Ultimate Iceland Bucket List

In 2024, I was able to cross Iceland off the top of my bucket list. I might be a little biased because I got engaged on this trip, but I really feel like Iceland was one of the most amazing trips I’ve been on. It is unlike any country I’ve been to and almost feels other-worldly. From volcanos to waterfalls to black sand beaches; there are endless things to do and so much to discover.

Here is everything worth adding to your Iceland Bucket List.

#1 Unwind at Sky Lagoon

Located outside of the city of Reykjavik, the Sky Lagoon is a breathtaking man-made geothermal spa that you need to visit. Most of our trip in Iceland was go-go-going, trying to tick everything off the list; so it was really nice to visit the Sky Lagoon where we could take a deep breath and relax!

We purchased the Sér package which is currently $114.68 per adult. Along with access to the geothermal springs, this package also includes a private changing room with its own shower with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash and hairdryer. The changing room is large enough for 2 people to share; but the staff did offer for us our own separate rooms if preferred. Although I did not see the public changing places, I would assume it is like Blue Lagoons big locker rooms.

We chose to upgrade to the Sér package due to the Skojal Ritual, a 7-step ritual that elevates the experience of this lagoon.

The Skojal Ritural includes:

1. Laug (the lagoon) —After the ritual you can return to the lagoon and stay as long as you want!

2. Kuldi (the cold plunge)

3. Ylur (the sauna) — my favorite part of the ritual with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean

4. Suld (Cold Mist Room)

5. Sky Body Scrub — exfoliating scrub with almond oil and sesame seed oil

6. Gufa- Steam blanket

7. Safe (Icelandic Elixir) — this was a refreshing juice made from crowberries that surround the Icelandic lava fields

   
   

For more information check out their website: https://www.skylagoon.com

Additionally, there is a swim-up bar offering selections like beer, wine, champagne, Aperol Spritz, and a variety of mocktail options.

We scheduled our visit approximately an hour before sunset to enjoy the lagoon and sauna while taking in the stunning views of the sun setting over the ocean.

If you're deciding between the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon, I personally favored the Sky Lagoon. It seemed a bit less "touristy," with many locals also enjoying the lagoons. Plus, you can get your hair wet at the Sky Lagoon!

#2 Visit Skogafoss

Iceland is home to numerous waterfalls, but Skogafoss truly stands out. Our visit was made even more special by the beautiful rainbow that greeted us upon arrival.

Skogafoss is located in Southern Iceland. We are so glad we stopped here on our way to Vik.

One unique aspect of Skogafoss was that you can climb to the top of the falls where you will experience spectacular views. With 527 steps to the top, I will not sugar coat it it is an exhausting climb. I am 25 —and although I am not the most athletic —I had to take multiple breaks during my journey up.

**Please consider health conditions and if unsure if this is safe for you to do, please consult with your healthcare team!

If you are able to make this journey to the top, take your time, take it slow if needed, and drink plenty of water when you get to the top!

To me, it was so worth it! How often do you get to see the TOP of a massive waterfall??

Most waterfalls, including Skogafoss, are free to visit but you do have to pay for parking. There are parking stations located at the entrance which are easy to use!

#3 Visit Glacier Lagoon

Approximately 2 hours from Vik, you'll find Jökulsárlón — home of Glacier Lagoon. While it's pleasant to view from the shore, I strongly suggest taking a boat tour on the lagoon.

You have several options for companies to book a tour with. On our trip to Glacier Lagoon, we chose Zodiac Boat Tours. It was an exhilarating experience as we rode on a speedboat, gripping a rope while our guide navigated us through the water to different glaciers. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided us with plenty of time to capture photos and appreciate the stunning glaciers before proceeding to the next one.

The Zodiac Boat costs $115 USD per person. Another popular choice is the Amphibien Tours, priced at $50 USD, or you can go kayaking in the lagoon for $100.

More information can be found: https://adventures.is/iceland/day-tours/jokulsarlon-glacier-lagoon-tours/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADscYlWj20SAuY8xQP87vPR7hbBRe&gclid=Cj0KCQiA19e8BhCVARIsALpFMgEpNv9UbjIipXN09BmN84qqXgRVEXhM1CEWI9hnnG3vpo_CmK8pObEaApSrEALw_wcB

Side note: Diamond Beach is located right across from Glacier Lagoon. It's a black sand beach where fragments of the glacier break off and wash ashore, resembling large diamonds. During our visit, I found it somewhat underwhelming. However, I do believe it's worth a brief stop while visiting Glacier Lagoon. When we visited, there were not too many “diamonds” on the beach but I think it depends the day you visit.

#4 Enjoy a Walk Along Rainbow Street

Located in the center of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, is Rainbow Street. It the perfect place for a photo op with the famous church, Hallgrimskirkja, directly in the background.

Closed off for pedestrians to walk along and look in various Icelandic stores that line the color street. For a real-life Mario Kart on Rainbow Road experience, there are plenty of electric scooters throughout the city!

Reykjavík is a very walkable city with endless cozy cafes, delicious restaurants, and adorable Icelandic Souvenir shops. I would recommend at least 2 days in the county’s capital!

#5 Attend a Lava Show

We attended the Icelandic Lava Show in Vik which was both entertaining and educational.

You can’t go to the land of fire and ice without seeeing some real life Lava! Just miles away from Vik is an active Subglacier Volcano named Katla. During this demonstration we learned about Katla’s interesting history and how Vik stays prepared for its next eruption.

Connected to the Lava Show venue is the Soup Company, offering a convenient spot to enjoy a quick meal or drink before or after the show. We were even allowed to bring our beverages into the show, providing a refreshing treat while experiencing the lava's heat.

This show is 55 minutes and cost $43 USD per person.

This company also has shows at their Reykjavík location.

For more information: https://www.lavashow.com

#6 Take in the Scenery from the Top of Vik

This was among my favorite landscapes in Iceland. From the town of Vik to the shores of the black sand beach, experiencing the Icelandic air while admiring this unique view was truly soul-warming.

At the top of the town, sits the famous red-roofed Reyniskirkja Church. We parked at the church and took a short hike up the mountain to get an even better view and a great place to capture a picture that displayed the church, town, and coastline.

This can be a really great spot to see the Northern lights during the winter months —and fun fact: the church is the evacuation site for travelers if Katla erupts again!

#7 Take a Picture at the Natural Stone Bridge

Located in Arnapsti, a town on the Snaefellsness Peninsula, this natural stone bridge offers an ideal photo opportunity. It was formed over centuries by the waves and wind shaping the rocks.

I was a little nervous to walk across the bridge, but was pleasantly surprised how wide the path was to cross and felt completely comfortable. This being said, I would still be cautious with children or if you have any conditions that may impact visuals or balance because there are no support ropes and the path is not completely flat.

Just a brief walk from this stone bridge you can find Gatklettur, the Arch Rock (you cannot walk on) which makes it an easy way to check both sites off your bucket list!

#8 Walk Behind Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a must-see on your trip to Iceland! It is not only beautiful to admire from the base, but also breathtaking as you walk behind it to the other side. There is even a spot where tourists can get right next to the waterfall. Be sure to wear waterproof clothing when you visit!

As you follow the pathway, you'll come across Gljúfrafoss. I might be a little biased towards this waterfall because it's where my partner and I got engaged! This hidden gem is tucked away in a canyon. It was such an enchanting place, and not just because of the proposal! It's definitely a worthwhile stop when visiting Seljalandsfoss.

#9 See the Northern Lights

The Northern lights are best seen in Iceland from Mid-September to April.

These can be seen essentially anywhere in Iceland, but are going to be more easily seen in clear dark skies. So that means the Aurora Borealis will be more noticeable away from city lights in the winter months. We were very lucky, while there in October, we got to see the Northern Lights twice. Although, the colors were not as strong as the camera picked up compared to the naked eye, they were still amazing to experience!

Our hotels in Vik and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula offered Northern Light Wake-Up Calls. If the lights appeared, the hotel would call your room to notify you. Receiving this call was always thrilling, prompting you to leap out of bed, quickly bundle up, and join other hotel guests in searching for them.

Although we did not participate in any Northern Lights Tours, there are several tours if this is a priority to cross off your bucket list.

#10 Have an Icelandic Hotdog

Reykjavik has several hotdog stands, but Baejarins is known for its famous Icelandic hotdogs! This lamb hotdog is garnished with ketchup, sweet mustard, remoulade, and both crispy and raw onions. I suggest trying it just as it's served to fully enjoy the experience! We waited in line for about 30 minutes, but it was definitely worth it if you're not pressed for time! Later in our trip, we passed by the stand when the lines were shorter, so you might get lucky and find it less crowded.

The hotdog was so delicious that we had to stop and enjoy another one at a stand by our gate at Keflavik airport before heading home!

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