The top Iceland attractions

Visiting Iceland feels like you’re stepping into a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. With its striking natural scenery, Iceland offers visitors a range of wonders and attractions. That includes massive glaciers, cascading waterfalls and bubbling hot springs. But Iceland is also known for its diverse culture, history and hospitality.

With so many exciting things to do in Iceland, it might be challenging to narrow down what attractions to add to your travel itinerary. Here’s a list of some must-see Iceland attractions to get you started on your adventure.

What you’ll learn:

• Some of the best things to do in Iceland include experiencing the country’s natural beauty, like the northern lights, waterfalls and ice caves.

• Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, boasts a rich history and offers an array of cultural experiences and attractions, including museums and historical landmarks.

• Those wondering how to get around Iceland can consider a road trip along the Ring Road or the Golden Circle, both great options to see the countryside.

Iceland’s stunning natural beauty surrounds you at every turn. Here are just a few of the unique wonders you can experience in this Arctic paradise.

Seeing the northern lights in Iceland is often at the top of travelers’ bucket lists. To increase your chances of witnessing this dazzling natural light show, schedule your trip between September and April. That’s when the sky is darkest and the nights are longest. Guided tours offer access to experts who might know the best spots to catch a glimpse.

Gullfoss waterfall, another of Iceland’s top tourist attractions, features a dramatic two-tiered drop of about 105 feet into a narrow canyon. Gullfoss means “Golden Falls,” and visitors often get rewarded with stunning rainbows on sunny days. Sometimes weather conditions can cause roads and trails to close, so check ahead before heading out to this stunning natural wonder.

This picturesque waterfall, roughly two hours from Reykjavik, is located on Iceland’s South Coast. Its most unique feature is the pathway that surrounds it, allowing you to walk completely around it during the summer months. The surface might be slippery. Consider proper footwear—and be prepared for the fall’s mist.

If you plan your trip between late May and early August, you’ll experience 24 hours of daylight, known as the midnight sun. This natural phenomenon occurs because of Iceland’s proximity to the Arctic Circle. This means you’ll have unlimited daylight to experience all the top Iceland attractions. When it’s time to rest, a sleep mask can help block the daylight.

Iceland is renowned for its numerous natural ice caves, which are formed beneath glaciers. The caves change color, size and shape throughout the year—based on the weather and ice conditions. Some of the most popular ice caves are in Vatnajokull Glacier, near Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. You’ll find the Crystal Ice Cave, famous for its stunning blue ice, among these well-known sites. And if you’re more adventurous, join a glacier hiking tour, where you can also experience the Skaftafell Ice Cave.

Iceland boasts a vibrant cultural scene and a rich Norse heritage. Here are a few interesting places to check out as well as things to see in Iceland.

Iceland’s capital offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s culture alongside its breathtaking landscapes. It’s full of key landmarks and cultural hotspots, like Hallgrímskirkja church, a parish and sanctuary overlooking the city. You can also explore Iceland’s history at the National Museum or visit Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre for concerts, shows and more.

A popular Icelandic tourist attraction and one of the country’s most visited sites, Thingvellir National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. Established as a national park in 1930, it’s known for its cultural and historical significance. Althingi, the Icelandic parliament, was founded in Thingvellir in the year 930. When you visit the park, you’ll find hiking and horseback riding, plus angling for brown trout and arctic char.

If you’re traveling to the South Coast, a stop at Skálholt is a must. As the original capital of Iceland for over 700 years, it was one of two episcopal seats, and it’s known as an integral cultural and political center. The current Skálholt Cathedral was built in 1963 on the same site as the original (built in the year 1000). You can tour the cathedral and enjoy museums and a 13th-century tunnel.

Every natural wonder in Iceland offers a unique, unforgettable experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Here’s a closer look at four iconic and stunning attractions in Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon might be Iceland’s most famous attraction and is considered a must-do when visiting. National Geographic even named it one of the 25 wonders of the world. This geothermal spa is set in a lava field, filled with milky blue waters rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. Relax with a mud mask in the soothing waters, which stay around 100 degrees year-round. And this destination offers amenities like luxury hotels, restaurants and spas.

Located in southeast Iceland off the Ring Road, Jokulsarlon is a glacial lagoon formed by broken pieces of the Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. Iceland’s largest and deepest lake is a sight to behold, with huge icebergs drifting lazily. While visiting, you can join a boat tour, go kayaking, walk along Diamond Beach, tour ice caves or go snowmobiling.

Formed by volcanic lava, Reynisfjara is a classic black sand beach. It was even listed as one of the most beautiful nontropical beaches in the world. With its unique features and remarkable views of towering basalt columns, it’s easy to see why. Stay in the town of Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland, which features shops, restaurants and cafes.

Located in the Haukadalur Valley, the Geysir geothermal field is a widely visited destination home to geysers, hot springs and more. The Great Geysir is the first geyser recorded in history, dating back to the 13th century. It’s not as active today, but reports from the 19th century note that the Great Geysir could erupt over 550 feet high. The area also features the Strokkur Geyser, the main geyser still active today, and numerous bubbling hot springs.

By taking a road trip through Iceland, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most dramatic scenery you’ll ever encounter. Whether you’re hoping to see waterfalls, glaciers or lava fields, there’s a route you can take to experience it all. Just keep in mind that the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on the road conditions and make sure to fuel up before you go.

Known as the most popular sightseeing route in Iceland, the Golden Circle is a loop that spans about 190 miles. You can easily pick this route up in Reykjavik, joining a tour or renting a car to drive yourself. Along the way, you’ll get to see major landmarks that include Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Spring Area and Gullfoss waterfall.

The Ring Road circles Iceland in its entirety, connecting Reykjavik with the country’s major towns and an abundance of natural attractions. Some itineraries take at least a week to see everything. But driving this route is one way to ensure you experience the majestic landscapes and some of the best sights Iceland has to offer. That includes the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach and Skaftafell Nature Reserve.

The Diamond Circle is a detour from the Ring Road that loops around North Iceland. Driving this route over the course of a couple of days allows you to view some of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls, including Goðafoss and Dettifoss. You can also stop in the small town of Lake Mývatn and the harbor town of Húsavík, which some call the whale-watching capital of Iceland.

Whether you’re planning a road trip around the country or seeing the sights in Reykjavik, before you grab your passport and head to Iceland, get ready for your adventure with Capital One. Eligible Capital One travel rewards credit cardholders can redeem their rewards for travel-related purchases.

And if you book your trip through Capital One Travel, you could earn even more rewards. For example, Venture X cardholders earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights, vacation rentals and activities.

All Capital One credit cards offer fraud protection tools, and you won’t get charged foreign transaction fees while abroad. View important rates and disclosures.

While visiting Iceland, you can experience everything from dramatic landscapes and fascinating culture to spectacular natural wonders.

Get ready for your next adventure by comparing Capital One travel rewards cards.