It is no secret that Iceland’s natural wonders are a major draw for travelers to this beautiful island country. However, I don’t know that people always realize just how varied these natural wonders are! It isn’t all mountains + waterfalls here, there are geological wonders + geothermal wonders galore! Let me show you some of the most amazing geological wonders to be seen in the land of fire and ice!
Iceland’s Natural Wonders are easy to see on your own, but you can also find tours to many of these sites, like these!
BLACK SAND BEACHES
I’m not a typical beach person at all. I don’t like laying out on sunny beaches, soaking up the sun. But I love dramatic beach-scapes + beaches made up of different colored sand and Iceland’s black sand beaches check both of those things that I love off the list. Black sand is created from volcanic minerals, in which are plentiful on an island nation with over 130 volcanoes, 35 of which are active. The black sand beach that always comes to mind, though, is Reynisfjara. Located on the southern coast of Iceland, it’s easy to find and easily part of anyone’s Iceland itinerary.
WATERFALLS
Waterfalls are my jam, but I happen to live with an even bigger waterfall lover. Matt loves waterfalls. And he loves to photograph them. Because of our double love for waterfalls, Matt and I made it to 16 waterfalls during our 10-day ring road road trip. However, that is just 16 of thousands, literally, of waterfalls that grace this beautiful landscape. Some are smaller, one you can walk behind, some you can hike to the top of. There are waterfalls that are easily accessible – like literally, drive-up – and there are others that require a bit of an adventure or hike to explore.
LAVA CAVE
Matt planned our Ring Road itinerary and he totally surprised me with a stop at Grjotagja. It’s a lava cave, created by the flow of lava. Then, in addition to that amazing-ness in itself inside this lava cave, if you crawl down into it, you’ll find a natural hot spring tucked inside. It’s stunning and and can be quite hot. Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to take a dip in there, but I did lean over and touch the water… It is indeed hot! Fun fact, this is also a filming location from Game of Thrones. As not to spoil anything, two characters, which shall not be named, get it on in this pool.
GEYSERS
Did you know that the word geyser comes from the Icelandic name for one very specific geyser name Geysir?! Well, the more you know! Some say, this was actually the first geyser ever recorded. Today, that geyser is not as active as it once was. Its last eruption was in February of 2016 and it had been about 5 years. Now, in that same geyser basin, the famous frequently-erupting geyser is called Strokkur and it erupts every 10-minutes or so. It is a bit of a shock the first time you see it erupt as it’s quick and furious. It’s a stunning thing to see, and be sure to walk around to see the other boiling pools. Remember, do not throw coins into these pools! They are not wishing wells and this damages them.
TECTONIC PLATES
This is one of the most unique and amazing of Iceland’s natural wonders. The geological continental plates of Europe and North America converge here in Iceland. Because of that in the Golden Circle of Iceland, you’ll find a sort-of canyon that you can walk through. However, that isn’t just a canyon. That is literally two tectonic plates coming together. Not only can you walk through them, but you can also snorkel or scuba dive through them as well! It’s pretty dang cool!
MOUNTAINS
Mountains are my jam. I love, love, love mountains! Iceland has no shortage of them. There is certainly no shortage of mountains here. In fact, it’s very rare that you’re ever out of site of at least one mountain. Even from the capital of Reykjavik, you can spot a nice little range of mountains!
HOT SPRINGS
Of course, the Blue Lagoon is one of the first things people often think of when they hear Iceland. However, that is only of the many pools either crafted from geo-thermally heated waters or pools that people sit in that are found in rivers or lakes throughout the country. The Blue Lagoon is definitely an unforgettable spa experience, but I have to say the pool we hiked to in southern Iceland (Seljavallalaug) has a simple magic to it… especially when you see its backdrop!
BASALT COLUMNS
Basalt columns are a unique formation made by basalt lava flow. They’re found in various locations across the world, but Iceland has some stunning examples. Svartifoss and the columns at Reynisfjara black sand beach are definitely the two most popular examples. These geological wonders were actually an inspiration for the architecture for the iconic Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik.
FUMAROLE (STEAM VENTS)
One of the other geothermal site that show of Iceland’s natural wonders are the steam vents that emit gasses from below. These are a sign of geothermal activity. I know what you’re thinking, shocker here in Iceland! These vents, or fumarole – the scientific name, are areas over cracks or holes in the earth that let out gasses over volcanic activity. This air smells really bad. To be honest, this whole region just over the mountains surrounding Lake Myvatn smells like you boiled eggs in horse urine. Descriptive, I know. But it’s still amazing to see it.
SEA ARCHES
I’m a huge fan of unique rock formations. I’m a lover of the American SW and the amazing arches, hoodoos and canyons that decorate its landscapes. Then in 2016, I saw my first sea arch and have been in love with them since! Iceland is obviously the perfect spot for this because the entire country is surrounded by coastlines. This Sea Arch, Dryhólaey, is the most famous and is located on the southern coast very near Vik and the famous black sand beaches.
MUD POTS
Mud pots are most often found in geysir basins. They’re similar to a hot spring for a fumarole, but they don’t have as much water, so it creates this bubbling pot of mud.
GLACIERS
Glaciers are becoming more and more difficult to find. With global warming, these are a natural wonder that are shrinking at unbelievably rapid rates. Iceland is place that you can still see these beauties, and with relative ease, especially in the winter. You can hike to glaciers, hike on glaciers and see them calving into lakes.
CRATER LAKES
There are several crater lakes across Iceland. Some are more popular than others because of their accessibility. I’ve been to a few crater lakes in my life, but I have to say, Kerið Crater Lake is pretty special for a couple of reasons. One, the teal color of the lake is absolutely unreal. Secondly, the color of the minerals in the caldera are a striking red! Third of all, the cone is so perfectly-shaped that you can’t help but want to explore around it.
CANYONS
This is one of those natural wonders that I’m very sad to say we didn’t make it to! There are several various forms of canyons in Iceland, but Fjadrargljufur is hands-down the most popular canyon to visit and sitting pretty at the top of our list for the next time we visit!
It’s truly no wonder that Iceland has quickly become one of the most visited countries in all of Europe. Although it’s not quite as easy to get there as it had been in the past, it’s absolutely worth a visit. Any nature-lover will be sure to find something worth seeing and adventure worth having among Iceland’s natural wonders!
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