Is Iceland worth visiting?
Our answer is a resounding yes, although we admit we may be slightly biased.
Hidden Iceland exists because we love this extraordinary country. Most of our team including our travel experts and local guides were born and raised here, while others arrived later in life and never wanted to leave. Together, we know Iceland not just as a destination, but as home.
What makes Iceland so special is the striking contrast of its landscapes. Where else can you stand between glaciers and volcanoes, watch waterfalls tumble into ancient canyons, soak in naturally heated hot springs, and witness the Northern Lights shimmer across the sky? Every journey reveals something unexpected.
But Iceland is more than its dramatic scenery. It’s the feeling of breathing some of the world’s cleanest air, the silence of vast open spaces, the warmth of local hospitality, and the sense of adventure that follows you wherever you go.
There are countless reasons to visit Iceland, but these are the experiences that make it a destination unlike anywhere else on Earth.
The Sights
In Iceland, the forces that shaped the land thousands of years ago remain visible today. Fresh lava fields, retreating glaciers, steaming valleys and waterfalls cutting through ancient rock all reveal an ever-changing landscape. The result is a country where dramatic changes in terrain can unfold within a single day’s journey.
Volcanic Wonders
Take the volcanic beauty of the Reykjanes Peninsula, for example. The 2021 eruption near Fagradalsfjall marked the beginning of a new chapter of volcanic activity in the region, shaping an already extraordinary landscape with fresh lava flows. Where it is officially permitted, you can explore these young lava fields on foot, or experience their immense scale from above on a helicopter tour, where the intricate patterns and textures of the newly formed terrain are revealed in full. Since this eruption, we’ve had several others in the same area, marking the start of a more active period of volcanic activity, that is expected to continue for years to come.
Iceland’s volcanic story also continues beneath the surface. Raufarhólshellir formed around 5,200 years ago, when the surface of a lava flow cooled and hardened while molten rock continued to move underneath. Today, you can walk through the immense passage it left behind, surrounded by rippled walls, collapsed skylights and delicate lava formations.
Waterfalls
One of the many reasons Iceland is worth visiting is its many majestic waterfalls, from immense torrents to the slender streams that descend through quiet valleys.
North Iceland has many extraordinary examples. We recommend visiting Dettifoss and feeling the rocks vibrating beneath your feet, or experiencing the serene Goðafoss waterfall to fully appreciate the quiet openness of the north.
Our private guides can plan the day around thoughtful timings and quieter viewpoints, creating more space to pause and take in each setting.
Wildlife
Iceland’s coastlines, wetlands and wide-open spaces reward those who take the time to look a little closer. Along the shores of West Iceland, harbour seals – and occasionally gray seals – can be found lounging across the rocks, while further inland, you can ride the famously friendly Icelandic horses across stunning landscapes, while dodging the countless free roaming sheep.
From the saddle of a sure-footed Icelandic horse, the landscape takes on a slower rhythm, with open plains stretching towards distant mountains – inviting you to create a deeper connection with the landscapes around you.
Seasonal Wonders
Another reason Iceland is worth visiting is that it offers something remarkable in every season. Unlike many destinations where the experience is tied to a particular time of year, Iceland’s landscapes, wildlife and natural wonders continue to inspire throughout the calendar. This is what makes it the perfect destination to book a last minute trip.
In the winter, the most elusive spectacle is of course the Northern Lights. While they are not always guaranteed to appear, when they do, the result is unforgettable. With local knowledge of the best viewing locations and conditions, our guides know how to maximise your chances of witnessing this remarkable natural phenomenon.
But it’s not the only attraction that comes with the colder months.
Winter is also the principal season for exploring naturally formed glacier ice caves. These stunning sapphire blue spaces can be entered when conditions have been assessed as safe, accompanied by an experienced glacier guide.
Afterwards, there is no better way to end the day than soaking in warm geothermal waters, watching steam rise into the crisp winter air as Iceland’s volcanic and icy landscapes meet.
The summer in Iceland offers a very different kind of Iceland.
The seabirds return to the cliffs, most notably with the 10 million or so Atlantic puffins returning to nest. Wildflowers dot the volcanic hillsides, with the purple Alaskan lupine engulfing the view in early summer. From mid-May to mid-July, the midnight sun keeps Iceland’s nights luminous, creating an unhurried rhythm for exploration and adventure.
Few other places on Earth can offer quite the same contrast.
Luxury Experiences
One of the reasons Iceland is such a remarkable destination is the way it effortlessly combines adventure with luxury activities. Here, a day can begin exploring dramatic volcanic landscapes and end soaking in geothermal waters, enjoying exceptional cuisine or retreating to a peaceful countryside hideaway.
Iceland’s geothermal energy has shaped a unique bathing culture, from traditional local swimming pools and natural hot springs to world-renowned retreats such as the Blue Lagoon and the tranquil Forest Lagoon. These experiences offer the perfect opportunity to slow down, relax and reconnect with Iceland’s natural surroundings.
The country’s culinary scene has also evolved significantly in recent decades. When DILL received Iceland’s first Michelin star in 2017, it brought international recognition to a new generation of Icelandic cuisine, one that celebrates seasonal ingredients, local traditions and the unique flavours of the island. These days, Iceland has a number of Michelin starred and Michelin recommended restaurants, not to mention a few Michelin Key hotels along the way.
For those looking to explore at a slower pace, hiking offers an intimate way to experience Iceland’s landscapes. Wander through geothermal valleys, cross vast black-sand deserts, or join an expert glacier guide to walk across a living expanse of ice, learning how to read its crevasses, ridges and ever-changing surface. Discover more inspiration in our guide to Iceland’s most scenic hiking trails.
For those seeking something more exhilarating, Iceland also delivers. From ATV adventures across volcanic terrain to private helicopter flights revealing the country’s dramatic landscapes from above, there are countless ways to experience Iceland’s wild beauty.
See For Yourself
We can outline the many reasons why we believe Iceland is worth visiting, but every trip is different. Your ideal escape will be unique – and unique is what we specialise in. Our guides and travel experts shape each itinerary around your interests and preferred travel style, creating a journey that is entirely your own.
Start Planning Your Luxury Trip to Iceland
Or call us today at +354-770-5733 or email info@hiddeniceland.is to begin planning your own tailor-made trip to Iceland.