Where do I even start? There’s not enough words to properly describe Iceland.
If it’s been sitting on your bucket list, I’m here to tell you to grab a family member or a friend and go!
As a meteorologist, earth science-nerd and lover of all things nature, Iceland was truly a dream of a destination.
My uncle and I booked tickets and headed over to the land of fire and ice in November and I think our vocabulary was almost exclusively “wow” and “this looks like we’re on a different planet.”
But since pretty much everything about Iceland is amazing, I’m here to tell you my 5 must-sees.
1. Skógafoss
Skógafoss is one of the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland for a reason — like let’s just take a second for this picture.
A gorgeous drive along the South Coast will lead you to this behemoth of a waterfall. But what you can’t see from the road — or even from just farther back — is its hidden secret.
So my advice – strap on your crampons, put on your rain gear and head closer to the water.
If you get lucky with a cloudless day and the sun low on the horizon like we did, a brilliant rainbow just might appear.
I think I pinched myself while I was standing there in awe. I truly don’t think I’ve ever seen such a full and vibrant rainbow in my life.
2. Silfra
For those of you earth science-lovers out there, snorkeling at Silfra is something you do not want to miss.
The Silfra fissure marks where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly moving away from each other — at the same speed as your fingernails grow, according to my guide.
But not only can you reach out and touch two continents at once while being BETWEEN them, but you can even take a drink straight out of the water!
The water in the fissure is known for being some of the clearest in the world since it originates from the Langjökull Glacier and undergoes filtration from porous underground lava for decades.
And don’t worry, the dry suits will keep you nice and toasty while you traverse through the stretch marks of the earth.
3. Diamond Beach
Slow down, there’s no real diamonds on this beach.
But there’s something even better (or should I say cooler?): chunks of glacial ice.
Icebergs from the nearby Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon wash ashore here, creating a dazzling display against the black sand beach.
This was one of the many times this week we looked at each other and said it looks almost other-worldly.
Even though it’s a little bit of a trek to get to this spot, I can confidently say it’s worth the stop.
4. Bjarnarfoss
Two words: golden hour.
We got up early and hit the road to the west coast of the island, so by the time we reached Bjarnarfoss (try to say that three times fast) the sun had just risen over the horizon.
Being there during the golden hues of the morning, the hills surrounding the falls almost seemed like they were glowing.
And being a little off the beaten path, we had this waterfall all to ourselves to enjoy.
A winding trail will take you up past the bubbling stream of water and clusters of evergreen trees to get a closer look at the towering falls.
So, if you’re looking for a peaceful stop with striking natural views, this is the place for you.
5. Middle of Nowhere…
…to see the Northern Lights!
The great thing about aurora-hunting is you have a chance of seeing them anywhere the sky is clear and dark — which means far away from any cities or light pollution.
So, when our guide drove us out of Reykjavík, I can honestly say I had no clue where we were but it was very dark and clear …and cold.
Now, I want it on record that you should bring every single layer you have. It is COLD waiting for the lights to make their appearance. And it can certainly take some time.
I’m not going to lie, I got a little discouraged after 3 hours of waiting that we weren’t going to see them, but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.
The auroras lit up the sky in brilliant green hues just after midnight and danced around as we stared in awe.
This has always been a bucket list item for me and I can honestly tell you its 100% worth everything it takes to see them.
So, if all of those pictures haven’t convinced you to take a trip to Iceland yet, I don’t know what will.
Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Have you already been to Iceland? Let me know your favorites below.
Caitlin Kaiser graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences before starting her career as a digital meteorologist with weather.com.