16 Must-Visit Natural Landmarks in Iceland

Iceland, the land of ice and fire, is a breathtaking destination. The nature here is unlike anywhere else on Earth. I’ve teamed up with other travel experts to bring you the top must-visit natural landmarks in Iceland.

Contents hide

1 Diamond Beach

2 Fagradsafjall Volcano

3 Gullfoss

4 Hallmundarhraun Lava Field

5 Hverir Geothermal Area

6 Ice Caves

7 Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

8 Kirkjufell

9 Myvatn Nature Baths

10 Reykjadalur Hot Springs

11 Reynisfjara

12 Silfra Diving

13 Skogafoss

14 Snaefellsjokull

15 Strokkur Geysir

16 Þingvellir National Park

17 Read More about Iceland

18 Save “Best Natural Landmarks in Iceland” for Later!

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Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is a popular beach along the south Iceland coast. Located across from the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, the strip of black sand gets its name because it appears to be studded with giant diamonds. Nestled at the opening to the largest glacial lagoon in Iceland, the “diamonds” on Diamond Beach are actually large chunks of ice. The ice chunks break off icebergs and wash ashore as they make their way to the ocean. The volcanic black sand creates a picturesque and stark contrast to the white and blue chunks of ice that litter the shore.

This unique natural landmark in Iceland is worth visiting not only for its beauty but because this stunning phenomenon may not be around forever. Unfortunately, due to climate change, the glaciers in Iceland are melting quickly, and within decades the diamonds at Diamond Beach could ultimately be no more. 

Fagradsafjall Volcano

The Fagradsafjall volcano is one of the most recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland. From March 2021 to about October 2021 this volcano erupted regularly and uniquely – it behaved almost like a geyser (an eruption every 5-10 minutes that lasted for 2-3 minutes). It also was unique in that it was located near Reykjavik (instead of in a remote, hard-to-reach area of Iceland) and was big enough to be impressive, but not so big that it was devastating to the country and impossible for visitors to come to watch. 

Today, the volcano has gone dormant, but a visit to the Fagradafjall lava fields is still very much worth your time! It is a 60-minute (sometimes steep) hike up to the fields, but when you’re there, you can get up close and personal with the hardened lava, and see the crackles and fissures in the lava fields. You can see just how vast the fields are, spreading several square miles. And some of the lava fields may still be warm! (This of course will change over time) In the distance, you can see the immense volcanic cone where lava spewed forth. It’s a really cool spot and a solid addition to any Iceland itinerary, and the best part is, that you can easily get here with any type of vehicle in under an hour from Reykjavik. The parking lot is off highway 427 and near the city of Grindavik – if you put “Fagradalsfjall Volcano” into your GPS, it should take you right there.

Gullfoss

One of the best landmarks in Iceland is one of the most unique waterfalls in the county – Gullfoss. The waterfall is actually two small stages of waterfalls.

The glacier Langjökull flows into the Hvítá river which cascades down into the two stages of Gullfoss. While the waterfall is relatively small, it makes up for it in beauty. It’s only 105 feet (around 32 meters) between the two stages – the first being 36 feet (11 meters) and the second being 70 feet (21 meters).

The waterfalls lay between a canyon that stands tall at 70 feet above the waterfall. Geologists believe that the canyon dates back to the last ice age and was created by glacial outbursts.

Depending on the time of the year that you visit, the amount of water coming down can change. In the summer, due to the glacier melting, there is a lot more water falling.

You can get up close to the waterfall – and no matter when you visit – the powerful spray will get you wet!

Hallmundarhraun Lava Field 

Iceland’s unique and dramatic landscape is out of this world, many sceneries may not be commonly seen in other countries on earth. One signature of the island is miles and miles of lava that cover the island without sight of tall trees and bushes. It has a reputation for lunarscape with a good reason. 

The highlands in central Iceland are a wonderful location to truly be immersed and appreciate the one-of-a-kind beauty that Iceland has to offer. Sign up for a guided tour and explore this sparsely inhabited plateau – due to the fast filtration of rain and snow into the ground, no plants can grow here in this volcanic desert.  

The tour takes off from Reykjavik, and it takes about 2 to 3 hours to drive up to the highlands, 500 meters above sea level. Note that no road was paved on the rocky surface, and for visitors who decided to travel there by themselves, make sure it is a 4×4 jeep. 

Hallmundarhraun lava field was formed after a giant eruption close to the Langjökull glacier around the year 930. This is where Iceland’s longest lava cave is located, and it is close to Langjökull, the second-largest glacier in Iceland. The highlands are on the Kaldidalur Road that connects to Þingvellir National Park and Gullfoss waterfall. 

Hverir Geothermal Area

Backpacking Iceland you’d come across Hverir, a wonder of nature. Also known as Hverarönd, Hverir is a vast barren landscape ripe with geothermal activity. Walking here evokes a feeling that you are not on earth but on some alien planet.

The yellow scenery is dotted with giant cracks, boiling mud pools, fumaroles, and vents hissing smoke and steam. The strong sulfurous smell might put off many but it perfectly complements the surreal landscape. Be advised to stay on the marked trail as straying away might pose a danger.

The site is located very close to Lake Myvatn and the foothill of the mount Namafjall. As Hverir is just next to the ring road, travelers visit it as part of the ring road itinerary.

A typical visit will last for around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you can withstand the overwhelming smell.

Alternatively, you can take a guided trip from the nearest town Akureyri, the itinerary will cover Lake Myvatn and the nearby attractions.

Hverir is open to travelers all through the year. You are free to roam around and there is no entrance fee to visit.

Tip: Get to the viewing platform first as this would give you a bird’s eye view of the whole area.

Ice Caves

About 11% of Iceland is covered in glaciers. You can actually go inside them by taking an ice cave tour! Also known as the Crystal Caves, Iceland’s ice caves are a brilliant blue color due to the way the sunlight shines through the ice. The glaciers are constantly changing as they freeze in winter and melt in summer, so each year the shape of the caves is different. 

Since the caves need to be frozen, the only time you can visit is in the winter. Iceland’s ice cave season runs from mid-November to mid-March. The only way to visit the caves is on a tour, both for safety and because they are located in a national park. Most tours are easy as you walk around inside an ice cave that is a few minutes from a road. But remote cave tours with hiking and climbing are also available. 

There are several ice cave locations in Iceland. The most famous caves and the main tour location is in Vatnajokull National Park, close to Jokulsarlon, the glacier lagoon. It’s about a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik. There are also newer ice cave tours at Mýrdalsjökull near Vik and at Svínafellsjökull in Skaftafell National Park. (Closer to Reykjavik, there is also a human-made ice tunnel at Langjokull.) If you are comfortable with winter driving, you can rent a 4-wheel-drive car with studded tires and drive yourself. But an easier option is to take a bus tour that includes an ice cave visit.

Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon is a magnificent scenic destination right off the Ring Road in Iceland in Vatnajokull National Park. This stunning iceberg-stuffed lagoon is formed by the melting and the calving of the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. The glacial lagoon is the deepest lake in Iceland.

Jokulsarlon is a brilliant cerulean blue lake with floating icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Watch for seals swimming in the water or relaxing on the huge chucks of glacier ice. An outlet river carries the icebergs to the sea. At the end of their journey, the icebergs crash into the waves and polished chucks of ice are washed back up on the black sand of Diamond Beach.

Boating on Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon is one of the best outdoor adventures of Iceland. You can take an amphibian boat tour or a smaller Zodiac boat tour to see the icebergs from water level. Or for more adventure, join a guided kayak tour out on the water.  

Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon is located on the south coast about a 5 hour drive from Reykjavik.

Kirkjufell

Located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, the distinctive Kirkjufell is one of the most easily recognized natural landmarks in Iceland. 

While it is a majestic sight on its own, you actually get two incredible landmarks for the price of one, with Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall at its base. This small waterfall tumbles into a stream at the base of Kirkjufell, creating a postcard-perfect scene.

Its natural beauty has made it an iconic spots for Iceland photography, providing awe-inspiring views that change dramatically depending on the season.

There is a trail to the top of Kirkjufell, however, it can be treacherous and is only advised for experienced mountain climbers.  Instead, there is a much easier and more family-friendly walking trail at the base of the mountain.

Nearby, the charming local town of Grundarfjordur is popular for hiking, golf, and horse riding.

Kirkjufell is easily found using most navigation apps.  There is a large parking area available and an easy/obvious path to the falls which is accessible year-round.

Myvatn Nature Baths

Nature in Iceland is very powerful. The Island itself and many forms of wanders are caused by the tectonic movement of two plates in the Atlantic ocean. One of those forms is also geothermal activity. Today they use it mainly to produce electricity and for home heating. But there are also many spas where that use this hot and mineral-rich water in pools where people can gain health benefits from soaking there. The most famous is the Blue Lagoon in the south. But if you are looking for something less crowded and cheaper you should visit Myvatn nature baths.

Here you can enjoy baths from 10h until 23h for 45 €. You should be aware that water here has a lot of sulfur. So you should be prepared for the smell of rotten eggs and you shouldn’t take any jewelry into the pool. It is located in the Myvatn basin with a lake. It is 45 minutes away from Husavik in the north, 1 hour from Akureyri in the west, and 2 hours from Egilsstaðir in the east. It’s one of the best places to travel to in Iceland.

Reykjadalur Hot Springs

For one of the most immersive experiences in Iceland, hike to the Reykjadalur Hot Springs, nestled in the vibrant green hills of Iceland’s highlands, and relax in its thermal waters. 

To reach the springs, you’ll need to go on a 2.5 mile hike (one-way) up into the mountains, passing by enormous waterfalls, boiling hot pots, and pools of impossibly-colored water. The trail is absolutely stunning- and arguably just as amazing as the destination itself!

At the end of your trek, you’ll find the Reykjadalur River, with a long stretch of hot springs for bathers to spread out and find a spot that’s the perfect temperature for them. Once you’ve found the perfect place to relax, lay back and take in the rolling hills, dotted with adorable Icelandic sheep, around you.

Reykjadalur Hot Springs is located in the town of Hveragerði, about a 45-minute drive southwest of Reykjavik, and conveniently located en route to other attractions in the south of Iceland along the Ring Road, like Vik or Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Reynisfjara

Reynisfjara is one of the most popular things to do near Vik, Iceland. This black sand beach is one of the most famous natural landmarks in Southern Iceland. 

The black sand is formed by crushed lava from previous volcanic eruptions on the island. These beaches have become very popular for tourists in the area. 

One of the things that make Reynisfjara unique is the large formations of basalt columns that are right on the edge of the beach. There is even a cave formed out of the basalt columns!

From Reynisfjara you can get a fantastic view of Reynisdrangar right off the coast in the North Atlantic Ocean. These famous landmarks make for stunning photos with the black sand beach. 

You can even book a horse riding tour on the beach which I highly recommend! It was one of the main highlights of visiting Iceland for us. 

Reynisfjara is definitely worth the stop in Southern Iceland and should be on everyone’s Iceland bucket list. 

Silfra Diving

If you are road tripping through Iceland you may think to stop at Thingvellir National Park for the Ocararfoss waterfall but a spot not to miss out on for the adventurous is the Silfra dive spot which is also inside the national park.  

What makes this natural Icelandic landmark so unique is that the diving area is set between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Each year the plates drift further apart by about 2 cm (0.79 in). An earthquake in 1789 is what caused many different cracks to form in the rock creating the divide. Silfra is one of the largest and deepest of them all that is located at the rim of Þingvallavatn Lake. 

The reason people specifically dive here besides being the only place you can swim between two tectonic plates is that the water is said to be the clearest in the whole world. This is due to Silfra piercing into the underwater glacier spring water which filters through volcanic lava before being fed back into Silfra. The clarity of sight is as far as 100 meters. The water here is ice cold all year round yet it never freezes because of the continuous gradual flow.

Location: 64.255746, -21.117824 Thingvellir, Iceland

Skogafoss

One of the most famous (and beautiful) landmarks in Iceland is the breathtaking Skógafoss. It’s also one of the largest waterfalls – standing proudly at 200 feet (60 meters) tall and 82 feet (25 meters) wide. Not only is it quite large and beautiful, but it’s also powerful. Water goes over the falls at a rate of nearly 300 cubic feet per SECOND! The power probably comes from the fact that Skogafoss is fed directly by two glaciers – Eyjafjallajokull and Eyrdalsjokull.

You can walk right up to the waterfall on flat ground or climb the stairs on the side of the waterfall for a view from the top. It’s a steep 500-foot walk, but the stairs are stable and there is a handle for assistance. The views from the top of Skogafoss are stunning and will make you truly appreciate the beautiful landscape of Iceland.

Snaefellsjokull

Snaefellsjokull’s history dates back to 700 thousand years ago and has been a prominent inspiration for many works of literature and art, including the iconic Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne.

This stratovolcano stands 1,446m above sea level and was formed by a series of eruptions. Its glacier peak has been regarded as an important power site by travelers from around the world. Meanwhile, superstitious locals associate it with incredible energy and mysticism.

This glacier can easily fit into any countrywide road trip itinerary, including the Iceland Ring Road. It’s a spectacular vista with lots of geothermal activities and has some quaint fishing villages around it. There are also plenty of birds adorning the clear blue skies, which can make for an unforgettable birdwatching experience.

Located on the westernmost tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula and part of the Snaefellsjokull National Park, you can reach this landmark by a 2.5-hour car drive from Reykjavik.

Strokkur Geysir

Geysir Hot Spring area is one of the natural landmarks that you cannot miss when exploring the famous route of the Golden Circle. Strokkur geyser which erupts every few minutes attracts many visitors that are curious about Iceland’s geothermal features.

If you are lucky, you can see when Strokkur erupts 40 meters into the air. It is usually around 20 meters which is still really impressive. Tourists gather by the Geysir to see this beautiful natural phenomenon. There are not many geysers around the world that erupt so often so visiting Iceland can offer you an unforgettable experience.

Strokkur is a 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Reykjavik just off route 35. It is a popular place to visit during the first trip to Iceland. It is easy to find and not far from the capital. There are a few restaurants and hotels nearby such as Hotel Geysir where you can stay in beautiful Icelandic scenery.

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir, or Thingviller as it’s commonly written, is one of the best places in Iceland to witness geological processes first-hand. Not only is it an impressive piece of nature, it has strong ties to the history of Iceland. 

When Iceland was being settled, there were many communities encompassing many clans. The violence started between the groups. Grímur Geitskör was given the daunting task of gathering representatives from each clan and bring together at a central meeting point. This is where Þingvellir sits today. While it wasn’t central to everyone, it was a doable journey from the furthest clans in the east. It was in this National Park that the clans came together to create a commonwealth and discuss laws. 

As for nature, Þingvellir is known for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment. The continental drift between the North American and Eurasian Plates can be seen. Almannagjá, pictured below, is the largest one and is a canyon. There are plenty of rifts to explore and walk through making it an incredible landmark in Iceland. 

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Best Stops while Driving from Reykjavik to Vik

Save “Best Natural Landmarks in Iceland” for Later!

Did your favorite make the list? If not, let me know and I’ll add it as a reader favorite!