Iceland is home to many incredible waterfalls, with several just off the main tourist roads. While this makes for easy access, it also means lots of people crowding around all trying to take the same photo. With a little extra time, you can leave the crowds behind and hit the trail to explore some of Iceland’s hidden wonders on your own.
The trail to the majestic Glymur Waterfall offers all kinds of challenges - but the stunning views from the top are well worth the adventure. Get to the trailhead prepared for your exhilarating day of hiking with this detailed trail description and other helpful tips.
Thorsmork is a mountain range nestled between major glaciers Tindfjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. The ridge, named “Thor’s Valley” in Icelandic, is a dramatic landscape of towering peaks, glacier rivers, and black deserts. Craggy mountains and ice-topped peaks slope down to lush birch forests and mossy gulches. Luckily for visitors, it’s also home to some Iceland’s most beautiful hiking routes.
Iceland's most visited region attracts more than a million visitors a year with its dramatic landscape. Get inspired to plan your own trip with these itinerary-planning tips and top recommendations for South Coast lodging and dining.
Winter in Iceland offers many unique activities that you can't always experience in other seasons. Make the most out of the limited daylight with wintry adventures, such as kayaking amongst icebergs, exploring electric-blue ice caves, dogsledding with a pack of Huskies, snowmobiling atop glaciers, hiking in the snow, or tracking the country's wild reindeer population during their annual migration.
Reykjavik takes its coffee seriously, with a café on practically every downtown corner. If you're wandering through town looking for a solid cup of joe and a sweet treat to go with it, you won't be disappointed by these recommended favorites.
The Ring Road is the most popular way to experience a variety of landscapes all over Iceland. Route 1 starts from Reykjavik and circles to Akureyri in the North, to the small fishing villages in the East Fjords, passing Vatnajökull National Park and the South Coast. From this highway, you can get to all the main detours like Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the remote Westfjords, Thorsmork, and the Highlands.
Iceland's scenic waterfalls are a huge draw to the country, as many are easily accessible and tower from impossible heights into scenic river canyons. The country's famed cascades are diverse, from Kirkjufellsfoss with its magnificent mountain backdrop to Seljalandsfoss with its impressive spray within a cave. You'll find waterfalls in every corner of the country, though some of the most popular include Skogafoss in the south and Godafoss in the north.
July is high season for Iceland where you can expect the country’s best weather, a lively vibe from locals who spend as much time outside as possible, and loads of fun events. Read this monthly guide to learn more (and how to beat the inevitable crowds).
Despite being Iceland’s second largest city, Akureyri is home to a mere 18,000 residents. Don’t let its size fool you though: this epicenter of Northern Iceland is home to world-class restaurants, hip cafés, and even a few hotspots for nightlife.