10 Places that made me fall in love with Iceland 

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Akureyri

(pronounced: ah-KOO-reh-ree)

If I had to pick Iceland's most underrated destination, Akureyri would be right at the top of my list.

Many travelers treat it as a quick overnight stop while driving the Ring Road, but I think it deserves much more than that. 

Nestled at the end of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, the town has a completely different atmosphere from Reykjavík. It's smaller, quieter, and feels like the kind of place where you can slow down and experience everyday Icelandic life.

One of the things I loved most was how much variety there is packed into such a small area. You can stroll through the world's northernmost botanical garden in the morning, enjoy lunch at one of the town's excellent cafés, then head out onto the fjord in search of humpback whales. 

Just a short drive away is Goðafoss, the spectacular "Waterfall of the Gods," which is every bit as impressive as Iceland's more famous waterfalls but often with far fewer people.

For me, Akureyri strikes the perfect balance. It has great restaurants, comfortable places to stay, and plenty to do, yet it never feels overcrowded. If you're looking for a destination that combines incredible scenery with a more authentic side of Iceland, this is one place I wouldn't skip.

How Akureyri fits into your Iceland itinerary

Akureyri works best as part of a complete Ring Road itinerary.

I'd recommend arriving after exploring the northwest or the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, then spending two nights here before continuing east toward Lake Mývatn and the dramatic landscapes of Northeast Iceland.

The Westfjords

(pronounced: VEST-fyordar)

The Westfjords are where I would send anyone who tells me they want to experience the Iceland most visitors never see.

While places like the Golden Circle and South Coast are spectacular, the Westfjords feel like you've stepped into a different version of the country. 

The roads become quieter, the villages become smaller, and it's entirely possible to drive for an hour without seeing another car. That sense of solitude is something I found incredibly refreshing, especially after visiting Iceland's more popular attractions.

There are unforgettable sights here too. Dynjandi, often called the jewel of the Westfjords, is one of the most impressive waterfalls I've ever seen, cascading down the mountainside like a giant bridal veil. 

Then there's Látrabjarg, Europe's largest seabird cliff, where puffins happily perch just a few feet away, seemingly unfazed by the people around them. 

One of my biggest surprises was Rauðasandur, a beach with pinkish-red sand that looks completely unlike the black sand beaches most people associate with Iceland.

For me, the Westfjords capture the feeling of discovery. They aren't about ticking famous landmarks off a list. They're about slowing down, taking the scenic route, and enjoying one of the quietest, most beautiful corners of Iceland.

How I'd fit the Westfjords into your Iceland itinerary

The Westfjords are best suited to longer Iceland itineraries where you have time to slow down and explore at a relaxed pace.

If you're planning a trip of 10 days or more, this is one region I'd seriously consider adding.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

(pronounced: SNYE-fels-nes)

If someone asked me where they could experience a little bit of everything Iceland has to offer without driving the entire Ring Road, I'd send them to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

People often call it "Iceland in miniature," and after visiting, I completely understand why. 

Within a relatively small area, you'll find glaciers, volcanoes, rugged sea cliffs, black beaches, lava fields, charming fishing villages, and one of the country's most photographed mountains, Kirkjufell. Around almost every bend in the road, there seemed to be another place worth pulling over.

One of the highlights of my visit was taking a guided glacier walk on Snæfellsjökull. It was an incredible experience to walk across the glacier and see the landscape from such a unique perspective, but it was also much more demanding than I expected. 

The excursion lasted around seven hours, and by the end I was definitely feeling it. If you're reasonably fit and enjoy adventure, I'd absolutely recommend it, but it's worth knowing that this isn't just a casual stroll across the ice.

Even if you skip the glacier, the drive alone is unforgettable. Cruising along the northern coastline with the Atlantic on one side and the glacier-covered volcano towering above you on the other is one of those moments that perfectly captures why Iceland is such an extraordinary destination.

How I'd fit the Snæfellsnes Peninsula into your Iceland itinerary

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula works well as an early stop on a Ring Road adventure or as a rewarding extension to a shorter Iceland itinerary.

It's close enough to Reykjavík to be convenient but feels like a completely different world.

Myvatn

(pronounced: MEE-vatn)

Mývatn was one of the places in Iceland that genuinely made me stop and think, "How is this even real?"

Almost everywhere you look, the landscape seems to have been shaped by fire and steam. One minute you're walking through Dimmuborgir, a maze of twisted lava formations that look like the ruins of an ancient city, and the next you're standing at Námafjall, watching boiling mud pools and steaming fumaroles hissing out of the ground. 

The entire region feels alive, and it's unlike anywhere else I visited in Iceland.

One of my favorite experiences here was spending an afternoon at the Mývatn Nature Baths. They're often compared to the Blue Lagoon, but I honestly preferred them. 

They were quieter, much less expensive, and surrounded by dramatic volcanic scenery rather than busy roads and large crowds. Sitting in the warm, mineral-rich water while looking out across lava fields was one of the most relaxing moments of my entire trip.

If you visit during June or July, be prepared for the famous Mývatn midges. They don't bite, but they are everywhere, and you'll quickly understand why locals carry head nets. Even with the bugs, though, Mývatn became one of my favorite regions in Iceland because it feels so completely different from anywhere else on the island.

How I'd fit Mývatn into your Iceland itinerary

Mývatn fits naturally into a Ring Road itinerary and pairs perfectly with nearby Akureyri and East Iceland.

I recommend spending at least one night here so you have enough time to explore the area's unique geothermal attractions at a relaxed pace.

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is Iceland's most famous sightseeing route, and while it's easy to assume it's just another tourist hotspot, I honestly think it's popular because it's genuinely spectacular.

Most people visit for Gullfoss, Strokkur, and Þingvellir National Park, and each offers something completely different. Watching Strokkur erupt every few minutes never gets old, and Gullfoss is every bit as powerful as the photos suggest. But the place that stayed with me the longest was Þingvellir.

Standing between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is one of those experiences that's difficult to appreciate until you're actually there. You can literally see the landscape being pulled apart, and then you realize you're also standing where Iceland's parliament first met more than a thousand years ago. 

It's one of those rare places where geology and history come together in a way that's impossible to forget.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even snorkel between the two continental plates in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure. I didn't expect that to be something you could do in Iceland, but it's one of the country's most unique experiences, and unlike anything you'll find elsewhere in the world.

Yes, the Golden Circle is busy, especially during the middle of the day. But for me, it's one of those destinations that absolutely lives up to its reputation.

How I'd fit the Golden Circle into your Iceland itinerary

The Golden Circle is the perfect introduction to Iceland and fits easily into almost any itinerary.

I often recommend spending a little longer here than most day tours allow so you can enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

The South Coast

If I had to recommend one stretch of road that captures everything people dream about when they picture Iceland, it would be the South Coast.

Almost every stop feels iconic. You can walk behind the curtain of water at Seljalandsfoss, climb above Skógafoss for incredible views across the coastline, stand among the towering basalt columns at Reynisfjara, and visit the famous DC-3 plane wreck sitting alone on an endless black volcanic plain. 

It's one of those drives where you're constantly pulling over because every few miles there's something else worth seeing.

My favorite memory, though, wasn't any of the famous landmarks themselves. It was visiting Seljalandsfoss close to midnight in June. Because the sun barely sets at that time of year, the light filtering through the waterfall created the most incredible glow. 

It wasn't golden like sunset or blue like twilight. It was somewhere in between, and it's honestly one of the most beautiful moments I've experienced anywhere in the world.

The only place I'd urge a little extra caution is Reynisfjara. It's breathtakingly beautiful, but the powerful sneaker waves here are genuinely dangerous. Keeping a safe distance from the water is essential, no matter how calm the ocean appears.

For me, the South Coast is the perfect reminder that some of Iceland's most famous places have earned their reputation.

How I'd fit the South Coast into your Iceland itinerary

The South Coast is an essential part of almost every Iceland itinerary and works equally well as a standalone trip or as part of a complete Ring Road adventure.

I always recommend allowing enough time to enjoy it rather than simply driving through.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

(pronounced: YO-kul-sarl-on)

If there was one place in Iceland that truly made me feel like I was standing on another planet, it was Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Watching enormous icebergs slowly drift away from the glacier and out toward the Atlantic is strangely peaceful. Some are brilliant white, others glow an incredible shade of blue, and every single one is completely unique. 

It's one of those places where I found myself putting the camera down for a while just to watch everything quietly unfold.

My favorite experience, though, was walking along nearby Diamond Beach at dawn. As the tide carried pieces of ice onto the black volcanic sand, the rising sun lit them up from within, making them sparkle like giant crystals scattered across the shoreline. 

The colors changed minute by minute, and it became one of those travel moments I'll never forget.

If you have the opportunity, I'd also recommend taking one of the zodiac boat tours. Getting out onto the lagoon among the towering icebergs gave me a completely different perspective, and we were lucky enough to spot several seals relaxing on the floating ice, seemingly unbothered by the boats passing nearby.

For me, Jökulsárlón isn't just one of the highlights of Iceland. It's one of the most extraordinary natural places I've ever visited anywhere in the world.

How I'd fit Jökulsárlón into your Iceland itinerary

Jökulsárlón is one of the highlights of any Ring Road journey and deserves more than just a quick photo stop.

I always recommend allowing enough time to experience both the lagoon and Diamond Beach at different times of the day.

Vatnajokull Ice Caves

(pronounced: VAT-na-yo-kul)

Of all the experiences I had in Iceland, walking inside the Vatnajökull Ice Caves is probably the one I'll remember for the rest of my life.

The moment you step inside, everything changes. The sunlight filtering through centuries-old glacial ice creates an incredible blue glow that almost doesn't look real. It's quiet, peaceful, and unlike anything I've experienced anywhere else. 

Knowing that you're standing inside Europe's largest glacier somehow makes the experience even more remarkable.

One thing I wasn't fully prepared for was how much of an adventure the tour actually is. I absolutely loved it, but our guided glacier walk lasted around seven hours and was much more physically demanding than I expected. 

There was plenty of walking over uneven terrain, climbing across the glacier, and spending hours outdoors in cold conditions. If you're reasonably active, it's an amazing experience, but I think it's worth going in with realistic expectations rather than assuming it's a short sightseeing excursion.

The nearby Skaftafell area is well worth exploring too. Hiking to Svartifoss, with its striking basalt columns framing the waterfall, is a completely different experience from the glacier itself and makes a perfect addition if you're spending a couple of days in the region.

For me, this wasn't just one of the highlights of Iceland. It was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I've ever had.

How I'd fit the Vatnajökull Ice Caves into your Iceland itinerary

I like pairing the ice caves with Jökulsárlón and the surrounding glacier region, allowing plenty of time so you're not rushing one of Iceland's most memorable experiences.

Reykjavik

(pronounced: RAY-kyah-vik)

Reykjavík may be Iceland's capital, but it doesn't feel like a busy capital city. Instead, it has a relaxed, walkable atmosphere where colorful streets, creative architecture, and excellent restaurants sit against a backdrop of mountains and the sea.

I enjoyed wandering through the city center, climbing the tower of Hallgrímskirkja for panoramic views across the rooftops, and exploring the striking Harpa Concert Hall along the waterfront. 

Even though Reykjavík is home to most of Iceland's population, it still feels surprisingly small and easy to explore on foot.

One of the biggest surprises for both my partner and me, though, was how much we loved Reykjavík's geothermal pools. 

Instead of visiting one of the large tourist spas, we spent time at a neighborhood pool alongside locals relaxing in the naturally heated water. It felt less like a tourist attraction and more like getting a glimpse into everyday Icelandic life. Sitting in the warm geothermal pools after a day of exploring quickly became one of our favorite parts of visiting the city.

Reykjavík also has a fantastic food scene, plenty of fascinating museums, and serves as the perfect base for exploring the rest of the country. 

While many visitors treat it as little more than a place to arrive and depart, I think it's well worth slowing down and spending a couple of days discovering everything it has to offer.

How I'd fit Reykjavík into your Iceland itinerary

I like beginning or ending an Iceland itinerary in Reykjavík, giving yourself a couple of days to experience the city before heading out to explore the country's incredible natural landscapes.

Landmannalaugar & the Highlands

(pronounced: LAND-man-na-loy-gar)

If someone asked me what my favorite place in all of Iceland was, I wouldn't hesitate for a second. It would be Landmannalaugar.

By the time I arrived here, I'd already seen waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and geothermal areas, so I honestly wondered if anywhere else could still surprise me. 

Then I looked up at the surrounding mountains. They weren't just different shades of brown or green. They were streaked with reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, greens, and purples in a way that almost didn't seem real. I've traveled to some incredible places, but I have never seen another landscape that looks remotely like this.

One of my favorite memories was finishing a hike and relaxing in the natural geothermal hot spring beside the campground. 

Sitting in warm water, surrounded by colorful volcanic mountains with almost no signs of civilization, felt like the perfect way to experience Iceland. It was peaceful, quiet, and somehow made the entire landscape feel even more surreal.

What makes Landmannalaugar so special isn't just the scenery. It's the feeling of being completely removed from the rest of the world. 

Once you're out in the Highlands, the roads disappear, towns disappear, and for long stretches it's just you, the mountains, and an overwhelming sense of space. For me, nowhere else in Iceland captured that feeling of wilderness quite as completely.

How I'd fit Landmannalaugar into your Iceland itinerary

If your schedule allows, I'd make every effort to include Landmannalaugar in your Iceland itinerary.

It takes a little more planning than many of Iceland's other highlights, but for me, it's the destination that best captures the country's incredible beauty and sense of adventure.

Iceland is one of those destinations where every extra day opens up an entirely new region to explore.

Here are the routes I'd personally recommend depending on how much time you have.

Iceland Itinerary: 5 Days

Why this route? This five-day Iceland itinerary covers many of the country's most iconic landscapes, combining Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, spectacular waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the unforgettable icebergs of Jökulsárlón without trying to cram in the entire Ring Road.

*Renting a car gives you the greatest flexibility. If you're visiting during winter, always check road and weather conditions before setting out.

Iceland Itinerary: 7 Days

Why this route? This seven-day Iceland itinerary follows much of the famous Ring Road, combining Reykjavík, waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal landscapes, whale watching, and North Iceland into one unforgettable adventure.

*Expect several longer driving days. Travelers with more time should slow the pace rather than trying to add additional regions.

Iceland Itinerary: 10 Days

Why this route? If I had ten days for a first visit to Iceland, this is the itinerary I'd choose. It combines Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, glacier lagoons, North Iceland, and the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula, giving you an excellent introduction to the country's remarkable diversity while following a logical Ring Road route.

*Ten days allows enough time to experience Iceland at a more relaxed pace, but I'd still leave the Westfjords and Landmannalaugar for a future trip when you have two weeks or more to explore properly.

Why everyone should visit Iceland at least once

Iceland is one of the few places I've visited that genuinely exceeded every expectation I had before arriving.

I expected incredible waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and black sand beaches, but I wasn't prepared for just how diverse the landscapes would be.

One day I was walking through colorful rhyolite mountains in the Highlands, the next I was standing inside a blue ice cave, soaking in a geothermal pool, or watching icebergs drift silently toward the sea. Every region felt completely different from the last.

If it's your first visit, don't try to cram everything into a single trip. Iceland rewards those who slow down, spend time in each destination, and leave room for the unexpected. I left already thinking about my next visit, and I have a feeling you will too.

FAQs about visiting Iceland

Ready to explore Iceland? Optimise Travel is here to help

Iceland may be famous for its waterfalls and the Blue Lagoon, but there's so much more to discover once you venture beyond the usual tourist trail.

From the colorful mountains of Landmannalaugar and the drifting icebergs of Jökulsárlón to the volcanic landscapes of Mývatn, the dramatic South Coast, the remote beauty of the Westfjords, and the charming streets of Reykjavík, every region offers a completely different side of this extraordinary country.

At Optimise Travel, we create personalized travel itineraries based on your interests, travel style, and budget. Whether you're dreaming of hiking across glaciers, soaking in natural geothermal hot springs, chasing the Northern Lights, driving the Ring Road, exploring Iceland's remote Highlands, or discovering hidden gems away from the crowds, we'll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.

If you'd like help planning your trip to Iceland, click here to learn more about our concierge travel services.