What region should you visit?

Even though there are only about 380.000 people living in Iceland, it's still a huge country with countless incredible attractions. Given that most of us only have so much time and money to explore, we want to make the right decisions when it comes to our trips - we want to get the most out of them. Each region of Iceland has it's unique characteristics and speciality and here's a quick guide to help you figure out which region fits your own interests the most.

SOUTH ICELAND

What's it all about?

• Waterfalls: Many of the most iconic waterfalls are lined up just by the ring road along the south coast.

• Glaciers / lagoons: The south coast is definitely your area if you want to explore and experience some glaciers and their lagoons.

• River braids: The glaciers result in incredible river braids all along the south coast.

• Easy to navigate: The south coast is pretty straight forward with so many classics just by the main road.

• Crowds: The price tag for all those incredible attractions is that there might be a lot of other people enjoying the same places you are. If that doesn't bother you then that's great but if you're looking for a bit more solitude, I made a separate travel tip on how to beat the crowds in Iceland.

EAST ICELAND

What's it all about?

• Culture: If you want to get a feel for how Iceland was in the past, the East- and Westfjords are great areas.

• Waterfalls: Iceland has so many waterfalls and the Eastfjords are no exception. However, many of them are not as accessible as the ones on the South Coast and might need a bit more work to get to. But that also means that you're more likely to have them to yourself.

• Fewer people: It's always been my feeling that I experience the most solitude in the Eastfjords out of all Iceland (it even beats many spots on the highlands). It's a large area with many fjords so travellers tend to spread out nicely.

• Charming seaside towns: In every fjord you'll drive through small charming towns, each with their own unique vibe.

• Mountains: You can really see the shift as you drive further east that the mountains seem to get bigger and more rugged.

• Hiking: There are countless hiking possibilities in the Eastfjords and many of my favourites go from one fjord to the next.

• Wildlife (puffins and reindeers): One of the biggest puffin colonies is in Borgarfjordur Eystri in the Eastfjords. The east is also the only region where you'll see reindeers.

NORTH ICELAND

What's it all about?

• Waterfalls: Some of the most epic waterfalls are located in the North and they're relatively easy to access.

• Nature: There are so many unique landscapes and natural wonders up in the North.

• Wildlife (whales and dolphins): The town of Husavik in the North is often called "the whale capital of the world" and has many solid tour operators that will make sure you'll see your fair share of marine wildlife.

• Winter sports: If you're looking for any type of winter sports in Iceland, the North is your best bet (especially Akureyri and Tröllaskagi).

WEST ICELAND

What's it all about?

• Westfjords:

  • Culture: Simular to the Eastfjords, if you want to get a feel for how Iceland was in the past, the Westfjords will not let you down.

  • Nature: You will be blown away by the landscapes of the Westfjords.

  • Wildlife: Puffins and foxes.

• Hot springs: You should be able to soak in at least two hot springs a day during your trip around West Iceland.

• Waterfalls: They're generally not as powerful as in the North and South (except Dynjandi) but there are many amazing waterfalls in West Iceland too.

• Snæfellsnes: Snæfellsnes has it all: A glacier, waterfalls, epic coastlines, small towns, mountains, volcanic craters and more.

• Reykjanes: Reykjanes actually (almost) has it all too, except a glacier (it's gone) but it adds up for it by erupting every now and then! So if you're into geology and volcanic activity, this is your area.

THE HIGHLANDS

What's it all about?

• Geothermal landscapes: There are many geothermal areas, valleys & geysers in specific areas of the highlands.

• Giant crater lakes: You can really see that something big went on some time ago but the best way to grasp the scale of it is by flying a drone.

• Epic hikes: So many one- and multi-day hiking trails in the highlands (Landmannalaugar probably being the most popular area for that).

• Vast areas: The highlands is were you most often get a feeling that you're on another planet with all the vast black deserts with moon like craters here and there.

• Raw nature: It's hard to explain but everything is just so raw and untouched in the highlands.

• Complicated to navigate: Of all the regions of Iceland, the highlands are the most difficult to plan and organzine. River crossings, where to stay, how to get from place to place etc. Don't be discouraged though, just do a little research and go for it! I'd always recommend a solid 4x4 with river crossing capabilities that you can also sleep in or have a tent.
  

I hope this helped and didn't just make your choice even harder! I know it can be difficult to pick and choose between regions in Iceland but I have some good news for you: There are no bad choices. Even though each part is unique and different from the others, they all have incredible landscapes, interesting culture, similar wildlife, good food, sideways rain and crazy locals. When you've had the chance to go over my guide you'll probably already have a feeling about which region calls to you the most - just go with that feeling and let the planning begin.