Iceland

Fire, ice and northern lights.

US travel advisory: Level 1 · checked 2026-11-02
Photo: Wattekugel · CC BY-SA 3.0
This is a first draft of the Iceland list. The full region guide is being written, and tiers may still change.

The Short List

Must-See

Must-See
Nature · UNESCO

Golden Circle and Reykjavík

Gullfoss, Geysir and Þingvellir, close to the world's northernmost capital.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Nature · Glaciers

South Coast and Jökulsárlón

Skógafoss, black sand at Vík, and icebergs drifting to Diamond Beach.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Nature · Northern lights

Northern Lights

Clear, dark nights from September to April can bring the aurora.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Cities · Capitals

Reykjavík

The world's northernmost capital, with Hallgrímskirkja, music and thermal pools.

Guide Coming Soon

Worth a Detour

Worth a Detour
Nature · Hot springs

Blue Lagoon

A milky-blue spa in a lava field. Eruptions nearby sometimes close it.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Nature · Volcanoes

Mývatn and the North

Lava and thermal fields, and whale watching at Húsavík.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Mountains · Scenic Drives

Ring Road

An 800-mile road loop around the island.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Nature · UNESCO

Vatnajökull

Europe's largest ice cap, with ice cave tours in winter.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Nature · Volcanoes

Snæfellsnes and Kirkjufell

Iceland's most-photographed mountain and the Journey to the Center of the Earth glacier.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Mountains · Hiking

Landmannalaugar

Rhyolite mountains in every color, with hot springs, on the Laugavegur trail.

Guide Coming Soon

If You're Nearby

If You're Nearby
Mountains · Hiking

Þórsmörk

A green valley between glaciers, at the end of the Laugavegur trail.

Guide Coming Soon

On the Map

Grey pins: guides still being written.