25 Photos That Prove That Iceland is Magical

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Travel looks very different right now depending on where you're from and where you're going. Be sure to check local restrictions and be willing to adhere to any and all safety regulations before planning a trip to any of the places you may read about on this site. Also, some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Read the full disclosure policy here.

When it comes to “hot” and “trending” destinations, in recent years Iceland has been right up there near the top of all the lists.

What used to be one of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe suddenly became much more affordable after a financial collapse in 2008. And, while financial crisis is never something to be joyful about, tourists have certainly benefitted from the affects of Iceland's struggles. While the country still isn't “cheap” by any standards, it's now much more affordable for the average person to visit.

I planned my first visit to Iceland in early 2012, when Iceland was slowly getting back on its feet but before it became an “it” destination. I remember people asking me why the hell I wanted to go to Iceland (and in winter, no less). But as soon as I came home and showed them photos, they got it.

Iceland is wild and raw; it truly is the Land of Fire and Ice, where Mother Nature reigns supreme.

And it's also one of the most magical places on earth.

Don't believe me? I think these photos should prove it:

Jokulsarlon in Iceland — Jokulsarlon, the glacier lagoon where huge chunks of blue ice calve off Vatnajokull (Iceland's largest glacier) and eventually float out to sea.

Djúpalónssandur Beach in Iceland — Sometimes, it just looks like the moon.

Sunset in Iceland — In the winter months, sunsets can last for an hour, painting everything the light touches orange and pink.

Sunrise at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland — Sunrises can be equally as colorful, like this one at the famous Blue Lagoon.

Arnarstapi on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland — There are tiny fishing villages that look like something directly off a postcard. This is Arnarstapi on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall in Iceland — There are hidden waterfalls.

Hraunfossar in Iceland — And waterfalls that flow out through the porous rock of lava fields.

Behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland — And other waterfalls that you can walk behind, like Seljalandsfoss.

Ice cave beneath Vatnajokull glacier — There are also ice caves in the glaciers, like this big blue beauty beneath Vatnajokull.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula coastal walk — Are you convinced that Iceland is magical yet?

Iceland lava field — A rainbow stretching over the thick green moss that covers a lava field.

Volcanic crater in Iceland — You'll find signs of volcanoes everywhere, like this colorful crater.

Glacier ice beach in Iceland — The beaches are mostly black, but that's not sand you see – it's volcanic ash. (And yes, that's bits of glacier on this beach near Jokulsarlon, too.)

Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland — The colors are all at once muted and neon.

Sunset at Gerðuberg basalt columns in Iceland — Could you ask for a better sunset than the sun slowly dipping behind the Gerðuberg basalt columns?

Mýrdalsjökull glacier in Iceland — In Iceland, you find glaciers on top of active volcanoes, covered in a thin layer of black ash.

Strokkur geyser in Iceland — You'll also find geysers! Strokkur, pictured here, erupts every 6-7 minutes, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Snorkeling Silfra in Iceland — You can also snorkel the clear blue water of Silfra, the rift caused by the separation of two of earth's tectonic plates. EPIC.

Gatklettur arch in Iceland — Along the coast, you can find beautiful sea arches like Gatklettur.

Reynisfjara beach in Iceland — You'll also find these basalt columns everywhere – they're formed when hot lava meets the sea and cools.

Iceland landscape — No matter where you are, you can count on rounding a corner and coming face to face with a view like this.

Gullfoss in Iceland — Another of Iceland's famous waterfalls. This is Gullfoss, part of the famous Golden Circle.

Reykjavik, Iceland — Even the capital city of Reykjavik looks magical, especially under a dusting of fresh snow.

So, are you convinced? Do you understand why everyone who's visited Iceland has gone so crazy over it?

Iceland is definitely magical, and it has certainly cast its spell on me. Even after two trips there, I know I'm not done.

I'll be back.

For further reading:

And if you're planning an adventurous trip around Iceland, be sure to invest in a good travel insurance policy! That way everything from lost luggage to a bad accident is covered – because you just never know! I recommend World Nomads for basic (and really affordable) travel insurance.