Iceland Sightseeing Map for Nature Lovers

A striking seaside sculpture in Reykjavík with Mount Esja and Faxaflói as the backdrop. Often mistaken for a Viking ship, it is a dreamboat that celebrates the sun and exploration. Unveiled in 1990 for Reykjavík’s 200th anniversary. 📸🌅

One of the best campgrounds in this area. The location by the sea and the well equipped rooms makes it worth it. The area is sheltered so almost no wind here.

An elevated look over Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, the basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Most visitors head to Dyrhólaey for the panorama. Big coastline. Big drama. 🌊

A beautiful waterfall inside Þingvellir National Park. Set within the dramatic Almannagjá gorge on the edge of the North American plate. The river Öxará feeds the falls and the scene is picture perfect year round. ❄️💧

Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa set in a stark lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Milky blue water rich in silica and algae. A calm, steamy scene with modern facilities.

A black sand beach across from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Icebergs drift out, wash back in, and land on the shore. The ocean polishes the ice so it glitters like diamonds on jet black sand.

On the Reykjanes Peninsula this area became famous for accessible fissure eruptions and vast new lava fields. Even when quiet the fresh black rock shows raw geology at work. 🌋

One of North Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. The name means Waterfall of the Gods. Legend tells of a chieftain who threw his pagan idols into the falls when Iceland turned to Christianity. Easy to reach from the Ring Road. 🌊

A colourful street in downtown Reykjavík that leads straight to Hallgrímskirkja. Painted for Reykjavík Pride and now a year round symbol of inclusivity in the city. Shops, galleries and cafés line the walk. 🌈☕️

Dramatic basalt sea stacks just off Iceland’s South Coast. Best seen from Reynisfjara Beach. The columns are the remains of a larger cliff carved by the Atlantic over time. Local folklore says they are petrified trolls. 🌊🗿

The star of Haukadalur. Erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, sending water and steam 15 to 20 metres into the air, sometimes higher. A classic show of geothermal power. 💦

Part of the Krýsuvík field on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Boiling mud pots. Hissing steam vents. Hot springs staining the ground yellow, red and white. A vivid, high energy landscape. 🌋

A 3 star hotel near Vík on Iceland’s South Coast. A handy base for Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey and the waterfalls nearby. Outdoor geothermal hot tub, sauna and a small fitness room make it easy to relax after a long drive. 🚗🧖‍♀️

A small lake in the heart of Reykjavík known simply as The Pond. Loved by locals for walks and birdwatching. In winter parts freeze for ice skating while one corner stays warm from geothermal water. 🦢

Reykjavík’s iconic church and the city’s best viewpoint. Designed to echo Iceland’s basalt columns and mountain forms. Completed in 1986 and visible from almost everywhere in town. ⛪️

A large hot spring pool in the Geysir Geothermal Area. The name means King’s Spring, after King Christian IX who visited in 1874. Clear water at near boiling shows the heat beneath even when the surface is calm. 🌋

A deep pool on the Öxará River just downstream from Öxarárfoss. Calm on the surface with a heavy past. Part of the wider Þingvellir story.

A prominent outlet glacier in the Skaftafell area of Vatnajökull National Park. Known for striking blue ice and deep crevasses. A favourite base for guided glacier hikes and film locations. 🎬

A gentle series of cascades near the Ring Road by Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Not a single tall drop but a picturesque stretch of flowing water over rocks and old lava. Easy to pause and enjoy. 💧

A lava ridge covered in historic stone cairns on the Mýrdalssandur black sand plains. Hundreds of small stacks across the dark ground. A striking sight. 🪨

One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. A 60 metre drop and 25 metre width. On sunny days the spray often throws single or double rainbows. Local lore says a Viking settler hid a chest of gold behind the curtain of water. 🌈

A stunning 60 metre waterfall that drops over a former sea cliff. The unique part is the path that lets you walk behind the curtain of water for a sheltered view inside the falls. At sunset the light through the water is spectacular. 🌊🌅

A small lava cave near Lake Mývatn with bright blue geothermal water inside. It became famous after the Jon Snow and Ygritte scene in Game of Thrones. Hidden. Atmospheric. Iceland at its most otherworldly. ❄️💧

A shallow volcanic lake with rich birdlife and striking geology. In summer the midges give the lake its name. Around the shore you will find the pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar and the dramatic lava fields of Dimmuborgir. ⛰️🦆

A fascinating basalt cave right on the black sand beach near Vík. The surrounding black sand and rock beach make it unique 🌋