Since I bought the flight tickets to Iceland and told my friends, everybody started telling me how amazing this country is. I thought so too, otherwise I wouldn’t choose this destination. I prepared detailed itinerary of all the attraction I wanted to see and realized I can’t fit them into one week. Sometimes it’s better to visit only couple of them and enjoy them, instead of rushing the whole trip and remember nothing. That is why I would like to highlight the 8 must-see attractions in Iceland that you shouldn’t miss 😊.

Diamond beach is like no other. The black sand beach is covered with plenty big icebergs. When I was there, it was cloudy and raining. It was still unique and beautiful, however the way the whole beach glitters during a sunny day is beyond compare! You can find there the icebergs year-round, in summer mostly in the morning or the evening when it is not so hot, they can be smaller or less of them.

It is located bit farther from Reykjavík, however if you travel around the island, it will be on your way for sure. It is very close to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, just across the road (5-minute walk) and couple-minute drive to Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon.

I think I’ve read somewhere that Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. No matter if it is sunset, sunrise, northern lights, rainbow or just a random March morning, the view of Kirkjufell is always spectacular. Especially from behind Kirkjufellsfoss. I would spend there hours enjoying the views and taking photos, because every angle is slightly different. I recommend that you check the mountain from the other side. You won’t even recognize it 😊.

This is a one-of-a-kind place! Iceland’s nature is marvelous, but where else can you get near a plane wreck (without any horrible circumstances), right?! I always admired photos of this place on internet and never knew where it is. Luckily, I found out before my trip to Iceland, otherwise I would miss it :-/

I think the story behind the plane wreck is interesting. It was back in 1973 that a US Navy DC plane crashed in the South Coast of Iceland. They ran out of fuel; however, it was said later that pilot switched to the wrong fuel tank. Fortunately, everybody on board has survived.

That was little bit of history and now back to present. Sólheimasandur plane wreck is one of few attractions without a parking lot nearby. There is a wide gravel road leading (kind of) close to the plane that used to be used in the past. As crowds of people started to seek for this attraction, the road was closed in order to protect the vegetation. Big parking lot was built by the road, however don’t look for a sign saying you’re there. There is none 😊 It is situated approximately 20 minutes from Vík. Better slow down not to miss it. From the other direction, Seljalandsfoss, it takes about 30 minutes by car.

If you decide to see the plane wreck on your own, make sure you go during a nice weather. Preferably not in the snow, rain or too windy conditions. Wear solid hiking boots and water-resistant and wind-proof jacket. Don’t forget to take water with you. Plane is situated approx. 3,5 km from the parking lot, it means you will walk 45 minutes. The scenery is amazing, there is nothing around and you have no idea where you’re heading. You can spot the plane only when you get very close. I liked the spot, when I couldn’t see parking lot anymore and still no sight of the plane. It was only us in the middle of black gravel/sand desert.

Sólheimasandur plane wreck is like no other. It looks like from a movie scene rather than reality. If you want to enjoy the unique atmosphere, check out the whole wreck (you can climb it as much as you dare) and take amazing photos (without crowds), go there in the morning. We left the parking lot at 9:15 am and it was OK. However, it was in March. I recommend much earlier during the highest season. I believe it will be pretty crowded.

I think it would be a shame not to go on a glacier tour when you are in a country with plenty of them. We booked our ice cave and glacier walk tour well in advance (1,5 months). To check the availability and make your booking, you can visit for example this Ice cave tour website. We were satisfied with this company, but you can choose different one. Ice cave tours are organized only until end March/mid-April, as they melt down in spring every year. It was already tricky enough in the middle of March. It was raining three days prior to our guided tour and the ice cave we originally booked was flooded. If this happens to you, they can find different ice cave or glacier package for you. However, they have the right to cancel it too.

Our ice cave tour took 3 hours. We arrived to designated place in Skaftafell one hour in advance. There is a restaurant where you can fill your stomachs before the tour or enjoy cup of coffee. In the information center (right next to the restaurant) you have to pay for parking. You should get ready for departure 20 minutes before. You will receive ax, crampons, helmets and if your shoes are not good, also pair of hiking boots.

The tour itself is easy, your guide will instruct you how to put on your crampons and explains how to walk on the glacier. You go everywhere together as a group, in a row. You will enjoy walking on the glacier, inside the cave, beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and hopefully nice weather.

As for the recommended clothes, take water-resistant and wind-proof jacket and pants. They might get handy as weather can change every minute. On the other hand, be prepared for the possibility of a sunny day, it can get really hot 😊.

Gullfoss, also called Golden Fall in English, is a massive (by massive I mean huge!) waterfall situated on the Hvítá river in the Gullfossgjúfur canyon. It has two levels, or it consists of two wide waterfalls, if you wish 😊. You can have a nice walk around, enjoy views from couple viewpoints and take countless number of photos 😊. During winter you have to wear crampons and some observation desks are closed. Unlike Skógafoss waterfall, you can observe Gullfoss only from above (I don’t recommend going anywhere lower unless you want to drown :D)

There is a big restaurant (with souvenir shop) in the parking lot, where you can warm up 😊.

Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland. It looks so impressive, especially when you’re standing right next to it. You will get soaked of course, but it is worth it 😊. Thanks to the water, there is always rainbow when it’s sunny.

Skógafoss offers also small exercise to balance all the sitting the in car while driving around the island 😊. You can climb couple stairs to get to the observation desk above the waterfall. I recommend a short walk along the Skóga river. It offers beautiful views of the country and mountains around. You can also see couple other waterfalls (much smaller than Skógafoss) as well as the top of popular Eyjafjallajökull volcano in the back.

To have a little rest, you can reward yourself with snack and coffee in a nearby restaurant (Skógafoss hotel). Don’t expect too much, though 😊.

This waterfall is about 150 km (approx. two-hour-drive) from Reykjavík or 30 minutes from Vík. There are many other points of interest nearby. For example, Seljavallalaug swimming pool, Sólheimasandur plane wreck, Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara Black sand beach.

Visiting this public thermal bath was rather an adventure. I am not really sure which is better – knowing or not knowing what are you going into 😀 As Blue Lagoon is too mainstream, we wanted to try something special, hidden. From parking lot you have to continue on feet for 15 minutes. Terrain is not that difficult, you just have to cross river couple times and find the best path for you. Swimming pool is surrounded by mountains and the views are spectacular. There are three changing rooms. They are rather wet and dirty, but it is better than anything at all.

During our visit, it was snowing heavily and I can’t imagine having all our clothes and belongings outside. The outside temperature was slightly above 0°C, so taking photos was limited to the shortest time possible with the hope to warm up in the water. Well, my hopes didn’t meet with reality, water inside this pool is only slightly warm, what wasn’t enough regarding the outside temperature. We all survived though and no one got cold. So, I consider this trip as a little success and big adventure 😊.

Kerið is an old volcanic crater that charmed me at the first sight. It is beyond beautiful! I believe it is one-of-a-kind in every season, however I prefer the one I witnessed on my own in March. It wasn’t white as in winter neither green as in summer. It was colorful! At the bottom of the crater, there was little frozen eye-like lake.

It is situated on the Golden circle, easily accessible. You don’t have to walk far from the parking lot, as it is situated right next to the crater. Compared to other attractions we’ve visited in Iceland, you have to pay entrance fee to be able to visit Kerið. It is not too much, though, approximately 400 ISK. Allocate one hour to enjoy the walk around the crater comfortably. It is not that big, nor long, however if you take a lot of photos and enjoy the views, it takes time. You can also descent to the lake. Depends on the weather, stairs can be little (or more) muddy. Make sure you wear firm shoes and water-resistant jacket should be a must too ;).

Nature in Iceland is marvelous, there are so many beautiful places. Unfortunately, you can’t see everything. At least not during one visit. Therefore, it is better to prioritize and enjoy less to the fullest rather than see many things and rush all the trip. You can look at the bright side of it, you have a reason to come back and explore more of this beautiful island.

Love & happy travels,
RLT

P.S.: If you have any questions, different experience or suggestion, please share it in a comment below. 😉