Iceland Explored: 27 Must-See tourist attractions to Add to Your Bucket List
Unveil the top 27 must-visit tourist attractions in Iceland with our expertly curated list. Immerse yourself in 27 best tourist attractions to visit or discover the hidden treasures with our list of 27 must-visit tourist attractions. Don’t miss out on Iceland’s best with 27 top-rated tourist attractions to experience.
Information about Iceland
Iceland is one of the European island countries and is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world, located specifically between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic. Its capital and largest city is Reykjavik. The total area of the country is 103,000 square kilometers. It is one of the countries with a low population density, with a population of about 320 thousand people, and there are several reasons for the existence of a low population density, including the coldness of the country throughout the year, and because it is a relatively new country that became inhabited only in the ninth century when it was inhabited by the Vikings from Norway. It is a truly distinctive country, as despite its coldness, there are many things that make it worth visiting, including its stunning natural features. You will find waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and best of all, the amazing aurora borealis lights that appear at specific times of the year and dazzle everyone who looks at them. The country is also distinguished by the fact that most of the year the sun sets after 12 am. It is a truly developed country, as it is the first country in the world to elect a woman president, as it is the first European country to form a parliament, and that was precisely in the year 930 AD.
A list of the best Tourist attractions in Iceland
Don’t waste your time sifting through endless reviews and recommendations – let our team do the work for you. Our list of the best tourist attractions in Iceland is carefully crafted to include only the most highly-rated and well-regarded options based on visitor feedback.
1- Icelandic Art Centre
Icelandic Art Centre – The Icelandic Art Center promotes and supports contemporary art internationally through grants, collaborations and projects; It facilitates professional partnerships, visitor programs and international collaborations between artists. The center serves as an information point for curators, the press, artists, and art institutions. He is the commissioner of the Icelandic pavilion at the Venice Biennale, and you can visit him with your family to get to know him and gain various cultural information about Icelandic art.
Place address: Gimli, Lækjargata 3,, Reykjavík, Iceland
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2- Skólavörðustígur
Skólavörðustígur – Skolavorostigur is located in the city of Reykjavík in Iceland, and this street is characterized by its liveliness and the abundance of bright colors around it, as even the buildings take on wonderful colors. One of the advantages of this street is the presence of many markets, shops, restaurants and various cafes, so you can visit it to walk around it and shop with your family and friends and then have a meal delicacies in nearby restaurants.
Place address: Skólavörðustígur, Reykjavík, Iceland
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3- Bank Street
Bank Street – Since the 19th century, Bank Street has been one of the main streets in Reykjavik, and it is one of the most important areas in Reykjavík. The street witnessed the first street light in the city, and it contains many shops and restaurants, as it is one of the vital and main streets in this ancient city. You can visit it to walk around it and explore the nearby areas and landmarks.
Place address: Bankastræti, Reykjavík, Iceland
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4- Hólavallagarður
Hólavallagarður – The Hollavalagardur Cemetery is located in the western part of Reykjavik, and covers an area of three hectares. The tomb was dedicated in 1838 and its “guardian” is Guðrún Oddsdóttir. All plots were allocated in 1932 and burials can now only take place on reserved plots. It is surrounded by many trees and plants that add beauty to the place.
Place address: Suðurgata, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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5- Icelandic Lava Show
Icelandic Lava Show – Visiting the Icelandic Lava Gallery is a unique geological experience, as it gives visitors the opportunity to see molten lava from a very close distance, hear its hum and feel its heat, and it is the only exhibition in the world that presents this exceptional experience. Where a real volcanic eruption is recreated with a temperature of 1100 degrees Celsius, isn’t that cool?
Place address: Víkurbraut 5, 870 Vík, Iceland
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6- Bessastaðir
Bessastaðir – Besides being the residence of the President of Iceland, Bisastair is also an important historical site that has played a prominent role in the country’s history. And the property of this place has a history that stretches back from the settlement era. In its present form this place consists of a suite of buildings including a reception room, service suite, chief’s quarters, apartments for the manager and caretaker, a chapel and a garage.
Place address: Alftanes, Iceland
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7- Dyrholaey Lighthouse
Dyrholaey Lighthouse – Derollai Lighthouse is located on the southern coast of Iceland and near the small village of Vic, and it is one of the attractions beloved by many tourists, as it has a simple architectural character that dates back to 1927 AD, and it consists of several small levels of varying sizes, and is topped with a large red lantern. In addition, it overlooks directly the Atlantic Ocean and the meeting point of water with the sky on the far horizon.
Place address: Iceland
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8- Kirkjufell Viewpoint
Kirkjufell Viewpoint – Mount Kirkovil is one of the most famous mountains in all of Iceland, in addition to its nature and picturesque features that blend together with its waterfall with flowing water, the mountain overlooks a point that is the highest of its kind in the country, and it was decided to create a view of it, enabling you to enjoy watching All the facilities of life in the city, where the mountains, plains and valleys, and from its summit you will go through the experience of identifying many species of animals and rare wild birds that have taken the summit as their home.
Place address: WPC7+RXG, Grundarfjörður, Iceland
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9- Austurvöllur
Austurvöllur – Oostervulur is a popular gathering place for Reykjavik citizens, especially in fine weather due to its many cafés. It has also been a focal point for protests due to the location close to the Parliament of Iceland. Nearby is the oldest church in the city and the Nasa Dance Club. This field was much larger in the past, but its area has decreased with the passage of time. Do not miss visiting it with your family and friends to walk around it and discover the surrounding areas and landmarks.
Place address: Pósthússtræti 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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10- Súgandisey Island Lighthouse
Súgandisey Island Lighthouse – Next to the harbor stands the basaltic island of Suğandayezi that protects the city from the north winds, and is connected to the land by a road that goes by the harbor so you can walk or drive to it and stand next to the island and walk upstairs that leads you to this beautiful cliff. And at its top, you will find a lighthouse from which you can get the best view of the city, as it is one of the relaxation areas that the city provides, and this lighthouse is distinguished by its red steel building, which includes a glass balcony in the middle, enabling you to easily observe the ocean ships and the navigation traffic at night.
Place address: 37JG+4PF, Stykkishólmur, Iceland
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11- Grótta Island Lighthouse
Grótta Island Lighthouse – The midnight sun shines from May through July with up to 22 hours of daylight and endless sunsets; One of nature’s most spectacular events, this sunset is a surreal light show that lights up the sky in stunning shades of gold and pink. One of the best places to see this stunning view is the Grotta Island Lighthouse – but be aware of high tide times, or you might find yourself swimming.
Place address: Iceland, Gróttuviti, Seltjarnarnes, Iceland
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12- Laugardalslaug
Laugardalslaug – Laugardalslog is the largest swimming pool in Reykjavík, and there are good areas for walking or jogging nearby, which in winter can be used for ice skating. A short distance from the pool is the Botanical Garden as well as the Reykjavík Zoo and Zoo. There is a lift for people in wheelchairs to access the pool, and the hot tub and sauna are also wheelchair accessible.
Place address: Sundlaugavegur 105, Reykjavík, Iceland
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13- Sun Voyager
Sun Voyager – Sun Voyager is a large steel sculpture of a ship, located by the sea in central Reykjavík. This work is one of the most visited sights in the capital, where people gather daily to gaze at the sun reflected in the stainless steel. The statue represents an ode to the sun, and there is a common misconception that the carving represents a Viking ship, but this is not the case; According to the sculptor’s vision, the piece represents the vessel of dreams, as he put it. He says that the statue represents “the promise of an undiscovered land, the dream of hope, progress and freedom.”
Place address: Sæbraut, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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14- Puffin Lookout
Puffin Lookout – The puffin bird observation deck is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Vestmanna Islands, where you can enjoy watching wild puffin birds up close and take many pictures of them. The area also includes a group of sheep that tourists can feed and interact with, and the area is characterized by a charming green nature with amazing panoramic views So don’t miss to take many photos.
Place address: Heimaey, Iceland
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15- Harpa
Harpa – Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center is one of the most iconic landmarks in Reykjavík as it is the center of cultural and social life in the heart of the city. It is a tourist destination and an award-winning work of art, and has been visited by millions of people since its opening in 2011. It was chosen as one of the best concert halls of the new millennium by the famous Gramophone magazine. 2012 Winner of the Best Convention Center in Northern Europe.
Place address: Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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16- Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat
Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat – In Reykjavík unsung workers have been immortalized in art. Next to the duck pond, a statue of a man with a briefcase stands walking toward City Hall. It’s a familiar everyday scene, a depiction of “faceless” city officials on their way to work each day. However, this official is a little different as he is literally anonymous. There is a large slab of Icelandic volcanic basalt where you would expect to see the torso and head. The unique statue was sculpted by Magnús Tómasson in 1994, and you’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s meant as a serious tribute or a satirical piece.
Place address: 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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17- EVE Online Monument
EVE Online Monument – Most video games honor their players with monuments created in their virtual worlds, but the makers of Eve Online have created a true tribute to gamers to celebrate the game’s 10th anniversary. Eve Online was born in 2014, and the trio of monoliths looks like nothing the futuristic community of the game would have created. The memorial is located in Reykjavík, Iceland, where the game was actually created. The monument, more than 15 feet high, consists of three towers of different shapes, two of which are made of stone flanking a central, gleaming metal column. The obelisks stand on a broad base which is engraved with the names of every registered player in the game as of March 2014.
Place address: Göngustígur, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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18- Nordic House
Nordic House – The Scandinavian House in Reykjavík is a cultural institution that opened in 1968 and is run by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Its aim is to promote and support cultural ties between Iceland and the Nordic countries. To this end, the house organizes a varied program of cultural events and exhibitions, and is the setting for important activities in the Icelandic cultural calendar: the Reykjavík International Film and Literature Festival, Icelandic Airwaves and the Nordic Fashion Biennale – launched by the Nordic House.
Place address: Sæmundargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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19- Town’s Best Hot Dogs
Town’s Best Hot Dogs – The Best Hot Dog in Town is a popular hot dog stand in the center of Reykjavík, Iceland. In 2006, the British newspaper The Guardian chose this kiosk as the best hot dog stand in Europe. The majority of Icelanders eat this famous dish in this restaurant located in the city center near the harbour. Foreign visitors are often brought here to introduce them to the sausages there, which are often called the “Icelandic national food”. Famous people who have dined there include Bill Clinton, the former President of the United States, and James Hetfield, vocalist of the famous band Metallica.
Place address: Tryggvagata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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20- Lækjartorg
Lækjartorg – When you are in the beautiful city of Reykjavik, do not miss visiting Logartorg Square, located in downtown Reykjavik. There are a lot of different shops and restaurants, so you can take your family or friends for a walk around this square and get to know the nearby landmarks, and you can also eat delicious food in one of the nearby restaurants.
Place address: Hafnarstræti 18, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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21- Ingólfur Square
Ingólfur Square – Injulvur Square is a cozy place in downtown Reykjavík, surrounded by shops and restaurants, this place can become a community gathering place for different kinds of events especially during local festivities. The Christmas market and ice skating rink in December during the winter season is one of the most popular and well-attended times. If you are looking for a place to go snowboarding, this is the place for you! You can rent skis and helmets here.
Place address: 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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22- Thufa
Thufa – Thova was designed by Icelandic artist Ólöf Nordal who sought to create a place of serenity and contemplation in the bustling capital. The lot is a large, grassy, dome-shaped mound with a walking path encircling it from the top. There is an old fishing shed of the type historically used for wind-drying fish, as a nod to Iceland’s history. Fishing has been the country’s lifeblood for centuries, and Icelanders have been working the rough seas and harvesting their catch for food, clothing and oil.
Place address: Norðurslóð, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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23- Reykjavík City Hall
Reykjavík City Hall – Located in Iceland, Reykjavik City Hall features the offices of the Mayor of Reykjavík and a large 3D map of Iceland, and is sometimes used for art exhibitions, functions, or live music performances. The building was constructed in 1992 after an international competition won by the architects. The Majlis is characterized by the beautiful nature surrounding it, so you can visit it to learn about its history and then enjoy the stunning scenery nearby.
Place address: Tjarnargata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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24- Imagine Peace Tower
Imagine Peace Tower – The Imagine Peace Lighthouse is a work of art depicted as a beacon of world peace by legendary artist, musician, and peace advocate Yoko Ono. The work is designed as a wishing well from which a powerful tower of light beams shoots. The words “Imagine Peace” were written on the well in 24 different languages. A light tower consists of a number of individual lights that combine together to form a single beam. Six of the lights travel through paths across a platform surrounding the well and are reflected into the sky by mirrors. Nine additional lights shine straight across the sky, strengthening the Tower of Light. The light tower’s strength, intensity, and brilliance are constantly changing as the particles in the air fluctuate with the changing weather and unique weather conditions in Iceland.
Place address: Videy, Iceland
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25- Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock – Elephant Rock, located within the Vestmanna Islands archipelago, and the rock gains its fame because of its shape that appears in the form of an elephant, which amazes its visitors from tourists and locals, as they flock by riding the ferry to reach the rock in order to take beautiful memorial photos and contemplate its details, and scientists are likely that the rock is As a result of a volcanic eruption led them to this shape.
Place address: Elephant Rock, Iceland
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26- Höfdi House
Höfdi House – Hovde House is located along the scenic waterfront in Reykjavík. In 1986, a major world historical event occurred when Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev met with United States President Ronald Reagan to end the Cold War. They have actively tried to take the first steps towards global disarmament. Completed in 1909, the building was originally intended for the French Consulate, and is used today for the city’s official social functions. Although it is closed to the general public, it makes for a pleasant outing for them. It should be noted that the statue in front of the building depicts the pillars from the seat of the chief of the first Norwegian settlers in Reykjavík.
Place address: Borgartún 105, Reykjavík, Iceland
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27- Althingi Parliament House
Althingi Parliament House – The Parliament House, which is located in Ustorvulur Square, was built in 1880, and two annexes were added to the original building later. Parliament decided to celebrate the millennium of the settlement of Iceland by holding a national festival in 1874, and by building the Parliament House in Reykjavík out of Icelandic stone. There is a garden adjacent to the parliament building and it is the oldest public park in Iceland, and you can visit it to learn about its history and take memorial photos near it.
Place address: Kirkjutorg, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
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Conclusion
We hope our guide has inspired you to explore the wonders of Iceland. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this amazing region. From stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage, Iceland has it all. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us and tag us on social media using #ExploreIceland. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!