Adventure With Julia

Iceland is naturally beautiful around every corner. This list highlights the 5 must-see sights for every trip. 

Whale Watching from Reykjavik

For explorers visiting during the summer months, take the whale-watching tour from Reykjavik. I took the night tour in June to experience the midnight sun. It combines gorgeous ocean views and beautiful orange skies with the traditional tour. Our tour left around 9 PM and the sun was still high in the sky until we arrived back around 11. The whole experience felt surreal. Our group saw dozens of dolphins and several humpbacks. Even when tour groups spot little marine life, they experience a fun boat ride with beautiful views. 

Gullfoss Falls

This waterfall was breathtaking. The site of this spectacular attraction was above and beyond my expectations. I felt as if I could sit and enjoy the view all day. The waterfall appears to be cut right into the earth’s crust and expands significantly. Visitors can walk along the sides and view the falls from many angles. This waterfall is truly magnificent and will be appreciated by all travelers. 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The basalt columns at this beach appear to be from another planet. These hexagonal columns occur naturally and cover the mountainside from top to bottom. This development is unique to areas with volcanic activity and has become a must-see in Iceland. Besides the incredibly astounding mountainside, adventurers can also take in ocean views from the black sand beach.

Skogafoss

Skogafoss is another of Iceland’s unique waterfalls. Here, travelers can stand at the base of the falls for the perfect photo. After enjoying the view below, there are stairs to the right that lead to the top of the waterfall. At the top, visitors can stand on a metal platform to view the falls from above. From the top, travelers can examine the river that flows to create Skogafoss. 

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is covered with grainy black sand along the waterfront that glacial ice chunks consistently wash up to. Visitors can find ice that formed more than 1000 years ago. Being close to the ice is almost incomprehensible because the water within the chunks was frozen many years ago. The ice looks like large diamonds, hence the name. This stop is unique to Iceland and is a must-see.

Written by Julia Gordee 8/21/24