25 Epic Reasons to Visit Iceland in 2025

You’ve probably heard of Iceland, the “land of fire and ice,” but have you ever wondered why it should be on your 2025 travel bucket list?

From breathtaking waterfalls and iconic black sand beaches to charming Icelandic horses and geothermal wonders like the Blue Lagoon, Iceland offers something magical for every traveler.

In this guide, I’ll share 25 compelling reasons to visit Iceland in 2025, including lesser-known places, insider experiences, and practical tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

(And if 2026 fits your calendar better, no worries, you’ll still want to bookmark this!)

So, let’s jump right into why this incredible country should be at the top of your bucket list!

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1. Mesmerizing Northern Lights

Alright, let’s start things off with arguably one of the very best reasons to visit Iceland….the Aurora Borealis!

I’ve been lucky enough to get to see the Northern Lights in Iceland numerous times now, and I can tell you that it’s simply magical.

Every single time it happens, I am left speechless and can’t get enough of the view.

While I’ve been blessed to see the Lights from multiple locations across Iceland, the best shows were just outside of Vik, Iceland, and just outside of Selfoss, Iceland.

Pro Tip: While the Northern Lights can be visible any time that it’s dark enough, your best chances of seeing it are between late August and early April.

The Northern Lights dance in vibrant green and purple streaks across the night sky near Vík, Iceland, illuminating the rugged landscape below under a shining moon.

2. Incredible Ice Caves

Next up, let’s chat about ice caves!

While there are ice caves in multiple places throughout Iceland, the crystal-blue ice caves beneath Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, are arguably some of the most beautiful.

Most ice caves can only be safely accessed by booking a guided tour, but I highly recommend doing so anyway because your guide will teach you a lot about the ice caves.

You’ll also need to wear crampons on your shoes for extra grip on the ice, but your tour will also provide those, as well as helmets and, sometimes, ice picks.

This is the tour that we booked, which was an ice cave and glacier hike combo.

Inside a shimmering blue ice cave, Janae and Tucker, in their glacier hiking gear, smile at the camera as they stand surrounded by the smooth, icy walls of the cave.

3. Over 10,000 Waterfalls

Did you know that Iceland boasts over 10,000 stunning waterfalls?!

Here are a few of my personal favorites:

It’s hard to drive very far in Iceland without passing dozens of stunning waterfalls just off the Ring Road.

The stunning Kvernufoss waterfall is viewed from behind, as sunlight pours through the cascading water in a picturesque valley.

4. Breathtaking Black Sand Beaches

One thing that makes Iceland unique is its stunning black sand beaches, which can be found all over the island.

The black “sand” on the beach is actually finely granulated lava from past volcanic eruptions, which makes it even more incredible!

Perhaps one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland is Reynisfjara, which can be found on the south coast, near Vik.

Janae standing on the black sand beach at Reynisfjara, Iceland, with the iconic basalt columns rising behind her under a bright blue sky.

5. Experience the Midnight Sun

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the “midnight sun” (24-hour daylight), then Iceland is a great place to do it!

The best time to visit Iceland for this incredible phenomenon is in mid-June, although you can enjoy endless daylight during most of the summer months.

Another benefit to visiting this time of year is that the endless daylight is perfect for extended sightseeing.

A person stands with arms outstretched near the base of Skógafoss waterfall, a massive cascade with a rainbow arching in front of it under a bright blue sky in Vík, Iceland.

6. Dip in the Blue Lagoon

Another good reason many people choose to visit Iceland is so they can relax in the warm waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.

Although we haven’t personally experienced this one, we have stopped by the Blue Lagoon a few times, and the color of the water is simply gorgeous!

Secret Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are two other nearby options if you want to enjoy a similar experience but with fewer tourists.

A scenic pathway bordered by dark volcanic rocks leads to the bright blue waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland under a vibrant blue sky with wispy clouds.

7. Hiking in National Parks

If hiking is your jam, you should definitely visit at least one of Iceland’s three national parks.

You can trek through very diverse landscapes in Thingvellir, Vatnajokull, and Snaefellsjokull national parks.

Personal recommendation: I really enjoyed hiking to Svartifoss in Vatnajökull National Park.

Janae gazes at the striking Svartifoss waterfall, framed by dark basalt columns and partially frozen at the base, a unique natural wonder in Vík, Iceland.

8. See the Adorable Puffins

I can’t properly describe to you how incredible it was to see the tiny puffins in Iceland!

You can observe thousands of puffins nesting on the cliffs during the breeding season, which is typically from May to August.

Your best chance of spotting them is early morning before they leave to go hunting for the day or in the evening (my personal favorite) when they fly back in from the water.

Pro tip: A few of the best places to spot them are in the Westman Islands, Dryholey, or Borgarfjörður Eystri.

A colony of puffins perched on a grassy, rocky cliff in Iceland, with patches of snow scattered among the vegetation. The background features a calm blue sea and distant cliffs, adding to the serene natural setting.

9. Delicious Icelandic Cuisine

While it’s true that Iceland isn’t necessarily known as a foodie destination, that doesn’t take away from the fact that they have some delicious options!

Because Iceland is more remote than most countries, a lot of their food is grown locally in greenhouses or on farms, making it exceptionally fresh!

I especially love visiting farm-to-market restaurants like Efstidalur for delicious burgers and fresh soups.

Here are a few of my favorite foods in Iceland:

  • Fresh soup (truffle, tomato, and lamb are all exceptional!)
  • Fish & chips
  • Famous Icelandic hot dogs
  • Anything at a bakery
  • Hamburgers (I swear they’re the best I’ve ever had!)
  • Fresh fish & seafood options
  • Lamb

Really, you can’t go wrong…we’ve loved almost everything we’ve tried in Iceland!

Two Icelandic hot dogs served in soft buns, each wrapped in simple paper sleeves, being held in one hand. The hot dogs are unadorned, showcasing their golden brown color and smooth texture.

10. Powerful Geothermal Activity

If geothermal activity interests you, then you’re in for a real treat when you visit Iceland.

You can witness geysers like Strokkur erupt and explore geothermal fields, rivers, and hot springs.

A couple of places we enjoyed with geothermal activity were the Golden Circle in South Iceland and the Lake Mývatn area in North Iceland.

Strokkur Geysir erupts dramatically against a bright blue sky, sending a powerful jet of water high into the air, with snow-capped hills in the distance, an exciting Instagram Spot in Iceland.

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    11. Visit the Famous Diamond Beach & Glacier Lagoon

    Perhaps one of the most well-known destinations in Iceland is Diamond Beach and the nearby Glacier Lagoon.

    At this location, Glacier Lagoon touches the outlet glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull.

    Icebergs slowly fall into the lagoon, which meets the ocean, and the icebergs slowly drift out to the ocean.

    Depending on the tides, some of the ice chunks wash up on the shore, resulting in a black sand beach full of glittering ice chunks, which is how Diamond Beach earned its name.

    Beware that this area, although beautiful, can be quite dangerous as well.

    Never climb onto ice chunks that are near the water’s edge, as waves can appear seemingly out of nowhere and carry the ice back into the ocean. (See image below)

    That being said, this is a beautiful area and should definitely make it onto your Iceland bucket list!

    A powerful ocean wave crashes over a large piece of glacial ice on the black sand shores of Diamond Beach in Iceland. Smaller ice chunks are scattered along the shore, glistening against the dark sand, while the cloudy sky enhances the dramatic atmosphere.
    Photo used by permission of Caroline E. Walsh

    12. Endless Lava Fields

    One of my favorite things about Iceland is how it feels like you’ve landed on another planet at times.

    A big part of that is the seemingly endless lava fields that stretch across large sections of the country.

    The landscape is constantly changing, and new lava fields are forming as the recent eruptions continue.

    Janae in a white jacket and gray knit hat stands on the edge of a cooling lava field in Iceland. Steam rises from the rugged, dark volcanic terrain, with misty mountains visible in the background, indicating the aftermath of a recent eruption. The overcast sky adds to the dramatic and raw beauty of the scene.

    13. Learn from Historical Sites

    Exploring Iceland’s rich history through its historical sites offers a unique glimpse into the country’s fascinating past.

    Visiting an ancient Viking settlement feels like stepping back in time to see how Icelanders adapted to their rugged surroundings, creating a culture of resilience and storytelling.

    Standing in awe at Þingvellir, where one of the world’s first parliaments met, or visiting turf houses that show how Icelanders lived centuries ago.

    You’re not just learning about dates and events here…you’re walking in the footsteps of explorers, farmers, and warriors who shaped this incredible island nation!

    Stafkirkjan, a traditional black wooden stave church, stands atop a stone wall in a rugged Icelandic landscape under a bright blue sky. The intricate woodwork and steep roof are characteristic of Nordic architecture, contrasting with the rocky terrain and golden grass surrounding it.

    14. See the Arctic Foxes

    Getting to see Arctic foxes in the wild is something truly special!

    Although there are roughly 10,000 of these fuzzy foxes in Iceland, they’re curious but shy, so spotting one feels like a million bucks!

    Arctic foxes are Iceland’s only native land mammal.

    These fluffy animals are built for the cold, and their thick fur keeps them warm all year round.

    In summer months, their fur is brown, and in winter months, it turns white.

    You’ll find them in the wild all across Iceland, but especially in the Westfjords.

    We didn’t get to see one in the wild until our third trip to Iceland, when we were lucky enough to spot a white one running across the black sand beach near Yoda Cave.

    A fluffy white Arctic fox stands on a snowy surface, its fur blending seamlessly with the winter environment. The fox gazes forward with alert amber eyes, contrasting against the earthy background.

    15. Hike on a Glacier

    If you like to chase adventure, then another great reason to visit Iceland is to hike on a glacier.

    I mean, it’s not every day that you get an opportunity like that, is it?!

    I will admit I was a touch nervous, but this ended up being such a fun experience!

    We took this tour, and our guides were very knowledgeable; plus, you could tell they had a lot of fun with their job.

    Janae and Tucker, wearing orange helmets and holding ice axes, smile while standing on a glacier during a hike near Vík, Iceland. The vast, frozen landscape stretches behind them.

    16. Go Horseback Riding

    If you only get the chance to do one tour during your visit to Iceland, I highly recommend doing a horseback riding tour!

    There is only one type of horse allowed in Iceland – the Icelandic Horse, of course.

    This special breed is incredible, and I fell in love with them!

    These horses are smaller than most, which makes it a little less scary for those who might be afraid to ride.

    If you are in the south, we really enjoyed this horseback riding tour on the black sand beach near Vik.

    If you are in the north, we really enjoyed this horseback riding tour that took us to a remote waterfall.

    Janae rides a tan Icelandic horse on a black sand beach with snow-covered mountains and dramatic cliffs in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    17. Enjoy Natural Hot Springs

    If you want to soak in natural hot springs without any other tourists, there are several scattered throughout the country.

    Although they are typically more remote and can be hard to find, it’s totally worth it!

    Here is a list of natural hot springs in Iceland that you can check out.

    A serene landscape featuring steaming hot springs winding through grassy terrain in Iceland, with a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains under a clear blue sky. The contrast between the vibrant greenery, the white snow, and the warm steam creates a striking natural scene.

    18. Feel the Heat from Lava at 2000°F

    If you are lucky enough, you may get to witness an active volcanic eruption during your visit to Iceland.

    We saw two eruptions in 2024 and can confirm that it is an incredible sight to witness!

    That being said, you have no guarantees that you’ll see a live eruption, but that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on seeing real lava.

    The Lava Show is an incredible demonstration and educating experience where you can actually see and feel the heat from 2000°F (1100°C) lava!

    You can see the show in either Reykjavik or Vik, although I highly recommend the Vik location.

    You can get your tickets for the Icelandic Lava Show in Vik here.

    An image taken during the Icelandic Lava Show, skillfully manipulating molten lava in front of a glowing red stage, giving visitors a dramatic experience of Iceland's volcanic activity.

    19. Experience Rural Iceland

    If you plan to visit Iceland, make sure you go beyond the city and experience the country’s rural areas if you can.

    Stay in a farmhouse and experience traditional Icelandic rural life, hike to a cave or a waterfall, or simply drive around and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

    Iceland has so much to offer!

    A silhouette of a woman standing inside a cave, looking out over a vast landscape of plains and distant cliffs near Dyrhólaey, Iceland.

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      20. Snorkel Between Continents

      Perhaps one of the more unique experiences you can do in Iceland is snorkeling in the Silfra Fissure.

      Here, you will be diving between two continents, and you can touch both the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates!

      Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

      Of course, you will need to hire an experienced guide to take you here, but it’s worth it for these incredible memories.

      A group of snorkelers floats in the clear waters of the Silfra Fissure in Iceland, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and a serene landscape of grassy patches and small pools. Snow-capped mountains and distant trees frame the background, highlighting the beauty of this unique diving location between tectonic plates.

      21. Climb a Volcano

      If you’re up for a bit of a hike, I highly recommend climbing an active volcano (when it’s safe to do so, of course!)

      We got to hike up to the Eldfell Volcano crater, which is an active volcano located in the Westman Islands.

      Not only was the view from the top incredible, but we could also feel the heat from the volcano underneath us and could see small pockets of steam at times as well.

      You can do this hike without a guide, and it was amazing!

      Janae stands on the reddish volcanic terrain of Eldfell volcano in Iceland, arms outstretched, with a panoramic view of rugged cliffs, a blue ocean, and a small town below. The bright sky and golden sunlight highlight the dramatic and colorful landscape of the island.

      22. Tour the Golden Circle

      Perhaps one of the most popular areas in Iceland is the Golden Circle road trip, which is a 190-mile (300-kilometer) route in South Iceland, not too far from Reykjavik.

      We’ve done this drive multiple times, and here are some of our favorite stops along the way:

      • Thingvellir National Park
      • Oxararfoss
      • Bruarfoss
      • Faxi
      • Gullfoss
      • Geysir
      • Kerid Crater

      Plan to take at least one or two days if you want to see everything along the route.

      We typically start in Reykjavik and spend the night in Selfoss.

      Tucker and Janae standing on a viewpoint overlooking a scenic landscape of lakes and mountains at Þingvellir National Park, Iceland, with cloudy skies above.

      23. See the Northernmost Capital

      Did you know that Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital?

      This small city combines charm with a vibrant cultural scene.

      One of my favorite things about Reykjavik is how easily walkable it is.

      Here are a few highlights I think you shouldn’t miss:

      • Hallgrimskirkja (go all the way to the top!)
      • Harpa concert hall
      • The Sun Voyager
      • Rainbow Street shopping

      Of course, this city offers much more than that, but those are my must-sees, especially if you only have one day.

      A couple stands in front of the towering Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavik, with its unique, angular design making it one of the most iconic Instagram Spots in Iceland.

      24. Explore the World’s Largest Ice Tunnel

      Alright, I know I’ve mentioned a lot of really cool experiences already, but I had to include the world’s largest ice tunnel on the list!

      We’ve actually been lucky enough to do this tour twice now, and it’s hard to describe how incredibly cool it actually is.

      You can read our full, detailed review of this tour here.

      A woman reaches out to touch the walls inside a man-made ice tunnel, a unique experience offered by the Into the Glacier tour, an unforgettable Instagram Spot in Iceland.

      25. Enjoy the Peace of Nature

      Of course, no list of the best reasons to visit Iceland would be complete without mentioning just how peaceful nature is here.

      If you’ve ever yearned for a place where time slows down and you can get alone with your thoughts in nature, then Iceland might be just the place for you.

      Although the entirety of Iceland has stunning natural landscapes, I highly recommend the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

      There are endless coastal viewpoints that will take your breath away, as well as numerous other places like Svodufoss which is pictured below.

      The picturesque Svöðufoss waterfall cascades down a rocky cliffside, with a stream flowing over boulders in the foreground, under clear blue skies.

      In Closing: 25 Epic Reasons to Visit Iceland in 2025

      I hope that this list of reasons to visit Iceland has encouraged you to book your next trip.

      I’m not gonna lie, just writing this post has me itching to look for flights myself, haha!

      Which one of these reasons to visit Iceland are you most excited about?

      Hop over to my free Iceland travel Facebook group and let me know!

      Safe travels!

      A young woman named Janae, wearing a white knit hat and pink jacket, smiles in front of the black church of Búðir in Iceland, with its distinct white trim and steeple, set against a cloudy sky. To the right of the image, the handwritten text says, "much love, Janae xoxo."

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