This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .
You’ve seen all the Instagram photos, and may be starting to consider Iceland for your own bucket list. But perhaps you have some reservations: isn’t it supposed to be cold up there, and aren’t there volcanos?? Is Iceland really worth visiting if you’re not a super adventurous, risk-taking person?
To be honest, Iceland was not always on my radar to visit. While I was in college, I saw a former classmate’s Iceland trip on Facebook, and thought it was a bizarre destination choice. Back then, I couldn’t understand why anyone would travel somewhere that wasn’t a beach or Paris.
Oh, how times have changed. I’ve now visited Iceland twice and am completely enchanted by the country. If you are trying to convince yourself or someone else that Iceland is worth visiting, I’m here to help.
Why Iceland is Absolutely Worth Visiting
So, why should you spend your hard-earned money on a visit to this cold, windy island instead of a tropical beach? From one person who once questioned this very same thing to another, there simply is no other place on earth like Iceland!
Here are the top unique things to do in Iceland that make this country special.
1. Enjoying Reykjavik – the Vibrant Capital
With its low buildings, colorful murals, and brightly painted houses, Reykjavik is such a cozy city full of cheer. The capital’s small size makes it very manageable to explore over a day or two. It’s also the perfect home base for many fun day trips around Iceland.
On our recent visit, my husband and I were comfortably situated in this adorable, well-located hotel, which included a really good breakfast. Like, I looked forward to it every morning. From the hotel, we could easily explore Reykjavik’s many cafes, casual restaurants, and top sights.
Here are some places you can’t miss:
- Hallgrimskirkja Church
- Sun Voyager Sculpture
- Harpa Concert Hall
2. Going Northern Lights Hunting
One of the biggest reasons why travelers head to Iceland is for the chance to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis. It is, in fact, totally possible to see the northern lights in Iceland, and is where my husband and I spotted them for the first time.
That said, a northern lights sighting can never be guaranteed, since cloud cover can obscure even the most majestic of shows. Increase your odds by giving yourself at least four days in Iceland. It also helps to join a tour with an expert guide who knows the best spots for aurora hunting.
If the lights do manage to make an appearance, it will be nothing short of amazing!
3. Spending the Day Road Tripping
Just a single day of road tripping can pack a powerful punch in your Iceland itinerary. You don’t have to go far from Reykjavik to find the likes of volcanos, geysirs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Due to the country’s volcanic nature, there are some areas in Iceland where it seems like the land is literally alive.
The two most popular road trips from Reykjavik are the Golden Circle and South Coast. Both can be done in a single day, and consist of many breathtaking stops. You can either rent a car and do the drive at your own pace, or join a tour.
The best part is that most of these natural sights are completely free to visit. If you are able to rent are car, it’ll greatly help you to see Iceland on a budget.
4. Exploring an Ice Cave
Iceland is covered in ice right? Or maybe that was Greenland.
You might remember the scene in D2 The Mighty Ducks when an Icelandic lady tells Coach Bombay that, contrary to popular belief, Iceland is green and Greenland is ice. While that’s quite true, Iceland does have its fair share of glaciers, including the largest glacier in Europe.
A fun perk of Iceland’s glaciers is that they form ice caves every winter. This isn’t something you see every day, so ice caving is a must if you’re visiting Iceland between November and March.
Just be sure to book a guided tour. Ice caves can be hazardous without the proper expertise, and visiting on your own is strongly discouraged.
5. Soaking in a Hot Spring
Surprised that you’ll need to add a swimsuit to your Iceland packing list? If you’d like to partake in one of Iceland’s most famous activities, soaking in a hot spring, then swimwear is a must.
Iceland powers much of the country with its natural geothermal water, which also keeps these hot springs toasty. You can comfortably soak outdoors at the famous Blue Lagoon or newer Sky Lagoon all year round. However, those are just the most trendy options; you can find an array of hot springs to visit all over Iceland!
Doing any of the five items I mentioned above will show you why Iceland is totally worth visiting asap. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg. Book a trip and see for yourself why this country rocks!
Can anyone enjoy Iceland? Or just adventurous outdoorsy types?
Iceland may sound a little intense. I mean, volcanos?
Yes, this country does draw serious hikers and adventure-seeking folks looking to climb glaciers and scuba dive between two continents. However, you don’t have to do any of that to love Iceland. In fact, my husband and I did no serious hiking or climbing on our first trip and loved everything we did.
Hiking is not the only way to enjoy Iceland’s dreamy landscapes. Road tripping to waterfalls or watching a geyser go off is approachable for all travelers, while still being awe-inspiring. And don’t forget about the hot springs! Talk amount minimal effort and pure relaxation…
Bottom line – a visit to Iceland can push you just a tiny bit outside of your comfort zone without being overwhelming. Sometimes getting a little uncomfortable can bring you some of the best travel memories.
Is Iceland worth visiting for four or less days?
Short answer: yes. I’ve now taken two four-day trips to Iceland, and both times brought unforgettable experiences.
I recommend basing yourself in Reykjavik and making day trips from there. A single day could be spent visiting the Blue Lagoon, exploring Reykjavik, and doing a northern lights tour. On a second day, tour the Golden Circle. If you have a third day, take a road trip down the South Coast.
No matter how much time you have to spend in Iceland, anything you manage to see will be totally worth the visit. There’s no other place with dramatic landscapes, a cozy capital city, and friendly locals like Iceland has!
• • •
Hopefully I have convinced you that Iceland is worth visiting! This Nordic country has otherworldly beauty and magic that will create awesome memories. It’s no coincidence that Iceland is the first country I’ve visited twice.
Do you have doubts about whether Iceland is worth a trip? Share you thoughts below…
Iceland is so high on our bucket list! It looks like an incredible place 😍 did you see many northern lights?
You must go! We did not see the Northern lights on our first try unfortunately.
2022 Update – on our second try we saw the northern lights on our last night. It was incredible!