If you’ve ever dreamed of a land where fire meets ice, where glaciers sit beside steaming hot springs, and where untouched wilderness stretches for miles — Iceland is calling your name. This Nordic island nation offers some of the most breathtaking nature in the world, and for travelers seeking raw beauty, adventure, and serenity, Iceland is truly unmatched.
In this article, we’ll explore the types of nature in Iceland, what makes it so special, and why it should be on your travel bucket list.
🌻 BONUS FACT: Iceland has more sheep than people! With around 330,000 residents and over 800,000 sheep, you’re far more likely to pass a fluffy herd than a traffic jam.
🌽 Did you know? The Icelandic moss that carpets lava fields can take up to 100 years to grow back if damaged — another reason to tread lightly and respectfully.
🌽 1. Glaciers and Ice Caves One of the defining features of Icelandic nature is its vast ice landscapes. Over 11% of the country is covered in glaciers, the largest being Vatnajökull, which is also one of the largest glaciers in Europe. These frozen giants shape the land, carving valleys and feeding rivers.
Top glacier experiences for travelers:
- Glacier hiking on Sólheimajökull
- Ice cave tours (best from November to March)
- Snowmobiling on Langjökull
🌋 2. Volcanoes and Lava Fields Iceland sits right on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pull apart. This makes it one of the most volcanically active places on Earth, with eruptions shaping the landscape even today.
Don’t miss:
- The black lava fields around Lake Mývatn
- Fagradalsfjall volcano (last erupted in 2021 and 2022)
- Lava tunnels like Raufarhólshellir
- The chance to walk between two continents at Þingvellir National Park
💧 3. Waterfalls Everywhere With its glacial rivers and mountainous terrain, Iceland is home to thousands of waterfalls — each with its own character. Some fall in wide, roaring torrents, while others trickle down moss-covered cliffs.
Must-see waterfalls:
- Gullfoss — part of the Golden Circle
- Skógafoss — majestic and powerful
- Seljalandsfoss — you can walk behind it!
- Dettifoss — Europe’s most powerful waterfall
🌿 4. Geothermal Wonders Beneath Iceland’s surface lies a powerhouse of geothermal activity. From hot springs to mud pots to geysers, the Earth’s energy bursts through in dramatic and colorful ways.
Top geothermal attractions:
- Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon
- Hverir — a bubbling, Mars-like geothermal field
- Reykjadalur — a valley with a warm river you can bathe in
- Geysir — the original geyser that gave its name to all others
🐦 5. Icelandic Wildlife and Birdlife Though Iceland doesn’t have a wide variety of mammals, it’s rich in marine life and birdlife. Its clean air and water make it a haven for wildlife lovers.
Wildlife highlights:
- Puffin watching (best from May to August)
- Whale watching from Húsavík or Reykjavik
- Arctic fox sightings in the Westfjords
- Icelandic horses — small, sturdy, and uniquely gaited
🌌 6. Northern Lights and Midnight Sun Iceland’s sky offers some of the most magical natural experiences on Earth.
- Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Best seen from late September to April, especially in remote northern regions.
- Midnight Sun: In summer, the sun barely sets — giving you nearly 24 hours of daylight for exploration, especially in June and early July.
This makes Iceland an ideal destination year-round — whether you’re chasing the aurora or hiking at midnight under a glowing sky.
🏖️ Why Nature in Iceland is So Special Iceland’s nature is not just beautiful — it’s raw, elemental, and often untouched. From glacier-fed rivers and black sand beaches to lava deserts and steaming geothermal valleys, this is a country where the Earth still feels alive. Every vista feels cinematic, every element in constant motion. There’s a sense of peace here, but also of awe.
✈️ Planning Your Trip Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, nature lover, or simply looking to disconnect and recharge, Iceland’s nature offers something unforgettable. If you’re planning to visit Iceland, thoughtful preparation can turn a great trip into a truly life-changing experience — and that’s where we come in.
At Scandi Travel, we specialize in creating tailor-made Iceland travel experiences, connecting you with the country’s most iconic and hidden natural wonders. From glacier hikes and ice cave explorations to relaxing in geothermal lagoons and chasing the Northern Lights — we’ll help you experience Iceland at its most magical.
🛋️ We also offer a carefully curated selection of Iceland travel packages to suit different interests and seasons.
👉 Explore our travel packages here
4-Day Iceland Expedition: Nature’s Best
14-Day Nordic Cities Adventure: Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki & Iceland
