Top 5 Attractions in Iceland
Explore the top 5 most popular attractions in Iceland that you cannot miss. These must-visit locations must make your list.
#1 Blue Lagoon
Located just 20 minutes from Reykjavik-Keflavik International airport, Blue Lagoon Spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. Situated in a lava field where the natural geothermal water rich in silica and algae supplies the lagoon with its milky-blue water which is said to be very good for the skin. Water temperature ranges from 37 – 39 degrees Celcius. It features an in-water bar where you can enjoy a wine or beer while your skin soaks up the heat. The mask bar offers several types of face masks produced in-house that you can try out.
Address: Nordurljosavegur 9, 240 Grindavík
Hours: 8 am – 9 pm (daily)
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#2 Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is the most visited attraction in Iceland. Comprising of the Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss, the Golden Circle is something that you cannot miss when you visit Iceland.
The Thingvellir National Park is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance. The park lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. To its south lies Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. The park also houses the Althing, the oldest parliament house in the world. Thingvellir National Park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2004.
The Geysir Hot Spring Area is one of the favourite spots in the Golden Circle. Strokkur, the most active Geysir in the area, erupts every 8-10 minutes, sprouts hot water as high as 30 meters into the air.
Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Waterfall, is where the Golden Circle got its name. This mighty waterfall is located in the canyon of the Hvítá river. Being known as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, the water cascades down in two stages, 11m and 21m, before plunging into a 32m crevasse below. On sunny days, the waters reflecting the sunlight makes the fall appear golden and, of course, rainbows are common sight.
#3 Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Situated at the head of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the deepest lagoon in Iceland. Considered as one of the natural wonders of Iceland, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon has been a popular filming location for many blockbuster movies and TV series. Floating on the lagoon are icebergs that have broken off the glacier of Breiðamerkurjökull. During the summer, a boat ride on the Zodiac or Amphibian will give you an up-close encounter with these mesmerising floating ice. The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is also home to some 200 seals.
#4 Kirkjufell
Situated at the north coast of Snæfellsnes peninsula, Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Featured as the “arrowhead mountain” in Game of Thrones, Kirkjufell quickly gained popularity amongst travellers as a must-visit location. Kirkjufell is also one of the must-shoot locations in the portfolio of professional landscape photographers.
#5 Blue Ice Cave
The Blue Ice Cave is a naturally formed ice cave in the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. The ice cave changes every year in shape, size and location. The Blue Ice Cave is one of the most magical places as the compact ice refracts light rays allowing only blue light to pass through. Due to the rapid melting of the glaciers, these natural ice caves might not exist anymore a few years from now.