Iceland is a northern island famous for its geysers, its lagoons, and even its breathtaking landscapes. Fishermen’s island par excellence, it attracts for its wild beauty, halfway between land, sea, and ice. Here are, according to us, the 6 most beautiful places in Iceland!
1- BORGARFJORDUR EYSTRI FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE STAY IN ICELAND
The natural beauty of this village of only 100 inhabitants located in the south of Iceland is a unique setting for hiking in the wilderness, between its fjords and its Stored. Whether with family or friends, a walk in the heart of this preserved environment will also allow you to meet emblematic Icelandic animals: the puffins, these small birds with a red beak. Quiet and peaceful, this small village is quite representative of Iceland and offers one of its most beautiful landscapes.
2- JOKULSARLON: ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HIKES IN ICELAND
The glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon is a must for road trips and other stays in Iceland. With its huge blocks of ice and its 248 meters deep lake, the landscape is simply breathtaking, especially in winter, when the marine inhabitants can be seen here and there, like seals or puffins.
The lagoon is located at approximately 5 hours of transport from the capital Reykjavik and offers magnificent night shows, the northern lights being frequent in Jokulsarlon. No wonder that it is a privileged place for film shoots like the famous series Game of Thrones.
3- VESTMANN ISLANDS
During your Icelandic tour to the four corners of the island, the Vestmann Islands offer a return to an unknown land. The largest part of the island, Heimaey, is populated by more than 4000 inhabitants, mainly fishermen. With a rich fauna of seabirds nestled in the heart of the rocky cliffs, the Vestmann Islands offer a natural and geological spectacle that is both astonishing and comforting, for an unforgettable hike in Iceland.
4- REYKJAVIK’S OLD PORT
The old port of Reykjavik, which is the capital, is a real entry point to Iceland and has a great charm. In addition to the superb view of the sea and the flea market overlooking the harbor, two places not to be missed will complete your Icelandic visit: on one side, the famous Drakkar, a sculpture made of metal by the artist Jón Gunnar Arnason. On the other hand, the Harpa conference room, whose illuminated windows are an invitation to discover the old port in another way, once the night falls. And don’t forget that Reykjavik’s harbor is the perfect opportunity to taste the local specialties, such as dried fish or smoked lamb.
5- THE HOFSOS POOL
What would be a stay in Iceland without a thermal escapade, the island being famous for its lagoons, like the blue lagoon for example, and other natural sources? The Hofsos swimming pool is a must: offering the most beautiful view of the country, especially on the Skagafjordur fjord, it is an ideal place to relax, during the day or in the evening. The pool is open to all and includes an infrared sauna, steam room, and whirlpool.
6- Arnarstapi
Located at the foot of Mount Stapafell, Arnarstapi is a quaint little fishing village that makes for an excellent and unusual destination in Iceland.
Surrounded by the villages of Hellnar and the farms of Breiðavík, Arnarstapi is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Iceland for those who like to explore a place like a local.
Places to visit in Arnarstapi: Gatklettur, Port Arnarstapi, the statue of Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss, the Jules Verne monument, etc.
Activities in Arnarstapi: Explore Ytri-Tunga – the seal beach, visit the little black church, discover the Vatnshellir cave, enjoy a delicious fish soup at Gamla Rif, etc.
The shooting locations of the game of thrones Iceland
Many scenes of the series were shot on this northern island, located halfway between the coasts of Scotland and Greenland, a handful of kilometers from the Arctic Circle. Indeed, Iceland presents natural assets that blend perfectly with the universe of the series. Cliffs, black sand beaches, immense glaciers, mysterious caves, and volcanic relief… Iceland is an island of character with spectacular panoramas, we can imagine why the creators of the series were seduced! You are fans of the series and wish to discover the mythical places of the shooting of Game of Thrones in Iceland? Here are the places not to be missed during your trip.
VÍK
The region of Vik, located in the south of the island, is a must-see attraction of any stay in this part of Iceland. Topped by towering cliffs plunging into the sea and huge black sand beaches, the place offers an almost supernatural setting. Reynisfjara beach was the setting for the Night Watchmen’s vigil scene in the 7th season episode “Fort Levant”.
SKAFTAFELL
Still in the south of the island, on the road between Vik and the glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon, Skaftafell is a must-see national park that offers magnificent hikes of all levels and lengths. Follow its beautiful trails and sink little by little in the middle of the scenery of Westeros…
GRJÓTAGJÁ CAVE IN THE LAKE MYVATN AREA
This cave was made famous by one of the most moving scenes of the series, namely the first manifestations of the romance between Jon Snow and Ygritte in season 3. However, its interest is not only related to the series: it contains a lake formed by a hot spring with fascinating blue color, and it is possible to bathe in it, just like your favorite heroes!
THE SVÍNAFELLSJÖKULL GLACIER
Enter the icy lands of Beyond the Wall by walking on the Svínafellsjökull glacier! This glacial tongue of Vatnajökull may be the site of your encounter with the terrifying White Walkers…
DIMMUBORGIR IN THE REGION OF MYVATN
It is at the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, in the area of Lake Myvatn, that the Wildlings under the command of Mance Ryder established their camp beyond the Wall.
MOUNT KIRKJUFELL IN THE SNAEFELLSNESS PENINSULA
This mountain in the Snaefellsness region, a peninsula in the west of the island located 3 hours drive north of Reykjavik, is one of the most famous landscapes in Iceland. Indeed, its astonishing shape, reminding the fin of a shark, gushes in the fascinating scenery of Snaefellsness, between volcanoes and waterfalls. It is also the place where the scene where Jon Snow goes with his army to the North to face the Army of the Dead (7th season).
THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK
A key point of interest in the Reykjavik region, this national park is one of the three wonders of the Golden Circle, along with Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geysers. Former place of the Icelandic parliament and place of high importance for the Icelanders, it is also a place very appreciated by the Wildlings and the White Walkers. It is also in the park of Thingvellir that the mythical sword duel between the Hound and the imposing Brienne of Tarth takes place.
