Feeling the urge to travel somewhere truly unique on your next vacation? For just an 8–10 hour flight from Ohio, you could find yourself in one of the most breathtaking and otherworldly destinations on Earth — Iceland!

From thundering waterfalls and black sand beaches to vast glaciers and erupting geysers, Iceland is a place where nature feels alive at every turn. You can soak in natural hot springs under the midnight sun, explore ice caves beneath volcanoes, or chase the magical Northern Lights across the Arctic sky.

Here are a few must-see spots to add to your Iceland itinerary:

The Golden Circle (Day Trip from Reykjavík)

• Geysir Geothermal Area – Home to the erupting Strokkur Geyser, which shoots boiling water every few minutes.
• Gullfoss Waterfall – One of Iceland’s most iconic and photogenic waterfalls.

South Coast

• Seljalandsfoss – A waterfall you can walk behind for an unforgettable view.
• Skógafoss – A mighty curtain waterfall; climb the stairs beside it for panoramic vistas.
• Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – Near Vík; famous for its basalt columns and roaring Atlantic waves (beware of strong “sneaker” waves!).
• Vatnajökull National Park – Home to Europe’s largest glacier; go ice-caving or glacier hiking near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach, where icebergs wash ashore.

East Iceland

• Seyðisfjörður – A picturesque fjord town known for its colorful houses and creative atmosphere.
• Hengifoss Waterfall – One of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, surrounded by striking red rock layers.

North Iceland

• Goðafoss Waterfall – The magnificent “Waterfall of the Gods.”
• Lake Mývatn – A geothermal wonderland of pseudocraters, lava fields, and hot springs (don’t miss the Mývatn Nature Baths).
• Dettifoss – Europe’s most powerful waterfall — awe-inspiring in its force.
• Húsavík – Iceland’s whale-watching capital, where you can often spot humpbacks and even blue whales.

West Iceland

• Snæfellsjökull Glacier – The crown of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
• Kirkjufell Mountain – Instantly recognizable from Game of Thrones.
• Arnarstapi and Hellnar – Scenic coastal cliffs with dramatic sea views.