Iceland Route: 9 Places to See, from Reynisfjara to
Explore Iceland's most iconic natural attractions across 1,331.5 km, from the dramatic black sand beaches of Reinis Viara to Europe's largest glacier at Vatnajökull National Park. This route connects geothermal wonders, volcanic landscapes, and glacial formations that define Iceland's unique geography.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Reynisfjara Beach
- End
- Mývatn
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Reynisfjara Beach — One of the world's most famous black sand beaches on Iceland's south coast, formed by volcanic activity and featuring striking basalt columns and offshore rock formations.
- Thingvellir National Park — UNESCO World Heritage site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly separate, creating dramatic rift valleys and Iceland's historical parliament grounds.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon — Spectacular iceberg-dotted glacial lake in southeast Iceland formed by melting ice, accessible via tour boat to witness the dramatic sight of icebergs breaking off the glacier.
- Blue Lagoon — Iceland's most popular geothermal spa on a lava peninsula near Reykjavik, featuring mineral-rich seawater heated by geothermal energy with resort amenities and wellness facilities.
- Vatnajökull National Park
- Reykjavik — Iceland's vibrant capital city with Viking heritage, featuring the modernistic Hallgrímur Church and Tjörnin Lake, offering panoramic views over the peninsula.
- Geysir — Historic hot spring that is the namesake for all geysers worldwide, capable of hurling boiling water up to 70 meters, with nearby Strokkur erupting every few minutes.
- Landmannalaugar
- Mývatn — Lake formed by ancient lava flows, hosting over 100 bird species and featuring distinctive pseudo-craters and lava field formations created by volcanic activity.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Iceland shines in any season. Visit in winter to see the Northern Lights, or in summer to experience the midnight sun.
- Tip
- Reynisfjara Beach is located next to the fishing village of Vik on the south coast. The beach features distinctive black sand and basalt columns.
- Timing
- Geysir erupts around three times per day. Nearby Strokkur erupts more frequently, reaching heights of up to 30 meters every few minutes.
- Tip
- Start your Reykjavik visit at the visitor center near Lake Tjörnin on the city's west side. Ride the lift to the observation deck at Hallgrímskirkja church for panoramic views.
- Timing
- Landmannalaugar tour companies make regular day trips during high season. Rudimentary overnight accommodations are available at the site.
- Timing
- Thingvellir National Park features marked trails that let you see the best sights in two or three hours. It's a popular day trip from Reykjavik.
- Tip
- At Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, view from the ring road or take a tour boat to see icebergs up close. Icebergs break off glaciers and crash into the sea.
- Transport
- Blue Lagoon is located on a peninsula less than an hour's ride from Reykjavik and is Iceland's most popular tourist destination.
- Where to stay
- Blue Lagoon features a 35-room resort with spa treatments, saunas, steam baths, and a restaurant overlooking the lagoon.
- Tip
- Vatnajökull National Park's most frequently visited section is Skaftafell in the southern territory. Trails lead past glacier tongues and waterfalls.
- Tip
- Detifoss waterfall in Vatnajökull is famous for the sheer volume of water cascading over its rim.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in Iceland - Travel Video