Named for the Norse god of strength and thunder, this remote protected natural area in South Iceland is among the island's most impressive hiking spots. It sits between the Tindfjallajökull stratovolcano and Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull ice caps, which protect it from some of the area's harsher weather patterns.
Set on a black-sand beach at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, Grótta Lighthouse is a lovely spot for escaping the hustle and bustle of Reykjavik, as well as for birdwatching and, if you’re lucky, spotting the northern lights. Due to its abundant bird life, Grótta, the tidal island on which the lighthouse sits, has been a nature reserve since 1974.
Jutting out into the ocean just south of Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula is known for its otherworldly volcanic and geothermal landscapes. A UNESCO Global Geopark, the peninsula is home to craters, caves, dramatic fissures, bird-filled sea cliffs, lava fields, and black-sand beaches, as well as the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
Year after year, puffins return to Akurey Island (Puffin Island) to nest in the same burrows, lay their single eggs, and raise their pufflings before heading back out to sea. Each year, nature-loving travelers follow the charming seabirds out onto the waters of the Kollafjordur Bay to catch a glimpse of the spectacle of around 20,000 pairs of puffins crowded onto the small, uninhabited island.
The Settlement Exhibition is one of Scandinavia’s most unique and intriguing museums. Visitors start in the oldest house in Reykjavik, descending underground to active excavations that date back some 1,200 years. A combination of multimedia technology and real-life ruins makes this a truly immersive destination, which is worth a stop for all ages and interests.
Iceland’s largest and only year-round flea market, Kolaportid Flea Market is a national treasure. Right in the center of Reykjavik, the market is hardly glamorous on the outside, but inside it’s chock-full of delights. From Icelandic wool to books, trinkets, foods, and more, Kolaportid Flea Market is a microcosm of Icelandic culture and worth a stop for visitors and locals alike.
An uninhabited and unspoiled expanse of volcanic terrain, Landmannalaugar is a great choice if you’re looking to get off the beaten track in Iceland. It’s a top hiking destination famous for its spectacular scenery, which comprises multicolored rhyolite mountains, rugged lava fields, and steamy thermal pools backed by the looming Hekla volcano.
Half an hour outside of Reykjavik, the harbor town of Hafnarfjordur is a quaint home base for exploring the rest of Iceland. It’s also a destination in its own right, with a walkable center full of museums and art galleries, plus curious local folklore that will have you looking out for hidden elves in the city’s parks and gardens. Icelandic nature is yet another draw of Hafnarfjordur, known for nearby hiking trails and volcanic landscapes.
