I have been thinking a lot about my travels through beautiful Iceland this week, so I decided to share 26 of my most favourite photos from my numerous trips to Iceland. If this doesn’t put the land of Fire and Ice on your bucket list, I don’t know what will!
1. Hverir
These naturally formed pools of bubbling mud are located not too far from Lake Myvatn. Smelling of sulphur and hot enough to boil, these mud pits are not the place for a hot spring swim, but they are undeniably beautiful.
2. Ásbyrgi Canyon
This amazing canyon, part of the lesser known Diamond Circle is the perfect spot for a bit of solitude. This is one of the few places which isn’t yet overrun by tourists in Iceland. Bonus fact: The horseshoe shape of the canyon is said to be a result of Odin’s hoof coming into contact with Earth.
3. Goðafoss
Another amazing stop along the Diamond Circle, Goðafoss translates to the waterfall of the Gods, to find out why, click here. There are more waterfalls in Iceland than you can poke a stick at, but this is easily one of the most beautiful. Arrive as early in the morning as possible to have this place all to yourself.
4. Holuhraun I
It may look I am holding a handful of black sand (which is not uncommon in Iceland) but I am actually holding a handful of fresh lava!
And to anyone wondering, yes, that is a Harry Potter tattoo on my wrist! #always
5. Askja and Viti
This is a beautiful and pristine part of the Icelandic highlands, but getting there is no joke. You will need serious off-roading expertise and the ability to handle a 4WD like a pro. Park rangers have to rescue cars several times per year for inexperienced drivers who have gotten themselves stuck. If you still want to visit but aren’t fond of driving, contact Saga Travel to organise an off road adventure.
6. Holuhraun II
I had to include a second picture from Holuhraun, I just had to. Swimming in the geothermal hot rivers running through fresh lava was something I will never forget. In air, the mercury dropped to below zero, but the water stayed nice and toasty. Plus, because it is hard to get to, you can pretty much guarantee that you’ll have the run of the place.
7. The Icelandic Highlands, about three hours from Lake Myvatn
This was taken en route to Holuhraun, and I love how it captures the solitude of the place. There was volcanoes (not erupting at the time) to the right, and what looked like an endless field of black sand in front of me.
8. Reykjavik I
This was shot from the top of Hallgrimskirka church (see below) on a sunny september day. Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland, and by far the most populated city in this tiny country. Reykjavik is bright, vibrant and has much more to explore than you would expect from such a small city. Definitely make sure to spend at least 2-3 days here exploring all of its quirks and hidden nooks.
9. Reykjavik II
Hallgrimskirkja church is eccentric to say the least. The church is most beautiful from the outside, is strangely minimalist on the inside, and the view from the top is utterly gorgeous.
10. Skogafoss I
This is quite possibly the most photographed waterfall in all of Iceland, but that’s for good reason, I mean, just look at it! Try to get here early in the morning, as the big tour buses will be swarming the place by 10am.
11. Skogafoss II
Here’s another shameless shot of Skogafoss. Rainbows and waterfalls, such an amazing combo!
12. Vatnajökull Glacier
This is the first look I ever got at Vatnajökull glacier. This glacier is melting rapidly, which is a worry (global warming) but has resulted in the creation of a glacial lagoon, also known as…
13. Jökulsárlón
…Jökulsárlón! This glacial lagoon is a relatively new feature of Iceland, because y’know, Iceland wasn’t pretty enough already. There are boat tours out onto the lagoon, but views from the shore are just as beautiful (if not more). Make sure you bring sunglasses as the glare off the water on a sunny day can be borderline blinding.
14. Thrihnukagigur Volcano I
When volcanoes erupt, magma usually fills the chamber and as it cools, the volcano sort of becomes sealed, looking more like a hill that the concave volcano shape one imagines. However, Thrihnukagigur volcano did not fill, after it erupted it stayed hollow, which makes it a bit of a geological marvel. There aren’t many places in the world where one can actually venture inside a volcano, but in Iceland you can! Click here for more details.
15. Thrihnukagigur Volcano II
So how do you actually do the descent? In one of those old school german window washing lift thingys (the technical terminology). The several minute descent is nothing short of glorious, just make sure you aren’t too afraid of heights and that you don’t watch the horror film The Descent in the days leading up to your visit!
16. Strokkur Geysir
Easily my favourite spot on the Golden Circle! Strokkur is the biggest (regularly erupting) geysir in this area, and her 7 minutely-ish eruptions are a sight to behold.
17. Geysir Area
If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful Strokkur, you will find an area full of small geysirs and more bubbling geothermal pits. This area is most beautiful in the winter months at the later part of the afternoon when the sun is close to setting.
18. Langjökull Glacier
This is one of my favourite travel pictures of all time. Shot on Langjökull glacier during a dog sledding trip, I went to say hello to one of the beautiful Greenlandic huskies pulling my sled, and somehow managed to capture the split second before I received a big slobbery doggo kiss. Huskies are my favourite breed of dog, and a dog sledding trip is an amazing way to get up close and personal with some truly glorious floofs.
19. The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is the most visited tourist destination in Iceland, but it is for good reason. Located a stones throw from Keflavik international airport, there is no reason to not make a stop here! The water is a perfectly pastel shade of blue, the water is warm, the drinks (Skyr smoothies especially) are delish and you’ll feel like you are floating around on another planet. Don’t miss this one.
20. Reykjavik III
Another one shot from the top of Hallgrimskirkja. This one was shot in the middle of winter on the cloudy day. The quality of the picture is poor, but I still love it. The colours, the cars, the clouds. It makes me want to return to Iceland immediately.
21. Phallological Museum
Yep you read that right. The Iceland Phallological Museum is a museum dedicated to the, er, male anatomy. Boasting a truly ridiculous number of specimens from elk to human, this is the perfect place to spend 45 minutes in giggle fits. Be sure to check out the sperm whale specimen (pictured here) it is longer than I am tall!
22. The Northern Lights
The appeal of viewing the Aurora is one of Icelands biggest drawcards. The best time to visit is during the Autumn and Winter months. Autumn is generally less cloudy and winter generally brings darker skies. However, the aurora can be a shy mistress, so to spot her you will need patience, warm clothes and potentially several nights of trying, however, the waiting and watching will be worth it.
23. Sólheimajökull Glacier
Visit at sunrise. Just do it.
24. Silfra Fissure
Snorkelling through this fissure was the reason I ventured to Iceland for the very first time. Located in Þingvellir National Park, the Silfra fissure is where the North American and Eurasian continental plates meet. You can snorkel between them and even touch two continents at once! Not only that, but the water is the most incredible shade of blue. Don’t let a fear of cold water put you off, your drysuit will keep you toasty warm. Plus, if you visit on a truly freezing day like I did, getting into the 2 degree water will actually feel warm.
25. Langjökull Glacier
Look at the doggos run! Dog sledding is simply an awe-inspiring experience. The feel of the wind in your hair, snow dusting across your face and the smell of fresh ice is like nothing else in the world.
26. Reykjanes Peninsula
For dramatic craggy cliffs, black sand beaches and weather so appalling that other travellers give it a miss, this is a must visit area! Someone wise once said, ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing’, so wear waterproof gear and you will have a ball of a time.
So, have I made you want to visit Iceland yet? Or have you visited any of the places on this list? Tell me in the comments, lets get talking about incredible Iceland!
Er your not wrong, gorgeous photos, just makes me feel sad can’t visit sooner
Have you got a visit planned for the future?
Iceland is definitely high on the list of places I want to visit! Haven’t been yet, but this is certainly fueling the desire even more. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome! Got any plans to visit in the near future?
Wow what an incredible trip!! I’ve been seeing a lot of Iceland posts lately.. But your photos really made me want to visit. I think i need to get myself over there. For a reason Skogafoss is so popular, absolutely stunning. That glacial lagoon looks amazing too, and the geysirs, and the northern lights, all of it. The photo of you and the doggy is great too 🙂
Honestly, it is hard to say a bad word about Iceland! It is just so incredible! I definitely think you should get yourself over there pronto 😉
Love Iceland!
What is your favourite spot?
I’ve been wanting to visit Iceland since I read Burial Rites by Hannah Kent and now your photos make me want to go there even more! 🙂 Someday hopefully. Great shots!
Ooh I have not read that – I think i will have to now! Hopefully you can get there sooner rather than later 🙂
I already wanted to visit Iceland and now more so! Great pictures!
Awesome! Got any plans to visit soon?
That is outstanding. Amazing pictures too. Great job!
Awesome! Thanks so much 🙂
Awwww I lived in Iceland last year. I miss it!!!!
Did you live in Reykjavik?
I lived in Patreksfjordur, in the West Fjords.
Iceland is one of our favorite places in the world. We didn’t stay long enough – 3 nights. We can’t wait to go back.
What did you see in those three days? Any favourites?
Ice cave was our favorite and the glacier walk. We booked with: https://www.extremeiceland.is/en/
The cave was the best.
Awesome! I have used Extreme Iceland before and they were awesome!
Iceland is already on my bucket list, your pictures and descriptions make the will only stronger 🙂
Wanderlust has definitely just peaked. So many places to visit and so little time… Iceland is high up there though!
Whats at the very top of your bucket list?
Ooooh that’s a hard one! If I had to pick, probably trekking to see the Gorillas in Bwindi or somewhere similar. How about yourself?
Sweet.
On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, Travelling The World Solo wrote:
> wwellend posted: “I have been thinking a lot about my travels through > beautiful Iceland this week, so I decided to share 26 of my most favourite > photos from my numerous trips to Iceland. If this doesn’t put the land of > Fire and Ice on your bucket list, I don’t know what wi” >
Love the photographs 📷
Argh! The list just keeps growing!!! Not a bad thing. Norway was high up there and Mongolia but gotta add Iceland now. Thanks for the inspiration!!! So excited. Will plan to get out of the Middle East in July! Yippee. Where are you off to next?!
Ooh Mongolia is on my list too! Next up will be the arctic circle in winter 🙂
Nice!! Enjoy. I have always wanted to go to the Arctic or Antarctica.
We spent two weeks in Iceland and didn’t see half of these! Well done on all the amazing shots! X
What were your favourite spots?
So beautiful! I also loved the country, didn’t go to the mentioned museum, no-one else was interested, haha!
Hahaha well that just means you will have to go back some day 🙂
I really want to 😀
Nice overview! I went to Iceland last year and was immediately hooked…there are a few places on this list that could give me a good excuse to go back… 😉
What were some of your favourite places?
Hmm, aside from the obvious places like Reykjavík and Jökulsárlón, Vik and the hike to Glymur were really special. I went in the winter and was kind of limited to the Ring Road…but I have a feeling going back in the summer and going farther inland (Þórsmörk, the Vatnajökull National Park, etc.) would be pretty spectacular…
Oh it definitely would! There is so much to explore for such a small country.
Marvellous <3
These are truly some super amazing photos and yes, I would so love the opportunity to go there someday…….
It is definitely worthy of a spot on the bucket list!
Sold! x
I want to go!! I found out about a half marathon/marathon held on the summer solstice there. I can’t wait! Plus I didn’t know about the snorkeling thing. That sounds amazing too!
Wow that does sound amazing! Time to book flights 😉
Thank you for sharing your passion, it is always nice to visit with you for awhile through your pictures and words. I would love to visit Iceland one day!
I will be there in a couple of months….this has made me so excited. thank you. LOVE IT
Awesome! How long for?
we wanna join your trip,so amazing place!!!
It`s one of my pendants, so looking forward to visit Iceland soon!
The more photos I see the more I want to visit
You should bite the bullet and book flights!
Yes soon I hope.
Lovely pics, especially the waterfall and the rainbow !!
Great photos !
lovely…. amazing….. I love these colored roof of the houses….. they look beautiful…..
My own visit to Iceland, and beyond, all the way to New Zealand and Samoa, is postponed until 2021, but it’ll all still be there.
My next trip .. but may be not until next year.
All great photos, some very special.
It’s been on my list for years. #2 in fact, right behind The Yukon.
No doubt these 26 snaps by you showcase Iceland as a magical place. A true marvel of nature. Thanks for re-sharing them again 🙂
I arrived in Iceland yesterday, using your post for inspiration! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Awesome! How long will you be there for?
It looks beautiful! I’m thinking about going this winter and this post has just cemented the idea!!
Awesome! You certainly wont regret it!
Iceland was a dream for a large part of my life and in June this year I finally went, experiencing the midnight sun and enjoying the buzz of the Euros football tournament which Iceland initially did well in. Did a 10 day self drive round the island and loved it. Well worth the wait. I did the volcano tour having read about it on your blog and wow!
Amazing! What were your thoughts on the volcano tour?
The colours inside were stunning. I walked round in a daze trying to take it all in. An expensive trip but very glad I did it.
Yay! I am so glad you liked it! I agree, definitely an exxy trip price-wise, but so worth it.
Added to my bucket list! Thanks
Ellen, beautiful photos and commentary. It looks amazing and now I want to go see Iceland for myself! Thank you for blogging your adventures, it’s so fun to follow.
I know ive said this before, but I absolutely love your blog. Iceland looks beautiful! Cant wait to see more!
Looks like such a wild place
Fabulous pictures!! I so need to get there!!
I’m going in January and can’t wait! Your post has made me even more excited!
Awesome! January is a stunning time of year to visit Iceland
You’ve convinced me! And that picture with the husky – oh my word!
I know right! It is one of my favourite travel pictures ever 🙂
Have you thought of moving there, just out of interest? There are Greenland seem very high on your favourite places…
Forgive the autocorrect there…I meant “there and Greenland”.
I have, but it is hard to work as a midwife in Iceland! I would have to do further training to register to work.
Fair point, well made. 🙂
am totally charmed by your lively site – just saw that you’re nominated for a sunshine award – your site deserves it 🙂
Iceland is a bucket list trip – thank you for sharing!
Really wonderful! Saving my lunch money for Iceland! Lol
I have a friend visiting there for her honeymoon! Never had much appeal to go, but it really is beautiful! May have changed my mind!
Awesome! That is what I love to hear! I promise you it is worth the trip 🙂