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 appeal! Now, should you’ve been to the nation earlier than or wish to discover a number of the hidden locations in Iceland that most individuals miss, then that you must transcend the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle is nice, don’t get me fallacious! It’s accessible, stunning and ideal to discover should you’re primarily based in Reykjavik or the broader Golden Circle space. That being stated, 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 a number of the hidden locations in Iceland you may not have considered visiting earlier than. Oh, and as at all times, pop us a message should you’re caught or uncertain about any of your plans. We’re at all times blissful to supply recommendation! Have one of the 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 should you’re basing your self in Husavik (a few 45-minute drive away).
Now, the beauty of Ásbyrgi is that it’s accessible by automobile. You possibly can 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 prompted in Iceland, and it’s immense to see.
Additionally, should you’re travelling from Akureyri, then guide this unimaginable day journey tour. This tour features a mountaineering cease off at Dettifoss for mountaineering, alongside extra Diamond Circle gems like Husavik, Tjörnes and Goðafoss. It’s the proper approach to cowl plenty 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 as a result 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 primary airport in Keflavik (Iceland’s worldwide airport) and a stone’s throw from the Blue Lagoon – one of the vital 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, verify native recommendation to see if there have been any contemporary eruptions; this manner, you’ll know when to go (and when to keep away from the world). To make issues simpler, we’ve written an entire publish on one of the best routes to hike, what to anticipate and way more.
Afterwards, head on over to Sol Restaurant (Google Maps pin) that’s in Hafnarfjörður. It’s a few 45-minute drive from the mountaineering space round Fagradalsfjall and ideal should you’re heading again to Reykjvik for the night time. You truly get to dine on prime 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 primary highway that circles Iceland) is, Lómagnúpur. It’s an unimaginable 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 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 guide this Ice Cave Tour. You’ll get to discover the Katla Ice Caves, and they’re truthfully unimaginable to go to.
Simply be sure you guide your tickets upfront of your journey – tickets do promote out, particularly within the top 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 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). Unimaginable, sure, however there are heaps of others you could’t miss and are completely underrated to go to should you’re on the lookout for locations a bit extra off the overwhelmed path.
Considered one of our favorite hidden locations in Iceland is Kvernufoss. It is because the paths are rather well maintained and as a result of 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 be sure that 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 unimaginable for its sandy seaside 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 while you’re right here. There are not any actual cafes, eating places or lodgings on the seaside. This implies it is best to take every part 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 group that’s so price 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 you could simply base your self in Seyðisfjörður and discover extra of Japanese Iceland.
As soon as right here, don’t neglect to drive to Gufu waterfall (Google Maps pin), which is completely stunning and simply shy of the city itself. Additionally, be sure that 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 in every of our favourites in all of Japanese Iceland.
7.) Kerid Crater
For those who’re venturing primarily across the Golden Circle in Iceland, then cease off on the Kerid Crater. It’s fairly fashionable, however plenty 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 world, particularly should you don’t drive (or simply don’t wish 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 should 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, should you’re driving, be sure that 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 a number of instances, and on our final go to, we had been there at 1 am in the summertime. It was nonetheless vivid, 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 that you must 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, slightly 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 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 advocate staying for an evening or two to discover the broader Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We cherished the world round Arnarstapi (Google Maps pin).
Be 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 may whisk you away to the untouched panorama of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s superb and also you’ll cowl a lot floor and see a number of the finest locations across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a professional information.
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