Iceland

Hitting headlines, topping bucket lists, wooing nature lovers and dazzling increasing numbers of visitors – the talents of this breathtaking northern destination are seemingly endless.

Explore Iceland

Vatnajökull National Park
Vast, varied and spectacular, Vatnajökull National Park was founded in 2008, when authorities created a megapark by joining the 8300-sq-km Vatnajökull ice…
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull National Park encompasses much of the western tip of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and wraps around the rugged slopes of the glacier…
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Craggy mountains, precarious sea cliffs and plunging waterfalls make up Hornstrandir, one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas, covering some of the…
Dynjandi
Tumbling in a broad sweep over a 100m-rocky scarp at the head of Dynjandivogur bay, Dynjandi is the most dramatic waterfall in the Westfjords. The bumpy…
Geysir
One of Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions, Geysir (gay-zeer; literally ‘gusher’) is the original hot-water spout after which all other geysers are…
Þingvellir National Park
The world’s oldest parliament, Althingi (pronounced ál-thingk-ee; also called Alþing) was uniquely situated at this monumental site where two tectonic…
Alþingi Site
Near the dramatic Almannagjá fault and fronted by a boardwalk is the Lögberg (Law Rock), where the Alþingi (Parliament) convened annually. This was where…
T
Tectonic Plates
The Þingvellir plain is situated on a tectonic-plate boundary where North America and Europe are tearing away from each other at a rate of 1mm to 18mm per…
Skógafoss
This 62m-high waterfall topples over a rocky cliff at the western edge of Skógar in dramatic style. Climb the steep staircase alongside for giddy views,…

Vatnajökull National Park
Vast, varied and spectacular, Vatnajökull National Park was founded in 2008, when authorities created a megapark by joining the 8300-sq-km Vatnajökull ice…
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull National Park encompasses much of the western tip of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and wraps around the rugged slopes of the glacier…
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Craggy mountains, precarious sea cliffs and plunging waterfalls make up Hornstrandir, one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas, covering some of the…
Dynjandi
Tumbling in a broad sweep over a 100m-rocky scarp at the head of Dynjandivogur bay, Dynjandi is the most dramatic waterfall in the Westfjords. The bumpy…
Geysir
One of Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions, Geysir (gay-zeer; literally ‘gusher’) is the original hot-water spout after which all other geysers are…
Þingvellir National Park
The world’s oldest parliament, Althingi (pronounced ál-thingk-ee; also called Alþing) was uniquely situated at this monumental site where two tectonic…
Alþingi Site
Near the dramatic Almannagjá fault and fronted by a boardwalk is the Lögberg (Law Rock), where the Alþingi (Parliament) convened annually. This was where…
T
Tectonic Plates
The Þingvellir plain is situated on a tectonic-plate boundary where North America and Europe are tearing away from each other at a rate of 1mm to 18mm per…
Skógafoss
This 62m-high waterfall topples over a rocky cliff at the western edge of Skógar in dramatic style. Climb the steep staircase alongside for giddy views,…

Latest Stories from Iceland

Hiking
13 of the best hikes in Iceland
Sep 21, 2022 • 9 min read
From short walks to epic multiday adventures, here are the best hikes in Iceland.
Tips & Advice
What to eat and drink in Iceland
Sep 15, 2022 • 8 min read
Today, Icelandic chefs and food producers are rediscovering many of these old recipes and techniques and reinventing them for a modern palate.
Road Trips
8 unforgettable road trips in Iceland: take a drive through these spectacular landscapes
Aug 15, 2022 • 10 min read
Hiring a car and road-tripping is one of the best ways to see Iceland. Here's a guide to the Ring Road and beyond.
Beaches
7 of Iceland's best beaches: experience this magical coastline at the edge of the arctic
Aug 10, 2022 • 6 min read
Get to know the striking beaches of Iceland, from black sands dotted with icebergs to blond geothermal coves.
Art and Culture
Your guide to museum hopping in Reykjavík
Jun 1, 2022 • 4 min read
From viking history to the world’s first indoor ice cave, Reykjavík’s museums satisfy curious souls. These are the best museums in Iceland's capital city.
COVID-19
Iceland is lifting all COVID-19 restrictions - what does that mean for visitors?
Feb 24, 2022 • 2 min read
Iceland is gearing closer towards its vaccination goal and removing all COVID-19 restrictions.
Beaches
A practical guide to living your best vanlife in Iceland: campers, routes and rules
Jan 5, 2022 • 7 min read
From choosing a rental company to selecting a vehicle size: top tips for van and camper travelers in Iceland.
Wildlife & Nature
From geysers to guillemots: the 10 best natural wonders in Iceland
Sep 17, 2021 • 4 min read
From seeing guillemots in full flight to gawping at geysers mid-spurt, here's our pick of the best outdoor attractions in Iceland.
Hiking
Plan your next epic adventure to one of Iceland's three national parks
Aug 31, 2021 • 6 min read
Learn about the unique nature, thrilling adventures and fun for travelers of all ages that can be found in Iceland’s national parks.
Health & Wellness
This incredible oceanfront geothermal lagoon has opened in Iceland
May 12, 2021 • 2 min read
It has a 70m infinity edge, which offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic sunsets and northern lights.
Story
Ask LP: What countries can I travel to if I’ve had the COVID-19 vaccine?
Apr 27, 2021 • 6 min read
In a number of countries, proving that you have received the vaccine will allow travelers to skip a quarantine period.
Wildlife & Nature
This long-dormant Icelandic volcano is active - and people are hiking to see it
Mar 23, 2021 • 2 min read
The eruption near Mount Fagradalsfjall is the first eruption in the Krysuvik volcanic system in over 900 years.
Story
Iceland can help you quit your 'doomscrolling' habit in 2021
Dec 18, 2020 • 2 min read
The Joyscroll site inspires positivity by allowing users to scroll through joy-inducing Icelandic sights and sounds.
Cruise
The world's biggest square-rigged ship is hosting celebrity-led cruises
Dec 10, 2020 • 2 min read
Two interesting celebrity-led cruises are taking place on a ship that takes 70% of its power from natural sources.

Planning Toolkit

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination.
Put these must-see destinations on your next travel wish list.
Compare all the ways you can travel to your next great destination.
Everything you need to know about services, requirements, and the application process when traveling internationally.
Deals and tips on ways to save without sacrificing the fun on your next trip.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination.
Put these must-see destinations on your next travel wish list.
Compare all the ways you can travel to your next great destination.
Everything you need to know about services, requirements, and the application process when traveling internationally.
Deals and tips on ways to save without sacrificing the fun on your next trip.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Iceland.

See
Vatnajökull National Park
Vast, varied and spectacular, Vatnajökull National Park was founded in 2008, when authorities created a megapark by joining the 8300-sq-km Vatnajökull ice…
See
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull National Park encompasses much of the western tip of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and wraps around the rugged slopes of the glacier…
See
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Craggy mountains, precarious sea cliffs and plunging waterfalls make up Hornstrandir, one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas, covering some of the…
See
Dynjandi
Tumbling in a broad sweep over a 100m-rocky scarp at the head of Dynjandivogur bay, Dynjandi is the most dramatic waterfall in the Westfjords. The bumpy…
See
Geysir
One of Iceland’s most famous tourist attractions, Geysir (gay-zeer; literally ‘gusher’) is the original hot-water spout after which all other geysers are…
See
Þingvellir National Park
The world’s oldest parliament, Althingi (pronounced ál-thingk-ee; also called Alþing) was uniquely situated at this monumental site where two tectonic…
See
Alþingi Site
Near the dramatic Almannagjá fault and fronted by a boardwalk is the Lögberg (Law Rock), where the Alþingi (Parliament) convened annually. This was where…
See
Tectonic Plates
The Þingvellir plain is situated on a tectonic-plate boundary where North America and Europe are tearing away from each other at a rate of 1mm to 18mm per…
See
Skógafoss
This 62m-high waterfall topples over a rocky cliff at the western edge of Skógar in dramatic style. Climb the steep staircase alongside for giddy views,…

Learn more about Iceland

Ready to go? Get to the heart of Iceland with one of Lonely Planet's in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.

Iceland

Planning Toolkit

Top attractions

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The world's most beautiful pools

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Introducing Iceland

Learn more about Iceland