of Iceland few ever witness.
North Iceland
Northern Iceland presents a strikingly different perspective, where volcanic landscapes, tranquil lakes, and abundant wildlife converge. Akureyri, the country’s second city, serves as a charming base, its boutique cafés and colourful architecture a welcome contrast to the surrounding wilderness. Venture to Lake Mývatn, a geothermal wonderland of bubbling mud pools, lava formations, and steaming vents that showcase Iceland’s volcanic heart.
Nearby, Húsavík, the whale-watching capital, offers encounters with humpbacks, minke whales, and occasionally the elusive blue whale. Northern Iceland is a playground for photographers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
The best way to experience Iceland is on a private, tailor-made tour, guided by experts who know the country intimately. Whether you want to spend the endless daylight of summer chasing waterfalls or embark on an epic Iceland winter tour, hiking glaciers and witnessing the northern lights, every adventure is carefully crafted to showcase Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes.
With Hidden Iceland’s luxury Iceland tours, you don’t just visit Iceland but truly immerse yourself in it. Their expert guides craft each trip to reveal the Iceland that few travellers ever see, including remote waterfalls cascading into hidden valleys, secret geothermal pools, glacier hikes far from the crowds, and untouched coastal vistas.
As Iceland’s leading luxury tour operators, Hidden Iceland combines deep local knowledge with seamless planning, ensuring every moment of your adventure is unforgettable.
