Iceland is a magical country that should be added to everyone’s bucket list. Over the past few years, Iceland has become a top destination for people all over the world and for good measure. With breath-taking landscapes, geothermal hot springs, giant glaciers, and the northern lights it’s no wonder the country is booming in popularity. Add in the bonus of friendly Icelanders and you’re set for the ultimate vacation!
Whether you are planning your 1st trip to the land of fire and ice, or your 4th, Nordic Stay has compiled a list of our top 10 things to do in Iceland. The best things about Iceland are riddled throughout the country and we don’t want you to miss out on any of them! Our list is in no particular order. Add all 10 things to your itinerary or just a few. Either way, you won’t miss out on the beauty Iceland has to offer.

1. Hike Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) National Park

Nestled in the southern highlands is one of Iceland’s most popular natural areas. Þórsmörk, also called the Valley of Thor, is tucked between giant glaciers. It’s an ideal location for nature photographers or those of you who just love getting out into wild nature.

2. Have a spa day at Blue Lagoon

Take a soak in the healing geothermal waters of Bláa Lónið, also known as Blue Lagoon. This outdoor spa is about a half hours drive from Reykjavik (where you can book a stay with Nordic Stay). People flock to Blue Lagoon for its healing mineral waters that remain close to 39C/102F year around. The hot springs get their famous blue color from a mineral rich mixture of sulfur and silica that is said to help in healing many ailments including psoriasis. Be sure to book your visit well in advance to ensure you can visit these healing waters.

3. Take a visit to Mount Fagradalsfjall

Fagradalsfjall is Iceland’s newest volcano. It began to erupt in March 2021 after many weeks of reported seismic activity. It is considered safe to currently visit the volcano, but you should always exercise caution when visiting. The hike lasts 3-4 hours on foot so bring your best hiking shoes and make your way to the top where you can witness freshly solidified lava. Fagradalsfjall is located 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the capital of Reykjavik in the Reykjanes peninsula. For up-to-date reports on weather conditions and activity visit the Iceland Safe Travels website.

4. Explore the Crown Jewel of Iceland

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a must-see nature site in Iceland. You’ll get the opportunity to see icebergs that are over 1000 years old! That alone is pretty awesome, but the black sand beaches in the area are known for their shiny appearance due to chunks of ice glistening in the sun like diamonds. Seals are year-round residents of Jökulsárlón, but the best time to see them is during the winter months when they flock to the mouth of the lagoon to catch fish. The lagoon is about a 5-6 hour drive south from Reykjavik but is well worth it as it is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. Nordic Stay offers great rental homes in the southern part of the island to make your stay more accommodating.

5. Drive Iceland’s Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is the perfect thing to do in Iceland if you want to see and do many things on one excursion. The route consists of 3 of Iceland’s most popular tourist sites, along with customizable pit stops throughout. The drive takes roughly 3 hours but we recommend you plan for more time if you want to stop and enjoy what the Golden Circle has to offer.  Be sure to hit these top attractions:

• Þingvellir National Park
• Gullfoss waterfall
• The great geyser and Strokkur geyser

Nordic Stay offers car rental discounts to all our guests. If you make a reservation and wish to drive the Golden Circle let us know.

 6. Watch the Northern Lights

The northern lights, or the Aurora Borealis, are an eyecatching phenomenon that should be added to your bucket list. Iceland is known for its amazing views of the vibrant dancing colors across the night sky. The best time of year to see the northern lights in Iceland is during the winter months between mid-September and mid-April. Bundle up with a blanket, a hot beverage, and get ready to be amazed. The lights are best viewed outside the city on a clear dark night, so plan accordingly. The lights are a natural phenomenon so a sighting is not always guaranteed. Check out our article here on the northern lights to learn more about seeing them.

7. Say hello to the Atlantic Puffins

Every summer more than 8 million Atlantic puffins flock to the coasts of Iceland for their breeding season. Did you know puffins spend the majority of their lives on the sea? When they are ready to start mating they pay Iceland a visit. Just like the Northern Lights, seeing a playful puffin is not always a guarantee so follow these tips to increase your chances of a sighting. 

1. Visit the breeding grounds May-August.
2. See them when they are most active early in the morning or the evenings.
3. Stay calm and try not to alarm the puffins. They tend to nest on rocky cliff sides that can be dangerous.
4. Lay down on your stomach and watch the birds from a distance. Do not try to touch a puffin. They have special water repellent feathers that can be damaged by human contact. 

The best places to see the Atlantic Puffins are the islands of Akurey and Lundey (a short boat ride from Reykjavik) or the Westman Islands to the south where 50% of the Puffin populations choose to breed.

8. Hang out in Reykjavik

Iceland’s capital city is sometimes an overlooked starting point for many people visiting the island. The city has a very laid-back atmosphere, despite being known as an expensive tourist attraction. You can choose to explore the city on your own or book a sightseeing tour with one of the great tour companies Reykjavik has to offer. Be sure to check out the amazing architecture of Hallgrimskirkja Church and get yourself an Icelandic hotdog before visiting the Perlan museum and viewpoint. Here at Nordic Stay, we offer many great rental accommodations in the heart of Reykjavik. Click here to book with us.

9. View the breathtaking scenery of Skogafoss

Iceland has plenty of waterfalls, but none do the island justice like Skogafoss. This free Icelandic attraction is surrounded by two glaciers that blanket the area in an almost constant layer of mist. Try to see Skogafoss on a sunny day to increase your chances of seeing an epic rainbow. The waterfall is the legendary location of a Viking tale. It is said that a Viking by the name of Thrasi hid a chest full of golden treasure underneath the roaring falls. Keep your eyes open for your chance at retrieving the loot! Skogafoss is very picturesque. The waterfall has been featured on the big screen in Game of Thrones and Thor: The Dark World. Plan accordingly to visit Skogafoss. It is located roughly 100 miles from Reykjavik in Ásólfsskáli, Iceland.

10. Eat some Icelandic Food

You can’t visit Iceland without eating some of our traditional cuisines. Many people are not familiar with Icelandic food, but here is a list of food you should try on your trip to Iceland. 

1. Hotdogs: We dress ours with fresh onion, crispy fried onion, ketchup, sweet brown mustard, and a remoulade sauce.
2. Fermented Shark: This dish is not for the faint-hearted. This dish is not as popular as it once was, but never the less it is a traditional fermented food. The smell is very overwhelming and is often followed by a shot of Brennivín liquor to tame the flavor of the shark. 
3. Skyr: This creamy dairy product is like a mash-up of yogurt and cottage cheese. It is often served with berries and cream. Icelanders have been enjoying Skyr for over 1000 years. 
4. Seafood: Iceland has access to some of the best seafood in the world. It is not surprising to consume at least one dish a day containing seafood. Be sure to order a bowl of  plokkfiskur, or “mashed fish stew,” on your visit. 

Iceland is a very magical place offering tourists plenty of sites to see and things to do. And Nordic Stay offers you the best rental accommodations on the island during your trip. Our top 10 things to do in Iceland list is a great jumping-off point for exploring our wonderful country. With fairytale landscapes, amazing landmarks, and unique foods, we are certain you can make the most of your trip and make your trip to Iceland something you won’t soon forget.