Boasting the world’s biggest collection of penises, the Icelandic Phallological Museum is certainly a unique institution, yet it is also—perhaps surprisingly—educational. The independent, family-owned institution was born out of a modest personal collection and has since grown to become the world’s only museum dedicated to phallology.
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.
While at just 66 feet high (20 meters) Svartifoss Waterfall isn’t Iceland’s largest or most powerful, you could argue it’s one of the country’s most dramatic, thanks to its backdrop of striking dark basalt columns. Its name—meaning “Black Falls”—comes from the color of the hexagonal formations that create the waterfall’s amphitheater–shaped cliff.
Eldfell, the "Mountain of Fire," is a volcano on Heimaey Island, part of Iceland's Westman Islands. After almost 5,000 years without activity, it erupted in 1973, and the island had to be evacuated. Residents have since returned to the island, and visitors looking to hike to the volcano have increased the island's economy, which was previously reliant on fishing.
Thanks to its distinctive wedge shape, Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland—and Kirkjufellsfoss is the waterfall that tumbles near its base. Together, the two make for one of Iceland’s most recognized scenes, an elemental display of the country’s natural beauty. A short drive from the town of Grundarfjordur, this spot is as easily accessible as it is spectacular.
On Heimaey Island, the largest of the Westman Islands, Herjólfsdalur is known for both its natural scenery and its role in the history of Iceland. Archeological excavations in the area led to the discovery of a Viking settlement believed to be one of the country’s oldest human habitations. Today, you can tour the Herjólfstown museum (aka the Viking Town) and see what life could have looked like during the 10th century.
With its ripples of ice flowing down a wide valley, Skaftafellsjökull is a glacier tongue, which extends from the Vatnajökull ice cap that covers much of southeast Iceland. The rugged ridges of Skaftafellsjökull glacier have become a playground for visitors to experience what it’s like walking on a glacier, while the black and green hills nearby serve as viewpoints to this slowly-melting natural phenomenon.
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.
North Iceland’s cultural life is centered around Hof Cultural and Conference Center (Menningarhúsið Hof) in Akureyri, the capital of the north. The modern circular building, which is inspired by Iceland’s columnar basalt igneous rocks, is one of Akureyri’s architectural gems and hosts musical and theatrical performances.
The city’s namesake museum focuses on the history of Akureyri, the Eyjafjörður fjord, and the region’s former inhabitants, displaying a collection of art, artifacts, and photographs dating back to the Settlement Era. The museum takes visitors on a journey through the past with reconstructions depicting everyday life throughout the ages.
Seydisfjordur Church’s (Seydisfjordurkirkja) baby-blue-colored exterior and distinctively Nordic architectural style have made it one of Iceland’s most recognizable landmarks. Backed by the natural beauty of Seydisfjordur, the church is a must-see when exploring the Eastfjords.
The Icelandic historic site of Skálholt is the first spot where an ordained bishop (and Iceland's sole canonized state) settled on the island in the 11th century. A more modern church stands in the town and draws in visitors interested in history and music lovers who come to check out its summer concert series.
An unspoiled expanse of volcanic terrain, Landmannalaugar is one of the most unique landscapes in Iceland’s South Highlands. The popular hiking destination is famous for its spectacular scenery, which comprises multicolored rhyolite mountains, rugged lava fields, and crater lakes. When you’ve had enough hiking, relax your muscles in one of Landmannalaugar’s many geothermal hot springs, with endless vivid mountains in view.
The Icelandic Aviation Museum, housed in a large hangar at Akureyri Airport, displays a varied collection of large and small aircrafts, photographs, artifacts, and flight memorabilia. The museum devotes itself to preserving Iceland’s aviation history, such as documenting key moments like the country’s first flight in 1919.
Brúnir Horse is a small family-run company based on a farm in Eyjafjordur, North Iceland. Passionate about horse breeding, the family opened its farm to visitors wanting to learn more about the Icelandic horse and everyday life on an Icelandic farm. Here, take in a horse show, then browse the on-site art gallery.
The Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant is the largest geothermal power plant in Iceland. It’s located on the Hengill volcanic ridge in Southwest Iceland, though volcanic activity hasn’t sparked an eruption in 2,000 years. Along with the Nesjavellir geothermal power plant, Hellisheidi produces a significant amount of hot water in the Reykjavik area.
In far northern Iceland, the extraordinary natural landscapes of Gjástykki are among the region’s most striking. Hewn from a series of eruptions by the neighboring Krafla volcano, the rift valley features 65-foot-high (20-meter-high) walls of lava rock and valleys of multicolored slag, still hot with volcanic activity.
