Is Iceland Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons to Convince You It Is

Iceland is truly one of a kind. After almost five years of travel, I can confidently say that I’ve never experienced a country quite like Iceland.

Fondly nicknamed the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland is an extraordinary country home to fiery volcanoes, epic glaciers, unique wildlife, and otherworldly landscapes. I’ve visited Iceland several times now, and it never gets old.

Despite its boom in popularity in recent years, some people still seem unconvinced by Iceland. “Isn’t it cold?” “Is there anything to do?” “Why would you want to go there?”. These are just a few of the questions I got asked when I told my friends I was returning to Iceland.

So, here I am to share the reasons why Iceland is absolutely worth visiting!

Firstly, let’s discuss the elephant in the room – yes, Iceland is incredibly expensive. And no, it’s not the country to visit if you’re after relaxation, sunny weather and nightlife. But, Iceland has so much else to offer.

With unique experiences and landscapes like nowhere else on Earth, a trip to Iceland promises to be an adventure.

I’ve visited Iceland several times now. It’s grown to be one of my absolute favourite countries in the entire world. I hope the below list convinces you that Iceland is worth visiting.

Reasons to Visit Iceland

If you’re wondering if Iceland is worth visiting, keep reading to discover why I believe Iceland is one of the best countries in the world.

For the unique Icelandic scenery

The first reason to visit Iceland is for the incredible landscapes and scenery. Iceland is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. It might not have the picturesque scenery of Canada’s Rocky Mountains or the white sand beaches of Thailand, but it’s beautiful in its own way.

Iceland is wild and rugged. It’s almost like there are no rules when it comes to the landscapes of Iceland. It’s the only place on Earth where you can walk between two tectonic plates (and swim between them).

It’s filled with natural wonders, including glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, dramatic fjords, colourful volcanic lakes, and the remote Icelandic Highlands. It truly is remarkable.

The scenery constantly changes as you drive through Iceland. Around every corner is something else to be wowed at.

If you’re a fan of raw beauty and natural landscapes, visiting Iceland is a must.

To see volcanoes and volcanic activity

Iceland is one of the most volcanically active places in the entire world. It’s where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, creating a spectacle of volcanoes and endless lava fields.

You don’t need to travel far to witness your first sign of volcanic activity in Iceland. As soon as you land in Iceland, you’re greeted by the smell of volcanic sulfur and steaming vents below the ground.

The international airport is on the Reykjanes Peninsula, a hot spot for volcanic activity. Recent volcanic eruptions occurred in 2022, 2023, and 2024. You’ll also find the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s luxury geothermal spa.

There are several other places to experience volcanic activity in Iceland. The most popular is the Geysir Geothermal Area in Iceland’s Golden Circle. This vibrant landscape is filled with bubbling mud pools, colourful pools of water, and the star of the show itself—Strokkur. The Strokkur Geyser erupts approximately every 5-10 minutes, shooting boiling water and steam into the air.  

If you’re visiting Myvatn in northern Iceland, Hverir is another excellent spot to get up close and personal with the volcanic activity. Hverir is similar to the Geyser area, but it’s a little larger and also home to steaming fumaroles (vents).

The Myvatn area is home to several volcanic craters, including the Viti Crater and Hverfjall, where you can walk around the rim.

To drive around the iconic Ring Road

One of the best road trips in Iceland is driving around the Ring Road, or Route 1. Many dream of driving around this famous road.

The famous 828-mile (1333km) circular road runs around the outside of Iceland, following its rugged coastline. The road connects many of Iceland’s famous attractions, including the famous South Coast, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, Akureyri, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

On my most recent trip to Iceland, I embarked on a solo road trip around Iceland’s ring road. To this day, it’s one of my favourite travel experiences. Around every corner, there’s something that takes your breath away.

The Icelandic Ring Road is full of incredible highlights, from fiery volcanoes to black sand beaches and powerful waterfalls. If you have the time, it’s an absolute must-do.

Tip: You need at least 10 days to drive Iceland’s ring road. It is possible in 7 days, but I think it’ll be too much of a rush to fully enjoy it.

Read next: plan the perfect 7-day Iceland itinerary

To walk on the black sand beaches

There aren’t many places in the world where you can find endless black-sand beaches, but Iceland is one of them. Iceland is famous for its otherworldly black beaches that line its wild and rugged coastline.

The black sand beaches in Iceland are due to the volcanic activity in the country. As the basalt rock breaks down, it leaves behind these eerie beaches.

One of the best beaches in Iceland is the famous Reynisfjara beach. This black sand beach also has giant basalt columns, creating a magnificent backdrop.

Another epic beach in Iceland is Stokksnes, which can be found near Hofn on the southeast coast. This remote beach is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. The beach is lined with jagged mountains, including the famous Vestrahorn. If you visit at the right time of day, the wet beach reflects the mountains. It’s one of my absolute favourite places in Iceland.

Tip: If you want to find a golden sand beach in Iceland, head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula or Westfjords of Iceland.

For an adventure in the Highlands

If you want to go off the beaten path in Iceland, consider visiting the Icelandic Highlands. This vast and otherworldly landscape is right in the heart of Iceland. It has desolate lava fields, rugged mountains and hidden geothermal areas.

This remote area of Iceland is an absolute must-visit for adventure lovers.

The area of Landmannalaugar is one of the most famous parts of the Icelandic Highlands. Here, you’ll find colourful mountains and incredible hiking trails. The Laugavegur Trail is one of the most famous hikes, which takes you through the area. This multi-day hike is at the top of my bucket list.

Tip: The Highlands in Iceland are only accessible in the summer months between May and September. You’ll need to hire a vehicle that is allowed to drive on F roads (generally only 4WDs).

To experience incredible wildlife

If you’re still questioning if Iceland is worth visiting, let’s discuss the wildlife. Iceland is a haven for nature and home to many unique animals.  

Let’s start with Iceland’s marine wildlife. The ocean surrounding Iceland is home to an array of marine animals, including whales, seals, dolphins, and even sharks. In fact, Iceland is one of the best places to go whale watching in Europe (if not the world).

Iceland is home to several species of whales, including Orcas, Humpback Whales, and even mighty Blue Whales. For your best chance at seeing the Blue Whale, head up to the charming town of Husavik. If you want to see Orcas, your best bet is to visit Olafsvik with Laki Tours. It’s also possible to see whales from Reykjavik or under the midnight sun.

Puffins are another common sight in Iceland. You’ll find thousands of puffins around Iceland’s coast between early April and August.

Finally, let’s not forget the famous Icelandic Horse and reindeer. It’s common to see both animals when driving around the Ring Road.

To relax in the Geothermal Hot Springs

In my opinion, one of the best reasons to visit Iceland is for the geothermal spas.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous spas in the world. This outdoor spa lies amongst lava fields and is filled with mineral-rich volcanic water. I’m not always the biggest fan of spas, but visiting the Blue Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Iceland.

Most people know the Blue Lagoon, but several other hot springs also deserve some attention.

One of the best alternatives to the Blue Lagoon is GeoSea in Husavik (northern Iceland). This relaxing spa has an infinity pool over the bay. I spent an hour relaxing in the waters and watching humpback whales play in the bay below me. I’m not sure it gets much better than that.

The north of Iceland is also home to the famous Myvatn Nature Baths, which are outdoor hot springs in the heart of the Myvatn volcanic countryside.

Another popular spa in Iceland is the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik, which boasts ocean views. I have to say, this isn’t my favourite hot spring in Iceland (mainly because it feels a bit more artificial than the others). But if you’re a fan of spas, it’s worth visiting.

To experience natural hot springs in Iceland, consider hiking to the Reykjadalur Thermal River. This river is naturally warm (thanks to the volcanic activity happening underneath), and it’s a great place to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Iceland. The hike takes about one hour each way.

To see some of the world’s most incredible glaciers

Iceland is home to 269 named glaciers which cover about 11% of the total land. One of the many incredible things about Iceland’s glaciers is their accessibility.

It’s possible to visit several glaciers in Iceland. You can even see the glaciers from the ring road.

If you want to get up close and personal with a glacier, consider a glacier hike. These guided tours take you on adventurous hikes to remote parts of the glaciers. It’s sometimes even possible to see ice caves and ice waterfalls (mainly in the winter months).

If you don’t want to pay to see a glacier, consider hiking to one of the glacier viewpoints. One of Iceland’s best hikes to see a glacier is in the Vatnajokull National Park. Here, you can embark on a 3.8-mile (6.1 km) hike past the Svartifoss waterfall to the Sjonarsker glacier viewpoint.

Another epic free glacier hike in Iceland is to the Flaajokull glacier. The route is just under 4 miles (6.5km) and relatively flat. I didn’t see another soul on this hike.

To see actual icebergs

We’ve discussed the glaciers, now let’s talk about the icebergs. As big chunks of these mighty glaciers break off, it creates icebergs which float in the glacier lagoons.

One of the best places to see icebergs in Iceland is the iconic Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Here, it’s possible to see hundreds of small icebergs making their way out to sea.

Over the road, you’ll find Diamond Beach. Once the icebergs get broken apart by the ocean, big chunks of ice wash up on the shore. This phenomenon leaves diamond-like pieces of ice on the black sand beach. It’s a breathtaking sight.

The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is one of the most popular places in Iceland, but it’s famous for very good reasons. It’s one of the only places in the world where you easily see icebergs floating around right in front of you.

The best time of year to visit tends to be in the Spring. This is when the glaciers start to melt and more ice breaks off.

For the unique activities

Still asking the question, ‘Is Iceland worth visiting?’. Well, let’s talk about the unique and exciting activities you can do in Iceland.

Iceland is a haven for adventure. The country is filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences found nowhere else on Earth.

From visiting ice caves, swimming between tectonic plates, and riding snowmobiles across a winter landscape, Iceland has something for everyone.

I’ve already mentioned a few activities, including whale watching and glacier hiking, but here are a few epic things to do in Iceland.

• Visit an ice cave: During Iceland’s winter, it’s possible to walk inside ice caves. Exploring these wondrous formations is an absolute must on any winter trip to Iceland.

• Ride a snowmobile: One of the best winter activities in Iceland is riding a snowmobile across a glacier. It’s a fun and different way to experience the breathtaking Icelandic landscape.

• Swim between tectonic plates: Snorkelling between tectonic plates is a must if you want to do a unique activity in Iceland. Thingvellir is one of Iceland’s most famous National Parks, and it’s the only place in the world where you can swim between tectonic plates (the North American and Eurasian plates). The tour takes you to the Silfra Fissure, where you can snorkel or dive.

Iceland is also a haven for hiking lovers. The country is filled with incredible hikes passing through otherworldly landscapes. One of the best hikes in Iceland is the famed Studlagil Canyon. The walk there isn’t the most thrilling, but it’s well worth it once you arrive at the canyon. It’s amazing!

Discover more of the best day hikes in Iceland.

To witness the Northern Lights

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the fascinating Aurora Borealis, an incredible natural phenomenon.

Between October and March, when there are minimal hours of daylight, the Northern Lights are known to light up the sky. For the best chance of seeing the lights, head as far North as possible. The closer you get to the Arctic Circle, the easier it will be.

The best way to see the lights is to join a Northern Lights tour. The guides know the best spots to see them and can drive you as far as you need to go.

If you’d rather save some money, use your vehicle to drive away from any light pollution. They can occasionally be seen in the capital city, Reykjavik, but your chances increase when there is less artificial light.

For the charming Icelandic towns

Despite being a large country, Iceland only has a population of about 370,000. Most Icelandic nationals live in the capital city of Reykjavik and the surrounding area.

While Reykjavik is worth visiting, I’d highly recommend exploring some smaller towns to experience local life in Iceland.

One of the best towns to visit in Iceland is the sleepy town of Husavik in the north of Iceland. This charming and quaint town is only home to 2,300 residents. It’s a very serene and peaceful spot with some beautiful surrounding scenery. It’s also known as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe.

Another must-visit town in Iceland is Vik. This is the southernmost town in Iceland, and there are a range of things to see and do there. It’s by the famous black sand beach and a great base for exploring the South of Iceland.

The final town I recommend visiting in Iceland is Egilsstadir on the east coast. The drive to this small town is known as one of the most scenic drives in Iceland. While there’s not much going on there, it’s a great insight into local Icelandic life. It’s also where you’ll find Seydisfjordur, the picturesque church with the rainbow path leading up to it.

It’s one of the safest countries in the world

Iceland has been crowned the safest country in the world for fourteen years in a row now. Violent crimes are almost unheard of in Iceland. This means you can visit Iceland worry-free.

This is excellent news for solo travellers visiting Iceland, especially solo female travellers.

Of course, crime can occur anywhere. But the chances of this happening in Iceland are very low.

Read more: check out my guide to solo travel in Iceland

For the magnificent waterfalls

Anyone who has ever visited Iceland will be no stranger to its waterfalls. Not a day (or an hour) goes by without passing at least one.

Sure, seeing waterfalls might not sound like a reason to visit Iceland, but the waterfalls of Iceland are some of the most impressive in the world.

Among them is the iconic Gullfoss Waterfall, which has a giant double cascade. This is part of Iceland’s Golden Circle and can easily be seen on a day trip from Reykjavik.

Iceland’s South Coast is also home to some epic waterfalls. First up is the famous Seljalandsfoss. This is one of the few waterfalls in the world where you can easily walk behind the cascading water.

Down the road, you’ll find Skogafoss, one of the most recognisable waterfalls in Iceland and well worth visiting.

Another impressive waterfall in Iceland is the powerful Godafoss, which translates to “Waterfall of the Gods”. Surrounded by lava fields, it’s in a picturesque setting. Dettifoss can also be found in northern Iceland. This is Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and it’s a spectacular sight.

For a real adventure

The final reason to visit Iceland is for the adventure. The beauty of Iceland is how untamed everything is. Iceland is a land of extremes, so you never quite know what to expect.  

You can drive for miles without seeing another car or any form of civilization. The landscapes change around every corner, and there are so many hidden gems to discover.

A trip to Iceland is sure to be an adventure, whatever you choose to do there.

Summary: Is Iceland worth visiting?

Yes, yes, and yes. Iceland is well worth visiting. There is nowhere else in the world like it. It’s filled with wild and diverse beauty, it’s where fire and ice come together, and there is an array of bucket list-worthy activities to try.

Of course, if you want to spend your holiday relaxing and lying on a beach, Iceland might not be the best option! It’s also important to note that Iceland is a very expensive country. While visiting Iceland on a “budget” is possible, that budget is still high.

However, Iceland is one of the most unique countries in the entire world. Nothing comes close to its untamed wild beauty and diversity of landscapes. A trip to Iceland promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.