Iceland is a country of supernatural beauty, cascading waterfalls, vast glaciers and geothermal bubbles. Although the major tourist attraction is the capital Reykjavik, with the colorful streets, its vibrant culture, and night life, the true beauty of Iceland is the smaller cities and the secret places.
Travelling out of Reykjavik allows tourists to have a special look on the real life of the Icelandic people, as nature is the main attraction, and people live in their communities in awe with stunning nature. Individual towns have their own character, history, and places of interest worth visiting, whether you are just in search of adventure, peace, or an experience of culture.
As someone planning to travel, it can be beneficial to learn about the different best Icelandic towns to plan a trip that is both full of attractions and still authentic to the locals.
When organizing your trip to Iceland, it is important that before departing you are well organized in terms of your travel papers especially your Iceland Visa or Iceland travel visa, depending on your country of origin.
These give easy accessibility and the option of visiting any town outside the capital easily. Originating in fishing communities and existing geothermal capitals, Iceland towns are an ideal starting point to see natural marvels and at the same time, offer comfortable accommodation, local cuisine, and cultural immersion.
This guide will list the best Icelandic towns to visit to assist those who are interested in visiting to experience a combination of beautiful scenery, history, and adventure. Having an Iceland adventure is as incredible as the scenery itself can be with proper planning, you will have memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland.
Akureyri is the second-largest urban center in Iceland, often known as the Capital of North Iceland, and a center of activity outside of Reykjavik. The town is located at the foot of the Eyjafjord fjord where the snow-capped mountains are reflected in the waters. The quaint downtown of Akureyri is full of colorful houses, quaint cafes, and boutique stores.
The town also boasts a botanical garden, one of the most northern in the world, that is beautiful as it flowers in Icelandic summers. Whale-watching tours are available in winter, there are ski resorts, and there are waterfalls like Goðafoss that enjoy the open air.
Akureyri is also a destination worth visiting throughout the year as it hosts cultural festivals that are found in the area. Akureyri is a wonderful place to explore, whether you walk along the harbor or taste local Icelandic cuisine, and you need to pull out the guts to go outside of Reykjavik.
2. Ísafjördur – Port to the Westfjords.
In the rugged Westfjords, Isafjordur is a small town, population of a little above 2500. Its isolated position renders it to those tourists who need a relaxing vacation amidst fjord and mountains. Historical architecture, museums, and relatively close access to several nature reserves make Ísafjörður a destination to learn more about the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, a home of the arctic fox and the seabirds.
Visitors will find themselves able to participate in activities such as kayaking through fjords, hiking trails with stunning views, and enjoy traditional seafood dishes in local restaurants. Ísafjordur is a bright example of Icelandic calm life and has the most dramatic scenery in the country at hand. You will not forget Ísafjörld when you visit Iceland to sightsee most of the Icelandic towns outside the usual tourist trail.
3. Vik – The Southern Coastal Gem
Vvik in Myrdal or simply Vik is a beautiful town located in the southern coast of Iceland, with its black sand beaches and impressive basalt cliffs. Although it is a small town, there are access to some of the most iconic natural features in Iceland such as Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrholaey Peninsula, and Mylrdalsjokul Glacier.
Vik offers what is ideal to a traveler in the form of dramatic scenery, photography and serene environment. The beauty of the town is its distinctive location on the coast, where the sound of the Atlantic waves is in perfect contrast to the calmness of Icelandic life. Vik is also home to cozy guesthouses and restaurants with locally prepared food, and is a great place to visit in the quest to discover the best Icelandic towns of the south.
4. Seyðisfjörður – A Creative Haven
Seyydisfjordur is an artistic, colorful town in East Iceland with vibrant buildings, events and arts community. It is isolated by mountains and fjords and can be reached through picturesque mountain pass that provides spectacular views. It is culturally identifiable, and galleries, studios and music festivals draw on the cultural talents of various people in the world.
The serene atmosphere of Seyldisfjord has made it a perfect destination where tourists love to wander through local trades, mingle with locals or just admire the beauty of nature. The harbor in the town is of historical importance as it was used as a trading post. The combination of culture, art and nature makes Seydfjorde one of the best Icelandic towns to visit other than reykjavik.
5. Whale Watching Capital of Husavik.
The small settlement of Húsavik in North Iceland is considered as the whale-watching capital of the country and it provides a memorable marine experience. The waters surrounding the town, which lie on Skjalfandi Bay, are a major home to many species of whales including humpback, minkes, and blue whales. Besides whale watching, Huskavvik has a lovely harbor, a colorful town, and the Huskavvik Whale Museum, a place that gives information about marine life and conservation programs.
Hot springs, geothermal, and volcanic geography Adventure seekers also have the opportunity to explore local volcanic areas, geothermal areas, and hot springs. Huskavik is a valuable place that tourists should visit to see the best Icelandic towns but especially those who are interested to see marine wildlife and the natural beauty of Northern Iceland.
6. Hidden East Iceland in Borgarfjordir.
Those who want to be alone and experience pure nature will find Borgarfjordur Eystri in East Iceland the right place. The town has a fame of puffin colonies, hiking trails, and peaceful fjords. Borgarfjordur Eystridis is a peephole to the real Icelandic lifestyle; small farms, hospitable people, and not many tourists.
The mountain trails in the region offer spectacular views of rocky cliffs, fjords and wildlife to nature enthusiasts and photographers. One may also find local folklore and Icelandic sagas related to the area. Borgarfjordur Eystri is an ideal companion to an Icelandic itinerary of the best towns in the country and a source of both calm and excitement.
7. Egilsstaadir The Hub of East Iceland.
Egilsstaadir is a landing point to East Iceland and offers access to fjords, mountains and natural reserves. The actual town is not big but has plenty of facilities, hotels and offerings. The convenient position of Egilsstaðir gives it ease of accessing the surrounding attractions of Lagarfljöt Lake, Hallormsstaður Forest, and Hengifoss Waterfall.
The town integrates contemporary comfort with Icelandic flair and serves as a cozy hub of those who travel to the area. There is nothing Egilsstaadir lacks to be a place to easily stay and observe nature and its beauty as well as its culture. Egilsstaadir is a good practical and picturesque place to visit on a list of the best towns in Iceland.
8. Stykkisholmur – Coastal Jewel of West Iceland.
Stykkisholmur is a small town in the Snaeffellnes Peninsula in West Iceland. The town is situated beside Snæfellsjokull National Park and has a picturesque harbor with colorful buildings giving it a peaceful experience along the coast.
Stykkisholmur is where the boat tours of the Breiðafjord Bay, with its myriad islands, birds and abundant marine life begin. Tourists can visit local museums, stroll the quaint streets, or taste new seafood and enjoy the picturesque landscape. The beauty of Icelandic coastal towns is reflected in Stykkisholmur and the town is one of the best that offer culture, quiet and nature oriented experiences to the visitors of Iceland.
9. Selfoss South Icelands colorful center.
An active town in South Iceland, Self loss is located on the popular Golden Circle route and can be viewed as a base to discover waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic formations. The town has good accommodations, restaurants, and shopping, thus making it easier to travel to. The waterfall Seljalandsfoss, geothermal region of Hveragerdi as well as various hiking paths are all located close to the restaurant. Selfloss is both adventurous and comfortable, and it is the right place to visit the best Icelandic towns and remain near other significant sights.
10. Hveragerdhi – Geothermal Paradise
Hot springs, geothermal activity and greenhouses that use geothermal energy are famous attractions in Hveragerði. The town is situated near Reykjavik and features hiking paths, botanical gardens, and hot river baths.
This wellness and nature Icelandic geothermal center is ideal to visit when traveling to Iceland. One of the possible things that visitors can do is to enjoy the charm of the town, visit hot springs, walk along river of geothermal, and more. Hveragerdi is the one place that people should visit when they have gone to the best towns in Iceland and to those who have interest in the geothermal marvels of Iceland.
Journey to Iceland.
In the process of visiting such towns, one has to obtain the relevant travel documents. Those who travel to Iceland will need a Iceland Visa or Iceland travel visa. Being sure that you have your visa prepared will enable you to travel to these destinations without any hitches. Gokite Oman is one of the websites that provide an in-depth information on visa applications, which makes it easier to plan a trip to Iceland.
All towns have their own experience, such as whale watching in Húsavik or immersion in culture in Seyydisfjordur. Rough fjords, a colourful art scene, or cosy coastal villages: the towns in Iceland offer a wide range of travel experience outside Reykjavik.
Conclusion
Travelling outside Reykjavik will enable a tourist to discover the true beauty and charm of Iceland. The best Icelandic towns are each unique in terms of landscape, culture and they are all important place to visit during any Iceland trip. The crowded streets of Akureyri or the quiet fjords of Borgarfjord Eystri are all that a traveler of any kind could want.
With a good preparation with an Iceland Visa or Iceland travel visa, one is bound to have an easy time traveling to these fascinating places. To get informed and help with the travel organization, Gokite Oman offers an entire program of instructions to guide travelers in the exploration of Iceland without difficulties. A trip to these towns will be memorable, reflecting the finest aspects of Icelandic nature, culture and hospitality.