Descending into the magma chamber of a volcano, traveling through lava or ice tunnels, watching a raging waterfall, diving into a fault line or sailing between icebergs, here is a selection of extraordinary experiences to experience in Iceland.

A land of ice and lava, Iceland is a mysterious and wild island where nature is king. Surrounded by vast expanses of water, crossed by endless fjords and covered with steaming volcanoes, it has unique landscapes against which you can live memorable experiences.

Dive into the bowels of the earth at Þingvellir

Located in the Þingvellir National Park, the Silfrugjá Fault is a continental fissure where you can enjoy snorkeling. If the water is cold, around 2°C, a good wetsuit is enough to enjoy its breathtaking clarity without shivering. The volcanic rocks lining the seabed and walls filter these crystalline waters so that the fault line that cuts through the ground and separates the North American and Eurasian plates is clearly visible.

Immersed in the water, you feel the solemnity of the place. All is calm in this underwater world witnessing intense geological activity.

Descend into the heart of a sleeping volcano, the Thrihnukagigur.

After an easy hike of about 1 hour through the lava fields, you are at the foot of the volcano Thrihnukagigur, near Reykjavik. Asleep for almost 4000 years, it contains a huge magma chamber 120 m deep, in which you descend in a gondola. Along the 6-minute journey, you don’t know where to look. The beauty of the place is breathtaking, the rock lights up in a rainbow of shades from ochre to purple.

Crossing a thousand-year-old lava tunnel at Raufarhólshellir

In the south, the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnels are among the most famous in the world. This place formed by a lava flow is 5200 years old. During its exploration, you wander through the purple, blue and golden-tinged volcanic rocks. Only the running water, which turns into stalactites in winter, disturbs the silence of the place.

Take refuge under one of the world’s largest glaciers in Vatnajökull.

Vatnajökull National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the eponymous glacier, considered the largest in the world outside the Arctic. In this vast 8,100 square kilometre natural wonder, you’ll discover ice caves with superb shades of blue, from a crystalline pearl to the deepest azure. Formed following the summer melting of the glacier, they are veritable ice cases delimited by translucent walls. The visit takes you under the glacier, into a cavity with high ceilings and frozen ground. Strolling through this gallery, you will be far from everything and as close as possible to the Earth.

Feeling very small in front of the Dettifoss waterfall

Considered the most powerful waterfall in Europe, this waterfall is located in the north of the island. The cliff of basaltic organs lets out a torrent of water which falls over 40 m. A real spectacle that never stops, these untamed masses of water captivate locals and visitors alike.

Sailing as close as possible to the icebergs on Lake Jökulsárlón

In the Vatnajökull National Park, melting glaciers have given way to Lake Jökulsárlón, which covers an area of almost 18 km². It is surrounded by a black sand beach with icebergs and the 910 m high ice cap in the background.

From the Jökulsárlón cafe on the south-eastern shore of the lake, you board an amphibious boat that takes you out onto the calm waters. The trip lasts about 40 minutes, during which time you get up close and personal with the huge blocks of ice.

Getting lost in the lunar landscapes of Lake Mývatn

Grey cracked soils, bubbling ponds and volcanic craters, welcome to the shores of Lake Mývatn and the Diamond Circle in northeast Iceland. The 36.5 km² lake is dotted with about 50 islands of greenery. In places, hot spring fumaroles fill the atmosphere with water vapour.

Go whale watching in the fjords of Eyjafjörður.

In the middle of the Eyjafjörður fjords, boat trips sometimes hold some nice surprises. The trip is a unique opportunity to admire the mountains of the Tröllaskagi peninsula, literally the troll peninsula, which are reflected in the cold waters. It is not uncommon to see whales gushing out of these salt waters.

Explore the Eastern Fjord region

Feeling alone in the world, in the middle of unpredictable nature, this is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have during your trip to Iceland. Vertiginous waterfalls, islands inhabited by puffins, peaceful lakes, the Eastern Fjords region is explored for all its treasures.