I’m an American who’s lived in Iceland for 14 years. Here are 6 of the best things to do here.

In my opinion, there’s no place quite like Iceland’s south coast — due to its stunning natural wonders and picturesque villages.

For breathtaking scenery, I love spending time at dramatic waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. I’m always in awe each time I stand behind the latter and take in the incredible views.

When I’m in the mood to head to the beach, one of my favorites is Reynisfjara. The striking black sand and basalt columns rising from the shore are what make this beach stand out from any other I’ve seen. The shores are stunning up close, but it’s important to watch out for dangerous sneaker waves that can pull you right into the ocean.

Although strong winds and high wave activity have recently caused some coastal erosion at Reynisfjara, it’s still definitely worth a visit.

If you want to spot some wildlife along the coast, check out the Dyrhólaey stone arch, where, during the summer, you can find puffins either nesting or bobbing their colorful beaks as they fly along the rock formation.

The Icelandic Highlands are situated in the island’s remote interior, an uninhabited region accessible only in summer when the roads open.

This vast, open landscape, set against towering mountains with pockets of lush greenery, is unlike anywhere else I’ve traveled.

I especially love visiting Thórsmörk, a valley region surrounded by glaciers and dramatic peaks. The sense of isolation and raw beauty here is striking, and reminds me of why Iceland sometimes feels like another planet.

Although the Blue Lagoon put Icelandic spa culture on the map, it seems like lagoons are now popping up all over the country.

My current favorite is the newly opened Laugarás Lagoon near the Golden Circle. I could spend all day in the sauna, cold pool, or the cascading lagoon waterfall.

The Golden Circle is an iconic tourist route in Iceland for good reason: It gives visitors a fantastic taste of Iceland in one manageable day trip.

Along the way, you’ll see the thundering two-tiered Gullfoss waterfall as it plunges into a deep canyon, and an erupting geyser at the Geysir geothermal area.

Another iconic spot in the Golden Circle is Thingvellir National Park, where visitors can learn about the island’s historical and geological significance.

Not only is this park where Iceland’s national parliament was established, but it’s also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart.

Seeing the northern lights flicker and dance across Iceland’s dark winter skies is an experience that never gets old, no matter how many times I’ve seen it.

Each time I witness the Aurora Borealis, it transforms the night into something truly magical.

One of my favorite viewing spots is by the lighthouse in Akranes, where there’s little light pollution.

Despite the country’s name, most of Iceland’s populated areas are relatively mild in climate. Luckily, though, there are places to view ancient ice formations and glaciers, with one spot in particular being my favorite.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in the southeast is where you’ll see towering icebergs bob in blue waters after breaking off from the glacier.

Huge chunks of ice wash up on the adjacent Diamond Beach as the translucent ice glitters against black sand.

Boat tours get you remarkably close to these ice formations, making it a truly memorable experience.