Top 10 Epic Natural Attractions in Iceland

In a perfect world, we would have enough vacation time to really explore a new destination. So for those people who are planning to visit Iceland - totally worth it by the way - maybe you wouldn’t need a blog post like this because you would have plenty of time to discover for yourself! Sadly though, for most of us, vacation time is limited. So that you can get the most out of your time in Iceland, we decided to put together a Top 10 list of Epic Attractions; those natural wonders that will make your spirit soar, and your chest swell. Hyperbole you say?  You decide when you get there.

The following are not in order of awesomeness, just the Top 10 Epic Attractions we believe are some of what makes Iceland amazing and unique, and are totally worth seeing:

1. Gullfoss - One of Iceland’s many waterfalls, Gullfoss (translated: The Golden Waterfall) is Iceland’s most well-known waterfall and widely considered its most beautiful. It is located in south Iceland, and is one of the stops along the Golden Circle tour, one of Iceland’s best-known tours. Located on the Hvita river, it drops down approximately 100ft into a pretty narrow gorge.

2. Jokulsarlon - This is a very famous and popular glacier lagoon located in southeast Iceland, along the Ring Road as you head towards Vatnajokull National Park.  Trust us, you can’t miss it.  This small lake developed as a glacier retreated from the Atlantic Ocean. The lagoon is filled with floating icebergs and the water is a mix of fresh and saltwater.  It can best be described as other-worldly, I guess that’s why it’s been featured in many movies.

3. Lake Myvatn - this lesser-known attraction is located in north Iceland. This shallow lake is stunning with its volcanic formations jutting out, and exceptionally rich fauna and birdlife. Besides the lake being beautiful by itself, it is also surrounded by beautiful landscapes adding to total experience.

4. Dettifoss - Yup, another waterfall, and not the last on the list.  Dettifoss is also located in north Iceland, and is within Vatnajokull National Park. It is widely considered to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe, as measured by water discharge (~193 m3/second that’s 10 to the tenth power per second). The water that fuels this mighty waterfall comes from the Vatnajokull glacier itself. The power of Dettifoss is what makes it epic.

5. Thingvellir National Park - Located in south Iceland, not that far from Reykjavik, Thingvellir is the site of Iceland’s original Althingi (parliament). The park itself is part of the aforementioned Golden Circle tour, and is located on a tectonic fault. This park, which is a World Heritage site, is home to a waterfall, nice walking paths, crystal clear pools, amazing vistas, Iceland’s largest lake as well as some simply stunning history - the world’s first parliamentary democracy!

6. Skaftafell Park - Located in southeast Iceland, and within Vatnajokull National Park, Skaftafell is simply one of Iceland’s natural gems. Why this is so is a little tough to pin down; it's a ‘sum of parts’ kind of issue. Skaftafell is like an oasis in what is often a pretty blustery, weather-ridden area. Because of it’s proximity to Vatnajokull, which creates a high pressure dome of air, it often has excellent weather. The park has streams, trails, waterfalls, trees and amazing birdlife. If you want to camp in paradise, this is your place.

7. Snaefellsness Peninsula - A whole peninsula made the list? Yup. This peninsula in west Iceland is, in a word, special.  It is home to quaint fishing villages, stunning vistas and, oh yes, Snaefellsjokull. This small glacier was featured in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. It is also believed to be one of Earth’s energy centers. You may feel it yourself!

8. Skogafoss - Another popular and beautiful waterfall. It is located along the Ring Road in south Iceland.  It is not the highest waterfall, nor the widest. But, in our opinion, what makes it so special is it’s accessibility. You can walk right up to it. It is also famous for creating single and double rainbows.

9. Blue Lagoon - Probably Iceland’s most famous attraction.  Basically the Blue Lagoon is just a giant natural hot spring. It is fed from the mineral-rich hot water, from deep in the Earth, that also powers a nearby geothermal power plant. Bathing in its milky-white warm waters, surrounded by lava is a singular experience.

10. Vatnajokull - Ho hum. Just Europe’s largest glacier. That’s probably worth seeing, right?  You bet it is.  Technically, ‘seeing’ Vatnajokull is a bit tough because it is so large; it covers about 8% of the entire country. What you will see is Vatnajokull’s many (30) glacier tongues (also called outlets) that are flowing down from the main glacier.  Just head south and southeast along Iceland’s Ring Road and as you start coming in the vicinity of Skaftafell Park, you will be seeing Vatnajokull.

From Berjaya Hotels, Iceland’s premiere hotel chain offering a family of nine hotels located across the country. Choose from locations in Reykjavik and in all the tops spots to see these Epic attractions! Cheers.