Iceland Landmarks give you a diversity that is unimaginable. You have some amazing landmarks in Reykjavik that are man-made. But the top landmarks in Iceland lie in the wild landscape all across the country. Magnificent lava fields, stunning waterfalls, vast glaciers and canyons, expansive fjords, black sand beaches, and more. It is best to do a road trip in Iceland to visit its landmarks. This is much easier to do on a self-drive road trip during spring or summer months when the daylight hours are longer.
The must-visit places in Iceland also pack a lot of adventure activities: glacier hiking, ice cave exploration, whale watching, horse riding, ATV tour and more. Here are some of the top Iceland landmarks for you to visit.
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Top Iceland Landmarks
Reykjavik Landmark: Hallgrimskirkja
This is the iconic church in Reykjavik that looms over most other buildings in the capital city. Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest church in Iceland, standing at 74.5 metres in height. You can climb up and get wonderful views of the city all around.
What makes it a must-visit attraction in Iceland is its unique architecture. You may have come upon many impressive churches but have you seen one that draws inspiration from nature (basalt rock columns found in the country) and mythology (The hammer of Thor inspires the top part of the church building)? Even if you have only one day in Reykjavik, this church is not to be missed.
Reykjavik Landmark: Sun Voyager
There are many sculptures all over Reykjavik but none as impressive as the Sun Voyager. Its location is stunning, with the Mount Esja as the backdrop. The artist Jon Gunnar imagined the Sun Voyager to be a boat of dreams, to epitomize moving forward and the need for discovery.
Stroll along the main promenade that overlooks the Flaxafloi Bay and you will come upon this seaside statue. The Sun Voyager offers a superb photo opportunity, especially when the sun is setting.
South Iceland: Reynisfjara
Iceland has many black sand beaches which look dramatic against the strong ocean current. Reynisfjara beach is the most famous amongst all of them. This beach lies near the town of Vik and is one of the main attractions of south coast of Iceland. The basalt rock columns on Reynisfjara beach are amongst the tallest and you can reach them easily, climb on them, take photos.
The ocean here has dangerous ‘sneaker’ waves, so it is best to stay away from the water. The closest landmark to Reynisfjara is the Dyrholaey Peninsula. When you drive to the lighthouse at the top, it provides dramatic views of Iceland’s south coast. The beach has a car park and a small restaurant. But there are much better dining options close by in Vik.
South Iceland: Skogafoss
Iceland has more than 10,000 waterfalls so it is difficult to finalise which ones are to be named as landmark destinations. I have added 4 waterfalls in this list, and Skogafoss in South Coast of Iceland is one of them. This waterfall is visible from the main ring road when you drive from Reykjavik to Vik.
But the fun is to get up-close-and-personal with this beautiful waterfall. There is a car park and a restaurant close to the waterfall. You must cross that and reach the bottom of the falls. This is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland with a height of about 60 meters. It is possible to walk close to Skogafoss but be prepared to get wet due to the heavy mist around the falls. You can see a rainbow looming over the falls due to the heavy mist when the day is sunny.
There is a staircase with over 500 steps to take you to the top of the falls. But, in my opinion, the bottom part of the falls is far more beautiful than the top view. This is also the start of the popular hiking trail ‘The waterfall way’.
South Iceland: Seljalandsfoss
Amongst all Iceland waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss is quite unique. It is one of the few waterfalls that you can view from behind. Though the fine mist makes it difficult to take photos from behind. There is a footpath over wet rocks that takes to the back of the falls. The view is quite epic and the spray is very strong! And to come back to the front, you would cross under a part of the falls, so do wear quality rain gear if you do not want to be soaked.
Seljalandsfoss drops with a thunderous sound some 60 meters on the rocky ground. It has its origin from the glacier Ejyafjallajokull. There is a car park and some fast food options near the falls.
South Iceland: Vatnajokull
You cannot visit South Iceland and leave without viewing a glacier. There is Solheimajokull glacier on the south coast but the biggest one in the area is Vatnajokull glacier. A popular activity is to hike on the glacier. A guide is mandatory for this activity. You would need crampons and ice pick to walk on the ice.
You can choose a simple 1-hour walk on Vatnajokull or even a strenuous activity that involves ice climbing and going further inside the glacier. Consider this combined Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike. There is a meeting point at Skaftafell from where all tours to Vatnajokull begin. This area has a large car park, an on-site restaurant and toilet / bathing facilities.
South Iceland: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón is a glacier lagoon located on the edge of Vatnajokull National Park. It is a famous attraction in Iceland, popular for its bright blue waters filled with floating, towering icebergs. Calved from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, it is the deepest lake in Iceland. Jokulsarlon has been formed in the past century due to melting glaciers and continues to grow rapidly as the temperatures go north due to climate change.
This beautiful glacier-fed lake has been featured in many Hollywood movies: Die Another Day, Batman Begins and Lara Croft Tomb Raider. You can take seasonal amphibian boat tours or faster Zodiac boat trips to enjoy the lagoon closely.
Just a short walk from the lagoon, chunks of glacial ice wash up onto the striking black sands of Breiðamerkursandur, creating a beautiful contrast that sparkles like diamonds. This is the famous Iceland landmark: Diamond Beach.
South Iceland: Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Iceland has some spectacular canyons, one of which is the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon in South Iceland. It’s known for its steep, moss-covered walls and a serpentine-like shape, with the Fjaðrá River weaving through it like a snake. It stretches 2 km (1.25 miles) long and is 100 meters (328 feet) deep.The canyon is accessible all year round, making it a favourite spot for both tourists and locals.
You can enjoy a scenic hiking path and several viewing platforms overlooking Mögáfoss Waterfall on the western wall of the gorge. A short walk from the upper parking to the main canyon’s viewpoint is perfect for those seeking a relaxed experience. The longer Fjadrargljufur Canyon hike begins at the lower car park and stretches for the entirety of the canyon’s length.
Golden Circle Route: Thingvellir national park
Thingvellir national park is the most popular park in Iceland, partly due to its proximity to Reykjavik that makes it a year-round destination. This is the best attraction on the famous Golden Circle route in Iceland. Mainly because of its unique geology and historical importance. There is no other place on the planet where you can see the rift between continental plates (the North American and the Eurasian one) so clearly above land. What more, you can snorkel or dive in the fresh cold water between these tectonic plates!
Thingvellir also has important place in the political history of Iceland. It was here that the first parliament got made to govern the country. The site has the distinction of the longest running parliament before it was shifted to the capital city. If you are not renting a car, it is easy to take this popular Golden Circle Day Tour from Reykjavik.
Golden Circle Route: Strokkur
Geysir geothermal area is another popular attraction on the Golden Circle route. This area has geysers, hot springs and colourful earth to view. You must ensure to remain on the designated walking paths in a geothermal area, and not touch any water source.
The famous Geysir (which lent the name geyser) itself is no longer active, but you can see Strokkur nearby. The eruption of Strokkur geyser occurs every 6 to 10 minutes. So best to keep your cameras ready!
Golden Circle Route: Gullfoss
Gullfoss or the ‘Golden falls’ is perhaps the most popular waterfall in Iceland due to its proximity to Reykjavik. This attraction also lies on the popular Golden Circle route. Gullfoss has 2 stages: a shorter cascade of about 11 meters height, and then a higher waterfall with a drop of about 21 meters. The canyon walls on both sides of the falls descend deep into the Gullfossgjufur Canyon.
There are several walking trails and viewing platforms around Gullfoss. But make sure to stay on the marked paths, as the terrain is slippery and may prove dangerous.
Blue Lagoon
Iceland has many geothermal springs: Myvatn Nature Baths in North Iceland, Sky Lagoon and more, but the appeal of Blue Lagoon remains. It is the most popular attraction close to Reykjavik so book your tickets in advance [Blue Lagoon Admission with Transfers].
Blue Lagoon is a man-made pool where water is brought up from deep within the earth. This water rich in silica and other minerals is supposed to have healing properties. Being a popular attraction, it gets crowded. If you can time your visit in the early morning hours or late evening hours, that would be the best to get less crowds. Soaking in the warm water at Blue Lagoon after a day of sightseeing is heavenly. Blue Lagoon has 2 famous restaurants, a spa and every other amenity that you may need.
A popular option to book is this combined tour from Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon Tour (11 hours)
West Iceland: Kirkjufell
Kirkjufell is the highlight of any Snaefellsnes Peninsula itinerary. Kirkjufell translates to ‘Church Mountain’. This landmark has the distinction of being the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Together with Kirkjufellfoss (the waterfalls across the road), it makes for a postcard perfect picture.
While driving from Hellnar, this mountain was to our left. There is a paid car park on the right side of the road. And if you walk a bit further from the car park, you come upon Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. It is a spectacular year-round destination. In the summer, the midnight sun illuminates the lush, green slopes. During winter months, it serves as a legendary vantage point for spotting the Northern Lights.
West Iceland: Arnarstapi Cliffs
Arnarstapi is a village in Snaefellsnes Peninsula, that travellers stop at for its interesting cliffs plunging into the blue ocean. This easily accessible coastal destination makes for a dramatic sightseeing experience. Look out for Gatklettur, a striking, naturally formed stone arch over the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean waves and winds have eroded the basalt, making it a highly photogenic spot. The cliffs provide a crucial nesting habitat for thousands of seabirds, including Arctic terns, kittiwakes, and fulmars
We drove to Arnarstapi cliffs in the evening after doing a moderately challenging hike to Glymur waterfall. Access to the Arnarstapi cliffs is completely free. Parking is available near the Arnarstapi Center.
North Iceland: Lake Myvatn area
Lake Myvatn is a shallow volcanic lake in North Iceland formed by basaltic eruption 2300 years ago. This area is renowned for its birdlife, and dramatic geothermal landscapes and is a landmark in North Iceland.
You can choose it as a base to explore several attractions nearby, including waterfalls such as Dettifoss, Selfoss and Godafoss. I enjoyed the short visit to Hverir or Namaskaro geothermal area and its bubbling mud pools. Dimmuborgir lave fields, with its gnarled rock formations, is another popular site close to Lake Myvatn. And the climb to Hverfjall volcano crater with its impressive 1 km diameter width of the rim is a fun activity. We also visited the Grjótagjá Cave nearby, a small lava cave hiding a serene, hot geothermal spring.
North Iceland waterfall: Dettifoss
Dettifoss is Europe’s most powerful waterfall and lies on the Diamond route in Iceland. The waterfall can be viewed from both the west and the east side. There is a car park on the west side of Dettifoss but no other facilities. The west side has railings and steps so that you can walk down to the waterfall easily. The east side gets you closer, but you need to be extremely careful on the large boulders. There is nothing between the boulders and the falls!
There are easy steps made from the car park to this waterfall. And the thunderous sound gets louder as you get closer. Dettifoss is 100 meters wide and drops 45 meters deep into Jokulsargljufur canyon. If you are visiting Akureyri or Lake Myvatn area in north Iceland, you cannot miss a stop at Dettifoss.
North Iceland: Asbyrgi Canyon
Ásbyrgi Canyon in North Iceland is part of Vatnajokull national park, the largest national park in Iceland. This 3,5 km long horseshoe-shaped glacial canyon was one of the hidden gems of our North Iceland itinerary. It is surrounded by extremely high cliffs reaching up to 90-100 meters. The cliffs provide a stunning panoramic view of the canyon floor filled with trees and vegetation, and the surrounding areas.
The canyon formation was a result of the eruption of one of the Vatnajokull volcanoes. The legend of mythological god Odin, as part of Icelandic folklore, is also quite interesting. As per the myth, Sleipnir, Odin’s 8-legged horse, accidentally touched the ground and created Ásbyrgi Canyon. Hence, the memorable horse-shoe shape!
There are several hiking trails to enjoy the Ásbyrgi Canyon. When we visited it during our June trip to Iceland, it felt untouched by tourists.
East Iceland: Blue Church
Seydisfjordur is a tiny fjord town in Eastern region of Iceland. We drove from Lake Myvatn in the North towards the Eastern region for a day in Seydisfjordur. There are plenty of art stores, museums, and colorfully painted buildings here. But the most popular attraction is the Blue Church.
This lovely church with a rainbow street is front is what has made the town of Seydisfjordur famous on Instagram. Seydisfjordur Church is built in traditional Icelandic architecture, and creates a striking contrast against the backdrop of a rugged mountain. The street leading up to the Seydisfjordur Church is a delight, as it is painted with the colours of the rainbow.
The Church is open for visitors in the summer, but we didn’t go inside. The church also hosts various cultural events, including concerts and art exhibitions
East Iceland: Studlagil Canyon
Studlagil Canyon is a stunning gorge in East Iceland famous for its hexagonal basalt columns. Carved by the Jökla River, the canyon is best known for its towering 30-meter-high dark rock walls and vibrant turquoise-blue water. You can stop at car parking 1 and take a 10 km hiking loop to get to the bottom of the canyon. Stunning basalt rock columns and mesmerising blue water awaits! This is where you get all those screensaver worthy photos of this hidden gem in Eastern Iceland.
For those who are not interested in hiking to the bottom, drive upto the car park 2. This is about a distance of 4 km from the car park 1. There are toilet facilities and a food truck here. But best of all, there is a fabulous viewing platform easily accessible from the car park to take in the beauty of Studlagil canyon.
Central Iceland: Landmannalaugar
Unlike many other parts of Iceland, Landmannalaugar is accessible only via F-roads (unpaved dirt tracks in Iceland are called F-roads). It is a short season from mid-June until mid-to-end-September to enjoy this scenic area. I would definitely put a Landmannalaugar trip as as one of the top things to do in Iceland in summer. This area is widely recognized as one of the best places in Iceland for hiking. One of Iceland’s most popular hiking trails, Laugavegur starts here in Landmannalaugar.
It is difficult to put the vastness and the serenity of the area in words. You have to experience it to know how unique the landscape is. The biggest attraction here are the Rainbow Mountains. These windswept mountains are made of rhyolite, a volcanic rock, and display different colours: red, yellow, blue, green and brown. The colours are best viewed during morning/evening “golden hour” light. We would see more of these on our short day hike.
Planning a trip to Iceland?
For a full ring road itinerary for 10 to 14 days, see The Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
Where to stay in Iceland: Hotels in Iceland along the ring road
If you have 5-7 days to explore Iceland: Iceland in 5 to 7 days
For estimating your Iceland Trip Cost and planning tips, read Iceland Trip Cost + How to plan a road trip to Iceland
Best tours in Iceland: Day Tours for attractions + adventure
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Nicely explained – thanks for the detailed content.