Things to See in Iceland: A Seasonal Guide to the Best Sights

Discover Iceland’s Beauty in Every Season

Iceland is one of the most extraordinary travel destinations in the world, offering stunning landscapes, unique experiences, and breathtaking sights that transform throughout the year. From glaciers and Northern Lights in winter to lush green valleys and the Midnight Sun in summer, Iceland’s beauty is ever-changing.

Understanding what to see and when to visit can help travelers plan the perfect itinerary based on their interests and the seasonal wonders Iceland has to offer.

With Deluxe Iceland’s private luxury tours, you can explore Iceland’s top attractions in comfort and exclusivity, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure, no matter the time of year.

Winter (November – March): Ice Caves, Northern Lights & Snowy Landscapes

Winter in Iceland is a magical season, transforming the country into a snow-covered wonderland with frozen waterfalls, icy landscapes, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Best Things to See in Winter

1. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

The Northern Lights are one of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural phenomena, lighting up the Arctic sky in vibrant shades of green, pink, and purple.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Winter:

Þingvellir National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with low light pollution.
Kirkjufell Mountain – One of the most iconic photography spots.
Húsavík & North Iceland – Fewer crowds, better visibility.

VIP Experience with Deluxe Iceland:

Private Super Jeep Northern Lights tours to the best secluded viewing spots.
Luxury lodge stays with glass ceilings for uninterrupted views of the aurora.
Expert astrophotography guide to capture stunning Northern Lights photos.

2. Ice Caves Inside Glaciers

Iceland’s ice caves form only in winter, making them a must-visit seasonal attraction. These natural wonders, hidden inside glaciers, feature brilliant blue walls, frozen tunnels, and magical ice formations.

Best Ice Caves to Explore:
✔ Vatnajökull Glacier – Home to some of the most spectacular blue ice caves.
✔ Langjökull Glacier – Offers both natural and man-made ice tunnels.

VIP Experience with Deluxe Iceland:

Private guided ice cave explorations with an expert glacier guide.
Luxury helicopter tour over Vatnajökull, landing at remote ice caves.
Exclusive gourmet picnic inside an ice cave with champagne and Icelandic delicacies.

Spring (April – June): Waterfalls, Puffins & Blooming Landscapes

As winter fades and Iceland begins to thaw, spring brings longer daylight hours, powerful waterfalls, and the return of Iceland’s unique wildlife.

Best Things to See in Spring

1. Waterfalls at Their Most Powerful

Spring is the best time to visit Iceland’s waterfalls, as the melting snow increases the flow of water, creating dramatic cascades and roaring rapids.

Top Waterfalls to Visit in Spring:
✔ Gullfoss – Part of the Golden Circle, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.
✔ Seljalandsfoss – The waterfall you can walk behind for an immersive experience.
✔ Skógafoss – A massive 60-meter waterfall, often forming rainbows on sunny days.

VIP Experience with Deluxe Iceland:

Private helicopter tour over Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls.
Luxury photography tour at sunrise or sunset to capture waterfalls at their most dramatic.

2. Puffin Watching & Arctic Fox Spotting

Spring marks the arrival of Iceland’s beloved puffins, who return to nest along the country’s coastal cliffs. This is also a great time to spot Arctic foxes as they shed their winter coats.

Best Places to See Puffins & Arctic Foxes:
✔ Westman Islands – Home to one of the largest puffin colonies.
✔ Látrabjarg Cliffs (Westfjords) – Prime birdwatching location.
✔ Hornstrandir Nature Reserve – One of the best places to see Arctic foxes.

VIP Experience with Deluxe Iceland:

Private wildlife safari by boat or Super Jeep for up-close encounters.
Luxury birdwatching and photography tours with expert guides.

Summer (June – August): Midnight Sun, Highlands & Coastal Adventures

Summer in Iceland is pure magic, offering endless daylight, lush green landscapes, and incredible opportunities to explore remote highlands and coastal regions.

Best Things to See in Summer

1. Midnight Sun – 24 Hours of Daylight

From late May to late July, Iceland experiences the Midnight Sun, where the sun never fully sets, creating long golden hours and dreamy landscapes.

Best Places to Experience the Midnight Sun:
✔ Arctic Coast Way – Stunning views along Iceland’s northern coastline.
✔ Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Dramatic landscapes illuminated by golden light.

VIP Experience with Deluxe Iceland:

Luxury yacht cruise under the Midnight Sun, complete with fine dining.
Exclusive Midnight Sun photography tour in the Highlands.

2. Exploring Iceland’s Remote Highlands

The Highlands are only accessible in summer, offering breathtaking volcanic landscapes, rainbow-colored mountains, and hidden hot springs.

Best Highland Destinations:
✔ Landmannalaugar – Famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains and hiking trails.
✔ Askja Caldera – A massive volcanic crater with a geothermal lake.

VIP Experience with Deluxe Iceland:

Super Jeep tour into Iceland’s remote highlands with a private guide.
Helicopter landing in Landmannalaugar for a private hike and geothermal soak.

Fall (September – October): Northern Lights, Golden Landscapes & Cozy Retreats

Fall in Iceland offers vibrant autumn colors, fewer tourists, and the return of the Northern Lights.

Best Things to See in Fall

1. Golden Autumn Landscapes

As the green fields transition to golden hues, Iceland’s landscapes become a painter’s dream.

Best Places for Fall Colors:
✔ Þingvellir National Park – Golden leaves surrounding the rift valley.
✔ Vatnajökull National Park – Stunning autumn reflections in glacier lagoons.

VIP Experience with Deluxe Iceland:

Private scenic drive through Iceland’s most picturesque autumn spots.
Luxury countryside retreat stays with private spa experiences.

Plan Your Seasonal Iceland Adventure with Deluxe Iceland

No matter the season, Iceland offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are best enjoyed with private, customized tours. With Deluxe Iceland, you can: