Iceland Bucket List: 15 Unique Things to Do in Iceland

An Iceland bucket list basically writes itself. You can snorkel between two continents, snowmobile across a glacier, walk behind a waterfall, soak in geothermal lagoons, and watch icebergs on a glacial lagoon.

We spent less than a week in Iceland, focusing on the South Coast and Golden Circle, so this isn’t a list of 50 things I searched up and decided sounded cool. These are the Iceland experiences we actually did, plus the ones I still want to tackle on a return trip.

Iceland Bucket List Highlights

If you’re short on time, even if you only have one day, these are the Iceland experiences I’d prioritize:

• Drive the Ring Road.
• Snorkel between two continents at Silfra.
• Snowmobile across a glacier.
• Chase the Northern Lights.
• Relax in a geothermal lagoon.

Snorkel between two continents at Silfra.

Iceland’s Silfra fissure sits in the rift zone between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park. That makes snorkeling here a pretty spectacular way to get up close to Iceland’s geology.

We’ve never been in water so clear. Take a sip while you’re at it! The hot chocolate and biscuits at the end, right when you’re regaining feeling in your limbs, were a nice touch, too.

There are a few organizers who lead Silfra snorkeling tours, some even offering scuba options if you’re a certified diver. We went with DIVE.IS, but here are a few more options:

Tips for Snorkeling Silfra

• Park in the P5 parking lot. This is different than the Silfra parking lot, which is for employees. Pay your fee online once you know your car plates.
• Wear two pairs of wool socks for your dive. Our luggage was delayed, but we made sure to find replacement socks before the tour.
• Be honest about your kilos. This isn’t the time to pull what we all do at the DMV. The dry suit you squeeze into is meant to be like a second skin. 
• Don’t contort yourself in the water. It’ll be even colder if water seeps into your dry suit, as it did for me.

Snowmobile on a glacier in Iceland.

I’m not generally a winter sports enthusiast, preferring to find myself in front of warm fires with a good book on most group ski trips. The idea of snowmobiling on a glacier was hard to pass up, though, and felt uniquely Icelandic.

You spend about an hour snowmobiling on the glacier, and midway through, you get a break to take in what it is that you just did. It’s incredible. The part where your kidneys are back to where they need to be at the end of your tour is nice, too. 

We chose to do so on Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier behind Vatnajökull in Vatnajökull National Park, with Extreme Iceland, now Arctic Adventures. Interested in some comparison shopping? Check out more highly-rated tours below:

Tips for Glacier Snowmobiling in Iceland

• Get there early if you drive yourself. They ask that you meet the group about 15 minutes early. Default bookings are for two people sharing a snowmobile.
• You may not need the heavy winter gear. Most of our group opted to leave our jackets behind as we were given heavy-duty snowsuits.
• Listen to the instructions. Suited up, you get a brief tutorial on how to work the machines and rules on what not to do that will inevitably be broken.
• Stick with the group. There were people who flipped their snowmobiles over because they went off course and hit a rock they didn’t see. Don’t be like them.

Chase the Northern Lights in Iceland.

I joke and call it the aurora boring-alis, but seeing the Northern Lights, or the aurora borealis, is as close to a magical experience as you’ll get. It’s like the sky is dancing, and I’m not usually one for overuse of figurative language.

We didn’t have the best viewing during our time there, so I’m sure I’ll find myself in some glamping igloo situation down the line for a do-over. The limited colors we did see were enough to give me the bug for more.

If you’re in South Iceland or the city, there are tours right out of Reykjavik that offer a better chance at seeing the lights. If you’re going for that efficiency, check out some of the options below:

Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

• Get out of the city. Just like it’s easier to see the stars in the sky away from big city light pollution, the same tactic works for the Northern Lights.
• Trust the experts. The Icelandic Meteorological Office offers a daily aurora forecast that gives visitors an idea of what to expect each night.
• Learn the lingo. In the right-hand corner of that site above, you’ll see a ranking of 0-9 on the forecast. We never got beyond a 4, but we still saw some activity.
• Don’t let NOT seeing the Northern Lights ruin your trip. It’s impossible to predict where and when you’ll see the lights until you’re out there, and even then, it isn’t an exact science.

Watch Strokkur erupt at Geysir.

The Geysir geothermal area is like Iceland’s version of Yellowstone’s Old Faithful. Honestly, considering the surrounding scenery and relative lack of tourists, it might even be better.

The Great Geysir is the most famous hot spring here, but it’s been mostly dormant for the last few years. Luckily, you only have to wait up to about 10 minutes to see nearby Strokkur erupt. And it’s free!

Tips for Visiting Geysir

• Stand back. News reporting around thermal attractions suggests this needs to be mentioned. You don’t want to be too close when these things erupt.
• Come early or late. Crowds are thickest after 10am and then start to thin out again after 4pm. The site is open year-round, but avoid the dark.
• Walk the valley. Once you’ve seen Strokkur do its thing, dedicate some time to exploring the Haukadalur Valley and its bubbling pools.
• Grab a snack. The Geysir Center near the geothermal area is one of Iceland’s largest souvenir shops. Oh, I said snack. They have some casual eats there, too.

Relax in Iceland’s geothermal lagoons.

Iceland is well-known for its geothermal areas, many of which are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll encounter anywhere. Start with the Blue Lagoon. Some call it overrated, but this is like Iceland’s gateway lagoon.

Note: I highly recommend the Blue Lagoon right after your flight to Iceland. If you’re coming in from the United States, you’ll probably land in the morning, hours before anything is open anyway.

If you’re doing a self-drive tour, your options open up significantly from there. You can even reach North Iceland and the Myvatn Nature Baths after visiting the spectacular Lake Myvatn. If you prefer door-to-door service, browse the possibilities below:

Tips for Visiting Iceland’s Geothermal Lagoons

• Rent a suit. We had to rent swimsuits at the Blue Lagoon because of a luggage delay, but it isn’t a bad idea to get them anyway because of the silica in the water.
• Find your favorite lagoon. The second thermal stop we made was at the Secret Lagoon in Fludir. It was less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, but both were fun. 
• Take advantage of the add-ons. Blue Lagoon admission comes with a complimentary cocktail and mud mask.
• Get over your issues with nudity. The Blue Lagoon offers a private shower stall. At the Secret Lagoon, you wash your bits in an open shower.

Visit Iceland’s black sand beaches.

Reynisfjara’s Black Sand Beach is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Iceland. You’ll see black basalt columns on one side and roaring waves on the other, all up against the backdrop of the black sand.

Fun fact: What you’re stepping on is actually black volcanic rock ground down over time. You’re not getting that in Florida.

Find other striking black sand beaches along the South Coast, including nearby Dyrhólaey and the more remote Sólheimasandur area.

Tips for Visiting Black Sand Beaches in Iceland

• Don’t even think about jumping in the water. It’s not just cold in there year-round. It’s dangerous. Tourists have been swept away at this beach.
• Work the buddy system. Never turn your back on the waves. Sneaker waves are a real thing, and you don’t want to make the local news for the perfect photo.
• Bring the binoculars. The basalt stacks here are home to a variety of seabird species that love making themselves at home in the crevices.
• Bundle up no matter when you’re visiting. This isn’t even comparable to coastal Oregon. Iceland is a whole new thing when it comes to weather.

See the Sólheimasandur plane wreck.

If you’re into unusual attractions, Sólheimasandur Beach is home to one of Iceland’s most famous crash sites: the Sólheimasandur plane wreck.

The abandoned U.S. Navy DC-3 plane has become a favorite for music videos, including one from Justin Bieber. When we visited in November, we had the site almost entirely to ourselves, but expect summer crowds. Thanks, Bieber.

Tips for Visiting Sólheimasandur

• Know where you’re going. The wreck is located off Route 1 between Skógafoss and Vík. Follow signs for Sólheimajökull. Once you’re there, pay a parking fee.
• Consider taking the shuttle. The shuttle is a good option if you’d rather spend your time exploring the wreck instead of walking there and back.
• If you walk, prepare for the elements. The route is completely exposed, so wind and changing weather can make the trek feel much longer.
• Take only photos. The wreckage looks even more wrecked today than it did during our trip. You don’t need to spray your name on something. A photo will do.

Watch the ice float at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is something you likely won’t see anywhere else in your travels. If you’re able to make it out that way on your Iceland road trip, do. Spend some time taking it all in. This is the best of Iceland.

The ice you’ll see here is fed by Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest ice cap. The surrounding area is also part of the second-largest national park in Europe. You’ll need to travel to Russia for the Yugyd Va National Park, the biggest.

You can also book a tour that includes a stop here:

Tips for Visiting Jökulsárlón

• Keep your eyes on the water. This is a popular spot for seals, especially in the winter. They like hanging out here in the cold months to catch fish.
• The lagoon is open year-round. That said, if you’re here in the winter during a raging snowstorm, it may not be the best time to take the family for a drive.
• Visit in the summer for an extra special experience. Summer travelers can book a trip to kayak on the lagoon. Just book ahead. These do sell out.
• Take a boat ride. Summer travelers can also book boat tours on the lagoon. I’d come back here just to make this experience happen.

See the ice sparkle at Diamond Beach.

This beach is known for shining bright like a diamond thanks to the glittering hunks of ice that dot the shore and sand from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. This is the largest glacier of Vatnajökull, the ice cap I described in the stop above.

Things can get extra sparkly if you time things right. I loved our photos, but clear skies at sunset rather than the overcast sky we got would have made things even more magical.

Tips for Visiting Diamond Beach

• Pair your visit with Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Diamond Beach is just across the road from the lagoon. It’s easy to see both in an hour or so.
• Stay dry. Don’t get too close to the water. It may look all peaceful, but the tide can change quickly and get you soaked or worse.
• Watch your step. Some of the ice may be hiding beneath the sand. Watch where you’re going so you don’t trip and hurt yourself.
• Don’t climb on anything. Yes, ice is slippery. That’s not some newsflash. These icebergs also have sharp, jagged edges that wouldn’t feel pleasant in a mishap.

Walk on a glacier in Iceland.

The glacier lagoon at Skaftafellsjökull is just as sparkly as Iceland’s famous Diamond Beach, and there’s some accessible hiking nearby.

We were able to make it safely to the foot of the glacier, where we saw tour groups heading up the glacier with the appropriate gear. If you’re interested in the same, tours are organized at the visitor center. You can also book one of the tours below:

Tips for Visiting

• Leave time for Vatnajökull National Park. Several trails in the park don’t require as much prep as the glacier treks. Pick and choose what you have time for.
• Don’t miss the falls. Svartifoss in Vatnajökull is one of my favorite waterfalls. You can also access viewpoints of Morsárfoss, the tallest waterfall in Iceland.
• Don’t be a dummy. We watched people climb onto the glacier without the proper gear. One guy was wearing tennis shoes and predictably sliding around.
• Bring wet-weather gear. Even if you’re not booked on a glacier trek, there’s a good chance you will get wet navigating any trails in the park.

Hike into Kerið volcanic crater.

If visiting Iceland’s active volcanoes is a bit much, Kerið is an impressive Icelandic attraction with lower stakes.

Fun fact: The crater was formed by a collapsed magma chamber over 3,000 years ago.

It has filled up with water since, creating a vivid landscape that has earned it the nickname of “The Eye of the World.” The reflections in the crater make you feel very small. I’m all about visiting places that offer an extra dose of perspective.

Tips for Visiting Kerið

• Walk the rim. This is where you’ll get some great panoramic views of the crater below. It’s less than a mile all the way around, but dedicate at least half an hour.
• Walk down to the lake. Follow the stairs from the top down to the lake below to get a closer look at the red slopes that line the crater’s walls.
• Stay on dedicated trails. Things can get slick and slippery in inclement weather. Stick to marked paths, walking the rim and the stairs down to the lake.
• Consider a winter trip. While this one is best visited when you can safely walk down to the lake, the lake freezes over in the winter months.

READ MORE: What’s your motivation for travel? Check out a few of my favorite reasons people hit the road.

Walk behind Seljalandsfoss.

Iceland has many spectacular waterfalls, and I’m sure you already have a few on your list. There’s one that will really put a smile on your face if you put in a little extra effort, though. That’s Seljalandsfoss.

A trail of a little over a mile takes you behind the falls for a view you just don’t see every day.

If you really want the full experience of these falls, walk the trail behind them for a trip of a little over a mile round-trip. Expect lots of people to be very slow in doing the same while you get soaked by the water.

Tips for Visiting Seljalandsfoss

• Wear waterproof gear. You will get wet. Cover your electronics if they’re not waterproof. Wear a good rain jacket. Shoes or boots with good traction are great.
• Be safe. We saw a lot of slipping and sliding on a mild fall day. If things look icy or generally sketchy, it’s fine to just see this beauty from the front.
• Be flexible. The path behind the falls closes down from time to time for your safety. If that happens, don’t force the issue.
• Don’t stop there. Glijufrabui, another waterfall with a behind-the-falls view, is within walking distance of Seljalandsfoss. You’ll need additional gear.

Chase Iceland’s waterfalls.

I had to highlight the one where you can actually see the world from the outside in, but Iceland is spoiled with waterfalls. I have a lengthy guide to Iceland’s waterfalls if you want to find a few along your itinerary.

Our travel was focused on the South Coast, so those are the ones I feature in my guide. If you’re open to traveling all over Iceland, here are the most popular options:

• Dettifoss: There are so many waterfalls in Iceland that it can be hard to keep track of the biggest and tallest, but this one is definitely near the top of that list.
• Gullfoss: This is Iceland’s most visited waterfall. If you’re doing any excursions on Langjökull Glacier, you’ll likely meet your tour here.
• Öxarárfoss: This beauty in Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls. It’s also less than an hour from Reykjavik.
• Skógafoss: This one is impressive enough that it’s hosted celebrities. It’s been featured in a Justin Bieber music video and the movie Thor: The Dark World.
• Svartifoss: This one might have been my favorite. It’s surrounded by black basalt columns that make things that much more atmospheric.

Explore Reykjavik.

Reykjavik is probably what I was least excited about on our trip to Iceland. That’s unfortunate. I loved the city, and I’m looking forward to when we can return and dig in a little bit more.

I have a full guide to sightseeing in Reykjavik that you can read at your leisure. If you’re pressed for time, don’t miss the views from the top of Hallgrímskirkja and the bread bowl soups at Svarta Kaffið.

Explore an ice cave in Iceland.

This was on our initial itinerary. Unfortunately, we missed out on an opportunity to tour the dazzling ice caves in Iceland as part of our snowmobiling tour due to the mild weather we were experiencing.

It’s usually one of the best things to do in Iceland in winter, which generally starts in November. Our November trip was just that mild.

The most well-known ice cave is the Crystal Cave in the Vatnajökull Glacier, but you have many other options. Check out a few guided excursions below:

Iceland Bucket List Experiences for Our Next Trip

We spent less than a week in Iceland. While it was jam-packed with adventure, we still left quite a bit on the table. Here are a few more ideas for bucket list Iceland excursions if you’re lucky enough to have more time.

Drive the Ring Road.

If you really want to see Iceland beyond the most popular stops around Reykjavik and the South Coast, drive the Ring Road. At least that’s what I was told.

Route 1 circles the country. You can drive it in about a week if you’re willing to keep moving. On a longer Iceland road beer trip, we’d love to see more of the best of Iceland on the country’s most famous drive.

Go whale watching in Húsavík.

This one is high on my list. Húsavík is the town from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, and whale watching is big here. Peak season runs from April to late September or early October, with over 20 species in Icelandic waters.

You can also book a whale-watching tour from other parts of the country, but Húsavík is the biggie.

See the midnight sun.

Visit Iceland in summer, and you can experience the midnight sun, when the sun stays above or just below the horizon for most of the night. Around the summer solstice, Iceland gets nearly 24 hours of daylight!

Go horseback riding through lava fields.

Ride an Icelandic horse through lava fields. Seriously. We saw a few of these fuzzy beauties on the side of the road during our Iceland road trip, and I’m still plotting a proper ride…when I’m not patting their fuzzy little faces.

See puffins in Borgarfjörður Eystri.

This enchanting fishing village in the East Fjords is known for the colonies of puffins dotting the cliffs. It’s high on my list for a summer trip, mostly because a group of them is known as a circus.

Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula.

Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula for geothermal activity at Gunnuhver, the cliffs of Reykjanesviti, and two continents at the Bridge Between Continents.

Just make sure to check current conditions before you go, since volcanic activity has affected parts of the area in recent years.

Chase the folklore of the Westfjords.

Ditch the tourists in this remote corner of Iceland. I’d start with the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft myself. It’s in the village of Hólmavík, and it makes a good anchor for a slow road trip through a part of the country most itineraries skip.

Hike in Landmannalaugar.

Hike a surreal landscape of rhyolite mountains and geothermal springs in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. It’s in the Highlands and only reachable in summer, usually by highland bus or a 4×4, so plan your timing around the season if you’re interested.

Tips Before Booking Iceland Excursions

We were drawn to Iceland by the promise of adventure. Many of Iceland’s famous tourist attractions are all about getting a little bit uncomfortable, whether that’s swimming in frigid waters or facing your fears.

To make the best of this special place, I do have a few more tips to assist in your planning:

• Keep up to date on the country’s alert response systems. Natural disasters can be avoided if you pay attention to what’s going on across the country.
• Don’t drive unless you know how to handle the elements. We did a self-drive Golden Circle tour and beyond, but we have lots of experience in the snow.
• There’s no shame in booking guided tours. If it looks like bad weather is coming your way, save the driving for the experts and find yourself a guided tour.
• Be flexible with any tour bookings. Check your email the night before. Iceland has some crazy weather, so it’s important to have a backup plan or two.
• Practice your photo skills. Test new methods for low light, especially if you’re here for the Northern Lights. Read up on camera settings that work best at night. 
• Experiences can change by season. Winter means less daylight, but it also means a better chance to see ice caves and the Northern Lights.
• Pack accordingly. I put together a detailed guide to what to wear in Iceland and what to pack based on our own experience, including where we failed.

READ MORE: For an even more extensive travel guide, check out my Iceland trip planner.

Iceland is worth the adventure.

Iceland is one of those rare places where the bucket list almost feels too short.

The best Iceland experiences depend on what draws you in. Maybe it’s standing beneath a waterfall, watching glaciers calve into a lagoon, chasing the Northern Lights, or trying something completely outside your comfort zone.

Whatever makes your list, leave room for flexibility. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and the best moments often come from adjusting your plans and embracing whatever the day brings.

Iceland rewards travelers with a flexible mindset, even if you’re super Type A like me!

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