Iceland is a wonderful destination, where geological wonders and natural beauty collide. The island’s unique volcanic activity, glaciers, and tectonic movements shape its breathtaking landscapes. Here are 20 bucket list things to do in Iceland!

#1: Have Coffee at Reykjavík Röst-

Röst is a popular coffeehouse and bar located directly at the Old Harbour in Reykjavík. I enjoyed the cappuccino and Icelandic doughnut. We had a wonderful time and felt so happy to start our Iceland experience at this charming coffeehouse! We were impressed by the panoramic views of the bay and Mount Esja.

#2: Walk Along the Old Harbour-

The scenery along the Old Harbour is absolutely breathtaking, sitting on the shores of Faxaflói Bay. We followed the path toward the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture.

#3: Visit the Harpa Concert Hall-

The Harpa Concert Hall is a stunning architectural masterpiece with a striking glass facade, reminiscent of the volcanic basalt formations that characterize Iceland’s landscape.

There are several activities you can enjoy at the Harper Concert Hall, including visiting the shops that offer unique Icelandic gifts and souvenirs, attending a concert, or heading to The Volcano Express, which features a simulated flight over erupting volcanoes.

#4: Admire the Sun Voyager Statue-

The Sun Voyager depicts a sleek, stylized boat made of stainless steel, symbolizing exploration.

#4: Stroll Along Old Town Reykjavik-

In Old Town Reykjavik, you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, colorful wooden houses, and historic buildings.

#5: Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church-

Notable landmarks include Hallgrímskirkja, the iconic church with its distinctive modernist design and the tallest building in Iceland, offering panoramic views of the city.

#6: See the Swans at Tjörnin Pond-

Tjörnin Pond is a small, scenic lake that serves as a peaceful oasis. The pond is especially popular for watching ducks, swans, and geese.

#7: Take a Photo at Rainbow Street-

The colorful street located on Skólavörðustígur in downtown Reykjavík is an iconic landmark that leads directly to the stunning Hallgrímskirkja church.

#8: Indulge in a Delicious Meal at Matarkjallarinn Food Cellar-

Food Cellar is a grill cocktail bar located in a 160-year-old building in the center of Reykjavík. I loved the food, champagne, and the classical live music.

#9: Watch the Gullfoss Waterfall from Above-

Gullfoss Waterfall is a breathtaking natural attraction. The waterfall is fed by the Hvítá River, which originates from the nearby Langjökull Glacier. The two-tiered waterfall drops 105 feet into a rugged canyon. Its powerful flow is mesmerizing.

#10: See the Infamous Strokkur at the Geysir Geothermal Area-

The Geysir Geothermal Area is one of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions and a highlight of the Golden Circle route. Witnessing the geothermal activity, bubbling hot springs, and erupting geysers should be added to your Iceland bucket list. Watching Strokkur, an active geyser that erupts reliably every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting water up to 65-98 feet into the air, was a spectacular experience. I will never forget witnessing this natural display of power.

#11: Icelandic Horses-

I loved petting the iconic Icelandic horses because they were so soft and friendly. These horses are a special symbol of Iceland because strict laws prevent any other horses from entering the country. This is to protect the breed’s purity and health.

#12: The Blue Lagoon-

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a world-renowned geothermal spa famous for its relaxing and rejuvenating waters. We enjoyed sipping lemonade, unwinding in the sauna, and soaking in the warm, mineral-rich springs. One of its highlights is the mud mask, which nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed.

Here is a list of other Hot Springs Around the Country:

• Blue Lagoon (near Grindavík)
• Sky Lagoon (near Grindavík)
• Mývatn Nature Baths (north Iceland)
• Secret Lagoon (Flúðir)
• Reykjadalur Steam Valley (near Hveragerði)
• Landmannalaugar (Highlands)
• Húsafell Baths (West Iceland)

#13: Kerið Volcanic Crater Lake-

Kerið volcanic crater lake is a stunning natural wonder in Iceland. It’s a caldera formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, with vibrant red and green slopes surrounding a bright blue lake at the bottom. When we visited, the lake was frozen, adding a unique and beautiful touch to the scene. We walked around the rim and enjoyed the breathtaking views of the colorful landscape and the icy lake below.

#14: Northern Lights-

The Northern Lights are among Iceland’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Located near the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers some of the best opportunities in the world to witness this mesmerizing light display. The Aurora appears as shimmering curtains of green, pink, red, and purple lights dancing across the night sky.

Our Experience:

During our experience, we saw the classic green hue, which is the most common color of the Northern Lights. We booked a boat trip from the city, allowing us to view the lights away from the city’s light pollution.

When can you see the Northern Lights?

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from September to April, when the nights are longest and darkest. Clear, cold nights with minimal light pollution provide ideal conditions for viewing this breathtaking natural wonder.

#15: Whale Watching-

You can still see incredible wildlife like humpbacks, minke whales, blue whales, orcas, seals, puffins, and seabirds on a Whale Watching excursion from Reykjavik. Our whale watching tour was canceled due to the weather conditions. I’ll definitely rebook this tour in the future to experience Iceland’s wild marine life.

#16: Black Sand Beaches-

Black sand beaches are one of Iceland’s most striking volcanic natural landscapes. In the village of Vík, two of the most famous black sand beaches are Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey.

Reynisfjara is renowned for its towering basalt columns and powerful waves. It’s a popular spot, but caution is advised due to strong currents and waves that can be dangerous.

• Reynisfjara (near Vík)
• Dyrhólaey Beach (near Vík)

• Diamond Beach (Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon)
• Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck Beach
• Reynisfjara North Beach

#17: Spot Puffins-

During the summer months, you can see puffin colonies at Dyrhólaey, a black sand beach in Iceland. Puffins are expert divers, have brightly coloured bills, and are mainly found on rocky coasts and offshore islands.

#18: Spot Additional Waterfalls Along the South Coast-

The south coast of Iceland is home to some of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls. Notable among these are Seljalandsfoss, famous for the unique opportunity to walk behind the cascading water only during the Summer; Skógafoss, known for its powerful spray; and Gljúfrabúi, a hidden gem tucked away inside a canyon. These waterfalls offer beautiful views and are must-see attractions for anyone exploring Iceland’s south coast.

• Seljalandsfoss
• Skógafoss
• Gljúfrabúi
• Kvernufoss
• Svartifoss (in Skaftafell)

#19: See a Glacier-

Iceland is renowned for its stunning glaciers, which cover about 11% of the country’s land area. These massive ice sheets and glaciers create breathtaking landscapes, from icy lagoons to towering ice walls.

Some of the most famous glaciers include:

• Vatnajökull (Europe’s largest glacier)
• Langjökull
• Hofsjökull
• Mýrdalsjökull
• Drangajökull
• Sólheimajökull

#20: See an Active Volcano

In Iceland, it is possible to see lava flowing from active volcanoes, offering a rare and spectacular sight. Always follow guidance from local authorities and volcanic experts, and never approach erupting sites without proper safety measures and official permission.

Iceland was an incredible trip! We shared 20 bucket list experiences to enjoy in Iceland. While I’m sure I missed a few highlights, this list reflects the unforgettable moments I experienced during my trip in April. I loved every second of it and had a truly fantastic time!