Viewpoints in Iceland

Jökulsárlón has to be one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. It's absolutely a must stop! Icebergs break off the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift across the water toward the sea and you'll be able to spot them.

Best time: Year-round; best at low tide. Free. 15m basalt stack — 'troll turned to stone.' Steep path to beach. Seals often at Vatnsnes peninsula. Allow 30–45 min. Gravel road last stretch. Best photos at low tide. Ring Road adjacent.

Faxafoss is a waterfall in South Iceland where the Faxá River drops in two stages through a narrow canyon, creating a powerful cascade that's best viewed from the marked viewpoint on the road. The setting is raw and dramatic—the water rushes through dark rock walls, and on clear days you can see the surrounding highlands. It's a quick stop on Route 1 or if you're exploring the inland routes, worth a few minutes if you're interested in waterfalls beyond the main tourist circuit.

Fjallsárlón is a small proglacial lake fed by the Fjallsjökull glacier outlet, nestled in the highlands southeast of Vatnajökull. From the viewpoint you get close views of the glacier's face reflected in the meltwater lagoon, with icebergs sometimes drifting in the water, all without the crowds that gather at the better-known Jökulsárlón nearby. It's worth the short detour if you're already in the area and want a quieter perspective on Iceland's glacial activity.

Asbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon in North Iceland carved by ancient glacial floods, with steep basalt walls rising around 100 meters on either side. The viewpoint at the rim gives you a clear perspective of the canyon's dramatic U-shape and the forested valley below, where a small stream now flows. It's easily accessible from the main road and worth a stop if you're traveling through the Húnaflói region or heading toward Ásbyrgi National Forest.