Visiting Iceland in the summer feels like stepping into another world—endless daylight, vibrant landscapes, and nature at its finest. From lush green valleys to shimmering glaciers, there’s an incredible variety of sights to explore. If you’re planning a trip, here are seven must-visit wonders you won’t want to miss.
- Experience the Midnight Sun
One of Iceland’s most enchanting summer phenomena is the Midnight Sun. Around the summer solstice (June 21), the country enjoys nearly 24 hours of daylight, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Picture a sunset at 11:30 PM, only for the sun to briefly dip below the horizon and rise again shortly after. The golden glow casts an ethereal light over the landscape, making it a perfect time for photography, late-night hikes, or simply soaking in the surreal beauty. For the best experience, head to Reykjavik or venture north to Akureyri, where the effect is even more pronounced.
2. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders, and in the summer, it’s even more mesmerizing. Here, you’ll find massive chunks of ice from the nearby Vatnajökull Glacier floating serenely in a vast lagoon. It’s incredibly peaceful, and you can take boat tours to get up close to the icebergs and seals. Nearby, Diamond Beach is where these icebergs wash up on the black sand shore, creating an almost surreal contrast as the ice glistens in the sunlight. It’s not just a “see it, snap a photo” kind of place—it’s a spot that’ll leave you standing in awe for a while.
3. Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls
Iceland is full of waterfalls, but Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are two of the most famous and for good reason. Seljalandsfoss is special because you can actually walk behind it, feeling the mist on your face and hearing the roar of water from the other side. It’s like standing behind a curtain of liquid magic. Just a short drive away, Skogafoss is equally stunning, with its thundering power and the chance to climb up to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The lush, green surroundings in summer make these waterfalls even more breathtaking.
4. Landmannalaugar: A Hiker’s Paradise
For nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, Landmannalaugar is a bucket-list destination. Nestled in the highlands, this area is known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, vast lava fields, and geothermal hot springs. In the summer, the landscape explodes with wildflowers, and the combination of vivid colors—from the red, pink, and yellow mountains to the green moss covering the ground—is absolutely jaw-dropping. You can do day hikes or multi-day treks, but whatever you choose, you’ll feel like you’re in a painting come to life.
5. The Blue Lagoon
If there’s one thing you’ve probably heard about Iceland, it’s the Blue Lagoon—and for a good reason. This geothermal spa, located in a lava field near Reykjavik, is a must-do experience. The waters are a milky blue, rich with silica and minerals that are said to have therapeutic properties. In summer, the contrast of the bright blue water against the black lava rocks, along with the surrounding greenery, creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. You can relax in the warm waters, sip on a cold drink, and even try a silica mud mask. After a day of exploring, it’s the ultimate way to unwind.
6. Whale Watching in Husavik
Iceland is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, and summer is the prime season for spotting these magnificent creatures. Husavik, a small town on the north coast, is often called the whale-watching capital of Iceland. From June to August, you’ll have a good chance of seeing humpback whales, minke whales, and even blue whales. Hop on a boat tour, and you’ll find yourself up close to these majestic creatures breaching, tail-slapping, and sometimes even swimming alongside your boat. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
7. Thingvellir National Park & the Silfra Fissure
For a truly unique experience, head to Thingvellir National Park, where you can literally stand between two continents. This UNESCO World Heritage Site marks the meeting point of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, creating striking geological formations and a landscape full of history and beauty. In the summer, the park comes alive with lush greenery, scenic trails, and tranquil lakes.
The park’s most extraordinary feature is the Silfra Fissure—a narrow rift filled with crystal-clear glacial water. Here, you can snorkel or dive between the tectonic plates, making it one of the few places on Earth where you can swim between continents. The visibility underwater is so incredible, it feels like you’re drifting through air rather than water.