Five years ago I made my first trip to Iceland. I remember looking out the window and seeing nothing but moss covered lava fields on the drive from Keflavik airport into Reykjavik and thinking that I had landed on the moon! Little did I know that the landscape I would explore in the coming weeks would be some of the most gorgeous places I had ever seen.

Three years after my first trip to Iceland I found myself packing up my life in Oregon and heading off to make Iceland my home. I have been living here for two years now, and the unique Icelandic landscapes never fail to impress me. I still can't believe I live somewhere with things like the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. And the fact that a waterfall seems to be around every corner, it is pretty amazing. Being able to call this beautiful place my home and have the chance to explore Iceland whenever I want makes me feel very lucky.

So far these are a few of my favorite places in Iceland...

Since moving to Iceland two years ago, it has been my goal to get out and explore as much as possible. I don’t think my list of places I want to visit in Iceland will ever stop growing, but you know that is what you get when you live in such a beautiful country! I have many more places to visit but out of my travels so far these are a few of my favorite places in Iceland. Enjoy, and make sure to add them to your list, you are going to want to see them all on your trip to Iceland, I promise!

Kolugljúfur

 Photo: Kaelene Spence

One of the many things I love about Iceland is that there is always a waterfall to discover. Even better, you often get lucky and enjoy these waterfalls all to yourself. Located just outside of the town Hvammstangi in the North of Iceland, Kolugjúfur is a big stunning waterfall found in a canyon which just adds to this waterfalls beauty. You can get right up close to Kolugjúfur, which just makes me love this waterfall even more.

Siglufjordur

Photo: Kaelene Spence

In the North of Iceland in a narrow fjord is the charming fishing town Siglufjörður. There is just something about this town that makes you feel right at home. With the colorful houses and beautiful views, it is one Icelandic town to make sure to add to your road trip. Fun fact about Siglufjörður, the popular Icelandic TV show Trapped was filmed here, if you have seen the show you will definitely want to visit Siglufjörður. 

Dimmuborgir

 Photo: Kaelene Spence

Strange, unique, stunning, intriguing, all words that come to mind when I think of Dimmuborgir. Located in the North of Iceland the volcanic caves and lava formations found at Dimmuborgir were formed over 2,000 years ago from a lava lake. I am pretty sure some Icelandic elves are wandering around these lava fields. 

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

 
While the name may be a challenge to try and pronounce, Kirkjubæjarklaustur is my favorite town to spend the night when traveling around the South of Iceland. With the many farms in this region, I love driving around and seeing all the animals running around the fields. But my favorite thing to do while in Kirkjubæjarklaustur is to make a visit to the local pool. There is a beautiful waterfall behind the pool so you can relax in the warm waters while taking in the view. 

Svartifoss

 Photo: Kaelene Spence

Svartifoss, meaning “Black Waterfall”, is located in Skaftafell within the Vatnajökull National Park. The most photographed waterfall in Iceland, Svartifoss is surrounded by black column basalt formations which make for a unique characteristic to this waterfall. In fact, the black column basalt formations surrounding Svartifoss were the inspiration for the architects who designed Hallgrímskirkja church in downtown Reykjavik. 

Gjáin

 Photo: Kaelene Spence

If there is one place that I can return to again and again and always be amazed by its beauty, it is Gjáin. With lush green scenery and waterfalls trickling down from all around Gjáin is one of the most magical places I have ever seen. If you are in Iceland, make sure to plan a visit so you can see this lovely area for yourself. 

Vestmannaeyjar

 Photo: Kaelene Spence

Vestmannaeyjar is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. My favorite thing to do in Vestmannaeyjar is to go hiking. From hiking a volcano to steep hills, the hiking trails in Vestmannaeyjar have some of the most gorgeous views I have seen in Iceland. One thing you can’t leave Vestmannaeyjar without doing is a visit to Tóti the puffin at the local aquarium, cuddling a puffin may be the highlight of your entire trip. 

Brúarfoss

  Photo: Kaelene Spence

I am always amazed at how few people have heard of Brúarfoss when I mention it. With water so blue it looks magical you would think this place would be at the top of all travel guides. But, lucky for us it isn’t, and the fact that so few people visit here just adds to the magical charm of Brúarfoss! 

Mt. Kirkjufell

 Photo: Kaelene Spence

Mt Kirkjufell, “Church Mountain” in English, is located on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, near the town of Grundarfjörður. A unique mountain with three pretty waterfalls in one view it is no wonder why Mt. Kirkjufell is one of the most photographed places in Iceland! I now have it on my list to visit Mt. Kirkjufell at sunset, I am certain it will be a sunset to remember. 

Landmannalaugar

 Photo: Kaelene Spence

Iceland has some beautiful hiking trails, and some of the best ones can be found in the colorful mountains in Landmannalaugar. I swear the colors of these mountains look like they have been painted on. I have only spent one day hiking around the area but would love to head back for a few days to really explore them and relax in the Landmannalaugar hot springs. 

Glymur

 Photo: Kaelene Spence

The hike back to the second tallest waterfall in Iceland, Glymur, is my favorite hiking trail to do in Iceland. The nature in this area, it is s stunning! And the views you see down into the valley along the way, they are just as beautiful as Glymur waterfall at the end. 

Háifoss

 Photo: Kaelene Spence

By now you might have guessed I kind of love waterfalls. Háifoss is one beauty of a waterfall, but the real bonus of this waterfall, it has a pretty neighbour appropriately named Granni, which means neighbour in Icelandic, clever right? The rock formations surrounding the waterfalls just add to the beauty, especially in the summer months when the moss is bright and green. If you love waterfalls like I do add Háifoss to your list.

Over these past few years, I have seen some pretty amazing places in Iceland, and I know there are more to come. A few of the many places on my list to visit this summer are the Westfjords and Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail. When you are in Iceland there is always a beautiful place to discover; I can’t wait to see what I find next!