10 Great Things To Do In Iceland: My Iceland Bucket List

Things To Do In Iceland: I have mentioned several times on my blog that I love travelling! There are so many countries I want to visit, but one in particular that I am very intrigued about and would like to visit is Iceland. It was one of the 20 destinations you must visit, and as such puts it high in my list of must-see places. I have therefore decided to make a bucket list of great things to do in Iceland so that I’m well prepared before visiting if this happens anytime soon!

10 Great Things To Do In Iceland

I have tried to put all the amazing things to do in Iceland in one main list. After a lot of research, I have shortlisted it to 10 things. I would still probably need a couple of visits to do them all.

If you didn’t know, Iceland is a North Atlantic island famous for its hot springs, geysers and active volcanoes. Lava fields cover much of the land, and hot water is pumped from under the ground to supply much of the country’s heating.

See my list below:

1. NORTHERN LIGHTS

I must start with the northern lights because they fascinate me a lot! They are a natural light display in the sky, predominantly in high-latitude regions (Arctic and Antarctic). It is possible to see the lights from late September to early April, with October to November and February to March considered optimum periods. It is not easy to find them, and you should be very lucky to have the pleasure of witnessing them. This free light show is simply stunning!

If you plan to explore Iceland’s more remote areas during your Northern Lights adventure, consider renting a campervan from Cozy Campers. Their premium winter models offer a panoramic sky roof, efficient Webasto heating, and durable suspension, which are well-suited for Iceland’s varying terrain and weather conditions.

2. DOG SLEDDING

I think dog sledding would be amazing to do! For sure, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Although snow is not required (when a specially-built trolley is used), I prefer an authentic experience, so a winter trip would be the option. I have been reading about this activity, and even though this sounds difficult to do with kids, I would love to bring the girls along. I would probably make two trips to Iceland: one with the kids and one without. The minimum age for children is 4, so I would need to wait another year for Sienna to turn 4. Just the idea of being surrounded by these lovely huskies is fantastic!

3. THE BLUE LAGOON

The blue lagoon is an experience that should not be missed when visiting Iceland. This wonderful place is a geothermal spa and one of Iceland’s most visited attractions. It is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland. It is one of the 25 wonders of the world. 

Geothermal water originates 2,000 meters below the surface, where freshwater and seawater combine at extreme temperatures. On its way to the surface, the water picks up silica and minerals. Its temperature is generally between 37°C and 40°C (98-104°F), but it sometimes fluctuates beyond this range. Isn’t it fascinating?

4. ICEBERGS (JOKULSARLON LAGOON)

Jokulsarlon is a glacial lake in Iceland, where icebergs which break away from the glacier flow out to sea. I think it would be an unbelievable experience to see these giant chunks of ice making their way to the sea. This lagoon is a recent one, and it is a result of a warming climate. The surface is at sea level and seawater flows into the lagoon at high tide. The Jokulsarlon lagoon is not very wide, but is up to 250 meters deep, which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland. I would love to visit this place!

5. ICE CAVE (SKAFTAFFEL IN VATNAJOKULL)

Skaftafell is a beautiful ice cave located on the frozen lagoon of the Svínafellsjökull glacier. It is notable for its rich flora, growing between sand and glaciers, and overall for its amazing and contrasting scenery. There are so many beautiful ice caves, which make it harder to choose, but after researching, it would be advisable to book Ice cave tours in Iceland in advance. You will then be ready to go and enjoy the experience!

6. TJORNING LAKE

Tjorning Lake is a perfect picture-postcard place for an Instagram lover! I could watch this view for hours. Apparently, the locals call it a ‘Pond’. It echoes with the honks and squawks of over 40 species of visiting birds, including swans, geese, and Arctic terns. Feeding the ducks is a popular pastime for the under-fives, so I am sure my girls would love to visit.

7. LANDMANNALAUGAR

Landmannalaugar is in the highlands of Iceland, in the Fjallabak nature reserve. It is a very popular area and can only be reached during the summer months. The main attraction in Landmannalaugar is the stunning, colourful mountains. Apparently, it is like watching a Monet picture in front of your eyes! How amazing is that? It is definitely an experience that I wouldn’t like to miss.

8. REYNIFJARA (BLACK BEACH)

Reynifjara, near the village of Vik in Myrdalur on Iceland’s South Coast, is widely regarded as Iceland’s most impressive black sand beach. It is an exotic beach to visit. Look at that view!

This beach is one of the most photographed sites in Iceland, and this is because of the mysterious black basalt Reynisdrangar columns that protrude out of the North Atlantic Ocean and line the beach. It has been said that the stacks originated from when three trolls, pulling a three-masted ship to shore, were petrified and turned into needles of rock after being caught by surprise by dawn. Interesting, right?

9. HARPA (CONCERT HALL)

Harpa is located by the old harbour between Reykjavík city centre and the North Atlantic. It is a first-class conference centre with outstanding facilities that have received numerous awards and prizes.

The design was influenced by Iceland‘s exceptional and dramatic nature. Situated on the boundary between land and sea, the building is a gleaming sculpture reflecting both sky and harbour, as well as the city’s vibrant life. This architecture is just amazing, and I would love to get inside and take it all in! The glass facade is beautiful!

10. HALLGRIMSKIRKJA IN REYKJAVIK

Hallgrimskirkja is the largest and most famous church in Iceland. I would love to go all the way up to the top of the church. What excites me most is seeing the stunning views of Reykjavik, as this is what it is most famous for. I think this is a must-see if you are in Reykjavik. 

Things To Do in Iceland: Final Thought

So there you have my bucket list of 10 things to do in Iceland if I can travel there. It looks like such a wonderful country with plenty to do. Also, this is just a short list of the things that you can do; there is plenty more to see. I actually compiled up to 20 things, so perhaps I’ll share the remaining items in another blog post.

If you like this post, you might also like “10 Most Stunning Natural Wonders in Alaska” for more travel inspiration.

Have you been to Iceland? If so, what places did you visit? Can you recommend any other activities or things to do in Iceland? Do you have a bucket list too?

Love you all ❤️

Franca  💋