5 Iconic Attractions You Must See In Iceland

Iceland offers a myriad of natural attractions throughout the country, including fascinating rock formations, waterfalls and more. For anyone with limited time in the country, we have put together a list of five, must-see attractions that should be included on your itinerary when visiting Iceland.

Getting around in Iceland

Admittedly, most tour operators can take you from A to B to see the sights in Iceland. However, it is also a good idea to book a pragmatic Iceland car rental for your trip, giving you the freedom to explore the sights and stop off along the way. Meanwhile, the following are five top attractions that you really shouldn’t miss on a vacation in Iceland.

1. Svartifoss Waterfall, southern Iceland

Svartifoss is a unique waterfall in the south of Iceland, featuring a striking backdrop of geometric black lava columns. Those columns take an otherwise small waterfall and make it into one of the most striking and unique in the entire world.

The waterfall was formed by lava flows in Skaftafell National Park and is found on a well-marked track a couple of miles into the park. It was formed over the centuries by lava flows cooling slowing in the frosty air and gently forming the stacked hexagonal black crystals that you can see today. With the surrounding green flora, Svartifoss is a beautiful sight indeed. As a note of interest, the falls famously starred in the music video by Bon Iver, Holocene, along with other beautiful scenes.

2. Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, Iceland

All Iceland’s electricity comes from hydroelectric or geothermal sources. In the 1970s, the lava fields next to the Svartsengi geothermal electrical plant were accidentally transformed into a spa. Locals soon discovered that the discharged water from the plant, rich in blue-green algae, sulphur, salt and white silica, helped with skin problems.

The spa is now known as the Blue Lagoon and it is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. Once the seawater is pulled through the plant, it is free of bacteria and has a comfortable temperature of around 39°C (102°F), perfect for a soothing soak. Hundreds of thousands of visitors head to the Blue Lagoon each year to swim in its sapphire waters, while shrouded by an ethereal steam mist

3. Gljúfrafoss, Iceland

Iceland’s fantastical Gljúfrafoss waterfall is hidden away in a cave, inside a cliff. The waterfalls has carved itself a mossy cylindrical chamber into the rock, which can only be accessed through a thin crack in the outside wall. However, once explorers are through the crack, the true majesty of the hidden waterfall is revealed, as it crashes into a pool at the base of the cave. Meanwhile, the interior of the cave is almost totally covered in greenery, due to the continually moist surroundings.

Image Glju´frafoss by Ravi Sarma/Flickr

The waterfall maybe hidden, but it is still easily accessible from Route 249, a short distance off the Route 1 Ring Road, and a short distance past the more well-known Seljalandsfoss, pictured below.

4. Arctic Henge, Raufarhöfn, Iceland

Arctic Henge is a modern monument to pagan beliefs, but it looks like it hails from ancient times and is located in one of Iceland’s most remote northern villages. In appearance, the colossal structure resembles Neolithic monuments seen around the world.

The Arctic Henge project was started in 1996 as a monument to Iceland’s Nordic roots, but also to some of the neo-pagan beliefs held in certain areas of the country. The sculpture was inspired by the Eddic poem Völuspá (Prophecy of the Seeress) and consists of 72 small blocks, each carved with a dwarven name. The deliberate layout allows visitors to see the midnight sun through each piece of the monument.

5. Fjaðrárgljúfur, Iceland

Somewhat reminiscent of the fjords of Norway, these strange rock formations tower over the river, snaking through this enchanting canyon in Iceland. The canyon is a little off the beaten path of the famous Ring Road, but is well worth the trouble.

Image Fjaðrárgljúfur by Andrés Nieto Porras/Flickr

While it is only just over a mile in length – small compared to some of the world’s canyons – it makes up for its size with sheer scenic beauty. Visitors can stroll on a walking trail along the top of the crags, while enjoying wonderful views all along the way.

Enjoy the natural splendors of Iceland on your next European vacation, visiting these fascinating locations and so many more.