My guide to all the cool things to do in Iceland comes by way of my cool cheeky guide. Taking you to all places you need to see when you visit Iceland. For you tea drinkers out there, that like to #keepittea, you might recognise my Iceland guide above.
Moneky, as he is called, was given to my by my niece. After many months had passed since the PG Tips tea had been drunk, Monkey had been sitting on a shelf but looked rather sad as I was living for Iceland so in a last minute decision I decided to let him be my guide for the Land of Fire and Ice!
After going on and about booking flights to Iceland, planning visits to the Blue Lagoon, booking a campervan in Iceland, reviewing guides to Iceland and hotels in Reykjavik and best areas to stay, it was time to take a back seat and let Monkey do all the guiding from one Golden Circle attraction to the next.
And so a plan was complete! Finally, Monkey had hitched is the first adventure in Iceland. Who would pass up an opportunity to explore Iceland by campervan. She had gone one and one about renting a campervan and exploring the sights on Iceland’s Ring Road. Would you pass up a free vacation to Iceland?
Yeah, either would I! So having come back, I have managed to convince Bee on let me give you a tour of Iceland. So grab a cuppa and keep it tea, while I take you for a drive around Iceland stops we made.
CONTENTS
- 1 20 Things To Do In Iceland – Bucket List Experiences Not Miss In Iceland
- 1.1 1. Explore Reykjavik and take in the views from Hallgrimskirkja Church
- 1.2 2. A trip to the land of fire and Ice is not complete without tasting the ice cream.
- 1.3 3. Visit The Sun Voyager on Saebraut Road in Reykjavik.
- 1.4 4. Marvel at mother nature’s masterpiece that is Gullfoss.
- 1.5 5. Visiting the Blue Lagoon.
- 1.6 6. More of those Ahhh moments with a visit to Seljavallalaug Pool – Outdoor bathing in Iceland
- 1.7 7. Visit Svinafellsjokull Glacier
- 1.8 8. Walk Behind A Waterfall – Seljalandsfoss In Iceland.
- 1.9 9. Gljufrabui Waterfall.
- 1.10 10. Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach.
- 1.11 11. Reykjavik Chips.
- 1.12 12. Stand Between Continents or dive between two continents
- 1.13 13. Experience Midnight Sun
- 1.14 14. Visit The Geysir
- 1.15 15. Explore Harpa Concert Hall
- 1.16 16. Whale Watching In Iceland
- 1.17 17. Visit Vik and see black sand beach and birds of South Iceland.
- 1.18 18. Visit Perlan
- 1.19 19. Explore the lava fields of Eldhraun
- 1.20 20. Have a photo session.
- 1.21 Bee gave me a side eye when she realised that I had been hogging the camera a lot for most of the spots visited.
- 1.22 Playing it cool while hanging out of a pocket
- 1.23 Thanking Bee for #KeepingItTea and taking me on the Iceland Adventure
- 2 Iceland Planning Tips – Things To Know Before Visiting Iceland
20 Things To Do In Iceland – Bucket List Experiences Not Miss In Iceland
Iceland is an amazing place to visit. Not just for the waterfalls, the glaciers, geysers and so many other awe-inspiring wowzer moments. If you are hoping visit Iceland for the northern lights. Get tips for places to see them and when to see them on the linked post.
1. Explore Reykjavik and take in the views from Hallgrimskirkja Church
You can easily land in Reykjavik and get right down to business of exploring. This church is right in the heart of the capital city so a trip to visit Hallgrimskirkja Church is a must.
The view from the top is just incredible with colourful city buildings to offset the often grey weather. Just don’t seat on the edge of the window unless you have a thing for heights(or can fit through the bars.)
2. A trip to the land of fire and Ice is not complete without tasting the ice cream.
Nestled in the shadows of Hallgrímskirkja Church is Joylato. A little ice cream shop packed full of flavourful selections. I love that it’s made right there in front of you with liquid nitrogen which adds to the fun.
After selecting your flavour, mixed the ice cream mix and N2, with a puff of mist as if by magic you have creamy and fresh ice cream!
Just be careful not to embarrass yourself by drooling all over the counter as the ice cream mixologist makes magic. Did I mention flavours include Chocolate, Vanilla, Blueberry cheesecake and for the more adventurous flavour hunters check out Avocado-lime, Mango Cardamom or Caramel-Cashew?
Yes, I made it out of Bee’s Karl Lagerfeld Tote in time before she had wolfed it all down. This little gem is located at Njálsgata 1, 103 Reykjavik, Iceland. Another must is a visit to Iceland’s Viking Museum.
The bag that made my trip possible when I ‘accidentally’ fell into it. Karl Lagerfeld Tote(sold out but similar ones below.)
3. Visit The Sun Voyager on Saebraut Road in Reykjavik.
It’s just a short walk from the Harpa building which is another spot to add to your visit in Iceland. The Sun Voyager is a sculpture by Jon Gunnar Arnason.
A dreamboat, an ade to the sun. It may look great during the day but I prefer it after the midnight sunset when the clouds take on a colourful streak and the reflections on the tiles under the boat bounce off the sculpture. Just be sure to bring some glove and a cuppa if you can.
4. Marvel at mother nature’s masterpiece that is Gullfoss.
This one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions so of course, Monkey wasn’t going to let Bee stop him from taking a quick shot of with this beautiful waterfall. This was an unplanned stop as Bee didn’t realise just how close Gullfoss is from the Geyser.
5. Visiting the Blue Lagoon.
I don’t think there is a soul that would visit Iceland and not go to the Blue Lagoon. Well not without regretting it anyway. Yes, Monkey was going to tag along to this as well. After all he was already in a bathrobe. At last, that moment had come when I was more prepared than Bee.
The only thing I needed was some flip-flops, but those are free with entrance to the Blue Lagoon so all that was needed was to chill and enjoy the R&R as the minerals worked their magic.
For more tips on what to expect and tips on planning a trip to the Blue Lagoon, Bee has a post on tips and what to expect when you get to the Blue Lagoon.
6. More of those Ahhh moments with a visit to Seljavallalaug Pool – Outdoor bathing in Iceland
A hidden hot spring pool in the mountains. Yes, there is no way I was going to miss on this gem having seen Bee toil and scour the interwebs to make sure that she was going to locate this place come rain or shine with or without GPS signal.
She found it! I was right on her tail as she did too. Ready for my close-up! If you want to find Seljavallaug when you visit Iceland, Bee posted tips on not only how to find the hidden pool in Iceland but what you need to make sure you bring with you to make the most of Iceland’s [worst] best-kept secret.
When the snow is coming downing and the wind is blowing hard, Icelanders head to the nearest pool or soak in many Geothermal hot springs scattered around the island.
7. Visit Svinafellsjokull Glacier
That moment when you wish you had a lovely warm cuppa to toast mother nature to, this was that moment. Nothing prepares you for what your eyes will have in their sights. All emotions will run through you. I am telling you! I could have sworn I saw a tear fall down Bee’s cheek.
She, of course, claimed it was because of the cold but I know this gangster, the tough-talking chick had cracked and it only took mother nature’s delicately layered sheets of ice to crack this tough cookie.
The pictures do not do this place justice at all. It’s quiet, serene and just magical. It’s almost as if it’s a painting but also delicately looking. The ice looks so soft like marshmallows. For more pictures of this Bee has another post on why you need to add Svinafellsjokull to your Iceland itinerary plans.
8. Walk Behind A Waterfall – Seljalandsfoss In Iceland.
How can one pass up the opportunity to walk behind a waterfall in Iceland?This waterfall really needs no further introductions apart from the fact that its one of South Iceland’s most visited sights so yes, naturally a photo was needed.
For more info on how Bee slept right under this and the secret waterfall next to it then head over to Bee’s post on Waterfalls you need to visit in Iceland.
9. Gljufrabui Waterfall.
This beautiful little gem is hidden between a veil of rocks and definitely one that you need to see. This is also featured among the must-see waterfall that Bee had the pleasure of sleeping under.
Another amazing waterfall not to miss is Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s most splendid waterdalls. It tumbles 60 meters from the cliffs of Skogar before cascading off the cliffs as Skogafoss.
10. Jokulsarlon and Diamond Beach.
Iceland has the biggest glacier in Europe and a tenth of its surface is covered in ice!I may have missed out on checking out the Geysers but no way was anyone going to stand between Iceland’s Glacier Lagoon and Monkey!
Yeah, bringing sexy back with glacier ice sheets. Between you and me I would recommend sitting on ice butt naked. I should have pulled my robe over my rear end before I sat on the ice. Check out the quick video taken from Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon.
11. Reykjavik Chips.
After all that exploring one needs to regroup, get some food, grab a cuppa maybe? One little stop in Reykjavik is the rustically decorated chip shop. Seriously the chips are finger licking good! Naturally, I wolfed down Bee’s chips before she could go in for second pickings.
12. Stand Between Continents or dive between two continents
Walk between the North American and Eurasian plates. Born from a lava oozing rift, where continental plates drift apart, the mid-Atlantic ridge is one of those rear places in the world that you can only be found in Iceland.
Found in Pingvellir National Park, the Silfra underwater fissure in Lake Pingvallavatn is only 40km drive from Reykjavik. You have the option to walk between continents or swim.
The clear water here allows for visibility of up to 120 meters! Another place that is within easy reach is from Reykjavik, is Hafnarfjordur in Southwest Iceland.
13. Experience Midnight Sun
Summer in Iceland is truly magical as I shared reasons why July in Iceland is one of the best times to visit Iceland. The whole island comes alive under the constant sunlight.
Mid-night sun is something you have to experience in Iceland as much as you need to experience the Aurora Borealis. We enjoyed taking mid-night strolls as I showed you above to experience all the wonderful colours of Iceland.
14. Visit The Geysir
Geysir lends its name to the English language in order to christen the phenomenon of the periodically spouting hot springs. One of the main attractions on Iceland’s Golden Circle.
For a map of Iceland Golden Circle check out Nicole’s post. Experience the explosion of hot water warmed up by magma beneath the earth’s surface in the famous geothermal area littered with beautiful hot springs.
You can walk around the geothermal field where hot springs are in abundance. Geysers explode and pools of mud bubble.
15. Explore Harpa Concert Hall
Designed by Henning Larsen, Harpa Concert Hall is another quick stop in Reykjavik not to be missed. Especially for photography and architecture lovers. Beautiful facades, the building stands out like a large radiant sculpture reflecting both the sky and harbour spaces it occupies.
16. Whale Watching In Iceland
One cannot come to Iceland and not experience a cruise to see the many whale species in Iceland. You can read about Bee’s whale watching experience in Iceland on the blog.
17. Visit Vik and see black sand beach and birds of South Iceland.
Vik is one of those unmissable stops on the Ring Road in Iceland. The valley of Myrdalur is a rich birding area, with Reynisfjall, Reynisfdrangar and Dryholaey are chief birding spots not to main great spots for getting amazing views of black sand beaches in the area. Your can read about our stop in Vik Iceland here.
18. Visit Perlan
A visit to Perlan is another unmissable stop on the list of things to do in Iceland. Most tours on the hop-on, hop-off tours in Iceland will also stop here.
Head to the fourth floor of Perlan where you will find a large observation deck giving you 360 degree views of Reykjavik. From here you can see Keilir Volcano, Reykjanes Peninsula and the world famous Snaefellsjokull glacier.
19. Explore the lava fields of Eldhraun
In 1783 a huge lava flow streamed from Lakagigar in what became known as the ‘Skafta Fires’. This is believed to have been one of the biggest lava flows in a single eruption in the history of the world.
Its cubic measure is approximately 16k cubic meters and the square measure of 580km square. All around you now have this beautiful wholly fringemoss that forms a continuous layer which gives off a grey colour when dry and a beautiful green after the rain.
Eldhraun is located in Katla and now a world-renowned UNESCO Global Geopark. You can read tips on how to find Eldhraun Lava field here.
20. Have a photo session.
At this point, Bee and the Ginger had taken me around Iceland so the least I could do was allow them to take a picture with me…
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Playing it cool while hanging out of a pocket |
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Thanking Bee for #KeepingItTea and taking me on the Iceland Adventure |
Iceland Planning Tips – Things To Know Before Visiting Iceland
- Entry: Iceland is in the Schengen zone which exempts travellers from 22 EU countries from needing a visa. For residents outside the Schengen zone, you need a valid passport with at least 3 months beyond the date of entry.
- Language: Icelandic is the national language with English being its official second language. Danish is also taught in schools.
- Emergencies: For EU nationals always carry your EHIC(European Health Insurance Card) card just in case of emergencies. For all others make sure you have adequate travel insurance. For emergencies call 112.
- Travel from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik: There are bus services operating between Reykjavik and Keflavik International airport. Buses leave the airport every 45-60minutes. The driving between the airport and Reykjavik is abour 45 minutes. If you want to bring your own car to Iceland you can do so via Denmark. The car-ferry MS Norrona sailes weekly between Denmark and Seyoisfjordour in East Iceland
- Driving in Iceland: The main road in Iceland is called the Ring Road or Nr 1. This is around 1,332 km(827 miles). The speed limit in Iceland is about 50km/ in urban areas and 80 on gravel roads. The road around mountains are closed off until June due to dangerous snowy conditions. Off-road driving and driving outside of marked tracks is prohibited by law so make sure you don’t violate the law. Gas stations in Iceland are open 24/7. You are obliged by law to use headlights at all times in Iceland – day and night.
- Climate in Iceland: The average temerature in Reykjavik in July is 11 degrees. The average temperature in Reykjavik in January is around -0.6 degrees and 1.9 degrees in Akureyri.
- What to wear in Iceland: Whether in Summer or Winter, you need to pack adequate clothing for Iceland. The weather is very changeable even in the summer. For tips on what to pack for Iceland see here. Be sure to pack waterproof coats.
- Paying for goods: Visa, EuroCard, MasterCard, DinersClub and American Express are all widely accepted.
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I went to Iceland a few years ago, but I missed some of these great sights! You have me wanting to go back again!
Haha too cute! My stuffed monkey will be jealous as he's not coming with us to Iceland next month:)
i was most intrigued from your list with walking behind the waterfall and the whale watching. But seeing the lava flow covered in moss was most unexpected. This was quite the trip. A great companion in your cheeky monkey.
I know so many people who have been to Iceland raved about it. Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon are a must. I hear the country is beautiful and it looks like Monkey enjoyed himself.
Iceland is on my travel list. Along with that now I have also included your bucket list to do in Iceland. 😊
The pictures were beautiful. I especially liked the building that looked like it was made of ice (at least that’s what it looked like to me). The midnight sun is something I would like to see. I always think of doing that in Alaska (maybe because I’m American). Iceland would be a great place to experience it.
Amazing views I am ready to pack my bags and head out to see it all. The Blue Lagoon and the lava are my favorites, but I still want to see it all. Thank you for sharing.
Happy Spring, Kippi #kippiathome
That monkey looks like he had one hell of a trip! Truly, this trip appears to be one of a kind!
OMG! Iceland is on the top spot of my bucket list. And I am definitely saving this well written article. 🙂
It’s a complete guide. I have always been fascinated by Iceland and would visit next year. Saving it. Thanks for sharing this lovely post.
I love seeing the adventures of Cheeky Monkey! My in-laws are traveling to Iceland in June so I’ll be sure to pass along this post so they can visit the must-see spots.
Small detail in the title you might want to fix: A Cheeky Monkey’s Guide To Top 20 Things To [Do] In Iceland | Unmissable Icelandic Experiences. I’m in awe of Iceland, it’s so beautiful and I just want to hug the cheeky monkey and take it on adventures too 🙂
Thanks! All fixed.
The world is full of beautiful places and sights that we can never get tired of seeing. Iceland is one of them.
I’ve seen a few people talking about trips to Iceland lately. I think I’ve enjoyed yours the most though. The monkey pics are just adorable and made me laugh. Thanks for a great tour of your visit!