13+ Must-See Natural Wonders of Iceland

Would you like to see the natural wonders of Iceland?

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, this country has it all, from whale watching in Reykjavik to a visit to the geysers and Thingvellir National Park.

What about a visit to a dormant volcano in Reykjanes and a trip to one of the mysterious ice caves of southern Iceland?

Iceland is an island where fire and ice melt from erupting volcanoes, magnificent glaciers, geysers, vigorous waterfalls, hot springs with medicinal properties and colorful fishing villages.

That’s why in this post I want to encourage you to see the natural wonders of Iceland:

Natural Wonders of Iceland Worth Visiting

Blue Lagoon

You cannot miss this treat for your senses.

Sulfur and other minerals accumulate in volcanic areas cause water with these spectacular colors that change throughout the day.

The famous Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa with seawater, which is believed to have natural healing powers. The water, rich in silica and minerals, has worked well in all types of eczema and other skin related problems.

If you are looking for things to do with the Blue lagoon, there is a special clinic for treatment of the skin!

Also it offers a variety of luxurious spa treatments and there is a restaurant located on the lava lake. An experience at the Blue Lagoon is always unforgettable.

Traveling with kids? This post is for you: Visiting Blue Lagoon with kids.

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss is a massive waterfall with 32 meters deep slumps in a canyon.

In the Golden Circle route, this is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island. You will feel very small when you walk towards the waterfall and feel the power of nature.

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon

It’s true there are many natural wonders in Iceland, but one of the best places to see is the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

If you can visit the lagoon in different times of the day you will have the chance to see different lights and landscapes.

My advice? One of the most magical moments coincides with the sunset.

Take a boat tour around the area to get a look up close at the pieces of ice. The tour will take one hour and is amazing! That reminds me of my trip to Perito Moreno in Argentina.

And I have to tell you, this lagoon is one of the top 5 things to do in Iceland!

Dettifoss waterfall

At Dettifoos waterfall you will feel how the ground shakes under your feet as a constant roar that makes you feel tiny compared to the power of nature. Best moment ever!

Strokkur Geyser

This natural wonders of Iceland is located in a geothermal area next to Hvítá river. If you are planning to do the Golden Circle tour, this geyser is a must stop.

This geyser is definitely a magical place. With a water column of about 80 meters high every four minutes, it’s a place you won’t forget.

In periods of high seismic activity, the water column can reach 122 meters high, becoming  one of the tallest active geysers in the world.

Aurora Boreal in Iceland

Would you imagine waking up in the middle of nature and see the Northern Lights?

You can do that if you stay at one of those cool and unusual hotels in Iceland.

Reynisfjara Beach

One of the best natural wonders of Iceland is its large number of basalt columns. This beach has a ton of them and also black sand.

Approximately 180 km southeast of Reykjavik you will find Reynisfjara, a black sand beach, perfect for surfing and surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns from Reynisfjall Mountain.

A short drive away you will arrive to Dyrhólaey, a giant pillar of dark lava arching 120 meters into the sea, forming a peninsula from which travelers can enjoy a fantastic view of Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the south coast of Iceland. Wow!

There are regular tours to the beach from the neighboring village of Vik. If traveling alone, note that swimming in the sea is extremely dangerous due to low water temperatures, currents and relentless waves. Be careful and enjoy this natural wonder of Iceland!

Kirkjufell Foss

Visit this waterfall if you have an adventurous spirit! The view from the top will take your breath away.

Skaftafell Waterfall

Located in the Vatnajökull National Park, this waterfall is an awesome place for day tour in Iceland.

Icelandic wildlife

The Icelandic horse, and the puffin, are symbols of the country.

Throughout history this horse has been linked to the Vikings, for their strength and sturdiness.

Today Iceland has 80,000 Purebred you can see running freely through the fields. They are considered calm and brave despite their small stature which is about 135 cm. What an amazing animal!

Do you know that the Icelandic horse is most famous for having 5 gaits and most of them are ponies?

If you are a wildlife lover, on your visit to Iceland there are two things you have to do: a whale watching tour and watch the famous puffins in the Westman Islands. You won’t miss these unique birds as there are 10 million Puffins nesting in Iceland every summer!

You can see puffins in Iceland from the beginning of April until September.

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Though Iceland has many waterfalls, one that you can’t miss is Seljalandsfoss Waterfall! It is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland that you can walk around creating an even more magical moment!

A photographer’s dream, this natural wonder of Iceland is located on the south coast of the country along the popular ring road, just less than 2 hours from Reykjavik.

Falling at 60 meters high, this waterfall creates a roaring sound while creating a misty rush that makes the entire experience even more enjoyable! 

Named one of the most visited waterfalls in the country and one of the most photographed, Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is truly one of the most beautiful Iceland natural wonders!

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

One of the unique Iceland natural attractions worth visiting is the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

Located on the South Coast of Iceland, this beach was formed as a result of the eruption of the nearby volcano. When the lava from the volcano found its way to the beach, it cooled down and solidified hence turning the beach black.

Reynisfjara has other exciting features to look out for on your visit including basalt columns and the hálsanefshellir sea cave.

While this beach is unique, you must exercise caution when visiting it as the waves from the Atlantic are very strong and can easily pull you in the water if you’re nearby. It is advised to stay 30 meters away from the shoreline! 

Godafoss Waterfall

Godafoss is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in the Northern part of the country along the ring road.

Though the origin of the waterfall’s name is a mystery, it’s still one of the stunning natural wonders of Iceland.

Other Natural Wonders in Iceland Worth Visiting

There is no doubt that Iceland is blessed with so much natural beauty that a list of its natural wonders can be endless! But if you need more Iceland natural attractions to visit, below are a few more suggestions.

• Namaskard Geothermal Area
• Hverfjall Volcano
• Leiðarendi Lava Cave
• Silfra Fissure; perfect for diving and snorkeling.
• Dimmuborgir
• Skógafoss waterfall
• Askja

Plan your trip to Iceland

If you need more info to plan your trip to Iceland don’t miss these posts:

• Top 5 Things to do in Iceland (and my reasons to visit Iceland).
• Where to stay in Iceland – Top 5 Cool and Unusual Hotels that will make you love Iceland.

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Photo credit: some of the photos belong to Iceland.is