Great places to visit on a family holiday to Iceland
When you think of Iceland what do you imagine? Volcanoes, Northern Lights, the Blue Lagoon? Iceland is an incredible destination at any time of year full of plenty of adventures for all ages.
In winter months the Northern Lights can be seen, while the many hours of daylight will amaze in summer. Whether you want to relax in geothermal lagoons or hike across a glacier, Iceland has something for everyone. We’ve tried and tested some of Iceland’s most popular experiences so you can make the most of every second of a one if a lifetime Icelandic trip.
Lava Show
This is the only live lava show in the world, and it is truly incredible. The 3000°C molten lava rolls down the ramp into a pool at the bottom which immediately heats up the whole room. It’s a breathtaking and mesmerising demonstration of the wonders of nature that is both informative and interactive. And you get a piece of lava glass to take home with you!
Find out more – Lava Show
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
This waterfall is breathtaking, but waterproofs are definitely recommended. Not only is it beautiful from the front, but you can also walk behind it to get amazing action shots whilst getting very wet. The water falls into a beautiful meadow making it a photographer’s dream.
There are two other smaller waterfalls nearby, including Gljúfrabúi which is hidden inside a canyon, making for a walk like no other.
When you’ve finished exploring, warm up in the onsite cafe and explore the lovely handmade products in the shop.
Top Tips
- Visit early in the morning or towards the end of the day to miss the crowds.
- There’s a small fee for parking.
- Don’t forget your waterproofs and wear shoes with good grip, the paths can be wet and slippery.
Skógafoss waterfall
Skógafoss is one the most picturesque and powerful waterfalls in Iceland. The huge amount of water falling is impressively noisy and generates a lot of mist.
If you’re feeling energetic there’s an observation platform at the top, but you need to climb a steep staircase of around 500 steps to reach it!
Top Tips
Visit on a sunny day and look for rainbows in the mist.
Gullfoss Falls
This is one of Iceland’s most spectacular and famous waterfalls and part of the famous Golden Circle route. This double-tiered waterfall plunges a total of 105 feet, making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. Paths alongside the waterfall mean you get the most incredible view and photo opportunities.
Guildfoss means “Golden Falls” named because of the golden brown hue of the glacial water on sunny days.
Top Tips
- May to September is the best time to visit. The viewing platforms can close in winter and the paths become icy and slippery.
- Two parking options are available, both free of charge. One is near the visitor centre and one closer to the falls.
- The visitor centre has toilets, a cafe and gift shop.
- Like all waterfalls, waterproofs and shoes with good grip are essential.
Geysir
This is another stop along the Golden Circle, and the periodic eruption of the boiling water is quite the sight. The Great Geysir doesn’t erupt very often but Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes. It shoots a column of superheated water and steam as high as 40m!
If you explore the area more, you’ll find bubbling mud pots, steaming vents and colourful hot springs. It’s a fantastic place to visit.
Top Tips
The Geysir Centre, located across the road has toilets, a gift shop and even a hotel!
The Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is a quiet yet beautiful spot with three geothermally heated pools. Visitors must shower before entering, as the Icelanders pride themselves on using zero chemicals in these hotspots. The recommendation is to shower unclothed, but it is not a requirement. There is a main pool, which is a welcome break to the cold Icelandic weather, and there is also a cold plunge pool for those who enjoy an ice bath.
It’s a great place to visit on a Golden Circle tour and provides a more authentic experience than some of the more famous pools. It’s surrounded bt bubbing hot springs, steaming vents and a small geyser. In winter months you might even see the Northern Lights while you bathe.
Top Tips
- Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer.
- There is an entrance fee, but the facilities are well maintained with swimsuit and towel rentals!
The Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous geothermal hotspots in all of Iceland. The water is milky blue because of a high concentration of silica and algae which have a skin nourishing and healing effect.
With entry comes a free drink and a silica face mask, making the experience so relaxing. There is also a sauna and a steam room, as well as a free facial mask giving the lagoo. Although it is recommended to keep your hair out of the mineral-rich water due to the fact that it dries your it out.
Waterfalls provide a massage and there are drink and facemask bars so you don’t have to leave the water for a refreshment.
Top tips
- Entry includes one drink and a facemask.
- Prebooking is essential.
- The Blue Lagoon is close to the airport making it a great first or last stop.
Solheimajokull glacier
This beautiful glacier, as is a must do for any trip to Iceland. The glacier is located on the top of a volcano. The climb is not overly difficult and when you get to the top, you have the opportunity to use your ice pick to hack at some ice.
The glacier is rapidly retreating, so the landscape is ever changing, making it a fascinating and eye opening place to visit.
Top tips
- Book a guided tour to get the most from your visit. Guided tours provide all the necessary safety equipment as well as a guide.
- Strong, sturdy walking boots are recommended.
- Visitors must not walk on the galcier without a certified guide and proper equipment.
Reynisfjara beach
Reynisfjara is Iceland’s most famous black sand beach. the black sand is from eroded basaltic volcano rock.
One end of the beach has a stunning cliff face with large basalt columns and basalt rock pillars rise out of the ocean.
If you love puffins or birds, then Reynisfjara is the place to go. The cliffs and sea stacks form a nesting ground for thousands of sea birds in the summer months.
Top Tips
- Reynisfjara is beautiful, but also extremely dangerous. Visitors shouldn’t be closer than 100 feet from the waters edge. Swimming and paddling is stricly prohibited.
- The beach is often windy and wet, warm waterproof clothing is a must.
Iceland is an awe inspiring country to visit, with a unique blend of natural beauty, opportunities for adventure and relaxation.