PHOTO: View of Reykjavík from the tower of Hallgrímskirkja. (Courtesy Wiki Images)

"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," starring Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig, hit theaters in the United States on Christmas Day.

In the film, Stiller plays the part of a daydreamer who sets out on a global adventure. And Iceland was a main location for the filming of the journey.

Iceland tends to surprise a lot of people, whether it be the country's warm climate in the summer or its breathtaking views of the surroundings. Those who have traveled Iceland surely have plenty of stories to tell.

But for everyone else who hasn't visited Iceland, here's a look at the top destinations in the country ahead of the film's debut.

Reykjavik

If you haven't heard, the greatest Northern Lights show in a decade is expected this winter. What better time to visit this Aurora Borealis hotspot than now?

Reykjavik's location, climate and well-documented dedication to the environment make this city a perfect location for viewing the Northern Lights.

While you are meandering around the city, you may want to check out Grotta Lighthouse and Bjork Park by the water.

For the wine and food aficionados out there, Reykjavik also features fresh Nordic cuisine, as well as local delicacies like putrefied shark. Fridrik V, Grillmarkadurinn (Grill Market) and Sjavargrillid (Seafood Grill) were ranked as the top three places to eat by travelers on TripAdvisor.com.

Reykjavik4you Apartments, a luxury apartments hotel in the city center, was rated as the best place to stay in Reykjavik on Google.

And don't forget to check out Blue Lagoon, a top tourist destination that received the most Facebook posts in Iceland during 2013. The geothermal spa and complex is located in a lava field in Grindavik, about 24 miles from Reykjavik. The man-made lagoon is rich in minerals and has even been said to help those with skin diseases.

Beyond the lagoon, the destination offers an exclusive lounge, shopping, restaurants and bars.

þingvellir

þingvellir is not only a prime annual tourist destination, it is also Iceland's most historic site.

Parliament was established at the site. It is also the home of the spectacular þingvellir National Park, Iceland's first national park.

The þingvellir region, one of the sites on UNESCO's world heritage list, offers some spectacular views. It is situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic, complete with volcanoes, canyons, geysers, must-see waterfalls Oxararfoss and Gullfoss, and a top diving and snorkeling location at the north shore Silfra fissure.

This has been a top destination for travelers, whether you are camping, hiking, fishing, diving or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

West Iceland and Westfjords

West Iceland and the Westfjords offer plenty of captivating sights.

The Snaefellsnes peninsula is full of national landmarks, including the Snaefellsjokull volcano, which is the setting of the novel Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. Anglers will love this region, as numerous fishing villages line the coast.

Bird watchers will also be treated to some amazing sights in Breiðafjörður, which is a world-renowned location for bird watching.

The Westfjords has become a booming destination for explorers in recent years. The sparsely-populated peninsula features cliffs, valleys, mountains, inlets, waterfalls, streams…well, you get the idea. Whether you are backpacking or looking for the Northern Lights, the Westfjords region offers it all.

There is also a great deal of history in the surrounding area, from Reykholt (home of medieval chieftain Snorri Sturluson) to Eiríksstaðir (home of Erik the Red).

Akureyri

Akureyri is not only a popular port and fishing center, it is also home to many historical sites in Iceland.

Iceland's second-largest urban area features a few prominent museums (from art to history to aviation), as well as lush botanical gardens.

The area is also relatively warm compared to the rest of Iceland, despite being close to the Arctic Circle. That is because it is surrounded and shielded from the cold by several magnificent mountains.

During the summer, there are many festivals, activities and entertainment in the folksy town.

Fanatics of the comic book series "The Adventures of Tintin" will recognize Akureyri as the site of the 10th volume, "The Shooting Star".

East Fjords

Running from Borgarfjörður Eystri in the north and Berufjörður in the south, the East Fjords are surrounded by still, blue sea and jagged mountain peaks that sprout flowers and greenery in the summer.

You can find unique puffins, kittiwakes and fulmars at Borgarfjörður Eystri; Norwegian-style houses, artists and an international ferry at Seyðisfjörður; and coastal beauty at the island and nature reserve of Papey.

Small fishing villages and farm towns line the eastern side of Iceland, making for great angling and hiking. For those who want to get away from the hubbub of society, this would be a great place to go.