Northern Lights aside, here’s a complete list of the most magical activities in Iceland — the dazzling Iceberg Lagoon, an actual plane wreck, and more!

From the ancient pyramids to Marina Bay Sands, many of the world’s most beautiful places are a product of man’s imagination. Then there’s Iceland — filled with natural beauty that has instead inspired creative masterpieces, like the classic Journey To The Center Of The Earth and the award-winning music of Sigur Rós and Björk.

Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes also made the perfect setting for iconic shows like Interstellar and Game Of Thrones. There’s simply nowhere else in the world quite like it!

Diamond Beach Drone - Things To Do In Iceland

Icebergs on an actual beach

This isn’t an exaggeration: The island’s unique position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge has resulted in massive glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs, along with crazy experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Read on for 15 of Iceland’s most magical attractions you just can’t miss!

1) Immerse In Hot Spring Heaven

Blue Lagoon 1 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Blue Lagoon

The Land of Ice and Fire is blessed with abundant lava fields, powering the country with geothermal energy. With over 800 natural hot springs on the island, no trip is complete without indulging in the national pastime — a relaxing soak in its best spas. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and towel!

Blue Lagoon Mask - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the ultimate in Icelandic luxury, with an endless blue pool, sauna, poolside bar, and picturesque bridges and caves. With soft mist rolling off the water’s surface, you’ll truly feel like you’re in heaven. The mineral-rich water also works wonders on the skin, especially when paired with the complimentary silica mud mask.

Entrance Fee: From €88 (~S$134.87); tickets must be booked in advance
Opening Hours: Varies
How to get there: Being near the airport, it’s easiest to visit the Blue Lagoon right before or after your flight. Take the 30-min bus transfer (~S$30.05) between Keflavík Airport and the Blue Lagoon, and between the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavík.

Secret Lagoon 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Secret Lagoon

For a more rustic experience, soak in the Secret Lagoon, where the water is kept at 38 – 40°C all year round. This small public pool is one of the oldest in country, with natural surroundings that give it a peaceful, secluded feel.

Entrance Fee: ISK3,000 (~S$34.62), towel rental at ISK700 (~S$8.08); both included in Golden Circle day tour 
Opening Hours: Varies
How to get there: 1hr 40-min drive from Reykjavík

Hofsos Swimming Pool - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Hofsós Swimming Pool

If you’re up north, you can’t miss the gorgeous Hofsós Swimming Pool, with a stunning infinity pool that overlooks the endless mountains, blue skies, and sea.

Hofsos Pool - Things To Do In Iceland

Hofsós Swimming Pool

Entrance Fee: ISK1,000 (~S$11.17)
Opening Hours: Check seasonal timings here. 
How to get there: 1hr 40-min drive from Akureyri; 4hr drive from Reykjavík

2) Catch The Northern Lights 

Northern Lights Tour - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Northern Lights Premium Tour

It’s one of the most beautiful (and elusive) natural phenomena — the aurora borealis dancing in vibrant colours across the sky. Iceland is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights, with unobstructed skies and a backdrop of gorgeous natural landmarks.

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Northern Lights Tour 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

A sure-fire way to see the Northern Lights is on a lights-chasing tour with an experienced local guide, who’ll take you to secret viewing spots based on live forecasts and insider knowledge.

Northern Lights Premium Tour
Cost: ~S$114.85; free re-book if lights aren’t visible that night
Tour Timings: 9:30PM – 1AM
Meeting Point: Pick-up and drop-off at downtown bus stops and hotels in Reykjavík

3) Stand Between Two Continents

Bridge Between Continents - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Bridge Between Continents

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a giant mountain range in the Atlantic Ocean covering over 16,000km of the world. The ridge is only visible in nine places around the world, most of them small islands. Iceland’s one of the rare places where you can actually touch the ridge on dry land!

Thingvellir National Park - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Thingvellir National Park

Stand between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates at the Bridge Between Continents, or at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park. You can tell people that you’ve technically walked from Europe to USA!

Cost: ISK500 (~S$5.58) parking fee at Thingvellir National Park
Opening Hours: 24 hours
How to get there: From Reykjavík, the Bridge Between Continents is a 1hr drive, while Thingvellir National Park is a 46-min drive.

4) Road-trip In A Camper Van 

Camper Van - Things To Do In Iceland

Living in a camper van is a road trip experience like no other, and Iceland’s the best place to try it. The famous Ring Road — which circles around the entire country — is extremely camper friendly, with over 100 cheap and well-equipped campsites. What’s more, Iceland has no pests or wild predators, and gorgeous sights every step of the way.

Getting a camper van in Iceland is also a great way to save money, as you combine expenses for transport and lodging!

Read also: 10-Day Budget Iceland Itinerary For $2.8k — The Epic Camper Van Road Trip

Cost: €220/day (~S$335.10/day). Add gravel protection for €15/day (~S$22.85/day). 
Opening Hours: 8AM – 5PM
How to get there: From downtown Reykjavík, take a 45-min ride on public bus 55 to Tjarnarhverfi bus stop, just outside the Happy Campers office. You can buy tickets (~ISK470, ~S$5.25) on the bus, but will need exact change. Instead, purchase tickets on the Strætó app, which has a live map with bus stop locations and departure times at each stop! If you’re coming from Keflavík Airport, book a spot on the free Happy Campers shuttle.

5) Walk On A Glacier

Glacier Walk - Things To Do In Iceland

Sólheimajökull

Have you really been to Iceland if you’ve not walked on its biggest glacier? Go on a truly cool adventure by hiking up Sólheimajökull, or ‘Sun House Glacier’, famed for its 250m stretch of solid ice that sparkles under the sun.

Glacier Walk 1 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

While the hike itself is very easy, it still feels like an adventure — from gearing up with crampons and ice picks, to watching changing landscapes of black ash and endless ice. Admire mini icebergs, gorgeous lakes, and get up close to a moulin, a gigantic crevasse shaped by years of strong wind.

Glacier Hike, Volcanoes & Waterfalls Trip from Reykjavik
Cost: ~S$218.49
Tour Timing: 8AM – 7:30PM
Meeting Point: Pick-up and drop-off at downtown bus stops and hotels in Reykjavík

6) Walk Along Breathtaking Beaches

Diamond Beach - Things To Do In Iceland

Diamond Beach

Forget surfboards or tropical palm trees. In case you hadn’t already guessed, Iceland’s beaches are too cold for a dip. But they’re certainly breathtaking sights, with pitch-black sand (actually lava fragments from surrounding volcanoes) peppered with clear ice and white snow.

Diamond Beach Drone 2 - Things To Do In Iceland

Diamond Beach

Arguably Iceland’s most famous beach, the Diamond Beach is named after its sparkling icebergs scattered all along the coast.

Cost: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
How to get there: 4hr 50-min drive from Reykjavík

Black Sand Beach - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Black Sand Beach

You also can’t miss the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, with massive (and dangerous) waves from the North Atlantic sea. Also admire the dark basalt columns and caves along the lava beach.

Black Sand Beach - Things To Do In Iceland

Black Sand Beach

Parking Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Address: 2hr 30-min drive from Reykjavík

7) Take A Photo With An Actual Plane Wreck

Plane Wreck - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

It’s one of the most epic things you’ll ever see: a massive plane wreck ravaged by the elements. The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck belonged to the US Navy, and crashed with zero fatalities back in 1973, and has been abandoned ever since. Even the long walk to the plane feels like you’re on another planet, with a backdrop of never-ending snow and sky.

Plane Wreck Drone - Things To Do In Iceland

Cost: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
How to get there: 2hr drive from Reykjavík. The entrance of the path (at the parking lot on the Ring Road) can be hard to spot, so follow these coordinates: 63°29’26.2″N 19°21’51.3″W. It’s a 45-min walk from the entrance to the plane wreck, along a well-marked path.

8) Step Into An Ice Cave 

Moulin - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Vatnajökull

It’s a whole other world on Vatnajökull, Iceland’s biggest glacier that’s also 10 times bigger than New York!

Vatnajökull - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Start the expedition with a 40-minute ride in a super jeep, the biggest of its kind in the country. Then step out onto an epic alien landscape, so otherworldly that it was a film set for Interstellar, and North of the Wall from Game Of Thrones. It’s a must-see that may not be around much longer, as the ice caves will melt and possibly collapse in the next 100 years.

Blue Ice Wall - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Crystal Ice Cave Tour
Cost: ~S$242.75
Activity Timings: 10:30AM – 1:30PM or 11AM – 2PM. Tours only in winter.
Meeting Point: Jökulsárlón Iceberg Lagoon, a 5hr drive from Reykjavík

9) Get Soaked By Insane Waterfalls

Dettifoss - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Dettifoss. Photo credit: Andres Valencia

Think all waterfalls are the same? Welcome to Iceland! Every waterfall you see is different and utterly mesmerising, starting with Europe’s biggest and most powerful, Dettifoss.

Cost: Free 
Opening Hours: 24 hours
How to get there: 7-hr drive from Reykjavík. The road leading here can be treacherous in winter and closes often due to bad weather, so check conditions before going.

Gullfoss - Things To Do In Iceland

Gullfoss

Then there’s the massive Gullfoss, which is unique as the viewpoint is actually above the falls.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
How to get there: 1hr 40-min drive from Reykjavík

Seljalandsfoss -Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Seljalandsfoss

Enjoy another cool viewpoint at Seljalandsfoss, which you can actually walk around and behind! Also visit the neighbouring Skógafoss — you can stroll to the very edge of its pool.

Parking Fee: ISK700 (~S$8.08) for Seljalandsfoss; included in Golden Circle day tour 
Opening Hours: 24 hours
How to get there: From Reykjavík, it’s a 2hr drive to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

Godafoss 3 - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Godafoss

Another must-see is the iconic horseshoe-shaped Godafoss, with gorgeous turquoise falls that freeze over in winter.

Cost: Free 
Opening Hours: 24 hours
How to get there: 5hr 15-min drive from Reykjavík

10) See One Of The World’s Most Famous Volcanoes

Northern Lights at Kirkjufell - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Kirkjufell

The epic Kirkjufell is world-famous for being the inspiration behind Jules Vernes’ Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Admire it alongside the Northern Lights, or with the pretty waterfall at Kirkjufellsfoss.

Kirkjufellsfoss - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Kirkjufellsfoss

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
How to get there: 2hr 30-min drive from Reykjavík

11) Spot Gigantic Whales 

Whale Watching 1 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Photo credit: Klook

Reykjavík’s Faxaflói Bay is home to lots of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and harbour porpoises! Cruise out on a whale-watching tour to spot the majestic beasts, while learning fun facts about the animals from an experienced local guide. You’ll also get to touch actual whale bones — bigger than a human arm!

Whale Watching 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Whale Watching Classic Cruise
Cost: ~S$127
Tour Timings: 9AM – 12PM or 1PM – 3PM
Meeting Point: Reykjavík Old Harbour

12) Be Awed By A Mighty Geysir

Geysir 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Geysir

Witness one of nature’s craziest sights — 100ft of boiling water shooting up into the sky! The highly-active Strokkur at Geysir Hot Spring Area builds up into a boil every few minutes, for a performance that can’t help but elicit loud gasps from the crowd.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
How to get there: 1hr 30-min drive from Reykjavík

13) Ride On The Mythical Icelandic Horse

South Coast Tour Bus 2 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Don’t be fooled by their small stature — the cute Icelandic horses are a league of their own. They’ve been pure-bred since the Viking age, and are deliberately reared apart from any other breed. The commitment to purity is so strong that any horse brought out of Iceland isn’t allowed to return.

Ride one to experience their unique gait — rumoured to be so smooth that you can hold a pint without anything spilling — which no other horse breed is able to replicate.

Cost: from ISK7000 (~S$77.49) for an hour of horse-riding at Skálakot
Opening Hours: First ride at 10AM, last ride at 4PM
How to get there: 2hr drive to Skálakot Hotel from Reykjavík

14) Wander Through An Authentic Viking Village 

Viking Village - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Live out your conquerer fantasies at this historically-accurate Viking Village, created for a big-budget movie that was never made. It comes complete with horse stables, a maze of huts and bridges, and even what looks like spilt blood (!) — positively eerie but definitely fun to explore.

Cost: ISK900 (~S$10.05) per person for Viking Village and Stokksnes. Purchase tickets at the Viking Cafe.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
How to get there: 6hr drive from Reykjavík

15) Admire Spectacular Sunsets

Reykjavik Sunset - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Along Reykjavík Harbour

And of course, you can’t miss Iceland’s extraordinary sunsets, full of soft, rolling clouds and gorgeous pink skies.

Stokksnes - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Stokksnes

Catch some of the country’s most stunning at Stokksnes (also known as Vestrahorn), the iconic ridged mountain which perfectly catches the sun’s golden light.

Cost: ISK900 (~S$10.05) per person for Viking Village and Stokksnes. Purchase tickets at the Viking Cafe 
Opening Hours: 24 hours. Best visited at sunset
How to get there: 6hr drive from Reykjavík

Illugastadir - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Illugastadir

Or spot the moon amidst cotton-candy clouds at Illugastadir, also a popular spot for sunbathing seals.

Seals - Budget Iceland Itinerary

Illugastadir Seals

Entrance Fee: Free 
Opening Hours: 24 hours. Best visited at sunset
How to get there: 3hr drive from Reykjavík. Look for the painted seal sign and follow the 15-min path to the coast.

Check Off Iceland’s Best Sights In Your Bucket List

Illugastadir - Things To Do In Iceland

The easiest and most fuss-free way to visit Iceland’s must-sees is by pre-booking with Klook, a one-stop platform for epic experiences. By booking in advance, you won’t be disappointed by limited slots on glacier tours, and can even enjoy cost savings (e.g. the full-day Golden Circle tour saves ~S$50 each compared to renting a car)!

Glacier Walk 3 - Iceland Itinerary Without A Car

Glacier Hike

Tours also include heart-pumping activities like glacier hiking and ice cave exploring, which are impossible to do without a guide. You’ll also enjoy first-hand insights on Icelandic life, like fun facts on popular tourist spots and Icelandic culture!

So check off your Iceland bucket list with these all-inclusive tours:

– Northern Lights Premium Tour (~S$114.85)
– Whale Watching Classic Cruise (~S$127.05)
– Golden Circle and Secret Lagoon Full Day Bus Tour (~S$151.59)
– Glacier Hike, Volcanoes & Waterfalls Trip from Reykjavik (~S$218.49)
– Crystal Ice Cave Tour(~S$242.75)

Read also: 10-Day Budget Iceland Itinerary Incl. Camper Van Experience For $2.8K

What’s on your Iceland bucket list? Let us know in the comments!


This post was brought to you by Klook.

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