11 Must See Sights in Iceland

Diamond Beach

Located in Southern Iceland, Diamond beach was hands down my favorite sight in Iceland. Chunks of ice break from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and land along the Iceland’s black sand beaches. These chunks of ice line the beach in all shapes and ices. The natural blue and black color scheme gave me major interior design inspiration vibes!

Jökulsárlón

When translated literally, Jökulsárlón means river glacial lagoon. Jokulsarlon is located at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and is filled with pieces of melted icebergs which originated from the glacier. The entire lagoon has a piece full and almost spooky serene vibe. I was lucky enough to spot a lone seal exploring for its lunch during my visit! Jökulsárlón can be seen in many feature films including: James Bond, Batman Begins, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

Black Sand Beach

Iceland’s black sand beach located in Vik are a must sea! (See what I did there? 😊) Reynisfajar is considered as Iceland’s most impressive black sand beach. Reynisfajar is a full of black sand and pebbles as well as columns of basalt. The beach is home to various wildlife, including puffins!

Gulfoss

Located on the Golden Circle Tour, Gulfoss is feed by Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. Originally, investors sought to harness Gulfoss’ power for electrical energy, its owners however did not share the interest. The waterfall is now protected and owned by the state of Iceland. Since it was sunny, I was lucky enough to catch the rainbow over the falls!

Skogafoss

Skogafoss is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls! You may recognize Skogafoss from the filming location for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Thor. Due to its vast spray there is often a double rainbow visible. (I was not so lucky on the day I went…) According to legend, one of the first settlers to Iceland buried a treasure behind Skogafoss.

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of my favorite waterfalls because it has a cave that allows you to walk behind the fall itself. Unfortunately, my waterproof camera died and I couldn’t get a photo from the cave ☹ Fun Fact: Justin Bieber included Seljalandsfoss in the music video for his single “I’ll Show You”

Blue Lagoon

Okay, okay… I know the blue lagoon is on everyone’s must see Iceland itinerary, believe me, it was on mine too. But my visit was…let’s say…less than ideal. I visiting the blue lagoon in April. During my visit, mother nature decided to rain, hail, and have hurricane winds. (Okay, I don’t know if the winds were hurricane level but they did knock me over while I was trying to take a selfie, so that counts, right?) I can totally envision the Blue Lagoon because the relaxing spa that everyone wants to visit, but I implore you to check the weather before you visit. No one wants to battle ‘The Perfect Storm´ waves just to get a complementary silica mud mask.

Icelandic Horses

Icelandic Horses were bred and developed in Iceland. They are often the small and almost pony sized. In addition to farm work, they are used for racing, showing, and recreation. This was honestly the most beautiful horse that I’ve ever seen!

Hallgrímskirkja

Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran church located in the heart of Reykjavik. Its tower sites 244-ft high and is one of the tallest buildings in the country. Architect Guðjón Samúelsson designed the building to resemble Iceland’s landscape of mountains, rocks, and glaciers.

Harpa

The Harpa Concert Hall was erected in May 2011. Its hexagonal and crystalline architecture was inspired by Iceland’s volcanic history. A truly beautiful building and venue, I only wish I was lucky enough to view a production inside.

Moss Fields

Traveling along the ring road you’ll experience another one of Iceland’s natural beauties, fields of lava rock covered in bright green moss. Another sight made popular by Justin Bieber’s music video. Use caution! Moss is extremely fragile and easily damaged. Be sure not to walk or drive off of the path!