Iceland is an absolute gem of a rustic to discover. There are such a lot of wonderful locations to see and heaps of quaint cities and even energetic volcanoes which you’ll be able to go to! It’s a rustic crammed with fireplace, ice and heaps of appeal! Now, should you’ve been to the nation earlier than or wish to discover among the hidden locations in Iceland that most individuals miss, then it’s worthwhile to transcend the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle is nice, don’t get me improper! It’s accessible, stunning and excellent to discover should you’re based mostly 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.
Over time, 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 all the time, pop us a message should you’re caught or uncertain about any of your plans. We’re all the time pleased 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 simple to drive to should you’re basing your self in Husavik (a couple of 45-minute drive away).
Now, the wonderful thing about Ásbyrgi is that it’s accessible by automobile. You may park on this small parking space and discover the horseshoe canyon, which is so stunning 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 triggered in Iceland, and it’s immense to see.
Additionally, should you’re travelling from Akureyri, then e-book this unimaginable 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 proper method to cowl numerous 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 generally closing attributable to security) since the newest eruptions started. Now, the wonderful thing about 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 – some of the 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. Whenever you’re in Iceland, examine 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 put up on the very best routes to hike, what to anticipate and rather more.
Afterwards, head on over to Sol Restaurant (Google Maps pin) that’s in Hafnarfjörður. It’s a couple of 45-minute drive from the mountain climbing space round Fagradalsfjall and excellent should 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: Greatest methods to go to the Fagradalsfjall Volcano
3.) Lómagnúpur
Simply off driving Route 1 (the principle highway that circles Iceland) is, Lómagnúpur. It’s an unimaginable space of Iceland to go to and a spot that doesn’t all the time get sufficient consideration, in my view, because it’s very easy to go to.
You see, you possibly can simply cease off at this level (Google Maps pin) and see Lómagnúpur safely from the roadside.
Additionally, should you’re within the wider space or heading to Vik, that’s comparatively shut by, then e-book this Ice Cave Tour. You’ll get to discover the Katla Ice Caves, and they’re actually unimaginable to go to.
Simply make sure you e-book your tickets upfront of your journey – tickets do promote out, particularly within the peak of summer season.
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4.) Kvernufoss
If it’s waterfalls you’re trying to find in Iceland, then look no additional than Kvernufoss (Google Maps pin). It’s simply shy of Skogar and very easy to go to should 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 that you could’t miss and are completely underrated to go to should you’re on the lookout for locations a little bit extra off the crushed path.
One in every of our favorite hidden locations in Iceland is Kvernufoss. It is because the paths are rather well maintained and attributable to its ease of entry. You see, you don’t wish to be monitoring for days to get to see one sight in Iceland, particularly should 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 may take you straight to Kvernufoss. Simply ensure to put on good footwear; the paths can get slippy in icy situations.
5.) Raudisandur
Proper within the northwest of Iceland, Raudisandur (Google Maps pin) is unimaginable for its sandy seaside and bay. I’d go so far as saying it’s one among 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 anticipate any facilities whenever you’re right here. There are not any actual cafes, eating places or lodgings on the seaside. This implies it’s best to take all the pieces you want with you in your journey. Snacks are a should!
Afterwards, you possibly can 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 proper place to heat up after a monring on the seaside.
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6.) Seyðisfjörður
Proper on the western fringes of Iceland, Seyðisfjörður (Google Maps pin), is a small neighborhood that’s so value visiting should 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 that you could 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 stunning and simply shy of the city itself. Additionally, ensure 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, they usually’re one among our favourites in all of Jap Iceland.
7.) Kerid Crater
Should you’re venturing primarily across the Golden Circle in Iceland, then cease off on the Kerid Crater. It’s fairly widespread, however numerous 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, e-book this wonderful 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 should you don’t drive (or simply don’t wish to).
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8.) Hverir
Hverir (Google Maps pin) is one among our favorite geothermal areas in Iceland to go to and is completely distinctive. It’s nestled between volcanoes within the north of Iceland, a couple of 45-minute drive from Husavik. It’s one of many hidden locations in Iceland to go to should you’re venturing into the lesser-discovered north of the island – and we find it irresistible!
After parking (for which there’s a small price), take a wander round these effervescent vents and sulphur pits. It actually appears like one other planet.
Additionally, should you’re driving, ensure to go to close by Krafla Volcano (Google Maps pin), the place you possibly can stroll across the rim of the caldera. It’s immense and so unimaginable 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 brilliant, 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 simple to go to. You see, most guests to Iceland simply drive out of Reykjavik, pondering it’s worthwhile to journey huge distances to see Iceland’s superior nature. That’s simply not true, and Rauðhólar is the proper 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, fairly 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 stunning.
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11.) Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Round a 2.5-hour drive north of Reykjavik is the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. For some cause, everybody appears to overlook this space of Iceland when visiting for the primary time, but it surely’s so value a visit if you wish to discover a extra underrated or hidden place in Iceland.
When you’re within the space, I’d advocate staying for an evening or two to discover the broader Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We liked the realm round Arnarstapi (Google Maps pin).
Be certain that 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 additional particular, e-book this non-public Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour from Reykjavik that may whisk you away to the untouched panorama of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s wonderful and also you’ll cowl a lot floor and see among the greatest locations across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a professional information.
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