Iceland: Land of Fire, Ice, and Unforgettable Landscapes
Iceland is a land of extraordinary natural wonders, boasting a remarkable variety of stunning landscapes that differ widely from one region to another. Its most famous routes and areas offer travelers a rich and diverse experience, from the iconic Golden Circle—with its impressive geysers, powerful waterfalls, and historic sites—to the breathtaking Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its volcanic formations and dramatic coastal cliffs. In the north, the Myvatn region captivates visitors with geothermal wonders, tranquil lakes, and unique lava landscapes. Beyond these highlights, Iceland’s vast and varied regions reveal glaciers, black sand beaches, deep canyons, and vast, peaceful wilderness areas that promise unforgettable adventures.
This guide aims to showcase the key highlights from these regions, offering not only practical travel tips but also thoughtful evaluations based on four important criteria: Scenic Beauty, Accessibility, Cost, and crowd level—the extent to which you may share the experience with other visitors. Each attraction is carefully assessed using my personal rating system to help travelers make informed decisions based on their preferences.
In addition to these insights, I will soon be providing detailed travel itineraries, including popular round trips and customizable routes. Those interested are welcome to get in touch with me via email (scenicguide@gmx.net) to be notified as soon as these plans become available. Furthermore, I will be adding links and detailed information on exciting day tours such as one-day highland excursions and whale watching adventures. If you have specific interests or questions about these tours, feel free to contact me by email—I'd be happy to share my personal experiences and offer recommendations.
Under the six main categories of this guide, you will also find my unique rating system, where I evaluate each attraction based on the criteria mentioned above. This will give you a clear and honest idea of what to expect, helping you create your perfect Icelandic journey.
If you want to stay updated or inquire about upcoming travel plans and tours, don’t hesitate to reach out by email—I look forward to helping you make the most of your trip to this stunning island nation.
My Review Criteria Explained
All the amazing attractions featured on this site are truly breathtaking and spectacular in their own unique way. While my personal rating system aims to offer helpful guidance by evaluating Scenic Beauty, Accessibility, Cost, and Crowd Level, it is important to remember that these assessments are subjective and based on my own experiences and preferences. Every visitor may feel differently about a particular place depending on what they value most. Nonetheless, Iceland’s natural wonders and cultural treasures rarely fail to impress—and each site presented here is well worth the visit. This guide is intended to enhance your journey by providing practical tips alongside honest, personal insights.
Scenic Beauty
This criterion assesses the visual and natural appeal of a location. It considers the uniqueness, grandeur, and overall aesthetic wow factor of landscapes, geological features, and natural phenomena that make each spot spectacular and memorable.
The more symbols/icons shown, the more impressive and beautiful the place was from my personal perspective. The maximum rating is 5 symbols/icons.
Accessibility
This measures how easy it is to reach and explore a sight.
It includes factors such as road and path conditions, availability of public transport or tours, physical effort required, and suitability for different types of travelers, including families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
A higher rating (up to 5 symbols/icons) means easier and more convenient access to the attraction from my personal experience.
Cost
This criterion evaluates the expense involved in visiting an attraction.
Most sights in Iceland do not charge entrance fees and are free to enjoy, with the main costs usually being parking fees. Additional expenses can include guided tours or special activities.
The rating is inverted here: the fewer symbols shown, the cheaper the visit was from my perspective. One symbol indicates the sight is basically free or very low cost.
Crowd level
This criterion measures how many people you are likely to share the experience with at a given sight.
A higher number of symbols means the place is more crowded, while one symbol means you can expect to be almost alone. Visiting popular attractions at off-peak times can often greatly reduce crowds. For example, in the summer when the sun barely sets, checking sights very early in the morning or around midnight can offer a wonderful, peaceful experience. This strategy is especially useful in Iceland to avoid peak visitor times and enjoy quieter moments at well-known spots.