<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe Blue Lagoon is at the end of the Golden Circle route, on the way back to the airport. The lagoon has sulfuric mud on the bottom that serves as a sort of natural spa treatment, as it can be applied to your skin. It works like a typical clay mud mask and purifies the skin. Different parts of the Blue Lagoon are warmer than others, so be patient and find a spot that feels good. <\/p>\n
Expect to see plenty of other travelers here, as it\u2019s one of the most popular attractions for visitors going to or coming from the airport, and those enjoying a layover. <\/p>\n
Check out this tour from Get Your Guide, which includes a stop at Blue Lagoon and other awesome places along the Golden Circle.<\/p>\n
14. Dive or snorkel the Silfra Fissure<\/h2>\n Ever wondered what it would be like to swim between two tectonic plates that separate two continents? Well, I supposed I hadn\u2019t either, but now I can\u2019t stop thinking about it..<\/p>\n
The Silfra Fissure is one of the most sought-after diving sites in the world, because of its incredible geology and crystal-clear glacial waters. Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!<\/p>\n
The Silfra Fissure is inside the \u00deingvellir National Park; you can book a snorkeling trip here.<\/p>\n
13. Road-trip the Ring Road<\/h2>\n\n
<\/noscript>The Ring Road<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nIf you have more time to spend in Iceland, this multiday road trip around the periphery of Iceland is a definite bucket-list item. The country\u2019s diverse landscape is showcased on this route. Expect to see constantly changing scenery and surprises at every turn.<\/p>\n
Because of the rugged terrain, you will need a 4\u00d74 vehicle to be able to make the most out of this route. This 4\u00d74 camper is a great option.<\/p>\n
For a truly otherworldly experience, embark on your Ring Road adventure, making stops at these jaw-dropping locations:<\/p>\n
12. Landmannalaugar<\/h3>\n\n
<\/noscript>In Landmannalaugar, in Iceland\u2019s highlands, in the winter. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nGetting to this spot is where your four-wheel drive will certainly come in handy. Landmannalaugar is in the highlands, the beginning of the road trip if you choose the southbound route. The drive to get there is a long one, and even longer if you encounter rainy weather. The scenery is incredible the whole way, though, so sit back and enjoy the ride.<\/p>\n
Once you get to Landmannalaugar, find a place to park and embark on a hike. The mountains here look like painted hills, and the giant boulders create a scene that feels like it couldn\u2019t possibly be on earth.<\/p>\n
11. Seljalandsfoss<\/h3>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThis is the best spot along the Ring Road to catch a glorious sunrise. If you stay the night in Landmannalaugar, you\u2019ll be able to head to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall early enough to catch it. There\u2019s a pathway around the waterfall, allowing you to fully encircle it.<\/p>\n
10. Sk\u00f3gafoss<\/h3>\n <\/noscript><\/figure>\nYou\u2019ll see misty green mountains and plenty of waterfalls on the drive to Sk\u00f3gafoss. Once you get there, you\u2019ll find one of the most massive waterfalls along the Ring Road route. Don\u2019t pass up the opportunity to get close enough to feel its magnitude.<\/p>\n
This waterfall is one of the most popular sites in Iceland, so expect to see other visitors there. If you get there early enough in the morning, however, you might be able to have a moment with this natural beauty by yourself.<\/p>\n
9. Fja\u00f0r\u00e1rglj\u00fafur<\/h3>\n\n
<\/noscript>Fja\u00f0r\u00e1rglj\u00fafur is too cool (but seriously, it got a little scary sitting there once I processed that I was dangling on a cliff edge \u2014 a very real cliff edge).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThis 100-meter-deep canyon is one of those places in Iceland that you\u2019ve probably seen all over Instagram. When you get there, you\u2019ll see why so many people are eager to take a picture of it. The mossy green stones with the idyllic stream running through the canyon look like something straight out of a fairytale. Plus, there are plenty of rocks to climb on to release your inner child. <\/p>\n
8. The Eastern Fjords<\/h3>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThis stretch of the Ring Road has plenty of incredible places to stop. One of them is the J\u00f6kuls\u00e1rl\u00f3n Glacier Lagoon, which has huge glaciers floating in it. You\u2019ll also see soft green hills with pony pastures and even some active volcanoes in the distance. <\/p>\n
The Eastern Fjords is also an excellent spot to see the Northern Lights on a clear night. Consider making this area your camping spot during your road trip!<\/p>\n
7. Ice cave trekking in Skaftafell<\/h3>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHiking through the wilderness area of Skaftafell is an epic way to explore the glaciers in the Eastern Fjords. This tour will take you through ice crevasses and give you an up-close look at some incredible natural ice sculptures. You\u2019ll even get to walk on a sheet of ice with some crampons!<\/p>\n
6. \u00c1sbyrgi Canyon<\/h3>\n\n
<\/noscript>Beautiful thanks to the fall foliage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAfter spending so much time in the car driving through the Eastern Fjords, this hike is the perfect way to get your legs moving. The A8 trail to the canyon is 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long, and although it\u2019s marked as \u201cdifficult,\u201d it is well-suited for a variety of fitness levels.<\/p>\n
On the hike to the canyon, you\u2019ll see lots of foliage, a long stretch of rock that looks like the surface of the moon, and fields of colorful flowers and leaves. The colors are especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing color.<\/p>\n
This is one of those hikes where the route to get there is just as beautiful as the destination. The canyon itself is stunning, and it doesn\u2019t hurt that there\u2019s plenty to see on the way.<\/p>\n
5. Whale-watching in H\u00fasav\u00edk<\/h3>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThere is a 97-99% chance that you\u2019ll see whales in H\u00fasav\u00edk, so it\u2019s pretty much a guaranteed slam-dunk road-trip stop. You can go on a whale-watching tour for an up-close view of these amazing animals. It\u2019s an experience you certainly won\u2019t want to miss while visiting Iceland.<\/p>\n
4. Go\u00f0afoss and Aldeyjarfoss<\/h3>\n\n
<\/noscript>Go\u00f0afoss<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThese two massive waterfalls at the end of the Ring Road route are a sure way to end your trip with a bang. Go\u00f0afoss translates to \u201cwaterfall of the gods\u201d \u2014 and you\u2019ll definitely see why when you get there. This waterfall can be easily reached any time of year, but you\u2019ll want to make sure you have four-wheel drive if visiting in the winter.<\/p>\n
Aldeyjarfoss is only about 45 minutes away from Go\u00f0afoss and is fed by the same river, the Skj\u00e1lfandaflj\u00f3t. You\u2019ll be glad you opted to rent a 4\u00d74 vehicle, as it is difficult to reach without it.<\/p>\n
3. Kirkjufellsfoss<\/h3>\n\n
<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nGetting to this final stop on the Ring Road route requires a bit of a detour, but it\u2019s the perfect end to a perfect trip. The waterfall itself is gorgeous, but the neat-looking mountain in the background takes the scenery to the next level. <\/p>\n
2. Do the Fimmv\u00f6r\u00f0uh\u00e1ls hike<\/h2>\n\n
<\/noscript>You\u2019d stop too, right?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThis two-day hiking adventure typically begins in Sk\u00f3gar and ends in \u00de\u00f3rsm\u00f6rk, but can be done in the other direction as well. Expect to see plentiful waterfalls, vibrant green flora, staggering mountain peaks, and lots of jaw-dropping glacier views along this route. <\/p>\n
The Fimmv\u00f6r\u00f0uh\u00e1ls hike can be added on to the Laugavegur hike to make for a four-day journey, or it can be done on its own.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re more of a solo hiker, this trail is perfect for an independent trip. We\u2019ve got you covered with everything you need to know about doing the Fimmv\u00f6r\u00f0uh\u00e1ls on your own. <\/p>\n
1. Hike the Laugavegur Trail<\/h2>\n\n
<\/noscript>My favorite view of the Laugavegur trail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThis trail is known for its incredibly diverse landscape. Its ever-changing scenery will have you feeling like you\u2019ve traveled between countries in mere moments. It\u2019s so unique that it caught National Geographic\u2019s attention: they ranked it among their top 20 trails in the world.<\/p>\n
In terms of difficulty level, this one is moderately difficult, so make sure you\u2019re well prepared before setting out! Thinking of doing the hike alone? Check out our complete guide on how to hike the Laugavegur Trail solo.<\/p>\n
Pin me for later:<\/p>\n \n
Whether you\u2019re planning for your next epic road trip on the Golden Circle or Ring Road or just looking for things to do on your next Icelandic mini-adventure, this list is sure to give you plenty of ideas. <\/p>\n
Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know!<\/p>\n
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