Iceland

Places in Iceland

• Akureyri

  Akureyri combines a scenic fjord setting with eclectic architecture. Its cultural scene and access to remote natural sights make it a useful base in North Iceland.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$156

  Best months

  Jun–Aug

• Egilsstaðir

  Egilsstaðir is the unofficial capital of East Iceland with a population of 2,332. Its strategic location on Route 1 at the Lagarfljót river makes it the primary service hub for the region.

  Atlas entry

• Hafnarfjörður

  Hafnarfjörður sits atop 12,000-year-old lava fields earning it the nickname 'the town in the lava.' This suburb of Reykjavík has retained village charm with small wooden buildings and winding streets, yet offers something the capital lacks: a strong association with Icelandic elf folklore and a genuinely walkable old-town core. The town forms a second centre of gravity in the greater Reykjavík area, with hiking on Helgafell mountain, swimming in geothermal pools, and summer Viking festivals drawing visitors from across Iceland.

  Atlas entry

• Höfn

  Höfn offers a quieter base for glacier hiking and visits to Jökulsárlón. The nearby Hornafjörður lagoon mixes Atlantic and glacial waters.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$163

  Best months

  Jun–Aug

• Húsavík

  Húsavík is Iceland's premier whale watching destination, with whales spotted on over 95% of summer tours—far better odds than Reykjavík or other operators. The town of roughly 2,500 people offers a compact, walkable alternative to Iceland's larger settlements, with a handful of excellent museums, local restaurants serving fresh fish, and easy access to Lake Mývatn as a day trip.

  Atlas entry

• Hveragerði

  Hveragerði is a small geothermally active town of 3,000 people in South Iceland, located 45 km from Reykjavik along Route 1. Its name derives from the Icelandic word 'hver' for hot spring, and the steaming vents in the hills north of town are visible from the main street.

  Atlas entry

• Keflavík

  Keflavík exists almost entirely because of its international airport (KEF), Iceland's main gateway for overseas flights. Most travelers treat it as a transit point—arriving, collecting rental cars, and heading straight to Reykjavik (50 km north) or the famous Blue Lagoon (20 km north).

  Atlas entry

• Reykjavík

  Reykjavík is Iceland's cultural and economic centre. It also serves as a major tourism hub for exploring the country.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$151

  Best months

  Jun–Aug

• Selfoss

  Selfoss is South Iceland's largest town with a population just under 7,000, serving as the main hub of an important agricultural area. While the town itself produces most of the dairy products consumed in South, West and Southwest Iceland, its main appeal lies in its strategic position on the Ring Road.

  Atlas entry

• Seyðisfjörður

  Seyðisfjörður is a ferry gateway with a connection to Nordic noir. Trapped used the town as a main filming location, and surrounding trails range from short walks to longer treks.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$147

  Best months

  Jun–Aug

• Vatnajökull National Park

  Vatnajökull National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site covering 12,000 km² (about 14% of Iceland) and offers access to Hvannadalshnúkur (2,106 m), Iceland's highest peak, Europe's most powerful waterfall Dettifoss, and vast glacier landscapes. The park combines accessible hiking near Skaftafell with remote highland routes for experienced trekkers seeking genuine wilderness without crowds of a capital city.

  Atlas entry

• Vík í Mýrdal

  Vík í Mýrdal is a small south-coast base near Reynisfjara's black sand and basalt sea stacks. Glaciers and nearby waterfalls add variety to days exploring the surrounding landscape.

  Daily budget (USD)

  ~$169

  Best months

  Jun–Aug

• Þingvellir National Park

  Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Iceland where the North American and European tectonic plates visibly diverge, creating dramatic rift valleys and fissures. The park holds global historical significance as the site of the Alþingi, the world's longest-running parliament, established in 930 AD.

  Atlas entry