From Thingvellir to Reynisfjara, via Gullfoss, Jökulsárlón, and other places with names we definitely didn’t just make up. Scout’s honor.
Ah, Iceland: that wonderfully wild land that’s part fire and part ice. But mostly ice. And then even more ice.
In summer, though, it turns into something like paradise—a place where nature does everything on a grand scale, so much so that you almost forget how cold it gets in winter. Endless daylight makes you want to explore explosive geysers, giant waterfalls, glacial lagoons, and black sand beaches that look like they came straight out of a sci-fi movie.
This island has an itinerary for everyone, from hardcore hikers to people who just want to do something a little different from the usual.
So this summer, skip the same old boring beach trip with family or friends. Do something incredible, something once in a lifetime: come to Iceland with us!
Here’s a little taste of what we’ll show you.
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Geysers, waterfalls, and other watery wonders: Iceland really has it all
The first must-see in Iceland in summer is the Golden Circle, an itinerary that takes you to 3 extraordinary places that make the island unlike anywhere else on Earth: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall.
The first lies just a short distance from the capital, Reykjavik, in the municipality of Bláskógabyggð (and by now, after reading our articles, you’re probably used to Iceland’s wonderfully complicated place names), and it’s a little gem in every sense. In fact, UNESCO noticed too and decided to add it to the World Heritage List.
Thingvellir is famous for its unique geological formations, linked to one striking feature: it sits exactly where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, forming the Silfra fissure. In this park, you can even dive into the canyon created by that divergence and literally swim between two continents!
Then there’s the Haukadalur valley, home to Geysir and Strokkur, a duo more iconic than bread and mortadella. The first is the geyser that gave its name to all the other geysers in the world, once a mighty jet that erupted like a dragon at regular intervals.
These days, age is catching up with it and it’s not what it used to be: now nearby Strokkur steals the show, blasting columns of water up to 20 meters into the air about every 6 minutes, like a giant catapult.
Finally, we arrive at Gullfoss waterfall, known as the Golden Waterfall, an awe-inspiring display of natural power. Here, the water crashes down in two tiers into a narrow canyon, creating magnificent rainbows on sunny days. It’s one of those places that truly leaves you speechless.
Want ice? They’ve got plenty of it here
Iceland is also famous for its glacial lagoons, where you can enjoy unforgettable adventures among the icebergs.
There’s Jökulsárlón, at the foot of Vatnajökull (Iceland’s largest glacier and one of Europe’s heavyweights too—an absolutely incredible sight), an enchanted place where icebergs drift slowly across bright blue water.
In the area, you’ll find plenty of seals swimming among the ice, and nearby there’s another spectacular place to feast your eyes on: Diamond Beach! It’s a black sand beach (a bit like the amazing Reynisfjara), but decorated with huge chunks of ice that sparkle like diamonds.
Then there’s Skaftafell, in Vatnajökull National Park, a perfect spot for hikers who want to show off a little while walking among glaciers, waterfalls, and unusual rock formations. One of the highlights is the Svínafellsjökull glacier, where you can join guided glacier hikes. It’s the real deal, with crevasses and blue ice formations that look like they belong in a commercial. And let’s not forget the ice caves under Vatnajökull in winter, with their incredible blue shades that make you feel as if you’ve ended up on another planet.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter, there’s Heinabergslón, much less known and more remote than Jökulsárlón. If a more relaxing experience is what you’re after, you can take a kayak trip among the icebergs. And on those very same icebergs, if you’re up for it, you can even go for a crampon-assisted walk—definitely the kind of story you’ll want to tell your friends when you get home.
Activities on Iceland’s glaciers and glacial lakes aren’t just beautiful to look at—they let you connect with the island’s wild, untouched nature. Whether you’re hiking across a glacier or taking a peaceful boat tour among the icebergs of Jökulsárlón, every visit is a unique adventure.
Reynisfjara: so incredible it deserves a paragraph all to itself
Reynisfjara, that eerie black beach on Iceland’s south coast near the village of Vík í Mýrdal, is one of the strangest and most spectacular attractions you could ever visit.
It’s famous for its bizarre basalt sea stacks, known as Reynisdrangar. And do you know what they are?
Well, according to the locals, they’re trolls that were turned to stone by sunlight.
Is it true?
Who knows.
Getting there is easy—just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Reykjavik. It’s a good journey, but absolutely worth it, because Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most extraordinary destinations, whether for a day trip or as part of a south coast tour. The beach is breathtaking, with its hexagonal basalt columns and Atlantic waves that seem ready to swallow everything whole.
Even amid all this beauty, though, there’s one thing you need to know: watch out for the waves here, known as “sneaker waves,” which are anything but friendly.
Here, waves can arrive suddenly and drag you out to sea before you can say “troll.” So keep a close eye on them and never turn your back on the ocean.
And if the beach alone isn’t enough, there are other nearby attractions too. Take the Dyrhólaey cliffs, for example, with their huge number of puffins. Scientifically speaking, they’re known as Fratercula arctica.
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In conclusion
Iceland is like a natural theme park, but without the lines and kids screaming in your ears. You’ll find geysers shooting boiling water and glaciers that look like the frozen version of hell.
And the golden waterfalls and black beaches?
Absolutely incredible!
In short, Iceland challenges you to explore and come face to face with the wild—and in summer you can admire it in all its glory. If you don’t go, you’ll miss something truly one of a kind.
If you decide to go instead... great choice!
We’re already ready to set off once again for the wildest island in Europe, and then again, and again. You never get tired of it!
Want to enjoy it with Sto Gran Tour and discover it all on an incredible 8-day trip to Iceland?
Take a look at the details of the itinerary we’ve put together for you and don’t wait any longer!
