The jagged little island tossed adrift northwest of its Scandinavian neighbors is a wild and wonderful place, where Mother Nature has painted a spectacular landscape resembling a Pollock painting. It’s filled with gushing geysers, bubbling mud pools, volcanoes that spit out lava, and glaciers grinding deep valleys between jutting mountains. And the best part is that you can experience so many of these natural wonders within a short drive from Reykjavik, our capital city.

Among Explore Iceland’s Natural Wonders most famous sights is the Blue Lagoon, a glistening lagoon in southwestern Iceland that became viral after photos of its steaming ice-blue waters were shared online. While the Blue Lagoon does indeed soothe and revitalize, there are many more natural wonders that a visit to Iceland offers.

Beyond the Guidebooks: A Journey to Explore Iceland’s Unforgettable Natural Marvels

For example, in Haukadalur you’ll find the Great Geysir, one of the most impressive geysers in the world. Shooting geothermally heated water up to seventy meters into the air every four to ten minutes, it’s a sight you won’t soon forget.

Nearby is Dyrholaey, a tower of dark lava arching 120 meters into the sea and framed by hexagonal basalt columns. It’s a surreal sight and one of the best places in the country to watch a mesmerizing sunset. Then there’s Kerid Crater, a mossy green and burnt sienna caldera filled with a turquoise lake. Conveniently situated along the Golden Circle route, it’s a reminder of Iceland’s volcanic past.