Articles pile up quickly here at Stuck in Iceland. However, valuable recommendations may get lost in the over 600 articles I have written since 2012. You see, my mission is to help you have a great vacation in Iceland affordably. Luckily, technology can help. I am fascinated by AI and its ability to summarize mountains of information. A few weeks ago, I asked my trusty AI friend ChatGPT and asked it to mine my one hundred and fifty-eight interviews to glean what were the most common travel tips my interviewees had for my readers. This time, I asked the AI the top ten places and activities in Iceland my interviewees recommend the most. This is the result, and I hope this helps you plan your vacation in Iceland.

The stunning Gullfoss waterfall on the Golden Circle in Iceland.
The stunning Gullfoss waterfall on the Golden Circle in Iceland.

The Golden Circle

The iconic Golden Circle, with must-visit spots like Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall, is frequently mentioned. It’s essential, especially for first-time visitors, to showcase the diverse beauty of Iceland in a compact route.

Free road trip plans with maps

Day-by-day plans for the four drives most people take, each on an interactive map with where to sleep, fuel stops, waterfalls and reader discounts along the way. Built for a relaxed pace, not a race.

See all road trip plans

Map of hot springs, spas and pools

Every lagoon, wild hot spring and town pool in Iceland on one map. Find warm water near you, and see which spas give my readers a discount.

  • 57 places to soak
  • % Reader discounts
Open the hot springs map
Close-up of the beautiful Gatklettur rock arch in late winter, at the black basalt cliffs of Arnarstapi on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Iceland
The beautiful Gatklettur rock arch in late winter at the black basalt cliffs of Arnarstapi on the south coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Iceland

Exploring Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Known as “Iceland in Miniature,” Snæfellsnes peninsula combines everything from volcanic landscapes to black sand beaches and glaciers. It’s praised for its less crowded, picturesque spots like Kirkjufell and Snæfellsjökull glacier.

Chasing and hopefully seeing the northern lights is one of the top ten activities in Iceland.
Chasing and hopefully seeing the northern lights is one of the top ten activities in Iceland.

Northern Lights

Several interviewees highlight the magic of seeing the Northern Lights in winter. Chasing the aurora is really popular winter activity. However, I always say: Don’t come to Iceland just to see the northern lights. They are be elusive.

The stunning glaciers of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in Iceland.
The stunning glaciers of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in Iceland.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

The serene, iceberg-filled waters of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is another favorite. Many interviewees consider it one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland, making it perfect for a scenic boat tour.

The Laugavegur hiking trail in the highlands of Iceland.
The Laugavegur hiking trail in the highlands of Iceland.

Hiking in the Highlands

Hiking through Iceland’s Highlands, including the famous Laugavegur, and Fimmvörðuháls hiking rails, is highly recommended by interviewees. These trail are adorned with rugged beaut, and there you will immerse yourself in the beauty of Iceland’s untouched wilderness.

Standing behind the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the south coast of Iceland in the twilight.
Standing behind the beautiful Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the south coast of Iceland in the twilight.

The South Coast

The South Coast has iconic stops. These include Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Kvernufoss, and Reynisfjara Beach. Its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches make it one Iceland’s most popular driving routes.

Enter the Sky Lagoon.
Enter the Sky Lagoon.

Icelandic Hot Springs

Geothermal baths such as the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon offer a unique, relaxing experience. Icelandic geothermal pools are in every town and village. Definately, something to do on your Iceland vacation.

Go slow traveling in Westfjords. Here is the stunning beauty of Drangaskörð.
Go slow traveling in Westfjords. Here is the stunning beauty of Drangaskörð.

The Westfjords

For those looking to escape the crowds, the remote Westfjords offer stunning fjords, cliffs, and wildlife encounters. Interviewees rave about the peaceful beauty of this off-the-beaten-path region

The view over Ásbyrgi. The field is where Sigur-rós played.
The view over Ásbyrgi. The field is where Sigur-rós played.

Ásbyrgi Canyon is one of the top ten places and activities in Iceland

According to legend, Sleipnir, Odin’s horse, created when he stepped on the ground. Arguably, it is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland.

Lucky people see a beautiful whale.
Lucky people see a beautiful whale.

Whale Watching in Húsavík

Finally, Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland, is a must do activity if you are in the north of Iceland. Interviewees frequently mention the thrill of seeing majestic whales up close in the waters of Skjálfandi Bay.

How do I use AI to help me run my magazine

Whether we like it or not. AI is here, and it is here to stay. Inevitably a lot of junk will be created. I am also concerned that we will lose that human touch. I want to get insights and advice from experienced people. However, AI is a great productivity tool. If I need to synthisize information from many sources, AI is great to create narrative which you can then fact-check, edit and put your touch on it. It is also a great for idea generation. In short, AI is good to help to get the job done. However, you need to fact-check, and put your personal touch on the content you create. So, I will keep on doing my interviews with real people and tell you what you I think about places and activities in Iceland.