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We need to seriously talk about Iceland.
We need to seriously talk about Iceland.If you’re looking for a destination that is straight up “pinch me, I’m gonna cry” amazing, then I have no trouble telling you friend, this is it.
I can’t lie to you – my road trip around Iceland is probably one of my favourite travel experiences to date. This is in spite of the April weather, which yes, forced me to sleep in 7 layers of clothing! While Iceland has become an absolute travel magnet in the past few years (and I’m usually wary of overly high expectations), Iceland did somehow turn out to be everything I dreamt of, and a whole lot more.
So that’s why, today, I’d like to finally share a selection of the many photos I captured during my road trip last April. If you’re looking for incredible places and experiences you can’t miss on your road trip around Iceland, keep on reading!
Note: While most of these can be found along Iceland’s Ring Road, many are a (worthy) detour. There are SO many amazing things to see in Iceland… here are just a few.
The Northern Lights
Of course, I need to start with the big guns: the aurora borealis – topper of bucket lists around the globe. I can confirm, this spectacular light show is the stuff of dreams (I think I laughed and cried at the same time), but you need to know: spotting them isn’t at all guaranteed.
It’s usually recommended that you visit between September and April to see them, and wait for a cool/clear night to do so. There are, of course, tours that “chase” the lights, but if you’re a DIY girl like me, you can also stalk them yourselves through the aurora forecasts here.
Blue Lagoon
I saved this attraction for last during my road trip, simply because it was the perfect treat after a week’s worth of grimy van living (with infrequent showers and many, sweaty layers of winter clothes). The water is every bit as blue and spectacular as you see in all the photos, and there’s even a swim-up bar for you to get drunk (no jk) smoothies and drinks to quench your thirst!
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls and that’s for a very simple reason: it’s freaking epic. Come here to witness the unreal power of Mother Nature (and um seriously, don’t wander too close to the edge!)
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Harpa
The Harpa is Reykjavik’s main concert hall and conference centre. Its insane glass facade and details make it one of the most stunning architectural wonders I’ve come across in my travels! Definitely don’t miss this when you’re stopping by the capital.
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Námaskarð
If you’re keen on taking a detour to Mars, the sulfuric mud springs of Námaskarð (near Lake Mývatn) are as close to Martian landscape as you can get here on Earth. The sulfuric fumes aren’t the most pleasant smell, but plug your nose and get that camera ready, because the landscapes look like this.
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Reynisfjara black beach
Found close to the village of Vik, this dark, emo beach is as alien as it gets. There’s cool rock formations, moody waves and of course, jet black pebbles that seem to go on forever. There’s quite a few ‘black sand’ beaches in Iceland, but this one really steals the show.
Click here to see it on a map.
Photo via Jonathan Bean, Unsplash
Þingvellir National Park
The rugged and exaggerated landscape of this national park is more than reason enough to stop by, but don’t lose sight of the park’s historical significance either! It was here that the Icelandic parliament assembled for centuries and centuries, starting from the year 930 AD.
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
The Great Geysir
Scalding hot water gushing over 70m into the air? Yeah, that kinda thing will make you appreciate nature, that’s for sure.
Found in Southwestern Iceland, a visit to the Great Geysir can be a real nailbiter, (due to the unpredictability of its eruptions), but test your patience and you’ll be rewarded (or scalded by hot water, who knows!)
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is a must-see for so many different reasons. For one – it’s a massive waterfall that you can actually walk behind (+10000 cool points), plus you’ll often be able to capture the falls with a perfect rainbow in front of it. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland for sure (and trust me, that’s saying a lot!)
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Icelandic horses
I have to admit, the ultra emo horses of Iceland were one of my top priorities when I visited this amazing country. Luckily, you can spot them anywhere once you start driving. Warning: their pony-esque stature and shy demeanour will 1000% melt your heart.
Hraunfossar
Real talk though: can you believe the colour of this water? Out of all the waterfalls in Iceland, this set (which translates to Lava Falls) is by far one of my favourites. You can find this gem in Western Iceland, near Reykholt.
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Jökulsárlón
This massive glacial lake has been popularized by plenty of movies and TV shows (Amazing Race included) and the reasoning is obvious – look at it! Unfortunately, the weather gods were hardly on my side when I visited (with fog obscuring most of the view), but it’s nonetheless one of the most impressive sights in Iceland.
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Photo via Davide Cantelli, Unsplash
Ice Caves
My #1 thing to do the next time I return! I didn’t have time to try out one of these ice cave tours on my last trip, and it’s one of my biggest regrets. Click here to browse different options on Guide to Iceland.
Photo by Iurie Belegurschi via Guide to Iceland
Kirkjufell
This insanely perfect mountain is ripped right out of a child’s sketchbook. I didn’t get the chance to climb it, but it supposedly takes less than two hours and offers an (understandably) epic view. Hankering for an amazing photo spot? The little Kirkjufellsfoss offers plenty of opportunities for that perfect capture.
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This peninsula (located in Western Iceland) is often considered “Iceland in a nutshell” because it contains most of the incredible landscapes that make Iceland so special… Imagine picturesque glaciers, endless lava fields, black beaches, insane rock formations, cool wildlife and much, much more.
One of my favourite stops along here? Definitely the super cool Gatklettur (arch rock):
Landmannalaugar
Dramatic landscapes are abundant in Iceland, but there’s just something extra special about Landmannalaugar, whose breathtaking landscapes can be found in the Icelandic Highlands.
Click here to see it on Google Maps.
Photo via Jon Flobrant, Unsplash
Last but not least, find your own secret spots.
Some of the most gorgeous sights I witnessed weren’t marked on any map or mentioned in any guide. That’s the best part of a road trip around Iceland – there’s beauty to be found everywhere.
So here’s my advice: don’t forget to pull over from time to time and just enjoy the moment.
So tell me, did I miss any of your favourite spots? Or which of these would you be most keen to see on a road trip around Iceland?
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
As a horse lover, I find the Icelandic horses more interesting than the sights! Not to say the sights aren’t stunning but omg I’d love to meet them!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
https://charmainenyw.com
Christina Guan says
They are SO SO cute. A little shy, but still adorable… I love how they’re like ponies with amazing hair haha.
Jordan says
These are absolutely insane photos…great job!!! Wonderful tips and I plan on using them for my next trip to Iceland 🙂
Christina Guan says
Thanks so much, Jordan!! Iceland is so photogenic, it’s impossible to take a bad photo of the place. Some of these are by far my favourite photos I’ve ever taken though hehe. Also are you going back sometime soon? TAKE ME WITH YOU! haha
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
A dream of mine! Iceland is simply stunning!
Christina Guan says
One of the most unreal places I’ve ever visited for sure! I’d love to go back in the summer, as it was FREEZING when I was there. Thanks for reading, Rebecca <3
Will says
Ah I would just LOVE to go to Iceland! It is on my bucket list, but since it is a bit expensive it is also on my ‘for when I have enough savings’ list haha. And I love you pictures! x
Christina Guan says
Ahh yeah I can’t lie – it was pretty pricey, but all things considered, we were able to do it decently cheap! (We relied on cheap pasta and sauce the whole week though haha). Either way, it’s a must-visit for sure!!! <3 thanks for reading, Will!
Helene says
HI this is amazing and came at the perfect time. Thank you so so much! Pinning right now.
Christina Guan says
Yay! Are you planning a trip to Iceland? I’m so jealous! Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions 😀
Jessica Lam says
I was going to go to Iceland in April this year, but turns out I’m going in September (when it’s apparently much warmer!) Most of these places were on my list but I added two of the ones you listed! 🙂
Christina Guan says
Awesome! That’s probably for the best, Jessica, because it was FREEZING in April haha. I hope you have an amazing time!! <3
Lasserre francis says
M’y favorite place is KERLINGARFJOLL , it’s absolutely incredible .After climbing one hour in the snow ,you reach the summit and the panorama beyond you is colored – brown , yellow , grey ,red – and a lot of smoke . Wonderful .
Christina Guan says
I just Googled it and it looks AMAZING! I’d never heard about it before, so thanks for sharing. Definitely want to see it the next time I go back.
Laura says
Great to see that someone else got round the ring road! The Golden Circle sights are nice, but nothing compared to the quieter north for me. The baths at Myvatn were amazing! We went in October, and got stranded on one of the tiny F-roads, so we didn’t get to see Landmannalaugar – but April looks like a good time to take another trip!
One thing which might be worth mentioning is that the Solheimasandur plane is now usually off-limits to the public – unfortunately, the massive increase of tourists (especially those driving off the marked tracks in order to get to it, which is illegal in Iceland) has caused so much damage to the environment that the landowner has been forced to close it to protect the land.
Christina Guan says
Totally agree! Also, since there are way less tours that go up North, it feels a lot more remote – almost as if you get the sights all to yourself 😀 There are so many cool places that I couldn’t include just because I didn’t know the names haha… they were just neat sights we saw as we were driving and pulled over! And ah SO good to know about the plane – I think I’ll remove it from the article then. I haven’t personally been but thought it was worth a mention… had no clue the land around it was getting wrecked 🙁 Thank you SO much for letting me know!
Megan | Red Around The World says
These pictures are amazing! If I wasn’t at work I’d probably be packing my bags up now. This looks like an awesome trip!
Christina Guan says
It was absolutely unreal! Hope you get to visit Iceland soon 😀
Rosie Benton says
Incredible pictures! Iceland is so beautiful. How lucky that you got to see the Northern Lights!!! a road trip definitely seems like the perfect way to explore Iceland and see it’s amazing scenery.
Christina Guan says
Thanks so much, Rosie! Yes I would do it again in a heartbeat. 😀
Sophie S says
Every year I keep putting Iceland at the top of my travel list and then it gets passed over for another destination. I NEED to go though, obviously. Northern Lights are at the top of my list so I will probably spend a lot of sleepless nights trying to chase the dancing lights. Got a few new places to check out though, thanks!
Christina Guan says
Ahh they are SO unpredictable but worth every second of waiting. I hope you get to see them for yourself verryyy soon, Sophie 🙂
Katie says
Well this post has helped me plan my whole trip to Iceland in a few months! Thanks Christina!
Michelle Mortensen says
I’ve known my bestie for 35 years. Next year we (finally) get to take a BIG trip together – something we’ve been talking about for years. The destination? Iceland, of course! We are going in Summer 2018 and I am spending the next year and a half planning out the trip (which for me is half the fun). Did you rent a car/van/camper with someone? Did you take any tours? What are your recommendations?
Loved your article and photos!
Best & Bisous,
Michelle from meandering michelle
Travellinn says
Loved your photos! I did the Ring Road last summer, a beautiful trip! Did not make it to the ice cave either, but next time 🙂
Christina Guan says
Wasn’t it just THE most amazing trip? Thanks so much for reading, Linn <3
Nik says
I’ve been to Iceland 6 times now, 3 times between September 2015 and September 2016! I doubt I will ever go anywhere else, just can’t get enough. I travelled Route 1 in August 2014 with my husband on our honeymoon – absolutely breathtaking, views every 5 seconds. It has to be seen to be believed.
I would also like to say that Solheimasandur plane wreck IS accessible to the public, only you need to walk there – a rather long hour there and back. The road is closed to cars but not pedestrians.
Christina Guan says
6 times?! I am SO jealous, Nik! That sounds like an incredible honeymoon, and I can see why you kept going back. I certainly want to haha. And okay good to know about the wreck! It sounds like they were having a lot of issues with people driving in and ruining the vegetation in the area, which is a real shame. I’d be more than happy to walk there though haha it looks so cool.
Jess says
Hi there!
I am looking to take a camping/roadtrip in May in Iceland. Can I ask how and where you rented your van for your trip? Any tips or tricks for renting?
Thanks!
Christina Guan says
Hey Jess! The company I went with was called Kuku Campers and they were great. I highly recommend them 🙂 Besides that, I definitely recommend booking as far in advance as possible (esp in May since Iceland is getting to be such a popular destination these days). We slept/cooked in the van, but a lot of the things we needed were an extra cost (e.g. stove, sleeping bags, etc.) so if that’s your plan as well, be sure to look into how much these extras cost and factor that in when you’re comparing prices. Last but not least (super important!) we rented a WiFi hotspot from Trawire (https://iceland.trawire.com/) and it worked like a dream. We used it for GPS and Googling sights/Instagramming of course haha. Would really recommend getting one.
Eva says
I’m off to Iceland in two weeks and I just can’t wait. I’ve always dreamed about visiting in April, when it’s neither the polar night nor the arctic summer. Judging from your pictures there are still snowy spots, that’s cool. Just what I want 😀
Christina Guan says
Ahhh I hope you have an amazing time!!! The weather was so random when we went. Some days it was gorgeous, some days massive snowstorms and some days just freezing cold wind haha. Fingers crossed that the weather will be in your favour!
Christine Boehner says
My husband and I traveled to Europe this summer (beginning of June) and loved everywhere we stopped. But the highlight of our trip was the 3 day stopover in Iceland on our way home. The weather was 60s and sunny. I think we hit the jackpot. We stayed in a great Airbnb apartment in the middle of Reykjavik and were able to walk everywhere. We then took an 11 hour day tour of Snaefellness Peninsula. It didn’t disappoint. I was speechless at our first photo op and almost cried at the immense beauty in front of us. We definitely will be back for a longer time and drive/camp around the entire country. Loved it!