Top 3 Cities in Iceland
The most beautiful places in Iceland
Iceland, the fascinating island in the North Atlantic, attracts numerous travellers from all over the world every year with its breathtaking nature, unique landscapes, and rich cultural diversity. A holiday in Iceland promises unforgettable experiences and adventures amid an impressive backdrop of glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, and hot springs.
The capital, Reykjavík, offers the ideal starting point for explorations and a tour around Iceland. But Iceland has much more to offer than its capital city. The island is rich in natural treasures waiting to be discovered. From the famous route on the Golden Circle to the mighty Vatnajökull glacier and the black volcanic beaches, Iceland impresses with a variety of scenic highlights.
In this article, we present to you our top 3 most beautiful places in Iceland.
Interesting facts about Iceland
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The Secret Lagoon, known in Icelandic as Gamla Laugin, is considered Iceland's oldest swimming pool and offers an authentic Icelandic bathing experience.
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Official language: Icelandic
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In Iceland, there are so-called F-roads. These highland roads can only be driven on with four-wheel drive vehicles.
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In Iceland, children often do not have the same surname as their parents. Instead, the surname is formed from the father’s or mother’s first name, followed by the addition of -dóttir (daughter) or -son (son). Upon getting married, both partners keep their own surnames.
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Iceland can also be reached by car ferry from Denmark with one’s own car.
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The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is also called "Iceland in Miniature" because it combines all of Iceland's charms in a smaller form. A must-see on the peninsula is the Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Top 3 Cities in Iceland
Reykjavík
Iceland's capital, Reykjavík, is the northernmost capital in the world. In winter, magical northern lights can be observed in the sky from the cozy city with just 140,000 inhabitants. The magnificent Esja mountain range towers over the city.
Reykjavík not only offers breathtaking views and attractions itself, but it also serves as the ideal starting point for a tour of the Golden Circle (Gullni hringurinn). On the Golden Circle, some of Iceland's best attractions can be explored on a day trip.
The first stop on the Golden Circle is Þingvellir National Park, which among other things is home to the Silfra fissure and the Öxarárfoss waterfall. The journey continues to the Haukadalur valley – a geothermal area with hot springs and spectacular geysers such as the Great Geysir, from which all other geysers get their name, and the Strokkur geyser.
The last stop on the Golden Circle before returning to Reykjavík is one of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls. Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall) is responsible for the name of the Golden Circle, among other things.
Another day trip Reykjavík visitors should undertake is to the Blue Lagoon (Blue Lagoon, Bláa Lónið). The Blue Lagoon is a saltwater lake formed by the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant, which is now used as a thermal bath. Bathing in the mineral-rich, warm water is not only relaxing but is also said to alleviate various skin conditions. The characteristic blue-white color of the Blue Lagoon is thanks to silica algae.
In summary: Reykjavík itself has impressive landscapes and attractions to offer. The surrounding area with hot springs, geysers, and volcanic landscapes is worth several explorations.
Húsavík
Húsavík is a quaint town on the Skjálfandi Bay in the northeast of Iceland. Those who want to watch whales during their Iceland vacation should not miss a whale-watching tour from Húsavík. With a bit of luck, you can observe humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, harbour porpoises, or dolphins in their natural habitat.
If you haven't had enough of the gentle giants of the seas after whale watching, you can learn more about whales at the Whale Museum in Húsavík. The museum displays 11 whale skeletons from animals that died under natural circumstances in 8 exhibition rooms. It also provides information on the history of whaling and the evolution and biology of these fascinating marine creatures.
But Húsavík is not just about whales. The town is located at the foot of the volcanic mountain Húsavíkurfjall, which invites for extensive hikes through the picturesque Icelandic nature. Those who reach the summit of the mountain are rewarded with a breathtaking view over the Skjálfandi Bay.
Also in close proximity to Húsavík is Lake Botnsvatn, which can be circled as part of guided tours. About a 45-minute drive outside of Húsavík lies Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's most popular lakes. The volcanic lake impresses with its lava formations and pseudo-craters.
In summary: A whale-watching trip and a visit to the Whale Museum in Húsavík should be on the to-do list of every whale enthusiast. In addition, the small town offers beautiful hiking routes to scenic attractions.
Höfn
Those who want to fully enjoy the Icelandic nature and impressive glaciers will find their ideal place to stay in Höfn, located in the southeast of the island. This dreamy little town is situated on a peninsula at the foot of Vatnajökull, Iceland's largest glacier.
From here, exploration tours into the Vatnajökull National Park and the Skaftafell National Park are a must. You can also learn more about the famous glacier at the Glacier Museum in Höfn itself.
A particular highlight in the region is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. This is also where the mystical Diamond Beach is located. The impressive black sand beach is scattered with crystal-clear ice chunks polished by the sea, glittering like diamonds in the sun. The black beach is also covered by a compact layer of ice. In winter, travellers have the opportunity to visit magical blue ice caves from Jökulsárlón with an experienced guide.
In summary: In Höfn, you are close to Iceland's largest glacier. Here, unique ice landscapes await you, such as the Vatnajökull, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the black Diamond Beach.
Conclusion: Discover the land of ice
Whether you want to explore the unique landscape, marvel at the Northern Lights, or get up close with whales, Iceland promises unforgettable moments. Experience a journey into a world full of natural wonders and attractions of a special kind.
Has the travel bug bitten you, and do you want to experience the dreamlike landscapes of Iceland for yourself?
► Here, you can find more information about the toll regulations in Iceland to be optimally prepared for your trip.