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Iceland: a land of sheep, the aurora borealis, volcanoes with tongue-twisting names (try Eyjafjallajökull), grand waterfalls, jagged peaks, and landscapes that feel alien. To me, it ranks among the planet's most stunning destinations. How does such a small island pack in so much variety? The scenery transforms every few meters—from lush meadows and snow-capped mountains to vast glaciers and terrain reminiscent of Mars. It never stops surprising me. My first visit came with sky-high expectations, fueled by films and magazine photos of sharp mountain ridges, barren lava fields, rolling hills dotted with sheep, and glaciers stretching into the distance.
The country exceeded every expectation. Since then, I've made it an annual trip (returning this September!). Tourism has surged and prices have risen, but most visitors cluster near Reykjavik in the south. Venture beyond the capital, and you'll find solitude—I encountered only three other tourists during a week in the Westfjords at peak season.
To celebrate the release of my new Iceland guide, here are the top attractions that will tempt you to book a flight (especially with WOW air's cheap fares):
Reykjavík This hip capital buzzes with vibrant coffee shops, energetic nightclubs, welcoming bars, and a colorful historic district of clustered wooden houses. It feels more like a large small town than a city. Despite its compact size, spend a few extra days to absorb the art and café scene. Night owls will adore the party atmosphere—Icelanders know how to drink. I never tire of this city: reading in cafés, strolling the coast, or sharing drinks with friends. Reykjavik always draws me in.
Visit the Westfjords The Westfjords peninsula in northwest Iceland boasts rugged mountains and a deeply indented coastline. It's one of the wildest regions and my personal favorite. Few inhabitants, even fewer tourists—though Icelanders vacation here in summer. Tiny towns, fishing villages, mountains, waterfalls, and lakes. In summer, puffins and whales appear. In winter, many roads close due to ice. You'll have tiny towns, deep fjords, and beautiful hikes to yourself. Getting around is tough, but locals will gladly give you a lift since bus service is nearly absent. Don't miss Tjöruhúsið in Ísafjörður for a catch-of-the-day buffet.
Hit a relaxing lagoon The Blue Lagoon is the go-to spot—a vast milky-blue spa heated by geothermal seawater. It's pricey but undeniably the nation's premier attraction. However, countless other hot pools exist. Reykjavik has local geothermal baths, the Myvatn Nature Baths in the north, and the famous 'secret' mountain springs en route to Vik. Free hot springs dot the island. Use Hotpot Iceland to locate them.
The Golden Circle The Golden Circle is the popular tourist route that includes Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park. They make an easy day trip from the capital or airport, so people on a short layover always visit this area. You can easily drive the whole ring in a day. Along the way, there are a few farms where you can stop and see Icelandic horses. The main sites are:
- Gullfoss – Supplied by Langjökull, Iceland's second-largest glacier, this waterfall ranks among the country's most photographed. Though not the tallest or grandest, its distinctive V-shape offers a powerful sight. The famous cascade drops 105 feet into a steep canyon, generating a spray that on sunny days forms glistening rainbows. A spectacular reward after a pleasant hike.
- Geysir – This renowned hot spring in Haukadalur Valley rarely erupts now, but neighboring Strokkur shoots water 15–20 meters roughly every ten minutes. Colorful thermal pools line the path. A 20-minute hike up the adjacent mountains yields scenic farmland vistas.
- Thingvellir – Abundant hiking trails and beautiful campsites, but its main draw is being the sole spot on Earth where two tectonic plates drift apart above sea level. A 1–2 hour walk through the park is easy and scenic. Scuba diving between the plates is possible, and guided walks are available.
Directions: Gullfoss lies 124 km from Reykjavik. From Geysir, take route 35 (Biskupstungnabraut) for about 30 minutes. The waterfall is open 24/7 at no cost—a public free space.
Watch the Northern Lights From September to April, the aurora borealis becomes more visible. These dancing lights are among Earth's greatest natural wonders. Seeing them in Iceland demands patience, luck, and darkness. Northern towns are best, especially during low activity. During strong displays, you might spot them even in Rekjyavik.
Jökulsárlón (The Jökulsár Lagoon) In southeast Iceland, this glacial lagoon is only a few decades old yet now a top attraction. Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier receded rapidly between 1920 and 1965, creating this stunning lagoon up to 190 meters deep. Icebergs drift year-round. I love sitting and listening to the ice blocks collide as they head to sea. Boat tours are available.
Access: Jökulsárlón sits beside Highway 1, easily reachable by pulling over. Entry is free.
Do a Glacial Trek In winter, glaciers become more stable, and guided groups traverse them. Walking on a glacier is the ultimate way to experience them—unleash your inner Arctic explorer. Vatnajökull is a popular hiking glacier, but others exist. Tour operators include Extreme Iceland, Icelandic Mountain Guides, and Trek Iceland.
My fondness for Iceland has grown into an obsession, drawn by its people and untamed landscapes. Don't let high costs deter you—there are many ways to save. Get inspired, grab those cheap flights, head north to escape crowds, and soak in a hot spring while watching the northern lights.
7 Reasons Iceland Captivates Me
Introducing My Comprehensive Budget Guide to Iceland
We've just released our fresh guide to Iceland! Months of effort produced this 200-page book that helps you avoid tourist crowds, save money, and experience the country's highlights. Discover Iceland's local side as I steer you away from typical routes, offering my meticulously selected recommendations for accommodations, dining, and attractions.
Additionally, you'll find numerous money-saving tips, suggested itineraries, abundant maps, practical info, reading suggestions, tour operators, and more. This guide eliminates the filler common in mainstream guidebooks, delivering actionable advice for a first-class experience on a budget.
Planning Your Iceland Trip: Practical Advice
Book Your Flight Search for affordable flights to Iceland via Skyscanner or Momondo—my top two engines. Begin with Momondo.
Book Your Accommodation Reserve hostels through Hostelworld. For other options, Booking.com usually offers the best prices (see proof).
Travel Insurance Protect yourself against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never travel without it—I've used World Nomads for a decade. You should too.
Need Gear? Visit our resource page for top gear companies.
More on Iceland? Explore our comprehensive Iceland destination guide for additional planning tips.
This article originally appeared on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
