Natural Features - Iceland

Why You Should Visit Iceland

Iceland is far more than stunning scenery — it’s a destination that offers an immersive, refreshing, and genuinely different travel experience. With a population of just over 370,000, this island nation punches well above its weight in terms of creativity, quality of life, and charm.

The capital, Reykjavík, is a vibrant and friendly city where cutting-edge design meets cosy Nordic tradition. You’ll find excellent museums, modern architecture, a thriving music and arts scene, and a café culture that encourages slow, mindful travel. Whether you're browsing local boutiques, sampling Icelandic cuisine, or enjoying live music in an intimate venue, Reykjavík offers a relaxed yet culturally rich atmosphere.

What sets Iceland apart is its strong sense of identity and community. The Icelandic language has changed little since Viking times, and the island’s literary tradition is alive and well. Locals are proud of their heritage but also warm and welcoming to visitors.

With a high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and a commitment to sustainability, Iceland is easy and comfortable to explore — even if you’re venturing far from the beaten path. It’s the kind of place that encourages curiosity, rewards open-mindedness, and invites you to slow down and truly connect. Time-Pressed Travel will plan your ideal Iceland itinerary.

The Natural Wonders of Iceland: A Land of Fire, Ice, and Everything In Between

Iceland is a country of extraordinary natural contrasts, where volcanoes and glaciers sit side by side, waterfalls thunder into rugged canyons, and steaming hot springs bubble beneath icy ground. Often described as otherworldly, the island's dramatic landscapes are not only stunning to witness but also tell the geological story of a young and dynamic land shaped by the forces of nature.

Volcanoes and Lava Fields

One of Iceland’s most defining features is its volcanic landscape. Sitting on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, Iceland is one of the most volcanically active regions on Earth. Eruptions have shaped much of the country’s terrain, creating vast lava fields, black sand deserts, and steaming geothermal areas.

The Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010 famously disrupted air travel across Europe, but many volcanoes — such as Hekla, Katla, and the newly active Fagradalsfjall — are regularly monitored and, in some cases, accessible for safe, guided hikes. The surrounding lava fields, moss-covered and eerily beautiful, offer a glimpse into the island’s geological past.

Glaciers and Ice Caps

Iceland’s name is no exaggeration — approximately 11% of the country is covered by glaciers. The largest is Vatnajökull, which is not only Iceland’s biggest glacier but also the largest in Europe. Beneath its surface lie active volcanoes and hidden ice caves, some of which can be visited with guides in the winter months.

Glaciers feed Iceland’s many rivers and waterfalls and have carved out deep fjords and valleys over thousands of years. Jökulsárlón, a glacier lagoon in the southeast, is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural sights. Here, icebergs break away from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and float serenely across a pale blue lagoon before drifting out to sea. Just across the road lies Diamond Beach, where these same icebergs are scattered across black sand like shimmering jewels.

Waterfalls and Rivers

Thanks to its glacial melt and abundant rainfall, Iceland is home to hundreds of waterfalls, each with its own character. Among the most famous is Gullfoss, a powerful two-tiered waterfall that is part of the popular Golden Circle route. Equally impressive is Skógafoss, a wide curtain of water cascading over a cliff on the southern coast, and Seljalandsfoss, which visitors can walk behind for a unique view.

Further afield, Dettifoss in the north is considered Europe’s most powerful waterfall, crashing into the canyon below with extraordinary force. These waterfalls are not just scenic highlights — they also provide renewable energy, as Iceland generates almost all of its electricity from hydroelectric and geothermal sources.

Geothermal Activity

Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge also results in intense geothermal activity, making it one of the best places in the world for hot springs, geysers, and naturally heated pools. The Geysir geothermal area in the southwest gave its name to geysers worldwide. While the original Geysir now erupts infrequently, nearby Strokkur sends a column of boiling water skywards every few minutes.

The most famous geothermal bathing spot is the Blue Lagoon, a spa with milky-blue, mineral-rich waters set in a lava field near the airport. But across the country, you’ll find less crowded natural hot springs — such as Mývatn Nature Baths in the north and Secret Lagoon in the Golden Circle region — where you can soak while surrounded by stunning scenery.

Fjords, Mountains, and Coastlines

In the east and west, Iceland’s dramatic fjords are carved into the coastline, backed by steep cliffs and dotted with small fishing villages. The Westfjords region, in particular, is remote and spectacular, with high sea cliffs home to puffins and other seabirds, and one of the country’s most scenic waterfalls, Dynjandi.

Iceland’s coastlines are equally varied — from black sand beaches like Reynisfjara, with its basalt sea stacks and roaring Atlantic waves, to golden stretches near Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Inland, you’ll find volcanoes, mossy plateaus, and multicoloured rhyolite mountains in places like Landmannalaugar, a paradise for hikers.

Iceland’s natural features are as diverse as they are dramatic, shaped by powerful geological forces that continue to mould the land today. Whether you're marvelling at a glacier lagoon, standing beside a roaring waterfall, or soaking in a geothermal spring under the Northern Lights, the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland promises an unforgettable encounter with nature in its most elemental form.