Iceland is an absolute gem of a rustic to discover. There are such a lot of superb locations to see and heaps of quaint cities and even energetic volcanoes which you’ll be able to go to! It’s a rustic full of hearth, ice and heaps of allure! Now, when you’ve been to the nation earlier than or need to discover among the hidden locations in Iceland that most individuals miss, then you want to transcend the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle is nice, don’t get me mistaken! It’s accessible, lovely and excellent to discover when you’re primarily based in Reykjavik or the broader Golden Circle space. That being mentioned, there are such a lot of extra, lesser-known and undiscovered locations you actually shouldn’t miss.
Through the years, we’ve visited Iceland heaps of instances and travelled the size and breadth of the nation. So, we’ve jotted down among the hidden locations in Iceland you may not have considered visiting earlier than. Oh, and as at all times, pop us a message when you’re caught or not sure about any of your plans. We’re at all times joyful to supply recommendation! Have the very best time visiting Iceland.
1.) Ásbyrgi
Nestled within the North of Iceland, Ásbyrgi (Google Maps pin) is an enormous glacial canyon that’s fairly straightforward to drive to when you’re basing your self in Husavik (a few 45-minute drive away).
Now, the beauty of Ásbyrgi is that it’s accessible by automotive. You may park on this small parking space and discover the horseshoe canyon, which is so lovely and serene. Head to this viewpoint, Botnstjörn (Google Maps pin), that’s proper within the coronary heart of the Canyon itself. You see the destruction that the final Ice Age precipitated in Iceland, and it’s immense to see.
Additionally, when you’re travelling from Akureyri, then guide this unbelievable day journey tour. This tour features a mountain climbing cease off at Dettifoss for mountain climbing, alongside extra Diamond Circle gems like Husavik, Tjörnes and Goðafoss. It’s the right approach to cowl a number of floor and discover the lesser-known hidden locations in Iceland that guests don’t have a tendency to consider seeing.
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2.) Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Over the previous couple of years, the Fagradalsfjall Volcano has been as energetic as ever, with official trails opening up (and typically closing on account of security) since the latest eruptions started. Now, the beauty of visiting the Fagradalsfjall Volcano when visiting Iceland is that it’s proper within the coronary heart of the motion!
It’s not too removed from the principle airport in Keflavik (Iceland’s worldwide airport) and a stone’s throw from the Blue Lagoon – probably the most well-known locations in all of Iceland.
Now, most visits to Iceland will undergo this space, however a a lot smaller proportion of individuals discover these hikes whereas right here. If you’re in Iceland, test native recommendation to see if there have been any contemporary eruptions; this fashion, you’ll know when to go (and when to keep away from the realm). To make issues simpler, we’ve written an entire submit on the very best routes to hike, what to anticipate and far more.
Afterwards, head on over to Sol Restaurant (Google Maps pin) that’s in Hafnarfjörður. It’s a few 45-minute drive from the mountain climbing space round Fagradalsfjall and excellent when you’re heading again to Reykjvik for the night time. You truly get to dine on high of the rising crops within the greenhouse, and the meals is so yummy.
Learn extra: Finest methods to go to the Fagradalsfjall Volcano
3.) Lómagnúpur
Simply off driving Route 1 (the principle street that circles Iceland) is, Lómagnúpur. It’s an unbelievable space of Iceland to go to and a spot that doesn’t at all times get sufficient consideration, for my part, because it’s very easy to go to.
You see, you’ll be able to simply cease off at this level (Google Maps pin) and see Lómagnúpur safely from the roadside.
Additionally, when you’re within the wider space or heading to Vik, that’s comparatively shut by, then guide this Ice Cave Tour. You’ll get to discover the Katla Ice Caves, and they’re truthfully unbelievable to go to.
Simply you’ll want to guide your tickets upfront of your journey – tickets do promote out, particularly within the peak of summer time.
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4.) Kvernufoss
If it’s waterfalls you’re looking for in Iceland, then look no additional than Kvernufoss (Google Maps pin). It’s simply shy of Skogar and very easy to go to when you’re driving west (or east alongside Route 1).
Now, most individuals, when visiting Iceland, have a tendency to stay to the nearer waterfalls close to the Golden Circle (like Seljalandsfoss and Selfoss). Unbelievable, sure, however there are heaps of others you can’t miss and are completely underrated to go to when you’re searching for locations somewhat extra off the overwhelmed path.
One in all our favorite hidden locations in Iceland is Kvernufoss. It is because the paths are rather well maintained and on account of its ease of entry. You see, you don’t need to be monitoring for days to get to see one sight in Iceland, particularly when you’re solely right here for per week or so.
Park up on the Freya Cafe parking area, and also you’ll then have the ability to comply with the path that can take you straight to Kvernufoss. Simply be certain to put on good sneakers; the paths can get slippy in icy situations.
5.) Raudisandur
Proper within the northwest of Iceland, Raudisandur (Google Maps pin) is unbelievable for its sandy seashore and bay. I’d go so far as saying it’s one in every of my favorite seashores in Iceland to go to. It’s idyllic, and also you simply know this panorama hasn’t been touched by people. It’s that serene.
Don’t count on any facilities whenever you’re right here. There aren’t any actual cafes, eating places or lodgings on the seashore. This implies it’s best to take every thing you want with you in your journey. Snacks are a should!
Afterwards, you’ll be able to drive to the geothermal swimming pools at Íþróttamiðstöðin Brattahlíð swimming swimming pools and scorching tubs. It’s round a 35-minute drive from Raudisandur and the right place to heat up after a monring on the seashore.
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6.) Seyðisfjörður
Proper on the western fringes of Iceland, Seyðisfjörður (Google Maps pin), is a small group that’s so price visiting when you’re driving Route 1 round Iceland. It’s one of many hidden locations in Iceland that, actually, I suppose, isn’t hidden in any respect. It’s a small city.
Now, what makes it particular for me is you can simply base your self in Seyðisfjörður and discover extra of Jap Iceland.
As soon as right here, don’t overlook to drive to Gufu waterfall (Google Maps pin), which is completely lovely and simply shy of the city itself. Additionally, be certain to go to close by Klifbrekku Waterfall (Google Maps pin) and go to the Vök Baths. These geothermal baths are proper on the facet of the lake, and so they’re one in every of our favourites in all of Jap Iceland.
7.) Kerid Crater
In the event you’re venturing primarily across the Golden Circle in Iceland, then cease off on the Kerid Crater. It’s fairly common, however a number of guests to Iceland miss this spot when self-driving the Golden Circle route itself.
As soon as right here, you’ll pay an entrance price and also you’ll have the ability to discover the Kerid Crater and volcanic stays that make this space of Iceland so distinctive.
Staying in Reykjavik? To make issues simpler, guide this superb Golden Circle tour that features a cease on the Kerid Crater. Visits take round 8-10 hours, and also you’ll undergo the entire area. It’s a good way to see the realm, particularly when you don’t drive (or simply don’t need to).
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8.) Hverir
Hverir (Google Maps pin) is one in every of our favorite geothermal areas in Iceland to go to and is completely distinctive. It’s nestled between volcanoes within the north of Iceland, a few 45-minute drive from Husavik. It’s one of many hidden locations in Iceland to go to when you’re venturing into the lesser-discovered north of the island – and we adore it!
After parking (for which there’s a small price), take a wander round these effervescent vents and sulphur pits. It truthfully seems like one other planet.
Additionally, when you’re driving, be certain to go to close by Krafla Volcano (Google Maps pin), the place you’ll be able to stroll across the rim of the caldera. It’s immense and so unbelievable to see in Iceland.
We visited just a few instances, and on our final go to, we had been there at 1 am in the summertime. It was nonetheless vibrant, and nobody was round. All of it felt so particular.
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9.) Rauðhólar
Rauðhólar (Google Maps pin) is true subsequent to Reykjavik, and so few folks truly cease to go to or discover. It’s proper in plain sight and one of many hidden locations in Iceland that’s completely straightforward to go to. You see, most guests to Iceland simply drive out of Reykjavik, pondering you want to journey huge distances to see Iceland’s superior nature. That’s simply not true, and Rauðhólar is the right instance of this.
The volcanic space will take you round 25 minutes to walk round and the panorama is gorgeous.
10.) Krysuvik
Not too removed from the Blue Lagoon is Krysuvik and Seltún Geothermal Space (Google Maps pin). Now, that is extra of a stopping level, relatively than a vacation spot in itself, as visits will take solely round half-hour. Although it may be simply added onto a wider journey across the Reykjanes Geopark space of Iceland, which is completely lovely.
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11.) Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Round a 2.5-hour drive north of Reykjavik is the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. For some purpose, everybody appears to overlook this space of Iceland when visiting for the primary time, nevertheless it’s so price a visit if you wish to discover a extra underrated or hidden place in Iceland.
When you’re within the space, I’d suggest staying for an evening or two to discover the broader Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We beloved the realm round Arnarstapi (Google Maps pin).
Make certain to see the rugged shoreline at Gatklettur (Google Maps pin), and naturally stroll the broader Arnarstapi Cliffs. All the time be cautious with the winds in Iceland and by no means stand too near the sting.
To make issues further particular, guide this personal Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour from Reykjavik that can whisk you away to the untouched panorama of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s superb and also you’ll cowl a lot floor and see among the finest locations across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a certified information.
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