Top Tourist Attractions in Iceland: 2025 Guide For Travellers From Pakistan

 

Iceland is called the Land of Fire and Ice for a reason. Where else can you see glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, hot springs and the northern lights in one trip?

For travellers from Pakistan, Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime destination that combines raw natural beauty with modern European comfort. In this detailed 2025 guide, we explore the top tourist attractions in Iceland, the best time to visit, practical tips, and how Malik Express Travel & Tours can help you plan an unforgettable journey from Pakistan.

Why Visit Iceland In 2025?

1. World-Class Natural Wonders

Iceland is filled with waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, lava fields and coastal cliffs. Leading Iceland travel resources highlight the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss), the South Coast and the Blue Lagoon as must-visit regions for first-time visitors.

2. Peak Northern Lights Years

Because of increased solar activity, 2024-2026 are expected to be some of the best years to see the northern lights in Iceland, with 2025 sitting around the solar maximum.

That means brighter auroras and better chances, even in parts of southern Iceland.

3. Flexible Itineraries And Easy Access

You can explore Iceland with:

• Short 4-5 day stopovers focusing on Reykjavik, Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon
• 6-8 day trips covering South Coast highlights
• Longer Ring Road journeys circling the whole island

Top Tourist Attractions In Iceland

Most first-time visitors from Pakistan combine Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Blue Lagoon and at least one northern lights experience.

1. Reykjavik - Iceland’s Colourful Capital

Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland and a compact, walkable city filled with colourful houses, street art, cosy cafés and sea views.

Highlights:

• Hallgrímskirkja Church - iconic church with a viewing tower over the city
• Harpa Concert Hall - glass building on the harbour with modern architecture
• Old Harbour area with whale-watching tours and restaurants

Tip: Spend at least one full day exploring Reykjavik on foot before heading out on road trips.

2. The Golden Circle - Iceland’s Classic Route

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most famous sightseeing route and an essential for first-time visitors. It is an easy loop from Reykjavik (around 190–250 km) that covers three main attraction:

a) Þingvellir National Park

• Historic site of Iceland’s first parliament (Alþingi), founded in 930 AD
• Visible rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet
• You can walk between the plates and admire lakes and lava fields around you.

b) Geysir Geothermal Area

• Home to hot springs, bubbling mud pools and geysers
• The main active geyser Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes, often up to 20-30 metres high
• This is one of the best places to see Iceland’s geothermal power in action.

c) Gullfoss Waterfall

Also called the Golden Falls

• Powerful, two-tiered waterfall plunging into a deep canyon
• Viewing platforms allow you to get close to the roaring water
• Optional Stops on the Golden Circle

Many 2025 travel guides Recommend Adding Stops Such As:

• Kerið Crater - colourful volcanic crater lake
• Secret Lagoon - smaller natural hot spring pool

Tip: Combine the Golden Circle with the Blue Lagoon in one long day, or split them across two more relaxed days.

3. Blue Lagoon - Famous Geothermal Spa

The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s iconic geothermal spa, set in a lava field near the Reykjanes Peninsula. It is known worldwide for its milky-blue water, rich in silica and minerals, and is among the country’s most popular attractions.

Why Visit:

• Soak in warm, mineral-rich water (around 37-39°C) all year round
• Use free silica mud masks for your skin
• Relax after a long flight or before flying home

The lagoon is located roughly 15-20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport and about 45 minutes from Reykjavik.

Tips For Visiting Blue Lagoon:

• Book tickets in advance; time slots often sell out.
• Bring swimwear and flip-flops. Towels can be rented, but bringing your own may be cheaper.
• Take a quick shower before entering the lagoon, as required in Icelandic spas.

4. South Coast - Waterfalls, Black Sand Beaches And Glaciers

The South Coast is considered one of Iceland’s most scenic regions and is often called “unmissable” for first-timers.

Key stops from Reykjavik towards the southeast include:

a) Seljalandsfoss And Skógafoss Waterfalls

• Seljalandsfoss - tall waterfall that you can walk behind in summer for unique photos
• Skógafoss - powerful 60-metre waterfall with a wide curtain of water and a staircase to a viewpoint above

Both waterfalls are ranked among Iceland’s top natural attractions.

b) Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Vik

• Famous black sand beach with basalt columns and sea stacks (Reynisdrangar)
• Located near the town of Vik

Safety Tip: Large “sneaker waves” can suddenly surge up the beach. Keep a safe distance from the waterline and respect warning signs.

c) Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon And Diamond Beach

• Farther along the South Coast lies Jökulsárlón, a glacier lagoon filled with drifting icebergs. Across the road, broken chunks of ice wash up on the black sand of Diamond Beach, creating striking contrasts.
• Boat tours on the lagoon operate in season, allowing close views of the icebergs and sometimes seals.

5. Snæfellsnes Peninsula - “Iceland In Miniature”

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, northwest of Reykjavik, is often described as “Iceland in miniature” because it includes cliffs, beaches, lava fields, mountains and a glacier within a compact area.

Highlights:

• Kirkjufell mountain and its waterfall - one of Iceland’s most photographed spots
• Snæfellsjökull glacier and national park
• Fishing villages and coastal viewpoints

This region is perfect if you want Iceland’s varied landscapes without driving the full Ring Road.

6. Northern Lights In Iceland (Aurora Borealis)

Seeing the northern lights is a major dream for many travellers from Pakistan. Thanks to strong solar activity, 2025 is expected to be an especially good year for auroras, with the solar maximum increasing both frequency and brightness of displays.

Best time Of year:

From mid-September to mid-April, when nights are dark and long.

Best places In Iceland:

• Areas with low light pollution outside Reykjavik
• South Coast countryside
• Thingvellir National Park
• North Iceland and the Westfjords on longer trips

Tips For Seeing The Northern Lights:

• Stay at least 3-4 nights to increase your chances.
• Join guided tours that chase clear skies using live forecasts.
• Dress very warmly in layers, with gloves, hat and thermal socks.

Best Time To Visit Iceland From Pakistan

Summer (June-August)

• Mild temperatures, green landscapes and nearly 24-hour daylight in June and July
• Best for road trips, hiking and exploring highland areas
• Very popular season, so book early for hotels and cars

Spring And Autumn (April-May, September-October)

• Shoulder seasons with fewer crowds and often lower prices
• Good mix of daylight for sightseeing and dark nights for possible northern lights (especially September-October)

Winter (November-March)

• Short days, snow and icy conditions but a magical atmosphere
• Ideal for northern lights, ice caves and winter activities
• Many guided winter packages focus on the Golden Circle and South Coast.

Practical Tips For Travellers From Pakistan

1. Visa And Entry

Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, so Pakistani passport holders generally need a Schengen visa issued by an embassy representing Iceland or a partner country. Usual requirements include:

• Application form and photographs
• Valid passport
• Flight and hotel bookings
• Travel insurance with Schengen coverage
• Financial proof
• Check the latest requirements before applying, as rules and processing times can change.

2. Flights From Pakistan To Iceland

Typical routes for travellers from Pakistan include:

Pakistan (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi) → Istanbul / Doha / Dubai → Reykjavik (Keflavik Airport)

Malik Express can help you find convenient connections and competitive fares across different airlines.

3. Getting Around Iceland

Options Include:

• Guided day tours and multi-day tours from Reykjavik (easy and stress-free)
• Self-drive car rentals for more flexibility (summer is best)
• Domestic flights to far regions on longer itineraries

For first-time visitors who are not used to driving in snow or icy conditions, winter self-driving can be challenging; guided tours are safer.

4. Budgeting

Iceland is known to be more expensive than many European destinations, but costs can be managed by:

• Travelling in shoulder seasons
• Choosing a mix of hotels and guesthouses
• Using supermarket snacks and occasional self-catering
• Booking tours and activities in advance to secure better rates

5. Clothing And Weather

Iceland’s weather can change quickly.

Pack:

• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Warm layers (fleece, thermal tops, woollen jumper)
• Comfortable waterproof shoes or boots
• Hat, scarf and gloves, especially in autumn and winter
• Even in summer, evenings can be chilly, especially near glaciers and waterfalls.

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Can Help You Visit Iceland

Malik Express Travel & Tours is an established travel agency in Islamabad with decades of experience in international travel, including Europe and Schengen destinations. They handle flights, visas, hotels, tour packages and travel insurance for clients across Pakistan.

1. Custom Iceland And Europe Tour Packages

Using their experience with Europe and Schengen itineraries, Malik Express can design:

• Iceland-only trips focusing on Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Coast and Blue Lagoon
• Multi-country itineraries combining Iceland with other European cities such as London, Paris, Oslo or Copenhagen
• Honeymoon packages featuring northern lights, cosy stays and spa experiences

2. Schengen Visa Support

Malik Express can assist with:

• Guidance on Schengen visa requirements for Iceland
• Preparing your documents and application file
• Flight and hotel reservations for visa purposes
• Schengen-compliant travel insurance

This support reduces stress and improves the quality of your visa application.

3. Flights, Hotels And Tours

• Through global booking systems and trusted partners, Malik Express can help with:
• Best flight routes from Pakistan to Reykjavik
• Carefully chosen hotels or apartments in Reykjavik and other regions
• Confirmed day tours and multi-day packages for Golden Circle, South Coast, Blue Lagoon and northern lights

4. Ongoing Assistance

Should your plans change due to weather, flight delays or personal reasons, having a reliable agency like Malik Express means you have someone to help rebook flights, adjust hotel dates or add extra tours.

Sample 6-8 Day Iceland Itinerary From Pakistan

Use this as a starting point and fine-tune it with Malik Express according to your budget and travel style.

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik

• Arrive in Keflavik Airport and transfer to Reykjavik
• Evening walk around the city and early rest

Day 2: Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon

• Morning city tour: Hallgrímskirkja, Harpa, Old Harbour
• Afternoon or evening visit to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing soak

Day 3: Golden Circle

• Full-day tour of Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss
• Optional extra stops at Kerið Crater or Secret Lagoon

Day 4-5: South Coast Highlights

• Visit Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
• Explore Reynisfjara black sand beach and Vik
• Optional extension to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Day 6-7: Northern Lights and Free Time

• Evening northern lights tours outside the city (in season)
• Free time in Reykjavik for shopping or optional whale-watching

Day 8: Departure

• Transfer to the airport and fly back to Pakistan
• Malik Express can convert this outline into a fully costed package with hotels, internal transfers and excursions.

 

Final Thoughts

Iceland is one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations, offering travellers from Pakistan dramatic scenery, unique natural attractions and the chance to witness the northern lights during some of their best years in decades. With careful planning and the support of Malik Express Travel & Tours for visas, flights, hotels and tours, you can visit the top tourist attractions in Iceland with confidence and comfort.