19 Prettiest Places in Iceland Every Traveller Must See

Planning a trip to Iceland and worried you’ll miss the best bits?

I get it! You’ve only got so much time on this trip, right?

And the last thing you want is to fly home wishing you’d seen that frozen glacier lagoon or that one waterfall you’ve seen a hundred times on Instagram!

With so many waterfalls, glaciers and black sand beaches, it’s super easy to feel overwhelmed about what’s actually worth your time.

So that’s why I’ve pulled together this comprehensive list of the prettiest places in Iceland!

And because I’ve done this exact trip myself as a solo female traveller, I know exactly which spots are worth your time, which ones get crowded, and how to see the very best of Iceland without feeling rushed or overwhelmed!

We’re going to go through the 19 most beautiful spots in Iceland, from the truly iconic to a few underrated gems that you might not have on your list yet…

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, places and services I genuinely love and use on my own solo travels. Thank you for supporting my adventures so I can continue to provide free content on this blog! 💛

The South Coast: Glaciers, Beaches and Waterfalls

The Iceland South Coast is where Iceland gets seriously dramatic!

From majestic icebergs and glacier lagoons to powerful black sand beaches and waterfalls, this stretch of Iceland’s coastline is home to some of the prettiest places in Iceland!

And the best part? You can see all of them in just a day or two, with a guided South Coast tour!

As a solo female traveller in Iceland, especially in winter, this takes the stress out of driving icy roads and lets you focus on enjoying those breath-taking views along the way!

I personally took (and highly recommend!) these two tours to see the very best of Iceland’s South Coast:

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach From Reykjavik

This is a very long but incredible day trip that takes you all the way to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (in my opinion, Iceland’s most stunning glacier!)

You’ll see icebergs and maybe even seals in the lagoon, ice that looks more like crystals on the famous Diamond Beach. Plus, on the way, the tour also stops at Skógafoss waterfall, the smaller Fjallsárlón Glacier, Vik, and the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall!

Iceland South Coast Small-Group Adventure From Reykjavik

If you’re looking for a shorter day that still ticks off plenty of top sites, this tour is perfect!

You’ll explore the highlights of the South Coast as part of a small group, including Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the black sand beach Reynisfjara, which is one of the most famous spots in Iceland! The trip also takes you to the Sólheimajökull Glacier.

With a smaller group, I definitely felt it was more personal and also gave me plenty of time at each stop!

I personally took both tours during my 5-day trip to Iceland, as I had my heart set on seeing the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach (zero regrets!) But if you’re tight on time, I would go for the South Coast Small Group Tour, as it’s a shorter day and also includes the incredible Reynisfjara beach.

1. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

If I had to name just one of the most beautiful places in Iceland, it would be Jökulsárlón!

This huge (and in my opinion underrated!) glacier lagoon is filled with equally huge icebergs drifting out towards the Atlantic, and seeing them up close is such a magical experience!

Some are pure white, and others are streaked with deep blues or even ash from past volcanic eruptions.

This is also one of the most photogenic places in Iceland, in my opinion (even though the weather didn’t play ball on the day I visited!)

I will never, ever forget standing on the shoreline and watching the icebergs creak and roll in the water. It’s one of my favourite ever travel memories, even after visiting 24+ countries!

In summer, you can take boat tours out into the lagoon, too. This is definitely on my bucket list for the future!

This incredible glacier lagoon is part of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach tour!

Katie’s Top Tip: Bring a good zoom lens or binoculars, as seals often pop their heads up between the icebergs. It was so fun to spot them on my trip!

2. The Diamond Beach

Right across the road from Jökulsárlón is the famous Diamond Beach.

On this beach, both large and small chunks of glacial ice from the lagoon wash up on the black volcanic sand and sparkle like diamonds. (Hence the name!)

The Diamond Beach is always changing, too, thanks to tides and the weather. Some days you’ll see blocks of ice as big as cars. Some days they’re small enough to pick up. Others (like the day I visited), it’s a real mix.

It’s honestly one of the coolest places to visit in Iceland, and a photographer’s dream too!

But please don’t get too close to the water at any time of year. The waves at this beach are powerful and unpredictable, and people have been caught off guard here before.

You’ll visit Diamond Beach as part of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach tour.

Katie’s Top Tip: Wear fully waterproof shoes here. You’ll be walking on wet sand, and nothing kills magic faster than cold, wet feet. Ask me how I know!!

3. Fjallsárlón Glacier

Fjallsárlón is like the little sister of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, but it’s just as stunning and a lot quieter.

This glacier sits at the foot of Vatnajökull, which is Europe’s largest ice cap.

Plus, unlike Jökulsárlón, Fjallsárlón feels a lot less crowded, so you can really enjoy the views without feeling rushed or being jostled for photos.

The water of the lagoon is dotted with icebergs that have broken off from the glacier, and if you’re lucky, you might again spot seals on the ice!

You’ll visit the underrated Fjallsárlón Glacier as part of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach tour.

Katie’s Top Tip: The lagoon looks really different depending on the light. If you are visiting in the early morning or late afternoon, you have the best chance of seeing dramatic shadows on the ice (and there are fewer people around, too!) But in winter, I would always recommend booking the tour for this trip.

4. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is one of the prettiest places in Iceland, and it’s unique because (when the conditions are safe) you can actually walk behind the waterfall!

The cascade drops 60 metres over a cliff, and a narrow path leads you around the back.

In summer, you can do the full loop with most fitness levels, but in winter, the path is more often than not iced over, so it’s important to have good shoe spikes or just enjoy it from the front.

Quick note: please follow your guide’s advice or any signs at the waterfall. If they say it’s too dangerous to walk the full loop, that’s because it is. (And Seljalandsfoss is just as stunning from the viewing area, so you’re not missing out too much!)

The waterfall is also lit up at night (which you’ll see on the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach tour!), which makes it even more magical.

You’ll see Seljalandsfoss on both the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach tour (in the evening) and the South Coast Small-Group tour (during the day), for two different perspectives.

Katie’s Top Tip: Bring a rain jacket, even in summer. If you do walk behind the falls, you’ll get wet from the spray. And if you’re visiting in winter, you might just get some rain (we did – it was torrential!) Waterproof phone or camera pouches are also a must here.

5. Skógafoss Waterfall

Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, and honestly, it deserves the hype!

The drop is 60 metres, and the power of the water creates a mist that often produces rainbows on sunny days, so that’s always nice to see!

There are two ways to visit Skógafoss. The first is to stand at the base, the second is to climb the 370+ steps up to the viewpoint at the top.

Both are worth it. Just be aware that the climb is steep and often inaccessible in winter, but the view from the top is gorgeous!

You will see Skógafoss waterfall on both the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach tour and the South Coast Small-Group tour, so you’ll definitely get to experience it whichever option you choose!

Katie’s Top Tip: Protect your camera or phone with a waterproof cover or pouch when you’re at the waterfall, as the spray is pretty powerful. I didn’t do this, and my camera got soaked (thank goodness for waterproofing!)

6. Sólheimajökull Glacier

Sólheimajökull feels like another planet! It’s an outlet glacier from the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap.

Unlike the more remote glaciers I’ve just mentioned, this one is much easier and quicker to access. (This also means it’s busier with tourists, though.)

The landscape here is amazing, with the ice streaked with volcanic ash. You can even choose to book a guided glacier walk here.

Katie’s Top Tip: You will briefly visit Sólheimajökull as part of the South Coast Small-Group tour, but for a more unique and unforgettable experience in Iceland, consider booking a guided glacier hike from Reykjavik here.

7. Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara is without doubt the most famous black sand beach in Iceland, and it’s another spot that’s well deserving of its hype!

The beach is lined with dramatic basalt columns, and you’ll also see the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising out of the sea.

It’s no surprise that this beach often makes lists of the prettiest places in Iceland, and while it’s not underrated, I just had to include it here, too!

Quick safety note, though. The waves here at Reynisfjara are known as “sneaker waves” because they can rush much further up the beach than you would expect.

They’re very, very dangerous, so please always keep a safe distance from the water and never turn your back on the sea.

Reynisfjara beach is included on the South Coast Small-Group tour, and I would highly recommend visiting with a tour regardless of the time of year. Your local guide is an expert, so they will have all of the latest advice to keep you safe on the beach.

Katie’s Top Tip: The basalt columns make a great backdrop for photos, but they also get very crowded. If you want a quieter spot to admire the view, walk to the right side of the beach instead.

8. Vík

Vík is a small town on the South Coast and is often the overnight stop for road trips or longer, multi-day South Coast Iceland adventures, so it’s well used to tourists.

It’s also a great spot to grab a meal or stock up on snacks before heading back to Reykjavik.

The highlight in Vík is the iconic red-roofed church on the hill (which looks stunning in the snow in winter, FYI!)

Both the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon tour and the South Coast Small-Group tour include a stop in Vik, for food and also a photo stop at the church.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you have time, walk up to the church in Vík (or the tours will drive you up to this point). If you’re walking, it only takes about 15 minutes, and the views over the town, beach and sea stacks are beautiful!

The Golden Circle: Iceland’s Most Famous Loop

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular day trip from Reykjavik because it has some of the prettiest places in Iceland, without needing to drive far.

The traditional route usually includes Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. With other tours (like the one I did!), you’ll also see the majestic Kerid Crater and the Blue Lagoon too.

The Golden Circle Loop is especially perfect if you’re short on time or don’t have the budget to join lots of different tours during your trip.

If you only do one tour from Reykjavik, make it the Golden Circle! This is the tour I personally took (and highly recommend!):

This Golden Circle, Crater & Blue Lagoon Minibus Tour packs in all the classics, including the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Kerid Crater, plus admission to the iconic Blue Lagoon.

I found the Blue Lagoon was the perfect way to warm up and relax after a full day of exploring. Bring on the mud mask and a free drink!

Plus, it’s a small-group minibus tour, which means less waiting around and more time actually enjoying the stops. I loved and really appreciated this as a solo traveller!

9. Gullfoss Falls

Gullfoss is the star of the Golden Circle, right? I mean, I’m sure you’ve seen it all over Instagram! It’s definitely one of the most dramatic and prettiest places to visit in Iceland.

This waterfall is two-tiered and plunges into a rugged canyon. Plus, in winter, the edges freeze into sparkling icicles, making it even more spectacular, in my opinion.

But what I love most is the power of Gullfoss. And the viewpoints are close enough that you get a real sense of the power and force of the water.

I’ve never seen another waterfall quite like Gullfoss on all my travels!

Just be aware that in winter in Iceland, the paths do get icy, but they’re very well-maintained. Tour buses drop you right at the entrance, too, so there isn’t a lot of walking involved.

You’ll see the majestic Gullfoss waterfall as part of the Golden Circle, Kerid Crater & Blue Lagoon Minibus Tour from Reykjavik.

Katie’s Top Tip: The upper viewpoint gives you the best wide-angle photos, but don’t skip the lower one to experience the full force of the falls!

10. Strokkur Geyser

Just down the road from Gullfoss is Strokkur, which is the most reliable geyser in Iceland.

Every 5–10 minutes, it shoots boiling water up to 20m in the air (sometimes even higher!)

In my experience, it’s one of the coolest places to visit in Iceland because it always surprises you, no matter how many times you’ve seen it erupt. (I stood and watched for ages, and it made me jump every time!)

I also loved the anticipation at Strokkur.

Everyone gathers around with their cameras ready, and then there’s this joint gasp every time the geyser explodes. It’s a super fun and unique experience!

And unlike some natural wonders like this that require a long hike, Strokkur is right next to the car park, which makes it super easy to visit!

Just keep in mind that the area around the geyser gets super icy in winter. I’m not kidding, it was like an ice skating rink, and I saw so many people slip.

Bring good spikes for this one and take it slow. (I’m still not sure how I got out of there without slipping!)

A visit to Strokkur is included on the Golden Circle, Crater & Blue Lagoon Minibus Tour from Reykjavik.

Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t just take photos, film it too. The eruptions are over in seconds, and I definitely found that video captures it much better than stills.

11. Kerid Crater

Kerid is a volcanic crater lake that was formed about 3,000 years ago.

It’s one of the more underrated Golden Circle stops, but that’s what makes it unmissable!

The slopes of the crater are a fiery red that looks stunning against the deep blue water (or the bright white ice and snow in winter!) of the lake.

I remember being surprised by how vivid the colours were (I can confirm the photos online do not lie!) It was especially vivid in winter with snow dusting the red rocks.

There’s a small entrance fee for Kerid (rare for Iceland), which you’ll have to pay yourself if you don’t choose to go with a group tour. But in my opinion, it’s well worth the fee!

You visit Kerid Crater on the Golden Circle, Crater & Blue Lagoon Minibus Tour from Reykjavik, and if you choose this tour, the entrance fee is included, so you don’t have to worry about that!

Katie’s Top Tip: When you’re there, you can walk right around the crater. I didn’t find it too icy in winter (at least compared to the geyser!), but still bring shoe spikes and good shoes just in case. Other than that, it’s an easy loop.

12. Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed National Park in Iceland, and is at the heart of the Golden Circle route.

It was also home to Iceland’s first parliament, Alþingi, which met here in 930 AD, making it one of the most important cultural sites in the whole country.

But of course, for most visitors, the best part of any visit is the landscape itself. I visited just in time for sunrise, and it ended up being the highlight of my entire trip to Iceland!

Thingvellir National Park is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart. And you can literally walk through the rift valley between the two continents, which feels really surreal!

The trails are clearly marked and are safe and well-gritted in winter.

You will visit Thingvellir National Park on the Golden Circle, Crater & Blue Lagoon Minibus Tour from Reykjavik! This one’s a must-see in Iceland!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re short on time, prioritise the main walking path from the visitor centre and down through the rift valley. There’s nowhere else like it!

13. The Blue Lagoon

Yes, it’s touristy. But yes, it’s definitely a must-see on your Iceland itinerary!

The Blue Lagoon is one of those popular prettiest places in Iceland that really does live up to the hype (at least in winter when it’s a bit quieter with fewer tourists!)

The warm, pale blue geothermal water feels amazing when the air around you is cold or you’ve been out on a long day of Golden Circle sightseeing beforehand.

And if the snow happens to be falling during your visit, you’re in luck, because that makes the whole experience even more magical!

And as a solo female traveller, I felt very comfortable here too.

No one pays you any attention for being alone (solo female travellers are very common in Iceland), and everyone is just too busy relaxing anyway!

Everything is well-organised, the lockers feel very secure, and you can book treatments separately or just float with a free silica face mask.

It’s not cheap (nothing in Iceland is, let’s be real!) but it’s a great experience and, in my opinion, a must-do in Iceland.

The Golden Circle, Crater & Blue Lagoon Minibus Tour ends with entry to the Blue Lagoon. In my experience, there was plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the lagoon, and the comfort package is included in the price, so you get a free mud mask and drink!

Katie’s Top Tip: Book your ticket well in advance. You can visit the Blue Lagoon as part of the Golden Circle Tour that I did. Or you can book admission only, if you’d like longer to relax and maybe enjoy some treatments too. Alternatively, go for an evening slot and you may even catch the Northern Lights, if you’re lucky!

14. Reykjavík

I know, Reykjavik isn’t part of the Golden Circle route, but it is the starting point for almost all of the tours, and I just had to include it somewhere on this list!

I love Reykjavik a lot.

It may not be the biggest or flashiest capital city, but that’s what makes it so special!

From the iconic and vibrant rainbow street leading up to Hallgrímskirkja church, to the cosy cafes perfect for warming up with hot chocolate, Reykjavik feels very welcoming.

I loved walking the harbour area, checking out the Sun Voyager sculpture, visiting the church and browsing all of the cute independent shops in the city centre.

Reykjavik is also a great base for solo travellers, as it has plenty of hostels and hotels for all budgets, everything is walkable, and it’s the starting point for most tours.

Katie’s Top Tip: Definitely dedicate at least half a day of your Iceland itinerary to exploring Reykjavik (it’s so much more than just a convenient base for tours!) I really recommend this small group walking tour with a local to see the very best of the city.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Iceland’s Magical West

Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” the Snaefellsnes Peninsula has glaciers, lava fields, black sand beaches, volcanoes and tiny fishing villages all in one compact area.

It’s a little less touristy than the Golden Circle, but just as magical to explore. It’s the perfect Iceland day trip, especially if you want to explore with fewer crowds!

The tour I personally took and recommend is the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Small-Group Tour, which includes all the highlights, including Kirkjufell Mountain, a scenic drive through Snaefellsjökull National Park, the Saxholl Crater, Arnarstapi and Djúpalónssandur Beach.

Plus, it’s a small-group tour, so you get a much more personal experience!

15. Kirkjufell

You’ve most probably seen Kirkjufell before, even if you didn’t realise it. This mountain is often called the most photographed in Iceland.

It was also featured in Game of Thrones and is easily one of the prettiest places in Iceland!

Plus, with the twin waterfalls of Kirkjufellsfoss in the foreground, it definitely feels like something out of a fairytale!

What makes Kirkjufell so special is how different it looks through the seasons.

In summer, it’s lush and green, but in winter, it’s covered with snow and ice, making it (in my opinion!) even more dramatic.

Katie’s Top Tip: You can visit Kirkjufell as one of the main stops on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Small-Group Tour!

16. Snaefellsjökull National Park

Snaefellsjökull National Park is dominated by the glacier-capped Snaefellsjökull volcano, and the landscape is covered by lava fields, moss-covered cliffs, black sand beaches, and rugged coastlines.

If it looks or sounds familiar to you, that’s because Jules Verne set Journey to the Centre of the Earth here. The glacier was imagined as the gateway to the Earth’s core.

What I loved most about Snaefellsjökull was the varied landscapes constantly rolling past (there was never a dull moment!), and also the stories of history, folklore and nature that our guide shared on the drive through.

Snaefellsjökull National Park is included on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Small-Group Tour, with both a scenic drive through and various stops to appreciate the raw beauty of the landscape and take plenty of photos!

Katie’s Top Tip: I’ve gotta be honest, we didn’t see it at its best on our tour due to the awful wind and weather conditions, but it was still incredible! But what I did learn is that the weather changes quickly here, so always bring layers and waterproofs that are also windproof. (You can thank me later!)

17. Djúpalónssandur Beach

Djúpalónssandur is a dramatic black pebble beach.

The shore is littered with the twisted remains of a British trawler shipwreck, Epine GY7, from 1948, and the remains have been left there as a kind of open-air memorial.

This beach is without doubt one of the prettiest places in Iceland, with sea stacks rising out of the waves and cliffs framing the beach.

Also, don’t miss the “lifting stones,” once used by fishermen to test their strength!

Just a warning, though, that you do need to be very careful here. The waves at Djúpalónssandur are notoriously dangerous, with strong currents that make swimming impossible and even standing too close to the sea risky.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Small-Group Tour takes you to Djúpalónssandur Beach, and you’ll have an expert guide with you to keep you safe.

Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t underestimate the waves here. I stayed well back from the shoreline, and you should too, as people have been swept away here before. Even with the experience of our local guide, our tour group had to run quickly up the beach when a wave rolled in further than we were expecting, which just highlights how important it is to stay aware here.

18. Saxhóll Crater

Climbing Saxhóll Crater is one of the easiest ways to stand on top of a volcano in Iceland.

A set of metal stairs takes you up to the rim, where you’ll get amazing views across the lava fields and out to the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s not a long hike or tough (about 10-15 minutes), but it’s an amazing experience to see the views and into the crater.

Unfortunately, due to the strong winds, I was unable to make it to the very top during my winter trip to Iceland. But it’s still very much on my list for next time, and the views I did manage to see on the way up were stunning!

Saxhóll Crater is also a part of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and Kirkjufell Small-Group Tour.

Katie’s Top Tip: Make sure you have comfortable, sturdy footwear if you want to climb the crater. Spikes in winter are also important as it does get slippy up there.

19. Arnarstapi

Last but not least for my list of prettiest places in Iceland, Arnarstapi is a small fishing village with some of the most beautiful coastal views in the whole country.

The full walking path between Arnarstapi and Hellnar is about 2.5 km, so you won’t be able to walk the route on the tour, but your guide does take you to the very best stops along the way!

Some of the highlights are the dramatic basalt cliffs, natural stone arches and, on a windy day like we had, incredibly strong waves pounding against the shore.

The statue of Bárður Snæfellsás, a half-man, half-troll figure from Icelandic folklore, is another highlight, as it connects the dramatic scenery to its fascinating legends (which you’ll learn about from your guide on the drive!)

You’ll visit Arnarstapi as part of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula Small-Group Tour, but you won’t be able to do the full walk. Your guide does take you to the very best photo stops, though!

Katie’s Top Tip: The cliffs of Arnarstapi are also home to seabirds, so it’s a great spot if you like wildlife! Don’t forget a zoom lens or a pair of binoculars for this.

Final Thoughts: The Prettiest Places in Iceland

Iceland is one of those places that will get under your skin and make you want to revisit before you’ve even left (trust me on this!)

It’s dramatic and otherworldly and reminds you how small you are in the best possible way!

From roaring waterfalls and dramatic black sand beaches, to the famous Game of Thrones mountain and underrated glaciers, I hope this list of the prettiest places in Iceland has inspired you to get planning your dream trip to Iceland!

Oh, and I definitely found that the prettiest places in Iceland were the quiet corners I stumbled upon when I least expected them. So yes, of course, see the big-name attractions, but also leave space in your trip for those surprise moments too…

Which of these prettiest places in Iceland would you put at the top of your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

FAQs About Planning Your Trip to Iceland

Read More About Travel in Iceland:

• How to Get Around Iceland Without A Car (Winter Edition)
• The ULTIMATE Iceland Winter Packing List For Women (2026)
• Visiting Iceland in January: Must-See Sights, Weather & Tips
• Where To Stay in Reykjavik (For First Time Solo Travellers)
• Norway vs Iceland in Winter: Ultimate Solo Travel Comparison
• The Ultimate Iceland Solo Female Travel Guide (For 2026!)
• Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Winter (Without a Car!)
• How to Visit Iceland’s South Coast in Winter (Without a Car)
• 7 Unmissable Day Trips From Reykjavik in Winter (No Car!)
• How to See Iceland’s Golden Circle in Winter (Without a Car)
• Iceland’s Blue Lagoon in Winter: What to Expect (and Pack!)
• 15 Iceland Travel Tips for Winter You’ll Be Glad You Know
• How Many Days Do You Need in Iceland in Winter?
• How to Spend 5 Days in Iceland in Winter (Without A Car!)
• 19 Prettiest Places in Iceland Every Traveller Must See

Grab Your Solo Female Travel in Europe Starter Kit:

Pin Me For Later!

Share This Guide to the Prettiest Places in Iceland: