Get into the history of Iceland at Thingvellir National Park, witness the powerful beauty of a multi-tiered waterfall at Gullfoss and walk among bubbling geothermal pools at Geysir Geothermal Area.

Learn about some of the thrilling and somewhat gruesome history of Iceland at Thingvellir National Park. It’s significance is so great that it is a designated UNESCO world heritage site. You’ll walk the grounds where Icelandic democracy began and visit sites where Viking-era justice was carried out including the Drowning Pool and the Gallows Rock. Thingvellir is also the place where two tectonic plates are gradually separating creating a gorgeous landscape of steep cliffs and broad fields featuring Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.

The Great Geysir, the first of its name, resides in Haukadalur in the Geysir Geothermal Area. The entire area is bubbling with geothermal activity from steam vents to boiling mud pits and the real stars of the geothermal show, the geysers. All other geysers, the world over, are named for Geysir.

While the Great Geysir erupts only occasionally these days, the last time being in 2016, nearby geyser Strokkur erupts regularly delighting onlookers by shooting hot water high into the air every few minutes.

The most popular waterfall in Iceland is, without a doubt, Gullfoss (the golden falls). And that is saying quite a lot in a country that is home to thousands of waterfalls. Gullfoss is also considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Iceland and it is certainly one of the largest. Hearing the roar of the Hvita River as it plunges 32 meters over two tiers into the gorge below is exhilarating. On sunny days, rainbows are abundant in the mist rising from the falls and there are several paths available around the waterfall including one leading down to its bottom so come equipped with your raincoat and have your camera at the ready.

Kerið is a striking volcanic crater known for its vivid red slopes and turquoise lake at the bottom. Visitors can walk along the rim for panoramic views of the crater and surrounding landscape, or follow a safe path down to the lake itself. The site offers a close look at Iceland’s volcanic geology and is an easy, accessible stop that allows time for photos and short walks.