Iceland is one of the most visually stunning places in the world. Geothermic landscapes combined with an explosion of colour give this country a landscape we’re more used to seeing in fairy tales. Fiery sunsets, icy blue lagoons, multi-coloured mountains, dramatic waterfalls. It’s a real treat for your peepers!
To give you a taste of what to expect we’ve put together a collection of our Top 10 Natural Attractions in Iceland. See how their appearance changes through the seasons.
Nature has never seemed so powerful!
The Blue Lagoon is lovely so we’ve included it (even though it’s man made) but it’s more or less the same in summer and winter!
1. Lake Mývatn
There’s much to marvel at Lake Mývatn, such as the waterfall of the Gods. It is considered to be the most famous waterfall in Europe. You can also spot a variety of bird-life, climb volcanic craters and stroll around beautiful lakes.
2. Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is considered to be one of the most photographed waterfalls in the country. It drops a full 200ft to what was once the coastline. Visitors can hike around the pool to the back of the falls.
3. Glymur
Thundering down 650 feet into a lush, green gorge, Glymur is the tallest waterfall in Iceland. The river Botnsá flows from the lake Hvalvatn along a flat area before plunging down the cliff. The word glymur means crash/rumble in Icelandic and refers to the enormous sound of the rushing falls.
4. Gullfoss
Gullfoss means “Golden Falls” and it is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. The water plunges down a three step staircase and then tumbles tumbles 105ft into a steep-sided canyon, kicking up a wall of spray. On sunny days, the spray creates shimmering rainbows over the gorge. This is a truly amazing spectacle and a rewarding scene after a nice hike.
5. Thórsmörk
A hidden valley deep in the Icelandic Outback, Thórsmörk is a verdant realm filled with curling gorges, flower-filled leas, icy streams, and views to three looming glaciers that guard the quiet hamlet from harsher weather.
6. Skaftafell National Park
Skaftafell’s star attraction is undoubtedly the ice caves. Unfortunately these are only formed during the winter months. However, the natural phenomenon is quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before!
7. Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is an astonishing place, a hot springs area set in a flat gravel plain between a glacial river and the front of a fifteenth-century lava flow. The landscape oozes rugged grandeur, with sharp-peaked mountains, brightly streaked in orange, grey and green, rising to a snowy plateau.
8. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
The sight of icebergs floating on crystal blue water at the bottom of a towering glacier is, put simply, a magical scene. Birds swoop above and seals splash about in the water as they swim alongside the floating ice.
9. Hornbjarg
These ocean cliffs are one of the most stunning sights on Iceland’s entire coastline as a razor-backed ridge is carved against the sky. The inland part forms a sheer-hill scooping down to a lovely plateau. Whereas the opposite side is a pure 534 meters drop to the sea.
10. Blue Lagoon
Located in a lava field, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited touristed attractions in Iceland. It’s man made but that shouldn’t detract from an awe inspiring sight should you take the plunge and visit.
Feel inspired to travel to Iceland? Don’t forget to book your car hire! Or, for more natural wonder from around the world check out some of our other favourite destinations here.
I went to Iceland only in summers many times but I really wanna go there in winters as well. I am planning a seven days trip to go there with my family. I am super excited for this trip. Thanks for sharing this trip and tripguide.is will help me to plan out this trip.