Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has been on my bucket list for a long time! Now that we are going, I’m sorting through my wish list to find the best things to do in Iceland. 

Bucket List Things to do in Iceland

So we are headed to Iceland in one month and I could not be more excited! Iceland is somewhere I’ve dreamed of visiting since I was just a little girl. The first time I ever flew on a plane I was nine years old. I was on my way to live with my grandma in Scotland. I remember feeling really special because, since I was a solo minor, I got to fly in first class to be within easy access to the flight attendants. It was such an experience for a little girl who had never been on a plane!

Toward the end of our flight and right around sunrise, I remember leaning over to look out the window and gazing down at wild looking Iceland, and also wondering, after flying over white Greenland, why Iceland looked so green! So I’ve wanted to see this green island since that day! I’ve had plenty of layovers in Iceland since then, but I’ve never left the airport, so I am beyond excited!

I also read these strange and interesting facts about Iceland that made me want to go even more!

We scored DIRT CHEAP tickets to Iceland for $135 each from San Francisco on Wow Air. Read here about how we fly for cheap or nearly free, which is a total necessity when you’ve got a family of 6!

We’ll be spending two weeks in Iceland exploring this amazing country. Since there is so much to do and see I’ve decided to make a bucket list of things to do in Iceland for myself. With the help of my friends Travel With Meraki, Adventure Together,  Sugar & Soul Co,  and this amazing list for Iceland with kids, I think I’ve rounded up the perfect locations and activities for my Iceland Bucketlist!

10 Facts to Know About Iceland Before You Go

I’ve created this interactive Google Map of my bucket list things to do in Iceland.

Canyons

With such dramatic landscapes, Iceland is sure to have plenty of canyons to explore, like:

• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Seljalandsfoss
• Thorsmork
• Gljufrabui

Waterfalls

It’s no secret that Iceland is full of stunning waterfalls! I can’t pronounce most (all) of them, but I’m sure excited to see them all!

•  Gullfoss
• Djupagilsfoss
• Seljalandsfoss
• Gljufrabui Falls
• Skogafoss
• Kvernufoss
• Thorsmork
• Dettifoss
• Selfoss
• Godafoss
• Glymur Falls
•  Hraunfossar Falls
• Barnafoss Falls
• Svartifoss
• Hraunfossar

Phew…I’m sure I’m missing a million waterfalls!

Glaciers

Iceland is known as The Land of Fire and Ice, so it makes sense that there would be so many glaciers and hot springs! Check out these 3 glacier ice caves in Iceland that you can see in one day.

• Solheimajokull
• Vatnajokull
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Beaches

Iceland is famous for its incredible black sand beaches with other-worldly rock formations.

• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
• Sólheimasandur Black Sand Beach
• Reynisdrangar (famous Basalt Columns)
• Diamond Beach
• Stokksnes Beach

Hot Springs

Iceland is covered with hot springs, like the famous Blue Lagoon. It’s going to be cold when we get to Iceland, so I’m excited to find a warm activity!

• Blue Lagoon
• Mývatn Nature Baths
• Secret Lagoon
• Grjotagja

Caves

I’m excited to explore all the caves of Iceland!

• Vatnshellir
• Crystal Ice Cave
• Reynisdranger
• Grjotagja

Hikes in Iceland

There are some truly incredible hikes in Iceland that you should definitely do! If you’re active and want stunning views, hiking in Iceland is a must! Here are some of the best hikes in Iceland:

• Mount Esja
• Glymur Waterfall
• Snaefellsnes Penninsula
• Landmannalaugar
• Hvannadalshnukur
• Skogafoss Waterfall Trail
• Detifoss & Selfoss
• Kerlingarfjoll

Iceland has no shortage of activities like these unique things to do in Iceland for adventurers.

Cities in Iceland

• Reykjavík: The capital of Iceland, and the country’s most populous city. Discover things to do in Reykjavík with kids here.

Whale Watching in Iceland

Iceland was once known for its commercial whaling, but now is looking forward to the future with more eco-friendly and sustainable whale watching practices. There are several whale watching cruises to choose from in Iceland, but be sure to pick one that uses best practices.

Other Things to do in Iceland on my Bucket List

• See the Northern Lights
• Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
• Námaskarð