32 Incredible Things To Do In Iceland Before You Die

This is not a drill.

1. Say "wow" over and over while driving the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

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Lesser known than the Golden Circle but just as stunning. Many locals will say this is the drive to do! Here's a simple guide.

2. Witness the glory of Goðafoss, the God's Waterfall.

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Located off the Ring Road that incircles all of Iceland you'll find this breathtaking site.

3. LOOK AT PUFFINS BECAUSE THEY ARE SO CUTE OMG!

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Puffins look like they're wearing little tuxes and it is next level squee-worthy. Try to catch them in the mornings or evenings since they go out fishing during the day. Also don't forget your binoculars since they nest high up. Here's a map of where you can find them.

4. Explore the stunning Reykjanes Peninsula.

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This peninsula is really beautiful and semi-on-the-way to the capital, Reykjavik, from the airport which makes it an easy first look at Iceland (if that's the direction you're going.)

5. Walk BEHIND the majestic Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

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There aren't that many waterfalls you can actually get behind, but this is one you can! Right off of Route 1 you can stop here and see a waterfall like you never have before. If you catch it on a sunny day you may also see a few rainbows at its base.

6. Literally just drive anywhere on the Ring Road (Route 1).

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Everywhere you look is beautiful and you'll most definitely see some sheep, ponies and birds.

7. Buy some crazy cozy hand knit Icelandic sweaters.

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There are plenty of hand knit sweaters to buy in Iceland and you will be shocked at how warm they are. This picture was taken at the Handknitting Association of Iceland in Reykjavik.

8. Swoon at the beauty of the volcanic mossy landscapes of Eldraun.

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I have never been more convinced there were trolls hiding in my life than walking through these green lumps of gorgeousness. One of the places you can find them is on the drive from Vik to Jökulsárlón Lagoon.

9. Take pictures of the magical Reynisdrangar rock formations on Reynisfjara Beach.

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Yes this exists and yes you can see it. Right in Vik, you will feel like you're on a another planet.

10. See a whale in person!

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This whale is popping out near Husavik City in Iceland. They are majestic as fuck. Here are some companies that can take you.

11. Feel the majesty of nature watching the Northern Lights.

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September through April you can see the Northern Lights in Iceland and it is worth the whole trip. Little known fact – you can request to have a "Northern Lights wake up call" at most hotels in Iceland, so you can rest assured you won't miss them as you sleep.

12. Walk along the incredible black sands of "Diamond Beach."

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Here you'll find broken ice coming from Vatnajökull glacier lying on the seashore next to Jökulsárlón lagoon. It looks like giant diamonds on black sand and it's maybe the most stunning visual ever, and also kind of goth.

13. Ride sweet and fuzzy Icelandic horses.

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Spoiler alert: They're fluffier than other horses, smaller, and look like they're kissing each other a lot. Needless to say they are ADORABLE. Here are some tours you can take.

14. Fall to your knees at the beauty of the Vesturhorn Mountain and black sand dunes.

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And bring tissues for the tears of amazement.

15. Enjoy the delicious Arctic char.

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This local fish is fresh af. I had some at Sudor Vik in Vik and it was crazy scrumptious.

16. Blow your mind with a trek around the Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall.

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You will feel like you're in Middle-earth.

17. Drive the Golden Circle while listening to Sigur Rós.

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Just trust me on this one.

18. Take a rejuvenating dip in the Blue Lagoon.

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A geothermal spa, people from all over gather to enjoy this relaxing hot spring. Also it's located conveniently near the airport – a great activity for your first day in, or on your last day out.

19. OR, if you're looking for a more low key natural hot spring – the Secret Lagoon is the place to be.

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A little off the beaten path, this hot spring feels very authentic. It's located off of the Golden Circle so it's a great way to take a break from exploring midday.

20. Eat in the ultra unique greenhouse at Friðheimar.

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Get the freshest tomato soup you've ever had at this restaurant inside a greenhouse. They produce their own tomatoes and you can watch them grow as you eat. It's also near The Secret Lagoon if you happen to work up an appetite after splashing around in the hot spring.

21. Have an out of body experience at the rift valley in Thingvellir National Park.

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The rift valley is situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and is simply magical to walk through. A must see on the Golden Circle.

22. Witness the Strokkur Geyser erupt.

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Strokkur is a fountain geyser in the geothermal area beside the Hvítá River east of Reykjavik. It erupts every 6-10 minutes so you're sure to catch a show.

23. Shop and dine in Reykjavik.

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Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland and is not only beautiful to look at, it's full of awesome shops and great restaurants. While you can't really go wrong, I can personally recommend the trout at Höfnin.

24. Weep at the beauty of Vatnajökull at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

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This famous glacier in Iceland does not disappoint, it is absolutely spectacular.

25. And while you're there, take a boat ride through it.

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Getting up close and personal with icebergs is not an experience you'll want to miss. Not to mention you'll probably see some seals (!!!). Here's a good tour option.

26. Or even go inside the glacier while you're there!

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Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe, and there are plenty of walking tours you can take right onto it and into it.

27. Be amazed by the frozen moors off the Ring Road in North Iceland.

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Just when you think Iceland couldn't be any more beautiful.

28. Take a life changing hike through Landmannalaugar.

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Located in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve this is not a trail you will want to miss. Bring a camera.

29. Feel like you've left Earth at Fjadrargljufur Canyon.

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Thought to be created in the last Ice Age this canyon located in South Iceland is a sight to behold. Here are some tips on hiking it.

30. Gasp at the beauty of Svartifoss Waterfall.

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Svartifoss (black fall) has the most incredible natural basalt rock formations. These ridges have been a huge influence on Icelandic architecture and you can see their echo in the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík.

31. Look longingly at soft sheep.

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There are plenty of sheep, and they look like they should be pet but you probably shouldn't, so just look longingly at them.

32. Just go and don't plan anything.

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You can't go wrong in Iceland, even if you went with no itinerary and just started driving you would see incredible things. Every single inch of it is beautiful.