7 Attractions You Must See Along Iceland's Ring Road

Iceland is one of the most amazing and awe-inspiring countries in the world. The photographic opportunities are endless and you could spend months on end simply discovering its natural wonders.

I first fell in love with Iceland after seeing this amazing video by Klara Harden. She inspired me deeply and planted the seed of curiosity in my heart.

Iceland is great year round and two of the most intriguing natural phenomenons take place here. From May to August, you can witness the Midnight sun, with endless daylight just perfect for sightseeing. During the winter months, the Northern Lights can be spotted. A less known fact is that the Northern Lights are always there, but one cannot see them because of the bright light. Once the days get shorter, you can actually see them in the northern part of the country as early as September. 

The Ring Road is the main national road. It encircles the entire country covering over 800 miles on Route 1. Many of Iceland's attractions are situated along it. Think active volcanoes, blue icebergs, roaring waterfalls, puffins, wild horses and whale watching.

1. Reykjavík

Most people arrive in Iceland and start their Ring Road journey in Reykjavík, Iceland's capital city. Though small, Reykjavík has a myriad of cultural attractions and interesting arts festivals are organized year round.

2. Thingvellir National Park

This is a unique place where the tectonic plates of America and Europe meet. The rift valley is clearly visible and you can see the exact spot where the plates are being ripped apart.

3. Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland. It flows down into a spectacular 3-step staircase-like waterfall and from a distance it looks like a huge river vanishes into nowhere.

4. Sólheimajökull Glacier walk

Spectacular surroundings and rugged rock formations complete this glacier walk. Iceland is a land of firsts for many and hiking a glacier can be tons of fun. Imagine ice sculptures, deep crevasses, and ridges.

5. Crystal Ice Caves

No epic Ring Road adventure can miss the wondrous Ice Caves. The ice caves take shape in autumn and last throughout the winter. Outside of the season it can be dangerous to go inside such a cave for the ceiling could collapse anytime.

6. Myvatn Geothermal Area

This geothermal area in Northern Iceland is filled with numerous fumaroles smoking away, hot springs, gurgling mudpots and sulphurous springs. The geyser fields are quite a sight and the landscape will easily remind you of Mars.

7. Holuhraun Volcano Flight

On August 2014, lava broke through the surface of the earth and the Holuhraun Volcano has been spewing rivers of hot lava ever since. A flight over the rivers of molten rock is a memorable thing to do and like many other things in Iceland, a once in a lifetime experience. 

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